US still digesting newest Trump revelations from Jan. 6 hearing
Washington and many other areas across the nation are still buzzing Friday morning after the eighth hearing of House Committee investigating the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. The panel painted a frame-by-frame account of Trump’s actions for the 187 minutes after he finished a speech that day until he finally encouraged the mob to go home. Trump’s silence and failure to direct the National Guard to the Capitol represented a “complete dereliction of duty” and a “betrayal of his oath of office,” committee members said at the hearing Thursday night. Rep. Adam Kinzinger, R-Ill., noted that Trump “did not fail to act” that day. Instead, “(Trump) chose not to act.” One of the key takeaways from the hearing included former Vice President Mike Pence’s Secret Service detail fearing for their lives that day and telling security to say goodbye to their families. The committee also said that on the day of the attack, Trump was glued to the television watching Fox News and he ignored multiple pleas to call off the mob.
Trump’s dismissal of police officer’s death on Jan. 6 enraged staffers
Texts messages between former staffers show anger that President Donald Trump didn’t acknowledge the death of a police officer who died in the riots.
Ariana Triggs, USA TODAY
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Biden plans to work Friday despite his COVID-19 diagnosis
President Joe Biden tested positive for COVID-19 on Thursday and went into isolation with mild symptoms. White House officials then tried to show the 79-year-old leader could power through the virus. Hours after testing positive, the president, in a video released on social media, reassured the nation “it’s going to be OK.” He said he had been double vaccinated and double boosted. Biden will continue to work at the White House, where he will isolate until he tests negative, according to White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre. Daily updates on the president’s condition will be given during his isolation, she said. Biden was scheduled to meet virtually with his economic team and senior advisors to discuss congressional priorities Friday, the Associated Press reported. The AP also notes the message was crafted to alleviate voters’ concerns about the president’s health and it was aimed at demonstrating to the nation that the pandemic is far less of a threat than it was before Biden took office.
President Biden reassures American people after COVID-19 diagnosis
After President Joe Biden tested positive for COVID-19, the White House emphasized the importance of getting vaccines.
Ariana Triggs, USA TODAY
Contempt trial for ex-Trump aide Steve Bannon set to go to jury
Final arguments are expected Friday in the contempt trial of Donald Trump’s former White House strategist Steve Bannon, who is charged with defying a subpoena from the House committee investigating the Capitol attack on Jan. 6, 2021. Witnesses for the prosecution told the jury Bannon repeatedly defied the panel’s demand for documents and testimony despite the threat of criminal charges. Bannon’s attorneys argued that there is insufficient proof he defied the committee’s subpoena. The jury is likely to begin deliberating immediately after final arguments. Bannon faces two counts of contempt, and each count could carry a minimum of 30 days and a maximum of one year in jail, as well as a maximum fine of $100,000.
Who is Steve Bannon? What to know about Trump’s former strategist
Trump’s former White House chief strategist has had a lot of jobs in Washington, D.C., here’s what to know about him.
Staff video, USA TODAY
Deal for Ukraine grain exports set to be sealed
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan were due on Friday to oversee the signing of a key agreement that would allow Ukraine to resume its shipment of grain from the Black Sea to world markets and Russia to export grain and fertilizers — ending a standoff that has threatened world food security. Last week, the sides reached a tentative agreement on a U.N. plan that would enable Ukraine to export 22 million tons of desperately needed grain and other agricultural products that have been stuck in Ukraine’s ports due to the war. The deal foresees the establishment of a control center in Turkey’s capital Istanbul, to be staffed by U.N., Turkish, Russian and Ukrainian officials. The unblocking of the stockpiles will help ease a food crisis that has sent prices of vital commodities like wheat and barley soaring. Ukraine is one of the world’s largest exporters of wheat, corn and sunflower oil, but Russia’s invasion and a blockade of its ports have halted their shipment.
War in Ukraine hampers food aid to Somalia
As the war in Ukraine continues, causing disruption in global food supplies and aid deliveries, families in Somalia have been struggling to feed themselves while a drought ravages a large part of the country. (July 4)
AP
Mega Millions jackpot hits $630 million, fifth-largest in lottery game’s history
The Mega Millions jackpot will now top $600 million on Friday. Since no one matched all six numbers in Tuesday’s $555 million jackpot, the jackpot will now be an estimated $630 million with a cash option of $359.7 million for Friday’s drawing, according to the Mega Millions website. The jackpot will be the fifth-largest for the Mega Millions and the 12th-largest lottery ever in the United States. The Mega Millions has not been won since April 15, when a ticket sold in Tennessee won $20 million. You can play Mega Millions, which has drawings are every Tuesday and Friday at 11 p.m. ET in 45 states plus the District of Columbia and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Odds of winning the Powerball and Mega Millions are NOT in your favor
Odds of hitting the jackpot in Mega Millions or Powerball are around 1-in-292 million. Here are things that you’re more likely to land than big bucks.
Scott L. Hall, USA TODAY
Contributing: The Associated Press
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