August 15, 2023 - Tuesday

[WORLD] The military junta in Niger plans to prosecute deposed President Mohamed Bazoum for "high treason" and undermining state security.

The military junta in Niger announced its intention to prosecute former President Mohamed Bazoum for "high treason" and undermining state security. The junta claims to have gathered evidence to prosecute Bazoum and his alleged accomplices, both local and foreign. The announcement came after the mutinous officers expressed willingness to engage in dialogue with West African nations. If convicted, Bazoum could face the death penalty. The specific foreign nations involved were not stated, and no trial date for Bazoum was given.

No sources available.

[NATION] Georgia grand jury charges former President Trump and several others with criminal counts related to efforts to overturn the 2020 election results.

Former President Trump and 18 others, including Mark Meadows, Rudy Giuliani, and John Eastman, have been charged in a 98-page indictment for their involvement in attempting to change the outcome of the 2020 election. The charges, brought by Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis, include racketeering and carry a penalty of up to 20 years in prison. The indictment details a scheme to replace Georgia's presidential electors with an unauthorized alternative slate. The case highlights Trump's refusal to accept his loss and his attempt to subvert the will of Georgia's voters.

No sources available.

[BUSINESS] Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway has bought stakes worth $814 million in homebuilders D.R. Horton, Lennar, and NVR.

Berkshire Hathaway, led by Warren Buffett, has disclosed new investments in homebuilders D.R. Horton, Lennar, and NVR. The investments were made during the second quarter, which saw a slowdown in Berkshire's homebuilding and remodeling businesses. However, low inventory of existing homes for sale resulted in new construction activity, partially offsetting the effects of rising interest and mortgage rates. Berkshire's stake in D.R. Horton is worth around $720 million, while its holdings in NVR and Lennar are valued at $70 million and $17 million respectively.

No sources available.

[TECHNOLOGY] Apple is rumored to release a major redesign of the Apple Watch for its 10-year anniversary.

Apple is reportedly planning a significant redesign for the Apple Watch X, which will be released in 2024 or 2025 to mark the watch's 10-year anniversary. The Watch X is rumored to feature a thinner case and other design changes. This major update is expected to generate both excitement and controversy, similar to past disruptive decisions made by Apple. The upcoming Apple Watch Series 9, set to be released next month, is said to offer only minor upgrades.

No sources available.

[SPORTS] Former NFL and USFL running back Alex Collins, 28, tragically dies in a motorcycle crash in South Florida.

Former NFL and USFL running back Alex Collins, known for his time with the Seattle Seahawks and Baltimore Ravens, was killed in a motorcycle accident in Lauderdale Lakes, Florida. Collins was riding a motorcycle that collided with a sport-utility vehicle, causing him to go through the vehicle's window and ultimately resulting in his death. The SUV driver remained at the scene and cooperated with authorities. Collins played five seasons in the NFL and recently participated in the 2023 USFL season with the Memphis Showboats.

No sources available.

[SCIENCE] The Perseid meteor shower peaked, providing a stunning display of shooting stars around the world.

The Perseid meteor shower reached its peak on Saturday and Sunday, offering stargazers a breathtaking spectacle of shooting stars. Clear skies allowed people to witness dozens of meteors as Earth collided with debris left behind by Comet Swift-Tuttle. With only a 10% illuminated moon, viewing conditions were better than last year. In outburst years, the rate of meteors can be as high as 150-200 per hour. The Perseid meteor shower is one of the best meteor showers of the year.

No sources available.

[HEALTH] New COVID vaccines are set to be released next month, but experts predict a lukewarm reception as the Eris variant continues to spread.

Health experts anticipate low demand for the upcoming COVID vaccine as hospitalizations from the Eris variant, a strain of Omicron, increase in the US. Demand for the vaccine has significantly dropped since its initial availability in 2021, with fewer than 50 million people receiving shots by fall 2022. The vaccine, updated to target the Omicron variant, will be offered by healthcare providers and pharmacies starting next month. Although some hope the vaccine will be embraced like a flu shot, it remains unclear if the public will eagerly receive it.

No sources available.

[ENTERTAINMENT] Ashley Olsen, fashion mogul and former child star, has welcomed her first baby, a son named Otto, with husband Louis Eisner.

Ashley Olsen, known for her fashion empire and her role in "Full House," has become a mother for the first time. The 37-year-old star and her husband, Louis Eisner, 34, privately welcomed their baby boy, Otto. The couple, who tied the knot in December 2022, has kept their relationship private and has seldom appeared in the public eye. Ashley and her sister, Mary-Kate Olsen, recently spoke about their preference for a discreet and minimalist style in their fashion brand, The Row.

No sources available.