Sam Bankman-Fried, founder of FTX, was convicted of fraud in a scheme that cheated customers and investors of at least $10 billion. During the trial, prosecutors argued that Bankman-Fried had committed fraud and had cheated customers and investors, while the defense argued that Bankman-Fried had not intended to commit fraud and had acted in good faith. The jury's decision will now determine Bankman-Fried's fate, bringing to a close a spectacular rise and fall in the cryptocurrency industry.
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House Republicans are pushing forward with a bill to provide $14.3 billion in aid to Israel, paired with $14.3 billion in cuts to IRS funding. Democrats oppose the bill due to the IRS cuts, which they call a "poison pill", and President Biden has vowed to veto it. The House is expected to take up the bill Thursday afternoon, but its passage is uncertain.
Former Memphis police officer Desmond Mills Jr. pled guilty to federal and state charges on Thursday for the beating death of Tyre Nichols. As part of a larger agreement, Mills agreed to plead guilty to excessive force and obstruction of justice, and to act as a cooperating witness in both federal and state investigations. The Shelby County District Attorney's Office released a statement regarding Mills' plea, and the plea agreement is still subject to approval by the court.
Sen. Rick Scott (R-FL) has endorsed former President Donald Trump for the Republican nomination for president in the upcoming election, citing his long-standing relationship with Trump and his belief that the world would be a better place with him as president. His endorsement is likely to be a major boost for Trump's campaign, and it remains to be seen if other Republicans will follow Scott's lead and unite behind Trump.
New York State Attorney General Letitia James has announced that Uber and Lyft have agreed to pay a combined $328 million to settle allegations of wage theft and failure to provide mandatory paid sick leave. This settlement will benefit over 100,000 drivers in New York, guaranteeing them a minimum of $26 an hour in wages and mandatory sick leave. The Attorney General's office is committed to protecting workers' rights and ensuring that companies are held accountable for their actions.
The White House has announced plans to develop a national strategy to combat Islamophobia, which will include a range of steps to protect and defend the civil rights of Muslim Americans. The strategy is part of the Biden administration's broader effort to combat hate and bigotry in the United States, and will involve lawmakers, advocacy groups, and community leaders. The White House has not yet released details of the strategy, but has said it will be comprehensive and multi-faceted.
Alabama Supreme Court has granted the state attorney general's request for an execution warrant for Kenneth Eugene Smith, paving the way for the state to become the first to use nitrogen gas as an execution method. The decision has sparked debate, with many questioning the use of nitrogen gas as unconstitutional, and further litigation is likely. Other states may follow suit, but Alabama is the first to move forward with the plan.
Kaitlin Armstrong is on trial in Texas for the murder of professional cyclist Moriah Wilson, with prosecutors alleging that she tracked Wilson's movements on the Strava app and stopped her car near the Austin apartment where Wilson was staying. The prosecution is expected to present evidence that Armstrong had purchased a gun and ammunition shortly before the murder, while the defense will argue that Armstrong acted in self-defense. The jury will ultimately decide whether Armstrong is guilty or innocent.