Nightly News Full Broadcast - April 25
Summary
TLDRThe U.S. Supreme Court is currently deliberating on the extent of presidential immunity, specifically in relation to Donald Trump's potential trial for his alleged efforts to overturn the 2020 election. Meanwhile, Trump's hush money trial continues in New York, with David Pecker, the former publisher of the National Enquirer, testifying about an alleged scheme to aid Trump's 2016 campaign by suppressing certain stories. In other news, the University of Southern California has canceled its main commencement ceremony due to safety concerns stemming from ongoing pro-Palestinian protests. Additionally, Harvey Weinstein's rape conviction in New York has been overturned due to significant errors made by the judge. The economic impact of high prices is slowing down the economy, with the GDP rate dropping to 1.6% in the first quarter of the year. Lastly, there's growing concern over the misuse of AI, as a high school principal was framed using fake AI-generated audio to mimic racist remarks.
Takeaways
- 🏛 The U.S. Supreme Court is considering whether former President Donald Trump can be tried for alleged attempts to overturn the 2020 election and the potential implications for presidential immunity.
- 🤝 Trump's lawyers argue that the presidency would be undermined without immunity, while the Special Counsel's office contends that actions for personal gain are not protected from prosecution.
- 📚 The Supreme Court's decision could set a precedent for future presidential actions and the extent of their immunity from prosecution while in office.
- 💸 The New York hush money trial involving Donald Trump continues, with the former publisher of the National Enquirer, David Pecker, testifying about payments made to silence women during Trump's 2016 campaign.
- 🚨 Pro-Palestinian protests have escalated across U.S. campuses, leading to the cancellation of USC's main commencement and raising concerns about free speech versus hate speech.
- 👨👩👧👦 The University of Southern California cancels its main commencement ceremony due to safety measures put in place amid protests, highlighting the tension between supporting Palestinian rights and accusations of antisemitism.
- 🎓 Emory University in Atlanta sees police using force, including tasers and zip ties, to restrain protesters during clashes on campus.
- 🧑⚖️ Harvey Weinstein's rape conviction in New York is overturned by the state's top court, which found that the trial court made egregious errors, including the admission of unnecessary testimony from additional accusers.
- ⛈ Severe storms are threatening several states, with the potential to produce hail the size of softballs, tornadoes, and high-speed wind gusts.
- 🐦 The FDA reports that one in five samples of pasteurized milk tested positive for fragments of the bird flu virus, raising concerns about the spread of the virus among cattle and its potential risk to humans.
- 📈 High prices are slowing down the economy, with the GDP growth rate dropping to 1.6% in the first quarter of the year, and inflation remaining a concern for consumers.
Q & A
What is the Supreme Court currently considering regarding Donald Trump?
-The Supreme Court is considering whether former President Donald Trump can be tried for plotting to overturn the 2020 election and if this trial should happen before November.
What is the 'catch and kill' scheme mentioned in the transcript?
-The 'catch and kill' scheme refers to an alleged arrangement where the former publisher of the 'National Enquirer', David Pecker, would buy and then suppress stories that could be damaging to public figures, such as Donald Trump's alleged affairs.
Why did the University of Southern California cancel its main commencement ceremony?
-The University of Southern California canceled its main commencement ceremony due to new safety measures put in place amid protests on campus.
What was the reason behind the arrest of dozens of pro-Palestinian protesters?
-The pro-Palestinian protesters were arrested for trespassing after a contentious rally where they clashed with the police.
What was the outcome of Harvey Weinstein's rape conviction appeal?
-The New York Court of Appeals overturned Harvey Weinstein's rape conviction, citing egregious errors made by the trial court, including the erroneous admission of testimony from women whose allegations never led to charges.
What is the current situation regarding severe storms in the United States?
-Severe storms are impacting several states, with the potential to produce softball-sized hail, tornadoes, and 70-miles-per-hour gusts.
What was the FDA's finding regarding the presence of bird flu virus in pasteurized milk samples?
-The FDA found that one in five samples of pasteurized milk tested positive for fragments of the bird flu virus, although they maintain that the milk supply is safe.
How is the high price of goods affecting the U.S. economy?
-High prices are slowing down the U.S. economy, with the GDP rate slowing to 1.6% in the first three months of the year, which is below expectations.
What is the case involving a high school principal and AI?
-A high school principal was falsely accused of making racist remarks when an AI-generated voice clip mimicking his voice was circulated. The athletic director of the school has been arrested for allegedly creating the clip.
What was the reaction of Hersh Polin's parents after seeing a video of their son, an Israeli-American hostage, after more than 200 days?
-Hersh Polin's parents expressed a mix of relief and sorrow upon seeing the video, noting that while their son did not look like himself, it was amazing to see him alive and speaking as himself.
What did the parents of the American hostage Hersh Polin express as their message of hope?
-The parents of Hersh Polin emphasized the importance of maintaining hope and continuing to work towards bringing their son and other hostages home, despite the emotional toll.
Outlines
🏛 Supreme Court Deliberates on Trump's Immunity and Election Overturning Allegations
The Supreme Court is actively considering Donald Trump's claims to immunity from prosecution, particularly regarding his alleged attempts to overturn the 2020 election results. The court is also examining whether a trial, if decided to proceed, could occur before the November elections. Meanwhile, Trump is engaged in a hush money trial in New York, with David Pecker, the former publisher of the National Enquirer, providing testimony on an alleged scheme to aid Trump's 2016 campaign by silencing Stormy Daniels. The case has significant implications for the balance between presidential immunity and accountability.
📚 University of Southern California Cancels Commencement Amid Pro-Palestinian Protests
The University of Southern California (USC) has canceled its main commencement ceremony due to safety concerns stemming from pro-Palestinian protests on campus. The decision followed the arrest of dozens of protesters and clashes with the police. USC had also canceled the graduation speech of their pro-Palestinian valedictorian, Asna Tabassum, citing similar safety concerns. The situation reflects a broader trend of escalating protests across educational institutions, raising questions about the balance between free speech and hate speech on campuses.
🎥 Harvey Weinstein's New York Rape Conviction Overturned
In a significant development, Harvey Weinstein's rape conviction in New York has been overturned by the state's top court. The Court of Appeals determined that the former film mogul is entitled to a new trial, citing egregious errors made by the trial court. The court found that the admission of testimony from additional accusers, who had allegations that did not lead to charges, was unnecessary and potentially prejudicial to Weinstein. This decision has sparked outrage among Weinstein's accusers and has raised concerns about the implications for future sexual assault cases.
🌪 Severe Weather Threat Across the Central U.S. and Economic Impacts of High Prices
A multiday severe weather threat is looming over the central United States, with millions at risk from storms capable of producing hail the size of softballs, tornadoes, and high-speed winds. This weather pattern extends from Texas to South Dakota and is expected to push further into the Plains and Midwest in the coming days. Additionally, there is growing concern about the avian flu, with the FDA revealing that one in five pasteurized milk samples tested positive for fragments of the virus. While the milk supply is deemed safe, the increased prevalence of sick cows could elevate risks to humans. On the economic front, high prices are slowing down the economy, with the GDP growth rate dropping to 1.6% in the first quarter of the year, below expectations. Despite these challenges, Americans are still willing to spend on leisure activities, as seen in the rising attendance at theme parks.
🕵️♂️ AI-Generated Fake Audio Leads to Arrest of High School Athletic Director
A shocking incident involving the misuse of artificial intelligence has led to the arrest of a high school athletic director. Dahzon Darian, 31, is accused of using AI to create a fake audio clip featuring racist remarks mimicking the voice of the school's principal, Eric Eiswart. The clip caused significant disruption and led to the principal's temporary removal. Darian was taken into custody while attempting to board a flight and is now facing multiple charges, including disrupting school operations, theft, retaliation against a witness, and stalking. This case highlights the potential dangers and ethical concerns associated with the growing capabilities of AI technology.
🕊 Parents of Israeli-American Hostage Hersh Polin Express Hope After First Video in 200 Days
The parents of Hersh Polin, an Israeli-American hostage held by Hamas, have experienced a glimmer of hope after seeing a video of their son for the first time in over 200 days. Despite the distressing circumstances, the video confirms that Hersh is alive, although it shows him missing his left hand. The parents describe their emotional reaction to the video and their determination to secure his release. The White House has also shown support for the family, releasing a photo of President Biden meeting with another young American hostage, Abigail Eitan, highlighting the administration's commitment to resolving hostage situations.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡Supreme Court
💡Hush Money Trial
💡Catch and Kill Scheme
💡Pro-Palestinian Protests
💡Harvey Weinstein
💡Severe Storms
💡AI-Generated Fake Audio
💡American-Israeli Hostage
💡Election Interference
💡Bird Flu
💡Economic Slowdown
Highlights
The Supreme Court is currently hearing Donald Trump's claims of immunity in relation to his hush money trial.
The court is considering whether the former president can be tried for attempting to overturn the 2020 election results.
David Pecker, former 'National Enquirer' publisher, is testifying about an alleged catch and kill scheme to aid Trump's 2016 campaign.
USC has canceled its main commencement after the arrest of dozens of pro-Palestinian protesters, indicating rising campus unrest.
Harvey Weinstein's rape conviction in New York has been overturned due to serious errors made by the judge.
Severe storms are being tracked across several states, posing a significant threat to communities in their path.
A school principal was allegedly framed using fake AI-generated audio to make it seem as though he made racist remarks.
An individual was arrested at the airport with a gun, raising security concerns.
The parents of an American-Israeli hostage have spoken out after seeing the first video of their son in 200 days.
The U.S. Supreme Court spent nearly three hours discussing the immunity of a former president from federal prosecution.
Trump's lawyers argue that the presidency would be hindered without immunity from criminal prosecution.
The Special Counsel's Office indicted Trump on conspiracy and obstruction charges last year related to his attempts to cling to power.
Conservative justices expressed concerns about the implications for future presidents' immunity for actions taken while in office.
Liberal justices raised concerns about the potential for insulating presidents from accountability.
The Supreme Court is likely to rule on the extent of a former president's immunity and whether it applies to all acts or just some.
The New York hush money trial for Trump continued with key witness testimony focusing on payments to Stormy Daniels.
Protests are escalating across the country with USC canceling its main commencement ceremony due to safety concerns.
The FDA found that one in five samples of pasteurized milk were positive for fragments of the bird flu virus, raising health concerns.
Transcripts
>>> TONIGHT, THE
SUPREME COURT HEARING
DONALD TRUMP'S CLAIMS
OF IMMUNITY AS HIS
HUSH MONEY TRIAL
RESUMES.
THE SUPREME COURT NOW
WEIGHING WHETHER THE
FORMER PRESIDENT CAN
BE TRIED FOR PLOTTING
TO OVERTURN THE 2020
ELECTION, AND IF SO,
WILL IT HAPPEN BEFORE
NOVEMBER.
WHAT THE JUSTICES
APPEAR TO SIGNAL.
>>> MR. TRUMP,
MEANWHILE, BACK IN A
NEW YORK COURTROOM.
DAVID PECKER, THE
FORMER "NATIONAL
ENQUIRER" PUBLISHER
BACK ON THE STAND,
TESTIFYING ABOUT THE
ALLEGED CATCH AND KILL
SCHEME TO HELP MR.
TRUMP'S 2016 CAMPAIGN.
THE TENSE CONVERSATION
PECKER SAYS HE HAD
OVER PAYING OFF STORMY
DANIELS.
>>> ALSO TONIGHT, USC
CANCELING ITS MAIN
COMMENCEMENT AFTER THE
ARREST OF DOZENS OF
PRO-PALESTINIAN
PROTESTERS.
THE NEW CLASHES AS
CAMPUS UNREST SPREADS.
POLICE IN ATLANTA'S
EMORY UNIVERSITY
TASING A PROTESTER IN
HANDCUFFS.
RESTRAINING OTHERS
WITH ZIP TIES.
>>> HARVEY WEINSTEIN'S
RAPE CONVICTION IN NEW
YORK OVERTURNED.
THE EGREGIOUS ERRORS
THE JUDGE IS ACCUSED
OF MAKING.
WILL IT LEAD TO A NEW
TRIAL?
>>> TRACKING SEVERE
STORMS ACROSS SEVERAL
STATES TONIGHT.
>>> THE SCHOOL
PRINCIPAL POLICE SAY
WAS FRAMED USING FAKE
AI.
>>> ARRESTED AT THE
AIRPORT WITH A GUN.
>>> AND AFTER THE
FIRST VIDEO OF THEIR
SON IN 200 DAYS, THE
PARENTS OF AN
AMERICAN-ISRAELI
HOSTAGE SPEAKING OUT.
THEIR MESSAGE OF HOPE.
>> Announcer: THIS IS
"NBC NIGHTLY NEWS"
WITH LESTER HOLT.
>> GOOD EVENING AND
WELCOME.
AN EXTRAORDINARY GIVE
AND TAKE IN THE U.S.
SUPREME COURT TODAY AS
THE NINE JUSTICES
SPENT NEARLY THREE
HOURS WRANGLING WITH
LAWYERS OVER QUESTIONS
OF WHEN OR WHETHER A
FORMER AMERICAN
PRESIDENT IS IMMUNE
FROM FEDERAL
PROSECUTION OVER ACTS
WHILE TAKEN IN OFFICE.
THE QUESTIONS RAISED
DURING ORAL ARGUMENTS
ARE MORE THAN
ACADEMIC.
BUT INSTEAD SIT AT THE
CENTER OF A SPECIAL
COUNSEL'S CRIMINAL
ELECTION INTERFERENCE
CASE AGAINST FORMER
PRESIDENT TRUMP, AND
WHETHER A TRIAL CAN
HAPPEN BEFORE THE
NOVEMBER ELECTION.
MR. TRUMP CLAIMS
ABSOLUTE IMMUNITY FROM
PROSECUTION, SOMETHING
THE COURT DIDN'T SEEM
INCLINED TO GO ALONG
WITH, YET
CONSERVATIVES ON THE
COURT SHARPLY
QUESTIONED THE SPECIAL
COUNSEL'S POSITION AS
WELL.
NONE OF THAT STOPPING
THE NEW YORK HUSH
MONEY TRIAL, WHICH
CONTINUED TODAY FOR
MR. TRUMP AS THE KEY
WITNESS TESTIFIED FOR
A THIRD DAY.
LAURA JARRETT HAS
DETAILS.
>> Reporter: TONIGHT,
THE U.S. SUPREME COURT
WEIGHING A MONUMENTAL
QUESTION THAT WILL
DECIDE WHETHER THE
FORMER PRESIDENT GOES
TO TRIAL FOR PLOTTING
TO OVERTURN THE LAST
ELECTION AND WIN.
>> I THINK THAT THE
SUPREME COURT HAS VERY
IMPORTANT ARGUMENTS
BEFORE IT TODAY.
>> Reporter: MR. TRUMP
HOPING TO PERSUADE THE
JUSTICES TO FIND HIM
IMMUNE FROM FEDERAL
CHARGES.
HIS LAWYERS ARGUING
THE OFFICE OF THE
PRESIDENCY WOULD BE
COMPLETELY HOBBLED
WITHOUT THAT
PROTECTION.
>> WITHOUT
PRESIDENTIAL IMMUNITY
FROM CRIMINAL
PROSECUTION, THERE CAN
BE NO PRESIDENCY AS WE
KNOW IT.
>> Reporter: THE
SPECIAL COUNSEL'S
OFFICE INDICTED MR.
TRUMP ON CONSPIRACY
AND OBSTRUCTION
CHARGES LAST YEAR, FOR
HIS EFFORTS TO CLING
TO POWER, ACCUSING THE
LIKELY GOP NOMINEE OF
PRESSURING STATE
OFFICIALS TO REVERSE
THE ELECTION RESULTS.
ACTIONS DOJ ARGUES
WERE FOR PURELY
PERSONAL GAIN AND
CANNOT BE SHIELDED
FROM PROSECUTION.
>> THERE IS NO
IMMUNITY THAT IS IN
THE CONSTITUTION
UNLESS THIS COURT
CREATES IT TODAY.
>> Reporter: THE
CONSERVATIVES
EXPRESSING CONCERN IF
FUTURE PRESIDENTS HAVE
NO IMMUNITY FOR
ACTIONS TAKEN WHILE IN
THE WHITE HOUSE.
THAT COULD OPEN THE
DOOR TO RECRIMINATION
BETWEEN POLITICAL
RIVALS.
>> WILL THAT KNOT LEAD
US INTO A CYCLE THAT
DESTABILIZES THE
FUNCTIONING OF OUR
COUNTRY AS A
DEMOCRACY.
>> Reporter: THE
LIBERAL JUSTICES
TROUBLED BY THE
PROSPECT OF INSULATING
PRESIDENTS FROM
ACCOUNTABILITY,
RAISING A SERIES OF
DARK HYPOTHETICALS TO
UNDERSCORE THE
CONSEQUENCES OF
ADOPTING MR. TRUMP'S
POSITION.
>> IF A PRESIDENT
SELLS NUCLEAR SECRETS
TO A FOREIGN
ADVERSARY, IS THAT
IMMUNE?
HOW ABOUT IF A
PRESIDENT ORDERS THE
MILITARY TO STAGE A
COUP.
THAT SURE SOUNDS BAD,
DOESN'T IT?
>> I'M TRYING TO
UNDERSTAND WHAT THE
DISINCENTIVE IS FROM
TURNING THE OVAL
OFFICE INTO, YOU KNOW,
THE SEAT OF CRIMINAL
ACTIVITY IN THIS
COUNTRY.
>> Reporter: THE
FALLOUT OVER EFFORTS
TO SUBVERT THE
ELECTION RESULTS IN
2020 STRETCHING BEYOND
WASHINGTON.
IN ARIZONA, A GRAND
JURY INDICTED SEVERAL
MEMBERS OF MR. TRUMP'S
INNER CIRCLE
WEDNESDAY, ACCUSING
THEM OF FALSELY
AWARDING THE STATE'S
ELECTORAL VOTES TO MR.
TRUMP, DESPITE HIS
LOST TO PRESIDENT
BIDEN.
THE SENDING OF PHONY
SLATES OF PRO-TRUMP
ELECTORS TO CONGRESS
TO DISRUPT THE
ELECTION CERTIFICATION
ON JANUARY 6th LOOMING
LARGE AT THE HIGH
COURT TODAY AS WELL,
AS THE JUSTICES LOOK
TO DETERMINE THE LINE
BETWEEN A
POLITICAL CANDIDATE'S
ACTIONS TAKEN FOR
PERSONAL GAIN FROM A
PRESIDENT'S OFFICIAL
CONDUCT THAT COULD BE
IMMUNE FROM
PROSECUTION.
>> LAURA, WE HEARD A
LOT TODAY.
WHAT ARE THE POSSIBLE
OUTCOMES HERE?
>> Reporter: WELL,
LESTER, THERE IS ANY
NUMBER OF DIFFERENT
SCENARIOS THAT THE
SUPREME COURT COULD
TAKE KEYER.
IT SEEMS MOST LIKELY
BASED ON THE
QUESTIONING THAT THE
JUSTICES WILL SAY THE
FORMER PRESIDENT IS
NOT COMPLETELY IMMUNE
FROM ALL ACTS, BUT HE
MIGHT ENJOY SOME
LIMITED IMMUNITY FOR
SOME ACTS IN WHICH
CASE THEY'RE LIKELY TO
SEND THIS CASE BACK
DOWN TO THE LOWER
COURT TO DO SOME OF
THAT WORK, TO FIGURE
OUT WHERE THE LINE IS,
LESTER.
BUT OF COURSE THAT
MEANS MORE DELAYS AND
IT MEANS THIS CASE IS
NOT GOING TO TRIAL BY
NOVEMBER.
LESTER?
>> ALL RIGHT, LAURA
JARRETT STARTING US
OFF, THANK YOU.
AND MR. TRUMP'S FIRST
CRIMINAL TRIAL RESUMED
IN NEW YORK WITH MORE
TESTIMONY FROM THE
FORMER PUBLISHER OF
THE "NATIONAL
ENQUIRER" ABOUT THAT
PAYMENT TO AN ADULT
FILM STAR.
HERE IS VAUGHN
HILLYARD.
>> Reporter: ON HIS
THIRD DAY ON THE
STAND, FORMER
"NATIONAL ENQUIRER"
PUBLISHER OF DAVID
PECKER TOLD THE
JURY HE REFUSED TO
CATCH AND KILL STORMY
DANIELS' STORY ABOUT
HER RELATIONSHIP WITH
THEN CANDIDATE DONALD
TRUMP.
PECKER SAID HE TOLD
HIS RIGHT HAND MAN AT
THE "ENQUIRER" NOT TO
PAY DANIELS THE
$120,000 SHE WAS
SEEKING BECAUSE THEY'D
ALREADY SHELLED OUT
TENS OF THOUSANDS OF
DOLLARS TO KEEP OTHER
STORIES ABOUT MR.
TRUMP QUIET.
IF ANYONE SHOULD BUY
IT, PECKER SAID, IT
SHOULD BE DONALD TRUMP
AND MICHAEL COHEN,
TRUMP'S FORMER FIXER.
PECKER SAYS WHEN HE
TOLD COHEN, QUOTE, HE
WAS UPSET AND
RESPONDED THAT THE
BOSS, THAT'S REFERRING
TO TRUMP, WOULD BE
FURIOUS WITH ME.
PECKER SAID TODAY HE
BELIEVED MR. TRUMP OR
HIS COMPANY HAD PAID
DANIELS UNTIL COHEN
TOLD HIM IN DECEMBER
OF 2016 THAT HE WAS
THE ONE WHO PAID HER.
PROSECUTORS ARE
SEEKING TO PROVE MR.
TRUMP DOCTORED
INTERNAL BUSINESS
RECORDS TO COVER UP
THAT PAYMENT.
PECKER ALSO TESTIFIED
TRUMP WAS AGHAST WHEN
HE SAW STORMY DANIELS
ON "60 MINUTES."
>> WAS IT HUSH MONEY
TO STAY SILENT?
>> YES.
>> Reporter: PECKER
SAYS TRUMP CALLED HIM.
HE SAYS WE HAVE AN
AGREEMENT WITH STORMY
DANIELS THAT SHE
CANNOT MENTION MY
NAME.
TRUMP LATER DENIED
KNOWLEDGE OF THE
ARRANGEMENT.
ON CROSS-EXAMINATION,
MR. TRUMP'S LAWYERS
CHALLENGING PECKER'S
CREDIBILITY AND
BUSINESS PRACTICES.
AT A CAMPAIGN EVENT
EARLIER IN THE DAY,
MR. TRUMP ADDRESSED
THE TESTIMONY OF HIS
LONG-TIME FRIEND.
>> DAVID HAS BEEN VERY
NICE.
A NICE GUY.
>> DID YOU GIVE THE
PAYMENT TO STORMY
DANIELS BEFORE THE
2020 ELECTION?
>> Reporter: PECKER
ALSO TESTIFYING TODAY
ABOUT A PAYMENT HIS
COMPANY DID MAKE TO
FORMER "PLAYBOY" MODEL
KAREN McDOUGAL TO KEEP
HER ALLEGED AFFAIR
WITH MR. TRUMP QUIET.
PECKER SAYS HE
COORDINATED WITH COHEN
BECAUSE HE WAS
CONCERNED PAYING
McDOUGAL COULD VIOLATE
CAMPAIGN FINANCE LAW.
SO THEY WORKED UP AN
AGREEMENT TO PAY FOR
HER CONTRIBUTIONS TO
MAGAZINES OWNED BY
AMERICAN MEDIA, ADDING
HE BELIEVES TRUMP WAS
AWARE OF THE PAYMENT.
THE PROSECUTION ASKING
PECKER WAS YOUR
PRINCIPLE PURPOSE TO
SUPPRESS HER STORY SO
AS NOT TO INFLUENCE