Transcripts For KGO ABC 20240703

Catch and kill, buying unflattering stories about trump and making sure they were never published before the election. Aaron katersky outside the courthouse. The near disaster at jfk airport. Authorities say air Traffic Control clearing four planes to cross in front of a Passenger Jet as it was about to take off. The pilot aborting takeoff. Youll hear calls to the ptower Columbia University increasing security. Pro palestinian demonstrators rallying against the israelhamas war. The School Switching to remote classes. And tonight, protests spreading to campuses across the u. S. In los angeles, the breakin at the home of the mayor, karen bass. The mayor was home when the intruder broke in and got to the second floor. They say the mayor was hiding in a safe room. Tonight, ukraines president zelenskyy thanking the u. S. And thanking House Speaker mike johnson, after the house passed, democrats and republicans, a massive aid package for ukraine. Angering some republicans. Tonight, the marine killed during a training exercise. The sergeant was killed just weeks after being promoted. The Carnival Cruise ship rescuing more than two dozen people stranded at sea. On this earth day, ginger zee traveling to Navajo Nation tonight, where 60,000 people live without power. Tonight, the effort to bring Clean Solar Energy there, and were there, as one woman turns on the lights for the first time. And the major news tonight Involving Cher, after being passed over for so many years, its about time. Good evening and its great to start another week with all of you at home. We do begin tonight with the first witness taking the stand in Donald Trumps historic criminal trial here in new york. The former president facing 34 counts of falsifying Business Records for allegedly covering up a Hush Money Payment to adult film star Stormy Daniels to keep it all from voters just before the 2016 election. The former president says none of it is true, and hes pleaded not guilty to all charges. Trump walking into court today. Prosecutors outlining their case, Accusing Trump of election fraud, pure and simple, they said today. Trumps lawyers saying, quote, there is nothing wrong with trying to influence an election, its called democracy, and that none of this was a crime. Then prosecutors calling the first witness, david pecker, to the stand. The former publisher of the national inquirer, who was part of a Scheme Prosecutors say called catch and kill. Abcs Senior Investigative correspondent Aaron Katersky leading us off from the courthouse again tonight. Reporter donald trump walking into the manhattan courtroom where today for the first time in history a jury heard testimony in a criminal case against a former american president. Its a very, very sad day in america. I can tell you that. Reporter with Trump Slouching in his seat and sometimes closing his eyes, prosecutor Matthew Colangelo began his Opening Statement charging trump Orchestrated A Criminal Scheme to corrupt the 2016 president ial election. Taking notes, as the prosecutor laid out his case, Accusing Trump of falsifying Business Records to disguise a 130,000 hush payment to porn star Stormy Daniels days before the election, so voters wouldnt find out about her claim of an affair. At the time, trump was under pressure. News had just broken of the Access Hollywood tape. Trump caught on camera bragging about groping women. The prosecutor today quoting trumps own words to the jury. When youre a star, they let you do it. You can do anything. Reporter you can do anything, the prosecutor slowly reciting to the jury. Prosecutors said the tapes impact was explosive and trump and his campaign were deeply concerned. So when trump learned Stormy Daniels was shopping a story of their alleged liaison, prosecutors said he was adamant it not come out, fearing, it could have been devastating to his campaign. Prosecutors allege, at trumps direction, his fixer Michael Cohen paid daniels off and agreed to cook the books, so when trump reimbursed him, it appeared as routine legal bills. The prosecutor called it a conspiracy to influence the 2016 election to help donald trump get elected. Election fraud, pure and simple. In his Opening Statement, defense attorney todd blanche insisting, President Trump is innocent. President trump did not commit any crimes. I have a spoiler alert, he told the jury. There is nothing wrong with trying to influence an election. Its called democracy. There is nothing illegal about entering into a nondisclosure agreement, he continued. Period. He said trump was unaware of any effort to camouflage the payment to daniels as a business expense. And he told the jury, Michael Cohen, a key prosecution witness, has an obsession with getting trump, he cannot be trusted. But prosecutors insist the alleged criminal conspiracy to protect trump involved others including their first witness, david pecker, the former National Enquirer publisher who once called trump a personal friend. As pecker took the stand, trump leaned forward, arms crossed, an angry look on his face. Pecker has acknowledged buying negative stories about the candidate only to bury them, a practice known as catchandkill. On the stand, pecker was blunt, we used checkbook journalism. We paid for stories. He is testifying under a subpoena, having cut a deal with prosecutors to avoid charges himself. He was only on the stand for a few minutes today, but hell be back tomorrow. Leaving court, trump, who denies the affair with daniels, tried to downplay the case against him. Its a case as to bookkeeping, which is a very minor thing in terms of the law. Reporter so, david, pecker is back tomorrow, david, but there will be arguments whether trump violated the judges gag orderer. Prosecutors say he disobeyed it repeat repeatedly. Prosecutors want trump to pay a fine. They also want the judge to hold him in contempt, which could lead to even more severe consequences. David . David a lot of this focused on this first thing in the morning. Aaron, thank you. We turn tnow to what Authorities Say was a near disaster at jfk airport. Air Traffic Control clearing four planes to cross a runway just as a Passenger Jet was about to take off. The pilot then aborting takeoff. Yol hear the calls to the order. Heres abc east ike ejiochi. Reporter tonight, the faa is investigating a near disaster at one of the nations busiest airports. An april 17th zurichbound Swiss Air Flight cleared for takeoff at jfk, beginning to speed down the runway, forced to abort after noticing air Traffic Control also cleared four other planes to cross that same runway, putting them on a collision course. Listen to air Traffic Control clearing Swiss Air Flight 17. Swiss 17k heavy, runway 4l, cleared for takeoff. Reporter then, moments later, as the plane is heading down the runway, the pilot suddenly sees the other planes taxiing and aborts the takeoff. Swiss 17k heavy rejecting takeoff. Traffic on the runway. Reporter tonight, the Swiss Airline praising their kwithinking team, saying in a statement, due to the high level of Situational Awareness and Quick Reaction of our crew, a potentially dangerous situation was quickly deescalated. Moving four aircraft across an active runway and one controller not talking to another indicates a special level of stress. Reporter the incident came just a day before another near catastrophic close call. Panic in the tower at Washingtons Reagan National Airport has two packed planes came within 400 feet of each other. Southwest stop southwest 2937 stop we stopped. Reporter a jetblue flight cleared for takeoff forced to slam on its brakes after air Traffic Control noticed they cleared a Southwest Plane to taxi across the same runway. David, while the faa investigates this latest incident, theyre also addressing Fatigue Concerns for all air Traffic Controllers. In increasing the amount of rest between shifts. David . David ike, good to have you in new york. Tonight, here in new york city, Columbia University increasing security as propalestinian demonstrators rally against the israelhamas war. The School Switching to remote classes, and tonight, protests now spreading to campuses across the u. S. Abcs Stephanie Ramos at columbia tonight. Reporter tonight, College Campuses scrambling to handle a growing propalestinian protest movement. Columbia university stepping up Campus Security and moving classes online. The schools president saying, we need a reset to deescalate the rancor. But today, fresh arrests and tensions boiling over on the first night of passover. This israeli Assistant Professor confronting University Officials over being denied access to the main lawn, as School Officials tried to separate protesters. I am a professor here. I have every right to be on campus. You cannot let people that support hamas on campus and not me. Let me in now. Reporter it comes after a campus rabbi urged students to stay home saying the school and the nypd Cannot Guarantee Jewish students safety. New york mayor eric adams saying he is horrified and disgusted with antisemitism spewed at and around columbias campus. Pointing to moments like this one showing a women with a sign in front of proisrael protesters, reading, al qasams next targets, a reference to hamas military wing. Made me sick hearing the things they were doing. So, over this holiday, i want to avoid it as best as i can, for my own safety. Reporter many propalestinian protesters insist their movement is peace. Violence has no place on this movement. And we regret some of the incidents that has happened that were actually associated with this movement. Reporter the protests calling for colleges to divest from companies with ties to israel now spreading to other campuses. Today, at least 45 people arrested at yale university. At nyu, a standoff with police, after protesters were told to vacate a campus plaza. Back here at Columbia University, students are still waiting to hear when they can return to inperson classes. New york governor kathy hochul, who visited the campus today, calling on people to find their humanity and have conversations so they can understand different points of view. David . David Stephanie Ramos reporting for us again tonight. Stephanie, thank you. This evening, were learning more about a scare for Los Angeles Mayor karen bass. Police arresting a suspect for allegedly breaking into her home while she was there. The l. A. Times tonight reporting the intruder made it to the second floor. The mayor was in a safe room. Heres abcs trevor ault. Reporter tonight, los angeles investigators working to determine whether the alleged breakin at the home of mayor karen bass was a targeted attack. Units responding to incident 1065. The alarm was personally activated. Reporter the lapd saying early Sunday Morning the suspect smashed through a glass door. The Mayors Office telling abc the mayor and other Family Members were inside when it happened. The l. A. Times reporting she hid in a safe room as the suspect made it to the second floor. Be advised, theres a subject inside the residence right now. Reporter officers on the scene within minutes, arresting 29yearold Ephraim Matthew hunter, booking him on a felony burglary charge. We have one in custody. Theyre clearing the house right now. Reporter Court Records show hunter was previously charged with kidnapping and Attempted Murder in massachusetts back in 2015. He was convicted of assault with a deadly weapon, sentenced to five to seven years in prison. The mayor today declining to reveal details of this new investigation. Let me just say, first of all, i am fine. My family is fine. And were going to do everything we can to keep angelenos safe. Reporter david, the mayor was already a victim of a recent breakin, but that wasnt at this house, and of course, The Big Question now at this home is whether this was targeted or random. David . David trevor ault, thank you. Tonight, ukraines president zelenskyy expressing relief and gratitude to the u. S. And to the speaker of the house mike johnson, after the house approved a massive aid package, with votes from democrats and republicans. It comes after some republicans threatened the speakers job if he moved forward with help for ukraine, trying to fend off russia. Abcs selina wang on capitol hill tonight. Reporter tonight, with that 95 billion aid package finally making its way through congress, a new lifeline for ukraine in its war against russia. President zelenskyy saying in his evening address, i am grateful to mr. President , his team, everyone in the United States congress, personally to speaker johnson, and all who support the active defense of freedom. Zelenskyy speaking to President Biden by phone today. Biden vowing to sign the bill into law as soon as it reaches his desk. But tonight, russias foreign minister warning, the westerners are teetering dangerously on the brink of a direct Military Clash between nuclear powers. The bill is passed. Reporter it comes just days after Speaker Mike Johnson put his job on the line to pass that aid package in the house. Nearly 61 billion for ukraine, 26 billion for israel, and 8 billion for taiwan. Plus, legislation that would ban tiktok if its Chinese Parent Company doesnt sell the app. You do the right thing and you let the chips fall where they may. Reporter its a dramatic 180 for johnson, a Devout Christian who was staunchly against aid to ukraine. But after classified briefings and lots of praying, johnson making a complete turnaround, arguing that ukraine is critical to u. S. National security. But hardline republicans fuming, with at least three still threatening to oust him. Hes disappointed us. He cant be speaker. Reporter and david, this 95 billion aid package is expected to speed through the senate, and theres bipartisan support for that potential tiktok ban in there. But look, it could be a long road from here, because tiktok, they will block, they will try to fight any potential ban in the courts, and the Chinese Government could block any potential sale. David . David selina wang live up on the hill for us tonight, thank you. Meantime, in israel tonight, the Israeli Military intelligence chief has resigned over the October 7th Hamas attack and the Intelligence Failures leading up to that attack. The first senior figure now to step down. The hamas attack, the deadliest attack in israeli history. Hamas had been training for many months. Prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said he and other officials would answer to the Intelligence Failure after the war with hamas. Back in this country tonight, and on this earth day, our series, the power of us. People, climate, and our future. Tonight, chief meteorologist ginger zee takes us inside Navajo Nation, where after a lifetime without power, new and Clean Solar Energy is allowing some to turn on the lights for the first time. Reporter along a seemingly incalculable horizon, a legacy of Energy Injustice hangs heavy over Navajo Nation. You were telling me they are one of the homes without power. One thing that always upset me kind of growing up was being able to witness how close we are to opportunity, but yet not actually touch it. Reporter there are 15,000 households, up to 60,000 people here, that have never had power. Hi, pretty. Reporter Eleanor Paddock moved back to her familys land 11 years ago. She uses propane to cook, a car battery to charge her cell phone, and sometimes she drives more than an hour just to plug in and make lesson plans as a substitute teacher. Brett isaac and navajo power are trying to change that. Im getting emotional. Reporter as we drive to her home, brett tells me about the bennett freeze. It essentially closed off parts of infrastructure. Reporter the federal law that made it nearly impossible for parts of Navajo Nation to develop their land until it was lifted in 2009. Was there malice in this . They were trying to create incentives for native people to move to urban areas and essentially assimilate. Reporter so thats the base. Yeah. Reporter today, brett and his crew are installing solar panels at eleanors traditional hogan. Were there for the moment that so many of us take for granted. Oh my. Reporter Eleanor Hitting the light switch for the first time. Its unbelievable, being out here and having lights out in nowhere. Reporter her food going from the barn into a refrigerator for the first time. Using solar allows us to have access to the amenity, but minimize the burden and the impact on the land. Its by people from here, built by people from here, and for people that are living here. Reporter brett and Navajo Power Hope to get up to 500 offgrid homes a year, but they also have a Giant Solar Farm Project planned right here on old youranium land, to power mo than 200,000 homes and bring the revenue right back to where its needed. David . David ginger, thank you for kicking off this special weeklong series. So glad you were there as eleanor turned the power on for the first time. We mark earth week all week with the power of us. Across abc news and our abc stations. Its all week right here. When we come back tonight, the Carnival Cruise ship rescuing people stranded at sea. And also, the e. Coli alert tonight involving ground beef. And the major headline Involving Cher tonight. Its about time. In a moment. When youve got Type 2 Diabetes like me, you have up to 4 times greater risk of stroke, heart attack or worse death. Even when meeting your a1c goal. Discomfort can help you act. Im not trying to scare you. Im empowering you. To get real with your health care provider. Talk to them about lowering your risk of stroke, heart attack or death. Some people just know that the best rate for you is a rate based on you, with allstate. Because theres a right way to. Stop and the speed limit definitely isnt. 700 million mph. So why would you pay a rate based on. A terrible boss with a terrible haircut save with, ooh. Save with drivewise and get a rate based on you. 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Talk to your doctor about nurtec today. angie Tobacco Companies target people like me with their menthol cigarette marketing. Realizing this made me angry enough to quit. My tip is, this should make everyone angry. announcer you can quit. For free help, call 1800quitnow. Tonight, the pentagon has identified the u. S. Marine killed during a latenight training exercise. Sergeant colin died in an accident last week. The incident is under investigation. He had just been promoted to sergeant weeks ago. A Carnival Cruise ship has rescued more than a dozen people adrift in a boat. 28 cuban nationals were saved. They were taken onboard and checked by a medical team. The ship contacting the u. S. Coast guard. When we come back here tonight, the new health alert involving e. Coli concerns with some packages of ground beef. And the news on cher tonight, which is long overdue. We got help to push back with lybalvi. Oncedaily Prescription Lybalvi is proven to treat manic or mixed episodes of bipolar 1 in adults to help you push back. Elderly patients with dementia have increased risk of death or stroke. Do not take lybalvi if you are taking opioids or are in Opioid Withdrawal. The samidorphan in lybalvi can cause severe Opioid Withdrawal that can lead to hospitalization or increase risk of life threatening overdose. Get Emergency Help if you have trouble breathing, become very drowsy with slowed or shallow breathing, feel faint, very dizzy, or confused, or have a fever, stiff muscles, rash, swollen glands, or problems with your liver, kidneys, heart, or lungs. Other serious side effects may include high cholesterol, weight gain, potentially fatal high blood sugar, uncontrolled Body Movements which may be permanent, dizziness upon standing, or falls. Are you ready . Ask your doctor about lybalvi. Looking for copay savings . Text copay to 45286. Pain means pause on the things you love, but. Green. 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Fasenra is not for sudden Breathing Problems or other eosinophilic conditions. Allergic reactions may occur. Dont stop your Asthma Treatments without talking with your doctor. Tell your doctor if your asthma worsens. Headache and sore throat may occur. Tell your doctor if you have a parasitic infection. Get back to better breathing. Get back to what youve missed. Ask your doctor about fasenra, the only asthma treatment taken once every 8 weeks. If you cant afford your medication astrazeneca may be able to help. Tonight, the Department Of Agriculture has issued a Public Health alert for ground beef products possibly contaminated with e. Coli. Produced in march and sold in a number of Grocery Stores nationwide. They have a use by freeze by date of april 22nd, and the establishment number is 960a. The problem was discovered by the Greater Omaha packing company. Packages should be thrown away or returned. When we come back here tonight, what do cher, cool and the gang, david matthews, and ozzie osborn all have in common tonight . To me, harlem is home. But home is also your body. I asked myself, why doesnt pilates exist in harlem . So i started my own studio. Getting a Brick And Mortar in new york is not easy. Chase ink has supported us from studio one to studio three. When you start small, you need some big help. And chase ink was that for me. Earn up to 5 cash back on Business Essentials with the chase ink business cash card from chase for business. Make more of whats yours. Exciting music. [mud splat. ] [bird squawk. ] and thats why i never drive those guys. The partys over big guy were tired of hearing i dont wanna get my truck dirty. with weathertech lasermeasured floorliners front and rear. A seat protector. And full bed protection. Trucks are totally covered. You just got weatherteched. Yeah, buddy. Lets get dirty. 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Among the other inductees, the Dave Matthews band, foreigner, peter frampton, ozzy osbourne, and a tribe called quest. The Induction Ceremony will stream live on disney in october. Well be watching. Ill see you right back here tomorrow. From all of us here, have a good evening. Good night. My Office Discovered evidence of a pattern of misconduct, Prosecutorial Misconduct that may well impact all of the Death Penalty cases in Alameda County over the past 30 years. A Bombshell Announcement today from Alameda County District Attorney pamela price, her office now preparing to review every Death Penalty case in the county in the past three decades after an investigation uncovers a pattern of misconduct. Good afternoon. Im kristen sze and im dan ashley. Thanks for joining us. Really stunning information today. This investigation Just Announced less than two hours ago, abc7 News Reporter Stephanie Sierra is live in the newsroom with these breaking developments for us. Steph. Yes kristen and dan, this could have huge implications. A federal judge has ordered Alameda County da pamela price and her office to review those cases. Theyll look at every Death Penalty conviction to see if there are any signs of misconduct. But the judge issued that directive after evidence of Potential Bias came to light in the case of ernest dikes. He was tried and convicted in 1993. The jury ruled that dikes murdered a nine year old boy and attempted to murder his grandmother during a robbery in east oakland. Dikes now sits on californias death row. The review of that case found prosecutors may have excluded black and jewish jurors, and thats leading to thte