The hush money trial involving former President Donald Trump is coming to a close, with the defense having rested its case. Testimony from defense witness Robert Costello included a tense exchange with prosecutor Susan Hoffinger, but notably, Trump himself did not testify. NBC News reporter Katherine Doyle, who has been following the trial closely, provides insight into what to expect from the closing arguments. Prosecutors will focus on Trump’s intention to conceal another crime, while the defense is expected to paint Cohen, the government’s star witness, as untrustworthy. The trial is scheduled to conclude next week with closing arguments and jury deliberations.
In Iowa, devastating tornadoes have left several people dead and many others injured. The town of Greenfield was hit particularly hard, with officials confirming fatalities and numerous injuries. The storms were part of a larger system that affected multiple states, with reports of tornadoes and damaging hail. The National Weather Service warns that an estimated 38 million people are at risk of severe weather across the central U.S. The aftermath of the tornadoes is a reminder of the destructive power of nature and the importance of preparedness and response measures.
In international news, three U.S. allies—Norway, Ireland, and Spain—have announced their formal recognition of a Palestinian state. This move is seen as a diplomatic blow to Israel, which has expressed concern that this recognition could impede efforts to secure the release of hostages and hamper peace negotiations. The recognition comes in the context of ongoing tensions in the region, including the International Criminal Court’s intention to seek arrest warrants for Israeli and Hamas leaders. The U.S. has expressed support for a two-state solution but does not formally recognize a Palestinian state.
A new study has found that teenagers who use cannabis are at a significantly higher risk of developing psychotic disorders. The research from the University of Toronto adds to a growing body of evidence linking cannabis use to adverse mental health outcomes, especially in adolescence. The study highlights the need for further research and education on the potential risks of cannabis use among young people. While the study does not establish a direct causal relationship between cannabis use and psychotic disorders, the findings underscore the importance of proactive measures to address substance abuse issues among teenagers.
In a bizarre incident, a man in New Zealand has been fined for attempting to “body slam” a killer whale swimming near his boat. The man’s actions, captured in a social media video, were described as reckless and irresponsible by authorities. The incident serves as a reminder of the need for responsible behavior around wildlife and the importance of conservation efforts to protect marine animals. The man’s actions and the ensuing consequences highlight the need for public awareness and education on marine wildlife conservation.
In politics, GOP California Assemblyman Vince Fong won a special election to fill former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy’s seat. Louisiana lawmakers approved a bill that would add medications used for abortions to the state’s list of controlled substances, sparking concerns about access to reproductive healthcare. President Joe Biden announced a new round of federal student debt forgiveness, benefiting thousands of borrowers. These developments underscore the ongoing debate around key political issues and the impact of policy decisions on individuals and communities.
