Federal prosecutors have filed court documents seeking lengthy prison sentences for four former Proud Boys leaders convicted of seditious conspiracy in connection to the Jan. 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol. The sentences, if imposed, would be among the longest ever handed down in a case related to the Capitol attack. The sentencing hearings for the five defendants are scheduled to begin in July.
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Pascale Cecile Veronique Ferrier, a 56-year-old dual citizen of Canada and France, was sentenced to 21 years and seven months in prison for sending a letter laced with ricin to former President Donald Trump. The letter stated that if the special gift didn't 'work,' then the defendant would 'find a better recipe for another poison.' U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta said Ferrier's actions were "unconscionable" and that her intent was to cause fear and chaos, and Ferrier's attorney said her client had been suffering from mental health issues and had no intention of harming anyone.
Donald Trump's legal team has requested a delay in his Washington, D.C. trial until after the 2024 presidential election, citing the large amount of evidence, complex legal questions, and competing legal proceedings as reasons for the delay. They also argued that the incumbent administration has targeted its primary political opponent with criminal prosecution, and requested that the trial be delayed until April 2026. The outcome of the case could have significant implications for the 2024 presidential election.
Maui County's top emergency management official, Herman Andaya, resigned Thursday due to health reasons. This comes one day after he defended his decision not to sound warning sirens as wildfires swept across the island. Maui Mayor Richard Bissen has accepted Andaya's resignation and is urging residents to remain vigilant and prepared for any potential emergencies while they search for a replacement.
Hurricane Hilary is expected to bring heavy rainfall to Southern California this weekend, with amounts ranging from 2 to 8 inches, and potential flash flooding. Wind gusts and swells along the coast may also occur. Residents are advised to take precautions and prepare for the potential of flooding.
Ahead of the Republican debate next Wednesday, a memo has been released on the Axiom Strategies website outlining a debate strategy for Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. The memo suggests that DeSantis should defend former President Donald Trump, focus on his record as Florida governor, and embrace the Trump agenda while avoiding personal attacks. It is unclear how DeSantis will use the advice in the memo during the debate, but it is clear that the Republican firm is hoping DeSantis will use the advice to his advantage.
Three people in the northeastern United States have died from a rare flesh-eating bacteria this summer, Vibrio vulnificus, which can spread through warm, brackish water or the consumption of undercooked shellfish. New York Governor Kathy Hochul has urged residents to take precautions when swimming in warm, brackish water or eating raw shellfish, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that people with weakened immune systems avoid eating raw shellfish and wear protective clothing when handling it.
Herman Andaya, the Maui County Emergency Management Agency Administrator, has come under scrutiny for downplaying the importance of the island's outdoor emergency siren system prior to the devastating fire that destroyed the historic town of Lahaina. Andaya defended his decision not to sound the sirens, citing potential harm, and the county has launched an investigation into the cause of the fire and is working to improve its emergency response protocols. The Maui County Council has scheduled a public hearing for next week to discuss the county's emergency management policies and procedures.