Nearly three years after the fatal shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of the Western film “Rust,” producer and star Alec Baldwin is now facing trial. Baldwin has been charged with felony involuntary manslaughter, and if convicted, he could receive up to 18 months in prison.
Baldwin claimed to be holding the gun when a live bullet discharged, killing Hutchins and wounding director Joel Souza. Baldwin previously stated that he did not intentionally pull the trigger and that the gun “went off.”
“I’m the person who had the gun in the scene,” Baldwin told a police officer just moments after the shooting.
Jury selection begins Tuesday, July 9. Prosecutors will need to convince the 12-member jury that Baldwin was negligent in handling the firearm and acted with disregard for the safety of those around him. Court documents revealed that prosecutors have video footage showing Baldwin not following safety rules provided by Souza regarding gun handling on set.
Baldwin’s defense team aims to prove that it is not the actors’ responsibility to ensure that a live round is not in the gun and that live ammunition is banned from movie sets.
Witnesses previously stated that the crew was informed the gun was “cold,” meaning it did not contain a bullet and was only to be used as a prop.
Earlier this year, a jury convicted the film’s armorer, Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, of felony involuntary manslaughter, resulting in a maximum 18-month prison sentence.
As of now, it remains unclear whether Baldwin will take the stand in his defense. He is currently in Santa Fe, New Mexico, and is expected to appear in the courtroom.
One person is dead after a shootout with park rangers at Yellowstone National Park on Thursday, July 4. The incident occurred in the Canyon Village area, where the individual was reportedly making threats. When park rangers approached the suspect, there was an “exchange of gunfire” between the individual and law enforcement, park officials stated.
The suspect died during the incident. The identity of the person has not been released by authorities.
A ranger involved in the incident was injured and is in stable condition at a regional hospital. The area around Canyon Lodge has been sealed off as the FBI, in collaboration with National Park Service special agents, leads the investigation.
Park officials confirm there are no ongoing threats to the public.
Biden to speak in first TV interview since debate amid calls to drop out
President Joe Biden prepares for his first TV interview following the June 27 debate. And history was made at Coney Island on July 4 with this year’s hot dog eating champions! These stories and more highlight The Morning Rundown for Friday, July 5, 2024.
Biden to sit down for first TV interview since debate amid calls to step aside
Amid pressure from members of his own party to step aside, President Joe Biden will sit down today for his first TV interview since last week’s debate. Biden will speak to ABC News anchor George Stephanopoulos in an interview that will air as a primetime special on the network Friday, July 5.
BIG change to ABC's Biden interview rollout plan: It "will air in its entirety as a primetime special, Friday, July 5, at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT on ABC." Additionally, "a transcript of the unedited interview will be made available the same day."
The interview is part of the White House’s plans to reassure the Democratic Party that Biden should remain in the race despite a poor debate performance against the Republicans’ presumptive nominee, former President Donald Trump. The plans included a meeting with Democratic governors where, according to multiple reports, the president told the governors that he needs more sleep and will stop scheduling events after 8 p.m.
Biden said he is in good health and had a medical checkup following the debate, reportedly adding that he’s fine but “I don’t know about my brain, though.” A Biden campaign spokeswoman said Biden was clearly joking, adding the president said “all kidding aside” after making that comment.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom, D, who was in the meeting, defended the president while speaking to reporters on Thursday, July 4, saying Biden was just acknowledging that he’s human.
Meanwhile, wealthy Democratic donors have joined the calls for Biden to drop out, including Disney heiress Abigail Disney, who told CNBC she plans to withhold donations to the party until “Biden is replaced at the top of the ticket.”
While reports say Biden has told key allies that the next several days are crucial to save his campaign, the White House is denying those reports. Biden, however, is making his intentions to remain in the race clear.
During a White House barbecue for military families on July 4, someone in the crowd shouted “Keep up the fight.” The president responded: “You got me, man. I’m not going anywhere.”
Along with his interview, Biden is headed to Wisconsin Friday, July 5, and Pennsylvania on Saturday, July 6, where he will be holding campaign events.
“To the country, I would like to say first and foremost, I am sorry,” Sunak stated. “I have given this job my all. But you have sent a clear signal that the government of the U.K. must change, and yours is the only judgment that matters. I have heard your anger, your disappointment, and I take responsibility for this loss.”
Sunak also announced he would step down as leader of the Conservative Party.
With nearly all election results in, the Labour Party won 410 of the 650 available seats in the House of Commons, with the incumbent Conservative Party holding on to 131.
Analysts attribute the shift to voters seeking change following the Conservative Party’s handling of recent events including Brexit and the COVID-19 pandemic.
A person with a gun who authorities say was making threats in Yellowstone National Park died after a shootout with park rangers, officials said in a statement. https://t.co/y60KB369EW
When park rangers approached the suspect, there was an “exchange of gunfire” between the individual and law enforcement, park officials stated. The suspect died during the incident. The identity of the person has not been released by authorities.
A ranger involved was injured and is in stable condition at a regional hospital. The area around Canyon Lodge has been sealed off as the FBI, in collaboration with National Park Service special agents, leads the investigation. Park officials confirm there are no ongoing threats to the public.
Hurricane Beryl intensifies to Category 3, approaches Yucatan Peninsula
The storm has been blamed for nine deaths in Venezuela, Jamaica and the Windward Islands as it nears landfall. Forecasters warn of hurricane-force winds with up to 10 inches of rain expected, raising concerns of flash flooding.
Despite weakening to a Category 2 earlier on Thursday, July 4, Beryl regained strength, reaching Category 3 by 10 p.m. with maximum sustained winds of 115 mph. Hurricane warnings are in effect from Puerto Costa Maya to Cancún, including Cozumel.
Beryl made landfall Friday morning, though damaging winds and powerful waves are expected to impact the peninsula beforehand. After making landfall, the hurricane is forecast to move into the Gulf of Mexico and potentially regain strength as it approaches northeastern Mexico or southern Texas.
Hasta ahora la trayectoria del huracán Beryl categoría 3 indica que entrará por Tulum, que es una zona poblada y cercana al mar. Por eso es recomendable trasladarse a partes altas, a refugios o casas de familiares y amigos en otros sitios. No titubeemos, lo material se recupera.…
“Let’s not hesitate, material things can be recovered,” he stated on the night of Thursday, July 4. “The most important thing is life.”
The National Hurricane Center predicts Beryl will weaken after making landfall but may regain strength as it moves toward northeastern Mexico or southern Texas.
Meanwhile, tourists in Mexico are bracing for the storm, with some resorts halting alcohol sales as guests prepare for the worst.
Saks Fifth Avenue to acquire Neiman Marcus for $2.65 billion
New hot dog eating champion crowned in Joey Chestnut’s absence; women’s record broken
With Joey Chestnut out of the competition this year, a new champion emerged at Nathan’s annual Hot Dog Eating Contest. Patrick Bertoletti, a 39-year-old man from Chicago, devoured 58 hot dogs in 10 minutes to win the men’s title on July 4 in Coney Island.
On the women’s side, Miki Sudo, a 38-year-old dental hygienist student from Tampa, continued her dominance by winning her tenth contest and setting a women’s record with 51 hot dogs.
Meanwhile, Chestnut, who was banned from Nathan’s contest after signing a deal with Impossible Foods, competed at Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas, eating 57 hot dogs in five minutes. Chestnut is set to face longtime rival Takeru Kobayashi in a separate hot dog eating contest streaming live on Netflix on Labor Day.
Why there are more mass shootings, violence in summer
It’s no secret that violence and shootings seem to surge in the summertime and the most violent day of the year is here: Independence Day. Historically, Independence Day is also one of the deadliest days of the year when it comes to violence and mass shootings.
According to the Gun Violence Archive — which tracks mass shootings involving four or more people, regardless of whether they died — June, July and August have had the highest total number of mass shootings over the past decade.
Independence Day topped the list over the last 10 years, with 58 mass shootings. July 5 came in as the second biggest day for mass shootings.
A criminologist with Northeastern University said the rising temperatures likely have a lot to do with the spike in violence in the summer. It has been scientifically proven the heat can make people angrier and more aggressive.
But specifically, he said Independence Day is one of the worst days for gun violence, not just because of how hot it is, but because people aren’t working or in school and instead, they are gathering, making it easier to get in arguments or fights. He also said some of that spills over past midnight into July 5, which is why it sees the second highest number of mass shootings each year, historically.
Statistically, mass killings are far more likely to happen at a home. Most often, the victims know the shooter, according to The Associated Press.
Summer officially started on June 20 and in the first week alone, AP said at least eight mass shootings were reported across the country — several of those at large parties.
Overall, of the 10 most violent days of the year, nine are in the heat of summer. The one exception is Jan. 1, as people gather to celebrate the new year.
FBI: Active shooter incidents down 4% last year, up 89% over past 5 years
The FBI has released the annual active shooter report. The report found that 2023 saw fewer active shooting incidents than 2022, leading to a 4% decrease. However, over the last five years, active shooter incidents have gone up 89%, according to the FBI.
The FBI defines “active shooter” as one or more individuals actively engaged in killing or attempting to kill people in a populated area.
Though active shootings went down 4% from 2022 to 2023, that change is not a large one. There were just two fewer active shooter incidents in 2023 (48) than there were in 2022 (50).
Over the last five years, the FBI said there were 229 active shootings across the U.S., which is up 89% from the 121 active shootings in the five years between 2014 and 2018.
In 2023, 449 people were killed and 773 were wounded in the 48 active shootings.
More people died because of an active shooting incident in the last five years than the five years between 2014 and 2018, which included three of the deadliest mass shootings in U.S. history.
Last year alone, 105 people were killed in active shootings and another 139 were hurt.
The shootings happened in 26 states. California had the most with eight, followed by Texas and Washington with four each.
The FBI’s report came just weeks after the federal government released preliminary numbers showing a 15% drop in violent crime during the first quarter of 2024 compared to last year.
Survey: Texas promised armed guards at every school, most don’t have them
In 2022, a mass shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, killed 19 kids and two teachers. State lawmakers said they were committed to never letting it happen again. Last year, the Texas Legislature passed a law that in part required an armed officer at every public school in the state. On Thursday, June 13, a Hearst Newspapers analysis found that nine months after the law was passed, most of the schools in the state have not implemented the requirement.
The survey found that of 100 random school districts around Texas, 52 had adopted an exemption in the law to avoid the armed guard requirement known as the “Good Cause Exception,” which allows for a district to opt-out of the requirement if it lacked funding or personnel.
Some district leaders that didn’t adopt the requirement claim that lawmakers did not provide enough money to offset the costs of the added security measures.
One superintendent noted that the cost to hire an officer cost his district $80,000 while the state only gave the district $18,500 to cover the added security expense.
Meanwhile, some districts that complied with the law are now in debt because of the added requirement and others have had to raise money to hire security locally. Several district leaders said that they were already struggling financially because of stagnant funding and inflation.
State Sen. Robert Nichols, R, who helped pass the legislation, admits that lawmakers “set a standard that is not attainable.” However, he blamed the problem on the lack of police officers in the state. Still, he thinks the law is progress.
“I think this was a success because it spurred some districts to hire additional security, even if most weren’t in full compliance.”
When asked about those who used the Good Cause Exclusion, he said, “What would you do? Shut down those campuses and not educate the kids?”
Under the exemption, school districts must still adopt alternative plans, like rotating officers between campuses or showing intent to hire more officers. Another option is to train and arm school staff, which some school districts have done.
Despite the lack of compliance with armed guards, even if all districts did have armed officers, the data is inconclusive. School safety experts said that there is no comprehensive research on whether or not armed guards prevent or minimize school shootings.
Police: Minneapolis officer killed in deadly ambush
Three individuals, including Minneapolis police officer Jamal Mitchell, were killed in a shooting Thursday, May 30, in the Whittier neighborhood of southern Minneapolis. As officers responded to the scene of a shooting, they were immediately met with gunfire, according to the Minneapolis Police Department.
During the incident, police said a Officer Mitchell was providing medical aid those injured, including the suspected gunman who ambushed the officer.
“When officers arrived, they received gunfire immediately and they exchanged gunfire,” Assistant Police Chief Katie Blackwell of the Minneapolis Police Department said. “Two officers were injured and they were immediately brought to HCMC. Officer Jamal Mitchell died at the hospital despite all life-saving measures by Hennepin Healthcare. The second officer received non-life-threatening injuries. The suspect on scene was injured, and even though he was injured in that gunfire, officers still rendered first aid and he was pronounced deceased at the scene.”
Mitchell had previously been recognized for his heroism after rescuing an elderly couple from a fire early in his career, earning high praise for his bravery and character. The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is currently investigating the shooting.
Donald Trump becomes first former US president to be convicted of a crime
Donald Trump is found guilty of 34 felonies in New York. What comes next? And what does the historic verdict mean for the former president? A police officer was killed during a deadly ambush in Minnesota. These stories and more highlight The Morning Rundown for Friday, May 31, 2024.
Donald Trump found guilty on 34 felony counts in NY criminal trial
However, Trump was not tried on the campaign finance violation itself.
The case against Trump relied heavily on testimony from his former lawyer, Michael Cohen, who admitted to lying to Congress in 2018 and stealing from the Trump organization. The defense attempted to undermine Cohen’s credibility by labeling him the “GLOAT,” or the greatest liar of all time.
Trump is expected to appeal the verdict. He also faces ongoing legal challenges including the classified documents case, the Georgia election case, and special counsel Jack Smith’s investigation into attempts to overturn the 2020 election results.
Trump is scheduled to be sentenced on July 11.
Donald Trump, Manhattan D.A. speak after verdict
The verdict was delivered unexpectedly late Thursday, May 30, just after Judge Juan Merchan had informed the defense and prosecution at approximately 4:15 p.m. that deliberations would continue into a third day.
However, at 4:36 p.m., the judge announced that the jury had reached its decision, cautioning those in the courtroom against any outbursts.
Trump responded to the verdict while speaking to reporters outside the courthouse.
“This was a disgrace,” Trump said. “This was a rigged trial by a conflicted judge who was corrupt as a rigged trial, a disgrace. They wouldn’t give us a venue change. We were at 5% or 6% in this district, in this area. This was a rigged, disgraceful trial. The real verdict is going to be Nov. 5 by the people. And they know what happened here. And everybody knows what happened here.”
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg — whose office prosecuted the case — later spoke to the media, emphasizing his commitment to following the facts and the law. Bragg stated, “The only voice that matters is the voice of the jury. And the jury has spoken.”
The reaction to the verdict has been polarized. President Joe Biden’s campaign remarked that voting in November is the only way to ensure Trump does not return to office, while the White House expressed its respect for the rule of law. Conversely, House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., labeled the guilty verdict “a shameful day in American history.”
What to expect following guilty verdict in Trump criminal trial
As stated above, sentencing is scheduled for July 11. However, Trump is likely to appeal the conviction, as he has asserted that the charges were politically motivated and legally flawed.
Trump was convicted of falsifying business records and a Class E felony in New York — the lowest tier of felony in the state which could result in up to four years in prison for each count. However, it is uncommon for someone with no prior criminal history to receive a prison sentence for this type of crime.
The judge may opt for alternative punishments such as a fine, probation, or house arrest. The Manhattan District Attorney has not indicated whether his office will seek prison time.
The judge might also allow Trump to avoid any punishment until after the appeal process is complete.
As for the upcoming November election, Trump is still eligible to run for president. Legal experts note that there is nothing in the U.S. Constitution that prevents someone convicted of a crime from running for the presidency.
Minneapolis shooting claims life of police officer and two others
Three individuals, including Minneapolis police officer Jamal Mitchell, were killed in a shooting Thursday, May 30, in the Whittier neighborhood of southern Minneapolis. As officers responded to the scene, they were immediately met with gunfire, according to the Minneapolis Police Department.
During the incident, a suspect ambushed Officer Mitchell while he was providing medical aid to two injured men two blocks from the original scene. One of the men succumbed to his injuries at the scene, while the other sustained serious injuries.
“When officers arrived, they received gunfire immediately and they exchanged gunfire,” Assistant Police Chief Katie Blackwell of the Minneapolis Police Department said. “Two officers were injured and they were immediately brought to HCMC. Officer Jamal Mitchell died at the hospital despite all life-saving measures by Hennepin Healthcare. The second officer received non-life-threatening injuries. The suspect on scene was injured, and even though he was injured in that gunfire, officers still rendered first aid and he was pronounced deceased at the scene.”
Mitchell had previously been recognized for his heroism after rescuing an elderly couple from a fire early in his career, earning high praise for his bravery and character. The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is currently investigating the shooting.
During his appearance, De Niro made heated remarks, including a claim that Trump could “destroy the whole world” if elected again. The NAB stated that De Niro’s comments “create a distraction” from the organization’s bipartisan philanthropic work.
National Spelling Bee comes to exciting end with tiebreaker
The finals of the Scripps National Spelling Bee turned intense on Thursday, May 30.
Seventh-grader Bruhat Soma clinched the win and a $50,000 prize by correctly spelling 29 words in 90 seconds during a lightning round tie-breaker. It was nine more correct words than his competitor.
Uvalde to pay $2 million to families of victims of Robb Elementary shooting
The families of victims of the Robb Elementary School mass shooting that killed 19 children and two teachers have been awarded $2 million from the city of Uvalde, Texas. The settlement comes nearly two years to the day that a gunman opened fire at the Uvalde elementary school on May 24, 2022.
The $2 million paid out to families comes after heavy criticism of responding officers, who reportedly waited 77 minutes before entering the school and eventually killing the gunman. During the press conference on Wednesday, May 22, 2024, the attorney representing the families criticized the lack of punishment for any police officers.
“Had the law enforcement agencies followed generally accepted practices… lives would have been saved and people would have survived,” Attorney General Merrick Garland said to reporters at the time.
The money from the city will now go to families of 17 of the children killed and two who survived. The city has also agreed to enhance officer training and mental health services for families, victims and residents. In addition, Uvalde will create a memorial with the help of the families and a day of recognition for the victims.
“Pursuing further legal action against the City could have plunged Uvalde into bankruptcy, something that none of the families, were interested in as they look for the community to heal,” the families’ attorneys said in a statement.
Humanitarian aid begins entering Gaza via US-built pier
The first shipment of humanitarian aid made its way across the United States’ newly built pier in Gaza, and at least four people are killed after severe storms hit the Houston area. These stories and more highlight The Morning Rundown for Friday, May 17, 2024.
Humanitarian aid begins entering Gaza via US-built pier
The initial aid shipment includes food bars for 11,000 individuals, therapeutic foods for over 7,000 malnourished children and hygiene kits for 30,000 people, aimed at assisting the 2.2 million residents of Gaza.
Also on Friday, Israel presented its defense at the United Nations’ International Court of Justice in the Netherlands, requesting the dismissal of South Africa’s plea for a cease-fire and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. South Africa has leveled accusations of genocide against Israel for its actions against Hamas, which Israel has dismissed as unfounded and an insult to the gravity of genocide charges.
This marks the third hearing at the World Court since South Africa initiated its case in December.
French police shoot and kill suspect in synagogue fire
French police fatally shot a man Friday morning who was suspected of setting a synagogue on fire in Rouen, about 80 miles northwest of Paris. The man, armed with a knife and an iron bar, attacked officers responding to the synagogue blaze. An officer fired at the assailant, resulting in his death. The fire was subsequently brought under control.
While the motive of the suspect remains unknown, the incident occurs amidst an increase in antisemitic incidents in France since the beginning of the conflict between Israel and Hamas.
Severe storms in Houston kill four, knock out power for nearly 800,000 homes
Severe storms hit Houston on Thursday, May 16, resulting in at least four deaths, shattered windows in tall buildings and power outages affecting around 800,000 homes, leaving much of the city dark.
Houston’s fire chief attributed two deaths to fallen trees. Many residents are still without power this morning.
Mayor John Whitmire has advised citizens to stay inside and refrain from traveling due to dangerous conditions, as continuous rain causes flooding and strong winds damage the downtown area.
Whitmire said that city departments and first responders are actively addressing the situation, including removing live wires that blocked major roads Friday, May 17.
The Houston Independent School District has shut down all 274 of its schools for the day.
As the city begins to recover, crews are working to remove fallen power lines and debris. The National Weather Service has issued flood warnings for parts of southern Texas and expects additional heavy rainfall.
Trump to attend son’s graduation today; Cohen to return to stand Monday
The criminal trial of fomer President Donald Trump in New York will not see any developments Friday, May 17, as the former president is attending his son Barron’s high school graduation. The judge has permitted a recess for Trump to be present at the ceremony at Oxbridge Academy in West Palm Beach, Florida.
In Thursday’s five-hour session, Trump’s lawyer accused Cohen of lying to the jury, specifically about a phone call Cohen claimed to have had with Trump in 2016. The lawyer suggested that Cohen actually spoke to Trump’s bodyguard regarding a prank call incident.
Cohen maintains his account is truthful.
Looking ahead, prosecutors may conclude their case on Monday, May 20, after which the defense will proceed. It remains uncertain whether Trump’s legal team will summon any witnesses, including Trump himself, to testify.
General Motors, LG reach settlement with Chevy Bolt owners over batteries
GM introduced the Chevy Bolt in 2015, featuring batteries supplied by LG. In 2021, GM recalled the vehicles due to fire risks associated with the batteries. Production of the Chevy Bolt ceased last year as GM transitioned to developing new electric vehicles.
McDonald’s introducing Grandma McFlurry as company looks to improve sales
McDonald’s is introducing a new menu item, the Grandma McFlurry, in an effort to attract customers amid concerns about recent price increases. This limited edition dessert features syrup, vanilla ice cream and candy pieces, reminiscent of treats one might find in a grandmother’s purse.
The release highlights the current cultural impact of grandmothers, nodding to the “grandma-core” trend on social media where users embrace styles and activities typically linked to grandmothers.
Additionally, McDonald’s plans to launch a $5 value meal aimed at boosting restaurant traffic, following reports earlier in the week.