Mike Pence's presidential campaign has raised nearly $1.2 million in the first three weeks, with a focus on small-dollar fundraising. Despite concerns from Republican leaders about renominating President Donald Trump, Trump continues to lead in the polls with no clear alternative candidate. It remains to be seen if Pence and other Republican candidates can gain enough support to challenge Trump's lead in the six months leading up to the Iowa caucuses.
News Mash
Carlethia “Carlee” Nichole Russell, a 25-year-old woman from Alabama, is missing after she called 911 to report a toddler walking on an interstate Thursday night. The Hoover Police Department found Russell’s vehicle and some of her possessions, but neither she nor any child were found. An anonymous source has offered a reward of $20,000 for information leading to her whereabouts, in addition to the $5,000 raised by CrimeStoppers. Police are asking anyone with information to call the Hoover Police Department or CrimeStoppers.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was taken to Sheba Hospital near Tel Aviv on Saturday after feeling dizzy. Initial tests revealed that he was suffering from dehydration, and doctors have ordered further tests. Netanyahu is in good condition and his office is confident that he will make a full recovery.
Las Vegas is experiencing a record-breaking heat wave, with temperatures expected to reach 117 degrees Fahrenheit this weekend. While tourists enjoy the air-conditioned casinos, those who must work outdoors are facing extreme temperatures and the risk of heat-related illnesses. Emergency room doctors and the Las Vegas Fire Department are taking steps to protect the public by distributing water and providing information on how to stay safe in the heat.
On Friday afternoon in Fargo, North Dakota, a shooting occurred resulting in the death of one police officer and two others critically injured, as well as a civilian seriously wounded. North Dakota Attorney General Drew Wrigley has confirmed that the state Bureau of Criminal Investigation is working with federal, state and local authorities to investigate the incident, and the motive behind the shooting is still unknown. Witnesses reported seeing a man open fire on officers before other officers shot him, and the suspect was killed during the exchange of gunfire.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis made a stop at a Dairy Queen in Iowa, taking a subtle jab at former President Donald Trump who had visited the week prior. DeSantis was accompanied by Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig, and the two ordered an Oreo Blizzard. During the visit, DeSantis praised Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds and joked about the messiness of cones. It appears the governor has a knack for using food to make a point.
Six Republican presidential candidates, including former Vice President Mike Pence, attended the Family Leadership Summit in Des Moines, Iowa on Friday. Moderated by former Fox News host Tucker Carlson, the event was attended by nearly 2,000 Christian conservative voters and featured discussions on a variety of topics. The candidates received a warm reception from the crowd, and the event was a key step in the road to the Iowa Republican caucuses.
Rex Heuermann, a 59-year-old Manhattan architect, was arrested and charged with three counts of first-degree and three counts of second-degree murder in connection to the Gilgo Beach murders, which have been unsolved for more than a decade. Lynn Barthelemy, mother of one of the victims, expressed her hope that Heuermann "suffer[s] at the hands of other inmates" in prison. The Suffolk County Police Department is continuing to investigate the case and is asking anyone with information to contact them.