A newly-formed tropical storm, named Idalia, is on track to potentially become a hurricane and make landfall on Florida's Gulf Coast. The storm, currently located east-southeast of Cozumel, Mexico, is expected to move north through the Gulf of Mexico and intensify before hitting the western coast of Florida. The National Hurricane Center has warned of the increasing risk of life-threatening storm surge, heavy rainfall, and hurricane-force winds for parts of the west coast of Florida and the Florida Panhandle starting on Tuesday. While the exact location and strength of the storm are still uncertain, Tampa Bay, Panama City, Tallahassee, Pensacola, and Mobile, Alabama, are all in the potential impact zone. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has already declared a state of emergency for 33 counties to ensure that resources are in place and residents have time to prepare. The hurricane's projected path indicates a potential landfall near the Big Bend of Florida, but shifts in the forecast track are possible. Residents in the affected areas should closely monitor updates and have their hurricane plans in place.

Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida has canceled his presidential campaign appearances in order to address two urgent crises in his state. One crisis is the aftermath of a racist fatal shooting in Jacksonville, where three Black individuals were killed by a white man who left behind racist writings and a suicide note. DeSantis attended a vigil for the victims, condemning the violence and expressing his condolences to their families. The other crisis is the approaching Tropical Storm Idalia, which has the potential to become a hurricane and make landfall in Florida. DeSantis held a news conference in Tallahassee, urging Floridians to heed the advice of emergency managers and prepare for the storm. His campaign spokesperson announced that DeSantis was canceling his campaign travel to South Carolina in order to focus on the storm preparations and crises at home. While it is unclear how these crises will impact DeSantis' presidential campaign, he stated that he is committed to addressing the issues at hand and getting the job done for the state of Florida.

The fate of Wagner Group hangs in the balance following the presumed death of its top field commander and chief, Yevgeny Prigozhin. Analysts suggest that Russian President Vladimir Putin will increasingly seek to bring the private military company under his control. The Kremlin is considering options such as absorbing Wagner into the Defense Ministry or its military intelligence arm, or installing a Russian general to lead the group. Despite the potential changes, experts argue that Russia is likely to allow Wagner to continue its operations, as the group's global network has become integral to Russian foreign policy. Putin may, however, seek to tighten collaboration and oversight with the Russian government and diversify the marketplace for mercenary companies in the long run. While the Kremlin has not made any final decisions, the intelligence picture is evolving. Prigozhin's presumed death has left Wagner officials and fighters upset, with some blaming the Kremlin for the plane crash. Russia is still investigating the crash, but the U.S. believes an internal explosion may have caused it.

Former Navy SEAL Robert O'Neill, who gained notoriety after claiming to have shot Osama bin Laden, was arrested on charges of assault in Frisco, Texas. Jail records show that O'Neill was arrested on Thursday and released on the same day on a $3,500 bond. The arrest comes after O'Neill's podcast recording at a cigar lounge. The charges against him include a misdemeanor charge of assault causing bodily injury and a misdemeanor charge of public intoxication.

O'Neill's claim to have killed bin Laden during a covert raid in Pakistan in 2011 has been disputed by some sources, who say that another team member entered the room before O'Neill. He chronicled his experiences as a SEAL in his autobiography, "The Operator." O'Neill has also been in the news recently for his controversial stances on mask mandates and drag performers.

This is not O'Neill's first encounter with legal issues. In 2016, he was charged with DUI in Montana, but the charges were later dropped. The US government has neither confirmed nor denied O'Neill's claim of killing bin Laden.

O'Neill has not yet responded to a request for comment regarding his recent arrest.

Russian investigators have confirmed that Yevgeny Prigozhin, the founder and head of the notorious Wagner Group, was among the 10 people killed in a plane crash last week. Prigozhin led a short-lived armed rebellion against Russia's military, which President Vladimir Putin condemned as "treason" and swiftly quelled through negotiations. Despite the official confirmation of Prigozhin's death, questions remain about the circumstances surrounding the crash and whether it was an intentional act. The crash occurred two months after the mutiny, which saw Prigozhin and his mercenaries march towards Moscow before turning back. The Russian elite is now on notice that challenging Putin's authority comes with severe consequences, regardless of the target of the challenge. Prigozhin's demise highlights the regime's zero-tolerance policy for dissent.

Sources:

- CNN: "Ethics"

- NPR: "Russia says it has confirmed Yevgeny Prigozhin died in last week's plane crash"

- Reuters: "Russia says genetic tests confirm Prigozhin died in plane crash"

Former Navy SEAL Robert O'Neill, who claims to have killed Osama bin Laden, has been arrested in Frisco, Texas. O'Neill faces charges of assault causing bodily injury and public intoxication. The arrest occurred after O'Neill recorded a podcast at a cigar lounge and celebrated his wedding anniversary with his wife. He was released on a $3,500 bond the same day. This is not O'Neill's first brush with the law. In 2020, he was banned by Delta Airlines for refusing to comply with COVID protocols, and in 2016, he was arrested for driving drunk in Montana, although charges were later dropped. O'Neill's claim of killing bin Laden during a 2011 raid in Pakistan has not been confirmed or denied by the US government. Despite the controversy surrounding O'Neill, his 2014 biography, "The Operator," was a best-seller. It remains to be seen how this recent arrest will affect his public image and reputation as a military hero.

Sources:

- NewsNation

- The Dallas Morning News

House Speaker Kevin McCarthy has suggested that an impeachment inquiry of President Joe Biden is becoming more likely, calling it a "natural step" as Congress ends its summer break and House Republicans seek to expand their investigative power. McCarthy cited the House GOP's investigation into the Biden family's foreign business dealings, particularly those of Biden's son, Hunter Biden, during his time on the board of a Ukrainian energy company. McCarthy argued that the information gathered thus far suggests the need for an impeachment inquiry. Furthermore, McCarthy claimed that President Biden was involved in his son's business meetings and received payments and gifts.

It's worth noting that Hunter Biden is also being investigated by federal authorities for tax and gun charges. Attorney General Merrick Garland appointed a special counsel to oversee the investigation.

As Congress returns in September, the question remains whether Speaker McCarthy will follow through with his suggestion to initiate an impeachment inquiry against President Biden. However, it is unclear how much support McCarthy would receive from his GOP colleagues in pursuing such an action.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has put a pause on his campaign as the state faces the dual crises of a major storm and a racially motivated shooting. DeSantis announced during a news conference that he will remain in Florida to address Tropical Storm Idalia, which is expected to make landfall as a Category 2 hurricane later this week. The governor stated, "We're locked in on this, we're going to get this job done." DeSantis had previously scheduled campaign events in South Carolina but has canceled them in light of the approaching storm.

In addition to storm preparations, DeSantis attended a vigil for the victims of a racially motivated shooting in Jacksonville. A 21-year-old man killed three Black people in the attack before turning the gun on himself. DeSantis condemned the shooting and offered extra security resources to Edward Waters University, a historically Black university near the site of the attack. The governor emphasized that "targeting people because of their race has no place in the state of Florida."

As Governor DeSantis takes on these crises, it remains to be seen how he will balance his official duties with his political ambitions. DeSantis is running for president and has spent much of the past few months campaigning. However, the current challenges facing Florida may require his immediate attention and could impact his campaign schedule.

A tragic incident unfolded in Columbia, South Carolina, early on Saturday morning when a 20-year-old college student was fatally shot after mistakenly entering the wrong house. Nicholas Anthony Donofrio, a Sophomore at the University of South Carolina, was found dead on the front porch of an off-campus home on South Holly Street. Police received a call about a burglary in progress at the residence, but before they could arrive, the situation escalated to shots being fired.

According to authorities, Donofrio lived on the same street as the house he entered by accident. Initial findings suggest that he attempted to enter the wrong home, believing it was his own, leading to the fatal shooting. The Columbia Police Department has not yet released the identity of the person who fired the shots.

Donofrio, originally from Connecticut, was starting his sophomore year at the University of South Carolina. His parents described him as a loving and compassionate son. The university's Student Affairs team is providing resources and support to those affected by the tragedy.

The shooting is under investigation by the Columbia Police Department and the Fifth Circuit Solicitor's Office. No arrests have been made at this time. The incident comes just months after a similar shooting in Kansas City, further highlighting the dangers posed by such mistaken entries into homes.

Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy has faced backlash after comparing Democratic Representative Ayanna Pressley to a grand wizard of the Ku Klux Klan. Ramaswamy made the remarks during a campaign appearance in Iowa, where he responded to a voter's question about whether he has experienced racism in recent years. Pressley, who is a member of the "Squad" of progressive lawmakers, responded to Ramaswamy's comments, calling them "shameful" and "dangerous." She emphasized her commitment to addressing racial disparities and working towards racial justice. Ramaswamy has upheld his position, stating that he stands by his remarks and wants to provoke an open and honest discussion about the issues. This controversy comes amid a national conversation about race, highlighted by events such as civil rights leaders gathering in Washington to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the March on Washington, and a recent shooting in Florida where a White man targeted Black individuals. Ramaswamy's comments and Pressley's response represent the contrasting views on how race intersects with American politics.

Despite facing multiple criminal charges, former President Donald Trump's support among the Republican Party faithful remains strong. According to recent polling, he is still the frontrunner for the 2024 Republican nomination. Even during a Republican primary debate, where candidates were asked if they would support a Trump candidacy marred by criminal charges, the majority indicated their unwavering support. Trump's mugshot, taken after his booking at Fulton County Jail in Atlanta, has even become a marketing tool to sell merchandise to his fan base.

This unwavering support can be attributed to the deep intertwining of political beliefs with personal identity. According to Michael Lynch, a professor of philosophy at the University of Connecticut, people hold onto their political convictions because changing their minds would require changing who they are. This phenomenon is not limited to Trump's base but has become more common in recent years, as leaders tap into popular discontent and use social media and alternative news outlets to isolate their followers from alternative points of view.

However, not all Americans are in support of Trump. A recent poll conducted by Politico/Ipsos showed that an overwhelming majority, including nearly two-thirds of independents, want Trump to stand trial for his alleged crimes before the 2024 election. The poll also revealed that more than half of respondents believed Trump had weaponized the legal system and improperly investigated political opponents.

With ongoing cases in the Department of Justice, as well as in New York and Georgia, the public's perception of Trump's guilt or innocence may change as more information becomes available. However, for now, it seems that criminal charges have not significantly impacted Trump's support among his Republican base.

The upcoming match between UNAM Pumas and UANL Tigres in Liga MX has sparked excitement among football fans. Both teams are aiming to secure a victory and climb up the league table.

Pumas UNAM has had a rocky start to the season, with their latest performance resulting in a disappointing 4-1 loss to Juarez. They currently sit in eighth place with six points and will be looking to turn their fortunes around. Pumas' defense has been a concern, conceding eight goals in their last matches.

On the other hand, Tigres UANL, the reigning champions of Mexican soccer, have had a solid start to the season. They are currently in fourth place with eight points, having won two matches and drawn two. Tigres are one of the four unbeaten teams in the tournament and are coming off a convincing 3-0 victory against Necaxa.

In their previous encounters, Tigres has shown dominance over Pumas, winning five of their last meetings. Pumas' recent form also does not inspire confidence, with just one win in their last seven games across competitions.

With Tigres' consistency and impressive record against Pumas, they are favored to claim a narrow victory in this match. Expect an exciting game with goals likely to be scored by both teams.

Can Pumas UNAM overcome their winless streak and secure a much-needed victory, or will Tigres continue their unbeaten run? Football fans will be eagerly watching to find out.

Prediction: UNAM 1-2 Tigres

Betting Tips:

- Tip 1: Tigres to win

- Tip 2: Both teams to score

- Tip 3: Over 2.5 goals

- Tip 4: First half to produce over 1.5 goals

With the 2024 Olympics right around the corner, the competition is fierce among the U.S. women's artistic gymnastics team. At the 2023 U.S. Gymnastics Championships, there are 29 gymnasts competing for a chance to represent their country in Paris. Among the contenders are familiar faces such as Simone Biles and Suni Lee, as well as rising stars.

Simone Biles, the four-time gold medalist, made a triumphant return to the sport after taking a hiatus following the Tokyo Games. Biles showcased her incredible skills on vault and floor, including her signature Yurchenko double pike vault and a jaw-dropping floor routine. While she hasn't explicitly stated her aim for a third Olympics, it seems likely that she will secure a spot on the 2024 team.

Suni Lee, the reigning Olympic all-around champion, has been limited in training due to a kidney issue. However, she will compete on vault and beam at nationals, where she looked polished and confident during her comeback at Classics.

During her speech, Mulvaney thanked her community and allies while highlighting the importance of public support for trans people. She compared the struggles faced by both the trans community and content creators and emphasized the need for optimism and continued efforts towards acceptance.

Mulvaney also took a lighthearted moment to reference the controversy surrounding her Bud Light marketing campaign earlier this year, joking that she planned to celebrate with a beer.

The Streamy Awards, which celebrate the best of online content creators, took place on August 27, 2023, with winners honored in various categories. Mulvaney's win as Breakout Creator showcases her growing influence and impact on social media.

As a transgender influencer, Mulvaney has used her platform to inspire conversations about gender and promote self-acceptance. She has gained success not only as a content creator but also in various other fields such as singing, acting, dancing, and wildlife rehabilitation.

Congratulations to Dylan Mulvaney on her well-deserved win at the Streamy Awards and for continuing to advocate for transgender rights and acceptance.

Intercontinental Exchange (ICE), a global operator of financial exchanges and clearing houses, has been attracting attention from various brokerages. StockNews.com recently issued a "hold" rating on ICE shares, while Piper Sandler, Deutsche Bank, and Raymond James have all raised their price targets for the stock. In addition, Citigroup upgraded its rating on ICE shares from "neutral" to "buy." This positive sentiment is reflected in the average rating for ICE shares, categorized as a "Moderate Buy," with a consensus price target of $132.60.

Meanwhile, there have been significant insider sales of ICE stock recently, with Senior Vice President Douglas Foley and President Benjamin Jackson offloading shares. However, these insider sales should be taken into consideration along with the overall positive outlook for the stock.

Institutional investors have also shown interest in ICE, with AXS Investments LLC increasing its holdings and Simmons Bank and Great Lakes Retirement Inc. acquiring stakes in the company.

As of Monday's opening price, ICE shares were valued at $113.75, with a 50-day moving average of $113.64 and a two-hundred day moving average of $108.27.

With a market capitalization of $63.73 billion, Intercontinental Exchange appears to have a promising future in the financial markets.

Hedge funds and institutional investors are increasingly showing interest in PPG Industries, a leading specialty chemicals company, as its stock performance remains competitive and analysts have a positive outlook on its future growth prospects. Clear Street Markets LLC purchased a new stake in the company during the fourth quarter of last year, while Massmutual Trust Co. FSB ADV and Parkside Financial Bank & Trust increased their positions in PPG Industries during the first quarter. Achmea Investment Management B.V. and Ellevest Inc. also acquired new positions in the company, signaling a high degree of interest from these entities.

Currently, approximately 78.95% of PPG Industries' stock is owned by these hedge funds and institutional investors. The company's stock price opened at $138.04 on Friday, with a fifty-day simple moving average of $144.25 and a two-hundred-day simple moving average of $137.59. Analysts have recently upgraded their target prices for PPG Industries, reflecting a positive outlook on the company's performance. With mixed opinions from analysts, it is important for investors to carefully evaluate the company before making any investment decisions.

Simone Biles is set to compete in the US Gymnastics Championships in San Jose, California, over the next three days. The 26-year-old has a chance to make history by becoming the only gymnast, male or female, to win eight US all-around titles. Currently, she is tied with Alfred Jochim with seven titles. This competition will be Biles' first major event since her return to gymnastics earlier this month after a two-year hiatus. She won in impressive fashion at the Core Hydration Classic.

Biles will be performing in the balance beam and floor exercise on Friday, and she will take on the vault and uneven bars on Sunday. The coverage of the championships will be aired domestically on NBC and Peacock, with international viewers being able to watch on the USA Gymnastics YouTube channel.

Not only will Biles be competing, but former Auburn gymnastics star Suni Lee will also be a contender. Lee, who won an Olympic gold medal in the all-around in 2021, is making her mark in international competition. She will be competing on Friday and Sunday, with her events being televised on Peacock, CNBC, and NBC.

WEC Energy Group (WEC) has caught the attention of several brokerages recently, with varying recommendations and assessments. JPMorgan Chase & Co. upgraded the company's price objective to $99.00 and gave it a "neutral" rating. Guggenheim, on the other hand, lowered the price objective to $94.00. Mizuho reiterated a "buy" rating with a target price of $98.00, while Evercore ISI revised their target price down to $91.00. BMO Capital Markets also lowered their price target to $95.00 and assigned a "market perform" rating. With such contrasting opinions, investors may be left wondering what course of action to take.

In a separate announcement, WEC Energy Group revealed that it will be paying a quarterly dividend on September 1st. Shareholders who were listed as owners on record by August 14th will receive a dividend of $0.78 per share, representing an annualized dividend of $3.12 and a dividend yield of approximately 3.63%. The company's impressive payout ratio of 72.73% should also be noted.

Overall, the mixed recommendations and assessments by analysts may leave investors feeling uncertain about WEC Energy Group. However, each opinion offers valuable insights and should be considered in the context of an investor's own research and risk tolerance.

Source:

- JPMorgan Chase & Co. (August 16th report)

- Guggenheim (July 7th report)

- Mizuho (June 30th report)

- Evercore ISI (June 9th report)

- BMO Capital Markets (August 2nd report)

- WEC Energy Group (dividend announcement)

Stargazers around the world were treated to a rare celestial event on Wednesday night as a super blue moon graced the skies. But what exactly is a super blue moon and how can you see it?

A super blue moon occurs when the full moon is at its closest point to Earth in its orbit, making it appear bigger and brighter than usual. This particular super blue moon was the second full moon of August, earning it the "blue" label, and it was closer to Earth than the previous supermoon on August 1.

According to NASA, the super blue moon reached its peak visibility at 9:36pm EDT on Wednesday and set just before sunrise on Thursday. It was visible without the need for binoculars or telescopes, although using them would enhance the viewing experience and allow observers to see more of the moon's texture.

For those who missed the super blue moon, the next opportunity to see this phenomenon won't come until 2037. However, there will be another regular supermoon at the end of September.

Overall, the super blue moon provided a stunning spectacle for skywatchers across the globe, offering a rare chance to witness the beauty and wonder of our celestial neighbor.

Sources:

- Al Jazeera: Super blue moon 2023: What it is and how to see the celestial event

- Time: How to Watch Tonight's 'Super Blue Moon'

- The Associated Press: A rare blue supermoon -- the closest full moon of the year -- dazzled stargazers Wednesday night.

Presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy faced backlash after comparing Rep. Ayanna Pressley to members of the Ku Klux Klan (KKK) during a campaign event in Iowa. Ramaswamy criticized Pressley's 2019 comments about the need for representation within the Democratic party, calling them divisive and racist. In an interview with CNN's Dana Bash, Ramaswamy doubled down on his comparison, stating that the KKK would be proud of Pressley's remarks. Bash confronted Ramaswamy, highlighting the KKK's history of violence and subjugation against Black people. Pressley's team condemned Ramaswamy's comments, calling them harmful and intentional. Ramaswamy defended his statement, stating that he wanted to spark an open and honest conversation about race in America. The controversy surrounding Ramaswamy's remarks has sparked a larger debate about the limits of political rhetoric and the impact of inflammatory language on public discourse.

Tennessee State Rep. Justin Jones criticized Florida Governor Ron DeSantis following a deadly shooting at a Dollar General store in Jacksonville that was described as racially motivated. Jones accused DeSantis of attacking Black people and Black history, and of making excuses for not addressing the issue of gun control. The shooting, in which three Black people were killed before the shooter, a white man, took his own life, has sparked outrage and calls for action.

The Northwest Jacksonville community is grieving and calling for an end to hate-filled crimes. Residents gathered to pray and offer support, expressing their sorrow and frustration over the continuous violence. Mayor Donna Deegan and State Representative Angie Nixon were among city leaders who visited the scene and pledged to work towards gun safety legislation.

Sheriff T.K. Waters described the shooter as racially motivated and full of hate, saying that he wanted to kill Black people. The incident is being investigated as a hate crime and President Joe Biden has been briefed. Governor DeSantis condemned the incident and described the shooter as a "scumbag," but his words were met with skepticism by Rep. Angie Nixon, who accused him of pushing anti-Black policies.

As Tropical Storm Idalia continues to strengthen in the Gulf of Mexico, many are wondering if it will bring much-needed showers to Acadiana. While there is a chance of scattered showers and thunderstorms later in the day, the main impact from Idalia in this area will be an increase in winds from the north and dry air, which will increase the fire danger. The storm is expected to make landfall as a major hurricane in the Florida Big Bend region early Wednesday morning, with wind speeds reaching around 115-120 mph. Acadiana may experience the outer rainbands of Idalia on Tuesday night through Wednesday afternoon, with rain totals of 2-5 inches and wind speeds of 30-40 mph, gusting up to 50 mph. Storm surge of 2-4 feet is also expected along the coastal areas. However, it is important to note that the forecast for Idalia's track and intensity is still uncertain, and significant changes could occur. The Storm Prediction Center has given a marginal risk for severe weather in Acadiana on Monday, so residents should stay informed and prepared for any developments.

Russians across the country are setting up makeshift memorials to mourn the presumed death of Wagner chief Yevgeniy Prigozhin, despite the Kremlin's efforts to tarnish his reputation. The memorials in nearly two dozen cities in Russia and occupied Ukraine indicate Prigozhin's lingering popularity and pose a potential challenge for President Vladimir Putin. Prigozhin and other top Wagner leaders are presumed to have died in a plane crash, just two months after he led a rebellion against Russia's military. While the memorials do not represent a national outpouring of grief, they highlight Prigozhin's support in hardline pro-war circles and indicate the Kremlin's challenge in managing potential anger among his supporters, who believe his death was an assassination ordered by the Kremlin. Putin, on the other hand, praised Prigozhin as a talented person who achieved results but made mistakes, referring to the mutiny. The Kremlin's task now is to prevent Prigozhin's supporters from becoming opponents and to offer an alternative version of his death to diffuse any potential radical actions.

Tropical Storm Idalia has formed in the eastern Gulf of Mexico and is expected to strengthen into a Category 1 hurricane before making landfall over Florida's Gulf Coast. The National Hurricane Center has issued a state of emergency for 33 Florida counties in preparation for the storm. Governor Ron DeSantis has urged Floridians to have a plan and a stocked supply kit and to follow updates from the Florida Division of Emergency Management. Idalia is currently bringing heavy rains to parts of western Cuba and the Yucatan Peninsula with maximum sustained winds at 40 mph. It is expected to move near the Yucatan Channel through Sunday night and then speed up towards the north on Monday, putting it near the Gulf of Mexico. The storm is forecast to bring 3 to 6 inches of rain to parts of Florida, with up to 10 inches in some areas. Flash and urban flooding is also a possibility. People are advised to have their hurricane plan in place and stay updated on the storm's progress.

Tropical Storm Idalia is expected to strengthen into a hurricane over the next few days and has Florida in its sights. The storm, currently located off the eastern coast of Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula, is forecasted to become a Category 2 hurricane before making landfall on Wednesday morning. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has declared a state of emergency for 33 counties along the Gulf Coast in preparation for the storm.

Idalia is currently moving northeast at a slow pace, but it is expected to pick up forward speed and make a northward turn into the eastern Gulf of Mexico on Monday. The storm will gradually intensify over the next 24 to 48 hours, posing a threat of heavy rain, flash flooding, and storm surge. The National Hurricane Center has issued hurricane and storm surge watches for parts of Florida's Gulf Coast.

Residents in western Florida, from Fort Myers to the Panhandle, are urged to pay close attention to the storm's progress. Forecasters warn of potential rapid intensification as Idalia moves across the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Florida's Division of Emergency Management is advising residents to keep their gas tanks at least half-full in case of evacuations.

Though the exact strength and path of Idalia remain uncertain, officials are taking precautions to ensure that communities, infrastructure, and resources are prepared for the storm. With memories of last year's destructive Hurricane Ian still fresh, Florida is bracing for the impact of another potentially powerful hurricane.