Trump's fiery fraud trial
Donald Trump took the stand at his fraud trial in New York. Israel rejected a pause in the war as forces close in on Gaza City. And the Joro spiders are coming. Get used to it!
👋Monday already? Laura Davis here. Hope you had a nice weekend. Let’s get caught up on the news!
But first: A very freaky find! 💀 A shopper in Florida stumbled on a pretty unusual item at a thrift store: a human skull.
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Trump gets testy on the witness stand
After his sons testified last week, Trump took the witness stand Monday at his civil fraud trial as he strives to prevent what he calls the "corporate death penalty" for his namesake real estate company that could potentially result in $250 million in damages and end his ability to do business in New York state. And he didn't hold back. The former president opened his testimony in Manhattan by praising how "smart" his eldest son, Don Jr., is, calling him a "very honorable guy." As the morning unfolded the judge at times seemed to lose his patience with Trump's answers. “I beseech you to control him if you can,” the judge told Trump lawyer Chris Kise.
- The trial addresses several allegations, including that Trump, his adult sons and Trump Organization executives falsified corporate financial statements and committed insurance fraud. The testimony will also inform the judge’s decision about what further punishment, if any, to impose.
👉 Here's everything that happened Monday at the trial.
Israel rejects pause in war as it batters Gaza
As the Israeli military hammered northern Gaza on the way to Gaza City, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu once again rejected calls for a humanitarian pause in the war Monday, including one from President Joe Biden. The Israeli military said it hit more than 450 "Hamas targets" in the previous 24 hours and killed a militant commander. But the overnight barrages also struck the roof of Gaza City’s al-Shifa Hospital, killing several displaced people seeking shelter and destroying solar panels that kept the power on. Residents of Gaza have been urged to get out of the north, where much of the Hamas infrastructure and weaponry are believed to be located. 👉 Follow our live coverage.
- I left Gaza for work and can’t go back. Watching it bleed from afar is a nightmare. | Voices
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What everyone's talking about
- Kourtney Kardashian is an 'attachment parent.' What is that?
- Ex-Obama adviser says Biden should maybe drop out of 2024.
- Bruce Springsteen's bandmate gives update on The Boss' health.
- Pastor, prior 'American Idol' contestant, charged with ID theft.
- Did Paramount+ ruin the 'Frasier' reboot? Some fans disagree with review.
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Blockbuster gun rights case heads to Supreme Court
With the nation reeling from the deadliest mass shooting this year, the Supreme Court this week will hash out a Second Amendment dispute that could have enormous consequences for victims of domestic violence. On Tuesday, the court will hear oral arguments about a law banning people who are subject to a domestic violence restraining order from owning a gun. Studies indicate that women are five times more likely to die from domestic violence if a gun is present.
- How did we get here? The case centers on a Texas man involved in five shootings, and who pleaded guilty to a federal crime: possessing a firearm despite being the subject of a domestic violence restraining order. His appeal could have sweeping implications for other gun prohibitions. 🔎 How the case could affect other gun rights.
Giant, invasive Joro spiders spreading fast
They're creepy, they're crawly, they're huge – and they're here to stay. Scientists say Joro spiders, which travel in a terrifying-sounding method known as "ballooning," started showing up in the South Carolina area. And if they can make it there, they can make it just about anywhere, scientists say. They could even soon inhabit most of the eastern part of the country. But what is the Joro spider, where did it come from and will it hurt you? 🕷 Here's what to know.
A break from the news
- 💉 It's flu shot time! How to prep yourself.
- 🙇♀️ Depression affects 1 in 5 people. Here's what it feels like.
- 🍿 'Nyad' fact check: Did she really swim from Cuba to Florida?
Laura L. Davis is an Audience Editor at Paste BN. Say hello: 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.