NY v Trump day 19: Defense accuses Cohen of lying about key evidence
Todd Blanche, an attorney for Donald Trump, undertook an aggressive bid to undermine Michael Cohen’s credibility on Thursday by attempting to frame him as a prolific liar with a bone to pick against his former boss.
Cohen remained remarkably calm on the stand -- betrayed only by recordings of an expletive-laden podcast rant played for jurors -- as Blanche questioned him about his many lies, his criminal convictions, his ego, and some of his most painful personal and professional failings.
Blanche also called into doubt some of the government’s most important evidence and Cohen’s prior testimony, accusing Cohen of lying about a 2016 phone call in which the two allegedly discussed a “catch-and-kill” scheme to suppress Stormy Daniels’ story.
Meanwhile, as the government’s case approaches its conclusion, a major question remains: Will Donald Trump take the witness stand? Blanche’s cross-examination of Cohen will resume on Monday.
Source-ABC
Diddy allegedly seen assaulting former girlfriend Cassie Ventura in hotel surveillance video
Sean "Diddy" Combs was allegedly seen physically assaulting his former girlfriend Cassie Ventura on hotel surveillance video exclusively obtained by CNN.
In the footage, reportedly filmed in an LA hotel on March 5, 2016, a man identified by CNN as Combs was shown chasing Ventura down a hallway, grabbing her by the back of the neck, shoving her to the ground and kicking her as she lay on the ground. He then appeared to grab her by her sweatshirt and drag her across the floor.
In November 2023, Ventura settled a lawsuit against Combs that accused him of sex trafficking and sexual assault. According to court filings, Ventura alleged Combs "often punched, beat, kicked and stomped" on her during their relationship.
"The gut-wrenching video has only further confirmed the disturbing and predatory behavior of Mr. Combs," Douglas H. Wigdor, Ventura's lawyer, said in response to the video footage of Combs. "Words cannot express the courage and fortitude that Ms. Ventura has shown in coming forward to bring this to light."
The allegations were detailed in Ventura's 37-page complaint, saying, "In or around March 2016, during an FO at the InterContinental Hotel in Century City, Los Angeles, Mr. Combs became extremely intoxicated and punched Ms. Ventura in the face, giving her a black eye."
"After he fell asleep, Ms. Ventura tried to leave the hotel room, but as she exited, Mr. Combs awoke and began screaming at Ms. Ventura. He followed her into the hallway of the hotel while yelling at her," it continued. "He grabbed at her, and then took glass vases in the hallway and threw them at her, causing glass to crash around them as she ran to the elevator to escape."
Ventura made it to the elevator and took a cab home, according to the lawsuit. But "upon realizing that her running away would cause Mr. Combs to be even angrier with her, and completely stuck in his vicious cycle of abuse, Ms. Ventura returned to the hotel with intention of apologizing for running away from her abuser," the lawsuit alleges.
When she arrived back at the hotel, hotel security staff allegedly "urged her to get back into a cab and go to her apartment, suggesting that they had seen the security footage" of Combs beating her, according to the lawsuit.
"Upon information and belief, Mr. Combs paid the InterContinental Century City $50,000 for the hallway security footage from that evening," the lawsuit alleges.
Diddy has consistently denied the allegations. ABC News has reached out to Diddy's representatives for comment.
Source-ABC
Ambrose says Windies is capable of winning third title
Iconic fast bowler, Sir Curtly Ambrose said West Indies have enough firepower to win an unprecedented third ICC Men’s Twenty20 World Cup when they co-host the tournament next month with the United States.
The former West Indies fast bowler said recent results against powerhouses South Africa, India, and England under the captaincy of Rovman Powell have raised his optimism about the team’s chance of success.
“We have a very, very good team,” he said during the launch of the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium earlier this week in the United States.
“As we speak, they (West Indies) are in Antigua at a camp preparing themselves for the start of the T20 World Cup which is a couple of weeks away. I believe once the guys start playing consistent cricket and smart cricket, I believe we can take the trophy.”
West Indies are one of the two sides that have won the title twice (England are the other), and they will need to overturn poor form at recent ICC tournaments to fulfil the prediction made by Ambrose.
They did not make it out of the first round of the past two T20I World Cups – in 2021 in Oman and the United Arab Emirates and two years ago in Australia – and failed to qualify for last year’s ICC Men’s One-day International Cricket World Cup in India.
“It’s not going to be easy, but we are one of only two nations to have won it twice, so we are going to try and make it three,” Ambrose added.
“And no other nation has ever won it on home soil, so all that is motivation for the guys to do well, and I am hoping they can do it.”
West Indies are part of Group C in the World Cup and face Papua New Guinea, Uganda, New Zealand, and Afghanistan.
Ambrose said he expects that there could be a few upsets during the tournament – he hopes none involve West Indies – because every side has plenty of talented players at their disposal.
“I admire a lot of cricketers (at the T20I World Cup), and I am looking forward to them doing well,” he said. “As a proud Antiguan and being from the West Indies, I want the West Indies to win.
“It’s not going to be easy because in T20 cricket every team has an equal chance of beating any other team and that is just the nature of T20 cricket. It’s going to be exciting, but I am going to be rooting for West Indies.”
Source-CMC
PM Drew says new hospital will be hub for medical treatement in Caribbean region
St. Kitts-Nevis Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew says the new JNF General Hospital in his twin island Federation will serve as a cornerstone of his administration’s vision to position the country as a hub of medical excellence within the Caribbean region.
Addressing the Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine (RUSVM) Commencement Ceremony on Friday, Prime Minister Drew, a medical practitioner, said the government recently held a signing ceremony paving the way for the start of the new climate smart hospital.
“This groundbreaking project heralds a new era of healthcare excellence in St. Kitts and Nevis, one that will not only be resilient in the face of climate change but also equipped with cutting-edge technology to ensure the highest standards of medical care for our people,” he told the 384 graduates of the Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) programme, the 18 graduates from the various graduate programmes, “and those achieving the remarkable feat of dual-degree DVM/MSc”.
“The decision to construct a climate-smart hospital underscores our unwavering commitment to safeguarding the health and well-being of our citizens and visitors alike, against the inevitable challenges posed by climate change.
“By incorporating sustainable design principles and innovative technologies, this hospital will serve as a beacon of resilience, capable of withstanding the most severe weather events while providing uninterrupted medical services to those in need,” Drew added.
He said the location of the new strategic location of the hospital between the University of Medicine and Health Sciences and the Ross University of Veterinary Medicine is no coincidence.
“By fostering collaboration and synergy between healthcare professionals, researchers, and educators, we aim to establish a health city under our One Health initiative. By fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation, we can address complex global challenges and ensure a healthier, more resilient future for generations to come.”
Prime Minister Drew said the One Health partnership between the government and RUSVM stands as a beacon of collaborative excellence in addressing complex health challenges. “Anchored in the principles of interdisciplinary cooperation, the partnership recognizes the intricate connections between human, animal, and environmental health. RUSVM’s commitment to One Health is evident through its robust research centers, dedicated to unraveling the complexities of zoonotic diseases and ecosystem health.”
He said the memorandum of understanding signed in November last year, solidifies the partnership, fostering an environment of shared responsibility and mutual support. “Through initiatives like the Small Ruminant Breeding Project and the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Degree Scholarship programme, tangible efforts are made to enhance livestock quality, bolster local agriculture, and nurture the next generation of veterinary professionals.”
Prime Minister Drew in his address, spoke of the Ross University’s “significant contributions” to information technology (IT) in education nationally, with the establishment of 11 labs so far.
“In today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape, proficiency in information technology is no longer a luxury but a necessity. By providing access to IT facilities and resources, Ross University has empowered our youth to explore new horizons, unlock their potential, and seize 21st-century opportunities.
”These IT labs serve as incubators of innovation, where students can cultivate their creativity, problem-solving abilities, and critical thinking skills. From coding and programming to digital literacy and cybersecurity, the curriculum offered in these labs prepares our youth for the diverse challenges and opportunities of the digital world.
”By investing in our young people and empowering them with the tools they need to succeed, we are laying the foundation for a brighter, more prosperous future for generations to come. For this, we extend our heartfelt appreciation to Ross University and look forward to continued collaboration in advancing IT education and digital literacy in St. Kitts and Nevis,” Prime Minister Drew added.
Source-CMC
THE TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS RECORD GROWTH IN AIR AND CRUISE ARRIVALS IN FIRST FOUR MONTHS OF 2024
The Turks and Caicos Islands have recorded a growth in air and cruise arrivals in the first four months of 2024.
From January to April, the Turks and Caicos Islands saw 271,326* air arrivals, an increase of 10.46 percent over 2023 which saw 245,637 arrivals in the corresponding period.
The majority of air arrivals were from the United States which saw 215, 247 air passengers, with 26, 275 passengers from Canada, and 5,031 passengers from the UK and Europe.
Air Arrivals for January to April 2024. *These numbers are preliminary
The cruise sector also saw a slight increase in passengers in the first four months of 2024 with 371,857 passengers recorded in comparison to 2023 figures of 371, 392 for the same period.
April saw 29 calls to port, the highest number for the year so far, boosted in part by four Royal Caribbean sailings to the Grand Turk Cruise following their suspension of the Haiti route due to unrest there.
Cruise numbers from January to April 2024. *These numbers are preliminary
Reflecting on the air and cruise performance for the year so far, Minister of Tourism, the Honourable Josephine Connolly said she is proud that the Turks and Caicos Islands continue to be a destination of choice for holiday seekers.
“The data shows that our air arrival numbers are projected to remain high through August which indicates that our tourism sector will remain buoyant all year. This is great news for the people of Turks and Caicos as we are working assiduously, through Experience Turks and Caicos to ensure that everyone benefits from the tourism industry,” she said.
Experience Turks and Caicos, the Destination Marketing and Management Organisation of the Turks and Caicos Islands, through its Community Connect Meetings, has been rolling out its plans to diversify the destination’s offerings, enhance the visitor experience and partner with stakeholders to ensure the success of the tourism sectors is enjoyed by everyone across all the islands.
The meetings have taken place so far in North and Middle Caicos.
FortisTCI to install first solar project on South Caicos at Salterra Resort and Spa
FortisTCI to install first solar project on South Caicos at Salterra Resort and Spa
FortisTCI has signed a contract with Salterra, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, to lease its roof space for the installation of a 422-kW dc, grid-tied solar energy system. The agreement marks the Company’s first solar energy project in South Caicos and the largest rooftop system under its Utility-owned Renewable Energy (UORE) program.
The property will open in early 2025 with sustainability and environmental stewardship as core tenets of its operation. FortisTCI will own and install the solar energy system across four buildings at the property. Once commissioned, the system will produce approximately 677 MWh of renewable energy annually for the island's electricity grid and avoid approximately 484.3 metric tons of carbon emissions yearly.
Michael Tibbetts, Chief Executive Officer of JEM Worldwide, the developer and operator of Salterra Resort & Spa, stated: "Our vision for Salterra has expanded since we first acquired East Bay Resort three years ago. Salterra will have 100 guest rooms with a majority of suites, six food and beverage outlets and a full-service luxury spa. Construction is on track, and we are already taking reservations on marriott.com.” He continued: “One of our highest priorities at Salterra is environmental stewardship. Our goal is to not only sustain, but also improve the environment of South Caicos. FortisTCI is a key sustainability partner for our efforts. I must say that when we first evaluated investing in South Caicos, we looked at the power infrastructure on the island. Reliable power is, of course, important for the successful operation of our resort. It was very attractive to us knowing that FortisTCI was the energy provider."
Commenting on the contract signing, FortisTCI President and CEO Ruth Forbes, stated: "We are delighted to welcome Salterra as our 19th UORE partner, and even more thrilled that Salterra embraces sustainability practices, which align with our Company's values. We have worked over the years to prepare for the changing energy landscape and be integral to this change. Our investments in rooftop solar installations, a soon-to-be-commissioned 1.2 MW solar plus battery microgrid on North Caicos to meet 30% of the twin island’s energy demand, and an upcoming 190 kW dc microgrid to power 91% of Salt Cay’s energy needs, are part of our efforts to integrate more sustainable energy. The Company is pleased to work with the Salterra team, and we look forward to even greater collaboration as the project gets underway."
FortisTCI is the country's single largest investor in renewable energy. The Company launched its Utility-owned Renewable Energy Program and Customer-owned Renewable Energy Program in 2015, paving the way for customers to participate in the transition to a more sustainable energy future. Since then, 2.6 megawatts of solar energy have been installed across partner properties. The latest sustainability projects underscore the Company’s mission to diversify the energy mix by the Resilient National Energy Transition Strategy (R-NETS), which targets 33% renewable energy integration by the year 2040. This strategy was developed and agreed with the Turks and Caicos Islands Government in 2019.
NATIONAL SECURITY SECRETARIAT PROVIDES KEY INFORMATION
The Turks and Caicos Islands have clear laws prohibiting the possession of firearms and or ammunition without a licence and strict penalties in order to serve and protect the community.
Our Firearms Ordinance, which was amended in 2022, states that:
No person (other than a licensed gunsmith in the course of his trade) shall have in his possession, discharge or use any firearm or ammunition unless he is the holder of a firearm licence with respect to such firearm, or in case of ammunition, he is the holder of a licence for a firearm which takes that ammunition.
Firearm and/or ammunition offences carry a mandatory minimum custodial sentence of twelve years plus a fine. Where a court finds there are exceptional circumstances, the sentencing judge has discretion, under the law, to impose a custodial sentence and a fair and just fine in each case rather than impose the mandatory minimum.
The Chief Justice is advancing sentencing guidelines regarding the application of exceptional circumstances. Wider work is also ongoing with criminal justice partners to review the efficiency and effectiveness of case progression, in driving justice outcomes.
It is the traveller’s responsibility to ensure their baggage is free of firearms and/or ammunition. Permission from an airline carrier does not constitute permission to bring firearms or ammunition into the Turks and Caicos Islands. Travellers are also
strongly advised to search their luggage before they travel to the Turks and Caicos Islands to ensure they do not bring in forbidden items inadvertently. Such offences will result in arrest.
The Turks and Caicos Islands is a British Overseas Territory with a common law legal system and reserves the right to enforce its laws. All persons, including visitors, must follow the lawful process.
The Turks and Caicos Islands welcomes all visitors but reminds travellers that persons in the Turks and Caicos Islands do not have a constitutional right to carry firearms. Equally,the importation of firearms, ammunition (including stray bullets), and other weapons is strictly forbidden, unless licence to do so has been issued by the Commissioner of Police.
Chinese EV called the Seagull poses a big threat to the US auto industry
Auction house Christie's attempts to sell art and other high-value items worth an estimated $840m (£670m) are being hampered by a cyber attack.
A tiny, low-priced electric car called the Seagull has American automakers and politicians trembling.
The car, launched last year by Chinese automaker BYD, sells for around $12,000 in China, but drives well and is put together with craftsmanship that rivals U.S. electric vehicles that cost three times as much. A shorter-range version costs under $10,000.
Tariffs on imported Chinese vehicles will keep the Seagull out of America for now, and it likely would sell for more than 12 grand if imported.
But the rapid emergence of low-priced EVs from China could shake up the global auto industry in ways not seen since Japanese makers arrived during the oil crises of the 1970s. BYD, which stands for “Build Your Dreams,” could be a nightmare for the U.S. auto industry.
“Any car company that’s not paying attention to them as a competitor is going to be lost when they hit their market,” said Sam Fiorani, a vice president at AutoForecast Solutions near Philadelphia. “BYD’s entry into the U.S. market isn’t an if. It's a when.”
U.S. politicians and manufacturers already see Chinese EVs as a serious threat. The Biden administration on Tuesday is expected to announce 100% tariffs on electric vehicles imported from China, saying they pose a threat to U.S. jobs and national security.
The Alliance for American Manufacturing says in a paper that government subsidized Chinese EVs “could end up being an extinction-level event for the U.S. auto sector.”
Earlier this year, Tesla CEO Elon Musk said Chinese EVs are so good that without trade barriers, “they will pretty much demolish most other car companies in the world.”
Outside of China, EVs are often pricey, aimed at higher-income buyers. But Chinese brands offer affordable options for the masses — just as many governments are encouraging a shift away from gasoline vehicles to fight climate change.
Inside a huge garage near Detroit, a company called Caresoft Global tore apart a Seagull that its China office purchased and shipped to the U.S.
Source- ABC
Christie's £670m art auctions hit by cyber attack
Lots ranging from a Vincent van Gogh painting, valued at $35m, to rare wine are going under the hammer in its spring auctions.
Would-be buyers are unable to view them on its website because it has been taken offline.
The sale of a collection of rare watches - including some owned by Formula 1 star, Michael Schumacher - has been delayed.
Christie's told the BBC it had been targeted in a "technology security incident."
But it said bids could still be placed over the phone and in person, as normal.
"Christie’s has in place well-established protocols and practices, which are regularly tested, to manage such incidents," it said in a statement.
It has also set up an alternative website where basic information about the items due to be sold can be seen.
The outage began last week, but the historic auction house was still able to hold a charity auction for watches on Friday in Geneva, which was itself postponed from its original 2023 date.
The Only Watch auction raised 28m Swiss Francs (£26.4m) to accelerate research into Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
Christie's New York auctions will begin on Tuesday with the sale of works owned by art collector Rosa de la Cruz, to be followed by art collections spanning the 20th and 21st centuries.
The 20th-century art collection, itself valued at $500m, includes art by Pablo Picasso, Georgia O'Keefe and Andy Warhol.
And while people cannot use its website, they will still be able to bid online using its Christie's Live service.
Source-BBC
Russian assault opens new front, diverting Ukraine forces as western aid trickles in
Russian troops were locked in intense battles with Ukrainian soldiers around the embattled town of Vovchansk in northeast Ukraine on Monday, pushing ahead with a ground offensive that opened a new front and put more pressure on overstretched Ukrainian forces.
Moscow’s renewed northeast offensive, launched late last week, was the most significant border incursion since the full-scale invasion began. In just two days, Moscow has captured from 38 to 47 square miles. If Ukraine isn’t able to halt Moscow’s advance, it could create conditions for a possible attack on Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city.
The Kremlin’s forces are seeking to divert and distract Ukrainian troops across the 620-mile front line until the next batch of new military aid for Kyiv from the U.S. and European partners arrives on the battlefield in the coming weeks and months, Ukrainian commanders and analysts said. Small batches of U.S. military aid have started to trickle into the front line in the form of much-needed artillery. But it will take at least two months before incoming supplies will meet Kyiv’s needs to hold the line.
Source- ABC