Special counsel Jack Smith is facing pressure in Donald Trump’s classified documents case as Judge Aileen Cannon requested jury instructions from both sides. Smith, unhappy with this request, may reach his breaking point and seek Cannon’s removal from the case. The request for jury instructions centered around the Presidential Records Act, with Trump’s interpretation of how classified documents can be preserved after leaving office being a crucial point of contention. Despite Smith’s objections, Cannon seems determined to move forward with her request, leading to potential further complications in the case.
In response to pressure from President Joe Biden, Israel has committed to opening additional aid routes into Gaza to prevent a humanitarian crisis. This decision comes after a strike that killed seven aid workers, prompting Biden to warn of a potential shift in U.S. policy. Israel will open the Ashdod port for direct aid delivery to Gaza, open the Erez crossing for aid flows into north Gaza, and increase deliveries from Jordan. Additionally, Biden hinted at the possibility of conditioning military aid to Israel on addressing humanitarian concerns in Gaza and achieving a ceasefire promptly.
Gaza’s universities, once a beacon of hope for young Palestinians seeking a better life, have been devastated by Israel’s bombardment. At least five of Gaza’s major universities have been destroyed or partially damaged during the conflict, leading to the disruption of education for thousands of students. This destruction has dashed the dreams and plans of many students, including Aya Salameh, a 21-year-old student whose graduation was postponed due to the destruction of her university and home.
Sean “Diddy” Combs is facing a lawsuit alleging that his son, Christian Combs, sexually assaulted a woman while she worked on a yacht chartered by Combs. This lawsuit is the latest in a series of legal troubles for Combs, who is under federal investigation for sex trafficking allegations. The lawsuit includes transcriptions of audio clips purportedly documenting the woman’s refusal of Christian Combs’ advances. Combs and his representatives have not responded to the allegations.
In a rare celestial event, a total solar eclipse will cross over 15 U.S. states, offering an opportunity for millions to witness the phenomenon. Tens of millions will be within the path of totality, where the full eclipse will be visible, while others will experience a partial eclipse. NASA advises using special eclipse glasses or pinhole projectors to safely view the eclipse and avoid eye damage. Festivals, art projects, and even a mass wedding ceremony have been organized across the country to celebrate the event.
Derrick Dearman, an Alabama death row inmate, has chosen to drop his appeals and request execution in order to provide closure to the victims’ families. Dearman, who murdered five people, including a pregnant woman, and kidnapped his girlfriend and a baby, expressed remorse for his crimes and acknowledged that words cannot change the gravity of his actions. Despite being high on methamphetamine at the time of the murders, Dearman has decided to accept responsibility and face the consequences of his actions.
