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WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. Senate is hearing opening arguments in President Donald Trump’s impeachment trial. Democratic House managers have begun making their case that Trump abused power and should be removed from office. Trump himself said today that he wants top aides to testify, but he qualified that by suggesting that “national security” concerns will keep that from happening. Republicans have for now blocked Democratic motions to immediately call witnesses and subpoena documents. On Tuesday, the Senate approved rules for Trump’s trial on two articles of impeachment.
NEW YORK (AP) — Harvey Weinstein's rape trial has begun in a landmark moment for the global #MeToo movement. New York prosecutors painted him as a sexual predator who used his movie-magnate stature to abuse women in an opening statement today, while his lawyers sought to discredit the accusers and argue the encounters were consensual. More than two years after allegations against Weinstein gave rise to #MeToo, the trial is seen as a key point in a global reckoning with sexual misconduct by powerful men. Weinstein said little as he arrived at a Manhattan court Wednesday, though when asked whether he believed he would have a fair trial, he said yes.
GREENBELT, Md. (AP) — A federal judge in Maryland has ruled that a former Canadian Armed Forces reservist who's linked to a violent white supremacist group will remain in custody. U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy Sullivan says that Patrik Mathews is a “very dangerous person” who “espouses very dangerous beliefs.” Sullivan ordered Mathews detained pending a Jan. 30 preliminary hearing. Mathews and two other men were arrested last Thursday on federal felony charges in Maryland and Delaware. Authorities said they were believed to be headed to a pro-gun rally in Virginia’s capital. Monday's event in Richmond had ended peacefully.
UNDATED (AP) — The days of passengers bringing rabbits, turtles and birds on planes as emotional-support animals could be ending. The Transportation Department has announced plans to tighten rules regarding service animals, the biggest change being that only dogs could qualify. Airlines have complained that some passengers are abusing rules that let them bring other animals on board by saying they need the animal for emotional support.
NEW YORK (AP) — Today is the deadline to seek cash payments and claim free services as part of Equifax's $700 million settlement over a massive data breach. The breach in 2017, affecting 147 million people, was one of the largest ever to threaten private information. Equifax's settlement with the U.S. government entitles affected consumers to free credit-monitoring and identity-restoration services for the next several years. Consumers may also be eligible for money for their time or reimbursement for certain services. Officials warn, however, that based on the number of claims so far, some payments will be reduced because of caps in the settlement.
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