Five people have died and five more were hospitalized after a multi-vehicle crash involving a semi-truck carrying anhydrous ammonia in south central Illinois on Friday night. The semi-truck rolled over in a ditch, causing a toxic leak estimated to be 4,000 gallons. The cause of the crash is still under investigation and residents are being urged to avoid the area until the leak is fully contained.
News Mash
Biden is out West raising money for his re-election campaign and delivering a speech about American democracy, while the House is putting a stopgap measure on the floor to keep the government open for 45 days. The president is focusing on his accomplishments as president, including his efforts to tackle the pandemic, rebuild the economy, and address climate change.
With the midnight deadline looming, the US is facing a potential government shutdown due to a disagreement between hard-right Republicans and the White House over spending cuts and border security. If a shutdown occurs, it would mean no paychecks for federal workers, the closure of federal parks and monuments, and disruptions to food and education programs for low-income children. The White House and Congress are continuing to negotiate in an effort to reach a deal before the deadline.
Federal prosecutors have requested a limited gag order on former President Donald Trump, citing a pattern of incendiary and intimidating statements made by him about witnesses in the case charging him with scheming to overturn the 2020 election results. The filing highlighted Trump’s comments during an interview this month with NBC News’ “Meet the Press” and noted that he has made a “sustained campaign of prejudicial public statements” about witnesses, the court, the district, and prosecutors. The prosecutors argued that the gag order is necessary to ensure a fair trial and to protect the integrity of the judicial process.
A powerful storm hit New York City on Friday, causing flooding and damage to property. Subway systems were shut down, flights were delayed, and streets and highways were flooded. Governor Hochul warned of the storm's "dangerous and life-threatening" nature and urged residents to take precautions. The storm is expected to continue for another 20 hours, with the full extent of the damage yet to be seen.
The death of Senator Dianne Feinstein of California has left a vacancy on the Senate Judiciary Committee, creating a split between Democrats and Republicans. Top Republican senators have indicated they are prepared to fight over her seat, potentially using the vacancy to play hardball with Biden's judicial nominees. Democrats will need to appoint a successor to Feinstein's Senate seat in order to fill her spot on the committee and regain a majority.
Charles Edward Littlejohn, a former contractor for the Internal Revenue Service, has been charged with wrongfully disclosing tax return information, including that of former President Donald Trump, to two news outlets between 2018 and 2020. Littlejohn is facing charges of unauthorized disclosure of a suspicious financial transaction report and unauthorized inspection of returns or return information, and could face up to five years in prison if convicted. The Justice Department is continuing to investigate the case.
After decades of investigation, authorities have finally arrested Duane "Keffe D" Davis in connection with the 1996 murder of Tupac Shakur. Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department Lt. Jason Johansson and Clark County District Attorney Steve Wolfson announced the indictment to reporters, with Sheriff Kevin McMahill emphasizing the importance of the case to the police department. Davis is currently in custody and awaiting trial in Clark County District Court.