Former White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows reportedly informed former President Donald Trump that the claims of election fraud in the 2020 election were baseless, according to anonymous sources cited by ABC News and Bloomberg. Meadows, who is facing criminal charges related to efforts to overturn the election and the events of January 6, 2021, allegedly testified before a federal grand jury and told them that he had informed Trump that the election was not being stolen. However, despite this alleged conversation, Meadows continued to push election fraud claims in his book and beyond. In the book, Meadows used language such as "stolen" and "rigged" when discussing the election and blamed the media for ignoring allegations of fraud. It is unclear what Meadows' lawyer told ABC News regarding the accuracy of their story. Meadows was reportedly granted immunity in exchange for his testimony, and his statements cannot be used against him in federal court. The report raises questions about the extent to which Meadows and Trump were aware of the baselessness of the election fraud claims.

Israeli UN ambassador demands UN secretary-general resign after 'shocking' speech

Israel's ambassador to the United Nations, Gilad Erdan, has called on UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to resign after he expressed what Erdan called "shocking" views during a Security Council meeting. Guterres stated that the recent terror attacks on Israel by Hamas did not happen in a vacuum, which Erdan interpreted as understanding for terrorism and murder. Erdan called the secretary-general's views "distorted and immoral."

Erdan's demand for resignation comes as tensions mount in the Israeli conflict. The Israeli Navy recently intercepted a group of Hamas terrorists attempting to infiltrate Israel by sea, resulting in the deaths of four terrorists.

Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron visited Israel and called for an international coalition to fight against Hamas and warned against opening new fronts in the war. Macron's visit comes as Israel's military anticipates "long weeks of fighting ahead," although they have not confirmed if a ground invasion of Gaza is imminent.

The conflict continues to escalate, with the International Committee of the Red Cross reporting that some hospitals in northern Gaza are facing power shortages and a shortage of medicines.

As the conflict between Israel and Hamas intensifies, the United States has sent additional military advisers to Israel to assist with planning and provide support. The move comes as Israel prepares for a potential ground invasion of Gaza and the death toll continues to rise.

With the situation in Gaza deteriorating rapidly, fears of a wider war have increased. The US has bolstered its ground troops and deployed two top military advisers to Israel in an effort to aid in the planning of a potential ground assault. The advisers will also provide expertise in coordinating operations and providing air defense support.

The release of hostages has become a major concern for western leaders, who are urging Israel to delay a ground invasion to allow for their release. The recent releases of Israeli and American women by Hamas have heightened concerns about the safety of hostages and the need to evacuate them before a potential ground assault.

The United Nations has expressed concern about the dwindling aid reaching Gaza. Only 54 aid trucks have entered the region in the past few days, which is significantly below the amount needed to address the growing humanitarian crisis. Hospitals in Gaza are overwhelmed, and the lack of water and gas further exacerbates the situation.

French President Emmanuel Macron, who is in Tel Aviv, has proposed a coalition of willing nations to fight Hamas and called for the release of kidnapped French citizens. The escalating violence has put Western military bases in the region at risk of attacks, prompting calls for a united front against Hamas.

As the conflict continues to escalate, the international community is closely monitoring the situation and considering further intervention to prevent further loss of life and mitigate the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Michael Cohen, former lawyer for Donald Trump, testified in a civil fraud trial on Tuesday, alleging that Trump inflated his net worth in order to secure favorable loans. Cohen claimed that he was tasked by Trump to increase the total assets based on an arbitrary number chosen by Trump himself. Cohen, along with Allen Weisselberg, Trump Organization ex-CFO, worked to "reverse engineer" the value of Trump Organization assets in order to achieve the desired number. This testimony places Trump at the top of a conspiracy to defraud banks and insurers about his worth.

The civil fraud trial, brought by New York Attorney General Letitia James, seeks a fine of $250 million and a ban on Trump doing business in his home state. The trial has already ruled that Trump overestimated the value of his properties to secure loans. Trump has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing and claims that his assets were undervalued.

This dramatic day in court saw Trump and Cohen face-to-face for the first time in five years. Trump watched intently from the defense table as Cohen testified against him. Throughout the day, Trump used court recesses to discredit Cohen, referring to him as a "proven liar" and a "felon." The trial is expected to continue in the coming weeks, with Trump potentially testifying at some point.

|||||1 hr 52 min ago

Lawyers spar over positive Covid tests and trial delay

From CNN's Lauren del Valle and Jeremy Herb

During Tuesday's proceedings in Donald Trump's civil fraud trial, lawyers sparred over positive Covid tests within the New York attorney general's office. Trump attorney Chris Kise objected to the court proceedings, citing that four members of the attorney general's staff had tested positive and accused the office of not disclosing the information earlier. Judge Arthur Engoron decided to proceed with the trial, noting that masks are available and that the attorney general's office had followed CDC guidelines. Trump and his legal team were not wearing masks during the proceedings, and only a few people in the gallery were wearing masks. The trial will continue as scheduled.

Hurricane Otis has rapidly intensified into a powerful Category 4 storm as it makes its way towards Mexico's Pacific coast, with landfall expected early Wednesday. The U.S. National Hurricane Center warns that Otis could be "potentially catastrophic" upon reaching the coast. Its maximum sustained winds have reached 145 mph, classifying it as a major hurricane. As of Tuesday evening, the storm was about 85 miles from the popular beach city of Acapulco, and a hurricane warning was in effect for the coastline from Punta Maldonado to Zihuatanejo. Authorities in the state of Guerrero have suspended school classes and made preparations for opening emergency shelters. The NHC predicts rainfall of up to 15 inches and warns of flash flooding, urban flooding, and mudslides in areas of higher terrain. Additionally, a potentially life-threatening storm surge is expected to produce coastal flooding. While hurricanes are a common occurrence in Mexico, few make landfall as a Category 5 storm.

The Chinese government has officially removed its defense minister, Li Shangfu, from his position, according to state media. Li had not been seen in public since late August, leading to speculation about his fate. This comes shortly after the removal of former foreign minister Qin Gang. The reasons for Li's removal have not been provided. Experts believe that these dismissals indicate a period of turmoil within the ruling Communist Party. The Chinese military has also experienced turmoil, with top leaders of the Rocket Force being removed. Despite these changes, it is unclear if they will result in any significant shifts in China's foreign or defense policies. The United States has accepted an invitation to attend a Chinese security conference, potentially opening up opportunities for improved military-to-military relations between the two countries. The removal of Li Shangfu as defense minister suggests a potential shake-up within China's ruling elite, but the full implications remain to be seen.

Photos of a "Dean Phillips for President" bus on an Ohio freeway have sparked speculation about the Minnesota Democrat's potential run for president in 2024. While Phillips has not formally announced his candidacy, sources close to him say he is 99% likely to run. Phillips has been critical of incumbent President Joe Biden, stating that he should not seek re-election due to his advancing age. If Phillips decides to enter the race, he would likely face off against other candidates in the New Hampshire primary. However, it is expected that Biden will skip New Hampshire and prioritize other states in the nominating calendar. Despite the bus sighting, Phillips has remained tight-lipped about his plans, responding to the photos by calling the bus "great looking." As the Friday deadline to file in New Hampshire approaches, the question remains: will Dean Phillips officially throw his hat in the ring for the 2024 presidential race?

Louisiana State Police are investigating a series of crashes on Interstate 55 that resulted in the deaths of eight people and injured 63. The crashes were caused by a combination of dense fog and smoke from marsh fires, which severely reduced visibility on the highway. The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (LaDOTD) does not typically close interstates due to fog, but some are questioning whether that policy should change in light of this tragedy. One victim of the crashes, Qutub Singh Negi, was described as a gentle and respected chef who was loved by his customers. As cleanup efforts continue and bridge repairs are identified, experts warn that similar conditions could occur if dry weather persists and marsh fires continue to burn. The Louisiana State Police and LaDOTD will need to evaluate their current policies in order to prevent future deadly crashes on Louisiana highways.

The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) has released an audio recording of a conversation between a Hamas operative and his father, in which the operative brags about killing Israelis during the October 7 attack. In the call, the man addresses his father and boasts about killing Jews, saying, "Look how many I killed with my own hands! Your son killed Jews!" He also tells his father that he is calling from an Israeli woman's phone that he had just murdered. The father responds with praise, saying, "Oh my son, God bless you." The operative also asks his parents to check his WhatsApp, telling his mother, "Mom, your son is a hero." The audio recording was released by the IDF and has been circulated on social media.

Earlier this week, Israel also released a video showing Hamas operatives confessing to killing civilians in Israel. The men claim that they were promised stipends for taking Israeli civilians hostage, with incentives like $10,000 and an apartment. The video also reveals that the operatives were instructed to kidnap elderly and children. The release of the audio recording and video is part of Israel's efforts to expose the actions and motivations of Hamas terrorists during the recent escalation of violence.

A winter storm is set to hit the northwestern US and parts of the Northern Plains, bringing heavy snowfall and plunging temperatures. The storm, which is the first significant snowfall of the season, is expected to leave high elevation areas buried in more than a foot of fresh snow. The cold air and deep moisture will spread from Washington and Oregon through much of Montana on Tuesday before the storm drops into the Northwest on Tuesday night. Snowfall is expected to start on Monday night or Tuesday morning in the Cascades in Washington, with higher elevations experiencing more snow and potentially disruptive travel conditions. The storm will continue to move east, covering portions of Idaho and Montana, as well as the Cascades in Oregon. Temperatures will plummet, forcing high-elevation locations to fall well below freezing, with some areas dropping into the single digits. By Tuesday night, heavy snowfall is expected, with pass levels in the Cascades potentially seeing six inches or more of snow. The storm will continue to bring snow and wind to the Northwest and northern Rockies, with some low elevation spots also experiencing wintry weather.

Former Trump campaign lawyer Jenna Ellis has pleaded guilty to one count of aiding and abetting false statements in the Georgia election subversion case. Ellis is the third person to plead guilty in the past week in connection to the case. She has agreed to cooperate with Fulton County prosecutors and will testify on behalf of the prosecution at future trials. Ellis expressed deep remorse for her involvement in Donald Trump's attempts to overturn the 2020 election and stated that she would have declined to represent him if she had known then what she knows now. The guilty pleas of Ellis, along with former campaign lawyer Sidney Powell and Kenneth Chesebro, who helped devise the fake electors plot, are significant milestones for Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis, who is preparing for trials against Trump, Rudy Giuliani, Mark Meadows, and other top figures. Four out of the 19 people originally charged in the case have now pleaded guilty. Ellis has been sentenced to five years of probation and ordered to pay $5,000 in restitution.

The Senate has unanimously approved Michael Whitaker as the new administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), ending a nearly 19-month vacancy in the agency's top position. Whitaker, a former deputy FAA administrator and the former COO of an air taxi development company, will take over an agency dealing with several challenges. These challenges include a surge in close calls between planes at major airports, a shortage of air traffic controllers, and aging technology that led to a temporary nationwide halt in flights earlier this year.

Whitaker's confirmation was widely expected after he received unanimous endorsement from the Senate Commerce Committee last week. Senate Commerce Committee Chair Maria Cantwell stated that Whitaker's priorities would be to build a strong safety culture, attract new talent, and keep pace with technology advancements.

Whitaker's confirmation comes after the failed nomination of Phil Washington, CEO of Denver International Airport, due to opposition from Republicans and Sen. Kyrsten Sinema. The FAA had been without a Senate-confirmed administrator since March 2022.

As the new FAA administrator, Whitaker will face the challenge of addressing the agency's staffing shortage, modernizing its aging technology, and ensuring the safety of the flying public. He has expressed a commitment to focusing on safety, hiring, and technology upgrades. The FAA is also seeking to eliminate near misses between planes and address the growing presence of flying taxis and drones in the airspace.

Dr. Connor Bowman, a Minnesota doctor and former poison control specialist, has been arrested and charged with second-degree murder for allegedly poisoning his wife, Betty Bowman. The police investigation collected evidence suggesting that he gave her a drug for an ailment she did not have, which led to her death in August. The couple was reportedly facing financial and marital troubles, and Connor stood to gain a significant life insurance payout from Betty's death. Witnesses came forward after her death, and the University of Kansas, where Connor worked, notified authorities of suspicious searches he made regarding the drug in question. Betty was admitted to the hospital with symptoms of diarrhea and dehydration before experiencing cardiac issues, fluid in her lungs, and organ failure. Connor attempted to stop an autopsy and wanted to cremate his wife's body immediately, but the medical examiner's office determined her death to be suspicious. Connor, who has a history of working in poison control, is currently being held on a $2 million bail.

Former Trump campaign lawyer Jenna Ellis has pleaded guilty to one count of aiding and abetting false statements in the Georgia election subversion case. Ellis, along with other Donald Trump lawyers, peddled election lies to Georgia lawmakers in December 2020. She was sentenced to five years probation and ordered to pay $5,000 in restitution. Ellis delivered a tearful statement to the judge disavowing her participation in Trump's attempts to overturn the 2020 election. This is the third guilty plea in the case, following Sidney Powell and Kenneth Chesebro. The three former Trump insiders have all agreed to testify on behalf of the prosecution at future trials, and these plea deals are seen as a significant step forward for Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis. The prosecutors originally charged 19 people in the case, and four have now pleaded guilty. Trials are still pending for Trump, Rudy Giuliani, Mark Meadows, and other top figures who have pleaded not guilty.

Two Israeli hostages, Nurit Cooper, 79, and Yocheved Lifshitz, 85, who were kidnapped by Hamas on October 7, have been released and handed over to the International Red Cross. The elderly women were immediately flown to a hospital in Tel Aviv for medical evaluation and are reportedly doing well. However, their husbands, Amiram Cooper, 84, and Oded Lifshitz, 83, along with more than 200 other hostages, are still being held by Hamas in Gaza. Hamas cited humanitarian reasons for releasing the women, but Israel sees it as an attempt to improve their image.

In an interview with Western media, Khaled Mashaal, a Hamas leader living in Qatar, stated that Hamas will release all civilian hostages if Israel stops its attack on Gaza. Mashaal believes that mediators, such as Qatar and Egypt, can help facilitate the release, but it can only happen if the intensity of Israel's air offensive diminishes.

Meanwhile, the Israeli Intelligence community presented raw footage to the foreign press, showing evidence of atrocities committed by Hamas, including murder, torture, and decapitation of Israeli citizens. This footage is part of Israel's effort to combat denials of Hamas's massacres.

As the release of the two hostages raises hope, the fate of the remaining hostages and the future of the Israel-Palestine conflict remain uncertain.

Hanaan Shahin, a Palestinian American woman, is speaking out for the first time since her 6-year-old son was killed in a suspected hate crime in a Chicago suburb. The attack, which left Shahin with multiple stab wounds, was allegedly carried out by their landlord, who targeted them because of their Muslim faith. The incident is believed to be a response to the escalating conflict between Israel and Hamas. Shahin, who recently released from the hospital, has issued a statement through the Chicago chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), asking the public to "pray for peace" and expressing her belief in the pursuit of justice. The head of CAIR-Chicago, Ahmed Rehab, met with Shahin after her release and described her as strong and focused on her physical and mental recovery. Despite the painful loss and trauma she experienced, Shahin's spirit remains strong, finding solace in her faith. Shahin's call for peace comes amid rising tensions surrounding the Israel-Palestine conflict and serves as a reminder to strive for peace and unity in the face of hatred and violence.

A manhunt is underway in Massachusetts for Aaron Pennington, an Air Force veteran suspected of fatally shooting his wife, Breanne Pennington, at their home in Gardner. Massachusetts State Police are searching for Pennington, who is considered "armed and dangerous." Police were called to the couple's home on Cherry Street on Sunday morning and found Breanne dead. The couple's four children, who were inside the house at the time, have been taken into custody by the Department of Children and Families. Authorities have released a description of Pennington and believe he may be driving a white BMW. The neighbor who called 911 reported that Pennington's children had come to her house scared because they couldn't find their father and their mother was crying. Investigators discovered that the couple had been dealing with marital issues, and Breanne had been planning to move to Texas with the children to get away from Aaron. Friends and family describe Breanne as a loving and caring mother who always saw the best in people.

In a dramatic courtroom showdown, Michael Cohen testified that he was instructed by Donald Trump to arbitrarily inflate the value of his assets. Cohen, Trump's former fixer-turned-adversary, testified in New York as a key witness in a lawsuit brought by the state's attorney general, Letitia James, alleging that Trump and his company deceived banks and insurers by providing inflated financial statements. Cohen claimed that he and former Trump Organization finance chief Allen Weisselberg worked to increase the value of various asset classes based on Trump's instructions. When asked what number they were aiming for, Cohen replied, "Whatever number Trump told us to." Trump, who denies the allegations, dismissed Cohen's testimony as that of a "proven liar." The highly anticipated testimony marked the first time in five years that Cohen and Trump came face-to-face. The trial continues to unfold as Cohen faces cross-examination in court.

A manhunt is currently underway for Aaron Pennington, the husband of Breanne Pennington, who was found dead in their Gardner, Massachusetts home on Sunday. The Massachusetts State Police have released a photo of Pennington and are warning the public to consider him "armed and dangerous."

Four children, ranging in age from 2 to 9, alerted a neighbor to their mother's death, stating that their father was not home and that their mother was crying in her bedroom. Responding officers found Breanne Pennington with a gunshot wound to the face. Police have discovered three shell casings in the bedroom but have not yet located the weapon.

Court documents reveal that Breanne Pennington had been planning to move to Texas with the children to escape her husband's mental health issues. While it is known that she had a firearm in the house for protection, neither she nor Aaron Pennington had a license to carry a firearm in Massachusetts. Aaron Pennington is now facing charges of unlawful possession of a firearm.

The search for Aaron Pennington is centered around a heavily wooded campground in Gardner, a location used by the Boy Scouts and churches. Authorities are urging anyone who sees Pennington to call 911 and to not approach him.

Despite requests from residents, the city of Gardner has advised against holding vigils for Breanne Pennington at this time, as the focus needs to be on the ongoing investigation and search for the suspect.

Jim Jordan, a congressman from Ohio, has been a fierce ally of Donald Trump throughout his time in office. However, his loyalty to the former president has raised questions about his legacy and effectiveness as a legislator.

During his nine terms in Congress, Jordan has become known for his aggressive and combative style, often shredding witnesses and colleagues alike in his role as Trump's attack dog. He has been a vocal defender of Trump during the impeachment proceedings and the claims of a fraudulent election.

Despite his loyalty to Trump, Jordan's career has lacked any landmark legislation or consequential speeches. He has focused more on destruction than construction, according to critics. This has led to concerns about his effectiveness as a legislator and his ability to get things done for his constituents.

Furthermore, Jordan's refusal to certify Joe Biden's election and his acceptance of the Medal of Freedom from Trump have drawn criticism. Some argue that the award was more of a payoff or a pardon, rather than an honor bestowed on a deserving recipient.

While Jordan's supporters view him as a strong defender of conservative principles, critics question whether his loyalty to Trump will define his legacy. As history remembers the Trump era, Jordan's role as a loyal ally may be seen as either admirable or misguided, depending on one's perspective.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

SKIP STORY

U.S. intelligence officials have concluded that the blast at a Gaza hospital last week was caused by a Palestinian rocket that suffered engine failure and broke apart into two pieces. While they have "high confidence" that it was not Israel who fired the rocket, they have "low confidence" in identifying which Palestinian group launched it. Previous indications pointed to Palestine Islamic Jihad (PIJ) as the likely culprit. However, the evidence was based on intercepted conversations between suspected Hamas militants discussing the rocket launch. Despite the authenticity of the audio, officials cannot confirm the identities of the individuals. U.S. analysis was based on intelligence, physical activity, open source video, and images that all led to the conclusion that the explosion was caused by a rocket blast, not an Israeli bomb or artillery round. The U.S. officials also disputed the death toll provided by the Hamas-led Health Ministry, suggesting a range between 100 and 300 casualties, likely at the lower end of that spectrum.

Two more hostages, elderly women, were released on Monday by Hamas in Gaza. The release was brokered by Egypt and Qatar, and there is video footage of the handover. However, their husbands are still being held captive, along with approximately 220 other hostages, including 10 Americans. The ongoing hostage situation has complicated Israeli airstrikes on Gaza, as negotiations for the release of the remaining captives continue. Israel's military has gathered troops and tanks along the border with Gaza, but has not yet launched a ground operation.

The situation in Gaza remains dire, with heavy bombardment by Israeli forces and sound of bombs everywhere. The Biden administration has stated that they are working tirelessly to get all Americans out of Gaza. The release of the two Israeli hostages is seen as a positive sign, as well as the involvement of the U.S. and Qatar in securing the release of two American hostages.

Meanwhile, there are growing calls for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza, with the hope of allowing more hostages, especially women, children, and the elderly, to escape from Hamas. A recent poll shows that a majority of Israelis support a plan where Hamas releases the hostages in exchange for the Israeli government releasing Palestinian children held in Israeli jails. The international community, including the U.S. president and the UN secretary general, continues to push for a resolution to the crisis and the delivery of aid to Palestinians in Gaza.

As the hostage situation continues, the question remains: Will Israel's military walk into Gaza soon to rescue the remaining hostages?

The Georgia Supreme Court has rejected a lower court ruling that declared the state's restrictive abortion law invalid, leaving limited access to abortions unchanged for now. In a 6-1 decision, the state Supreme Court stated that the lower court judge was wrong in his ruling. The law bans most abortions after roughly six weeks, when fetal cardiac activity can be detected.

The ruling does not change the current abortion access in Georgia, and it is not the final decision on the state's ban. The case has been sent back to the Fulton County Superior Court to consider other arguments, including whether the law violates the rights to privacy of Georgia residents.

The American Civil Liberties Union of Georgia expressed disappointment with the opinion, saying that the Georgia Supreme Court disregarded long-standing precedent. The ruling has also been criticized by abortion rights groups and providers, who argue that the state constitution does not allow the Legislature to enact statutes that violate the law.

Despite the ruling, the battle over Georgia's abortion law is far from over. But for now, the restrictive law remains in place.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has raised concerns about the security risks involved in delivering aid to hospitals in northern Gaza. WHO's regional director, Rick Brennan, stated that there are no security guarantees for aid workers to deliver supplies to Al-Shifa Hospital and other hospitals in the north. As a result, delivering essential health supplies to these hospitals is currently not possible. Brennan emphasized the urgent need for a humanitarian cease-fire to ensure the safe delivery of supplies throughout the area.

The aid deliveries to Gaza have been limited, with a total of 34 trucks arriving over the weekend, carrying drinking water, food, medicine, and other medical supplies. Aid organizations estimate that around 100 truckloads of supplies are needed daily to meet the basic needs of the population. Fuel deliveries are also crucial for powering generators in hospitals and the infrastructure for water supply. Despite these efforts, the inspection process by Israel has caused severe delays, with only eight out of 20 aid trucks scheduled to enter Gaza through the Rafah crossing delivered on Tuesday.

The situation highlights the challenges faced in providing essential aid to Gaza amid ongoing hostilities and security concerns. The WHO continues to call for immediate action to ensure the safe delivery of supplies to hospitals in northern Gaza.

A man connected to the former missing Arizona teenager, Alicia Navarro, has been arrested and charged with two felony counts of sexual abuse of children. Edmund Davis, 36 years old, was arrested in Chinook, Montana, following an investigation by the Montana Attorney General's Office. The investigation began after Navarro showed up at the Havre Police Station in July, stating that she wanted to clear her status as a missing person. She had vanished from Glendale, Arizona, in 2019 when she was 14 years old. When police searched Davis's apartment, they found child sex abuse material on his cellphone. Glendale police confirmed that the images depicted minors under the age of 13, with two images showing children under the age of 5. Davis is currently being held in the Hill County Detention Center on a $1 million bond. The connection between Davis and Navarro is still under investigation, and it is unclear if Navarro has been reunited with her family.