President Trump’s legal team has filed an appeal seeking to overturn his Manhattan felony conviction in the “hush money” case. The filing argues the case should have been dismissed and the judge should have recused himself due to past donations to Democratic causes. Trump was found guilty on 34 counts of falsifying business records related to payments to adult film star Stormy Daniels. (Story URL)
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has directed the Israel Defense Forces to launch immediate and “powerful” strikes in Gaza. The order followed an attack on IDF troops in southern Gaza and what Israel called repeated cease-fire violations by Hamas. Netanyahu acted after learning that remains Hamas returned Monday were not those of the person it claimed. (Story URL)
Amazon plans to eliminate about 14,000 corporate positions, roughly 4% of its 350,000-person workforce, as part of a broad restructuring effort. The company said the move aims to “reduce bureaucracy, remove layers, and shift resources.” Most will have 90 days to seek new internal roles, while others will receive severance, health benefits, and outplacement services. (Story URL)
Hurricane Melissa made landfall in Jamaica on Tuesday as a Category 5 storm. Maximum sustained winds reached 185 mph, with central pressure at 892 millibars. Only six Atlantic hurricanes have dropped below 900 millibars, including Wilma in 2005 and Gilbert in 1988. The storm is expected to strike southeastern Cuba next, then move toward the Bahamas and possibly Bermuda. (Story URL)
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is suing Johnson & Johnson and Kenvue, claiming Tylenol causes autism — despite studies finding no proven link. The lawsuit accuses the companies of deceptively marketing acetaminophen products to pregnant women while knowing of alleged risks. The FDA has not banned acetaminophen, and most doctors still consider it safe during pregnancy. (Story URL)