Kim Potter trial, US schools beef up security, Kansas fire threat: 5 things to know Friday
Ex-officer Kim Potter expected on stand as trial for Daunte Wright's death nears end
Kim Potter, the former Minnesota police officer on trial in the shooting death of 20-year-old Black man Daunte Wright earlier this year, was expected to take the stand Friday, hoping to persuade jurors to acquit her of manslaughter charges in what she has said was a gun-Taser mixup. The defense case for Potter, 49, appeared likely to wrap up after just two days, with jurors also expected to hear from an expert on how such errors can occur. Potter's chief at the time, Tim Gannon, testified on her behalf Thursday, calling her "a fine officer" and said he "saw no violation" of policy in the traffic stop. The defense also called several character witnesses for Potter who testified she is a peaceful person. Earlier Thursday, the defense opened its case with use-of-force expert Stephen Ijames, who contradicted a similar expert the prosecution called in several areas. On Wednesday, Wright's father Arbuey Wright testified, describing his son as a jokester and loving father who enjoyed playing basketball and watching over his two younger sisters.
- Who is on the jury? Panel is mostly white
- 'I tried to scream his name': Girlfriend recalls moment Kim Potter shot Daunte Wright
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TikTok threats prompt US schools to beef up security
Educators across the U.S. announced plans to increase security in response to TikTok posts warning of shooting and bomb threats at schools around the country Friday. Officials assured parents the viral posts were not considered credible. School officials in states including Arizona, Connecticut, Illinois, Montana, New York and Pennsylvania said Thursday there would be an increased police presence because of the threats. The vague, anonymous posts had many educators on edge as they circulated in the aftermath of a shooting at Oxford High School in Michigan on Nov. 30 that left four students dead, which has been followed by numerous copycat threats to schools elsewhere. More than a week after the Oxford shooting, Wayne County, Michigan, Prosecutor Kym Worthy issued charges against dozens of youths for making threats of violence, with others under investigation.
- Some students face charges for the 'slap a teacher' challenge: Now schools are issuing warnings.
- Nation's teachers are feeling burnt out: Another recent challenge was to 'smack a staff member'
- 'Devious licks' TikTok challenge: Students were encouraged to steal soap dispensers and COVID tests
Wildfire danger causes state of emergency in Kansas
Kansas remains under a state of emergency Friday because of elevated danger of wildfires. A storm system earlier in the week carried winds that reached up to 90 mph in some areas. The winds combined with low humidity and dry vegetation to fuel fires in parts of western and central Kansas. The dust reduced visibility on roads across the state, causing at least three fatalities and dozens of accidents, the Kansas Highway Patrol said. Numerous homes, outbuildings and other structures were destroyed. The fires also killed an unknown number of cattle and horses, officials said. Most of the state was under an enhanced, significant or critical fire outlook.
- Historic winds rip through the Midwest: More than 400,000 without power
- When disaster strikes, here's what steps renters need to take
Ex-defense contractor in court for attempted espionage charges
A former defense contractor is expected to make his first court appearance Friday after being charged with attempted espionage. John Murray Rowe Jr., 63, allegedly sought to provide secret fighter jet technology to the Russian government. The South Dakota man’s court appearance follows an eight-month investigation in which Rowe repeatedly expressed interest in sharing classified information before disclosing defense systems used by U.S. fighter jets to an FBI undercover agent posing as a Russian government operative, federal prosecutors said. Rowe is formally charged with attempting to communicate national defense information to aid a foreign government. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of life in prison.
- FBI: Navy engineer, wife sought $5 million, had 'go bag' packed in nuclear submarine espionage case
- They were amateurs with gum wrappers and peanut butter. And they nearly sold US military secrets
- Did you pay attention this week? Take our news quiz
College football bowl season kicks off
If you love college football, then this is your favorite time of year. Forty-three bowl games are on tap for the next three-plus weeks, culminating with the College Football Playoff championship game on Jan. 10. The action kicks off Friday with a pair of games: Middle Tennessee vs. Toledo in the Bahamas Bowl (noon ET, ESPN), followed by Coastal Carolina vs. Northern Illinois in the Cure Bowl (6 p.m. ET, ESPN2). One day later, six games are scheduled, beginning at 11 a.m. ET. The College Football Playoff semifinals will be held on Dec. 31, when No. 1 Alabama faces off against No. 4 Cincinnati in the Cotton Bowl in Arlington, Texas (3:30 p.m. ET, ESPN) and No. 2 Michigan takes on No. 3 Georgia in the Orange Bowl in Miami Gardens, Florida (7:30 p.m. ET, ESPN).
- College football bowl picks: Predictions for every postseason game
- College football bowl pool tips: How to bet on all 43 games and win big
- Key players opting out of bowls: Quarterback and Heisman finalist Kenny Pickett | Running back Kenneth Walker III
Contributing: The Associated Press