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 generate momentum for his White House comeback bid by launching strong attacks on the judge who presided over the case, the prosecution’s key witness, and the entire criminal justice system. Speaking from his Trump Tower in Manhattan in a symbolic return to the campaign trail, the expected Republican presidential nominee delivered a message directly aimed at his most loyal supporters. He remained defiant, alleging without proof that the verdict was manipulated and influenced by politics.
Answers to your queries about Donald Trump’s landmark hush money trial conviction
NEW YORK (AP) — The initial criminal conviction of a former US president has prompted a range of legal and political queries: Will Donald Trump be incarcerated? Could he pardon himself? What impact will it have on the election? Trump was found guilty by a Manhattan jury on Thursday of 34 felony charges linked to a plot during his 2016 presidential campaign to silence a porn actress who claimed they had a sexual encounter. It remains uncertain if he will serve time in prison, as this decision rests with the judge. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, who led the case, declined to comment on Thursday whether prosecutors will push for a prison sentence.
Trump bears the burden of conviction like a crown. Will the verdict sway voters?
WASHINGTON (AP) — In 2016, Donald Trump famously claimed he could shoot someone on Fifth Avenue without losing any supporters. Over time, it has become evident that his followers are extremely loyal. However, he is now the first president in history to have been convicted of felonies. Will this impact the upcoming election in November? Following the damning jury decision in Manhattan, Republicans broadly rallied around him. Nevertheless, this is uncharted territory for the nation. Will Americans view Trump as the man depicted in his official presidential portrait, or the one in his mug shot? It’s a choice they haven’t faced before.
Biden outlines a three-stage hostage agreement aimed at de-escalating the Israel-Hamas conflict
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden has laid out a three-stage understanding proposed by Israel to Hamas militants, which he says could lead to the release of remaining hostages in Gaza and potentially bring an end to the enduring conflict in the Middle East. Biden emphasized that Hamas is no longer capable of launching another large-scale attack on Israel as he urged both Israelis and Hamas to reach an agreement for the release of hostages and an extended ceasefire. The Democratic president described the proposition as “a roadmap to a lasting ceasefire and the release of all hostages.” One aspect of the deal involves commencing major reconstruction efforts in Gaza. According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, Israeli assaults have claimed the lives of 36,000 Palestinians.
Israel confirms its forces are present in central Rafah as part of an expanding 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 expanding offensive in the southern Gaza city. In a statement on Friday, the military disclosed that its forces in central Rafah had discovered Hamas rocket launchers and tunnels, and had dismantled a weapons storage facility belonging to the group. Although the statement did not specify the exact location within central Rafah where the operations were ongoing, previous statements and eyewitness accounts have indicated raids in the Shaboura refugee camp and other locations near the city center. More than 1 million Palestinians have fled the city since the assault began, dispersing across southern and central Gaza.
Florida sheriff’s office terminates deputy who fatally shot Black airman at his residence
A Florida sheriff dismissed a deputy on Friday for fatally shooting a Black airman at his home while the airman held a handgun pointed towards the ground, stating that the deputy’s life was never in jeopardy and he should not have discharged his weapon. The Okaloosa County Sheriff terminated Deputy Eddie Duran on Friday for the fatal shooting of Senior Airman Roger Fortson on May 3 after responding to a domestic violence call and being directed to Fortson’s apartment. Fortson opened the door with a handgun pointed downwards, prompting Duran to immediately fire without warning.
Mexico’s drug cartels and gangs appear to have a more significant role in Sunday’s elections than previously observed
COTIJA, Mexico (AP) — Mexico’s drug cartels and gangs seem to be playing a more prominent role in Sunday’s elections, which will determine the presidency, nine governorships, and approximately 19,000 mayorships and other local positions. The influential drug cartels in Mexico have a history of conducting targeted assassinations of mayoral and other local candidates who pose a threat to their dominance. Gangs in Mexico rely on controlling local police chiefs and taking a share of municipal funds, showing less interest in national politics. However, in the lead-up to Sunday’s election, gangs have increasingly resorted to tactics such as firing at entire campaign gatherings, burning ballots, or obstructing the setup of polling stations — even displaying banners to sway voters.
Berlin permits Ukraine to use German weaponry against targets in Russia following a relaxation of US restrictions
KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Germany has followed the United States in granting Ukraine authorization to target certain sites in Russia with the long-range weapons being provided. This decision on Friday marks a significant shift in policy, as Ukrainian forces, already depleted, are losing ground in the conflict. Ukrainian officials have voiced frustration over limitations on the use of Western weapons, especially as the region of Kharkiv has faced severe attacks from Russia this month. Both Germany and the US have specifically allowed the defense of Kharkiv. The capital of the region is just 20 kilometers away from Russia. Beyond giving Ukraine a better chance at protecting Kharkiv, the impact of the relaxed restrictions on the conflict’s trajectory remains uncertain.
Italy’s migrant detention centers are described as squalid and disorderly. A young man from Guinea was desperate to escape
ROME (AP) — The suicide of a young man from Guinea within one of Italy’s migrant detention facilities has drawn attention to the unsanitary, chaotic conditions in these centers. Lawyers and activists have labeled the centers as “black holes for human rights.” The Italian government argues that these quasi-prisons are essential in discouraging migrants from attempting the hazardous journey across the Mediterranean on smugglers’ boats. However, for Ousmane Sylla, who developed mental health issues after leaving Guinea, the conditions were unbearable. He took his own life in February, with his family holding the Italian government responsible.
Canadian serial killer Robert Pickton, who brought victims to his pig farm, dies after prison assault
TORONTO (AP) — Canadian serial killer Robert Pickton, known for taking female victims to his pig farm during a crime spree near Vancouver in the late 1990s and early 2000s, has passed away after being attacked in prison. He was 74. The Correctional Service of Canada announced that Pickton, an inmate at Port-Cartier Institution in Quebec, died in hospital following injuries sustained in the assault on May 19 involving another inmate. Pickton was one of Canada’s most infamous serial killers, with his case making international headlines. A 51-year-old inmate was in custody for the assault on Pickton, as confirmed by police spokesman Hugues Beaulieu earlier this month.
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