First Open Impeachment Hearings – Adam Schiff-led House Democrats began open, public hearings in their impeachment inquiry into allegations that President Trump held up aide to Ukraine until they agreed to investigate his rival Joe Biden. The first two witnesses brought by the Democrats were ambassador to Ukraine Bill Taylor, and diplomat George Kent. Both Taylor and Kent said they did not hear anything directly from Trump, but Taylor said that he heard from others that Trump asked about the investigations into Biden that he wanted.
Supreme Court To Hear Trump Tax Return Appeal – The US Supreme Court will decide whether President Trump must turn over eight years of tax returns to investigators. The Manhattan DA has subpoenaed Trump’s tax records going back to 2011 as part of his investigation into hush money payments made during the 2016 campaign. Trump’s attorney Jay Sekulow argues that allowing the president to be investigated while in office will distract him from his duties and so should not be compelled to share his tax records.
Yet Another Democratic Candidate – Former Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick announced that he is joining the race for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2020. Patrick joining the race comes just a week after billionaire and former mayor of New York Michael Bloomberg jumped in, saying that the current field was too weak. Patrick’s entrance is likely due to the same problem – Democrats are worried that none of the frontrunners can beat Donald Trump in a national matchup.
School Shooting Leaves Two Dead – A student opened fire at a high school in Santa Clarita, California on Thursday, leaving two students dead and three others injured. The gunman then shot himself in the head, but survived and is in critical condition. The suspect, identified as Nathaniel Tennosuke Berhow, is a 16-year old Asian student at the high school. The motive for the shooting remains unclear.
CDC Identifies Culprit In Vaping Illnesses – Experts at the Centers for Disease Control believe they have found the culprit behind the mysterious lung illnesses found in vapors that have spurred lawmakers to regulate the sale of vaping products. The CDC says that Vitamin E acetate, a substance sometimes found in black market e-cigarettes, was found in lung fluids of those suffering from the illnesses.
Giuliani In Hot Water – President Trump’s personal attorney Rudy Giuliani reportedly has a lot to worry about. The former mayor of New York is being investigated by federal prosecutors over possible campaign finance violations and failure to register as a foreign agent. Giuliani is at the center of the ongoing impeachment controversy, as he allegedly help a secret channel of communication between the US and Ukraine outside of the regular diplomatic route.