Former President Donald Trump is set to surrender on Thursday to be booked on over a dozen charges connected to his attempts to overturn Georgia's 2020 election results. This marks the fourth time this year that Trump is facing criminal charges. He is expected to travel from his golf club in Bedminster, New Jersey, to the Fulton County jail in Atlanta, where several of his co-defendants have already surrendered.
Trump's processing in the jail is anticipated to be swift as he has already negotiated a consent bond agreement, which includes a $200,000 bond and other release conditions. These conditions restrict Trump from using social media to target his co-defendants and witnesses in the case. Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis, who brought the racketeering case against Trump and the other defendants, has requested their arraignment next month.
Among the 18 co-defendants who have surrendered so far are former Trump attorneys Rudy Giuliani, Sidney Powell, and Jenna Ellis. The indictment against Trump includes 13 counts, such as racketeering, conspiracy charges, and soliciting a public official to violate their oath of office.
Interestingly, the mug shots of Trump's co-defendants arrested thus far have evoked defiance, with some even appearing oddly cheerful. Trump's mug shot is yet to be released, but it remains to be seen how he will present himself during this crucial moment.
Preliminary intelligence suggests that an explosion on a plane likely brought down Russian mercenary leader Yevgeny Prigozhin, according to U.S. and other Western officials. While a definitive conclusion has not yet been reached, a blast is the leading theory for the cause of the crash. This explosion could have been caused by a bomb or other device planted on the aircraft. U.S. officials believe that President Vladimir Putin of Russia ordered the killing, as Prigozhin had led a mutiny in June that posed a significant challenge to Putin's rule. The officials also indicate that the Moscow high command may come under suspicion if it is determined that air defense units brought down the plane. However, some Russians argue that Kremlin advisors may have acted against Prigozhin without explicit orders from Putin, as it is a tradition among courtiers to do what the boss wants without asking him directly. The way that Putin's managerial style has evolved in recent years, with an increased perception of aloofness and detachment, makes this alternative theory more convincing. Further investigation is still underway to determine the exact cause of the crash.
Authorities have discovered remains believed to be those of missing woman Allisha Watts in Montgomery County, North Carolina. Watts, 39, was last seen on July 16 with her boyfriend, James Wendell Dunmore. The suspects' black Mercedes SUV was located two days later, but Watts was not found. Dunmore has now been arrested on murder charges and is being held in custody. The Montgomery County Sheriff's Office confirmed the discovery of the remains and announced Dunmore's arrest. A task force consisting of various law enforcement agencies, including the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, had been involved in the investigation.
Reports suggest that Dunmore had a criminal record, including convictions for abduction and domestic violence in Alexandria, Virginia. However, details about these convictions have not been made available. The tragic turn of events has brought an end to the search for Watts, and her family has been notified. The exact location where the remains were discovered has not been specified. This case is no longer considered a missing person investigation, according to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department. The investigation is ongoing as authorities work to gather more evidence in this heartbreaking case.
Biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy has seen a surge in fundraising following Wednesday night's Republican presidential debate. Ramaswamy's campaign has raised $450,000 in the first few hours after the debate, with an average donation of $38. The political newcomer, who took center stage in the absence of front-runner Donald Trump, made several memorable moments during the debate by criticizing his rivals as "super PAC puppets" who relied on "ready-made, preprepared slogans" to attack him. Ramaswamy has largely self-funded his campaign, raising over $7.7 million in the second quarter and finishing with more than $9 million on hand. Meanwhile, other campaigns have not yet responded to messages about their post-debate fundraising. South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott made a direct appeal for donations during his closing remarks on stage. Former President Donald Trump, who is currently leading in the polls for the nomination, chose not to attend the debate.
Former President Donald Trump has made several false and misleading statements about crime in Atlanta, specifically targeting Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis. Trump claimed that murder and other violent crimes in Atlanta have reached unprecedented levels, and he accused Willis of allowing a "giant murder wave" to occur. However, these claims are untrue. According to Atlanta Police Department statistics, the number of murders in the city is actually down 25% this year compared to last year, and violent crime has also decreased significantly. Even though there was a spike in murder rates from 2020 to 2022, this was part of a national trend that began before Willis took office. Trump's assertions about crime in Atlanta are not supported by the data and appear to be politically motivated.
The US Justice Department has filed a lawsuit against SpaceX, alleging that the company discriminated against refugees in its hiring practices. The lawsuit claims that SpaceX routinely discouraged asylees and refugees from applying and refused to hire or consider them based on their citizenship status, in violation of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). The suit also alleges that SpaceX falsely claimed in its job listings that only green card holders and US citizens could work at the company due to federal export control laws.
According to the Department of Justice, regulations such as the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) do not prevent SpaceX from hiring refugees, as their permission to live and work in the US does not expire and they are on equal footing with US citizens. The investigation found that SpaceX failed to fairly consider or hire asylees and refugees, actively discouraging them from seeking work opportunities at the company.
SpaceX has not yet responded to the lawsuit. The lawsuit seeks fair consideration and back pay for refugees who were deterred or denied employment at SpaceX, as well as civil penalties and policy changes to ensure compliance with non-discrimination mandates.
Ukraine's military intelligence agency revealed that special forces conducted an amphibious raid on the occupied Crimean peninsula, engaging in combat with Russian troops and planting the country's flag. While the immediate operational impact is minimal, the raid represents a symbolic victory for Ukraine as it seeks to liberate Crimea from Russia's occupation. The mission was carried out by Ukraine's Main Directorate of Intelligence with the support of the country's naval forces. The raid reportedly resulted in losses for Russian soldiers and equipment. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed the raid during a press conference in Kyiv. The operation comes amid increasing tensions between Ukraine and Russia, with Ukraine targeting Crimea in a series of recent engagements. Ukraine has long vowed to retake Crimea, which was annexed by Russia in 2014. The amphibious raid demonstrates Ukraine's readiness to take more decisive action on the peninsula.
Southeast Michigan is under the threat of severe weather as a line of storms is expected to move through the area. The National Weather Service has issued a flood warning for Wayne County until 8 p.m. Friday and a thunderstorm watch for several counties in Southeast Michigan until 1 a.m. Friday. The main threats from these storms include damaging winds gusting up to 70 mph, large hail, and heavy rain, which could worsen existing flooding.
These storms are expected to rapidly develop and move through parts of Metro Detroit between 7 p.m. and 12 a.m. There is also a possibility of isolated tornadoes. The increased risk area stretches from Flint to the north, down to the southeast corner of the state near Monroe, then all the way west into Kent County, including major cities like Ann Arbor, Lansing, Jackson, and Detroit.
Residents are encouraged to stay updated with the latest weather alerts and warnings and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety.
The BRICS group, composed of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, is considering expanding its membership to include Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Iran. This move would increase the group's representation to 46% of the world's population and a larger share of the global economy. However, there are concerns about the inclusion of Iran and Ethiopia, as they are not major players economically or politically. Some argue that countries like Indonesia and Bangladesh would bring more economic dynamism to the group. The purpose of the BRICS group remains unclear, as it lacks a common market or harmonized regulatory standards. Its main asset is a financial architecture that includes a development bank and cash reserve for countries facing currency difficulties. There is also a risk that the group could become an anti-Western club, which could hinder its future. While some members, like Russian President Vladimir Putin, have expressed anti-Western sentiments, other members are keen to avoid engaging in a contest between global powers. The BRICS summit in Johannesburg will likely shed more light on the potential expansion and its implications.
The Minnesota State Fair is known for its variety of food options, and this year is no exception. From unique flavor combinations to classic favorites with a twist, there is something for everyone's taste buds. Here are a few of the best new fair foods that have been generating buzz:
1. Cloud Coolers at Spinning Wylde: For those looking for a refreshing treat, the Cloud Coolers are a hit. This Instagrammable cotton candy-infused lemonade offers a balanced, not overly sweet flavor and is a fun twist on a classic fair beverage.
2. Irish Butter Ice Cream Over Brown Sugar Cinnamon Toast at Blue Moon Drive-in Theater: This indulgent dessert combines the rich flavors of butter-flavored ice cream and sugared toast. Created by the Minnesota Dairy Lab, this treat is a must-try for ice cream lovers.
3. Basil Hummus With Spicy Walnut Topping at Holy Land: Holy Land's vibrant green hummus is bursting with fresh basil flavor. Topped with spicy walnuts and served with crunchy pita chips, it's a delicious option for fairgoers looking for a snack on the go.
4. Fried Green Tomato Sandwich at MFU Coffee Shop: This twist on a classic BLT features thick slices of fried green tomato with a crunchy cornmeal crust. The vegetarian version of the sandwich is topped with a charred sweet corn relish.
5. "Kind Of A Big Dill" Pickle Lemonade at Nordic Waffles: This sour and refreshing glass of lemonade comes with a hint of pickle flavor. While the pickle taste may not be as pronounced as expected, it still offers a unique flavor combination.
These new fair foods are just a taste of the exciting culinary experiences waiting to be discovered at the Minnesota State Fair. Grab your appetite and explore the delicious offerings at this year's fair.
Severe thunderstorms have caused widespread damage and power outages in southern Michigan, with reports of multiple tornadoes in the area. Late Thursday night, a suspected tornado flipped several cars on Interstate 96 near Weberville, Michigan. Meanwhile, a large and "extremely dangerous" tornado was confirmed near the cities of Williamston and Fowlerville. The damage caused by the tornadoes was reported in Ingham County, prompting officials to urge residents to seek shelter indoors. The storms have resulted in power outages for over 340,000 people in southern Michigan, a number expected to rise as the storms continue.
In addition to the tornado warnings, severe thunderstorm warnings have also been issued for several counties in Michigan, including Genesee County. The storms bring the potential for damaging wind gusts of up to 85 mph, large hail, and possible tornadoes. Residents in affected areas are advised to take immediate shelter in sturdy structures on the lowest floor and to avoid windows. The severe weather follows a previous round of heavy rainfall that brought significant rainfall to the region earlier in the day.
Yevgeny Prigozhin, founder of Russia's paramilitary Wagner Group, is rumored to be dead after a plane crash. Although Western authorities have not confirmed his death, Russian news agency TASS reported that Prigozhin's name was listed among the passengers on the crashed aircraft. If Prigozhin is dead, many will suspect that he was killed by Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Prigozhin led a march of thousands of Wagner fighters in June, which some called a "mutiny" and a "civil war." The fact that Putin was able to swiftly squash the uprising demonstrated the impotence of Wagner as a threat to his rule.
The death of Prigozhin raises important questions about Putin's control over Russia. Prigozhin was the leader of a paramilitary force with thousands of armed men, and he was popular among them. There is the possibility of reprisal attacks against the Russian government.
President Biden has been briefed on the plane crash and suggested that Putin may have been responsible for bringing down the aircraft. The Kremlin has faced accusations of being behind numerous assassination attempts in the past.
The investigation into the crash and the implications for Putin's control over Russia are ongoing.
A tragic mass shooting occurred at Cook's Corner, a bar and restaurant in Trabuco Canyon, Orange County. The shooting left four people dead, including the gunman, who has been identified as John Snowling, a retired sergeant with the Ventura Police Department. Six others were wounded in the gunfire.
According to witnesses, Snowling targeted his estranged wife, who was at the bar with a friend. He fired multiple shots at her before going outside to his truck to retrieve more guns. The Orange County Sheriff's Department responded to the scene and exchanged gunfire with Snowling, ultimately killing him.
The motive for the shooting appears to be related to the ongoing divorce between Snowling and his wife. Records from Ventura County Superior Court show that his estranged wife had filed for divorce in December.
Authorities have confirmed that all four guns used by Snowling were obtained legally, with two or three handguns purchased while he was still a peace officer. The specific details of the weapons and their acquisition dates have been provided by Orange County Sheriff Don Barnes.
This tragic incident adds to the growing number of mass shootings in the United States, with this being the 465th mass shooting this year, according to the Gun Violence Archive.
U.S. Ambassador to Japan, Rahm Emanuel, plans to eat fish from Fukushima Prefecture in a show of support for Tokyo's decision to release treated radioactive water from the Fukushima nuclear plant into the sea. Emanuel's visit to Fukushima comes as the Japanese government begins the water discharge, a move that has sparked protests and retaliation from China. China, the largest buyer of seafood from Japan, has announced a ban on all seafood imports from Japan in response to the water discharge. Japan argues that the water is safe, and many scientists and the UN's nuclear watchdog have approved the plan. However, critics argue that more studies are needed and the release should be halted. Japan's relations with China have been strained, and analysts suspect that the reactions from China are also politically motivated. The Japanese government has been dealing with the challenge of managing and storing the contaminated water from the Fukushima plant, and the discharge is seen as a necessary step due to the limited storage capacity. With the U.S. envoy's fish feast, will it convince the critics of the safety and necessity of the water discharge?
The remains of Alisha Watts, a missing woman from North Carolina, have been found in the town of Norman, according to the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office. Watts, 39, was last seen leaving the home of her boyfriend, James Dunmore, on July 16. Dunmore has since been arrested and charged with her murder. The investigation into Watts' disappearance had been ongoing for over a month before her remains were located near the border of Richmond and Montgomery counties. Watts was a mental health advocate and was set to attend a comedy show after visiting Dunmore. However, she never showed up, and her car was later found missing. Dunmore, who has a previous criminal history, was found unresponsive in Watts' vehicle two days later. Investigators later found a shell casing near Dunmore's home and seized various items as evidence. Family members of Watts have expressed relief at the arrest but are still processing the news of her death.
As the city of Pittsburgh continues to grapple with the aftermath of the hours-long standoff in the Garfield neighborhood, city officials are providing updates on the situation. The standoff began when sheriff deputies attempted to serve an eviction notice at a home on Broad Street and the resident, William Hardison, started shooting. The intense gunfire lasted nearly seven hours, leaving many neighbors stunned and forced to evacuate. Hardison was pronounced dead just after 5 p.m. Wednesday evening.
In response to the incident, at least 75 local law enforcement officers, including 16 sheriff deputies, a dozen Allegheny County Police officers, and 47 Pittsburgh Police Department officers, have been placed on administrative leave. This move is part of standard protocol and allows the officers to undergo a psych evaluation before returning to work. The exact number of shots fired during the standoff is still unknown, but multiple agencies responded to the scene.
Pittsburgh Public Safety Director Lee Schmidt stated that the city will ensure that employees and community members receive the necessary support to process the traumatic event they witnessed. The investigation is ongoing, and the Pennsylvania State Police will assume control of the case once the incident is resolved.
The US Justice Department has filed a lawsuit against SpaceX, accusing the company of discriminating against refugees in its hiring practices. The lawsuit claims that from September 2018 to May 2022, SpaceX discouraged refugees and asylees from applying for jobs and refused to hire them based on their citizenship status, in violation of the Immigration and Nationality Act. SpaceX allegedly stated in job listings that only US citizens and green card holders could work at the company due to federal export control laws. However, the lawsuit argues that these laws do not prevent SpaceX from hiring refugees, as their permission to live and work in the US does not expire. The Justice Department's investigation found that recruiters at SpaceX actively discouraged asylees and refugees from seeking employment with the company. SpaceX has not yet responded to the allegations. The Justice Department is seeking an order to stop the alleged illegal hiring practice, civil penalties, the consideration of impacted applicants, and back pay for affected individuals.
The United States is investigating the crash of a private jet in Russia that is believed to have carried Wagner mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin. U.S. officials have said that it is likely a surface-to-air missile originating from inside Russia shot down the plane. However, this theory is still preliminary and under review. The Wall Street Journal has reported a different theory, suggesting that a bomb or sabotage caused the crash. There are often competing intelligence views in the U.S. government after major events like this. The crash occurred two months after Prigozhin and his Wagner mercenaries staged a mutiny. U.S. President Joe Biden stated that he was not surprised by reports of Prigozhin's death, saying that not much happens in Russia without President Vladimir Putin's involvement. Putin expressed his condolences to the families of those who died in the crash and emphasized the need to await the outcome of the official investigation. The Embraer executive jet model that crashed had only one previous accident, which was unrelated to mechanical failure. However, the cause of the crash is still unknown and under investigation.
A retired police officer has been identified as the gunman responsible for the mass shooting at Cook's Corner biker bar in Trabuco Canyon. John Snowling, a former sergeant with the Ventura Police Department, targeted his estranged wife during the shooting that left three people dead and six others wounded. Snowling, who had worked for the department from 1986 to 2014, was killed in a gun battle with deputies. According to witnesses, Snowling specifically targeted his ex-wife, who was a regular at the bar. The motive for the shooting appears to be a domestic dispute. Authorities are still investigating the incident and have not released the identities of the victims. Snowling's ex-wife, Marie Snowling, filed for divorce in December 2022.
The Republican-led House Judiciary Committee is reportedly set to launch a congressional investigation into Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis. The investigation is expected to focus on whether Willis coordinated with the Justice Department or used federal funds in her investigation that resulted in the indictment of former President Donald Trump. The committee's move comes on the same day that Trump is expected to surrender to authorities at the county jail after being charged for involvement in schemes to interfere with Georgia's 2020 election results. Additionally, Georgia Republicans may initiate their own state-level investigation into Willis' probe. This investigation follows a pattern of House Republicans using their congressional majority to defend Trump and push back against his legal battles. It remains to be seen how successful these efforts will be, as there are questions about the jurisdiction of House Republicans over state-level investigations.
Former President Donald Trump is scheduled to address the public in a Newsmax interview on Thursday night, following his surrender to authorities in Fulton County, Georgia. Trump is accused of trying to undermine Georgia's 2020 presidential election results alongside 18 others who are also charged in Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis' indictment. Trump was released on a $200,000 bond deal after being booked and arrested, and he will appear on Newsmax's Greg Kelly Reports. The conservative news network, known for its pro-Trump stance, frequently hosts the former president for exclusive interviews. Trump's social media posts have drawn scrutiny in the past, including personal attacks against Willis and other prosecutors involved in his cases. However, Trump's bond agreement in the Georgia case prohibits him from attempting to intimidate co-defendants or witnesses or obstruct the administration of justice.
After two days of dangerously hot and humid temperatures, relief is finally on the way for Chicago. The record-breaking heat index of 120 degrees Fahrenheit set at O'Hare International Airport on Thursday will give way to lower temperatures and decreased humidity on Friday. According to the NBC 5 Storm Team, highs on Friday will be in the mid-to-upper 80s, with some areas potentially reaching close to 90 degrees to the south. Along the lake, temperatures are expected to remain in the 70s.
Although Friday may still feel muggy, the dewpoints will not be as high as earlier in the week. Forecast models show a low chance of isolated storms Friday afternoon and into the evening, which may bring some relief from the heat. However, these storms could also become strong to severe, with a threat of locally strong winds and hail.
In addition to the potential storms, a high swim risk is in effect at Lake Michigan beaches on Friday and Saturday, with waves of three to five feet and hazardous rip currents expected. Despite the expected cooling off in the Midwest this weekend, high heat and humidity will persist in the South into next week.
The recent heat wave, caused by a "heat dome" or ridge of high pressure, has resulted in power outages, school cancellations, and multiple temperature records being broken. Climate change is believed to be a contributing factor to the increased likelihood and severity of heat waves. Stay hydrated and take necessary precautions to beat the heat during these extreme weather conditions.
In a recent meeting, the Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE) approved the accreditation of a certain institution, but not without noting some deficiencies. What does this mean for the institution and its students?
The OSDE is responsible for evaluating and accrediting educational institutions in Oklahoma, ensuring that they meet certain standards of quality and proficiency. Accreditation is important as it serves as an assurance that the institution is providing a quality education. However, when an accreditation is approved with deficiencies, it means that the institution has areas that need improvement.
While the specific details of the deficiencies were not provided, it is important for the institution to address these areas and work towards resolving them. It could be related to curriculum, infrastructure, or any other aspect of the educational experience.
Students attending an institution with accreditation deficiencies should not panic. The OSDE's approval of accreditation means that overall, the institution meets the necessary standards. However, it is crucial for the institution to take this feedback seriously and take steps to rectify the deficiencies.
Parents and students looking for further information can reach out to the institution and the OSDE. It is essential to have an open line of communication and stay informed about any updates or improvements being made.
In conclusion, the approval of accreditation with deficiencies means that an institution has areas that need improvement. The institution and its students should work together to address these deficiencies and strive towards a better educational experience.
India has made history by becoming the first country to successfully land a spacecraft near the South Pole of the Moon. The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) achieved this major milestone with its Chandrayaan-3 mission, as the lander named Vikram and the rover called Pragyan touched down on the lunar surface. This makes India the fourth country to land on the Moon, after China in 2020.
The momentous event, watched by 70 million people on ISRO's YouTube page, has sparked immense pride and excitement among Indians worldwide. It comes at a crucial time when the country is facing communal strife and sectarian violence, providing a moment of hope and unity for millions of people.
The successful landing has also garnered praise from global icons, politicians, and celebrities, with Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan congratulating the scientists and engineers involved in the mission.
Aside from inspiring people and pushing the limits of human technical capabilities, the Moon landing holds significant scientific implications. The Moon's unexplored South Pole, with its craters, trenches, and ancient ice pockets, presents a unique opportunity to discover more about our solar system.
Moreover, India's achievement highlights the country's growing status as a global power and its commitment to becoming a space pioneer. With the emergence of space startups and potential economic benefits from lunar resources like water and rare Earth elements, India's space economy is expected to grow substantially in the coming years.
In a world witnessing increased global interest in space activities, India's monumental achievement signifies a new chapter in its space journey and cements its position alongside countries like the United States.
Severe storms are expected to hit Southeast Michigan tonight, bringing with them the potential for tornadoes, damaging winds, and large hail. The National Weather Service has issued a flood warning for Wayne County until 8 p.m. Friday and a thunderstorm watch for several counties in the area until 1 a.m. Friday. The watch includes 12 counties: Genesee, Lapeer, Lenawee, Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, Sanilac, St. Clair, Washtenaw, and Wayne. The storms are expected to develop rapidly and move through Metro Detroit between 7 p.m. and midnight. Some storms could contain wind gusts up to 70 mph and large hail. There is also a possibility of isolated tornadoes. Residents are advised to stay alert and take necessary precautions. A severe thunderstorm watch has also been issued for West Michigan until 1 a.m. Friday, with the potential for damaging wind gusts of 60 mph or more.
The remains of Allisha Watts, a missing North Carolina woman, have been found, and her boyfriend has been arrested on suspicion of murder. Watts, 39, was last seen alive on July 16 leaving her boyfriend James Dunmore's house in Charlotte. Her car was later found with Dunmore inside, unresponsive, after an apparent suicide attempt. Watts' remains were discovered in a wooded area near a cemetery in Montgomery County. The arrest of Dunmore comes after investigators found a shell casing near his home and seized several items, including a 9mm handgun.
The Moore County Sheriff's Office, along with other law enforcement agencies, formed a task force to investigate Watts' disappearance. They have not disclosed the cause of death or the details surrounding the discovery of her remains.
Watts, an advocate for people with mental health issues and the elderly, was reported missing on July 19. Her family and friends have sought closure and held several prayer vigils during the search for her. The investigation into Watts' murder is still ongoing, and authorities are asking the public to provide any additional information that may assist in the case.
