In a significant legal development, Joseph Biggs, a leader of the far-right Proud Boys, has been sentenced to 17 years in prison. Biggs is among the longest sentences handed down yet for a convicted rioter involved in the January 6, 2021 attack on the US Capitol. He was convicted by a Washington, DC jury of charges including seditious conspiracy for attempting to forcibly prevent the peaceful transfer of power following the 2020 presidential election. The judge who handed down the sentence, District Judge Timothy Kelly, emphasized the gravity of the events on January 6 and the importance of upholding the peaceful transfer of power as a cornerstone of American democracy. Prosecutors initially sought to have Biggs sentenced to 33 years in prison, arguing that he actively participated in political violence both during and prior to January 6. However, the judge decided on a lesser sentence to avoid excessive disparities in punishment. This sentencing marks the second longest handed down in connection with the Capitol attack, with the longest being 18 years for Oath Keeper leader Stewart Rhodes.

Sources:

- CNN: Proud Boys leader Joe Biggs sentenced to 17 years in January 6 case

- CNN: Former Proud Boys leaders Joseph Biggs, Zachary Rehl sentenced for Jan. 6 sedition

- The Hill: Here are the 5 longest Jan. 6 sentences so far

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell froze up during a news conference, raising concerns about his health and his ability to complete his term. Speculation is swirling about what would happen if McConnell retired in the middle of his term. Under a new law in Kentucky, a state executive committee consisting of members of the same political party as the departing incumbent senator would name three candidates for the governor to choose from to fill the vacancy on a temporary basis. A special election would then be set to fill the vacancy permanently.

The lack of information from McConnell and his staff has contributed to intense speculation. Aging and its effects have become a taboo topic in American society, making it difficult to openly discuss the issue. McConnell's refusal to address the concerns about his health has drawn attention to the challenges of transparency and aging in public service. McConnell's counterpart, President Joe Biden, who is also 81 years old, has faced similar questions and criticisms about his fitness for office but has not experienced the same freeze-up episodes.

The incident has raised questions about when it is time for politicians to exit the stage and prompted calls for McConnell to take some time off or consider retirement. President Biden has expressed his intention to call McConnell to discuss the situation.

The proceedings of the Georgia 2020 election RICO case involving former President Donald Trump and his co-defendants will be livestreamed on YouTube, according to Judge Scott McAfee. This decision comes after Trump pleaded not guilty to state racketeering and other charges related to efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election in Georgia. Trump's trial will offer a rare glimpse into his multiple criminal proceedings, as cameras have been barred from the courthouses in his other three cases. The livestream will allow news stations to record inside the courtroom and stream the proceedings on the Superior Court of Fulton County YouTube page. Judge McAfee has previously livestreamed court conferences on YouTube, and other judges in the Superior Court have done the same. The trial's livestream on YouTube is expected to provide public access and transparency to the high-profile case.

Justice Clarence Thomas revealed in his latest financial disclosure that his use of private jets in 2022 was partially due to an "increased security risk" after the leaked draft opinion of the Supreme Court's decision to gut nationwide abortion rights. Thomas stated that flights were reported as advised by the Administrative Office and that his security detail recommended noncommercial travel whenever possible. The leak of the Dobbs opinion, which Chief Justice John Roberts ordered an official probe into, continues to overshadow the high court. The leak led to protests outside the conservative justices' homes in the DC area and the erection of security fences around the court. Thomas' finances have faced scrutiny after reports of lavish trips he and his wife received from friends, which were not disclosed on past forms. Democrats have called for Supreme Court ethics reform in light of these disclosures. Thomas argued that he followed the guidance he received and referenced updated rules that went into effect in March of 2023.

Ron DeSantis's super PAC, Never Back Down, is facing financial challenges as it competes against Donald Trump in the race for the Republican nomination. In an audio recording obtained by The New York Times, the super PAC's chief strategist, Jeff Roe, made an urgent plea for $50 million from donors. He emphasized the need to beat Trump in the next 60 days and separate from other rivals. The audio recording revealed that the super PAC is making significant investments now and hoping that donors will cover the expenses later. The group is particularly focused on Iowa, where it needs $5 million per month to sustain its operations. However, the super PAC recently ended door-knocking efforts in Nevada and California, as well as other Super Tuesday states, to concentrate its resources on the early voting states of Iowa, New Hampshire, and South Carolina. This decision was made in light of the real opportunities that lie in these states and their influence on the overall nomination process. The super PAC's financial challenges and strategic decisions highlight the uphill battle it faces in trying to overtake Trump in the campaign.

Army officers who staged a coup in Gabon have named General Brice Oligui Nguema as the transitional leader of the country. In a video, deposed President Ali Bongo called for international support while General Nguema was celebrated by his troops in the streets of the capital, Libreville. The officers declared the annulment of Saturday's election results, in which Bongo was declared the winner, citing allegations of fraud by the opposition. They also arrested one of Bongo's sons for treason. The military coup has been condemned by the UN, the African Union, and France, which had close ties to the Bongo family. Gabon, a major oil producer in Africa, has long had simmering resentment towards the Bongo family's 55-year rule and discontent over the cost of living. The appointment of General Nguema as the new leader signifies a significant change for the country, but the exact motivations behind the coup remain unclear. This latest coup adds to a worrying trend of political instability in West and Central Africa, with recent military takeovers in countries like Niger, Mali, Guinea, Burkina Faso, and Chad. The rise in instability has raised concerns among Western powers, who fear the expansion of influence by countries like Russia and its Wagner Group in the region.

Hurricane Idalia has caused significant damage and flooding across Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas, but will it become the costliest climate disaster for the US in 2023? Analysts estimate that the preliminary cost of Hurricane Idalia ranges from $9.36 billion to $20 billion, putting it in a significant financial range. However, these estimates are still lower than the damage caused by Hurricane Ian last year, which left a trail of devastation costing $112.9 billion.

One reason Hurricane Idalia's cost is expected to be relatively lower is due to its path, which passed through a rural and lesser-populated area of Florida with fewer insured structures. Additionally, property values in the affected area are lower than other regions in the state, which also affects the estimated damage.

Despite the lower cost, the impacts on the insurance and risk management industries are significant. The increasing frequency of extreme weather events, including hurricanes, has led to rising costs and strains on the insurance market. Florida, in particular, has seen several large insurance providers leave or go out of business, resulting in higher premiums for consumers.

While Hurricane Idalia may not be the costliest climate disaster of 2023, the increasing frequency and intensity of storms due to climate change suggest that events like it will become more common over time. Therefore, the financial implications and need for change in the insurance industry remain crucial for the future.

A man in Nebraska caught the attention of police when he was pulled over for driving with a huge Watusi bull named Howdy Doody riding shotgun in his car. Officers responded to a call reporting a vehicle with a cow inside, but were surprised to find a full-sized bull in the passenger seat. The driver, identified as Lee Meyer, explained that the bull's name was Howdy Doody and that he takes him to parades and fairs around the state. Photos show the massive animal comfortably sitting in the modified car, with its horns sticking up through the roof and windshield. The car's passenger-side door had been replaced with a metal guardrail typically used in cattle enclosures. Police issued warnings to the driver for traffic violations and asked him to take the bull back home and leave the city. Howdy Doody is known as a regular attraction at events throughout Nebraska.

Typhoon Saola is expected to brush past Hong Kong and southern China, causing disruptions in the region. The storm, which lost its super typhoon status, is still a Category 4 hurricane equivalent with winds reaching 220 kilometers per hour (140 miles per hour). Hong Kong has raised its storm warning to the third highest level, and schools and businesses have closed in anticipation of the storm's arrival. Flights have been canceled, and train services in Guangdong have been suspended. The storm is projected to weaken as it approaches, but the Hong Kong Observatory warns that higher storm signals are still possible.

Experts compare Saola to Typhoon Mangkhut, which caused significant damage and loss of life in Hong Kong and Macau in 2018. The storm surge from Saola is expected to reach similar levels to Mangkhut. The ultimate track of the typhoon will determine the extent of its impact on the region. Hong Kong and Guangdong authorities are taking precautionary measures to ensure the safety of residents and minimize the damage caused by the storm.

Ukrainian Pravda reports that Ukrainian secret services and armed forces may have carried out several successful attacks on airbases in Russian regions, temporarily occupied Crimea, and Belarus, resulting in the destruction or damage of at least 24 aircraft since the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The attacks began on February 25, 2023, with the burning of a transport aircraft in Rostov Oblast. The most significant strike occurred on August 9, 2022, when Ukraine targeted the Saki airfield in Crimea, destroying four Su-30SM fighters and seven Su-24M bombers. Other attacks targeted airfields in Saratov, Ryazan, Minsk, and Bryansk Oblasts. In August 2023, there were three successful attacks on airfields in Novgorod, Kaluga, and Pskov Oblasts, destroying two Tu-22M bombers and damaging four transport IL-76s and another unidentified aircraft. Russian media outlets analyzed reports from the Russian Ministry of Defense and other sources to compile this information. It is important to note that these reports have not been independently verified by other sources.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has recommended that marijuana be moved to a less tightly regulated drug classification. Currently, marijuana is classified as a Schedule I drug, which means it is considered to have "no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse." The HHS has advised moving it to the less restricted Schedule III category. However, it is ultimately up to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to make the decision. This reclassification would not legalize recreational marijuana nationwide but would provide some medical uses and potentially lower taxes for businesses in states where marijuana is legal. President Joe Biden supports the legalization of medical marijuana based on "medical and scientific evidence." Advocates for marijuana reform and veterans' groups have praised the recommendation, as it could expand access to medical marijuana for conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and chronic pain. The DEA's decision is expected to carry considerable weight, as historically, the agency has never overridden an HHS recommendation.

Authorities are currently on the hunt for Danelo Cavalcante, a convicted murderer who escaped from the Chester County Prison in Pocopson Township, Pennsylvania. Cavalcante, a Brazilian national, had recently been sentenced to life in prison for fatally stabbing his former girlfriend in front of her children. The escape occurred on Thursday morning, and law enforcement agencies have issued a warning stating that Cavalcante is considered "extremely dangerous."

Cavalcante, who is five feet tall and weighs 120 pounds, was last seen wearing a white t-shirt, grey shorts, and white sneakers. Police have urged anyone with information or sightings of Cavalcante to contact 911 immediately and to refrain from approaching him.

The search for Cavalcante has prompted law enforcement to utilize various resources, including canine units, drones, and helicopters. Multiple agencies, including Chester County detectives, Pennsylvania State Police, and the U.S. Marshals Service, are involved in the manhunt.

As this story continues to develop, stay tuned for updates on the efforts to locate and arrest Danelo Cavalcante.

Justice Clarence Thomas has made his first disclosure of trips provided by Dallas billionaire Harlan Crow, as well as the sale of his mother's house in 2014. Thomas reported three trips in 2022 on private jets provided by Crow, including a weeklong vacation to Crow's upstate New York estate. Additionally, Thomas acknowledged that he should have disclosed the sale of his mother's home to Crow in 2014. This comes after an investigation by ProPublica revealed Crow had been providing luxury vacations to Thomas for years.

Thomas defended the lack of disclosure for trips made before 2022, stating that court guidelines did not require it until last spring. Two of the trips listed on Thomas' disclosure were for speaking engagements in Dallas, held by the conservative American Enterprise Institute. The first trip in 2022 was initially by commercial airline but due to an "unexpected ice storm," Crow provided a private flight back to Washington, D.C. The second trip was taken in May 2022, shortly after a draft ruling was leaked that indicated the court would overturn Roe vs. Wade. Thomas cited security concerns as the reason for flying privately.

Thomas' disclosure raises questions about his previous filings and his relationship with Crow, who is known for his conservative political donations. The complete extent of their relationship and the generosity provided by Crow are still being investigated.

Ukrainian troops have reported making new "successes" in their counteroffensive against Russian forces. According to Deputy Defence Minister Hanna Maliar, Ukrainian forces have achieved progress in the direction of Novodanylivka-Novoprokopivka in the Zaporizhzhia region. This comes as Ukrainian forces attempt to overcome Russian minefields and trenches blocking their southern push towards the Sea of Azov.

Additionally, Ukrainian forces are pressing on with their offensive operations south of Bakhmut, which was captured by Russian troops in May. Colonel-General Oleksandr Syrskyi, commander of Ukraine's ground forces, has also reported a "positive dynamic" on the Bakhmut front.

However, the fighting remains heavy in several villages, including Klishchiivka, Kurdyumivka, Andriivka, and on the Lyman front in the east near Novoyehorivka and Bilohorivka.

The Ukrainian counteroffensive is an ongoing effort to gain ground and disrupt Russian-held areas in southern and eastern Ukraine. While progress has been slow due to formidable Russian defenses, the recent achievements mark a significant morale boost for Ukrainian troops and demonstrate progress to their allies.

It remains to be seen whether Ukraine can sustain these successes and overcome the remaining obstacles posed by the Russian forces. The battle for control in the south and east of Ukraine continues.

A Saudi man has been sentenced to death by the Specialized Criminal Court in Saudi Arabia for his online posts on X and YouTube, marking a concerning crackdown on dissent in the country. The charges against the retired schoolteacher, Mohammed bin Nasser al-Ghamdi, include "betraying his religion," "disturbing the security of society," "conspiring against the government," and "impugning the kingdom and the crown prince." His sentencing appears to be the first death sentence solely based on online posts.

Human rights organizations have condemned the ruling, with Human Rights Watch describing it as a "terrifying new stage" and stating that peaceful tweets should not warrant the death penalty. Saudi Arabia had the third-highest number of executions in 2022, following China and Iran, and has executed at least 92 people this year alone. The escalating crackdown on free speech in the country has led to concerns about the safety of individuals expressing their views online.

The sentencing of al-Ghamdi raises questions about the limits on freedom of speech in Saudi Arabia and the use of harsh punishments for dissenting opinions expressed on social media platforms.

According to Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes, he does not have the ability to do so. Fontes cited a previous Arizona Supreme Court case which stated that there is no statutory process in federal law to enforce Section 3 of the 14th amendment, which prohibits those who "have engaged in insurrection or rebellion" against the government from holding office. Fontes, although disagreeing with the decision, stated that he will follow the law.

The issue of Trump's eligibility to run for president is not limited to Arizona. Secretaries of state throughout the country are grappling with how to deal with challenges to Trump's eligibility. Two prominent conservative law professors, William Baude and Michael Paulsen, have argued that Trump should be barred from the ballot based on the 14th amendment.

Although litigation on this issue is unlikely to begin until October, when states begin to set their primary ballots, there is a possibility that these cases will be active during the primaries. The Supreme Court may have to make a final decision on whether Trump can be allowed to run. Until then, the question remains: can Trump be barred from running for president in Arizona and other states in 2024?

A man in Norfolk, Nebraska shocked motorists and police officers alike when he was pulled over for driving with a full-grown Watusi bull sitting in the passenger seat of his car. The incident occurred on Route 275, and police received a 911 call about the unusual sight.

The driver, identified as Lee Meyer, has been known for driving in parades with his pet bull, named Howdy Doody. Meyer's car, a modified Ford Crown Victoria sedan, had the windshield and roof removed to accommodate the bull, while a yellow metal cattle gate served as the passenger side door. Longhorns were also attached as a hood ornament.

Norfolk Police Capt. Chad Reiman stated that officers were surprised when they saw the bull riding shotgun in the car. A video of the traffic stop was recorded and quickly spread online.

While Meyer had previously transported the bull in a trailer, it remains unclear why he decided to load Howdy Doody into his car and drive over 30 miles from his home to Norfolk. Police issued warnings to Meyer and instructed him to take the bull home and leave the city.

This incident is reminiscent of the Outerbridge Cowboy case in 2016, where a man rode a horse across the Outerbridge Crossing in Staten Island.

Calls to defund or impeach District Attorney Fani Willis in Georgia are being met with pushback from top state legislature officials. House Speaker Jon Burns and State Senate Majority Leader Steve Gooch both stated that these calls are impossible to accomplish and are simply theatrics. Burns emphasized that defunding or impeaching Willis would harm public safety and cause delays in important prosecutions. Gooch also noted that there is currently no realistic pathway for the legislature to call a special session or gather enough votes in the state Senate to impeach Willis. These responses come after State Senator Colton Moore warned of potential violence by Trump supporters if the prosecution continues, prompting him to call for immediate action. Moore is urging fellow GOP state senators to sign a letter demanding an investigation into Willis' office and has launched an online petition to defund her office. These efforts by Moore have received praise from former President Donald Trump but have not garnered widespread support among GOP lawmakers. Republican Georgia Governor Brian Kemp expressed that there is currently no evidence warranting action against Willis and emphasized the need to follow the law and the Constitution.

The quarterback transfer from Wisconsin is set to make his debut with the Gators tonight against the Utah Utes. Mertz, known for his turnover troubles in the past, will have to prove himself under new head coach Billy Napier. The Gators will rely on their running game, but Mertz will need to make plays through the air for Florida to come out with a victory. It remains to be seen how Mertz will fit into Napier's offensive system, which historically emphasizes the QB-run element. Additionally, Mertz will have to adjust to a brand new offensive line, as well as a young and untested group of wide receivers. Can Mertz avoid costly mistakes and showcase his potential as a dynamic playmaker for the Gators?

Meanwhile, the Utes are also facing uncertainty at the quarterback position. Star quarterback Cam Rising, who led Utah to back-to-back Pac-12 championships, may not be available due to a torn ACL suffered earlier this year. Rising has been limited in practice and did not participate in preseason scrimmages. His absence would be a significant blow to Utah's offense. As both teams prepare for their season opener, the fate of their quarterbacks may play a crucial role in determining the outcome of the game.

Shares of Broadcom (AVGO) saw a boost today after receiving a bullish analyst report and benefiting from the broader rally in tech and AI stocks. Piper Sandler raised its price target on Broadcom from $830 to $925, citing positive momentum around the company's data center products and increasing smartphone demand. Additionally, the strong earnings report from Nvidia last week indicated continued high demand for AI chips, which bodes well for Broadcom.

The chipmaker is set to report its second-quarter earnings on Thursday, and analysts are expecting modest growth. Revenue is projected to grow by 4.7% to $8.86 billion, with earnings per share expected to tick up to $10.42. The modest expectations make it easier for Broadcom to potentially deliver a beat-and-raise report, as predicted by Piper Sandler.

However, a valuation analysis based on the proprietary GF Value suggests that Broadcom may be significantly overvalued. The stock's market cap of $375.30 billion and the GF Value of $654.4 indicate a potential overvaluation. Investors should carefully consider the stock's intrinsic value and financial strength before making investment decisions.

In conclusion, while Broadcom's recent gains and positive analyst outlook may be encouraging, investors should be cautious about the stock's valuation. The upcoming earnings report will provide further insight into the company's performance and trajectory.

College football season is kicking off with a bang, and there are some intriguing matchups on Thursday night. One of the biggest games of the night is Florida taking on Utah in a rematch from last year's opener, where the Gators pulled off a massive upset. However, despite that win, Florida is not expected to make a bowl game this season.

The Gators are facing a tough schedule, with challenges from teams like South Carolina, Missouri, and Kentucky. These teams have a wide range of expectations and are all capable of giving Florida a run for their money. Additionally, Florida will also face tough opponents like Tennessee, Georgia, Arkansas, and LSU. With such a challenging schedule, it will be an uphill battle for the Gators to secure a bowl game berth.

On the other hand, Nebraska, always a fan favorite, is also predicted to have a tough season. Despite the support from their dedicated fan base, the Cornhuskers haven't made a bowl game since 2016, and this year doesn't look promising either. Their first game of the season is against Minnesota, and while it's game No. 1 of the Matt Rhule era for Nebraska, it's unlikely that they will see immediate success.

So, will Florida and Nebraska make a bowl game this season? The odds are stacked against them, but time will tell if these teams can overcome their challenging schedules and prove the doubters wrong.

Utah starting quarterback, Cam Rising, is doubtful to play in the Utes' season opener against Florida. Rising suffered a torn ACL during the Rose Bowl in January and has not yet received the final all-clear to play. The game between Utah and Florida is one of the biggest in Week 1, with both teams hoping to secure a victory. While Rising was listed as the starter on the depth chart earlier in the week, Utah coach Kyle Whittingham has called him a true game-time decision. The Utes may have to rely on backup quarterbacks if Rising is unable to play, with redshirt junior Bryson Barnes expected to start and redshirt freshman Nate Johnson potentially being used in a "change of pace" role. Despite the potential absence of Rising, the Utes are still favored to win, although the point spread has shifted in favor of Florida. Utah will need to rely on its backup quarterbacks and strong defense to secure a victory in their season opener.

After a thrilling football game, finding the perfect place for a delicious dinner is a must. Luckily, Waco has a variety of options to satisfy your cravings. Whether you're in the mood for pizza, tacos, Greek food, or barbecue, this list has got you covered.

1. Shorty's Pizza Shack: Nothing beats a greasy, delicious pie after a long day at the stadium. Shorty's is a popular choice, so be prepared for a crowd and a potential wait. But the tasty pizza is worth it.

2. Taqueria Zacatecas: If you want a quick and convenient option, head to Taco Z's drive-thru for some mouth-watering tacos. You can enjoy your meal in the comfort of your own car, perfect for when you're feeling a little worn out.

3. Alpha Omega: For flavorful Mediterranean cuisine, Alpha Omega is the place to go. Indulge in a chicken gyro, Greek feta fries, and a refreshing drink to cool down after the game.

4. The Mix Cafe: If you're craving a sandwich or a salad, The Mix Cafe is a great choice. Their Hawaiian chicken sandwich and feta walnut salad are sure to satisfy your hunger.

5. La Milpa Food Truck: Open until 3:30 a.m., La Milpa is the ultimate late-night spot for satisfying your post-game cravings. Enjoy delicious, budget-friendly Mexican food from this local favorite.

While Helberg Barbecue is not an option right after the game due to its opening hours, you can always plan to visit for a delicious lunch the next day. Make sure to check their opening hours and indulge in some mouth-watering barbecue during the football season.

No matter which place you choose, you're guaranteed to find a tasty post-game meal in Waco.

Newly released court documents reveal the extent of the close ties between Under Armour founder Kevin Plank and television anchor Stephanie Ruhle. Plank allegedly gave Ruhle a private phone with a special email address to communicate with him, shared confidential financial information about the sportswear company, and sought her help in addressing concerns about declining sales. The information came to light in a shareholder lawsuit against Under Armour that raised questions about a report by Ruhle during her time at Bloomberg, which accused Plank of securities fraud. The lawsuit also scrutinized their relationship, including flights on a corporate jet that triggered an internal investigation by Under Armour.

Ruhle, known for her financial acumen as a former managing director at Deutsche Bank, reportedly provided business and media advice to Plank. The court documents also revealed that Ruhle received a secret recording of a conversation between Plank and another Under Armour executive discussing financial matters. Both Plank and Ruhle acknowledged their relationship in depositions, with Plank describing Ruhle as a confidant and Ruhle stating that they were friends and that she covered Plank's company. The nature of their relationship and the potential misuse of company resources continue to be a subject of scrutiny.

Utah's starting quarterback, Cameron Rising, is unlikely to play in the season opener against Florida. Rising tore his ACL earlier this year and has not received final clearance to return. The Utes had hoped that Rising would be available to start, but now they are preparing for "Plan B." Head coach Kyle Whittingham has named redshirt junior Bryson Barnes as the starter in Rising's place, with redshirt freshman Nate Johnson potentially being used in a "change of pace" role. Barnes has experience in high-pressure situations, having thrown his first college passes in a Rose Bowl game two years ago.

Rising's potential absence has also affected the odds for the game, with Utah going from a 9.5-point favorite to a 4.5-point favorite. Despite the uncertainty surrounding Rising's availability, analyst Joel Klatt still has high expectations for Utah this season and believes they are the better program. He emphasized the importance of Utah taking care of business in this game, as it will have an impact on how the rest of the season and the Pac-12 conference are viewed.

Regardless of who starts at quarterback, Utah will be looking to start the season strong and make a statement against Florida.