Podcast Summary
Legal troubles for Trump: Despite Supreme Court rulings granting Trump immunity, he faces a new indictment in the election interference case with different specifics.
Former President Donald Trump is facing new legal troubles with a new indictment in the election interference case, despite recent Supreme Court rulings granting him substantial immunity. This new indictment, filed by Special Counsel Jack Smith, respects the Supreme Court holdings and includes some different specifics from the core charges. Meanwhile, Trump's campaign staff had an altercation with a cemetery official during a visit to Arlington National Cemetery. Additionally, there's an upcoming appeal in the Mar-a-Lago documents case, and the Olympic Games in Paris are ongoing with the Para Olympic opening ceremony tonight. If you're an NPR podcast lover seeking a sponsor-free experience, consider signing up for NPR Plus for exclusive podcast perks.
Trump election fraud charges: The Supreme Court ruling on presidential immunity has opened the door for new election fraud charges against Trump, potentially intensifying if he loses the upcoming election, but no new defendants have been added in the separate case in Florida yet.
The Supreme Court ruling limiting presidential immunity has led to new charges against Donald Trump for his alleged efforts to promote election fraud while a candidate, rather than as president. These charges, which do not involve any current administration officials, could potentially intensify if Trump loses the upcoming election. Meanwhile, in the separate case filed by Special Counsel Jack Smith in Florida, there have been recent developments but no new defendants have been added yet. Trump has already pleaded not guilty to the new charges and has dismissed them as a "witch hunt." The Justice Department and Trump's legal team have until Friday to update the trial judge on how they plan to proceed.
Trump documents case dismissal: Judge Eileen Cannon dismissed the case against Trump for stockpiling classified documents due to an unconstitutional appointment of special counsel Jack Smith, but prosecutors have appealed and argued for the long-standing tradition of the Justice Department appointing special prosecutors
The case against former President Trump for stockpiling classified documents at his Florida resort and refusing to return them to the FBI was dismissed by Judge Eileen Cannon due to what she deemed an unconstitutional appointment of special counsel Jack Smith. Prosecutors have since appealed, arguing that there is a long-standing tradition of the Justice Department appointing special prosecutors and that this tradition was upheld by Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh. Additionally, during Trump's visit to Arlington National Cemetery, some of his campaign staffers attempted to bring a staffer to film and take photographs in a restricted area, leading to an altercation with Arlington officials. The Trump campaign has denied any wrongdoing, but footage of Trump and Gold Star family members next to a tombstone in the restricted section has been circulated.
Military Cemeteries: Political campaign activities are prohibited in military cemeteries and an unidentified individual obstructed members of President Trump's team during a ceremony marking the anniversary of a suicide bombing attack.
During a solemn ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery marking the third anniversary of a suicide bombing attack that killed 13 U.S. troops and over 100 Afghan civilians, an unidentified individual obstructed members of President Trump's team. The incident violated federal law prohibiting political campaign activities within military cemeteries. Arlington National Cemetery confirmed the incident and filed a report. Trump was invited to attend the wreath-laying ceremony amidst his criticism of President Biden and Vice President Harris over the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. Trump's attendance was controversial due to his past comments disrespecting disabled veterans and fallen soldiers. Despite these controversies, Arlington National Cemetery staff take their role seriously in guarding hallowed ground.
Paralympic Games: The Paralympic Games in Paris are expected to attract 2 million tickets sold and high TV viewership, with NBC aiming for similar success as the Olympics. Over 4400 athletes will compete in nearly 200 events across 22 sports, inspiring viewers with their athletic feats despite challenges.
The Paralympic Games, which began tonight in Paris, are expected to draw significant interest this year, with about 2 million tickets sold and high TV viewership hoped for. President Biden made headlines by comparing a Republican mega donor he honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom to recipients of the Medal of Honor, some of whom are buried at Arlington National Cemetery. The Paralympics feature over 4400 athletes competing in nearly 200 events across 22 sports, most of which have Olympic equivalents. The athletes have all overcome various challenges, making their athletic feats even more inspiring. Despite fewer resources historically dedicated to the Paralympics compared to the Olympics, organizers aim for parity. NBC, which saw a massive viewership jump during the summer Olympics, is hoping for similar success with the Paralympics. The US, which dominated at the Olympics, is expected to perform well at the Paralympics as well.
Paralympics medal count: China leads the Paralympics medal count, but the US has potential to excel in wheelchair basketball and rugby, with inspiring stories like Ally Truitt's adding to the competition
The Paralympics, like the Olympics, showcase incredible human stories of resilience and determination. However, when it comes to the medal count, China is currently dominating the Summer Paralympics. The US, with over 200 athletes, has opportunities to shine, particularly in wheelchair basketball and rugby. A compelling story to watch unfold is that of 24-year-old American swimmer Ally Truitt. Despite having her left leg amputated below the knee after being bitten by a shark, she has made a remarkable recovery and will compete in three swimming events at the Paris Games. Her courage and determination serve as a powerful reminder of the human spirit's ability to adapt and thrive.
NPR podcasts: NPR's Up First and Consider This podcasts provide in-depth news analysis with unique perspectives. Up First offers an overview of three major stories while Consider This delves deeper into a single topic in just 15 minutes.
NPR's Up First and Consider This podcasts offer unique perspectives on the day's news. While Up First provides an overview of three major stories, Consider This delves deeper into a single news topic in just 15 minutes. The August 28th episode of Up First was edited by Dana Farrington, Andrew Sussman, Russell Lewis, and Jan Johnson. Zia Butch, Nia Dumas, and Nina Kravinsky produced the episode, and engineering support was provided by Arthur Lorent. Stacy Abbott served as the technical director. Listeners can tune in tomorrow for more insightful news analysis from NPR.