This article covers the indictment of former President Donald Trump on charges of conspiring to defraud the United States and attempting to prevent the peaceful transition of power to Joe Biden. The indictment is part of a larger investigation into Trump's activities, led by two state prosecutors and a federal special counsel. Trump pleaded not guilty to all 34 counts of falsifying business records in the first degree on April 4.
News Mash
Former President Donald Trump has been indicted by a grand jury in Washington D.C. on charges of conspiracy to defraud the United States, conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding, obstruction of an official proceeding, and conspiracy against rights. Special Counsel Jack Smith said the charges stem from Trump's attempts to stay in power after losing the 2020 election, which culminated in the violent storm at the Capitol building on January 6. Smith added that the indictment is a reminder that "no one is above the law."
Fitch Ratings Downgrades US Credit Rating to AA+ Due to Growing Debt and Eroding Political Stability
Fitch Ratings Downgrades US Credit Rating to AA+ Due to Growing Debt and Eroding Political Stability
Fitch Ratings has downgraded the United States from AAA to AA+, citing growing debt and eroding political stability. This downgrade could lead to higher borrowing costs for the government and businesses, and highlights the need for fiscal discipline and political stability to maintain the nation's credit rating. The downgrade is a warning sign for the U.S. economy, as it continues to grapple with the economic fallout of the pandemic.
At a hearing to determine if a Michigan high school mass shooter will receive a life prison sentence, a psychologist testified that the shooter, 17-year-old Ethan Crumbley, was a "feral child" who had been deeply neglected and was mentally ill. Videos of Crumbley in deep distress were played to illustrate his psychosis, and the psychologist said Crumbley's mental illness was a result of his environment and upbringing, but predicted he can be rehabilitated. No dates were disclosed for when the hearing will conclude.
Grammy award-winning singer Lizzo is facing a lawsuit from three of her former dancers, who allege that they were subjected to a hostile work environment and sexual harassment. The plaintiffs claim that Lizzo and her management team created a toxic work environment, including "debauchery" and racially biased taunts, and that the captain of Lizzo’s dance team made them feel uncomfortable. The plaintiffs are seeking unspecified damages, as well as an injunction to prevent Lizzo and her management team from engaging in similar conduct in the future. Lizzo’s representatives have not yet commented on the lawsuit.
Former Michigan attorney general candidate Matthew DePerno and former state representative Daire Rendon have been charged with criminal offenses related to accessing and tampering with voting machines after the 2020 election. DePerno faces four counts, while Rendon faces two. Both are scheduled to appear in court on June 8th, and it is unclear if they will face jail time if convicted.
Lawyers for Ken Paxton, the impeached Republican Texas Attorney General, have filed motions with the Senate to dismiss most of the charges against him, claiming they are based on alleged acts of corruption that occurred before his reelection in 2022. Paxton's attorneys also accused the GOP-dominated Texas House of Representatives of attempting to remove him for conduct that occurred before his most recent election, which state law bars. The impeachment charges include alleged conduct since 2014, which Paxton's attorneys argue "allege nothing that Texas voters have not heard from the Attorney General's political opponents for years". The trial is set to begin on September 5th, and the outcome could have major implications for the Texas Attorney General's office.
A gay professional dancer was tragically killed in a possible anti-gay hate crime at a gas station in Brooklyn, New York. Surveillance footage shows the victim and his friends vogueing to Beyoncé’s “Renaissance” album before a separate group of men approached them. The NYPD has identified a suspect and is investigating the incident as a possible hate crime, sparking outrage in the LGBTQ+ community and calls for an end to violence against queer people.