Trump attempts to move forward after his guilty verdict by criticizing the criminal justice system
NEW YORK (AP) — Donald Trump tried to move past his unprecedented criminal conviction on Friday and generate momentum for his presidential campaign with strong criticisms of the judge, the key witness for the prosecution, and the entire criminal justice system. Speaking from his Trump Tower in Manhattan in a symbolic return to the campaign trail, the presumptive Republican presidential nominee delivered a message targeted at his most dedicated supporters. Unyielding as always, he claimed without evidence that the verdict was manipulated and influenced by politics.
Donald Trump’s lawyer expresses surprise at the former president’s reaction to the verdict
NEW YORK (AP) — Donald Trump’s chief attorney in his New York criminal case told The Associated Press that he was “shocked” by the former president’s composed demeanor when the verdict was announced in court. Defense lawyer Todd Blanche mentioned that Trump reacted to the verdict with appropriate solemnity for the occasion. Blanche indicated that he believed Trump handled the situation well, even as the Republican insisted that the trial was unjust. A jury of 12 New Yorkers convicted Trump on 34 counts of falsifying business records. During a press conference on Friday, Trump portrayed himself as a victim of a “rigged” trial.
Answers to common questions regarding Donald Trump’s historic conviction in the hush money trial
NEW YORK (AP) — The initial criminal conviction of a former American president has raised numerous legal and political queries: Will Donald Trump be imprisoned? Can he pardon himself? What about the upcoming election? Trump was found guilty by a Manhattan jury on Thursday of 34 felony charges linked to a scheme during his 2016 presidential campaign to silence a pornographic actress who claimed they had engaged in sexual activities. It remains uncertain whether he will face jail time, as this decision will be left to the judge. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, who brought the case, declined on Thursday to comment on whether prosecutors will seek a prison sentence.
Trump bears the burden of conviction like a badge of honor. Will the verdict affect voters?
WASHINGTON (AP) — In 2016, Donald Trump famously stated that he could shoot someone on Fifth Avenue without losing support from his followers. The loyalty of his supporters has since been proven. However, he now holds the distinction of being the first president with felony convictions. Will this impact the November election? Following the damning jury decision in Manhattan, Republicans across the board stood by him. This marks unfamiliar territory for the nation. Will Americans view Trump as the figure in his official presidential portrait, or as the one in a mugshot? This is a choice they have not faced before.
Biden outlines a three-phase hostage deal to de-escalate the Israel-Hamas conflict
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden has outlined a three-phase proposal presented by Israel to Hamas militants, which he believes could lead to the release of remaining hostages in Gaza and potentially bring an end to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Biden also stated that Hamas is no longer capable of carrying out large-scale attacks on Israel as he called on both Israelis and Hamas to reach an agreement for the release of hostages and an extended ceasefire. The Democratic president referred to the proposal as “a roadmap to a lasting ceasefire and the release of all hostages.” One phase of the proposal involves initiating significant reconstruction efforts in Gaza. According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, Israeli attacks have resulted in the deaths of 36,000 Palestinians.
Israel confirms military presence in central Rafah as offensive expands in southern Gaza
JERUSALEM (AP) — The Israeli military has confirmed that its forces are currently operating in central areas of Rafah as part of an expanding offensive in the southern Gaza city. In a statement released on Friday, the military stated that its troops in central Rafah had discovered Hamas rocket launchers and tunnels, as well as dismantled a weapons storage facility belonging to the group. While the statement did not specify the exact location within central Rafah, 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 start of the assault, dispersing throughout southern and central Gaza.
Florida sheriff’s office dismisses deputy involved in fatal shooting of airman at residence
A Florida sheriff terminated a deputy on Friday who fatally shot an airman at his home while the airman was holding a handgun pointed towards the ground. The Sheriff of Okaloosa County fired Deputy Eddie Duran on Friday for fatally shooting Senior Airman Roger Fortson on May 3 after responding to a domestic violence call and being directed to Fortson’s apartment. Fortson answered the door with a handgun pointed down, prompting Duran to open fire immediately without any warning.
Mexico’s drug cartels and gangs appear to be exerting more influence in Sunday’s elections than before
COTIJA, Mexico (AP) — Mexico’s powerful drug cartels and gangs seem to be playing a larger role in the upcoming elections on Sunday, which will determine the presidency, nine governorships, and approximately 19,000 mayorships and other local positions. These influential drug cartels in Mexico have historically carried out targeted assassinations of mayoral and local candidates who pose a threat to their control. Gangs in Mexico typically focus on controlling local police chiefs and obtaining a share of municipal budgets, with less interest in national politics. However, in the lead-up to Sunday’s election, gangs have escalated their activities by attacking campaign events, destroying ballots, or obstructing the setup of polling stations — and even attempting to sway voters with banners.
Berlin allows Ukraine to use German weapons against targets in Russia following the easing of restrictions by the US
KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Germany has followed the United States in granting Ukraine permission to strike certain targets on Russian soil using the long-range weapons provided to them. This policy adjustment on Friday comes as Ukrainian forces face setbacks in the ongoing conflict. Ukrainian officials have expressed frustration over the limitations on the use of Western weapons, particularly as Kharkiv, a border region, has come under heavy assault by Russian forces this month. Both Germany and the US have specifically authorized the defense of Kharkiv, which is just 20 kilometers away from Russia. While the easing of restrictions offers Ukraine the opportunity to better defend Kharkiv, its impact on the trajectory of the conflict remains unclear.
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 had relocated to the White House with the first family when her son-in-law, Barack Obama, was elected president. Her passing was announced on Friday by Michelle Obama and other family members in a statement that praised her exceptional life.
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