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From Capitol Hill to the courtroom: Bob Menendez doesn't want you to be distracted by shiny objects
Don’t be distracted by the shiny object.
Or 13 shiny objects — as in bars of gold bullion.
That’s the goal of the attorneys for Sen. Bob. Menendez, the Democrat from New Jersey. The senator is on trial for the second time in less than a decade on unrelated charges.
U.S. senators don’t go on trial very often. The late Sen. Ted Stevens, the Republican from Alaska, was on trial back in 2008. A jury convicted Stevens. Then Stevens had the case overturned. Stevens died in a plane crash after he lost his bid for re-election.
DEMOCRAT SEN. BOB MENENDEZ FACES SECOND FEDERAL CORRUPTION TRIAL WITH JURY SELECTION STARTING MONDAY
But who was the last U.S. senator on trial?
Bob Menendez in 2017.
Sen. Bob Menendez, D-N.J., talks at a Senate Finance hearing on Capitol Hill March 21, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mariam Zuhaib, File)
In that case, Menendez was accused of accepting lavish gifts for doing favors for an eye doctor. The case ended in a hung jury.
Menendez torched prosecutors for even bringing that case. And he broke down when the case concluded.
“The way this case started was wrong. The way it was investigated was wrong. The way it was prosecuted was wrong. And the way it was tried was wrong, as well,” said Menendez. “Certain elements of the FBI and of our state cannot understand or, even worse, accept that the Latino kid from Union City and Hudson County can grow up to be a United States senator and be honest.”
Menendez seemingly found redemption upon being given a second lease on his political career.
“Today is Resurrection Day, and I want to thank God once again for allowing me to stand before you, as I walked into this courthouse 11 weeks ago, an innocent man,” Menendez said at the time.
He then ran for re-election in 2018 and won.
The government says that’s where trouble began.
Menedez is accused of taking bribes from businessmen in the Garden State in exchange for favors. Among them, operating as a foreign agent for Qatar. That’s where the gold bars come in. The feds accuse Menendez of accepting the gold bars from New Jersey businessman Fred Daibes in exchange for using his muscle to help get a deal with a Qatari investment fund.
The goal of Menendez’s defense counsel is to convince jurors there isn’t necessarily a connection between the gold bars and official favors.
Although prosecutors will point out that Menendez did multiple internet searches, trying to determine the worth of gold bars in kilos.
Another charge targets Menendez and the former chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Investigators claim they were doing the bidding of Egypt. In particular, the feds accuse Menendez of writing shadow letters on behalf of senators, trying to dislodge a Senate holdup on $300 million in military aid targeted for Cairo.
JON STEWART CALLS OUT NANCY PELOSI, HUNTER BIDEN AND BOB MENENDEZ IN SEGMENT ON POLITICAL CORRUPTION
Prosecutors also accuse Menendez of taking payments to help Wael Hana, an Egyptian American businessman, score an agreement with the government of Egypt. Hana wanted the Egyptians to certify that his imported halal meat met appropriate dietary guidelines for Muslims.
Menendez argued that working with constituents was just what lawmakers do.
“What a chilling effect on the mere engagements and of these conversations it would be,” Menendez said of lawmakers simply engaging with people who seek government assistance. “The United States Attorney’s Office is not engaged in a prosecution but a persecution. They seek a victory. Not justice.”
Jury selection took place over several days.
Sen. Bob Menendez, D-N.J., listens during a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing Dec. 7, 2023, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mariam Zuhaib)
On the first day, Judge Sidney Stein dismissed 38 possible jurors outright, then hauled in another pool of 50 prospective jurors. One possible juror cited work at the Rockland County New York Humane Society as a problem with her serving.
Another said she had a non-refundable trip scheduled to Rome. Stein let her go but questioned the validity of the lack of an available refund.
A children’s librarian from Greenwich, Conn., was one of the jury candidates. After she left, Stein opined on that line of work in another life.
“I’m telling you, that’s what I would do. Children’s librarian,” said Stein.
SEN BOB MENENDEZ MAY BLAME HIS WIFE NADINE DURING FEDERAL CORRUPTION TRIAL: COURT DOCS
It’s probably not that different from negotiating terms for a federal trial for a U.S. senator.
One jury candidate told the court about a fear of heights, noting that the courtroom is on the 23rd floor of the Daniel P. Moynihan Courthouse in Lower Manhattan.
Another possible juror announced she just had an ingrown toenail removed and couldn’t serve due to a litany of other maladies.
“I think she’d be too much of a problem,” Stein said after excusing her.
At least it wasn’t a hangnail.
And, after all, the goal of Stein is to avoid a hung jury.
Democratic U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez of New Jersey, left, and his wife Nadine Menendez arrive at the federal courthouse in New York Sept. 27, 2023. (AP Photo/Jeenah Moon, File)
Stein also told potential jurors some of the testimony in the trial may be in Spanish and Arabic, through an interpreter.
Stein also presented a list of various political figures, ranging from Sen. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., to Sen. Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., to Rep. Dan Goldman, D-N.Y. Stein advised the jury candidates they should speak up if they know any of those figures or are familiar with them. Stein didn’t say they would appear as witnesses, but he did say their names may come up in the trial. None are accused of wrongdoing.
At the 2017 trial of Menendez, his Garden State colleague, Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., sat in the courtroom on the first day for moral support. Booker testified as a character witness on behalf of Menendez, along with Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C.
But for this trial, Menendez appears to be on his own.
“I’m not going to follow the day-to-day. I’ll be waiting for the verdict,” said Booker.
Menendez has disappointed Senate Democrats who hoped he would resign. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., often gives a variation of the same pat answer when asked whether Menendez should step down or if the Senate should expel the senator.
“The Senate has standards as to proper behavior. And Sen. Menendez’s behavior has fallen way below that,” replied Schumer.
Menendez will not run for re-election as a Democrat. But he could do so as an independent. In fact, the senator cracked open the door to that possibility. The filing deadline is June 4. The trial could run through mid-July.
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new video loaded: Judge Grants Luigi Mangione’s Request to Supress Some Evidence
transcript
transcript
Judge Grants Luigi Mangione’s Request to Supress Some Evidence
A New York State judge ruled prosecutors cannot use some of the evidence found inside Luigi Mangione’s backpack when he was arrested. Mr. Mangione is accused of killing UnitedHealthcare’s chief executive, Brian Thompson, outside a Manhattan hotel in 2024.
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“I find that the search of the backpack at the McDonald’s was improper, warrantless search. Therefore, those items found in the backpack during the search at the McDonald’s will be suppressed.” “Thank you. What’s your name?” “Mark.” “What is it?” “Mark.” “Mark?” “Yes, sir. “Mark what?” “Rosario.” “Rosario — someone called. They thought you were suspicious.” “As Miranda warnings were not given until some seconds after 9:48 in the morning, those statements made shortly before that, in response to improper custodial questions that were not merely a request for pedigree information, will be suppressed.”
By Cynthia Silva
May 18, 2026
A first-of-its-kind remote airport terminal is set to launch in Massachusetts next month, giving some travelers flying out of Boston’s Logan International Airport the option to complete TSA screening nearly 25 miles away before heading straight to their gate.
Starting June 1, the Massachusetts Port Authority will open the Logan Airport Remote Terminal at 19 Flutie Pass along Route 9 in Framingham. Passengers will be able to check in for their flights, drop off luggage and complete TSA screening before ever reaching Logan Airport. After that, they will board a dedicated shuttle bus driven by Massport operators that takes them directly to their airside gate.
“It’s going to be more seamless, more convenient for the passengers and the traveling public,” Massport Deputy Director of Roadway Management Peter Howe told CBS News. “We want to see how this pilot goes to see what we can learn from it and how we can expand.”
During the pilot phase, the service will be limited to Delta Air Lines and JetBlue passengers traveling on flights scheduled between 5:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. Shuttle buses, which hold about 55 passengers each, will run hourly from 4 a.m. to 1 p.m., with tickets costing $9 each way. Buses are scheduled to arrive at Logan at least 45 minutes before departure.
The Framingham site also includes about 400 parking spaces priced at $7 per day, which is significantly cheaper than parking rates at Logan.
Security remains a central focus throughout the new process, according to Massport. After passengers check their bags, those items stay secured for transport and contingency plans are in place to handle any unexpected issues along the route.
“You’ve got state-of-the-art equipment, this is all regulated just as if you’re flying to an airport,” Daniel Blake, the VP of Airport Experience for JetBlue, told CBS News. “Those of you who like aviation, you’re going to be [dropped off] ramp side, so you’ll be among the airplanes walking up – it’s going to be a pretty cool sight.”
The concept is modeled in part on similar systems operated by The Landline Company in cities like Philadelphia and Chicago, where passengers are bused from regional locations directly to major hub airports for connecting flights.
“The magic of this is that the stress and the headache that you experience when you’re pulling up to a big airport, you’re wondering how long the baggage line is, how long the security line, all these kind of anxieties that come to your mind. We take care of all those up front,” Landline CEO David Sunde told CBS News.
Framingham passengers can already begin booking shuttle tickets, which are available from 90 days up to 90 minutes before departure. However, Massport is encouraging travelers to book early, since seating will be limited during the pilot phase and adjustments are expected as the program gets underway.
PHOTO BY DAVE DICELLO
Pittsburgh’s notoriously fickle weather seemed to have finally decided what it wants to do, and it wants to make us sweat.
With temperatures expected to near record highs this week, we’re thinking about summer, even if it isn’t officially here yet. If the heat also has you thinking ahead, take a look at this roundup of ways you can get outside this summer, whether you want to cool off in the shade or soak up some sun.
1: Visit Shore Thing
During its inaugural season last year, Pittsburgh’s premier floating events platform, located on the Allegheny River between the Roberto Clemente and Andy Warhol bridges, welcomed more than 50,000 visitors. On May 22, it opens for its second year, and it already has a full lineup of events and activities on the schedule.
Upcoming events include Riverlife Chalk Fest on May 30-31, YogaRoots On Location each Sunday and a live music series every Thursday beginning June 4.
The riverside platform, composed of 10 steel barges, will be open six days per week through mid-October, offering Pittsburghers a chance to soak up some sun on one of the city’s famed rivers.
2: Check out Sandcastle Waterpark
Located on the Monongahela River near the Waterfront in Homestead, Pittsburgh’s only waterpark opens for the season on May 23. The park boasts more than 20 slides and attractions, plus a recently renovated Boardwalk area that offers a variety of food and drink options.
Drop from the top of Bombs Away or give it a swirl on Dragon’s Den. Experience the thrills of misters, waterfalls and even total darkness on Blue Tubaluba, or take a 400–foot plunge on Thunder Run. For a more relaxing chance to take in the natural scenery, Cliffhangers’ “sky ponds” let you do just that.
As part of an opening day sale, you can snag a ticket for $29.99 — 50% off the regular price. These tickets are valid any one day through July 5. For more ticket options or season passes, check out Sandcastle’s website.
3: Catch a movie after dark.
Once the steamy sun goes down, head to one of Pittsburgh’s city parks for a movie night. The annual Dollar Bank Cinema In The Park series begins in early June and features films such as “Hamnet,” playing June 10 at Flagstaff Hill in Schenley Park; “The Wiz,” playing in Brookline Memorial Park on June 18; and “Hamilton,” showing at McPride Park on June 29.
For a full list of parks, movies and showtimes, visit the city’s website and keep an eye on its social media.
4: Splash around Pittsburgh’s pools — or maybe work at one.
In early May, city officials announced that, for the first time, city pools will have chairs and loungers; nearly 300 have been purchased for pools citywide. When pools open for the season on June 15, the loungers will be available in designated areas based on deck space and pool attendance numbers.
City pool season passes are available now for purchase at the Oliver Bath House on the South Side and can be purchased at all outdoor pool locations starting on opening day. Passes are valid through May of 2027 and will run you $30 for adults, $20 for adults over age 60, $60 for a family of four and free for children under 15 who live in the City.
Free passes are also available for disabled veterans, active duty military and activated reservist guard members.
The city is also recruiting lifeguards to staff its pools this summer. If you’re interested, officials invite you to fill out this form.
5: Learn a new outdoor activity with L.L. Bean
Each year, the outdoorsy retailer hosts a range of discovery courses and lessons across the city from May throughOctober. With most classes starting on or around May 23, you can learn archery, fly fishing, paddle boarding or kayaking, or even view the Perseid meteor shower on the water with a guided kayak tour in August.
Most of the activities take place in North Park, which covers more than 3,000 acres of land in the city’s northern suburbs. For more information, visit L.L. Bean’s website.
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