Trump attempts to move past his guilty verdict by criticizing the criminal justice system
NEW YORK (AP) — Donald Trump tried to put his historic criminal conviction behind him on Friday and gain momentum for his White House bid by launching sharp criticisms at the judge who presided over the case, the main witness for the prosecution, and the criminal justice system as a whole. Speaking from his Manhattan tower in a symbolic return to the campaign trail, the expected Republican presidential nominee delivered a message targeted at his most devoted supporters. Defiant as always, he claimed without proof that the verdict was manipulated and influenced by politics.
Find out more about Donald Trump’s landmark hush money trial conviction
NEW YORK (AP) — The first criminal conviction of a former American president has raised a number of legal and political issues: Will Donald Trump be sent to prison? Can he pardon himself? What about the upcoming election? Trump was convicted by a Manhattan jury on Thursday of 34 felony charges related to a scheme during his 2016 presidential campaign to silence a pornographic actress who alleged they had engaged in an affair. It remains uncertain whether he will serve time in prison, as this decision rests with the judge. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, who prosecuted the case, declined to comment on Thursday about whether prison time will be pursued.
Trump now bears the mark of a conviction like a badge of honor. Will the verdict impact voters?
WASHINGTON (AP) — In 2016, Donald Trump famously said he could shoot someone on Fifth Avenue and not lose any supporters as a result. Time has shown that his followers are indeed unwavering in their loyalty. However, he is now the first president in history to carry the stigma of felony convictions. Will this influence the November election? Following the damning jury decision in Manhattan, Republicans broadly stood by him. Nevertheless, this is unfamiliar territory for the nation. Will Americans see Trump as the man depicted in his official presidential portrait or the one in a mug shot? This is a choice they have not had to ponder before.
Biden outlines a three-phase deal to de-escalate the Israel-Hamas conflict
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden has outlined a proposed three-phase agreement from Israel to Hamas militants that he believes could lead to releasing remaining hostages in Gaza and potentially end the enduring Middle East conflict. Biden stated on Friday that Hamas is no longer capable of launching another major attack on Israel, and he urged both Israelis and Hamas to reach an agreement to free hostages in exchange for an extended cease-fire. The Democratic president described the proposal as a “road map to a lasting cease-fire and the release of all hostages.” One phase of the agreement involves commencing major reconstruction efforts in Gaza. According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, Israeli attacks have resulted in the deaths of 36,000 Palestinians.
Israel confirms its forces are present in central Rafah as part of an expanded offensive in the southern Gaza city
JERUSALEM (AP) — The Israeli military has confirmed that its troops are conducting operations in central areas of Rafah as part of an expanded offensive in the southern Gaza city. In a statement on Friday, the military reported that its forces in central Rafah had discovered Hamas rocket launchers and tunnels, and dismantled a weapons storage facility belonging to the group. The specific location within central Rafah where the operations were occurring was not specified in the statement, but previous reports and witness testimonies have indicated raids in the Shaboura refugee camp and other sites near the city center. Over 1 million Palestinians have fled the city since the assault began, dispersing throughout southern and central Gaza.
Florida sheriff’s office terminates deputy who fatally shot airman at residence
A Florida sheriff dismissed a deputy on Friday who fatally shot a senior airman at his home while the airman held a handgun pointed towards the ground. The sheriff stated that the deputy’s life was not in danger and he should not have discharged his weapon. Deputy Eddie Duran, who shot Senior Airman Roger Fortson on May 3 after responding to a domestic violence report and being directed to Fortson’s apartment, was terminated by the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office on Friday. Fortson had opened the door with a handgun pointed downwards, and Duran fired immediately without issuing a warning.
Mexico’s drug cartels and gangs appear to be exerting a broader influence in Sunday’s elections than in the past
COTIJA, Mexico (AP) — Mexico’s drug cartels and gangs seem to be playing a more significant role in Sunday’s elections, which will determine the presidency, nine governorships, and approximately 19,000 mayorships and other local positions. The country’s powerful drug cartels have a history of targeting and assassinating mayoral and other local candidates who pose a threat to their control. Gangs in Mexico rely on controlling local police chiefs and obtaining a portion of municipal budgets, with a lesser interest in national politics. However, in the lead-up to Sunday’s election, gangs have increasingly engaged in activities such as firing guns at campaign rallies, burning ballots, or obstructing the establishment of polling stations — even going as far as posting banners in an attempt to sway voters.
Berlin authorizes Ukraine to use German weapons against targets in Russia following a similar decision by the US
KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Germany has followed the United States in permitting Ukraine to target certain locations on Russian soil with the long-range weapons they are supplying. This move on Friday marks a significant policy shift as depleted Ukrainian forces continue to lose ground in the conflict. Ukrainian officials have expressed frustration over restrictions on the utilization of Western weapons, particularly as the region of Kharkiv has faced a Russian onslaught this month. Both Germany and the US specifically authorized the defense of Kharkiv, which is located just 20 kilometers from Russia. Beyond providing Ukraine with the opportunity to better defend Kharkiv, the implications of loosening restrictions on weapon use for the direction of the conflict remain uncertain.
Marian Robinson, mother of Michelle Obama, passes away at 86
WASHINGTON (AP) — Marian Shields Robinson, the mother of Michelle Obama, has died at the age of 86. Mrs. Robinson, who had relocated to the White House with the first family when son-in-law Barack Obama was elected president, passed away. Michelle Obama and other family members announced Mrs. Robinson’s death on Friday in a statement that honored her as a unique and exceptional individual.
Ohio explosion caused by cut gas line thought to be deactivated, investigators reveal
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (AP) — The National Transportation Safety Board disclosed that a crew working in the basement of an Ohio building intentionally severed a gas line, unaware that it was still pressurized, leading to a fatal explosion earlier this week. NTSB board member Tom Chapman stated on Friday that initial investigations indicate workers were in the basement to clear out piping and other outdated infrastructure. Upon making the third cut, workers sensed an issue and promptly pulled the fire alarm, evacuating the area. Investigators are working to determine why the pipe had remained pressurized. The explosion on Tuesday resulted in extensive damage to the ground floor of Realty Tower, claiming the life of a bank employee and injuring several others.
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