The 12-person jury is set to hear opening statements in former President Donald Trump’s criminal trial. Learn more about what is in the $95 billion foreign aid package passed by the House. These stories and more highlight The Morning Rundown for Monday, April 22, 2024.
Jury to hear opening statements in Trump’s first criminal trial
Monday, April 22, marks the first time in U.S. history that opening statements will be delivered in a criminal trial against a former American president. Prosecutors will present their case to the 12-person jury in a Manhattan courtroom, accusing former President Donald Trump of engaging in an “illegal conspiracy” intended to “conceal criminal conduct that hid damaging information” from voters ahead of the 2016 presidential election.
Trump faces 34 counts of falsifying business records related to hush money payments given to adult film star Stormy Daniels by Trump’s then-attorney, Michael Cohen. Prosecutors allege that when Trump repaid Cohen, he covered up the payments in his company’s records. Trump has denied any wrongdoing, and his lawyers have argued the payments to Cohen were legitimate legal expenses.
Both Cohen and Daniels are expected to testify in the trial, which is estimated to last six weeks. Trump also said he would be willing testify.
Trump’s lawyer, Todd Blanche, will give the opening statement for the defense, where he is expected to argue that both Cohen and Daniels are unreliable witnesses with biases against the former president.
Former National Enquirer publisher David Pecker is expected to take the stand as the first witness for the prosecution.
If convicted, Trump could face up to four years in prison for each count.
Homeless encampment case heads to the Supreme Court
The Supreme Court will hear oral arguments on Monday, April 22, in a case questioning whether cities can fine and jail the homeless for sleeping on public property or if such actions constitute “cruel and unusual punishment.”
The case originates from Grants Pass, Oregon, where the city has prohibited homeless encampments in public parks, imposing fines starting at $295 and jail terms of up to 30 days for repeat offenses. The city maintains that its law applies to all, not just the homeless.
However, a federal appeals court ruled that the ban violates the Eighth Amendment, as it punishes individuals who have no other living options and the city does not provide adequate housing. Grants Pass contends that fines and short-term jail sentences are not cruel and unusual, seeking a definitive ruling from the Supreme Court.
The decision could significantly influence how cities nationwide manage homeless encampments.
House passes $95 billion foreign aid package, including bill on TikTok
The House passed a foreign aid package over the weekend, a victory for Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., as he managed dissent within his own party and turned to Democratic colleagues for support. The $95 billion package supports Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan, replenishes U.S. arms, and includes measures to seize Russian assets and regulate TikTok, divided across four bills.
The legislation directs $60 billion to aid Ukraine in its conflict with Russia, including military support efforts against Russian aggression.
“I think this support will really strengthen the armed forces, I pray, and we will have a chance at victory if Ukraine really gets the weapons system, which we need so much, which thousands of soldiers need so much,” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said, speaking with NBC’s “Meet the Press”.
The package includes $26 billion for Israel, with significant funding for missile defense systems and other military operations to counter threats from Iran.
In the Indo-Pacific, the proposal dedicates about $8 billion to strengthen U.S. and allied military capabilities, highlighting concerns over potential Chinese actions against Taiwan.
The fourth bill includes policies for selling TikTok, using Russian assets to fund Ukraine aid and increasing sanctions against international drug trafficking. This bill now heads to the Senate.
Israeli military intelligence chief resigns over Oct. 7 warning failure
The Israeli military announced this morning that its intelligence chief, Major General Aharon Haliva, is stepping down.
This marks the first resignation of a senior figure following Hamas’ terror attack and the ongoing war. Haliva has previously stated that he failed to warn of Hamas’ assault on Oct. 7 and takes full responsibility. In his resignation letter, he expressed that he will forever carry the burden of that “black day” and the pain of the war.
Haliva served with the Israeli Defense Forces for 38 years.
U.S. journalist, held hostage nearly seven years in Lebanon, dead at 76
Terry Anderson, a prominent Associated Press correspondent who was one of America’s longest-held hostages, died Sunday, April 21, due to complications from heart surgery.
Anderson was kidnapped in Lebanon in 1985 and held captive for nearly seven years by Islamic militants. After his release in 1991, he wrote the best-selling memoir “Den of Lions,” detailing his harrowing experience. Anderson passed away at his home in Greenwood Lake, New York.
He spent his later years on a small horse farm in Virginia, enjoying a peaceful life despite ongoing struggles with PTSD. He was 76.
Mary J. Blige, Cher, Foreigner among Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame has announced the musicians who will make up the Class of 2024.
The inductees include Mary J. Blige, Cher, Dave Matthews Band, Foreigner, Peter Frampton, Kool and the Gang, Ozzy Osbourne and A Tribe Called Quest. Additionally, the late Jimmy Buffett will be honored with the Musical Excellence Award.
The ceremony will stream live from Cleveland on Disney+ on Oct. 19.
