A TV trial for Trump?
Another indictment for Donald Trump, but this one’s quite a bit different. And pumpkin spice season is upon us. You sippin'?
👋Hey! Laura Davis here. Ready or not, it’s time for Wednesday’s news!
But first: Where’s Nessie? 👀 If you’ve ever wanted to go look for the Loch Ness monster, now’s your chance! How you can join the biggest hunt in 50 years.
The Short List is a snappy Paste BN news roundup. Subscribe to the newsletter here.
A tape recording, a TV trial and all those co-defendants
Another day, another indictment? Not exactly. The fourth time, Trump has faced criminal charges since leaving the White House − a statement that manages to simultaneously sound unimaginable and mundane − is not like all the others. The law and the politics in Monday's Georgia indictment pose distinctive perils that could make it the most serious challenge of all to Trump's future and whether that involves a term in prison or a return to the White House. There’s a tape of that phone call. The trial will be televised. And there are a whole bunch of co-defendants. 🔍 Here's a closer look.
- A pattern of backlash: Trump's defense? Suggest the prosecutor is racist.
- Can Trump be pardoned if convicted in Georgia? It's possible, but complicated.
- At the heart of the case: The phone call. A look back at Trump's call to Georgia election officials.
Grim search continues amid scorched remains of Lahaina
With only less than half of the scorched homes and businesses reached by cadaver dogs so far, officials said that as of late Tuesday, the death toll from the wildfires in Maui had climbed to 106. Authorities began releasing the names of the dead, and Gov. Josh Green said housing the displaced continues to be a primary focus of relief efforts. President Joe Biden will head to Maui on Monday to meet with survivors and officials there, the White House said Wednesday. Complicating recovery efforts was a weather forecast calling for storms this weekend. 👉 Follow our live coverage.
- 'I was crying hysterically': Thousands of pets missing after deadly Maui fires.
- Firefighters rushed to save homes as their own houses burned to the ground.
What everyone's talking about
- Those long blue texts show we don't know how to talk to each other.
- Happy 65th birthday, Madonna! Get into the groove with her top 65 songs.
- Sex ed for people with disabilities is nearly nonexistent. That needs to change.
- Bradley Cooper, 'Maestro' and Hollywood's 'Jewface' problem.
- Florida's coral reefs are dying. Scientists are on an urgent rescue mission.
The Short List is free, but several stories we link to are subscriber-only. Consider supporting our journalism and become a Paste BN digital subscriber today.
Appeals court rules against FDA, backs limits on abortion pill
In the latest step in what has turned into a monthslong legal drama over access to the abortion pill mifepristone, a federal appeals court on Wednesday said that it would limit the drug's access, ruling that the Food and Drug Administration had overstepped its authority and made it far easier for Americans to obtain the drug. The ruling was unlikely to have an immediate impact on access to the drug because of an earlier Supreme Court decision that paused any changes to the status quo. But it does set up another abortion showdown at the Supreme Court as the Biden administration is all but certain to appeal. 👉 Here's what we know.
The pumpkin spice parade begins
When does pumpkin spice season start? According to ... a lot of places ... it's already in full swing, y'all! The fall flavor's onset has begun, with Dunkin' launching its fall menu today – earlier than in the past – pouring Pumpkin Spice Signature Lattes and pumpkin coffee. Krispy Kreme and 7-Eleven both started offering pumpkin spice goodies earlier this month. And if you're sippin' Starbucks or other favorite pumpkin spice purveyors, they probably aren't far behind. 🍂 More pumpkin spice!
🎃 Poll: Pumpkin spice is poppin' – are you a fan of the flavor? Click to cast your vote.
A break from the news
- 🍁 Heads up, leaf peepers! The best dates and places to see fall colors this year.
- 🤔 What is OCD? It's become a colloquial term, but here's what it really is – and isn't.
- 🎂 Happy 18th birthday! Now, sign this power of attorney. Here's why.
- 🍎 Head back to school with an Apple – MacBook, that is. Get a sweet deal on Amazon.
Laura L. Davis is an Audience Editor at Paste BN. She loves new Twitter pals and emails from readers: laura@usatoday.com. This is a compilation of stories from across the Paste BN Network. Support quality journalism like this? Subscribe to Paste BN here.