Jurors in Trump’s hush money trial zero in on testimony of key witnesses as deliberations resume
NEW YORK (AP) — The jury in Donald Trump’s hush money trial is set to resume deliberations after requesting to rehear potentially crucial testimony about the alleged hush money scheme at the center of the case. The 12-person jury deliberated for about 4 1/2 hours on Wednesday without reaching a verdict. They will reconvene on Thursday. In addition to reviewing testimony from a tabloid publisher and Trump’s former lawyer and personal fixer, the jury also asked to revisit at least part of the judge’s hourlong instructions that were meant to guide them on the law.
The Latest | 2 soldiers are killed in a West Bank car-ramming attack, Israeli military says
The Israeli military reports that two soldiers have lost their lives in a car-ramming attack in the occupied West Bank. Violence in the West Bank has escalated during the conflict in Gaza as Israel conducts raids in Palestinian towns in the territory to combat militancy, resulting in the deaths of over 500 Palestinians. In the Gaza Strip, residents of the border city of Rafah have reported intense fighting on Wednesday. Israel’s military stated that it has taken control of the entire length of Gaza’s border with Egypt. The fighting in Rafah has led to over 1 million Palestinians fleeing the area, seeking refuge in other war-torn regions. The United Nations has highlighted their urgent need for shelter, food, water, and other basic essentials for survival.
The US-built pier in Gaza broke apart. Here’s how we got here and what might be next
WASHINGTON (AP) — A series of security, logistical, and weather-related issues have caused damage to the plan to deliver much-needed humanitarian aid to Gaza through a pier constructed by the U.S. military. The pier, which broke apart due to strong winds and heavy seas shortly after becoming operational, has faced criticism for not meeting expectations given its $320 million cost. U.S. officials have reassured that the pier is undergoing repairs and will soon be operational again. While aid groups welcome the assistance, some view the pier as a distraction that relieves pressure on Israel to open additional land routes. The Biden administration has clarified that the pier was never intended to be a comprehensive solution.
14 pro-democracy activists convicted, 2 acquitted in Hong Kong’s biggest national security case
HONG KONG (AP) — A total of fourteen pro-democracy activists have been found guilty in Hong Kong’s largest national security case, where the court ruled that their plan to effect change through an unofficial primary election would have undermined the government’s authority and created a constitutional crisis. Following the 2019 protest movement that filled the city’s streets with demonstrators, dissent in Hong Kong has been effectively suppressed through restricted public choice in elections, crackdowns on media, and the implementation of the Beijing-imposed security law under which the activists were convicted.
To recuse or refuse? A look at Supreme Court justices’ decisions on whether to step aside in cases
WASHINGTON (AP) — Justice Samuel Alito’s decision not to recuse himself from two high-profile Supreme Court cases has shed light on the usually opaque process by which justices determine whether to step aside. Facing calls from Democrats to recuse himself from cases involving former President Donald Trump and Jan. 6 defendants due to controversy over flags flown over his homes, Alito clarified that his wife was responsible for displaying the flags, similar to those carried by Capitol rioters in January 2021. In letters to members of Congress, Alito maintained that his impartiality could not reasonably be questioned. While this explanation may not satisfy Democratic critics, they have limited avenues to challenge his decision.
A violent, polarized Mexico goes to the polls to choose between 2 women presidential candidates
MEXICO CITY (AP) — Mexico faces a deeply divided environment as it approaches Sunday’s election, with friends and relatives avoiding political discussions to prevent further widening of irreparable rifts. Drug cartels have fragmented the country into conflicting territories, while rising temperatures, drought, pollution, and political unrest add to the tension. The upcoming president of Mexico — both major-party candidates are women — will have the challenging task of addressing the underlying violence and division. Soledad Echagoyen, a doctor in Mexico City who supports President Andrés Manuel López Obrador’s Morena party, lamented the inability to engage in political dialogues with colleagues due to personal attacks that have emerged.
Papua New Guinea landslide survivors slow to move to safer ground after hundreds buried
MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Survivors of the massive landslide in Papua New Guinea are hesitating to relocate to safer areas as authorities prepare to clear debris using heavy machinery, risking triggering another landslide. Up to 8,000 individuals may need evacuation as the area where the collapse occurred last week becomes increasingly unstable. Despite this, only 700 people have agreed to leave, with reluctance stemming from a desire to stay in their homes and cultural sensitivities around moving to another tribe’s land in an area historically prone to tribal conflicts.
A nurse honored for compassion is fired after referring to Gaza ‘genocide’ in speech
NEW YORK (AP) — A nurse was dismissed from a New York City hospital after describing Israel’s actions in Gaza as “genocide” during a speech while accepting an award. Hesen Jabr, who was being recognized by NYU Langone Health for her compassionate care of mothers who had experienced infant loss, drew parallels between her work and the suffering of mothers in Gaza. Her dismissal followed her comments linking the Palestinian women’s losses to the current situation in Gaza. A spokesperson for NYU Langone stated that some of Jabr’s colleagues were upset by her statements.
At 100, this vet says the ‘greatest generation’ moniker fits ‘because we saved the world.’
HELEN, Ga. (AP) — Andy Negra Jr. proudly identifies as one of the last members of what is known as “The Greatest Generation.” The World War II veteran, residing in Helen, Georgia, recently celebrated his 100th birthday. He served with the 128th Armored Field Artillery Battalion, 6th Armored Division, landing on Utah Beach in Normandy in July 1944. Negra participated in the battle to recapture the key French Port city of Brest and was involved in the Occupation of Germany. On the 80th anniversary of the D-Day invasion, Negra plans to visit the site where he survived an attack by German aircraft.
‘Star Trek’ actor George Takei is determined to keep telling his Japanese American story
TOKYO (AP) — The incarceration of 120,000 Japanese Americans, including children, who were deemed enemies during World War II, has been a traumatic event that has galvanized and haunted the Japanese American community for decades. George Takei, known for his portrayal of Hikaru Sulu in the “Star Trek” series, is committed to sharing his family’s experience during the wartime internment at every opportunity. Takei has released a new picture book titled “My Lost Freedom” depicting his family’s struggles during that period. He expresses concern that the lessons from this dark chapter in American history have not been fully absorbed, even within the Japanese American community, particularly among younger generations.
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