Key takeaways: The conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza has been devastating for the region, with journalists facing great danger in order to cover…
News Mash
Donald Trump is challenging the federal criminal charges brought against him in connection with the 2020 presidential election, claiming in court filings that his actions are protected by the First Amendment and that he cannot be tried again after being acquitted by the Senate in his impeachment trial. His defense team argued that the prosecution is politically motivated and asked the federal judge to dismiss the charges. The judge has yet to issue a ruling on the matter.
Thousands of United Auto Workers (UAW) members have gone on strike against Detroit's Big Three automakers, General Motors (GM), Ford, and Fiat Chrysler, impacting GM's profits and causing the company to withdraw its 2023 profit forecast. On Tuesday, 5,000 workers from the Arlington Assembly Plant in Texas joined the strike, and the UAW has created a loan program and website to provide resources to its members. The strike is ongoing and it is unclear when it will end.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation has identified a body found in a suitcase in a dumpster 35 years ago as 26-year-old South Korean woman Chong Un Kim. DNA analysis, funded by donors, was used to make the identification. The GBI is now asking for the public's help in finding out more information about Kim and her death, and is committed to finding justice for her and her family.
Jenna Ellis, a senior legal adviser to former President Donald Trump's 2020 campaign, has pleaded guilty to one count of aiding and abetting false statements and writings. In exchange for her plea, Ellis will receive five years of probation and have to pay $5,000 in restitution to the state. Former President Trump has distanced himself from Ellis, with his campaign releasing a statement saying she was never a part of the campaign's legal team. This plea agreement is the latest development in the ongoing investigation into alleged efforts to reverse the outcome of the 2020 election.
Washington State Senator Jeff Wilson was arrested at Hong Kong International Airport on Friday night for possession of an unregistered firearm. Wilson, a Republican from Longview, was traveling with his wife for a five-week vacation in Southeast Asia when he reported the unloaded gun to customs officials. His office has not commented on the incident beyond a statement released on Monday, and it is unclear if Wilson will face any further charges or penalties. The incident has raised questions about the security measures at the Portland, Oregon airport, and sparked debate among Washington state residents.
Hamas released two hostages, Nurit Cooper and Yocheved Lifshitz, for "compelling humanitarian" reasons, bringing joy to their families but leaving over 200 people still held captive. Donald Trump has filed motions in the Jan. 6 case against him, while seven people have died in a Louisiana highway crash and House Republicans are narrowing down speaker candidates.
Che Flores, the NBA's first out nonbinary and transgender referee, has entered their second season as an NBA staff referee. They have experienced being misgendered in the past, but being able to identify as nonbinary and transgender has allowed them to feel more comfortable. The NBA has been making strides to be more inclusive and accepting of the LGBTQ+ community, including launching the NBA Pride Collection and hosting its first-ever Pride Game in June 2021. Flores's story is a reminder of the importance of representation in sports.