What a week. Charges were announced against former Trump campaign officials and New York City suffered its worst terrorist attack since 9/11. Meanwhile, a popular Netflix show is coming to an end amidst sexual assault allegations and the MLB has a new World Series Champion. Here’s more information on this week’s top national stories.
Former Trump campaign officials charged in Mueller’s investigation
Justice Department Special Counsel Robert Mueller announced a slew of charges Monday against former officials from the Trump campaign.
Former Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort turned himself into the FBI after being indicted on various charges including money laundering and conspiracy against the U.S. Manafort’s longtime business partner Rick Gates also surrendered to officials after being indicted on similar charges.
According to The New York Times, Manafort laundered more than $18 million through offshore firms and hid the money in foreign bank accounts. He later used the money to purchase expensive luxury goods for himself and his family, including a $900,000 purchase at an antique rug store. Mueller’s probe contains no mention of the Trump campaign.
Another Trump campaign advisor, George Papadopoulos, pleaded guilty to lying to FBI officials about interactions made with foreign officials during the 2016 election cycle. Papdopoulos discussed obtaining “dirt” relating to emails from Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton with various foreign contacts. Additionally, Papadpoulos attempted to arrange a meeting between campaign officials and the Russian government via a Russian liaison.
New York terrorist suspect apprehended, Trump calls for action on Twitter
The suspect apprehended in Tuesday’s Lower Manhattan terrorist attack is facing numerous terror-related charges.
Sayfullo Habibullaevic Saipov drove a truck into a crowded bike path, killing eight and injuring more than a dozen others before being detained by authorities. The attack was New York City’s deadliest terrorist attack since 9/11.
Saipov appeared in court Wednesday and was charged with providing material support to ISIS and violence and destruction of motor vehicles. He allegedly had plans to kill more pedestrians near the Brooklyn Bridge.
Investigators found thousands of ISIS propaganda photos and videos on Saipov’s cell phone. He also requested to display the flag of ISIS flag in his hospital room window, according to CNN.
President Donald Trump tweeted about the attack Wednesday, calling for Saipov’s execution via the death penalty.
He also tweeted that the US will implement “much tougher Extreme Vetting Procedures” in order to protect the citizens of the U.S.
Astros bring a World Series Championship to Houston, defeat Dodgers in seven-game series
The Houston Astros defeated the Los Angeles Dodgers Wednesday night 5-1 to claim their first World Series Championship.
Center fielder George Springer racked up five home runs throughout the series’ seven games, tying Reggie Jackson and current Dodgers second baseman Chase Utley for the most home runs in one World Series. Springer was awarded World Series MVP for his stellar performance.
“I'm so happy to be a part of it, to bring a championship back to a city that desperately needed one,” Springer said after the game. “It is a surreal feeling."
The Astros’ victory wasn’t just notable for the city of Houston, but also for staffers at Sports Illustrated. In 2014, SI ran an issue of their magazine predicting that the Astros would win the World Series in 2017.
The magazines have recently sold on eBay for as much as $1,025 each, according to ESPN.
House of Cards will end after Kevin Spacey assault allegations
The future of Frank Underwood is up in the air.
Netflix has suspended production of House of Cards amidst sexual misconduct allegations against lead actor Kevin Spacey. The streaming service also announced that the political drama’s upcoming sixth season would be its last.
Spacey allegedly made a sexual advance Star Trek Discovery actor Anthony Rapp, who was 14 at the time, while working on a Broadway revival together in the 1980s. According to an interview with Buzzfeed News, Spacey invited Rapp to his apartment, placed him on a bed, climbed on top of him and made an unwanted sexual advance.
In a statement released Monday, Spacey said he was “horrified” by the Rapp’s accusations and he owes him “the sincerest apology for what would have been deeply inappropriate drunken behavior.” Spacey also said he did not remember the encounter, which occurred more than 30 years ago.
Spacey also publicly came out as gay, drawing harsh criticism on social media for trying to divert the attention away from the sexual misconduct accusations.
Clarification: This article has been updated to clarify the nature of the allegations against Kevin Spacey.
