High and Dry

DOJ Petitions Judge to Compel Trump Lawyers’ Testimony

If successful, it would put former White House counsel Pat Cipollone and his deputy Patrick Philbin back on the stand for further testimony. It’s a crucial step to reveal more about former President Donald Trump’s movements on Jan. 6, the Justice Department argued in motions kept secret due to grand jury rules. Trump’s legal inner sanctum maintains that attorney-client and executive privilege cover its testimony — but those concerns are bested by the need for evidence, the government argued in its motion to federal Judge Beryl Howell. Both Cipollone and Philbin have previously testified but declined some questions, citing privilege. (Sources: CNN, NYT)

South Africa Hosts Ethiopia-Tigray Peace Talks

It’s the first time the Ethiopian government and Tigrayan rebels have met for formal talks since conflict erupted in November 2020. The war was sparked by government accusations that the Tigray People’s Liberation Front had attacked federal army camps. In the nearly two years since, thousands in the region have been killed and millions displaced while a famine sets in. Recent government-led offensives regained control of some towns in the Tigray region. African Union chairman Moussa Faki Mahamat is “encouraged by the early demonstration of commitment to peace by the parties,” the bloc said. Talks will continue in Pretoria until Sunday. (Sources: Reuters, Al Jazeera)

Taiwan Reunification ‘Closer Than Ever’: China

“The complete reunification of our country must be realized and it can without a doubt be realized,” President Xi Jinping said in an address over the weekend to the Communist Party. His comments were confirmed by the Taiwan Affairs Office during a media briefing Wednesday. Rejection of Taiwanese independence was also enshrined in the constitution during the party congress. Taiwan expects “ attacks and threats,” particularly in diplomacy, to ramp up in the months ahead, Foreign Minister Joseph Wu said in response. Taipei has reportedly received intelligence that the Beijing campaign to lure Taiwan’s allies into switching sides will increase. (Source: Bloomberg, Reuters)

Progressive Democrats Walk Back Ukraine Letter After Outrage

The letter, written by the progressive Democrats in Congress, called for President Joe Biden to engage in direct negotiations with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Released Monday, the letter enraged other Democrats and Ukrainian lawmakers but Rep. Pramila Jayapal, Progressive Caucus chair, said it had been “released by staff without vetting.” Several signatories have denounced the letter, saying it was drafted in June and they would not sign it now given how the conflict has progressed. Democrats are scrambling to smooth over the controversy in time for the midterms, while House Speaker Nancy Pelosi assured Ukraine the U.S. stands with them “until victory is done.” (Sources: WaPo, The Hill)

Here are some things you should know about today:

Stay put. Ukraine wants refugees living abroad to stay for the winter as Russian attacks have damaged critical infrastructure, leading to blackouts and disrupted water supply. “We need to survive the winter,” Deputy Prime Minister Iryna Vereshchuk said Tuesday. (Source: Al Jazeera) It’s time. Britain’s new Prime Minister Rishi Sunak will address parliament as leader for the first time Wednesday where he is expected to face tough questioning from the Labour opposition. (Source: France24) ‘Catastrophic.’ Myanmar’s deepening crisis is leaving millions without food and displaced, U.N. special envoy to the country, Noeleen Heyzer, told the human rights committee Tuesday, urging more international help. (Source: AP)

This Fall, Put Down the Trash Bags and Let Nature Take Over

Let fallen leaves lie. That’s the advice of horticulture experts this fall. Firstly, it reduces the staggering 8 million tons of leaves that end up in U.S. landfills each year. But it also helps the ecosystem. Decomposing leaves are a great source of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and other nutrients that soil loves. Instead of bagging, think about mowing or cutting up the top layer of leaves, horticulture specialist Susan Barton says. This way light can get through to encourage the photosynthesis process and create a home for creepy-crawlies like slugs and bugs that keep your yard healthy. (Source: NPR)

Was the Recording that Took Down LA Councilors Illegal?

Former president of the Los Angeles City Council Nury Martinez resigned earlier this month after a shocking recording of a string of racist remarks was released. Now, LA detectives are investigating allegations of “eavesdropping,” Police Chief Michel Moore said Tuesday. Martinez and three others on the tape requested the investigation. Who made the recording and why have not yet been identified, but they could be on the hook for criminal charges. In California, all parties must agree to the recording of a conversation or phone call. Under the state’s laws, the “injured party” who was recorded without permission can sue the recorder. (Source: AP)

Adidas Says Auf Wiedersehen Yeezy After Racist Remarks

The German brand has cut ties with Ye, formerly known as Kanye West, in the latest — and costliest — split for the rapper. It follows similar announcements by Balenciaga and Gap. This shrinks his net worth to $400 million, knocking him off the Forbes’ billionaire list. Ye’s recent antisemitic comments are “unacceptable, hateful and dangerous, and … violate the company’s values of diversity and inclusion, mutual respect and fairness,” the sportswear giant said. Ending the Yeezy line will cost Adidas $248.90 million this year. Ye previously accused Adidas of breaking contract by failing to build permanent Yeezy stores, and of stealing his designs. (Source: Reuters)

Iranian Man, 94, Dies After First Bath in Decades

Amou Haji avoided using soap and water for more than 50 years for fears it would make him sick. After pressure from worried villagers in Dejgah, Fars province, he finally took a bath just a few months ago. He then fell ill and died Sunday. The hermit reportedly lived on a diet of rotten meat — his favorite was porcupine — and water drunk from an old oil can and lived in a hole in the ground and a shack built for him by locals. Haji previously said he abandoned conventional life after a series of “emotional setbacks” earlier in life. (Source: BBC)

Brittney Griner Appeal Quashed in Moscow

She will now serve a nine-year sentence for drug possession after being apprehended with hashish oil vape canisters in February. “She is very clearly a hostage,” the WNBA Players Association said in a statement. American officials have noted negotiations of a prisoner swap or other avenues to have Griner repatriated are unlikely until after next month’s U.S. midterm elections, for fear of providing the Biden administration with a win. For Griner’s legal team, the immediate concern is where she will serve the sentence. Russia’s penal colonies are notoriously rough compared to the Moscow jail she has been in since the arrest. (Source: ESPN)

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