The recent indictments against former President Donald Trump have sparked claims that prosecutors are criminalizing politics. However, these claims are misleading. The charges against Trump are not about politics, but about alleged crimes committed during his time in office. Trump and his allies argue that overturning an election and engaging in political maneuvering is just part of the political game. But attempting to subvert the will of voters and hold onto power goes beyond normal political behavior. Prosecutors allege that Trump crossed a line and broke the law. The Trump presidency exposed the fragile nature of unwritten rules, or norms, that govern American politics. Trump disregarded these norms by using his position for personal gain and pressuring the Justice Department to investigate his opponents. While norms are not necessarily legally binding, they play a crucial role in maintaining a functioning democracy. The question remains whether Trump's actions were simply a breach of norms or potentially criminal. Investigations into threats made against the grand jury members involved in Trump's Georgia election interference probe are ongoing. Law enforcement agencies are working diligently to ensure their safety and identify the source of the threats.
The Donald Trump campaign has accused Ron DeSantis of trying to "buy" endorsements after it was revealed that DeSantis' political operation donated $95,000 to an Iowa evangelical leader's foundation. The donation was made ahead of the Family Leadership Summit, where DeSantis spoke during an interview facilitated by Tucker Carlson. The Trump campaign claims that this compromises any future endorsement from Bob Vander Plaats and reflects poorly on DeSantis, whose poll numbers are dropping. However, the DeSantis campaign argues that the real story is Trump's failure to work for the evangelical vote. They state that they were proud to sponsor an ad with one of the largest and most effective social conservative groups in Iowa, while the Trump campaign failed to do so. Vander Plaats, seen as influential in the evangelical vote, has recently voiced his desire for the GOP to move on from Trump and find a "fresh vision" leader for 2024. While the Trump campaign accuses DeSantis of trying to buy endorsements, DeSantis' campaign highlights Trump's lack of effort to work for the support of evangelicals.
A private jet crashed into a motorbike and a car while attempting to land at an airport in the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur, leaving at least 10 people dead. The Beechcraft Model 390 aircraft, carrying six passengers and two crew, lost contact with air traffic control and crashed into the vehicles on the highway. There was no emergency call made by the aircraft. The flight had departed from Langkawi and was en route to Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport. The cause of the crash is under investigation.
The trial of Brandon Case and his father, Gregory Case, who were charged with attempted first-degree murder, conspiracy, and shooting into the vehicle driven by D'Monterrio Gibson, has ended in a mistrial. The mistrial was declared by Judge David Strong after it was revealed that the police had withheld evidence in the case. The defense asked for a mistrial after Brookhaven police Detective Vincent Fernando admitted under oath that he did not give the prosecution or defense a videotaped statement taken from Gibson. The failure to turn over this evidence was deemed unacceptable by the judge, who stated that he had never seen such a failure in his 17 years of experience. The mistrial means that a new trial is expected to take place in the future.
The shooting incident, which occurred in January 2022, drew comparisons to the murder of Ahmaud Arbery in 2020. The Cases were accused of chasing and shooting at Gibson, who had just dropped off a package at a home. Gibson, who believed that he was targeted because of his race, was not injured in the incident. The mistrial has left many frustrated, including Gibson's mother, who left the courtroom after the decision was announced. Gibson's attorney has also called for a federal hate crime investigation into the incident.
The Fulton County Sheriff's Office in Georgia is currently investigating online threats made against the grand jurors who voted to indict former President Donald J. Trump and 18 others for conspiring to overturn Georgia's 2020 election results. Some of the jurors' identities have been shared on social media, including their faces, social media profiles, and possible addresses and phone numbers. These posts have suggested that the jurors should be harassed or made "infamous." It is unclear if anyone has acted upon these suggestions.
The county sheriff's office has stated that it is aware of the threats and is working with other agencies to track down their origin. However, they have not confirmed whether any jurors have reported harassment.
This is not the first time that prosecutions against Trump have resulted in threats. Just this month, a Texas woman was charged with threatening to kill the judge overseeing the federal election interference case against the former president.
In Georgia, the jurors were selected from across Fulton County, where District Attorney Fani T. Willis spent two and a half years investigating actions by Trump and his allies and presented evidence to the jury. The indictment, spanning 98 pages, listed the names of the jurors as required in Georgia.
A judge in Mississippi has declared a mistrial in the case against Gregory Charles Case and his son Brandon, who were accused of attempted murder and conspiracy in the shooting of a Black FedEx driver in January 2022. The judge cited errors made by a detective from the Brookhaven Police Department, including withholding evidence and providing incorrect testimony.
The incident occurred when D'Monterrio Gibson was delivering a package in the Junior Trail neighborhood. Prosecutors alleged that Gregory Case used a white pickup truck to block Gibson's van and Brandon entered with a gun. Shots were fired when Gibson tried to flee, but he was not injured.
The mistrial comes nearly a year and eight months after the incident took place. The defense requested the mistrial, and the judge stated that he had no other choice due to the errors made by the detective. A new trial is not expected to take place until next year.
Gibson's attorney, Carlos Moore, has called for a federal hate crime investigation into the shooting. He has also accused the Brookhaven Police Department of delaying the investigation and conducting "shoddy" work. The case has drawn comparisons to the killing of Ahmaud Arbery in Georgia in 2020.
A bench trial in Cuyahoga County, Ohio has found 19-year-old Mackenzie Shirilla guilty on 12 counts, including murder, felonious assault, and aggravated vehicular homicide. Last year, Shirilla intentionally crashed her car at 100 miles per hour into a building in the Cleveland suburb of Strongsville, killing her boyfriend Dominic Russo, 20, and his friend Davion Flanagan, 19. Prosecutors argued that Shirilla and Russo had a toxic relationship, and she had threatened him multiple times before the fatal incident. They stated that her intention was to end the relationship and that she took the lives of Russo and Flanagan with her. The judge ruled that this was not a case of reckless driving, but a premeditated act of murder. Shirilla's online activities, including comments on Russo's obituary, suggested her deep emotional connection to him even after his death. Sentencing is yet to be determined for Shirilla, who will now face the consequences of her actions.
A massive wildfire in northern Canada is inching closer to the capital city of the Northwest Territories, Yellowknife, raising concerns about its potential impact. The wildfire, which has already devastated the hamlet of Enterprise near the Alberta border, is currently 17 kilometers away from Yellowknife and could reach the outskirts of the city by the weekend if rain does not come. The state of emergency has been declared in the Northwest Territories, and thousands of residents have already been forced to evacuate. Highways in the area have been closed due to the fire risk, and some areas along Highway 3, the only highway connecting Yellowknife to the rest of Canada, have been ordered to evacuate. The Canadian military has been mobilized to help tackle the blazes and airlift some residents to safety. Northwest Territories Premier Caroline Cochrane reassured residents to remain calm but be prepared to evacuate if necessary. The situation is further exacerbated by the ongoing heatwave in Western Canada, which is fueling hundreds of out-of-control wildfires. As the wildfire threat looms over Yellowknife, residents hope for rain to help suppress the blaze and protect their community.
Following the recent indictment of former president Donald Trump in Fulton County, Georgia, his allies and supporters have accused prosecutors of criminalizing politics. However, the charges against Trump are not about engaging in normal political activities, but rather about attempting to overturn an election and hold on to power against the will of the voters. Prosecutors allege that Trump crossed a line separating acceptable political maneuvering from potentially criminal actions. Despite claims of political spin, the evidence suggests that Trump went beyond the established norms of American political life.
The indictment in Fulton County also implicates 30 "unindicted co-conspirators," individuals who are alleged to have participated in the criminal conspiracy to overturn the 2020 election. Some of these co-conspirators are key Trump advisers and Georgia officials who acted as fake electors. While the identity of these individuals is protected in the indictment, CNN was able to identify some of them through previous reporting and documents from the House January 6 Committee.
The question remains: Did Trump's actions to undermine the election and maintain power go beyond the boundaries of acceptable politics? The indictment and evidence presented will shed light on the matter.
Shanna Gardner-Fernandez, the ex-wife of former NFL player Jared Bridegan, has been indicted on first-degree murder charges in connection with his ambush shooting last year. Gardner-Fernandez was arrested in Washington state and will be extradited to Duval County, Florida, to face the charges, which also include solicitation to commit first-degree murder and child abuse. Prosecutors plan to seek the death penalty in the case. Bridegan, a father of four, was killed in February of last year after dropping off two of his children with Gardner-Fernandez. He was shot multiple times while trying to move a tire blocking the road, with his 2-year-old daughter in the backseat. The toddler was unharmed. Gardner-Fernandez's new husband, Mario Fernandez, was previously arrested in connection with the killing, and a tenant in one of his rental properties, Henry Tenon, admitted to pulling the trigger. Gardner-Fernandez had moved to Washington after the murder and distanced herself from Fernandez. The motive for the killing is still unknown.
The capital of Canada's Northwest Territories, Yellowknife, is under threat as a wildfire burns less than 10 miles outside the city. Authorities have ordered the evacuation of over 20,000 people, including residents of nearby communities and First Nations communities. The fire, which is approximately 16 km northwest of Yellowknife, could reach the city's outskirts by the weekend if there is no rain. The region is already grappling with a record-breaking wildfire season, with over 1,000 active fires burning across the country, including 230 in the Northwest Territories.
Canadian fire crews are working tirelessly to prevent the fire from reaching Yellowknife, deploying water bombers and getting crews close to the blaze. The Canadian military has also been mobilized to assist with firefighting efforts and to airlift residents to safety. The situation is unprecedented for the Territories, with limited infrastructure and only one road out of Yellowknife to the province of Alberta. As residents flee their homes, images of bumper-to-bumper traffic and vehicles engulfed in smoke flood social media. Meanwhile, firefighting crews are battling other fires threatening towns and communities in the region, highlighting the widespread impact of the wildfires. As the situation unfolds, updates are being provided to support evacuees and coordinate relief efforts.
In a shocking turn of events, a detective from the Brookhaven Police Department has brought the trial of two Lincoln County men accused of shooting at a Black FedEx delivery driver to a screeching halt. Detective Vincent Fernando was the lead investigator in the case and testified in court for three hours before a surprise piece of evidence came to light.
During the trial, Fernando produced a disk containing video testimony from D'Monterrio Gibson, the driver who was allegedly shot at by the defendants. The video statement had not been disclosed to the district attorney's office or defense attorneys before the trial began, leading the judge to rule that Fernando had withheld evidence.
As a result of this ruling, Judge David Strong dismissed the trial for the day and ordered Fernando to turn over any additional evidence he had on the case. The mistrial was granted due to the errors made by the detective, who admitted to improper testimony and sharing undisclosed information.
The surprise evidence comes after a scathing report about the Brookhaven Police Department was released by the Grand Jury in July. Attorney Carlos Moore, representing Gibson in a lawsuit, expressed deep disappointment and frustration over the mistrial, calling for a Justice Department investigation into potential obstruction of justice by the police department.
It remains uncertain whether a new trial will take place before the end of the year, and the Brookhaven Police Department has not responded to requests for comment on the detective or his status with the force.
Overall, this unforeseen development has raised concerns about the handling of the case and the potential impact on the pursuit of justice for the victim and his family.
Former New York City mayor and former personal attorney to Donald Trump, Rudy Giuliani, reportedly traveled to Mar-a-Lago earlier this year to appeal to Trump for financial assistance with his mounting legal fees. According to CNN, Giuliani and his lawyer, Robert Costello, met with Trump twice during their visit, where Trump verbally agreed to contribute towards Giuliani's legal bills, but did not specify the amount or provide a timeline for payment. Trump has a history of not paying his legal team, but it is believed that he may want to continue maintaining a positive relationship with Giuliani, especially in light of Giuliani's recent indictment in Fulton County, Georgia.
Giuliani is currently facing 13 charges, including racketeering, for his alleged involvement in efforts to overturn the 2020 election. With multiple ongoing lawsuits, including defamation cases and a suit over an anti-Biden documentary scam, Giuliani's legal expenses continue to grow while his financial situation deteriorates. During a recent hearing for a defamation lawsuit brought against him by voting technology company Smartmatic, Giuliani's attorney stated that Giuliani does not have the finances to pay for additional legal costs.
It remains to be seen whether Trump will follow through with his verbal promise to help Giuliani with his legal fees. With Giuliani potentially facing significant penalties and liabilities, his financial problems could continue to worsen as legal proceedings progress.
The North Carolina Legislature voted to override six vetoes by Gov. Roy Cooper, putting the measures into law. Among these bills are three that specifically target transgender youth. The bills ban gender-affirming care for minors, restrict how gender identity can be discussed in schools, and prohibit transgender athletes from competing on girls' sports teams. Gov. Cooper had vetoed these bills, accusing GOP lawmakers of "hurting vulnerable children" and pushing "political culture wars." After the veto overrides, the bills are now law in the state. The ban on gender-affirming care prohibits doctors from providing such care to minors, even with parental consent. It also creates a 25-year window for former patients to file civil action against doctors and their employers. Despite opposition, the overrides passed largely along party lines. Supporters argue that the bills protect parental rights and prevent radical ideologies from being taught in schools. However, critics argue that the measures harm transgender youth and perpetuate discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community.
A small private aircraft crashed on a highway on the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia, killing at least 10 people. The Beechcraft Model 390 (Premier 1) aircraft, a light private chartered plane, was carrying six passengers and two crew members when it crashed near Elmina township. The jet crashed into a motorbike and a car while attempting to land, also killing two individuals on the ground. There was no emergency call and the aircraft had been given clearance to land. The flight had departed from Langkawi island and was en route to Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport near Kuala Lumpur. The plane veered off its flight path just minutes before landing and plunged to the ground. Witnesses reported that the plane exploded upon impact. The bodies have been taken to a hospital for identification and officials are searching for the plane's black box to determine the cause of the accident.
Shares of Hawaiian Electric Industries (HEI) dropped more than 20% on Thursday following reports that the company may be considering restructuring as it faces numerous costly lawsuits over its alleged role in the Maui wildfires. HEI's stock has already plummeted more than 73% this year.
A class action lawsuit has been filed against the company, claiming that the wildfires on Maui were caused by energized power lines knocked down by strong winds. The lawsuit alleges that HEI did not deenergize their power lines despite knowing the risks of sparking a fire in those conditions. At least two more lawsuits have been filed against the company, with more expected as the death toll and number of missing people rise.
The Wall Street Journal reported that HEI has been in talks with restructuring companies, suggesting that bankruptcy may be on the table as a solution to mounting legal expenses. HEI is the largest power provider in Hawaii, serving 95% of the state's residents.
HEI has not commented on the pending litigation but has emphasized its focus on restoring power for customers, supporting Maui residents, and developing a long-term recovery plan. The company has also highlighted its wildfire mitigation and grid resilience program, which includes vegetation management, grid hardening, and routine inspections.
Gree Electric Appliances Inc. is recalling 1.56 million dehumidifier units due to the risk of fire and burn hazards. The dehumidifiers can overheat, smoke, and catch fire, posing a danger to consumers.
How many incidents have been reported?
To date, there have been 23 fires caused by the defective units, along with 688 incidents of overheating and $168,000 in property damage. In addition, there were reports of two deaths caused by house fires started by the dehumidifiers.
Which brands are affected?
A total of 42 dehumidifier models under brand names such as Kenmore, GE, SoleusAir, Norpole, and Seabreeze are included in the recall. These units were manufactured between January 2011 and February 2014.
Where were the recalled units sold?
The recalled units were sold at various stores across the United States, including Home Depot, Lowe's, Menards, Sam's Club, Sears, and Walmart between 2011 and 2014.
What should consumers do if they have a recalled unit?
Consumers should stop using the recalled dehumidifiers immediately, unplug them, and contact Gree for a full refund. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has provided a list of the recalled units on their website for consumers to check if their unit is affected.
How can consumers receive a refund?
To receive a refund, consumers can visit Gree's refund announcement page and fill in their information. Gree will then contact them in six to eight weeks with further instructions on how to register for the recall.
A drenching storm caused major flash flooding in Bollinger County, Missouri, prompting several water rescues and shutting down roads. Reports indicate that up to 8 inches of rain fell in the area, causing creeks and rivers to overflow. No injuries or deaths have been reported, but campers had to be rescued from two campgrounds. The Missouri State Highway Patrol and local rescue crews are going door-to-door in the hardest-hit areas, including the village of Glen Allen, to help people to higher ground. Some residents have been forced to seek shelter at the First Baptist Family Life Center in Marble Hill. The flooding has also resulted in road closures, including sections of U.S. 67. Southwest Missouri experienced heavy rainfall as well, with some areas seeing more than 3 inches of rain. Recovery efforts are now underway to assess the damage and provide assistance to those affected by the flooding.
Severe weather hit the Twin Cities on Friday, with reports of large hailstones falling across the area. Hail the size of golf balls and baseballs was reported, causing concern among residents. In Minneapolis, reports of 2-2.5 inch diameter hail were common, with the largest hailstone measuring 3 inches in diameter. There were also reports of 2.75 inch and 3.75 inch diameter hailstones near Dassel and Buffalo Lake, respectively.
Other areas in Wright County and Renville County also experienced hailstorms, with hailstones measuring up to 3 inches in diameter. There were reports of 1.25 inch and 1.75 inch diameter hailstones in St. Paul and Mendota Heights, respectively. The National Weather Service issued a map tracking the path of the hailstorms, showing the extent of the severe weather.
Despite the wild weather on Friday, Saturday is expected to be a beautiful day for outdoor activities. However, the weather will take a turn on Sunday, with a low-pressure system bringing rain and the potential for thunderstorms to much of Minnesota and western Wisconsin. Stay prepared for changing weather conditions and take precautions to stay safe during severe weather events.
Preliminary damage survey results confirm the touchdown of a tornado in the Flat Springs community near Beech Mountain. The EF1 tornado occurred in the early morning hours of August 15, with estimated peak winds of 105 miles per hour. The tornado traveled a path length of 2.59 miles and caused damage to numerous trees. Thankfully, no injuries or deaths were reported from the tornado. The tornado was part of a line of strong storms that passed through the area, bringing lightning, heavy rains, and strong winds. Multiple Severe Thunderstorm Warnings were issued by the National Weather Service prior to the tornado touchdown.
A Texas woman has been charged with threatening to kill Tanya S. Chutkan, the federal judge in Washington who is overseeing former President Donald J. Trump's prosecution on charges of seeking to overturn the 2020 election. The woman, Abigail Jo Shry, of Alvin, Texas, called Judge Chutkan's chambers on August 5 and left a voice message attacking the judge with a racial slur, according to a criminal complaint unsealed on Friday. In the message, Shry told Judge Chutkan, "If Trump doesn't get elected in 2024, we are coming to kill you, so tread lightly, bitch." She also issued a threat against Representative Sheila Jackson Lee, a Black Democratic congresswoman. Shry has been ordered to be jailed and is represented by the Houston public defender's office. This comes after Judge Chutkan cautioned former President Trump about making "inflammatory statements" that could harm the integrity of the case. Trump has a history of verbally attacking judges and others involved in criminal cases brought against him.
A Canadian woman, Pascale Cecile Veronique Ferrier, has been sentenced to over 21 years in prison for sending a letter containing the deadly toxin ricin to former President Donald Trump at the White House. Ferrier, a dual citizen of Canada and France, pleaded guilty to the charges earlier this year. She also sent similar letters to eight Texas law enforcement officials.
The letters, handwritten and mailed from Canada, referred to a "special gift" for the recipients and stated that if the gift didn't work, Ferrier would find a better recipe for another poison. The letter addressed to Trump referred to him as an "ugly tyrant clown" and urged him to drop out of the 2020 election.
Ferrier was arrested at the Peace Bridge Border Crossing in Buffalo, N.Y., in September 2020. At the time of her arrest, she was found in possession of a loaded firearm, ammunition, knives, pepper spray, and a false identification document.
In court, Ferrier claimed to be an "activist" rather than a terrorist and argued that the ricin she made didn't have a harmful concentration. However, the judge sentenced her to nearly 22 years in prison. Ferrier will also be permanently deported from the United States after completing her prison term.
The sentencing serves as a reminder that politically motivated violence has no place in society and highlights the potential harm posed by such actions.
Stuart Delery, the White House counsel under President Biden, has announced his plan to step down next month. As one of the key figures in shaping important policies and defending President Biden against Republican attacks, Delery's departure raises questions about the future dynamics within the West Wing.
Delery's exit comes at a crucial time, with the final 15-month sprint to the next election approaching. The White House has yet to name a successor, but a new counsel is expected to be in place before Delery officially leaves.
This departure is part of a broader staff reshuffling effort by the White House Chief of Staff, Jeffrey D. Zients. Cabinet secretaries have been asked to decide in the coming weeks whether they plan to stay or depart, in order to avoid distracting confirmations during the campaign season.
The Biden administration has experienced a relatively steady team compared to previous administrations, with a turnover rate below the modern average. However, the departure of key inner circle members like Delery and advisers like Steven J. will undoubtedly impact the president's decision-making process and legal strategy going forward.
As the White House counsel's office has been at the forefront of responding to congressional investigations, Delery's departure raises questions about the administration's ability to handle ongoing scrutiny, particularly as House Republicans investigate Hunter Biden and the origins of COVID-19.
The White House has not announced a specific reason for Delery's departure, but sources suggest it has been long planned. With the election approaching, the search for a suitable replacement is on, and the legacy of President Biden's legal counsel will soon be passed on to a new team.
The 2023 Little League World Series is set to begin in Williamsport, Pa., with 20 teams competing for the title. The tournament will run from August 17 to August 27. This year, there will be 10 teams from the United States and 10 international teams participating in the expanded field.
Last season, Hawaii's Honolulu Little League team emerged as the champions, defeating the Caribbean Region in a lopsided championship game. This year, El Segundo Little League from California will represent the West Region.
The United States has dominated the tournament in recent years, with American teams winning the last four consecutive titles. The last international team to win the event was Japan in 2017.
If you're interested in watching the games, ESPN, ESPN2, and ABC will be broadcasting all 38 games of the Little League World Series. The championship game will be televised on Sunday, August 27, at 3 p.m. ET on ABC.
In addition to TV coverage, you can also stream the games online through subscription-based streaming services like YouTube TV or Fubo, both of which offer free trials for new subscribers. The games will also be streamed on the ESPN app, although you may need to provide proof of your cable or TV provider to access the live streams.
So get ready to cheer on your favorite little league teams as they battle it out for the coveted title of Little League World Series champions.
Larsa Pippen and boyfriend Marcus Jordan were seen putting on a united front despite Michael Jordan's recent disapproval of their relationship. The couple was photographed walking hand in hand out of Miami's Beach Marina and into a black SUV. This outing comes just a few weeks after Michael Jordan gave a curt response of "No!" when asked about his thoughts on his son dating his former teammate Scottie Pippen's ex-wife.
Larsa, a star on the "Real Housewives of Miami," wore a see-through beach cover-up over a black bikini and accessorized her look with a diamond necklace and Dior slides. Marcus, on the other hand, wore Off-White swimming trunks and a black button-down shirt which he left open to show off his physique.
Despite Michael Jordan's disapproval, Larsa has spoken about being in a great place in her relationship with Marcus and hinted at the possibility of marriage. The couple even sparked engagement speculation when asked about the possibility of tying the knot in the future, to which Marcus responded, "It's in the works."
Larsa and Marcus have been openly showing their love and support for each other, seemingly unfazed by Michael Jordan's comments. Their relationship remains strong as they continue to enjoy their time together.
