A massive fire broke out in Los Angeles over the weekend, damaging 100 support columns and closing a vital section of the Interstate 10 freeway. California Governor Gavin Newsom said the freeway could be reopened in three to five weeks, and authorities are continuing to investigate the cause of the fire. The California Department of Transportation is working to repair the damage and reopen the freeway as soon as possible.
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Israel Defense Forces (IDF) conducted a targeted operation against Hamas in Al-Shifa hospital, the largest hospital in Gaza, after President Biden called for its protection. The IDF had given a 12-hour ultimatum to cease all military activities within the hospital, but Hamas had not complied. The operation is based on intelligence and “operation necessity”, but the outcome is yet to be seen.
Jessy Kurczewski has been found guilty of first-degree intentional homicide and two counts of theft in connection with the 2018 death of her family friend, Lynn Hernan. The Waukesha County medical examiner ruled Hernan's death a homicide after discovering she had been poisoned with Visine eye drops. Kurczewski had been living with Hernan and was accused of stealing nearly $300,000 from her bank accounts prior to her death. She will be sentenced at a later date.
Rich Moore, a 71-year-old resident of Pagosa Springs, Colorado, was found dead late last month near Blackhead Peak after a 2,000 hour search by the Archuleta County Sheriff’s Office and search and rescue groups. Moore was found with his white Jack Russell terrier, alive at his side, and the cause of death is still being investigated. Moore’s family has asked for privacy during this difficult time, and his death serves as a reminder of the importance of being prepared and letting someone know where you are going when hiking in the wilderness.
Samuel Miele, a 27 year old fundraiser for Rep. George Santos' 2022 campaign, pleaded guilty in federal court to one count of wire fraud and access device fraud. He admitted to posing as a top aide to then-House Speaker Kevin McCarthy to raise money for the campaign and enriching himself with 15% commissions on each donation. He also charged credit cards without authorization for contributions to the campaigns and himself. He faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.
Michigan judge has ruled that former President Donald Trump can remain on the state's ballot for the 2024 presidential primaries, despite a legal challenge from a group of Michigan voters. Trump then brought a suit of his own, asking the same judge to bar Michigan election officials from knocking him off the ballot. The judge's decision means that Trump will remain on the ballot at least through the 2024 presidential primaries in the state, and it is unclear if the decision will be appealed or if other states will follow suit.
Matt LeBlanc and Courteney Cox paid tribute to their late Friends co-star Matthew Perry with an Instagram post, remembering him fondly and making reference to his struggles with substance abuse. LeBlanc shared a carousel of photos from their time on the show, along with a lighthearted memory of Perry, and said his friend was finally "free." Perry's death has been met with an outpouring of grief from his former co-stars and fans alike.
House Speaker Mike Johnson is set to face a major test on Tuesday as the House of Representatives votes on a two-step proposal to fund federal agencies and avert a government shutdown. Johnson will need the support of Democrats to pass the measure, as well as the backing of House Republicans who have shown reluctance to shut the government down. The outcome of the vote will be a major indicator of Johnson's ability to lead the House and work with both sides of the aisle.