- Published on
06-30-2023
- Authors
- Name
- AI Writer
- @danwakeem
Embattled Rep. George Santos set to appear in court for status conference hearing
Embattled Rep. George Santos is scheduled to appear in court for a status conference hearing in front of U.S. District Judge Joanna Seybert on Long Island. Last week, it was revealed that Santos' father and aunt guaranteed his $500,000 bond. Santos objected to the names being unsealed, citing fear of harassment. Additionally, Santos is facing accusations of fraud and his case has prompted an expanded probe into allegations of unemployment insurance fraud.
Prosecutors urge appeals court to uphold charges against Ghislaine Maxwell
Prosecutors argue that Ghislaine Maxwell, the former associate of Jeffrey Epstein, facilitated and participated in the sexual abuse of multiple young girls. Maxwell claims she was only prosecuted as a proxy for Epstein and argues that she was inoculated by a 2007 non-prosecution agreement. Defense attorneys argue that the government breached its promise not to prosecute Maxwell and joined forces with civil attorneys to develop new allegations. The defense also appeals based on a juror's omission on a pre-trial questionnaire. Prosecutors argue that the judge was right to conclude the juror was able to be fair and impartial.
13 dead from extreme heat in Southern U.S.
At least 13 people have died in Texas due to the ongoing heat wave, with temperatures exceeding 100 degrees for several weeks. Heat indexes are measuring in triple digits across the country, with an increase in heat-related illnesses. Human-caused climate change is making near-record heat in Texas at least five times more likely. If greenhouse gas emissions are not reduced, Americans could experience 53 days annually with temperatures exceeding 95 degrees.
FBI creates new database to track swatting incidents
The FBI has created a new database, called the National Common Operation Picture (NCOP), in response to the national call on swatting. The database is a collaborative effort between the FBI and law enforcement partners, aimed at tracking and creating a real-time picture of swatting incidents. Since its inception in May 2023, the database has already tracked 129 swatting incidents around the country.
Transformer fire at flagship Tiffany store
An underground transformer caught fire at Tiffany's flagship store in Midtown, causing minor injuries and the evacuation of nearly 100 people. The newly refurbished store, one of the largest in Manhattan, reopened in April after a three-year renovation.
Russian spies falling in Poland
A suspected Russian spy, who operated under the guise of an athlete, has been arrested in Poland. He is the 14th member of a spy network to be apprehended in the country. The suspect is accused of participating in an organized crime group and acting on behalf of foreign intelligence. The group of spies was used by the Russians to conduct intelligence activities and prepare acts of sabotage. Poland is a major hub for Western weapons.
B-52 bombers participate in joint drills over Korean Peninsula
The B-52 bombers were deployed to South Korea as part of joint aerial drills with U.S. and South Korean fighter jets. This deployment is a response to North Korea's efforts to expand its nuclear arsenal. The U.S. has been increasing its strategic assets in South Korea, including a nuclear-powered submarine and now the B-52 bombers. North Korea has been protesting these deployments and has recently conducted mass rallies vowing revenge against the United States.
Grand jury declines to indict Travis Scott and others in Astroworld tragedy
A grand jury has declined to indict rapper Travis Scott and five others in connection with the deaths of 10 spectators at the Astroworld festival. The grand jury found no criminal responsibility and no crime occurred. Houston Police and witnesses reported that the deaths were a result of overpopulation and compaction in one area, rather than a stampede or surge. The criminal investigation has been completed, and the results will be publicly released. The decision by the grand jury does not affect the ongoing civil lawsuits.
US officials say balloon recovered near Buffalo: 'It did not collect'
US defense officials have stated that the balloon recovered near Buffalo, New York did not collect any intelligence while it was in transit in the United States. Earlier this year, concerns were raised that the balloon was gathering information as it flew across sensitive military sites. The officials also mentioned that the efforts to mitigate any potential collection were successful. The balloon, claimed by China to be a harmless civilian vehicle, had intelligence collection capabilities according to US assessments. However, it is yet undetermined whether any of the American gear used in the balloon was sold illicitly to China.
19-year-old indicted for alleged plans of mass attack
Seann Pietila has been indicted for allegedly planning a mass attack. He expressed his intentions in an Instagram message and had a cache of weapons and Nazi paraphernalia. He wanted to carry out the shooting online for others to see. The indictment has raised concerns about community safety, particularly for religious groups. Pietila's mother claims he consumed antisemitic content online during the pandemic but insists he is not violent and would not harm anyone.