Trump loses appeal in E. Jean Carroll sexual abuse and defamation case
A federal appeals court upheld a sexual abuse verdict against Donald Trump. The ruling on Monday, Dec. 30, stems from a civil case verdict that found the president-elect guilty in a case involving E. Jean Carroll.
The court also denied Trump’s request for a new trial.
Trump had challenged the $5 million verdict, saying the judge shouldn’t have allowed testimony from two other women who also accused Trump of sexual assault.
Evidence also included Trump’s comments on the infamous “Access Hollywood” tape.
The appeals court disagreed and said it was not persuaded that a new trial was warranted.
In 2023, Carroll testified that she had run into Trump at Bergdorf Goodman on Fifth Avenue in 1996 when he asked her to help him buy a gift for a female friend.
Carroll said he pulled her into a dressing room and began assaulting her.
She kept the encounter a secret until 2019 when her book excerpt was published in New York Magazine.
Carroll sued under the “New York State Adult Survivors Act.” The legislation is a state bill that created a window allowing others to bring forward sexual assault claims, even if the statute of limitations had expired.
Trump’s spokesperson, Steven Cheung, said another appeal is coming.
“The American people have re-elected Trump with an overwhelming mandate and they demand an immediate end to the political weaponization of our justice system and swift dismissal of all of the witch hunts, including the democrat funded Carroll hoax, which will continue to be appealed,” Cheung said.
Carroll’s attorney commented on the decision thanking the court for its “careful” consideration of the parties’ arguments.
ABC, Stephanopoulos reach new deal days after Trump settlement
George Stephanopoulos signed a new deal with ABC News, securing his position as anchor of “Good Morning America.” The Los Angeles Times was the first to report on the new contract.
While details about his offer are unknown, he’s previously been one of the highest-paid faces on television, earning $18 million annually.
The agreement comes amid speculation about his future with the network after parent company Disney paid $15 million in a legal settlement over comments Stephanoupolos made about Trump during a 2024 interview.
The libel lawsuit revolved around the anchor saying Trump was “found liable for rape” in the case with writer E. Jean Carroll.
The jury ruled Trump sexually abused and defamed Carroll. However, the jury found Trump not liable for rape.
Several reports said ABC’s settlement blindsided Stephanopoulos.
His new contract with the network comes as Disney is reportedly looking to trim costs, which follows a current trend among media giants. Many are scaling back amid a shift in the industry.
What happens to Trump’s criminal and civil cases now?
Donald Trump winning a second term presents an unprecedented legal situation. He’s awaiting sentencing in a federal case and is trying to prevent prosecution in other state and federal cases.
New York case
The President-elect is scheduled to be sentenced in New York criminal court on Nov. 26 after being convicted of 34 felony counts for falsifying business records to cover up a hush money payment made to adult film star Stormy Daniels.
The judge has until Nov. 12 to decide whether to wipe away the conviction because of the Supreme Court’s decision to grant presidential immunity.
If the judge decides in favor of that, Trump’s charges would be dismissed and he won’t be sentenced.
Trump’s lawyers are expected to ask for a delay so they can appeal if the judge decides to keep the conviction.
If a sentencing does go forward, Trump could be ordered to serve as much as four years of prison time, but the judge could impose a lesser sentence like probation.
Georgia case
In Georgia, Fulton County District attorney Fani WIllis is prosecuting Trump on racketeering charges over the 2020 election.
Willis won her reelection race, allowing her to maintain her spot leading Trump’s prosecution, for now.
A state appeals court is weighing whether she should be removed over her romantic relationship with a former special prosecutor on the case.
Since the cases in New York and Georgia are state cases, not federal cases, Trump cannot pardon himself in 2025 after he is sworn into office.
Federal cases
Trump also faces other criminal charges from special counsel Jack Smith in Washington D.C. and Florida.
In one case, Trump is accused of conspiring to subvert the 2020 election results.
In the other case, he faces charges related to mishandling classified documents after leaving office and obstructing the government’s effort to retrieve them.
Trump said he plans to immediately fire Smith’s office, which would reportedly end the two cases against him.
“It’s so easy I would fire him within two seconds … Jack Smith is a scoundrel,” Trump said on The Hugh Hewitt Show in October. “He is a very dishonest man in my opinion.”
Civil cases
President-elect Trump is also defending himself in multiple civil lawsuits including cases involving his role in the Jan. 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol.
There’s also two defamation cases filed by E. Jean Carroll and a civil fraud case brought by the New York attorney general where Trump was ordered to pay more than 450 million dollars in damages.
It’s possible that all of these cases will play out even as Trump serves his second term.
A unanimous Supreme Court ruling in 1997, stemming from a civil lawsuit then-President Bill Clinton was involved in, decided sitting presidents could not use presidential immunity to avoid civil litigation.
Trump sues ABC News for defamation over rape comments
Former President Donald Trump has filed a lawsuit against ABC News and anchor George Stephanopoulos, alleging defamation. The legal action stems from comments made during an interview in which Stephanopoulos repeatedly stated that Trump had been found liable for rape.
In a March 10 interview on “This Week,” Stephanopoulos pressed Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., regarding her continued support of Trump amidst allegations of sexual abuse against him. Stephanopoulos asserted multiple times that Trump was “found liable for rape” in the E. Jean Carroll case.
Mace defended her stance, emphasizing that the jury’s decision was in a civil case, not a criminal one. As a rape survivor herself, Mace expressed frustration at being questioned about her political choices on a sensitive topic.
“You’ve endorsed Donald Trump for president,” Stephanopoulos said. “Judges in two separate juries have found him liable for rape and defaming the victim of that rape. How do you square your endorsement of Donald Trump with the testimony we just saw?”
Mace responded by revealing her own experience as a rape survivor and criticized Stephanopoulos for what she perceived as an attempt to shame her. Despite Stephanopoulos’s denial of intent to shame her, Mace maintained that his line of questioning felt like an attack on her as a rape victim.
In 2023, a New York federal jury determined that Trump was liable for sexual abuse and defamation, not for rape.
Trump’s lawsuit, filed in Florida, alleges that Stephanopoulos’ statements were false and made with malicious intent. Trump’s attorneys argue they requested a retraction from ABC News and allege ABC News failed to apologize or correct the record.
Trump’s legal team has requested a jury trial for the case.
ABC News has yet to comment on the lawsuit.
This is not the first time Trump has taken legal action against the media. He recently faced a setback when he was ordered to pay $392,000 in attorney fees to The New York Times for a failed defamation lawsuit.
Alabama becomes first state to execute inmate using nitrogen gas: The Morning Rundown, Jan. 26, 2024
The first nitrogen gas execution in U.S. history is conducted in Alabama. And a grocery chain is recalling packages of cookies after officials say mislabeling led to a woman’s death. These stories and more highlight The Morning Rundown for Friday, Jan. 26, 2024.
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The state aborted its first attempt to execute Smith through lethal injection in 2022 after failing to place the IV line. After that, Smith’s lawyers requested nitrogen gas be used in the future as Alabama is one of three states to approve the method.
Governor Kay Ivey has the authority to stop Mr. Smith’s execution by nitrogen gas; or any other method proposed. And she must exercise that power. https://t.co/1gT5elc4ih
The Alabama Attorney’s General Office called it the “most painless and humane method of execution known to man.”
Prison officials said the execution started at 7:53 p.m. local time, with Smith breathing nitrogen gas through a mask. Smith was declared dead at 8:25 p.m. Media witnesses said he appeared conscious for several minutes into the execution. Corrections officials said it appeared Smith was holding his breath as long as he could.
“And then, there’s also information out there, he struggled against his restraints a little bit, but there’s some involuntary movement and some agonal breathing,” said John Hamm, Alabama Department of Corrections Commissioner. “So, that was all expected, and then the side effects that we’ve seen of nitrogen hypoxia. So nothing was out of the ordinary of what we were expecting.”
According to media witnesses, Smith used his last words to say, “Alabama caused humanity to take a step backward.”
One son of Elizabeth Sennet, the woman killed in the murder-for-hire plot, was at the execution and said Smith’s debt has been paid.
CIA director heads to Europe to negotiate Gaza hostage release, cease-fire
More than 100 days into the Israel-Hamas war, pressure on both parties to agree to a cease-fire from world leaders is mounting. CIA Director William Burns is expected to travel to France to meet with Israeli intelligence officials along with Qatari and Egyptian officials in an attempt to broker a deal for the release of the more than 100 hostages still being held by Hamas in Gaza. Among them are said to be six male Americans.
Burns’ trip will mark the fourth round of such negotiations, as he has traveled to Qatar twice in November and Poland once in an effort to get a hostage deal done.
Previous negotiations fell short of a deal, however, with Hamas adamant that hostages would only be released in exchange for an end to the war, the release of Palestinian prisoners, and Israeli troops withdrawing from Gaza. An offer that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected.
"These are not conditions meant for human beings" @JulietteTouma
“Hamas is demanding, in exchange for the release of our hostages, the end of the war, the withdrawal of our forces from Gaza, the release of the murderers and rapists of the Nukhba and leaving Hamas in place,” Netanyahu said. “I am not prepared to accept such a mortal blow to the security of Israel; therefore, we will not agree to this.”
In a statement on Jan. 18, marking the 100th day of the war, President Joe Biden made a promise to Americans who have loved ones being held captive in Gaza, saying the U.S. “will never stop working to bring Americans home.”
Trump takes stand in defamation trial, closing arguments set to begin
On Friday, Jan. 26, jurors in New York will hear closing arguments in the defamation trial of former President Donald Trump. The jury of nine will then begin deliberating on how much money, if any, the former president will have to pay magazine columnist E. Jean Carroll in damages after he denied her allegations of sexual abuse.
Trump briefly took the witness stand in his defense on Thursday, Jan. 25. His testimony lasted less than five minutes. Trump has denied any wrongdoing and claims he has never met Carroll.
Last year, Carroll was awarded $5 million in damages after a jury in a separate trial found Trump liable for battery and defamation. This current case concerns comments made by Trump in 2019 after Carroll first publicly accused him of attacking her. Carroll is seeking at least $10 million in damages this time.
Peter Navarro sentenced to four months in prison for contempt of Congress
The judge told Navarro he was not the victim, despite Navarro calling his conviction politically motivated. Navarro was also fined more than $9,000. Navarro quickly appealed, claiming he didn’t comply with the subpoena because Trump had invoked executive privilege, meaning his conversations with the former president were confidential. Navarro remains out of jail for now – as the judge decides whether he can remain free during the appeal process.
Mislabeled cookies lead to death of New York dancer, lawyers said
A grocery chain is recalling packages of cookies after officials said mislabeling led to the death of a woman in New York who was allergic to peanuts. According to the victim’s attorneys, the 25-year-old woman, originally from the United Kingdom, who moved to New York to pursue a ballet dancing career, died on Jan. 11 from anaphylactic shock resulting from a severe allergic reaction.
The cookies were sold at the grocery chain Stew Leonard’s, which has since issued a recall. Health officials in Connecticut, where the victim purchased the cookies, are warning others with a nut allergy to dispose of them. The CEO of Stew Leonard’s claimed the wholesaler, Cookies Unlimited, did not notify them of the change in the cookie’s recipe. Cookies Unlimited has disputed those allegations.
20-year-old golfing sensation decides to turn pro after PGA Tour win
Because of his win, Dunlap was granted the opportunity to join the PGA Tour through the 2026 season. He called his choice the “easiest, hardest decision” that he’s ever had to make. Dunlap is set to make his professional debut on Feb. 1 at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am.
Poll: Two-thirds of Iowa GOP voters say Trump fit for office, even if convicted
From the nation’s first round of voting in the 2024 election cycle to extreme winter weather, all eyes were on Iowa on Monday, Jan. 15, as former president Donald Trump cruised to victory in the GOP caucuses. Trump took 51% of the votes, a victory margin was not the only record on display, as extreme weather rolled through Iowa, bringing sub-zero temperatures and blizzard conditions that made it dangerous for voters.
This year, many didn’t risk it, with a record low 110,000 Iowans hitting the polls, the lowest GOP turnout since the year 2000.
Reuters polling data showed 65% of GOP caucusgoers said he would still be fit for president even if he is convicted of a crime, while 31% said he would be unfit. Regarding Joe Biden’s presidency, the poll found 66% believe he was illegitimately elected and that the election was stolen. A lie Trump perpetuated during his victory speech on Monday.
“I don’t know if you know, but they did polls tonight on the election of 2020,” Trump said. “Do you believe it was honest or not? 82% said it was not, and we can’t have that, chairman, we can’t have that. You can’t have a situation like that.”
Trump did not have much time to celebrate his landslide victory as he was due in court on Tuesday, Jan. 16, for a defamation case brought against the former president by columnist E. Jean Carroll. As for the 2024 presidential election, all eyes now turn to New Hampshire for the first-in-the-nation primary on Jan. 23.
Iowa Legislature passes 6-week abortion ban: July 12 rundown
Iowa lawmakers passed a 6-week abortion ban, and the federal government’s latest target in reducing greenhouse gases are refrigerators and air conditioners. These stories and more highlight the Rundown for Wednesday, July 12, 2023.
Iowa passes 6-week abortion ban
In a special session that went late into the night on Tuesday, July 11, the Iowa Legislature passed a bill that would ban abortion as soon as fetal cardiac activity is detected, usually around the 6-week mark of a pregnancy. A similar measure to the so-called “heartbeat bill” was originally passed in the state in 2018, but could not take effect as long as the Roe v. Wade decision stood.
The new bill includes exceptions for rape, incest, and the life of the mother. Gov. Reynolds said she will sign the bill into law Friday, July 14. Once that happens, Iowa will become the 15th state to ban most or all abortions since Roe was overturned.
Poll finds majority of American oppose early abortion bans
According to a new poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, Americans’ views on abortion shift depending on how far along the mother is. Over 70% of respondents said abortion should be legal at least in the early stages of pregnancy. But after the 24-week mark, the majority of respondents said their state should generally not allow abortions.
Overall, only a quarter of respondents said abortion should always be legal. An even smaller percent of respondents, about 10%, said abortion should always be illegal.
The poll was conducted in late June of 2023, one year after Roe was overturned.
North Korea fires missile after threatening U.S. spy plans
North Korea fired its first intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) in three months Wednesday. The launch came just as leaders of South Korea and Japan were set to meet on the sidelines of this week’s NATO summit.
“North Korea’s series of actions, including its repeated ballistic missile launches, threaten the peace and security of Japan’s region and the international community, and are absolutely unacceptable,” Hirokazo Matsuno, Japan’s chief cabinet secretary, said. “Moreover, such ballistic missile launches violate relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions and are a serious security issue for our citizens.”
North Korea has test fired its first ever solid-fuel ICBM, one of more than a dozen missile tests the nation has conducted in 2023. According to analysts, the North’s nuclear arsenal is powerful enough to put the U.S. In striking distance.
Legal developments in two Trump cases
The Justice Department has abandoned its initial plan to defend former President Donald Trump in a defamation lawsuit brought by the columnist E. Jean Carroll. The department argued Trump’s former presidency no longer shields him from Carroll’s suit, given the timeline of events, and said Trump is no longer entitled to immunity.
A spokesman for Trump’s presidential campaign called the department’s reversal politically motivated. Carroll’s second lawsuit against Trump is currently tied up in appeals.
As that develops, Trump’s lawyers asked a judge to postpone his classified documents trial, possibly until after the 2024 presidential election. They argued Trump’s candidacy could make it difficult to seat an impartial jury.
Manson follower released from prison
Charles Manson follower Leslie Van Houten has been released from a California prison after serving more than 50 years. Van Houten was convicted of the 1969 murders of a wealthy Los Angeles couple at the direction of the cult leader when she was 19 years old.
Van Houten is the first Manson follower who took part in the killings to walk free. She was granted parole and Gov. Gavin Newsom (D-CA) said he would not fight the ruling.
He had previously blocked her release in 2020, saying she was still a threat to society. An appeals court reversed that decision, ruling that “Van Houten has shown extraordinary rehabilitative efforts, insight, remorse, realistic parole plans, support from family and friends, favorable institutional reports, and, at the time of the governor’s decision, had received four successive grants of parole.”
Van Houten is expected to spend about one year at a halfway house. She is likely to be on parole for three years.
EPA sets limits on chemicals used in refrigerators
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a new rule that will enforce stricter limits on hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), a type of greenhouse gas primarily used in refrigerators and air conditioners. The agency will impose a 40% reduction in HFCs starting in 2024.
The agency said the move is part of a global effort to slow climate change. The new EPA rule aligns with a 2020 law that calls for an 85% reduction in production of the chemicals by 2036.
Judge rejects Trump request to dismiss defamation lawsuit: June 30 rundown
A federal judge ruled writer E. Jean Carroll is allowed to continue on with her second defamation lawsuit against former President Donald Trump, and the NFL is cracking down on its players violating the league’s sports betting rules. These stories and more highlight the rundown for Friday, June 30, 2023.
Judge rejects Trump request to dismiss E. Jean Carroll lawsuit
A federal judge has rejected a request from former president Trump to dismiss a second defamation lawsuit brought against him by Carroll. She was awarded $5 million back in May after Trump was found liable for sexual abuse and defamation.
After the verdict, Trump doubled down on his innocence at a CNN town hall, prompting Carroll to file the second defamation lawsuit. This time, Carroll is seeking $10 million in damages.
Trump had tried to get the latest defamation lawsuit thrown out on the grounds that he is entitled to absolute presidential immunity, his statements were not defamatory, and that his statements were opinion protected by free-speech rights. Trump countersued Carroll earlier this week, claiming she has libeled him by continuing to insist that he raped her even after a jury found otherwise in the original verdict.
Russian general detained following Wagner rebellion
A Russian general has been detained in response to the recent Wagner Group rebellion. Gen. Sergei Surovikin, the deputy commander of the Russian group of forces fighting in Ukraine, hasn’t been seen since the start of the rebellion when he posted a video urging an end to it. It isn’t clear where Gen. Surovikin is being held, or if he has been charged with anything.
Wagner Group chief Yevgeny Prigozhin has spoken positively of Surovikin, while criticizing other Russian military leaders. This week, The New York Times reported that U.S. officials believe Surovikin had advanced knowledge of Prigozhin’s plan to stage the rebellion.
The U.S. and the Netherlands announced they will be restricting their semiconductor chips from being made in China. It’s part of an effort to prevent the technology from being used to strengthen China’s military.
Starting in September, Dutch machines that make advanced processor chips will be required to have an export license before they can be sold overseas. With the change, China’s access to equipment that can be used in military technology will be largely out of reach.
The Netherlands said the new regulations are in the best interest of national security. The Biden administration made a similar move back in October, imposing their own export controls and urging others to follow suit.
Hundreds arrested in French police shooting protests
Thousands of protesters have swept the streets of France for a third night following the fatal police shooting of a 17-year-old that was captured on video. More than 600 people were arrested Thursday, June 29. More than half of those arrests took place in and around Paris.
On Tuesday, June 27, police conducted a traffic stop resulting in the killing of a 17-year-old boy. Video that surfaced on social media shows two officers, a gun drawn, and as the 17-year-old attempts to drive away, an officer is seen firing his gun.
NFL suspends 4 players for sports betting
In its latest effort to crack down on players violating its gambling policy, the NFL suspended Indianapolis Colts cornerback Isaiah Rodgers and defensive end Rashod Berry at least through the entire 2023 season. Following the suspensions, the Colts waived both players from their rosters.
Free agent defensive end Demetrius Taylor received the same punishment from the NFL. Tennessee Titans offensive lineman Nicholas Petit-Frere received a six-game suspension for betting on non-NFL games at team facilities.
Petit-Frere said all of his sports betting was done legally. But since he made them at team facilities, he was reprimanded by the league.
Thursday’s suspension come after the NFL suspended five other players for similar violations back in April.
Travis Scott not be criminally charged for Astroworld concert deaths
A Texas grand jury has determined rapper Travis Scott will not be held criminally responsible for a crowd rush at a music festival that killed 10 people. Scott was performing at Astroworld in November of 2021 when a crowd of about 50,000 people began pushing toward the stage.
Victims between the ages of 9 and 27 all died from compression-asphyxia. More than 2,400 other concert-goers required medical treatment.
Hundreds of lawsuits accused Scott of negligence. Following the grand jury’s decision, a lawyer for Scott said he is ready to look forward.
Driver crashes U-Haul truck into White House security barriers: May 23 rundown
Law enforcement officials are investigating the motive behind a U-Haul truck driver who crashed into security barriers near the White House on Monday. And former President Donald Trump is facing another lawsuit brought by E. Jean Carroll, who previously won a defamation and sexual abuse lawsuit against him. These stories and more highlight the rundown for Tuesday, May 23, 2023.
U-Haul truck driver apprehended after crash near White House
The driver of a U-Haul truck was taken into custody after crashing into security barriers near the White House on Monday night, May 22, according to U.S. Park Police. The driver now faces a series of charges, including threatening to kill or harm a president, vice president, or family member, assault with a dangerous weapon, and destruction of federal property, according to officials.
At approximately 10:00 p.m., the crash occurred on the north side of Lafayette Square. Anthony Guglielmi, the Secret Service chief of communications, said in a statement that the “preliminary investigation reveals the driver may have intentionally struck the security barriers.” The FBI’s National Capital Response Squad is assisting Park Police and the Secret Service in the investigation.
As a precautionary measure, the Secret Service requested the evacuation of the nearby Hay Adams hotel for a brief period. No injuries were reported as a result of the incident. Following the crash, law enforcement agencies conducted a search of the U-Haul truck. No explosive devices were found in the vehicle, however, a Nazi flag and other pieces of evidence were discovered by investigators at the scene.
Over 1.5 million Americans apply to sponsor migrants
The Biden administration’s new migration initiatives have seen an overwhelming response, with more than 1.5 million people in the U.S. applying to help sponsor migrants. These initiatives aim to alleviate some of the pressure at the border and provide support to individuals from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua and Venezuela. Under the program, sponsored migrants are given a two-year work permit upon arrival in the country.
Last year, President Joe Biden announced the program, allowing for up to 30,000 migrants to enter the U.S. every month. Documents obtained by CBS News reveal that over a million Americans have submitted applications to sponsor migrants, with approximately 12,000 migrants applying for sponsorship daily.
Since the initiation of the program, over 100,000 migrants have arrived in the U.S., benefiting from sponsorship. However, a substantial number of cases are still pending. Currently, there are approximately 580,000 Haitians, 380,000 Cubans, 120,000 Venezuelans, and 20,000 Nicaraguans awaiting approval for their sponsorship applications.
The Biden administration has emphasized that migrants who enter the country illegally will be returned and urges migrants to apply through the sponsorship program. However, some like Theresa Cardinal Brown, a former DHS official and current immigration analyst at the Bipartisan Policy Center, believe the backlog of applicants could discourage migrants from utilizing the proper channels for migration.
Western states reach historic agreement to preserve the Colorado River
A group of seven Western states have come together to reach a historic agreement aimed at safeguarding the Colorado River, which supplies drinking water to approximately 40 million people. The pact has been necessitated by the persistent drought conditions posing a threat to the river’s sustainability.
Under the agreement, California, Arizona and Nevada have committed to reducing their utilization of Colorado River water by 13% over the next three years. This voluntary reduction in water usage is an essential step to mitigate the strain on the river’s resources and ensure its long-term viability.
Additionally, the Biden administration has granted $1.2 billion in grants under the Inflation Reduction Act that will compensate local water districts, cities and Native American tribes for cutting back.
Emergency shelters in Guam reach capacity as typhoon approaches
Guam, a U.S. territory located in the Pacific, is witnessing a surge in residents seeking refuge in emergency shelters as they prepare for an approaching typhoon. Authorities have issued warnings advising individuals residing in non-concrete structures to find alternative cover before the storm strikes.
Meteorologists are predicting that this typhoon could be the most significant storm to hit the region in over two decades. The island is projected to face the impact of the typhoon by midday on Wednesday. Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero said that she would place Guam essentially in a lockdown effective 1 p.m. Tuesday.
As the threat of the typhoon looms, Guam’s emergency shelters are quickly filling up with residents seeking a safe haven from the approaching storm. Authorities have urged individuals residing in houses that are not fully made of concrete to seek shelter elsewhere for their safety. This precautionary measure aims to protect vulnerable structures from potential damage and ensure the well-being of the island’s residents.
E. Jean Carroll seeks additional damages in lawsuit against Trump
E. Jean Carroll, who previously won a defamation and sexual abuse lawsuit against former President Donald Trump, is now seeking an additional $10 million in damages. This new lawsuit follows comments made by Trump during a CNN Town Hall the day after he was found liable in the initial civil case.
Carroll’s legal team argues that Trump’s remarks indicate his lack of remorse and disregard for the previous legal proceedings. She was awarded $5 million from in damages after her initial lawsuit against the former president. In a written statement, Carroll’s attorneys said that Trump’s comments after the jury’s verdict demonstrate that he remains undeterred by the legal action taken against him.
Carroll’s lawyers also asked for a speedy resolution “while she remains in good health and before Donald Trump’s time and attention are consumed entirely by his presidential campaign.” Joe Tacopina, a Trump lawyer, declined to comment on the new legal claim.
Twitter bug resurrects deleted tweets, retweets, and replies, users report
A bug on Twitter has allegedly resurfaced deleted tweets, retweets, and replies, according to reports from over 400 users. The glitch was initially discovered by James Vincent, a reporter from The Verge, who brought attention to the technical issue.
Vincent observed that tweets that were previously mass-deleted seemed to be reappearing on users’ profiles. As of now, Twitter has not provided any official comment on the alleged bug. Vincent wrote in an article about the situation that “it’s another demonstration of Twitter’s crumbling infrastructure and inability to fulfill even the basic functions it promises users. “
George Santos in federal court following FBI investigation: May 10 rundown
Rep. George Santos, R-N.Y., is expected to be arraigned in federal court today on undisclosed charges following an FBI investigation. And Goldman Sachs has agreed to pay out $215 million to nearly 3,000 plaintiffs to settle a long-standing gender discrimination class-action lawsuit. These stories and more highlight the rundown for Wednesday, May 10, 2023.
Santos to appear in federal court
Rep. George Santos is set to appear in federal court Wednesday, May 10, where he is expected to be arraigned following charges filed against him by the Department of Justice.
Santos has been charged on a 13-count indictment, including seven counts of wire fraud, three counts of money laundering, one count of theft of public funds, and two counts of making materially false statements to the House of Representatives.
The FBI has been conducting an investigation into Santos since he assumed office in January, focusing on his campaign finances.
The Republican congressman has faced scrutiny over allegations of embellishing his background, including aspects related to his heritage, family history, and educational and employment background. During his campaign, Santos raised hundreds of thousands of dollars, which has also been under investigation by authorities.
If Santos is convicted, there could be implications for his participation in votes on the House floor. Depending on the severity of the charges and their outcomes, he could potentially be barred from voting. However, if he chooses not to resign, the process of expulsion would require a two-thirds vote in the House of Representatives.
Trump found liable for sexual abuse, defamation
A jury in New York has delivered a verdict in the civil trial brought by advice columnist E. Jean Carroll against former President Donald Trump. The jury found Trump liable for sexual abuse and defamation, while clearing him of the charge of rape. As a result, Carroll has been awarded $5 million in damages.
“I filed this lawsuit against Donald Trump to clear my name and to get my life back. Today, the world finally knows the truth,” Carroll said in a statement. “This victory is not just for me but for every woman who has suffered because she was not believed.”
Following the verdict, Trump expressed his intention to appeal the decision. He took to social media, posting a video where he referred to the verdict as “a disgrace” and characterized it as a continuation of what he called “the greatest witch hunt of all time.”
“He’s firm in his belief, as many people are, that he cannot get a fair trial in New York City based on the jury pool,” Trump attorney Joe Tacopnia said. “And I think one could argue that that’s probably an accurate assessment based on what happened today.”
The trial centered on allegations made by Carroll, a former writer for Elle magazine who accused Trump of sexually assaulting her in a dressing room of a high-end New York City department store in the 1990s. In addition to the sexual abuse claim, Carroll also accused Trump of defaming her by publicly denying the incident and making disparaging remarks about her.
The jury’s decision to hold Trump liable for defamation suggests that they found his public statements about Carroll to be false and damaging to her reputation. However, they did not find sufficient evidence to support the rape allegation.
Kansas City considers sanctuary status for gender-affirming care
A Kansas City council committee is set to consider a resolution today that would designate the city as a sanctuary for gender-affirming care. The proposed resolution states that the city would refrain from prosecuting or imposing fines on individuals who receive or provide gender-affirming treatments, which may include puberty blockers, hormones, or surgeries.
“There comes a time when you have to speak up and say to our LGTBQ residents, especially children, who are wondering if their city and state are accepting of them, we have to stand up right now and say, ‘Yes, you are welcome in Kansas City, we will protect you,’” council member Andrea Bough, who co-sponsored the resolution with Mayor Quinton Lucas and councilman Eric Bunch, said.
The resolution also aims to establish that potential future prosecuting cases related to gender-affirming care would be considered the “lowest priority” by Kansas City personnel if a ban on such procedures were to be enacted in the state.
Advocates for the LGBTQ+ community in Kansas City are actively supporting the proposal. This comes at a time when the state’s attorney general is pushing for a law that restricts gender-affirming procedures for both adults and children. However, the implementation of this law has been temporarily blocked by a judge.
The committee will vote today on the resolution regarding Kansas City’s sanctuary status for for gender-affirming care, and if it passes, it will move forward to the city council for a vote tomorrow.
Goldman Sachs to pay $215 million in gender discrimination lawsuit
Goldman Sachs, a global financial institution, has reached an agreement to pay $215 million to settle a long-standing class-action lawsuit. The lawsuit, initiated in 2010, accused the company of gender discrimination by systematically underpaying and undervaluing its female employees.
The settlement covers about 2,800 female associates and vice presidents across various divisions at Goldman Sachs. Their average payout could amount to about $47,000 after deducting legal fees and costs, and court approval is required.
Had the case not reached a settlement, it would have proceeded to trial next month. As part of the settlement, Goldman Sachs has committed to hiring external firms to conduct analyses of its promotion practices and identify potential pay gaps.
Kelly Dermody, co-counsel for the plaintiffs, said they believed the settlement provided “substantial, certain recoveries for all class members and advances gender equity at Goldman.”
Tucker Carlson to launch new show on Twitter
Former Fox News host Tucker Carlson has announced that his show will be making a comeback soon, but with a twist—it will be on a new platform, Twitter.
“Starting soon we’ll be bringing a new version of the show we’ve been doing for the last six and a half years to Twitter,” said Carlson in a video announcement. “We bring some other things too, which we’ll tell you about. But for now we’re just grateful to be here. Free speech is the main right that you have. Without it, you have no others.”
This announcement comes two weeks after Carlson was ousted by Fox. With this new show now in the works, conservative media personality’s lawyers sent a letter to Fox News, accusing the network of “fraud” and “breach of contract.”
Carlson’s contract with Fox includes a non-compete clause, which means he cannot start a competing show elsewhere unless cause is found to invalidate that agreement. The network reportedly intends to continue paying him, which would effectively prevent him from hosting a show until January 2025.
While Twitter CEO Elon Musk tweeted that there has not been a deal struck between him and Carlson, he expressed his openness to the idea of Carlson’s comeback on Twitter.
“On this platform, unlike the one-way street of broadcast, people are able to interact, critique and refute whatever he or anyone may say,” Musk tweeted. “I also want to be clear that we have not signed a deal of any kind whatsoever. Tucker is subject to the same rules & rewards of all content creators … I hope that many others, particularly from the left, also choose to be content creators on this platform.”
History made at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show
In a historic win at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, the most prestigious dog show in the United States, a Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen has claimed the top prize for the first time. This victory marks a significant milestone for the breed, as the winning dog Buddy Holly, named in tribute to the late rock ‘n’ roll legend, bested six other finalists to garner the most prestigious dog show award.
“I never thought a PBGV would do this,” handler and co-owner Janice Hayes said. “Buddy Holly is the epitome of a show dog. Nothing bothers him.”
Despite the intense competition and high stakes of the finals, Buddy Holly appeared calm and composed, displaying the experience gained from participating in dog shows across the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Australia.
Over 2,500 dogs representing 200 different breeds competed for the coveted top spot at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. The event brought together an impressive array of diverse breeds, each showcasing their unique characteristics and qualities.