Georgia judge dismisses two criminal counts against Trump, court filing shows

Republican presidential nominee former U.S. President Donald Trump visits the Shanksville Volunteer Fire Company in Shanksville, Pa., Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)

WASHINGTON -

A Georgia judge on Thursday dismissed two criminal counts in the U.S. state's 2020 election interference case against Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump and one other count against allies of the former president.

Fulton County Judge Scott McAfee found that state prosecutors did not have the authority to bring those charges, which related to the alleged filing of false documents in federal court.

Download the CTV News App for breaking news alerts and video on all the top stories

McAfee allowed the remainder of the case to move forward, including eight charges against Trump. Trump and 14 co-defendants have pleaded not guilty to racketeering and other charges stemming from what prosecutors allege was a scheme to overturn Trump's narrow defeat in Georgia in the 2020 election.

The case has been on hold since June while a Georgia appeals court considers whether the lead prosecutor, Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis, must be disqualified over alleged misconduct tied to a romantic relationship she had with a former top deputy.

Arguments in the appeals court are scheduled for December, meaning the case will not progress before the Nov. 5 election when Trump faces Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris.

A separate federal case Trump faced for his efforts to overturn his election defeat nationally has also been slowed dramatically by a U.S. Supreme Court ruling that found that presidents have broad immunity from criminal prosecution.

Thursday's decision relates to allegations that Trump and his allies assembled a slate of fraudulent presidential electors and filed a civil lawsuit challenging the election results that contained false claims.

America Votes: Latest U.S. election news and analysis from a Canadian perspective

The ruling means that five of the original 13 criminal counts against Trump in the indictment obtained last year have now been tossed out. McAfee in March dismissed six other counts, including three against Trump.

Trump lawyer Steve Sadow said in a statement that the ruling showed that Trump and his legal team "have prevailed once again."

A spokesperson for Willis' office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

In a separate decision on Thursday, McAfee upheld the primary charge in the case, racketeering, which has been brought against all the defendants.

Reporting by Andrew Goudsward; Editing by Scott Malone and Jonathan Oatis

CTVNews.ca Top Stories

Prime minister faces mounting pressure to step aside from inside caucus

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will face mounting pressure from his caucus this week to step down from the leadership of the Liberal party.

Bloc won't hold Liberals 'hostage' over seniors' benefits: cabinet minister

Liberal cabinet minister Steven Guilbeault says the Liberals will not be 'held hostage' by the Bloc Quebecois' demand to expand Old Age Security to more seniors.

Government spending on flights for Canadians fleeing the Middle East unpopular, Nanos survey finds

Amid escalating violence in the Middle East, a majority of surveyed Canadians say they don't believe the costs associated with Canadians fleeing the region should be funded solely by the government.

How psilocybin, the psychedelic in mushrooms, may rewire the brain to ease depression, anxiety and more

Small clinical trials have shown that one or two doses of psilocybin, given in a therapeutic setting, can make dramatic and long-lasting changes in people suffering from treatment-resistant major depressive disorder, which typically does not respond to traditional antidepressants.

When Europe's railroad dining cars were the height of luxury

The Orient Express' opulent passenger experience was later immortalized in popular culture by authors like Graham Greene and Agatha Christie. But dining on the move was very much a triumph of logistics and engineering.

Police identify Toronto victim of alleged serial killer

Toronto police have identified the woman who was allegedly killed by a suspected serial killer earlier this month.

Missing father, kids spotted in New Zealand wilderness 3 years after disappearance: police

A New Zealand man who disappeared with his three children in 2021 was spotted on a farm along the country's northwest coast, police say.

No jail time for man who fatally stabbed senior in Vancouver

A man who stabbed a senior to death in Vancouver's Biltmore Hotel building in 2020 has been given a conditional sentence for the killing, meaning he will not serve any jail time if he remains on good behaviour in the community.

B.C. billionaire posts third large sign criticizing NDP ahead of the election

British Columbia billionaire Chip Wilson has put up yet another billboard message to voters, his third post outside his multimillion-dollar mansion in NDP Leader David Eby's own riding.

Canada

EXCLUSIVE: 'We were privileged to be friends with our sister': Family mourns murdered N.S. woman

More than a month after the murder of Nova Scotia woman Esther Jones, her family continues to grapple with the loss.
Border agents seize 11 million amphetamine tablets in Montreal shipping container

Border guards in Montreal intercepted millions of amphetamine tablets concealed in hundreds of PVC panels inside a container from China.
Job growth numbers 'good news' in Canada but there are concerns, according to an economist

An economist says the latest job growth numbers in Canada are 'good news,' but he has concerns following Statistic Canada's report.
Longueuil woman charged after 10-year-old boy scalded with boiling water

A woman from Montreal's South Shore appeared in court on Friday on charges of aggravated assault after allegedly scalding a 10-year-old boy with boiling water more than one week ago.
Mercury found in water near Yukon mine disaster, Yukon government says

The Yukon government says mercury levels that 'exceeded the water quality objective' were found in a creek near the site where a mine's ore containment facility failed, causing a torrent of cyanide-contaminated rock to escape in June.
No jail time for man who fatally stabbed senior in Vancouver

A man who stabbed a senior to death in Vancouver's Biltmore Hotel building in 2020 has been given a conditional sentence for the killing, meaning he will not serve any jail time if he remains on good behaviour in the community.

World

Hot-air balloon strikes and collapses radio tower in Albuquerque during festival

A hot-air balloon struck and collapsed a radio tower Friday in Albuquerque, New Mexico, during the city's famous festival -- the second time in 20 years that a balloon has come into contact with the tower.
Missing father, kids spotted in New Zealand wilderness 3 years after disappearance: police

A New Zealand man who disappeared with his three children in 2021 was spotted on a farm along the country's northwest coast, police say.
British woman who killed her parents and lived with their bodies is sentenced to life

A British woman who murdered her parents and then lived for four years alongside their bodies in makeshift tombs at the family home was sentenced Friday to life imprisonment and told she won't be eligible for parole for 36 years.
TikTok was aware of risks kids and teens face on its platform, legal document alleges

TikTok was aware that its design features are detrimental to its young users and that publicly touted tools aimed at limiting kids’ time on the site were largely ineffective, according to internal documents and communications exposed in a lawsuit filed by the state of Kentucky.
Woman sues ex-boyfriend for sharing nude photos of her to co-workers

A Washington County man is accused of sharing naked pictures of his ex-girlfriend during a meeting with hundreds of their co-workers.
'Casting spells': Kentucky woman is arrested after police find human remains in her mom's oven and a body in the yard

Authorities arrested a Kentucky woman after someone found a dismembered body in her mother's backyard and officers later found human remains.

Politics

Government spending on flights for Canadians fleeing the Middle East unpopular, Nanos survey finds

Amid escalating violence in the Middle East, a majority of surveyed Canadians say they don't believe the costs associated with Canadians fleeing the region should be funded solely by the government.
Prime minister faces mounting pressure to step aside from inside caucus

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will face mounting pressure from his caucus this week to step down from the leadership of the Liberal party.
Bloc won't hold Liberals 'hostage' over seniors' benefits: cabinet minister

Liberal cabinet minister Steven Guilbeault says the Liberals will not be 'held hostage' by the Bloc Quebecois' demand to expand Old Age Security to more seniors.

Health

How psilocybin, the psychedelic in mushrooms, may rewire the brain to ease depression, anxiety and more

Small clinical trials have shown that one or two doses of psilocybin, given in a therapeutic setting, can make dramatic and long-lasting changes in people suffering from treatment-resistant major depressive disorder, which typically does not respond to traditional antidepressants.
Common heart conditions raise the risk of dementia, experts say

If you are one of the millions with heart disease, you have a higher risk for future dementia, according to the American Heart Association.
Higher in Halifax: Elevated levels of cannabis metabolites in city's wastewater

Wastewater tested in Halifax in 2023 contained almost twice the amount of cannabis metabolites compared with samples taken from other big cities in Canada, like Toronto or Montreal.

Sci-Tech

Look up: Northern lights could be visible across Canada this week

The northern lights could be visible across most of Canada this week.
TikTok was aware of risks kids and teens face on its platform, legal document alleges

TikTok was aware that its design features are detrimental to its young users and that publicly touted tools aimed at limiting kids’ time on the site were largely ineffective, according to internal documents and communications exposed in a lawsuit filed by the state of Kentucky.
The largest storm in our solar system is moving unexpectedly, scientists say

New observations of Jupiter's Great Red Spot captured by the Hubble Space Telescope show that the 190-year-old storm wiggles like gelatin and shape-shifts like a squeezed stress ball.

Entertainment

Sean 'Diddy' Combs to stay in jail while appeals court takes up bail fight

A federal appeals court judge has ruled to keep Sean 'Diddy' Combs locked up while he makes a third bid for bail in his sex trafficking case, which is slated to go to trial in May.
Al Pacino says being a new dad at 84 is a 'mini miracle'

Al Pacino is enjoying being a late-in-life dad. The legendary actor talked about being a father to a brood, including to 16-month-old Roman with producer Noor Alfallah.
'Emotional train wreck': Filming of Swissair Flight 111 movie hits close to home

Set to premiere next year, the film '111' is a joint Canadian-Swiss production that follows the interwoven stories of four people in the aftermath of the Sept. 2, 1998 Swissair crash near Peggy's Cove, N.S.

Business

7-Eleven is closing more than 400 locations

Several hundred "underperforming" 7-Eleven locations across North America are closing, the convenience store announced.
Job growth numbers 'good news' in Canada but there are concerns, according to an economist

An economist says the latest job growth numbers in Canada are 'good news,' but he has concerns following Statistic Canada's report.
opinion
opinion What are the best ways to boost your income in Canada?

Whether you're looking to pay off debt, save for a big purchase, or simply give yourself greater financial stability, personal finance contributor Christopher Liew shares some of the best ways to boost your income.

Lifestyle

When Europe's railroad dining cars were the height of luxury

The Orient Express' opulent passenger experience was later immortalized in popular culture by authors like Graham Greene and Agatha Christie. But dining on the move was very much a triumph of logistics and engineering.
'It's beautiful': B.C. man invites strangers into his home for Thanksgiving dinner

James Taylor never expected to be walking home with a bag full of groceries he didn't buy.
FROM THE VAULT: Fifth anniversary of Manitoba's Thanksgiving weekend blizzard

This weekend marks the fifth anniversary of a large blizzard that paralyzed Manitoba.

Sports

Jack Nicholson, Spike Lee and Billy Crystal set to become basketball Hall of Famers as superfans

Some prominent figures will be added to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame's James F. Goldstein SuperFan Gallery on Sunday, a few hours before this year’s class is enshrined in Springfield, Mass.
FIFA urged to put more human rights scrutiny into 2034 World Cup deal with Saudi Arabia

Two months before FIFA is set to confirm Saudi Arabia as the 2034 World Cup host, the soccer body was urged again Friday to allow independent scrutiny of the kingdom's human rights obligations for the tournament.
Member of 2019 Raptors championship team Danny Green retires from NBA

Former Toronto Raptors guard Danny Green has announced his retirement from the NBA.

Autos

Elon Musk unveils his 'Cybercab' robotaxi

Tesla CEO Elon Musk unveiled on Thursday his vision of a 'a fun, exciting future,' an 'age of abundance' full of his company’s self-driving cars without steering wheels, parking lots turned into parks and robots that will walk among the population – that he once again promised would be available within a few years.
video
video Why are there cars in the Detroit River?

Dozens of cars were pulled out of the Detroit River in west Windsor on Tuesday, causing many questions for Windsorites.
Hundreds of thousands of popular vehicles recalled in Canada over steering issue

Hundreds of thousands of vehicles are being recalled in Canada due to a steering-related issue that could increase a driver's risk of crash.

BC Conservative candidate under fire for comments about First Nations

With just over a week to go until election day, another BC Conservative candidate is coming under fire. This time, for comments about First Nations communities.
SOGI 123 reduces bullying, discrimination, UBC researchers say

New research is showing the positive impact SOGI 123 or sexual orientation and gender identity resources are having in schools across British Columbia.
Here’s why we are seeing the Northern Lights in Greater Vancouver

Greater Vancouver hosting multiple Northern Lights displays is part of a "very natural cycle", says UBC professor.

Toronto

Prime minister faces mounting pressure to step aside from inside caucus

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will face mounting pressure from his caucus this week to step down from the leadership of the Liberal party.
Stolen vehicle crashes into two homes in North York, police say

Toronto police are investigating after a reported stolen vehicle hit two homes in North York Friday evening.
Toronto mother acquitted in death of disabled daughter launches $10.5-million lawsuit against police, city

Cindy Ali, the Toronto mother who was acquitted in the 2011 death of her 16-year-old daughter Cynara after serving more than four years in prison, is suing Toronto police and the city for more than $10 million.

Calgary

Man suffers multiple traumatic injuries after hit-and-run in Pineridge back alley

Police are looking for a driver involved in a hit-and-run in the northeast Calgary community of Pineridge that sent a man to hospital in serious condition.
Calgary Public Library locations closing due to cybersecurity breach

Calgary Public Library (CPL) locations will be closing early on Friday following a cyber attack.
Street-level or elevated tracks? Province reviewing options for Calgary's Green Line

As work on the Green Line gets ready to roll again, the biggest question about the LRT project continues to be about its route through Calgary's downtown.

Ottawa

Temporary LaSalle Causeway bridge to close Tuesday to create access for marine traffic in Kingston, Ont.

The temporary LaSalle Causeway bridge in Kingston, Ont. will be fully closed on Tuesday to create temporary access for marine traffic, according to Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC).
$90K worth of jewelry stolen from Manotick store, owner says

A Manotick business has been left stunned as thieves made off with $90,000 worth of jewelry.
Ottawa police investigating suspicious incident targeting children in Orleans

The Ottawa Police Service is asking the public for help in identifying a suspect involved in an alleged "possible" attempt to abduct a group of children in the Orleans area last weekend.

Montreal

After wave of teen arrests tied to organized crime, experts say it's 'nothing new'

Parents of Quebec teenagers are worried that high schools are becoming "recruitment grounds" after police arrested a dozen teens it believes have ties to organized crime. But experts say it's nothing new and better prevention measures are needed.
Two men aged 18 and 20 arrested after deadly fire in Old Montreal

Montreal police have arrested two young adults in connection with the deadly fire in Old Montreal last week that killed a mother and her young daughter.
Longueuil woman charged after 10-year-old boy scalded with boiling water

A woman from Montreal's South Shore appeared in court on Friday on charges of aggravated assault after allegedly scalding a 10-year-old boy with boiling water more than one week ago.

Edmonton

'Nobody deserves that': Mother wants answers after son's body found in police impound lot

A week ago today, Lita Pawliw was on the receiving end of a phone call no mother ever wants to get.
Edmonton Mayor Amarjeet Sohi takes 'necessary' legal action against 3 people

Edmonton Mayor Amarjeet Sohi is taking legal action against three people he alleges spread inflammatory and libelous allegations about him.
Bathroom bans, pronouns, gender-affirming care among policies to be debated by Alberta UCP

Alberta's United Conservative Party members will soon debate 35 policy resolutions that include banning transgender people from women's washrooms, prohibiting non-binary gender identifiers on government documents, and ensuring trans medical treatments are not publicly funded.

Atlantic

EXCLUSIVE: 'We were privileged to be friends with our sister': Family mourns murdered N.S. woman

More than a month after the murder of Nova Scotia woman Esther Jones, her family continues to grapple with the loss.
Thanksgiving weekend both wet and windy for the Maritimes

It's not the most auspicious Thanksgiving weather for the Maritimes as a series of low pressure systems and weather fronts move through the region bringing inclement weather.
Picture perfect pumpkins: Hantsport, N.S., woman’s designs delight, raise money for Alzheimer’s research

Since 2021, Cathy Dunbar has raised thousands for the Alzheimer Society of Nova Scotia with her sculpted pumpkins sold outside Stirling’s Farm Market in Greenwich, N.S.

Winnipeg

Winnipeggers arrested after images surface of cats being tortured, killed online

Two Winnipeggers have been arrested after images and videos were posted online of animals being tortured and killed.
Former Winnipeg teacher charged with voyeurism, child pornography offences after videos filmed in change room seized

A 37-year-old Winnipeg man has been charged with multiple offences after videos filmed in a public pool change room were seized by police.
'Big difference': Thanksgiving staple seeing major price drop at the grocery store before holiday

Thanksgiving shoppers will have something to be thankful for this year.

Regina

Riders one win away from securing home playoff game

There is a lot on the line in Saturday’s matchup between the Saskatchewan Roughriders and BC Lions as a Rider win will secure them a home playoff game.
Here's a complete candidate list for Regina's upcoming civic, school board elections

Regina will vote for a new mayor, city council and public and separate school board trustees on Nov. 13.
Saskatchewan NDP releases $3.65 billion campaign platform

The Saskatchewan New Democratic Party laid out its platform on Friday, ahead of the Oct. 28 provincial election.

Kitchener

Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest kicks off

Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest has officially begun! Here's what happened during Friday's big Bavarian celebration at Willkommen Platz.
Northern Lights put on another dazzling display in southern Ontario

The Northern Lights put on another spectacular show on Thursday night, with shades of blue, pink and green rippling across the night sky.
Kitchener, Ont. native Steven Lorentz scores first goal for Leafs

Kitchener, Ont. native Steven Lorentz scored his first goal for the Toronto Maple Leafs on Thursday night.

Saskatoon

Leading Sask. provincial parties share plans to address homelessness crisis

The leaders of Saskatchewan’s two major political parties are sharing their plans to tackle the growing homelessness crisis.
Saskatchewan NDP releases $3.65 billion campaign platform

The Saskatchewan New Democratic Party laid out its platform on Friday, ahead of the Oct. 28 provincial election.
Sask. woman develops app to help people lend and borrow personal items

A Prince Albert woman has developed an app that allows people to lend and borrow items from each other.

Northern Ontario

On Thanksgiving weekend, police remind drivers to keep their eyes on the road

Even on an average day, the intersection of Highway 17 at Highway 6 near Espanola is busy, but it’s especially steady on a Friday before a long weekend.
Prime minister faces mounting pressure to step aside from inside caucus

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will face mounting pressure from his caucus this week to step down from the leadership of the Liberal party.
Bloc won't hold Liberals 'hostage' over seniors' benefits: cabinet minister

Liberal cabinet minister Steven Guilbeault says the Liberals will not be 'held hostage' by the Bloc Quebecois' demand to expand Old Age Security to more seniors.

London

CTV News London’s top stories from this week

In case you missed it, CTV News London has gathered all of the top local stories from this week into one video for your convenience.
What’s open and closed on Thanksgiving in London

If you’re getting together with friends and family this long weekend, there are some things to keep in mind. Many offices, stores and businesses will be closed to mark the holiday. Here's what to know about what is open this Monday:
How London’s newest affordable housing looks to avoid past mistakes

The first tenants are moving into a London’s newest affordable apartment building at 345 Sylvan St. in Old South, and the building’s operator is assuring neighbours that mistakes made a couple years ago at a nearby building will not be repeated.

Barrie

Victim dies of injuries after armed robbery at gas station

Police say the victim of an armed robbery shooting at a gas station has since died of his injuries, and the suspect remains at large.
Man arrested after vehicle stolen in Midland

A Christian Island man is facing multiple charges in connection to the left of a vehicle in Midland.
Family of 6 loses everything in house explosion

A family of six has lost all their personal belongings after their house was destroyed by an explosion on the eve of the Thanksgiving Day long weekend.

Windsor

CTV News Windsor’s top stories from this week

In case you missed it, CTV News Windsor has compiled all of the top local stories from this week into one video.
'I remember yawning': Windsor man testifies in careless driving trial

A Windsor man testified in his careless driving trial in a Chatham-Kent courtroom on Friday.
University of Windsor board member seeks to pause controversial pro-Palestinian protest agreements

A University of Windsor board member is calling for a pause on controversial agreements made with pro-Palestinian protesters who occupied part of the campus earlier this year.

Vancouver Island

BC Conservative candidate under fire for comments about First Nations

With just over a week to go until election day, another BC Conservative candidate is coming under fire. This time, for comments about First Nations communities.
Rustad stands by B.C. Conservative candidates under fire, says voters can judge them

B.C. Conservatives Leader John Rustad says it will be up to voters to judge his party's candidates as he stood by a pair whose remarks on Indigenous and Muslim people drew condemnation from election rivals and other critics.
'It's beautiful': B.C. man invites strangers into his home for Thanksgiving dinner

James Taylor never expected to be walking home with a bag full of groceries he didn't buy.

Kelowna

B.C. homeowner astounded someone managed to steal one of his prized giant pumpkins

Dave Lindsey began growing giant pumpkins to bring a bit of magic to his grandkids' Halloween.
B.C. man gets prison sentence, fine for using fake names to buy guns in the U.S.

A U.S. District Court judge in Montana has sentenced a 27-year-old man from Kelowna, B.C., to 18 months in prison for using fake names to buy guns with the aim of selling them in Canada.
2nd-degree murder charge laid nearly 2 years after Kelowna stabbing

Nearly two years after a man was stabbed to death in downtown Kelowna, RCMP have made an arrest in the case.

Lethbridge

'So much excitement': Aurora borealis light show amazes Lethbridge photographers

Local photographers were amazed by the aurora borealis display in the night sky over Lethbridge on Thursday night.
Lethbridge home prices among the fastest rising in Alberta

Lethbridge- The latest monthly report from the Alberta Real Estate Association shows Lethbridge has seen one of the biggest year over year increases in home prices.
'Come together': How to cut down Thanksgiving dinner costs

The Interfaith Food Bank is busy preparing Thanksgiving bundles and has some tips for anyone hoping to cut down on their holiday dinner costs.

Sault Ste. Marie

New Sault committee looks to crack down on graffiti

A closer look at preventing graffiti will be looked at in Sault Ste. Marie, after a string of offensive displays by one man, including spray painting anti-Indigenous language and painting over the pride crosswalk.
On Thanksgiving weekend, police remind drivers to keep their eyes on the road

Even on an average day, the intersection of Highway 17 at Highway 6 near Espanola is busy, but it’s especially steady on a Friday before a long weekend.
Sault suspect on probation arrested with drugs, knife and $5K in cash

A 34-year-old in Sault Ste. Marie who was wanted for a probation violation was found this week with a switchblade, drugs, a digital scale and $5,170 in cash.

N.L.

'Crack houses' across rural Newfoundland? RCMP has no reports supporting MP's claim

A Conservative MP from Newfoundland and Labrador says some small towns in his rural riding are overrun with crime, but police say they haven't received reports to that effect.
Self-identifying Indigenous group got $74M in federal cash, Inuit leader wants change

As millions in federal funding flow into a Labrador group whose claims of Inuit identity have been rejected by Indigenous organizations across Canada, a national Inuit leader worries the Liberal government is putting the rights of Indigenous Peoples at risk.
Marathon goat: Animal runner wins hearts and a medal after crashing Newfoundland race

He may not have logged the fastest time or even gone the full distance, but residents of a Newfoundland town agree the goat who unexpectedly joined the local weekend half marathon was the event's undisputed champion.

Georgia judge dismisses two criminal counts against Trump, court filing shows

CTVNews.ca Top Stories

opinion | What are the best ways to boost your income in Canada?

video | Why are there cars in the Detroit River?

opinion What are the best ways to boost your income in Canada?

video Why are there cars in the Detroit River?