Trump news – live: Key impeachment witness gives 'extremely disturbing' testimony about Ukraine call

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Donald Trump mimics police killing Dayton mass shooter during speech

Alexander Vindman, the top Ukraine expert at the US National Security Council, is testifying to the House impeachment inquiry over concerns he raised about Donald Trump’s 25 July phone call with Volodymyr Zelensky and the administration’s bid to pressure the country into investigating the son of domestic political rival Joe Biden.

The president has meanwhile taken to Twitter to join right-wing media pundits in questioning the patriotism and political loyalties of the decorated Iraq War veteran, branding Lieutenant Colonel Vindman a “Never Trumper”.

House Democrats announced on Monday they will hold a vote on taking the impeachment hearings public on Thursday in response to Republican criticism as Charles Kupperman, a former deputy to John Bolton, failed to appear on Capitol Hill to give a deposition of his own.

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Key Points

• Ukraine expert telling inquiry he sounded alarm over Zelensky call
• President attacks decorated war veteran as 'Never Trumper witness'
• Democrats to conduct formal vote on public leg of impeachment hearings
• Ex-John Bolton deputy Charles Kupperman fails to appear before inquiry
• White House denies World Series booing: 'There was some cheering as well'

[29 October 2019 21:00 · Clark Mindock]

On the more wholesome side of news, former president Jimmy Carter is set to teach Sunday school this week, in spite of a recent fall that led to doubts he'd be able to make it.

Mr Carter is well known for his weekly Sunday School teachings, and his church had initially said he would sit out this Sunday's proceedings.

But, a posting on the Marantha Baptist Church's Facebook account on Tuesday had the following update: "UPDATES: We are proud and relieved to announce President Carter has changed his mind and decided that he feels well enough to teach. He will teach this Sunday, November 3. Please join us to welcome him back! We will live stream for those who can't be with us."

[29 October 2019 21:20 · Clark Mindock]

Here's today's messaging from White House counselor Kellyanne Conway.

[29 October 2019 21:33 · Clark Mindock]

Senator Corey Booker participated in a criminal justice town hall, take a look:

[29 October 2019 21:50 · Clark Mindock]

Here's Bernie Sanders discussing his views on American aid to Israel, and it cuts with much of the American political orthodoxy on the issue, to say the least:

[29 October 2019 22:10 · Clark Mindock]

  ↵Donald Trump Jr is apparently a big fan of Kanye. Take a look at our report on that love affair, below:

[29 October 2019 22:15 · Phil Thomas]

Here's a look at Lt Col Alexander Vindman's opening statement alleging US officials had pressured Ukraine to investigate Joe Biden.

Democrats had some early reactions to his testimony while Republicans handled blowback from the president's criticism of the war veteran.

[29 October 2019 22:25 · Phil Thomas]

Meanwhile, Republicans navigated their criticisms of the impeachment investigation while defending Lt Col Vindman against right-wing media attacks.

[29 October 2019 22:33 · Phil Thomas]

We're wrapping up the live stream for today.

See you tomorrow.