Judge Rejects Trump’s Bid to Delay Trial Over Hush Money Payments

Judge Rejects Trump’s Bid to Delay Trial Over Hush Money Payments

New York Court Denies Trump’s Presidential Immunity Argument, With Criminal Trial Set to Proceed

A Manhattan judge has denied former President Donald Trump’s request to delay his upcoming criminal trial, ruling that the filing was “untimely.” Judge Juan Merchan rejected Trump’s attempt to have the trial postponed on the grounds of presidential immunity, saying the motion had been filed too late.

In a six-page ruling issued on Wednesday afternoon, Judge Merchan denied Trump’s last-minute effort to further delay the trial regarding alleged hush-money payments, despite the former president’s legal team already securing a 30-day postponement. Trump had filed the motion on 7 March, asking for the trial to be delayed until after the US Supreme Court makes a decision on whether presidential immunity applies to criminal charges against former or sitting presidents.

Trump’s defence team argued that under the principle of presidential immunity, any evidence related to communications made by Trump during his presidency should be excluded from the case. While the Supreme Court is set to hear arguments on 25 April, the ruling could take several days or weeks to materialise, and the criminal trial is scheduled to start on 15 April.

Judge Merchan pointed out that Trump had multiple opportunities to file his motion earlier but chose not to do so, implying that the decision to file the motion was made strategically at the last possible moment.

The former president has previously used the presidential immunity argument in an attempt to delay or dismiss various criminal charges, claiming that actions carried out during his presidency should be protected from prosecution. In this case, Trump’s legal team argued that statements he made on social media and in interviews about his former lawyer, Michael Cohen, who is a key witness in the trial, should be considered “official communications” and thus immune from legal scrutiny.

However, Judge Merchan ruled that the argument was irrelevant, as the motion had been filed too late to be considered. He also clarified that the court would not address whether presidential immunity would prevent the introduction of evidence related to Trump’s actions as president in this criminal proceeding.

In a previous ruling, Judge Merchan had already delayed the trial by 30 days due to complications over evidence, including a dispute over the timely release of documents related to Cohen. While Trump’s lawyers claimed that the District Attorney’s office was late in providing the necessary documents, prosecutors denied the allegations and said the defence team had failed to make prompt requests.

This case marks the first criminal trial against a sitting or former U.S. president, and Trump is set to face Judge Merchan and prosecutors in the coming days.

Trump is accused of falsifying 34 business records to conceal hush-money payments made to adult film actress Stormy Daniels in an effort to suppress a damaging story about their alleged affair before the 2016 presidential election. Trump has denied the affair and the allegations.

Council Tax Bills Set to Increase: How Much Will You Pay in 2024?

Council Tax Bills Set to Increase: How Much Will You Pay in 2024?

Average Annual Council Tax Bill to Rise by £106 as Local Authorities Face Funding Pressures

Residents in England are preparing for a rise in their council tax bills, with an average increase of 5 per cent this year. This means households will pay an additional £106, with the average bill for a Band D property climbing to £2,171. Local authorities are applying a social care precept of 2 per cent, and all 153 upper-tier councils will contribute to this increase.

The total council tax requirement in England has now reached £41.2 billion, marking an increase of £2.5 billion from 2023/24. Since 2020/21, the average annual council tax bill has risen by 20 per cent, with local authorities facing ongoing funding challenges despite a £600 million boost in funding.

To help residents better understand the increase, an interactive calculator has been provided to determine how much council tax will rise in specific areas starting from 1 April 2024. By entering a postcode, users can view the projected increase for their local authority, based on the band of their property.

What is My Council Tax Band?

Council tax bands in England are categorised into eight groups (A-H) based on the market value of a property in April 1991. Scotland uses a similar system, but the bands differ. In Wales, properties are divided into nine bands (A-I) and were last revalued in 2003. You can find your council tax band by checking your latest bill or using an online tool.

How Does My Council Tax Compare to Others?

In London, the average bill for a Band D property will rise to £1,422, marking a 5 per cent increase from 2023/24. In metropolitan districts outside London, the average annual rise will be slightly higher, at 5.4 per cent, bringing the average bill to £1,837. Meanwhile, unitary counties with no districts will see an increase of 5 per cent to £1,886. Other counties will experience an average increase of 5 per cent to £1,643, with additional charges for districts.

Councils Warn of Funding Squeeze

Local authorities have warned that they are facing tough decisions due to a prolonged funding squeeze, with councils already dealing with financial difficulties. Some councils in dire financial situations have been granted special permission to increase their council tax beyond the standard 4.99 per cent threshold.

Between 2010 and 2015, council tax increases were minimal, staying below 1 per cent annually. However, since 2018/19, the average increase has been set at 5 per cent. Currently, upper-tier councils cannot increase their rates above 4.99 per cent, including the social care precept, without seeking approval through a local referendum.

In 2024/25, parish precepts are expected to total £783 million, an increase of £75 million compared to the previous year.

Michigan Prosecutors Seek 10-Year Sentence for Parents of School Shooter

Michigan Prosecutors Seek 10-Year Sentence for Parents of School Shooter

Jennifer and James Crumbley Face Prison Time After Involuntary Manslaughter Conviction

Prosecutors in Michigan have recommended a minimum of 10 years in prison for Jennifer and James Crumbley, parents of the Oxford High School shooter, making them the first parents in the U.S. to be held criminally accountable for a school shooting.

The Crumbleys were convicted of involuntary manslaughter following the deadly shooting at Oxford High School in 2021, which left four students dead. Prosecutors filed court documents on Wednesday, highlighting the couple’s “chilling lack of remorse” and their failure to act responsibly, which they argue could have prevented the tragedy.

Jennifer Crumbley, 46, is said to have shown no remorse for her role, while James Crumbley, 47, is accused of neglecting his parental duties, including failing to secure the firearm used in the attack and ignoring their son’s mental health issues.

Though the Crumbleys were not accused of directly knowing about their son’s plan to carry out the shooting, prosecutors maintain that their negligence contributed to the deaths. The maximum sentence for involuntary manslaughter is 15 years in prison, but the court will decide on a minimum sentence during the sentencing hearing scheduled for April 9. The couple has already spent about two and a half years in jail since their arrest and would be eligible for parole consideration after serving the minimum sentence.

Jennifer Crumbley has reportedly expressed a desire to avoid prison, requesting instead to wear an electronic monitor and live with her attorney, Shannon Smith. James Crumbley has also sought release, though prosecutors have condemned these attempts, arguing that such a sentence would trivialise the tragedy and the negligence that led to the deaths.

The shooting took place after the Crumbleys attended a meeting at the school regarding a disturbing drawing made by their son, Ethan, which depicted a gun, a bullet, a wounded figure, and disturbing phrases like “The thoughts won’t stop. Help me.” Instead of taking Ethan home, the Crumbleys returned to work, leaving him at school. Hours later, Ethan, aged 15 at the time, used a Sig Sauer 9mm handgun purchased by his father just days earlier to carry out the shooting.

Ethan Crumbley, now 17, is currently serving a life sentence without the possibility of parole after pleading guilty to charges of murder and terrorism.

In a separate incident, during James Crumbley’s trial, the court discovered that he had made threats from jail against Karen McDonald, the elected county prosecutor, including a series of profanity-laden messages.

Johnny Mercer to Challenge Order to Reveal Whistleblower Identities

Johnny Mercer to Challenge Order to Reveal Whistleblower Identities

Veterans’ Minister Faces Deadline to Submit Witness Statement or Face Legal Consequences

Johnny Mercer, the Veterans’ Minister, has announced his intention to challenge a legal order demanding that he disclose the identities of individuals who provided him with information regarding alleged special forces murders in Afghanistan.

The Chairman of the Afghanistan Inquiry, Sir Charles Haddon-Cave, has set a deadline for Mr Mercer to submit a witness statement by April 5, which must include the names of those who made the allegations, or face potential legal action, including imprisonment.

In response to the inquiry’s demand, Mr Mercer, the MP for Plymouth, Moor View, took to social media, stating: “I am aware of tomorrow’s deadline from the Afghan Inquiry order that requires me to name the whistleblowers who confided in me. I am submitting an application to challenge the order under section 21(4) of the Inquiries Act 2005 seeking to have the Section 21 notice set aside.”

He further explained his reasoning for withholding the names, emphasising his commitment to the integrity of those who confided in him, stating, “The one thing you can hold on to is your integrity, and I will be doing that with these individuals.”

The inquiry had expressed disappointment over Mr Mercer’s refusal to comply with their request for the names during his testimony last month. Sir Charles Haddon-Cave described Mr Mercer’s refusal to answer what he considered to be legitimate questions as “disappointing,” “surprising,” and “completely unacceptable.”

The inquiry served Mr Mercer with a Section 21 notice on March 13, compelling him to provide the requested information. The inquiry has stated that the identities will be kept confidential. However, failure to comply with the order could result in legal penalties, including imprisonment or a fine.

West Ham vs Tottenham Player Ratings: Paqueta Shines in Deeper Role as Coufal Struggles Again

West Ham vs Tottenham Player Ratings: Paqueta Shines in Deeper Role as Coufal Struggles Again

Zouma’s Equaliser Earns West Ham a Point in London Derby Despite Antonio’s Missed Opportunity

West Ham responded to their recent disappointment against Newcastle by earning a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Tottenham at the London Stadium. After a rocky start, where Brennan Johnson gave Spurs an early lead, Kurt Zouma’s header levelled things up within the first 15 minutes, helping the Hammers secure a point in the derby.

Michail Antonio missed a key chance after the break, but the point still leaves David Moyes’ side in seventh place in the Premier League standings.

Here’s how the West Ham players performed:

Lukasz Fabianski (6): Stepped in for the injured Alphonse Areola. His kicking was mostly solid, and he kept his composure under pressure.

Vladimir Coufal (5): Struggled once again, this time up against Timo Werner. He had a tough time keeping up, although he was alert at the back post to deny Werner a potential winner.

Konstantinos Mavropanos (6): Was a nuisance at set-pieces, putting pressure on Tottenham’s goalkeeper, Guglielmo Vicario.

Kurt Zouma (7): Equalised with a header that glanced in off his back from a Jarrod Bowen corner. Defended well, ensuring he wasn’t exposed in one-on-one situations, particularly against Son.

Emerson (6): Still developing his relationship with Mohammed Kudus on the left flank, but showed signs of improvement as the game progressed.

Tomas Soucek (6): Played a defensive midfield role, where he was largely unnoticeable but performed his duties without error.

James Ward-Prowse (7): Was the most advanced of the midfield trio and won possession in dangerous areas. Delivered a fantastic ball to set up Antonio, though the striker failed to score.

Jarrod Bowen (6): Missed a golden opportunity early on but played a vital role in Zouma’s equaliser with a well-placed corner.

Lucas Paqueta (7): Played deeper than usual and contributed excellently to both defence and attack. He was fortunate not to be punished for a mistake near his own box, but otherwise, he showed his class.

Mohammed Kudus (7): Worked hard pressing and provided a key assist for the chance that Bowen should have converted.

Michail Antonio (6): His constant running caused problems for Tottenham, but he squandered a huge opportunity after holding off Micky van de Ven. He also tested Vicario with a powerful strike and was booked.

Substitutes:

Unused: Anang, Cresswell, Ogbonna, Johnson, Earthy, Phillips, Cornet, Ings, Mubama

Tottenham vs West Ham Player Ratings: Maddison Struggles as Romero Relishes the Physical Battle

Tottenham vs West Ham Player Ratings: Maddison Struggles as Romero Relishes the Physical Battle

Guglielmo Vicario Impresses in Goal, but Bentancur Outshone by Paqueta in a Draw at the London Stadium

Tottenham and West Ham were forced to share the spoils after a 1-1 draw at the London Stadium. Brennan Johnson’s early goal was quickly cancelled out by West Ham’s Kurt Zouma, leaving both teams with a point each after an intense London derby.

Johnson continued his fine form, scoring in the fifth minute after a well-placed cross from Timo Werner. However, Zouma levelled for West Ham, scoring from a Jarrod Bowen corner that deflected off his back.

Here’s how Tottenham’s players performed in the match:

Guglielmo Vicario (8): The goalkeeper made a crucial one-on-one save against Michail Antonio in the second half. Though slightly uncertain on set-pieces, he was quick to parry shots from James Ward-Prowse and Antonio.

Pedro Porro (7): Had an early scare when Mohammed Kudus robbed him for a West Ham chance but was a constant threat going forward. He came close to scoring with a low drive, forcing a save from Lukasz Fabianski.

Cristian Romero (7): Defended solidly, particularly relishing the physical challenge against Antonio.

Micky van de Ven (6): Struggled at times against Antonio, who outmuscled him to create a key chance. He also let Bowen’s corner sail over him, leading to the equaliser.

Destiny Udogie (7): Got forward well and was involved in the build-up to Johnson’s opening goal.

Yves Bissouma (5): Worked hard, but his passing lacked consistency. He was one of the two closest to Zouma during the West Ham equaliser.

Rodrigo Bentancur (6): A strong start, contributing to the opening goal, but faded as the game went on. He was outshone by Lucas Paqueta in midfield.

James Maddison (5): Found himself in good positions but was not at his best, and was substituted for the second consecutive match as Spurs searched for a winner.

Brennan Johnson (7): Scored his fourth goal in four games, continuing his hot streak, and made several dangerous runs down the right, delivering crosses into the box.

Timo Werner (6): Played a key role with an early assist for Johnson but struggled to make an impact in the latter stages.

Heung-min Son (6): Had a quiet game by his standards. He fired a tame effort at Fabianski and failed to find space for his usual attacking influence.

Substitutes:

Pape Sarr (for Bentancur, 70’) (6): Did well in possession and contributed to the midfield.

Dejan Kulusevski (for Maddison, 70’) (6): Created a few chances and made a case for starting in the next match.

Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg (for Bissouma, 82’) (6): Battled hard and brought stability to midfield.

Richarlison (for Werner, 82’) (6): Came on late but struggled to make a noticeable impact as West Ham held out for the draw.

Giovani Lo Celso (for Johnson, 90’) (N/A): Not enough time to influence the game.

Florida Residents Express Growing Concern for Loved Ones Amid Escalating Violence in Haiti

Florida Residents Express Growing Concern for Loved Ones Amid Escalating Violence in Haiti

Ongoing Unrest in Haiti Leads to Fear and Helplessness as Families in Florida Struggle to Stay in Touch with Those on the Island

As violence continues to spiral in Haiti, residents of Florida are becoming increasingly worried about the safety of their families and friends on the island. Many are reporting that their loved ones are confined to their homes, unable to venture outside due to the escalating unrest caused by armed gangs and widespread attacks.

Cosy Joseph, from Boynton Beach, is the founder of the Gaskov Clerge Foundation, an organisation that has been providing healthcare, education, and sports programmes both in Haiti and the United States for over 20 years. He shared his despair over the situation, stating, “I’ve never seen Haiti like this… never so much devastation. I’ve never felt so helpless and hopeless.”

Approximately a month ago, heavily armed gangs launched a series of violent attacks across the country, targeting prisons, police stations, and even the international airport in Port-au-Prince. These criminal groups also expanded their reach to wealthier neighbourhoods and other districts in the capital. As a result, countless lives have been lost, and thousands have been displaced, further heightening fears of widespread hunger.

Joseph explained the dire situation his family faces in Port-au-Prince: “My family is basically imprisoned in their own homes. They can’t leave because it’s simply not safe. Nobody wants to live like this, and it’s heart-wrenching for all of us. Almost every Haitian, whether abroad or on the island, is affected by this crisis.”

In response to the escalating violence, both the U.S. State Department and the Florida Department of Emergency Management have organised evacuation flights to bring U.S. citizens safely back to Florida. Since the violence began, over 200 people have been flown out of Haiti, seeking refuge from the dangerous conditions.

Multiple Shooters Suspected in Indianapolis Incident That Left Seven Minors Injured

Multiple Shooters Suspected in Indianapolis Incident That Left Seven Minors Injured

Police Investigate Violent Shooting Involving Young Victims in Downtown Indianapolis, with Two Juveniles Arrested for Resisting Officers

Authorities are investigating a shooting in downtown Indianapolis that left seven minors, aged 16 and under, with gunshot wounds. The shooting, which occurred near Circle Centre Mall shortly before midnight on Saturday, involved multiple suspects, according to police. Officers patrolling the area responded to the sound of gunfire and found a large group of young people at the scene. Seven youths were treated at local hospitals for their injuries, none of which were considered life-threatening.

The victims included two 16-year-old boys, a 16-year-old girl, three 14-year-old girls, and a 12-year-old boy, all of whom were injured by the gunfire. In a statement released on Monday, the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) confirmed that detectives are investigating the case and suspect more than one individual may have been involved in the shooting.

Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett expressed his sorrow over the incident in a statement, emphasising that “a 12-year-old child has no business being out late at night anywhere without parental or adult supervision.” He also voiced concern over the involvement of firearms, saying, “there is no reason why a young person at any age should be in possession of a gun.”

On Monday, IMPD officials revealed that two juveniles had been arrested for resisting law enforcement following the shooting. While the authorities have not yet identified or apprehended any suspects directly involved in the shooting, they have been actively following up on several leads and reviewing surveillance footage. The police have also secured multiple search warrants as part of their investigation.

Deputy Chief Tanya Terry indicated that no formal arrests related to the shooting had been made as of Sunday, and police are urging anyone with information to come forward.

3M to Begin Payouts in Multi-Billion Dollar Settlement for PFAS Contamination in U.S. Water Supplies

3M to Begin Payouts in Multi-Billion Dollar Settlement for PFAS Contamination in U.S. Water Supplies

Chemical Giant 3M Will Compensate U.S. Public Water Systems Over Toxic ‘Forever Chemicals’ Used in Firefighting Foam and Consumer Goods

The chemical company 3M has announced that it will start making payments in the third quarter of the year as part of a settlement that addresses contamination of U.S. public drinking water systems with harmful chemicals. The settlement, worth billions of dollars, stems from legal action related to the use of per- and polyfluorinated substances (PFAS) – chemicals linked to firefighting foam and various consumer products.

On Monday, 3M, based in St. Paul, Minnesota, confirmed that the final approval for the settlement had been granted by the U.S. District Court in Charleston, South Carolina. The terms of the settlement include ongoing payouts until 2036, with the total amount ranging from $10.5 billion to $12.5 billion, depending on future discoveries of contamination.

Mike Roman, the CEO and Chairman of 3M, stated that this settlement marked a significant advancement for the company’s efforts. He highlighted that, alongside this resolution, 3M is continuing its commitment to cease all PFAS production by the end of 2025, thus reducing potential risks and uncertainties moving forward.

The settlement compensates public water systems affected by PFAS contamination. These chemicals, commonly referred to as “forever chemicals,” are notorious for their persistence in the environment, as they do not break down naturally. PFAS have been linked to severe health issues such as liver damage, immune system disruption, and increased cancer risks.

Detected in drinking water across the U.S., PFAS has prompted action from environmental regulators. In March 2023, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed stringent regulations to limit two of the most common PFAS compounds, PFOA and PFOS, and outlined plans to regulate four others. Water systems will now be required to monitor and manage these chemicals in their supplies.

The lawsuit, which led to this settlement, originated in Stuart, Florida, and is part of a broader effort by nearly 300 communities that filed similar lawsuits against companies involved in producing firefighting foam or the chemicals it contained. The compensation will assist in covering the costs of PFAS filtration in affected water systems.

Additionally, some of the funds from the settlement will be used to support further testing of water systems for contamination. Lead attorney Scott Summy, representing the communities involved in the lawsuits, stated that any water provider finding further contamination by June 2026 will be eligible for compensation.

“This is a positive outcome for American citizens who rely on public water systems,” said Summy. “It will help eliminate PFAS from drinking water, which is the key benefit of this settlement.”

In a similar move last June, DuPont and its subsidiaries, Chemours and Corteva, reached a $1.18 billion settlement to address PFAS contamination with approximately 300 drinking water suppliers, joining 3M in resolving widespread environmental issues related to these harmful chemicals.