Guilty: Trump becomes first former US president convicted of felony crimes
NEW YORK (AP) — Donald Trump made history by becoming the first former president convicted of felony crimes in New York. A jury found him guilty on all 34 charges related to illegally influencing the 2016 election through a hush money payment to a porn actor with whom he allegedly had an affair. Trump remained stoic as the verdict was announced, with cheers from the street below audible on the courthouse’s 15th floor. He is set to be sentenced on July 11, just days before the Republican National Convention. Prosecutors in Manhattan have not yet indicated whether they will seek prison time for Trump.
Trump will use his guilty verdict as campaign momentum
NEW YORK (AP) — Following his conviction in the New York hush money trial, former President Donald Trump’s campaign reported raising $34.8 million in donations. This amount surpassed $1 million for each of the 34 felony counts he was found guilty of for falsifying business records. The sum raised is more than what Trump’s political operation collected in January and February combined. Trump is planning to respond defiantly to his historic criminal conviction, holding a news conference at his Manhattan tower to try to spin what could have been a career-ending judgment into fuel for his campaign. Trump’s return to the campaign trail marks him as the first former president convicted of a felony.
Trump Media shares fluctuate after former president’s conviction
Shares of Trump Media & Technology Group, the owner of Truth Social, rose in early trading after former President Donald Trump’s conviction in the hush money trial. A New York jury found Trump guilty of falsifying business records as part of an illegal scheme to influence the 2016 election through hush money payments to a porn actor. Shares initially dropped 9% in after-hours trading as the verdict was announced, but have since been climbing in Friday morning trading.
Israel confirms ongoing offensive in southern Gaza, presence in Rafah
JERUSALEM (AP) — The Israeli military stated that its forces are conducting operations in central Rafah as part of an expanding offensive in the southern Gaza city. Troops in central Rafah uncovered Hamas rocket launchers, tunnels, and a weapons storage facility of the group. More than 1 million Palestinians have fled the city since the assault began, dispersing across southern and central Gaza.
Germany authorizes Ukraine to target Russian soil with supplied weapons
KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Germany has joined the U.S. in allowing Ukraine to target certain locations on Russian soil with the long-range weapons they have received. This move comes as depleted Ukrainian troops face setbacks in the war and have been struggling in the Kharkiv region. Both Germany and the U.S. specifically approved defending Kharkiv, which is just 20 kilometers from Russia. It is unclear how relaxing restrictions on weapon use will impact the conflict.
Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin registers as independent
WASHINGTON (AP) — Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia has registered as an independent, prompting speculation about his political future. Manchin has frequently criticized the Democratic Party and has been a hindrance to many of President Joe Biden’s legislative goals. Manchin expressed concern over partisan extremism in a statement, without disclosing whether he will continue caucusing with Democrats in the Senate.
AI tools easily produce election disinformation
NEW YORK (AP) — A report from a digital civil rights group revealed that AI tools can be used to generate convincing election lies in the voices of prominent politicians. The report tested six popular AI voice-cloning tools which successfully created false statements about elections in the voices of eight politicians in 80% of cases. Safeguards are necessary to protect against AI-generated audio disinformation in a crucial election year.
Texas Supreme Court upholds abortion law challenge
AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — The Texas Supreme Court rejected a challenge to the state’s stringent abortion ban after a lawsuit concerning pregnancy complications. Critics argue that the law lacks clarity on when exceptions are permitted. The court’s decision affirms Texas’ abortion ban, which opponents say restricts access to essential healthcare services.
Mexico’s underground world threatened by Maya Train project
AKTUN TUYUL CAVE SYSTEM, Mexico (AP) — Mexico’s Maya Train project, championed by President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, is damaging the country’s underground caverns, rivers, and sinkholes. The project aims to connect tourist hotspots with remote archaeological sites, but has raised concerns over its impact on Mexico’s natural wonders.
Vermont mandates fossil fuel companies pay for climate change damage
Vermont has passed a law requiring fossil fuel companies to contribute to the costs of climate change damage. Republican Gov. Phil Scott allowed the bill to become law, raising concerns about the financial implications. Similar measures are being considered in Maryland, Massachusetts, and New York.
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