Developments in former President Donald Trump’s legal cases take us to a New York City courtroom and the U.S. Supreme Court, and USC cancels its main commencement ceremony following dozens of arrests during campus protests. These stories and more highlight The Morning Rundown for Friday, April 26, 2024.
Testimony continues in Trump’s criminal trial as Supreme Court debates immunity
Cross-examination will continue Friday, April 26, as former National Enquirer publisher David Pecker returns to the stand in former President Donald Trump’s criminal trial in New York. At the same time, the Supreme Court justices in Washington are debating Trump’s immunity claims.
On Thursday, April 25, Pecker was further questioned about his interactions with Trump, revealing he agreed to purchase the rights to a story from Playboy model Karen McDougal about her alleged relationship with Trump. He testified that the decision was made after consulting with Trump’s attorney Michael Cohen, to prevent embarrassment to Trump during his 2016 presidential campaign.
The defense described these “catch-and-kill” tactics as standard operating procedures in the tabloid industry, with Pecker also mentioning similar deals made with former Congressman Rahm Emanuel and former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Pecker also discussed his role in coordinating a $130,000 payment that Cohen made to adult film star Stormy Daniels to prevent her story about her relationship with Trump from becoming public. Instead of the Enquirer purchasing her story, Pecker suggested Cohen buy it himself, which he did. This payment, and Trump’s reimbursement to Cohen, is the focus of the district attorney’s case.
Additionally, the Supreme Court heard arguments on whether Trump should have absolute immunity in his federal election interference case.
USC cancels main stage graduation ceremony amid student protests
The University of Southern California has canceled its main stage commencement ceremony, which typically draws about 65,000 people, citing safety concerns following the arrest of more than 90 people at a pro-Palestinian protest on campus. The protest was part of several occurring at college campuses nationwide.
Despite the cancellation of the main event, USC will continue to host dozens of other events, including individual school commencement ceremonies.
The university earlier confirmed that its decision not to have its student valedictorian, a Muslim who has expressed pro-Palestinian views, not speak at commencement due to safety concerns. USC stated that this decision was not related to freedom of speech issues.
Biden joins 17 world leaders to call on Hamas to release hostages
President Joe Biden and leaders from 17 other nations on Thursday, April 26, called on Hamas to release hostages still held captive in Gaza. In a joint statement, they emphasized international laws that protect hostages and the civilian population, and expressed strong support for mediation efforts aimed at resolving the crisis.
The leaders, from countries including Argentina, Canada and the United Kingdom, stressed the importance of releasing the hostages to focus on regional peace and stability.
The statement was issued a day after Hamas released a video showing an American hostage, 23-year-old Hersh Goldberg-Polin, who is missing part of his left arm but appeared otherwise healthy.
Also on Wednesday, April 24, Biden met with Abigail Edan, a 4-year-old dual citizen of Israel and America who was among the first group of hostages released during a November truce.
Currently, more than 130 hostages, including five Americans, are believed to still be in Hamas captivity.
José Andrés honors fallen aid workers at Washington National Cathedral
At a memorial service at the Washington National Cathedral on Thursday, chef José Andrés, founder of World Central Kitchen, gave an emotional tribute to seven aid workers killed in a Gaza airstrike by the Israel Defense Forces earlier this month.
Israeli military officials acknowledged the airstrike was a mistake and have disciplined those involved. Andrés has called for a thorough investigation into the incident.
He expressed hope that World Central Kitchen will continue its global humanitarian efforts, honoring the spirit and dedication of the lost aid workers. The service highlighted the personal stories of the workers and their commitment to helping communities in crisis.
Andrés, speaking at the event, said, “In the worst moments, the best of humanity shows up. Saif, John, Jacob, Zomi, Jim, James and Damian, they were the best of humanity. Their examples should inspire us to do better, to be better.”
Police: Maryland teacher used AI to create fake recording of principal
A Maryland high school teacher has been accused of using an AI-generated voice recording to impersonate the principal, an incident police say appears to be among the first of its kind in the country.
Dazhon Darien, a physical education teacher and athletic director at Pikesville High School, was arrested Thursday, April 25, on charges including reckless endangerment and disrupting school activities.
Authorities allege Darien created a fake audio recording of the principal making racist and antisemitic remarks, following discussions about whether his contract would be renewed.
The audio quickly spread on social media, resulting in the principal being placed on paid administrative leave. Darien was arrested while attempting to board a flight at BWI Marshall Airport, though it was not specified whether he was trying to flee.
Kim Kardashian attends White House meeting on criminal justice reform
Vice President Kamala Harris hosted a roundtable discussion on criminal justice reform at the White House on Thursday, April 25, attended by recently pardoned former inmates and reality TV star and entrepreneur Kim Kardashian.
During the meeting, Harris announced the finalization of changes to a Small Business Administration rule, which will remove most restrictions based on a person’s criminal record. The Vice President thanked Kardashian for her advocacy and using her platform to promote second chances.
Kardashian, who became an activist for criminal reform during the Trump administration, discussed the impact of these reforms on prison reentry, particularly highlighting the changes related to small business loans for former inmates.
The roundtable occurred a day after President Biden pardoned 11 people and commuted the sentences of five others, all convicted of non-violent drug offenses. Four of those pardoned participated in Thursday’s meeting.
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