Former President Donald Trump faced a heated civil fraud trial on Monday, where he complained of unfair treatment and engaged in a series of verbal jabs with New York Attorney General Letitia James. The trial focused on Trump's company's accounting practices and whether his business empire inflated asset numbers to lenders. Throughout his testimony, Trump avoided direct answers and instead boasted about his properties and wealth. The judge, Arthur Engoron, became increasingly aggravated with Trump's behavior and threatened to cut his testimony short. Engoron warned Trump that he might remove him from the witness stand if he did not answer questions directly. Trump's daughter Ivanka is also expected to testify in the case.

Engoron had previously found Trump, his adult sons, and 10 of his companies liable for fraud, stating that they had made up valuations. The ruling could potentially strip Trump of control over some of his well-known properties. Despite Trump's claims of election interference and a mistrial request from his legal team, it is unlikely that they will be successful. The trial is ongoing, and the judge's ruling could have significant implications for Trump's business empire.

Israeli troops have divided north and south Gaza and are expected to enter Gaza City either Monday or Tuesday, according to Israeli media. This development comes as the death toll in the Israel-Hamas war surpasses 10,000, with over 4,100 children and 2,640 women among the casualties. Israeli airstrikes on Sunday targeted two refugee camps in central Gaza, resulting in numerous deaths. Despite U.S. suggestions for a humanitarian pause, Israel has rejected the idea and continues its relentless bombardment of Gaza. Meanwhile, more than 140 Palestinians have been killed in the occupied West Bank, and over 1,400 people in Israel have been killed, mostly in the Oct. 7 Hamas attack that initiated the conflict. In an apparent agreement between the United States, Egypt, Israel, and Qatar, around 1,100 people have been allowed to leave Gaza through the Rafah crossing. The situation in Gaza remains dire, with people living on minimal rations and over 70% of the population being displaced from their homes. With communications temporarily cut off and escalating tensions in the region, the question remains: Will Israeli troops reach Gaza City?

Researchers from Duke University have found that data on thousands of military personnel, including personal information such as health issues and gambling habits, is being sold for less than $0.50 per person. The researchers contacted 12 different data brokers and purchased information from three of them. The data being sold included contact information, family member details, net worth, religion, and even political affiliation. One broker sold data on nearly 5,000 active-duty military employees for just $0.213 per servicemember. This poses a potential threat to national security, as foreign actors could exploit this lack of privacy regulation and use the information for bribery and blackmail. It is also concerning that buying this data was not only cheap but also easy, as brokers did not require background checks or authentication. Some of these brokers were even willing to send potentially sensitive data to foreign entities. The researchers found that the brokers obtained the data from various sources, including mobile apps, medical records, and nonprofits. The study sheds light on the need for stronger laws surrounding data brokerage to protect national security.

A federal jury has found scuba dive boat captain, Jerry Boylan, guilty of criminally negligent of 34 people who died in a fire aboard the vessel in 2019. This tragedy is considered the deadliest maritime disaster in recent U.S. history. Boylan, who was the only person to face criminal charges connected to the fire, could face up to 10 years in prison when he is sentenced in February. The verdict comes more than four years after the incident, which prompted changes to maritime regulations, congressional reform, and civil lawsuits. Relatives of the victims expressed relief and gratitude that accountability has been achieved. The fire aboard the dive boat, Conception, occurred off the coast of Santa Barbara and resulted in the death of 33 passengers and one crew member who were trapped in a bunkroom below deck. Boylan was the first to abandon ship and jump overboard. He can still appeal the verdict.

On the first day of his trial, Robert Crimo Jr., the father of the man accused in the Highland Park 4th of July parade mass shooting, pleaded guilty to seven counts of reckless conduct. Crimo had signed an affidavit in 2019 enabling his then-19-year-old son, Robert Crimo III, to apply for a firearm owner's identification (FOID) card. The younger Crimo is accused of shooting more than 50 people, seven fatally, at the 2022 parade.

Crimo Jr. was set to face trial for seven felony counts of reckless conduct, as prosecutors argued he should have known his son was a danger when he signed the FOID card application. However, just before the trial began, Crimo Jr. agreed to a plea deal. He pleaded guilty to seven misdemeanor counts of reckless conduct and will serve a 60-day jail sentence, along with 2 years of probation. He must also perform 100 hours of community service, surrender his FOID card, and give up any weapons he owns.

Lake County prosecutors maintained that Crimo Jr. was aware of his son's "violent ideations" and past threats of violence. The plea deal involves Crimo Jr. admitting that he knew his son posed a risk to others when he signed the FOID card application. Crimo Jr. will surrender to the Lake County Jail on November 15. His guilty plea was motivated by not wanting to jeopardize his son's upcoming murder trial.

Democratic frustrations with President Joe Biden's candidacy have spilled into the open as bleak polling numbers continue to alarm party strategists. Even party mastermind David Axelrod has suggested that Biden consider dropping out of the race in favor of a more electable candidate. However, at this stage, there is little Democrats can do to change course as Biden has given no indication of dropping out and his campaign team remains unfazed by the recent polls.

One troubling sign for Democrats is the erosion of support among Black voters. In the 2020 election, Biden had a significant margin of support among Black voters, but a recent survey shows that margin has dropped significantly. Democratic pollster Terrance Woodbury highlights the frustration among young and Black voters who feel that foreign aid takes priority over domestic spending.

While poll numbers might not be entirely meaningful at this stage, there is growing concern within the Democratic Party about the 2024 presidential election. Democrats worry that a rematch of the 2020 election might not swing their way this time. As the party looks ahead, they will need to address these concerns and find ways to re-engage their base.

Can Biden turn the tide and regain support among Black voters? Will Democrats find a solution to their growing frustrations? Only time will tell as the nation moves closer to the 2024 election.

An Indiana woman has been arrested after allegedly crashing her car into what she thought was a Jewish school. Ruba Almaghtheh, 34, mistakenly targeted the Israelite School of Universal and Practical Knowledge in Indianapolis, believing it to be a pro-Jewish organization. However, the Israelite School has been designated as an extremist, anti-Israel group by the Southern Poverty Law Center. Almaghtheh allegedly told police that she had been watching news coverage of the Israel-Hamas war and was upset. She claimed she targeted the school on purpose. Fortunately, no one was injured in the incident. The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department informed the FBI about the arrest, and the FBI is working with local authorities. This incident comes amid a rise in hate crimes against Muslims, Arabs, and Jews in the United States, with Jewish people being the targets of nearly 60% of all religious-based hate crimes, according to FBI Director Christopher Wray. The Marion County Prosecutor's Office has not yet made a decision regarding potential hate crime charges.

There is a growing call for Israel to halt its attacks on Gaza, but the question remains: what should this cessation of violence be called? The terms "ceasefire" and "humanitarian pause" have been used, but they have different implications and supporters.

A ceasefire is an end to the fighting between parties involved in a conflict, typically as part of a political process. It aims to allow for dialogue and the possibility of a permanent political settlement. On the other hand, a humanitarian pause is a temporary cessation of hostilities purely for humanitarian purposes. It is meant to provide a defined period and specific geographic area for the delivery of aid.

The dispute lies in the duration and terms of these breaks in fighting. Supporters of different options have fiercely attacked each other, trading accusations of complicity in terrorism and war crimes. The lack of a formally agreed legal definition for either a ceasefire or a humanitarian pause adds to the confusion.

While Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected calls for a ceasefire, the Biden administration is increasingly pushing for a humanitarian pause. Israel opposes a ceasefire because it has not achieved its goal of dismantling Hamas. However, the mounting civilian deaths in Gaza and the Biden administration's concerns for civilian safety contribute to the calls for a ceasefire.

The question remains: what should be done to relieve the suffering in Gaza, and how should this break in fighting be structured and described? The debate continues as the world grapples with finding a solution that ensures the safety and well-being of civilians caught in the crossfire.

As the Israel-Palestine war continues to wreak havoc on Gaza, some Palestinians who left the region for life-saving treatments are desperate to return home. Rania and Khaled, a couple in their 60s battling cancer, had left Gaza a few months ago for chemotherapy in Jordan. Their plan was to return in November, but the devastating Israeli airstrikes and blockade have forced them to remain in Jordan, far from their sons in Gaza. The lack of internet and poor telecommunication network makes it difficult for them to communicate with their loved ones, adding to their anxiety about their safety. The war has taken a toll on their mental and physical well-being.

Similarly, Rami, a 26-year-old cancer patient, is stuck in Jordan, his treatment disrupted by the conflict. He shares the same fears and uncertainty as Rania and Khaled, longing to be reunited with his family in Gaza.

Even Eastern Iowans like Yaser AbuDagga and Anne Hagie, who have family members in Gaza, fear for their loved ones' lives. AbuDagga, a Muslim, is working to get his 84-year-old father, who is also a U.S. citizen, out of Gaza. Hagie, a Jew, anxiously waited to hear if her siblings survived the initial Hamas attack on Israel. Both wish for peace between Israelis and Palestinians.

Escaping the conflict, Qassem Ali, a U.S. citizen, left Gaza for Egypt after witnessing the destruction caused by the war. With limited access to journalists, the situation in Gaza remains unclear. However, Ali's firsthand account reveals the fear and uncertainty faced by Palestinians.

As the death toll in Gaza continues to rise, reaching over 10,000, the desperation to return home grows stronger. Palestinians long for an end to the conflict and a chance to rebuild their lives in peace.

Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley, businessman Vivek Ramaswamy, and Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina are all set to appear at the third GOP presidential debate in Miami. However, North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum was unable to qualify for the debate after participating in the first two Republican debates this year. The debate, hosted by NBC News, will be held at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County. Notably, former President Donald Trump will be skipping another debate and instead holding a campaign rally in Hialeah at the same time as the debate. The Republican National Committee, which is hosting the debate, has partnered with the Salem Radio Network and the Republican Jewish Coalition for the event. The debate will be an opportunity for the candidates to showcase their conservative agenda and reaffirm the Republican Party's support of Israel and the Jewish community.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is being praised for arranging the evacuation of about 700 Americans from Israel in October. The flights were free for passengers, according to a statement by the Governor's office. However, the ad released by DeSantis' campaign fails to mention that the Biden administration also offered seats to Americans in Israel seeking to depart. About 1,500 Americans were evacuated by the federal government, which charged them as required by federal law. While DeSantis played a role in the evacuation effort, it is important to acknowledge the federal government's actions and responsibilities in such situations.

After nearly a decade of investigations, trials, and delays, a jury has found Charlie Adelson guilty in the murder of Florida State law professor Dan Markel. Adelson was charged with first-degree murder, conspiracy, and solicitation in Markel's death in 2014. The jury deliberated for several hours before returning the guilty verdict.

Prosecutors portrayed Adelson as a wealthy and arrogant individual who wanted to end a bitter child custody battle with his ex-wife by eliminating Markel. The state alleged that Adelson hired hitmen to carry out the murder. Adelson's sister and his ex-girlfriend, who were both previously convicted in connection with the case, testified against him.

Adelson took the stand in his own defense, claiming that he was actually a victim of extortion by the real killers. He alleged that they demanded money from him through his ex-girlfriend the night of the murder. However, the jury did not find his testimony convincing.

The guilty verdict marks the fourth conviction in connection with Markel's murder and the first involving a member of the Adelson family. Adelson could face a life sentence, and his sentencing hearing will be held at a later date.

President Biden has announced $16.4 billion in new funding for 25 passenger rail projects along Amtrak's Northeast Corridor. This investment, made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, aims to improve travel times and reliability for the 800,000 daily trips along the Northeast Corridor, which supports 20% of U.S. Gross Domestic Product.

The funding will be used to repair and replace aging infrastructure such as tunnels and bridges, upgrade tracks, power systems, signals, and stations, and advance future projects to increase operating speeds. It will also support Amtrak's fleet replacement program, replacing over 1,000 locomotives and coaches with state-of-the-art, Made-in-America equipment.

According to the White House, these investments will not only make train service more convenient and climate-friendly but also create over 100,000 construction jobs. The Northeast Corridor is crucial for the economy, with a shutdown costing $100 million in lost productivity. Amtrak trains on the corridor emit significantly fewer greenhouse gas emissions than cars or airplanes.

The projects are expected to be completed over the next five to 15 years, with plans to reduce travel time between Washington and New York by 30 minutes. This investment marks the largest since the creation of Amtrak and signals a much-needed overhaul of the 100-year-old infrastructure along the Northeast Corridor.

Overall, this funding will bring about substantial improvements in passenger rail travel, benefiting both commuters and the economy along the Northeast Corridor.

Zackey Rahimi, the man at the center of a major Supreme Court gun rights case, has stated in a handwritten letter from jail that he no longer wishes to own firearms. Rahimi, who is challenging a federal law that bars individuals subject to domestic violence restraining orders from possessing a firearm, expressed remorse for his actions and vowed to stay away from drugs, abide by the law, and focus on his education and career. Despite Rahimi's letter, gun rights advocates acknowledge that he is not an ideal representative for the Second Amendment. Rahimi, who faces multiple gun-related charges, is accused of participating in several shootings after being prohibited from carrying weapons under a domestic violence protective order. However, his case could potentially expand gun rights protections by challenging the federal law in question. While supporters of gun rights recognize the drawbacks of Rahimi's involvement, they view his case as an opportunity for the conservative majority Supreme Court to reexamine Second Amendment rights following a landmark decision in the previous year.

In a recently amended autopsy report, the coroner has determined that complications from a ketamine injection, following the restraint of Elijah McClain, contributed to his death. McClain, a massage therapist, musician, and animal lover, was confronted by police officers on August 24, 2019, while walking home from a convenience store. Body camera footage captured the officers wrestling McClain to the ground and placing him in a carotid hold. Paramedics later administered a powerful sedative, ketamine, and McClain suffered a heart attack on the way to the hospital. He was pronounced dead three days later.

Initially, prosecutors declined to bring charges in the case. However, in 2021, following renewed scrutiny and nationwide protests for racial justice, a grand jury indicted three officers and two paramedics in McClain's death. In the recent trial, Aurora police officer Nathan Woodyard, who put McClain in the neck hold, was acquitted of homicide and manslaughter charges.

The case has sparked national outrage and raised questions about the unlawful and unnecessary use of force by law enforcement. McClain's mother and police reform advocates are still seeking justice for Elijah. The trial of the paramedics involved in administering the ketamine is set to begin later this month.

The upcoming elections in Ohio, Kentucky, Mississippi, and Virginia may hold key insights into the strategy, tactics, and ground game before the high-stakes presidential election of 2024. There are several storylines to watch, including abortion rights, disinformation campaigns, the influence of money in politics, and the strength of red state Democrats.

In Ohio, the ballot initiative known as Issue 1 aims to enshrine abortion rights in the state constitution. This comes in the wake of the Supreme Court's decision to overturn the right to an abortion, leading to a backlash across several states. Despite being a reliably Republican state, recent trends show strong early voting turnout in traditionally Democratic counties, suggesting possible support for abortion rights.

Kentucky, another deep red state, is witnessing a close gubernatorial race. Democratic Governor Andy Beshear, who won by a narrow margin in 2019, is seeking re-election. Despite the state's conservative lean, Beshear has maintained popularity, even gaining approval from Republicans. However, his opponent, Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron, has gained ground with an endorsement from former President Donald Trump. This race will test the resilience of Beshear's popularity in a Republican stronghold.

Virginia is also hosting crucial elections, particularly for the state Senate and House. While other races will receive attention, Virginia's elections are highly significant. Overall, these elections provide a glimpse into the current political landscape and offer valuable insights for the upcoming 2024 presidential election.

Former President Donald Trump is expected to testify in his Manhattan Supreme Court fraud trial on Monday, facing allegations of cheating the system and boosting his profits by billions of dollars. The trial, brought forth by New York Attorney General Tish James, could have significant consequences for Trump's future business endeavors in the state. If found guilty, he could be barred from leading a company in New York for five years, and may have to pay back $250 million in ill-gotten gains. During his testimony, Trump was repeatedly admonished by the judge for giving speeches rather than answering simple "yes or no" questions, highlighting the tense atmosphere in the courtroom. With his 2024 presidential campaign already underway, the outcome of this trial could shape Trump's reputation and political ambitions moving forward.

According to the Hamas-controlled health ministry in Gaza, more than 10,000 people have been killed in the Palestinian enclave since Israel launched its military offensive nearly a month ago. The ministry reported that 4,104 children, 2,641 women, and 611 elderly people have been killed in Israeli strikes. These numbers suggest that about three-quarters of the dead are from vulnerable populations. The ministry also reported 25,408 injuries.

It is important to note that these numbers cannot be independently verified by CNN, as Gaza is sealed off by Israel and mostly sealed by Egypt. However, the United Nations Human Rights Office has said that last week's attacks on Gaza's largest refugee camp "could amount to war crimes" due to the scale of casualties and destruction.

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres has warned that Gaza is becoming a "graveyard for children" and called for a humanitarian ceasefire. Based on the ministry's figures, at least one child is being killed every 10 minutes.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken has traveled to the West Bank and Iraq to meet with Palestinian and Iraqi leaders, in an effort to deter other countries or armed groups from widening the conflict. He has also pressed Israel for a "humanitarian pause" to allow aid in and people out of Gaza, as well as to limit civilian casualties.

In a verdict that has sparked outrage, a jury has found the second Aurora police officer involved in the death of Elijah McClain not guilty on all charges. Nathan Woodyard, who put McClain in a neck hold during a violent arrest, was acquitted of reckless manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide. McClain's death in 2019 gained national attention and became a rallying cry in racial injustice protests.

This verdict comes after former officer Jason Rosenblatt was also acquitted last month, while officer Randy Roedema was found guilty of lesser charges. The case has raised questions about police violence and accountability.

McClain, a 23-year-old massage therapist and musician, was apprehended by police after a call about a "suspicious person." Body camera footage captured officers wrestling McClain to the ground and injecting him with a powerful sedative. He suffered a heart attack and died three days later.

The verdict has left McClain's family and supporters devastated. Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser, who is prosecuting the case, expressed his determination to seek justice for McClain. The trial has renewed calls for police reform and accountability in cases of excessive force.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that Israel may consider "tactical little pauses" in the fighting in Gaza Strip to allow for the entry of aid or the release of hostages, but has rejected calls for a general ceasefire. The Israeli military has surrounded Gaza City and has taken control of a militant compound, preparing to attack fighters in underground tunnels. Israel's assault on Gaza, which began after a Hamas raid on southern Israel, has resulted in the deaths of over 10,000 Palestinians, including 4,100 children, according to Gaza health officials.

Both Israel and Hamas have rejected calls for a halt in the fighting. Israel insists that hostages should be released before any ceasefire, while Hamas insists on continuing its fight while Gaza is under attack. U.S. President Joe Biden has discussed potential pauses and hostage releases with Netanyahu, emphasizing the need for Israel to protect civilians while supporting their efforts. The U.S. fears that a full ceasefire would give Hamas an opportunity to regroup.

Netanyahu believes that Israel will have overall security responsibility in Gaza even after the conflict is over, as they have seen the consequences when they do not have that responsibility. International organizations have raised concerns about the lack of food, clean water, and medical supplies in Gaza and have called for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire.

In a new court filing, special counsel Jack Smith argued against former President Donald Trump's attempts to have the charges against him dismissed in Washington, D.C. Smith's team made a strong case for Trump's prosecution, stating that his actions were not constitutionally protected speech but rather fraudulent use of false statements to further his criminal plans. They also indicated their intent to introduce evidence in Trump's trial that he stoked the January 6th Capitol riot and used it to try to derail Congress' proceedings that day. Prosecutors say they will rely on Trump's promise to pardon many of the rioters, his description of the day as a "beautiful day," and his decision to record a song with some of the prisoners involved in the riot.

Trump's attorneys filed motions to dismiss the case, arguing that the charges violate his First Amendment rights and claiming that the prosecution is selective and vindictive. However, prosecutors argued against these claims, stating that the indictment accurately describes Trump's fraudulent conduct and that his constitutional and statutory challenges are meritless.

Judge Tanya Chutkan, who is overseeing the case, will ultimately decide whether it proceeds. Trump has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

President Joe Biden announced $16.4 billion in funding for passenger rail projects in Amtrak's Northeast Corridor, as part of his economic platform. The funding, provided by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, will be used to rebuild tunnels and bridges, upgrade tracks and power systems, and improve travel times. The White House branded the event as remarks on "Bidenomics," though the president did not mention the term by name. However, the branding has sparked confusion and pushback from Democratic operatives, politicians, and voters who struggle to define what Bidenomics means.

In addition to the funding for the Northeast Corridor, Connecticut also received a significant investment of $2 billion for rail projects. The funding will be used for bridge work, track improvements, power systems, and signal substation upgrades. The largest portion of the funding, $826 million, will go towards replacing the 120-year-old Connecticut River Bridge. The announcement comes as Amtrak is facing steep cuts in funding for the northeast corridor.

These investments in infrastructure are part of President Biden's efforts to rebuild and modernize America's transportation systems. However, the branding of Bidenomics seems to be causing confusion among voters, who are not clear on what it means and how it will impact their daily lives. Despite the confusion, the government is pushing forward with these projects, aiming to improve the country's infrastructure from the middle out and the bottom up.

Thousands of pro-Palestinian protesters gathered in Washington, D.C. on Saturday to call for an end to Israel's bombardment of Gaza and protest the Biden administration's support of Israel. While most of the protests were peaceful, some individuals took the opportunity to deface several buildings across the city. The Executive Mansion gate was vandalized with red paint, leaving blood-like handprints on the white brick. Messages such as "Death to Israel" and "Glory 2 the Martyrs" were also sprayed on buildings near the Israeli embassy.

The Israeli embassy to the United States shared images of the graffiti on social media, expressing outrage and questioning the lack of response to these "violent antisemitic" acts. The Metropolitan Police Department reported that only one adult male was arrested during the march, and they are currently investigating acts of vandalism that damaged the McPherson Square Metro Station and police vehicles.

In addition to vandalizing buildings, protesters defaced multiple statues in downtown Washington and climbed the fence of the White House. The demonstrations were part of a larger series of pro-Palestinian marches across the United States, highlighting the ongoing conflict and calling for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.

The protests have amplified the debate over the situation in Gaza, with calls for humanitarian aid and the release of hostages. However, the demonstrations also raise questions about the appropriate boundaries of peaceful protest and the need to prevent acts of vandalism and property damage.

Former President Donald Trump has criticized Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds for endorsing Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. Reynolds is expected to announce her endorsement of DeSantis at a rally in Des Moines, breaking with the tradition of Iowa's top political leaders staying neutral before their state's GOP nomination fight. Trump's campaign called Reynolds' endorsement "disloyal" and accused her of lacking ambition for higher office. Trump himself took to social media to express his displeasure, stating that Reynolds owes him for her political standing. Reynolds and DeSantis have similar approaches to handling the COVID-19 pandemic, both opposing shutdowns and mask mandates. DeSantis, who is trailing Trump in Iowa polls, is in need of momentum in his campaign. Reynolds' endorsement could provide a boost to his standing in the state, where Trump holds a significant lead.

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Joshua Palmer has been ruled out for the Monday night game against the New York Jets due to a knee injury. Palmer initially sustained the injury in Week 7 against the Kansas City Chiefs and aggravated it in the following game against the Bears. Despite not practicing during the week, Palmer played in the game and finished it, but his injury has prevented him from participating in practice this week.

Palmer's absence is a blow to the Chargers' offense, as they are already without wide receiver Mike Williams for the season. This leaves Keenan Allen as the team's primary target, with rookie Quentin Johnston also expected to step up. Johnston had a solid performance in Week 9 with five catches for 50 yards, and this is an opportunity for him to prove himself.

In addition to Palmer, the Chargers have six players listed as questionable for the game against the Jets: Morgan Fox, Jalen Guyton, Sebastian Joseph-Day, Eric Kendricks, Kenneth Murray, and Otito Ogbonnia. The team's coaching staff will determine in the next 48 hours whether Guyton and Ogbonnia, who have yet to be activated off the PUP list, will be able to make their return on Monday night.