What's Happening

Politics

Trump's Hush Money Sentencing Got Postponed

What's going on: A New York judge delayed sentencing in former President Trump’s business fraud case to evaluate whether the Supreme Court’s ruling on presidential immunity will impact his conviction. Trump’s legal team pushed for a delay, arguing that the prosecution’s use of evidence from his time in the Oval Office (social media posts and witness testimony) shouldn’t have been allowed, given the high court’s decision. Meanwhile, the former president could catch an even bigger break. The judge said he would rule on a motion to toss Trump’s verdict on September 6, and if “still necessary,” sentencing will take place in mid-September. Prosecutors didn’t oppose the request by the defense but said Trump’s effort to get off the hook is “without merit.”

What it means: The delay brought a new twist in the case that made Trump the first former US president to be convicted of a crime. The sentencing was originally slated for later this month, just days before the GOP formally nominates Trump for president at the Republican National Convention. With the election about four months away, Trump’s sentencing (if it actually happens) would likely be the only criminal accountability he’ll face, as his other three criminal cases have already been postponed indefinitely.

Related: RFK Jr. Admits He Has "Many Skeletons" in His Closet but Denies Other Allegations (CNN)

Law

Tennessee To Use GPS Monitors To Track Violent Domestic Abusers

What's going on: A new Tennessee law went into effect this week requiring the most violent domestic offenders to wear GPS tracking devices while out on bail. The Debbie and Marie Domestic Violence Protection Act says that aggravated assault offenders in domestic violence cases must wear a GPS monitor unless the court finds they don’t pose “a threat to the alleged victim or public safety.” The law is named after Debbie Sisco and her daughter Marie Varsos, who were both killed by domestic violence in 2021. Under the measure, victims can receive notifications through an app, text, or email if the offender gets near them or their home. Offenders will also have to foot the bill for the tracker and the victims’ app.

What it means: The new law is reportedly the first of its kind in the US, where one in four women and one in seven men are victims of domestic violence, according to the CDC. CBS News reported that Tennessee judges have long had the option to require GPS tracking as a condition of bail but often didn't. Varsos’ brother, who’s been advocating for GPS monitoring, said if his sister’s abuser had worn a GPS tracker, she could’ve made a plan to protect herself. He hopes other states follow Tennessee’s lead.

Related: Here Are Some Resources You Can Turn to if You or Someone You Know Is in Crisis (NBC)

Health

The FDA Approved Eli Lilly's Alzheimer's Drug

What's going on: A new Alzheimer’s drug from pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly will soon be available in the US after the Food and Drug Administration signed off on it yesterday. The agency approved the drug for adults with early stages of Alzheimer’s disease. In clinical trials, donanemab slowed cognitive and functional decline by about 35% when given in the early stages of the disease. The drug works by targeting a protein that causes plaque build-up in the brain. Patients can stop treatment once that’s cleared. Sold under the brand name Kisunla, a year’s supply of the drug will cost $32,000, and Medicare is expected to cover the cost.

What it means: With the FDA’s approval, Eli Lilly’s drug is another Alzehimer’s treatment on the market that could help millions of Americans living with the disease. Still, healthcare officials have expressed concerns about the new treatments. Eli Lilly’s clinical trial found that its new drug comes with potentially life-threatening side effects like brain swelling and bleeding. Another drug from Biogen was discontinued earlier this year following questions over the efficacy of it. There’s currently no treatment that stops or reverses memory loss in Alzehimer’s patients.

Related: A Professor Was Charged For Manipulating Data From An Alzheimer’s Drug Trial (Reuters)