Today’s top stories include the expected trial date set for former President Donald Trump’s election conspiracy case, a potential hate crime in Jacksonville, students returning to schools without air conditioning, an impending tropical storm in Florida, and pro surfers helping wildfire-affected families in Maui.
Legal proceedings: A tentative start date for the Justice Department’s election conspiracy trial against former President Donald Trump is expected to be announced today by U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan.
* Trump’s lawyers have requested a trial date in April 2026 due to the need to review millions of pages of documents, while the special counsel team is ready for a January 2024 trial.
Tragedy in Jacksonville: After a gunman killed three black people at a Dollar General store before committing suicide, Jacksonville residents mourn and the Justice Department investigates the event as a possible hate crime.
* WJCT’s Will Brown reported an overarching sense of sadness, anger, and resolve at three vigils held over the weekend.
Education and heat: As students return to schools amid record-breaking heat waves, many are returning to buildings without air conditioning.
* A 2020 report from the Government Accountability Office estimated about 36,000 schools nationwide need HVAC system updates. Allocating pandemic relief funds to AC upgrades is complicated due to the age of many schools and the necessary electricity infrastructure adjustments.
Weather Alert: Parts of Florida may feel the effects of the Tropical Storm Idalia as early as tomorrow, with the storm potentially reaching hurricane strength before making landfall.
* If Idalia hits Florida at hurricane strength, it would be the first Atlantic hurricane to strike the U.S. this year.
Community Effort: In Maui, pro surfers gathered at Ho’okipa Beach to help children and families affected by wildfires through a surfing lesson.
* The nonprofit Boards 4 Buddies provided surfboards to kids who lost theirs in the recent fires, offering a diversion for families amid the tragedy.
Preparation Advice: For emergencies like Tropical Storm Idalia or wildfires, FEMA and the Red Cross recommend having a prepared go-bag.
* The bag should include a three-day water supply, shelf-stable food, a first aid kit, medications, and copies of important documents. The bag should be kept in an easily accessible location.
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