Alec Baldwin sues New Mexico prosecutors over ‘Rust’ trial
Actor Alec Baldwin is suing New Mexico prosecutors. The lawsuit accuses them of malicious prosecution and civil rights violations.
The suit was filed nearly six months after a judge dismissed involuntary manslaughter charges against Baldwin. The dismissal cited prosecutors’ failure to disclose key evidence to the defense.
Baldwin alleges evidence manipulation
In the lawsuit, Baldwin claims prosecutors and investigators targeted him unfairly. He accuses them of deliberately concealing or manipulating evidence. The suit alleges they were “blinded by their desire to convict” and sought to “scapegoat” him.
Baldwin is seeking damages for “malicious abuse of process, intentional spoliation of evidence, defamation, and violation of the New Mexico Civil Rights Act.”
The actor maintains he was handed a prop gun on the set of “Rust” and loudly called out “cold gun” to confirm its safety. According to the lawsuit, this was a standard practice to assure cast and crew the weapon had been inspected.
Meanwhile, Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, the movie’s weapons supervisor, is serving a one-and-a-half-year prison sentence. Her case, however, is under appeal.
Filming for “Rust” resumed in August 2024, and the movie premiered globally in November. Since then, Baldwin has returned to public life, appearing on “Saturday Night Live” and announcing an upcoming reality TV show with his family.
Baldwin had been facing an involuntary manslaughter charge in the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins. Baldwin was holding a prop gun that had been loaded with a live round when it discharged on the set near Santa Fe on Oct. 21, 2021, killing Hutchins and wounding director Joel Souza.
Baldwin has maintained he never pulled the trigger on the gun and did not know it was loaded with a live round. Prosecutors withdrew the appeal after the New Mexico Attorney General’s Office said it “did not intend to exhaustively pursue the appeal on behalf of the prosecution.”
Gaetz responds after House Ethics Committee releases report
Former Florida Congressman Matt Gaetz, who at one point was President-elect Trump’s pick for attorney general, is reacting to the House Ethics Committee’s report. And former President Bill Clinton remains hospitalized after developing a fever. These stories and more highlight your Unbiased Updates for Tuesday, Dec. 24, 2024.
Gaetz responds after House Ethics Committee releases report
The House Ethics Committee released its report on its investigation into former Congressman Matt Gaetz on Monday, Dec. 23. Now, the controversial former lawmaker has responded to the committee’s findings.
The investigation found “substantial evidence” President-elect Donald Trump’s first pick for attorney general broke state and federal laws while in office, including statutory rape of a 17-year-old girl.
Gaetz resigned from Congress in November after Trump elected him to lead the Department of Justice. He withdrew his name for consideration once stories about his alleged misconduct were revealed. The allegations caused him to lose support with Republican senators needed for confirmation.
Investigators with the House Ethics Committee conducted numerous interviews, reviewed thousands of documents and submitted dozens of subpoenas.
The committee typically doesn’t release its findings but a vote from the majority of the members said the report should be made public.
The House Ethics Committee said Gaetz attempted to derail its three-year investigation by refusing to be interviewed and failing to provide exonerating evidence.
Gaetz denies all allegations, calling them nothing more than “smears” from his political enemies.
He posted on X that he was “fully exonerated” by the DOJ following a federal investigation into sex trafficking claims in 2021. He said his actions were embarrassing but not criminal and he leads a different life now.
“In my single days, I often sent funds to women I dated – even some I never dated but who asked. I dated several of these women for years. I NEVER had sexual contact with someone under 18. Any claim that I have would be destroyed in court – which is why no such claim was ever made in court,” Gaetz wrote.
“My 30’s were an era of working very hard – and playing hard too. It’s embarrassing, though not criminal, that I probably partied, womanized, drank and smoked more than I should have earlier in life.”
The Biden/Garland DOJ spent years reviewing allegations that I committed various crimes.
I was charged with nothing: FULLY EXONERATED. Not even a campaign finance violation. And the people investigating me hated me.
Then, the very “witnesses” DOJ deemed not-credible were…
Gaetz is suing the committee in federal court for releasing the report after he resigned from Congress. His lawyers argue the report will lead to irreversible damage to his reputation.
Gaetz has never been charged with a crime related to the report or any other allegations.
Straight Arrow News’ Political Correspondent Ray Bogan has a full report on the committee’s findings here.
Clinton remains hospitalized in D.C., recovering from fever
Former President Bill Clinton remains hospitalized in Washington, D.C. as he recovers from a fever. According to Angel Ureña, his deputy chief of staff, Clinton was admitted to MedStar Georgetown University Hospital Monday afternoon for testing and observation.
The 42nd president is said to be in good spirits. Ureña told CNN Clinton hopes to be home for Christmas.
A New York Post source suspected that the hospital trip came after the former president suffered from dehydration.
Bill Clinton is 78 years old. He has faced a number of health scares in the past, including being hospitalized in California in 2021 for a urinary tract infection. He also underwent two heart procedures at New York-Presbyterian Hospital — in 2004 and 2010.
California pier partially collapses, sending 3 into the Pacific Ocean
About 150 feet of the pier had already been closed to the public because of damage from previous storms. That’s the portion that collapsed into the Pacific Ocean. It included a restroom building and construction equipment used for repairing the wharf.
Authorities said one of those who fell into the water was a manager on the construction project and the other two were contractors.
Investigators immediately evacuated the wharf. It will remain closed indefinitely.
The National Weather Service said the dangerous storm that led to the collapse will continue to impact beaches along the Pacific coast throughout Tuesday, Dec. 24.
Prosecutor drops appeal to reinstate charges in deadly ‘Rust’ shooting
Baldwin had been facing an involuntary manslaughter charge in the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins. Baldwin was holding a prop gun that had been loaded with a live round when it discharged on the set near Santa Fe on Oct. 21, 2021, killing Hutchins and wounding director Joel Souza.
Baldwin has maintained he never pulled the trigger on the gun and did not know it was loaded with a live round. Prosecutors withdrew the appeal after the New Mexico Attorney General’s Office said it “did not intend to exhaustively pursue the appeal on behalf of the prosecution.”
Hawaii’s Kilauea volcano erupting again
Hawaii’s Kilauea volcano is erupting again. The Hawaii Volcano Observatory said the eruption, which started about 2:30 a.m. Monday local time, is confined to a remote, closed area of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island.
Experts said the biggest concern right now is the threat of volcanic smog, or “vog,” which could reach homes downwind.
Kilauea is one of the world’s most active volcanoes.
Where are you likely to see a ‘white Christmas’ this year?
Those dreaming of a white Christmas are more likely to see one this year than last, which saw the least snow coverage on Christmas morning since record-keeping began in 2003. According to The Weather Channel, higher elevations of the West and areas near the Canadian border have the best chance of snow this year.
Meteorologists said there’s a good chance of a white Christmas from North Dakota and northern Minnesota into the Upper peninsula of Michigan and parts of northern New England, as well sections of the Northeast — mainly west of I-95 — and in the upper-Mississippi Valley.
So, what exactly is a white Christmas? It’s defined as one inch of snow accumulation on the ground on the morning of Dec. 25.
‘Rust’ set to premiere at Camerimage Festival, honoring Halyna Hutchins
Three years after a fatal on-set tragedy, the premiere of “Rust” is now only weeks away. The film was being shot in October 2021 when cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was accidentally shot and killed.
The premiere for the movie is now set for next month at a film festival in Poland. “Rust” tells a story of a 13-year-old boy navigating through life in the 1880s after losing his parents.
The film’s team has emphasized their commitment to maintaining Halyna Hutchins’ artistic vision. Organizers of the film festival said it was important to celebrate her achievements and passion for cinematography as part of the event.
After the screening, there will be a panel featuring Director Joel Souza, who was also injured in the 2021 incident. Hutchins was best known for her work on films like “Archenemy,” “Blindfire” and “Darlin.”
In recognition of her contributions, she was posthumously awards honorary membership into the American Society of Cinematographers. The American Film Institute has also established a memorial scholarship fund in her name.
In the aftermath of her tragic death, Alec Baldwin faced manslaughter charges, which were later dismissed due to issues with evidence. Meanwhile, “Rust” armorer Hannah Gutierrez Reed is currently serving an 18-month sentence. Her defense has requested a new trial, but was denied.
Haley among former rivals to show support for Trump at RNC
Former rivals of Donald Trump call for unity during the second day of the Republican National Convention (RNC). And President Joe Biden is reportedly planning to back sweeping changes for the Supreme Court. These stories and more highlight The Morning Rundown for Wednesday, July 17, 2024.
Haley among former rivals to show support for Trump at RNC
The message on the second day of the RNC was one of unity as several former rivals of former President Donald Trump took the stage in Milwaukee to show their support for the GOP nominee — including Trump’s former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley. The former South Carolina governor and Trump’s last competitor in the primary race was greeted by cheers and a few boos from the convention crowd as she stepped to the microphone Tuesday night, July 16.
With Trump in attendance, Haley removed any doubt over her choice for president.
“I’ll start by making one thing perfectly clear: Donald Trump has my strong endorsement,” she said. “Period.”
Haley then turned her attention to the Republican voters who backed her during the primaries.
“We should acknowledge there are some Americans who don’t agree with Donald Trump 100% of the time,” Haley said. “I happen to know some of them, and I want to speak to them tonight … My message to them is simple: you don’t have to agree with Trump 100% of the time to vote for him.”
Haley also said she agrees with Trump more often than not.
“Donald Trump has been demonized,” DeSantis said. “He’s been sued, he’s been prosecuted and he nearly lost his life. We cannot let him down, and we cannot let America down.”
Day 3 will be headlined by Trump’s running mate, Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance, who will address the convention Wednesday night, July 17.
Reports: Secret Service ramped up Trump security weeks ago over Iran threat
It has been revealed that the Secret Service security was already ramped up around former President Donald Trump weeks before Saturday’s assassination attempt, after U.S. intelligence officials say they found evidence of an Iranian plot to kill him. According to multiple reports, the agency increased resources and assets for Trump’s protection in June.
So far, intelligence officials have found no ties between last weekend’s shooting and the Iranian plot.
Sources familiar with the matter say Iran has been making these types of threats since former president Trump ordered the airstrike that killed Iranian military general Qasem Soleimani in January 2020.
Reports: Biden planning to back major changes to Supreme Court
Reports say President Biden told lawmakers in the Congressional Progressive Caucus during a virtual meeting Saturday, July 13, that he had been consulting constitutional scholars on the matter for more than a month.
The proposals, which could be unveiled in the coming weeks, would need congressional approval, which is not likely given Republican control of the House and the slim Democratic majority in the Senate.
Elon Musk moving SpaceX, X headquarters out of California over new law
Calling it the “final straw” on X, Musk made the announcement in response to California’s Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom signing a new law that bars school districts from requiring teachers to notify parents if their children ask to change their gender identification.
Supporters of the law say it protects children from being forced into being outed and creates a safe place for them in school, while critics say it infringes on parents’ right to be informed.
‘Rust’ armorer’s lawyers call for new trial or case to be dismissed
Lawyers for the armorer of the film “Rust,” who was convicted of involuntary manslaughter in the 2021 deadly on-set shooting of a cinematographer, are asking for a new trial or to have her case thrown out entirely in the wake of actor Alec Baldwin’s case being dismissed. They also want her released from prison, where she’s serving an 18-month sentence following her conviction in March.
Attorneys filed a motion on behalf of Hannah Gutierrez-Reed over “severe and ongoing discovery violations by the state.” It was revealed during Baldwin’s trial that the special prosecutor in the case had suppressed evidence, which is why his case was dropped.
Oakland A’s rookie throws fastest pitch in All-Star Game history
The best in baseball battled it out in the MLB All-Star Game in Arlington, Texas Tuesday, July 16, with one rookie pitcher throwing his name into the history books. Oakland A’s closer Mason Miller not only struck out Los Angeles Dodgers star player Shohei Ohtani in his All-Star Game debut, the 25 year old followed that up by throwing the fastest pitch ever recorded at an All-Star Game.
Miller threw a 103.6 miles per hour fastball to Phillies shortstop Trea Turner, striking him out too. Miller ended up throwing eight pitches that reached triple digits during his 12-pitch inning.
Biden speaks at NATO summit, Trump holds rally in Florida
Candidates look to send a message as President Joe Biden delivers a speech at the NATO summit and former President Donald Trump spoke at a Florida rally. And the U.S.-built pier meant to bring humanitarian aid to Gaza looks to be in its final days. These stories and more highlight The Morning Rundown for Wednesday, July 10, 2024.
Biden speaks at NATO summit, Trump holds rally in Florida
With the Republican National Convention days away, the Democratic National Convention in a few weeks, and Election Day fast approaching, President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump delivered speeches on Tuesday, July 9. And while their speeches took place in very different settings, each was hoping their message would help make the case they are the better option.
Biden spoke in Washington as the three-day NATO summit kicked off, saying the alliance is stronger than it’s ever been in history.
With the focus of the summit being the NATO nations’ continued support for Ukraine, Biden spoke of the country’s resilience in its fight against Russia.
“In Europe, Putin’s war of aggression against Ukraine continues and Putin wants nothing less nothing less than Ukraine’s total subjugation, to end Ukraine’s democracy, destroy Ukraine’s culture and to wipe Ukraine off the map,” the president said. “And we know Putin won’t stop at Ukraine, but make no mistake, Ukraine can and will stop Putin.”
Biden and the leaders of Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Romania announced the delivery of new air defense systems for Ukraine. This comes just days after a deadly attack by Russia on a children’s hospital in Kyiv.
On Tuesday night, Biden held a video call with nearly 200 Democratic mayors as he reiterated that he will remain in the race despite having a “lousy night” on the debate stage and amid growing calls for him to step aside.
Meanwhile, former President Trump was back on the campaign trail, holding a rally in Florida. He commented on the speculation surrounding Biden’s candidacy since debate night.
“Our victory was so absolute that Joe’s own party now wants him to throw in the towel and surrender the presidency after a single 90-minute performance,” Trump told supporters. “They want ‘crooked Joe’ out of the race. It’s a shame the way they’re treating him. But don’t feel sorry for him. He’s a very bad guy.”
And with Trump still needing to pick his vice president, one of the potential choices for a running mate — Florida Sen. Marco Rubio — was in attendance. Trump made mention of Rubio’s presence, teasing that reporters probably expected him to make his VP announcement then and there.
In his speech, Trump said he would give Biden a chance to redeem himself — challenging the president to another debate this week, as well as a golf match, referencing an argument between the two during the first debate.
In response, a Biden campaign spokesperson said Biden doesn’t have time for “Donald Trump’s weird antics.”
U.S. Navy sailor disciplined for trying to access Biden’s medical records
As concerns over President Biden’s health remain a topic of discussion since last month’s presidential debate, word has come down of a Navy sailor who’s been disciplined for trying to access the president’s medical records on multiple occasions. The incidents occurred in late February but were disclosed on Tuesday, July 9.
The Navy said the junior sailor assigned to a medical unit in Virginia searched the military’s health care system for the name “Joe Biden” three times but did not end up pulling any details on the president. A co-worker reported the breach, and the Navy launched an investigation.
The sailor admitted he looked up the president’s name “out of curiosity.” The sailor received administrative discipline and remains in the Navy.
$230M pier created to bring aid to Gaza to be shut down for good
The pier, which has already been moved and fixed repeatedly due to bad weather and rough seas, is set to be put back in place on the coast just west of Gaza city Wednesday, July 10. It had been closed off again on June 28 because of bad weather; its third shutdown since it opened in mid-May.
BREAKING: US-built pier will be put back in Gaza for several days to move aid, then permanently removed https://t.co/VKsFqy7ZtM
U.S. military officials say the $230 million pier is being put back in place to deliver any remaining aid in Cyprus and on the floating dock several miles offshore, then it’ll be permanently removed as soon as next week.
The original plan called for it to remain operational through at least the end of the month.
Russian court issues arrest warrant for late opposition leader’s widow
The court said she would be arrested if she were to ever return to Russia. This comes as part of a Kremlin crackdown on opposition.
Ой, а что не будет обычной процедуры? Иностранный агент, потом заведение уголовного дела, потом уже арест?! Когда будете писать об этом, не забудьте, пожалуйста, написать главное: Владимир Путин – убийца и военный преступник. Его место в тюрьме, и не где-нибудь в Гааге, в уютной…
The charges are widely seen as politically motivated. Navalny was Russian President Vladimir Putin’s most outspoken critic. He died in February in an arctic penal colony while serving a 19-year sentence on extremism charges.
After her husband’s death, Navalnaya vowed to take up his work and has been lobbying against Putin’s government from abroad.
Opening arguments to begin in Alec Baldwin’s involuntary manslaughter trial
Opening arguments are set to begin Wednesday, July 10, in actor Alec Baldwin’s involuntary manslaughter trial in New Mexico. Baldwin is charged in connection with the 2021 fatal shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of the film “Rust.”
He has pleaded not guilty, claiming the gun fired accidentally. Prosecutors will look to prove that Baldwin failed to follow industry standards for firearms safety.
#BREAKING: The jury has been chosen in the #AlecBaldwin Manslaughter Trial in New Mexico.
Opening statements are set to begin tomorrow LIVE on #CourtTV.
Twelve jurors and four alternates were chosen at Tuesday’s hearing; 11 women and 5 men. If they find Baldwin guilty, he faces up to 18 months in prison.
The trial is expected to conclude by July 19.
Europe rejoins space race with launch of Ariane 6
Europe is back in space. Running years behind schedule, Europe’s Ariane 6 rocket blasted off on its maiden flight Tuesday, July 9, from the European Space Agency‘s launch site in French Guiana.
The flight deployed three sets of micro-satellites for research purposes, prompting European space officials to declare the trip a success.
However, the mission didn’t go entirely as planned. The final batch of payloads — two small capsules designed to test the conditions for surviving re-entry — was not launched after a smaller power unit shut itself down for unknown reasons.
Despite the setback, the European Space Agency said it is on track for another mission by the end of the year.
Biden’s physician responds to reports on Parkinson’s expert visits
President Joe Biden’s physician releases a letter as questions surround a Parkinson’s expert’s repeated visits to the White House. And former President Donald Trump’s deadline to pick a vice president nears with the Republican National Convention just days away. These stories and more highlight The Morning Rundown for Tuesday, July 9, 2024.
Biden’s physician responds to reports on Parkinson’s disease expert visits
Ever since President Joe Biden’s self-described “bad night” at the presidential debate, he and his team have had to field questions about his health. That was no different on Monday, July 8, when the concerns centered on a Parkinson’s disease expert who had recently visited the White House on several occasions.
According to public visitor logs, Dr. Kevin Cannard — a neurologist and “movement disorders specialist” from Walter Reed National Military Medical Center — visited the White House eight times in the eight-month span between July 2023 and March 2024, including a visit with the president’s personal physician.
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre was asked repeatedly about the visits during Monday’s press briefing. Jean-Pierre said Biden has seen a neurologist three times as part of annual physicals but would not confirm much else, saying the White House medical unit serves multiple personnel along with the president.
“I can tell you this — just going back to Parkinson’s for a little bit, so, to give you some answers here: Has the president been treated for Parkinson’s? No. Is he being treated for Parkinson’s? No, he’s not,” Jean-Pierre told reporters. “Is he taking medication for Parkinson’s? No. So those are the things that I can give you full-blown answers on but I’m not going to confirm a specialist, any specialist that comes to come comes to the White House, out of privacy.”
Hours later, White House physician Kevin O’Connor released a letter addressing the issue, saying Dr. Cannard was “the neurological specialist that examined President Biden for each of his annual physicals,” including one in February that showed no signs of any neurological disorders. O’Connor also confirmed the president has not seen a neurologist outside of those physicals.
The president himself wrote a letter earlier in the day to Democrats in Congress amid growing calls for him to step aside, saying he is “firmly committed to staying in the race.” He added he “wouldn’t be running again if” he did not “absolutely believe” he was the “best person to beat Donald Trump.”
A defiant Biden joined MSNBC’s Morning Joe shortly after sending the letter, saying it’s the voters who chose him as the Democratic nominee, and he is not concerned about those calling for him to drop out of the race.
“I’m getting so frustrated by the elites — not you guys — the elites in the party, oh, they know so much more,” the president said. “Any of these guys that don’t think I should run, run against me. Announce for president, challenge me at the convention.”
Biden to host NATO summit, will take questions from media
President Biden will look to answer critics’ calls for him to step aside as he welcomes world leaders to Washington, D.C. for the NATO summit that begins Tuesday, July, 9. Leaders from more than 30 NATO countries, as well as partners Australia, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, the European Union and Ukraine, will join the president to mark 75 years of the global alliance.
The summit will focus on supplying additional military and financial aid to Ukraine, including new steps to strengthen its air defenses. During the week, Biden will host an event with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and two dozen other leaders. He’ll also take part in his first bilateral meeting with new U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
On Thursday, July 11, the president will hold a press conference where he will take questions from the media.
Trump’s vice president search enters final days
Former President Trump is getting back on the campaign trail with a rally in Florida as the deadline to announce his pick for vice president looms. In an interview with Fox News’ Sean Hannity Monday, July 8 night, Trump did confirm Sen. J.D. Vance, R-Ohio, Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C., and North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, R, are under consideration.
But as to when we’ll find out who the official pick is, it seems even the former president isn’t quite sure.
“I think probably within the next week, week and a half, probably sometime — I’d love to do it during the convention,” he told Hannity. “My people say that’s a little complicated. You know, in the old days, they would announce the vice president during the convention. Today, with modern day technology you can’t do things that you could’ve done 50 years ago very easily. But probably a little before the convention but not much. It could even be during the convention that we’ll do it. I’d love to do it during the convention. I think it would be a very interesting build up and important for the convention and would make it even more exciting.”
The Republican National Convention kicks off Monday, July 15, in Milwaukee.
At least 6 dead in Texas after Beryl, millions without power
At least six people have been confirmed dead and millions are without power after Hurricane Beryl made landfall in Texas as a Category 1 storm on Monday, July 8. Dozens of people across the state also had to be rescued from flood waters after Beryl dropped up to ten inches of rain in some areas and tornadoes could be spotted across the state.
Officials in Texas said it’ll take “several days” to restore power, but they should be getting a clearer timeline at some point Tuesday.
Since making landfall, Beryl has weakened to a tropical depression. It’s now moving toward Arkansas, but rain from the storm is expected to hit as far north as Detroit by Tuesday night then dump heavy rain in Vermont by Wednesday, July 10.
Jury selection begins in Alec Baldwin’s involuntary manslaughter trial
On Monday, a judge ruled jurors will not hear evidence related to his status as a producer on the film, only his role as an actor in the movie.
Baldwin admitted he was holding a prop gun when a live bullet discharged. He’d previously stated that he did not intentionally pull the trigger and that the gun “went off.”
If convicted, Baldwin faces up to 18 months in prison.
Price of Forever stamps to increase starting next week
The price of stamps is going up again. Starting on Sunday, July 14, one Forever stamp will cost 73 cents — up five cents from its current price.
Nearly three years after the fatal shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of the Western film “Rust,” producer and star Alec Baldwin is now facing trial. Baldwin has been charged with felony involuntary manslaughter, and if convicted, he could receive up to 18 months in prison.
Baldwin claimed to be holding the gun when a live bullet discharged, killing Hutchins and wounding director Joel Souza. Baldwin previously stated that he did not intentionally pull the trigger and that the gun “went off.”
“I’m the person who had the gun in the scene,” Baldwin told a police officer just moments after the shooting.
Jury selection begins Tuesday, July 9. Prosecutors will need to convince the 12-member jury that Baldwin was negligent in handling the firearm and acted with disregard for the safety of those around him. Court documents revealed that prosecutors have video footage showing Baldwin not following safety rules provided by Souza regarding gun handling on set.
Baldwin’s defense team aims to prove that it is not the actors’ responsibility to ensure that a live round is not in the gun and that live ammunition is banned from movie sets.
Witnesses previously stated that the crew was informed the gun was “cold,” meaning it did not contain a bullet and was only to be used as a prop.
Earlier this year, a jury convicted the film’s armorer, Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, of felony involuntary manslaughter, resulting in a maximum 18-month prison sentence.
As of now, it remains unclear whether Baldwin will take the stand in his defense. He is currently in Santa Fe, New Mexico, and is expected to appear in the courtroom.
Dozens of jurors excused as Trump’s hush money trial begins
At least 50 possible jurors were excused after saying they could not be fair regarding former President Trump’s hush money trial. The armorer on the set of “Rust” is sentenced following the fatal shooting of the film’s cinematographer. These stories and more highlight The Morning Rundown for Tuesday, April 16, 2024.
Dozens of jurors excused as Trump’s hush money trial begins
At least 50 of the 96 potential jurors in the first group were dismissed after admitting they could not be fair or impartial in hearing the case. Additional jurors were excused for various other reasons.
This leaves about 34 potential jurors to fill out a questionnaire, answering 42 questions on topics including their media consumption and any connections to the former president.
Trump is facing felony charges related to hush money payments in 2016 to adult film star Stormy Daniels. Trump has pleaded not guilty to all 34 counts charged against him. Jury selection will continue today and could take up to two weeks, with the trial itself expected to last six to eight weeks.
Tax return: Biden’s earned $619,976; paid $146,629 in federal income tax
As reported on “The Morning Rundown,” April 15 was the deadline for Americans to file their taxes, including President Joe Biden.
The White House released Biden and first lady Jill Biden’s joint tax return, showing the couple earned nearly $620,000 in 2023, with $400,000 coming from the presidential salary. This is up from about $580,000 they earned in 2022.
President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden paid $146,629 in federal income taxes, an effective federal income tax of 23.7% https://t.co/b8FZ1550TV
The Bidens paid more than $146,629 in federal income tax, with an effective income tax rate of 23.7%.
The White House issued a statement affirming President Biden’s belief that “the longstanding tradition of annually releasing presidential tax returns should continue unbroken,” possibly referencing his 2024 presidential opponent. Trump did not release his tax returns while in office, though six years of returns were made public by the House Ways and Means Committee in 2022.
Reminder this Tax Day:
Trump wants to give his wealthy friends a tax break.
When asked if Trump will release his 2023 tax returns, a campaign spokeswoman told USA Today that the former president “has released more information to the American public about his personal finances than any candidate in history.”
Boeing defends aircraft safety before Senate hearing
Ahead of a Senate hearing on Wednesday, April 17, concerning Boeing’s safety, the company is denying allegations by a whistleblower about shortcuts in the production of its 787 Dreamliner and 777 aircraft, saying the planes meet all safety standards.
The whistleblower, Sam Salehpour, is a former Boeing employee who claimed that assembly processes put “excessive” stress on airplane joints, potentially shortening the aircrafts’ lifespans. He added he saw workers trying to get misaligned parts to fit by “jumping on the pieces of the airplane to get them to align.”
Found guilty last month, Gutierrez-Reed received the maximum sentence for mistakenly loading live ammunition into a revolver held by actor Alec Baldwin on the Santa Fe set in 2021.
Baldwin, also facing charges of involuntary manslaughter, is scheduled for trial on July 10 following his indictment by a grand jury in January.
Report: DOJ to file antitrust lawsuit against Live Nation
The Department of Justice is preparing to file an antitrust lawsuit against Ticketmaster owner Live Nation, according to a Wall Street Journal report, with the suit expected as soon as next month.
While the exact details have not been disclosed, the Journal reports the DOJ would claim that Live Nation leveraged its dominance in the live event ticketing market in a way that undermines competition.
Live Nation faced scrutiny following Ticketmaster’s site crashing when Taylor Swift concert tickets went on sale in November 2022, with U.S. senators grilling Live Nation’s president during a hearing a few months later.
BREAKING: The Justice Department plans to sue Live Nation/Ticketmaster for running an illegal monopoly over the ticketing industry.
This corporate monopoly charges too much for tickets, exploits venues, and hurts fans and artists.
Live Nation merged with Ticketmaster in 2010, with the Journal reporting Live Nation now holds more than 80% of the market for primary ticket sales in the biggest venues in the U.S.
A Ticketmaster spokesperson replied that the company has more competition today than it has ever had.
Indiana Fever select Caitlin Clark as No. 1 overall pick in WNBA Draft
Caitlin Clark, known for holding multiple college basketball records, was selected as the No. 1 overall draft pick by the Indiana Fever at the 2024 WNBA draft Monday night.
The draft was held at the Brooklyn Academy of Music, marking the first time since 2016 that it was conducted in front of fans. Tickets for the event sold out within minutes of going on sale.
In February, Clark announced she was entering the draft instead of playing another year at Iowa.
Clark’s record-breaking college career includes becoming the all-time points leader in men’s or women’s Division I history and the all-time leader in points, assists and 3-pointers in NCAA tournament history.
Now, Clark is aiming to make more history at the professional level.
Armorer on ‘Rust’ movie set found guilty of involuntary manslaughter
A New Mexico jury has found “Rust” armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed guilty of involuntary manslaughter in the fatal shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the film’s set in October 2021. Gutierrez-Reed, who faces up to 18 months in prison, plans to appeal the decision, according to her attorney.
The incident, which also wounded director Joel Souza, occurred when actor Alec Baldwin was rehearsing with a prop gun that discharged a live round. Baldwin, who has denied pulling the trigger, is set to stand trial in July, pleading not guilty to charges related to the shooting.
https://twitter.com/AP/status/1765528427455557904
Special prosecutor Kari Morrissey highlighted the tragedy’s root in “constant, never-ending safety failures” on set. The case has drawn significant attention to on-set safety protocols and gun handling in film production.
In a separate decision, jurors found Gutierrez-Reed not guilty on a second charge of tampering with evidence. She had been accused of handing a small bag of possible narcotics to another crew member after the shooting, allegedly to avoid detection.
After the verdict, Gloria Allred, representing Hutchins’ family, told USA TODAY, Halyna’s parents and her sister are ‘satisfied’ with Gutierrez-Reed’s conviction.
“Halyna’s parents and her sister have always wanted everyone who is responsible for Halyna’s death to be held accountable,” the emailed statement read. “We look forward to the justice system continuing to make sure that everyone else who is responsible for Halyna’s death is required to face the legal consequences for their actions.”