3 Things To Know Today

Vintage movie countdown, illustration

Photo: Science Photo Library RF

1 Former President Trump Pleads Not Guilty To Jan. 6th Charges

Former President Donald Trump appeared in person yesterday afternoon and pleaded not guilty to all four charges related to the January 6th attack on the Capitol brought against him by special counsel Jack Smith. The indictment charges Trump with felony counts including conspiracy to defraud the U.S. government and conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding, in this case, the confirmation of Electoral votes after the 2020 presidential election. U.S. Magistrate Judge Moxila Upadhyaya set the next court date in the trial for August 28th, where a tentative trial date will be set. Judge Upadhyaya warned Trump to not communicate directly about the facts in the case with any people who will be a witness in the proceedings. Speaking to reporters at Reagan National Airport after the arraignment, Trump said again that the charges are an attack against a leading candidate for president, saying, “If you can’t beat’em, you persecute’em or you prosecute’em. We can’t let this happen in America.” After his plea, House Speaker Kevin McCarthy said yesterday that the case was evidence that we have two justice systems in America, pointing to the fact that Democrats have tried to rally against Republican presidential victors in the past but weren’t charged.

2 Both Members Of Tennessee House That Were Expelled Win Their Seats Back In Special Election

Tennessee Reps. Justin Pearson and Justin Jones, who were expelled from the state legislature in April by Republicans after the two participated in a gun control protest on the floor of the state house chamber, both won re-election to their seats in special elections yesterday. While the two black legislators had been reinstated to their seats by local officials after they were expelled, they still had to run in yesterday’s special election to fill out the remainder of their terms. Jones was opposed by Republican candidate Laura Nelson, while Pearson faced independent candidate Jeff Johnston at the polls. The two expelled reps easily won their races yesterday and reportedly raised over $2 million combined with over 70,000 campaign donations from around the country. More than 15 Republican lawmakers sent cash to Nelson, who raised over $34,000 for the race. Johnston raised less than $400 for the special election. The state legislature returns to session later this month, with changes to Tennessee’s gun control laws one of the first things to be dealt with.

3 Two U.S. Navy Sailors Arrested On Charges of Spying For China

Two Navy sailors have been arrested on charges that they sold national defense information to Chinese officials. An indictment released yesterday says that 22-year-old Jinchao Wei was arrested on Wednesday on espionage charges, while Wenheng Zhao has been charged with collecting bribes in exchange for giving U.S. military photos and videos to a Chinese intelligence officer between August 2021 and May of this year. Federal prosecutors allege that Wei provided photos and videos of the ship he served on, the San Diego-based USS Essex, including technical and mechanical manuals and details about the number and training of Marines. The USS Essex is an amphibious assault ship called a Landing Helicopter Deck that can carry helicopters like the MV-22 Ospreys. It wasn’t made clear if the two men were paid by the same Chinese intelligence officer.


Sponsored Content

Sponsored Content

News Radio 1200 WOAI Podcasts

See All