The Evening: Trump rebukes judge in court

Also, Bill Belichick is out after 24 years with the Patriots.

View in browser|nytimes.com Continue reading the main story January 11, 2024 By Matthew Cullen Good evening. Here's the latest at the end of Thursday. Trump's courtroom rant The genocide case against Israel Plus, the girls you love to hate Donald Trump in a Manhattan courtroom, today. Jefferson Siegel for The New York Times Trump rebuked the judge in his fraud trial On the final day of his civil fraud trial in Manhattan, Donald Trump unleashed a spate of insults directed at the New York attorney general and the judge overseeing the case. He accused both of them of pursuing their own political agendas and declared himself "an innocent man." The judge instructed the former president's lawyer to "control your client." But Trump steamed on for several minutes, arguing the attorney general "should pay" him for what he's gone through. The episode was a dramatic conclusion to a monthslong trial during which the New York attorney general, Letitia James, accused Trump of violating state law by inflating the value of his properties. James is looking to extract a $370 million penalty, and to oust the former president from his own company and from the wider world of New York real estate. Trump's court appearance was not mandatory. Instead, with just four days before the Iowa caucuses, he appears to be making a calculation that it is politically advantageous for him to show up, our political correspondent Lisa Lerer told me. "Trump realizes that when he appears in court, his fund-raising shoots up," Lisa said. "It motivates his base, which sees him as persecuted by the courts and the Biden administration. It also blocks his rivals in news coverage." Go deeper: We talked to Iowa Republicans grappling with their choices. Inflation data showed a bumpy but intact cool-down Consumer price data released today showed that inflation continued to moderate at the end of 2023, capping a year in which inflation finally cooled in earnest. Prices climbed 3.4 percent in the year through December — up from 3.1 percent in November — which was more than economists had forecast. However, after stripping out volatile food and fuel prices, "core" prices climbed 3.9 percent in the year through December, down from 4 percent. It was the first time the core index had dropped below 4 percent since May 2021. A mourner cried over relatives who were killed in a bombardment in Rafah, yesterday. Agence France-Presse — Getty Images The U.N.'s top court heard a genocide case against Israel South African representatives argued today at the International Court of Justice in The Hague that Israel was acting with "genocidal intent" in Gaza. They cited as evidence the words of an Israeli official who described the war against Hamas as fighting "human animals." Israel categorically denies the accusation, and will present its defense tomorrow. To constitute genocide, there must be a proven intent on the part of the perpetrators to physically destroy a national, ethnic, racial or religious group, according to the U.N. Genocide Convention. The hearings are the first time that Israel has defended itself in such a setting, attesting to the gravity of the indictment and the high stakes for the country's international reputation. A final ruling could take years to arrive. A Ukrainian infantry officer fired a rocket-propelled grenade near Marinka, in eastern Ukraine, in May. Finbarr O'Reilly for The New York Times U.S. aid to Ukraine was poorly tracked More than $1 billion worth of shoulder-fired missiles, kamikaze drones and night-vision devices that the U.S. has sent to Ukraine have not been properly accounted for by American officials, according to a new Pentagon report. Officials warned that the high rate of missing weapons and technologies had raised concerns that the weapons could be stolen or smuggled. The report, which stops short of saying that any weapons have been misused, comes at a time when an increasing number of lawmakers in Congress are skeptical about sending more military aid to Ukraine. More top news Air travel: The F.A.A. announced it was investigating whether Boeing failed to ensure that its 737 Max 9 plane was safe. Middle East: Iran's Navy said it had seized a vessel loaded with crude oil off the coast of Oman. Hunter Biden: President Biden's son pleaded not guilty to charges of evading taxes on millions in income from foreign businesses. Ohio: A grand jury declined to indict a woman who had miscarried a nonviable fetus at home on a felony charge of abuse of corpse. Energy: Two of America's largest natural-gas producers announced plans to merge. New York: The collision between two subway trains that injured dozens of people in Manhattan last week began when pranksters pulled an emergency brake. Climate: Nearly a quarter of humanity was living under drought in 2022 and 2023, the U.N. said. Pets: Scientists are scrambling to secure funding to keep alive an ambitious study of health and longevity in dogs. Inheritance: An Austrian heiress is looking for 50 people to help her give away $27 million. Media: ESPN used fake names to secure more than 30 Emmys for on-air talent ineligible to receive them. TIME TO UNWIND Reneé Rapp, center, with Bebe Wood and Avantika Vandanapu in "Mean Girls." Paramount Pictures Regina George is back The 2004 film "Mean Girls" — a funny and horrifying story about high school drama — was an undeniable hit: It earned $130 million in theaters, inspired a Broadway musical and continues to be endlessly quotable. And now it's back, with a movie musical adapted from the stage show in theaters tomorrow. Our critic said the new film, also titled "Mean Girls," had lost some of the original's sparkle, but "its charms and ingratiating likability remain intact." We spoke to Tina Fey, the writer of both films, about what was different this time around. Bill Belichick during his last game with the Patriots, on Sunday. Michael Dwyer/Associated Press The end of an era for the Patriots Bill Belichick, the enigmatic football coach who over the past quarter century helped transform the New England Patriots from a struggling franchise into a perennial powerhouse, announced today that he was leaving the team. As head coach, he won a record six Super Bowls, becoming a revered, almost mythical figure in New England. His hoodie alone came to symbolize a blue-collar ethos embraced by fans. But recently the Patriots have fallen apart, losing 13 games this year, their most in three decades, leading to his departure. Here's who the Patriots might hire next. Elton John's auction includes an ivory and gold ensemble made in 1971. It is estimated at between $8,000 and $12,000. Vincent Tullo for The New York Times Dinner table topics Elton John's sale: The star emptied out his former penthouse for a series of auctions expected to bring in $10 million. A victim of her success: Taylor Tomlinson has a new TV gig and a successful comedy tour, but she isn't so sure that it's good for her. Sleepunders: Some parents, anxious about their child staying in someone else's home, are picking kids up just before bedtime. Weight-loss failures: Experts explained why dieting often doesn't work. Continue reading the main story ADVERTISEMENT WHAT TO DO TONIGHT David Malosh for The New York Times Cook: Get out your thermometer to perfect this buttery steak and potatoes. Watch: "Fast Charlie" is one of the five best action movies to stream right now. Read: Álvaro Enrigue's newest novel explores the first meeting of the Aztecs and the Spanish conquistadors. Learn: Here's what to know about nanoplastics, thousands of which are in plastic bottles. Budget: Considering a move? Here are the cities where rent money goes the farthest. Consider: For those with Covid, we have a guide for whether it makes sense to take Paxlovid. Hunt: Which Baltimore home would you buy for under $750,000? Play: Here are today's Spelling Bee, Wordle and Mini Crossword. Find all our games here. Continue reading the main story ADVERTISEMENT ONE LAST THING A workout that doesn't take exercise seriously Take one step into one of Jaymie Parkkinen's exercise classes in Los Angeles and you'll quickly realize you're not in for a typical workout. There are games of tag, bicycle horns, mini circus tents and carnival-style popcorn boxes. It's called Clown Cardio. Parkkinen began the classes last year, soon after his mother was diagnosed with cancer. He said he was inspired to focus more specifically on what brought him joy, and that was improv warm-ups, where goofiness and physicality are key. Have a rollicking evening. Thanks for reading. I'll be back tomorrow. — Matthew We welcome your feedback. Write to us at evening@nytimes.com. Continue reading the main story Writer: Matthew Cullen Editorial Director: Adam Pasick Editors: Carole Landry, Whet Moser, Justin Porter, Jonathan Wolfe Photo Editor: Brent Lewis Need help? Review our newsletter help page or contact us for assistance. You received this email because you signed up for The Evening from The New York Times. To stop receiving The Evening, unsubscribe. To opt out of other promotional emails from The Times, including those regarding The Athletic, manage your email settings. To opt out of updates and offers sent from The Athletic, submit a request. Subscribe to The TimesGet The New York Times app Connect with us on: Change Your EmailPrivacy PolicyContact UsCalifornia Notices The New York Times Company. 620 Eighth Avenue New York, NY 10018