OceanGate, a company that operated a submersible that imploded with five people on board, has suspended all operations and the U.S. Coast Guard has launched an investigation into the cause of the incident. No further information has been released by OceanGate, and it is unclear when operations will resume.
Houston police have revealed that Rudolph "Rudy" Farias, a 25-year-old man reported missing eight years ago, was actually living with his mother the entire time. Despite this, his mother, Janie Santana, continued to deceive police by remaining adamant that her son was still missing. Questions remain about why Santana reported her son missing and why she continued to deceive police, and Farias' whereabouts during the eight-year period remain unknown.
Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen has arrived in Beijing for a four-day visit, the first high-level meeting between the U.S. and China since tensions began to escalate. This visit marks a thaw in ties between the two countries and presents an opportunity to communicate and collaborate on global challenges. Yellen's visit is expected to focus on economic issues, including the global economic recovery, the U.S.-China trade relationship, and the Biden administration's plans for economic stimulus.
Stewart Rhodes, founder of the Oath Keepers, is currently serving an 18-year sentence for seditious conspiracy and has warned former President Donald Trump that he could face a similar fate if he goes to trial. Rhodes believes that Trump will be "railroaded" if he goes to trial and has raised questions about the fairness of the justice system. It is unclear whether Trump will face similar charges or if Rhodes' case will be used as a blueprint.
Walt Nauta, former President Donald Trump's personal aide, is due back in a Florida court on Thursday to enter a plea in a 38-count indictment alleging the mishandling of classified documents. Nauta is accused of helping Trump hide top national security files from investigators after Trump left the White House. His arraignment was postponed due to the fact that he did not have a defense attorney authorized to practice in the court. The outcome of the case is still unknown.
A new government study has revealed that nearly half of the United States' tap water contains one or more "forever chemicals" known as PFAS, which have been linked to a range of health problems. The study is the first nationwide effort to test for PFAS in tap water from private sources, and is a reminder of the importance of being aware of the water sources in your area. The EPA has established a health advisory level for two types of PFAS, but individuals should take steps to protect their health, such as using a water filter or drinking bottled water.
Two Newark firefighters were killed while battling a fire aboard a cargo ship in Port Newark on Wednesday night. The fire had broken out on the 10th floor of the ship, and quickly spread to the two floors above. The cause of the fire is still under investigation, and the identities of the two firefighters have not been released. Newark Mayor Ras Baraka expressed his condolences to the families of the two firefighters.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has defended his controversial anti-LGBTQ ad, claiming that criticism of former President Donald Trump is “totally fair game”. The ad has been met with backlash from LGBTQ+ activists and allies, who have accused DeSantis of using the former president’s record to distract from his own anti-LGBTQ+ policies. Trump has yet to comment on the ad or DeSantis’ remarks, as he reportedly gears up for a 2024 presidential run.
