Last Hour
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Former President Donald Trump revealed on Thursday that he has received an indictment related to his handling of classified national security records. Taking to social media, he announced that he has been summoned to appear in federal court in Miami on Tuesday. According to an anonymous source familiar with the case, prosecutors have filed seven criminal charges against the former president. The specific nature of these charges has not been immediately disclosed. However, one of Trump's attorneys mentioned that the summons issued by prosecutors references a provision of the Espionage Act and a federal statute that criminalizes the obstruction of an official proceeding. The news of the indictment came after the Justice Department notified Trump's legal team that a grand jury had returned the indictment. Todd Blanche, the attorney leading Trump's defense, personally informed the former president, who has been residing at his golf club in Bedminster, New Jersey. Special counsel Jack Smith has been overseeing the investigation into the classified documents and it appeared to be approaching the charging phase in recent days. Trump's legal team had met with senior Justice Department officials in an attempt to prevent criminal charges, but it now seems their efforts were unsuccessful. The Justice Department declined to comment on the indictment, referring inquiries to Smith's spokesperson, who also refrained from providing any details. The White House also chose not to issue a statement. In response to the news, Trump wasted no time in launching a fundraising campaign, sending out an email appeal to donors under the subject line "BREAKING: INDICTED." He strongly criticized the charges and voiced his disapproval of the Justice Department's actions. Trump's attorney, Jim Trusty, acknowledged in a CNN interview that he had not seen the actual indictment but stated that the summons listed several laws under which Trump is expected to face charges. These include the Espionage Act, obstruction of an official proceeding (a charge often brought against individuals involved in the January 6, 2021 events at the Capitol), as well as charges related to falsifying or destroying records relevant to a federal investigation. Trusty also mentioned the presence of false statements charges and a conspiracy count on the summons. Since grand juries have been active in both Florida and Washington, D.C., under Smith's supervision, it remains uncertain whether the disclosed indictment is the sole set of charges Trump will face in relation to the classified documents investigation."Source
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RuPaul, the ultimate epitome of self-assurance, generously shares his insights on cultivating self-love in the latest edition of Us Weekly. Before gracing stages as the iconic host of RuPaul's Drag Race, the 62-year-old trailblazer recalls his humble beginnings and the source of his unwavering confidence. "Whenever I go on stage, I remind myself that I'm stepping into Mama's living room," confides RuPaul exclusively to Us. "Performing for my mom taught me to overcome nerves and disregard what others might say about me. Their opinions are simply irrelevant." While the Emmy-winning sensation reigns as the world's most prominent drag queen today, his journey wasn't always paved with fame. As a go-go dancer in 1990s New York City, he frequented venues like the Pyramid Club, a haven for eccentric souls seeking inspiration. RuPaul, born RuPaul Charles in California, reminisces about those days, when Chelsea Piers served as his makeshift home and the Pyramid's basement housed his meager possessions. Since those early struggles, the AJ and Queen star has mastered the art of resilience. "Life can be challenging; that's unavoidable. But knowledge is your greatest weapon," RuPaul advises his younger self. "Never rely on anyone else for validation and embrace the things you desire, disregarding others' judgments." RuPaul's Drag Race, which debuted in 2009, has birthed an array of spinoffs, including RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars and RuPaul's Secret Celebrity Drag Race, captivating audiences worldwide. From Belgium to Thailand, Sweden to Spain, Canada to the United Kingdom, the show's global dominance surprises some but not RuPaul himself. "I always envisioned myself as a star with my own show," he shares with Us, expressing profound happiness at the series' remarkable success. As a media mogul, RuPaul recognizes the significant evolution of drag over the past two decades. He celebrates its newfound accessibility, heralding the empowering message that we are all born naked, and everything else is our unique form of self-expression—the essence of drag. RuPaul's unwavering self-assurance, forged through personal struggles and triumphs, serves as an inspiration to embrace our authentic selves and rise above external judgment. In a world yearning for self-love, his wisdom resonates deeply, empowering individuals to celebrate their true identities without fear or inhibition.Source
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Birds, with their stunning plumage, melodious songs, and graceful flight, not only captivate our hearts but also play a crucial role in maintaining the balance and health of our environment. These feathered creatures are not just beautiful and fascinating to observe; they are also essential to the overall well-being of ecosystems worldwide. From pollination to pest control, birds contribute in numerous ways, making them an integral part of our natural world. In this article, we will explore the significance of birds and why they are necessary for a thriving environment. Pollinators Extraordinaire While bees are often hailed as the primary pollinators, birds too play a vital role in pollination, particularly for plants with tubular flowers that bees may struggle to access. Hummingbirds, for example, are expert pollinators, as their long beaks are perfectly adapted to reach deep within flowers, sipping nectar and transferring pollen from one bloom to another. Without the assistance of birds, many plant species would struggle to reproduce, leading to a decline in biodiversity and impacting the entire ecosystem. Seed Dispersal and Forest Regeneration Birds are also champions of seed dispersal, aiding in forest regeneration and the expansion of plant populations. As birds consume fruits and berries, the undigested seeds pass through their digestive systems and are excreted in different locations. This process allows seeds to be transported over long distances, increasing the chances of successful germination and the establishment of new plants. In essence, birds act as nature's gardeners, helping to shape and maintain healthy and diverse forests. Natural Pest Controllers In agricultural landscapes, birds offer invaluable pest control services, reducing the need for harmful chemical pesticides. Many bird species, such as swallows, flycatchers, and warblers, have a voracious appetite for insects and other invertebrates that are considered pests to crops. By preying on these pests, birds help to keep their populations in check, minimizing the damage done to agricultural yields. This natural form of pest control not only benefits farmers but also safeguards the delicate balance of ecosystems, preventing outbreaks of pest species that can disrupt the ecological harmony. Indicators of Environmental Health Birds are also excellent indicators of the overall health of the environment. Their presence or absence can provide insights into the state of ecosystems, acting as barometers for environmental changes. Declines in bird populations or the disappearance of specific species can signal environmental degradation, habitat loss, or the impacts of climate change. Monitoring bird populations can help scientists and conservationists identify problems and develop strategies to protect habitats and mitigate threats. By safeguarding bird species, we indirectly protect countless other organisms that share their habitats. Economic and Ecotourism Benefits Beyond their ecological significance, birds also provide economic benefits through ecotourism. Birdwatching has become a popular recreational activity worldwide, attracting enthusiasts who travel to various destinations to observe and photograph different species. This interest generates revenue for local communities, supporting jobs and contributing to the conservation of habitats. By preserving bird populations and their habitats, we foster sustainable tourism that promotes both environmental awareness and economic growth. In conclusion, birds are much more than just delightful creatures that brighten our skies and serenade us with their songs. They are an integral part of our ecosystems, contributing to pollination, seed dispersal, natural pest control, and acting as indicators of environmental health. Furthermore, birds offer economic benefits through ecotourism and play a significant role in maintaining biodiversity. Recognizing and appreciating the importance of birds is crucial for promoting their conservation and ensuring a healthy and thriving environment for generations to come. So let us cherish these avian marvels and strive to protect their habitats, for in doing so, we protect the intricate web of life that sustainable.
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The District Court for the District of Columbia witnessed a lawsuit filed by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) against Binance, its U.S. platform, and CEO Changpeng Zhao (CZ) on June 5. The SEC brought forth 13 charges against Binance, which encompassed accusations of conducting unregistered sales and offers involving BNB tokens, Binance USD tokens, the Simple Earn and BNB Vault products, as well as its staking program. Furthermore, the lawsuit alleges that Binance failed to register its Binance.com platform as an exchange or a broker-dealer clearing agency, and also claims that Binance.US and BAM Trading, the legal entity of Binance.US, neglected to register Binance.US as an exchange, broker, and clearing agency. CZ has been named as a defendant due to his role as a "controlling person." According to the lawsuit, "Defendants have enriched themselves by billions of U.S. dollars while placing investors' assets at significant risk. [...] Defendants have engaged in multiple unregistered offers and sales of crypto asset securities and other investment schemes." The suit also states that BAM Trading and BAM Management deceived equity, retail, and institutional investors regarding the purported surveillance and controls over manipulative trading on the Binance.US Platform, which were virtually non-existent. Among the allegations, it is claimed that Binance failed to prohibit U.S. investors from using Binance.com, and that Binance.US was involved in wash trading through its undisclosed primary trading firm, Sigma Chain, owned by CZ. Moreover, the lawsuit asserts that funds from Binance and Binance.US were mingled in an account controlled by Merit Peak Limited, associated with CZ. These charges align with complaints previously filed by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission in March, which CZ denied in a detailed blog post. SEC Chair Gary Gensler commented, "As alleged, Zhao and Binance misled investors about their risk controls and corrupted trading volumes while actively concealing who was operating the platform, the manipulative trading of its affiliated market maker, and even where and with whom investor funds and crypto assets were custodied." The lawsuit contends that the tokens traded on the Binance exchange are considered securities. These tokens include BNB, BUSD, Solana, Cardano, Polygon, Filecoin, Cosmos, The Sandbox, Decentraland, Algorand, Axie Infinity, and COTI. Both Binance and Binance.US responded separately to the lawsuit. Binance.US tweeted that the SEC's claims are another instance of "regulation by enforcement," and they intend to vigorously defend themselves as they consider the suit baseless.Source
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On Monday, Mike Pence officially submitted the necessary paperwork to announce his candidacy for the presidency, setting the stage for an extraordinary competition between a former vice president and a former president from the same political party. Pence faces the daunting task of winning back the support of Republicans who had largely distanced themselves from him following Donald Trump's presidency. Pence's entry into the race follows a tumultuous two-year period during which he found himself in the political wilderness, particularly due to his actions on January 6th in certifying the 2020 election results, despite intense pressure from Trump. On several occasions, he has encountered disapproval from the MAGA base, experiencing boos at GOP gatherings, including the Faith & Freedom Coalition conference in Florida in 2021 and even at a National Rifle Association meeting in his home turf of Indianapolis this year. The former congressman and one-term Indiana governor perceives an opportunity in Iowa, where his advisors believe he can regain the support of evangelical voters who played a crucial role in delivering caucus victories to candidates like Sen. Ted Cruz in 2016, former Sen. Rick Santorum in 2012, and former Gov. Mike Huckabee in 2008. To help him in this endeavor, Pence has enlisted the assistance of Chip Saltsman, the strategist behind Huckabee's campaign. Pence has expressed a sense of familiarity with Iowa, stating to voters in Des Moines last month, "Iowa feels more like Indiana more than any other state in the nation." However, doubts remain as to whether he can bridge the divide that emerged among Trump's most loyal supporters due to his refusal to overturn the 2020 election results on January 6th, 2021. Within Pence's inner circle, opinions varied regarding his presidential bid, with some encouraging him to run for Indiana's open Senate seat in 2024. In public opinion polls, he currently trails behind both Trump and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, with single-digit support. Dave Kochel, an experienced Republican strategist in Iowa, commented, "At any other point in our politics, he would be built to succeed in the Iowa caucuses because of his approach to politics. But post-Trump, a lot of that's different because he's going to be viewed or judged through the lens of Trump." Over the past year, Pence has operated in a quasi-campaign mode, establishing Advancing American Freedom, which raised $7.7 million in 2021, along with a 501(c)(3) arm that has $35 million available for spending. He has devoted much of his time to promoting his political memoir, "So Help Me God," at events nationwide, where he emphasizes his Midwestern Christianity as a means of connecting with potential supporters. A second book focusing on his faith journey is expected to be released later this year. Pence, who has been outspoken on the issue of abortion, advocating for a nationwide ban, has been the most vocal candidate in the GOP field regarding this matter. Advancing American Freedom even filed a supporting amicus brief to the Supreme Court last summer, backing Mississippi's 15-week abortion ban, which ultimately led to the overturning of Roe v. Wade. In recent months, Pence has primarily directed his criticisms towards Trump and DeSantis, although he rarely mentions Trump by name. At the Gridiron Club Dinner earlier this year, he stated that Trump was "wrong" on January 6th and that "history will hold Donald Trump accountable." Pence's candidacy is further distinguished by the fact that he testified against Trump before a grand jury for nearly seven hours earlier this year, a position no other candidate has occupied.Source
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At the heart of our galaxy lies an insatiable devourer—a colossal black hole that engulfs everything in its vicinity, much like the mythical Kammapa of the Sotho people in southern Africa. This supermassive black hole in the Milky Way steadily grows more massive as it consumes anything within its reach. Astonishingly, this phenomenon is not unique to our galaxy. Almost all known massive galaxies harbor black holes of immense proportions, weighing thousands, millions, or even billions of times the mass of our Sun. For a long time, scientists believed that only massive galaxies possessed the necessary resources to satiate these monstrous entities. However, around two decades ago, computer simulations of early black holes yielded peculiar findings—unexpectedly large black holes in unconventional locations. Initially dismissed as mere anomalies, some scientists pondered whether these oddities held untapped insights into the universe's infancy and adolescence, should they be found in the nearby cosmos. The notion remained theoretical until recently when the existence of these atypical black holes became increasingly challenging to ignore. Astronomers have uncovered evidence of remarkably massive black holes in the smallest galaxies, and intriguingly, some of these black holes do not reside at the centers of their galaxies. Furthermore, rare instances of black holes wandering at the edges of their galaxies or being ejected into intergalactic space have been observed. These unconventional black holes may not be cosmic outliers but rather integral to unraveling the story of our universe. If that is the case, they offer a means to explore one of astrophysics' greatest enigmas—how the supermassive black holes we observe today came into existence. "To comprehend the evolution of galaxies, one must first understand what black holes are up to," explains Xiaohui Fan, a cosmologist at the University of Arizona in Tucson. Without this understanding, it remains impossible to explain the cosmic landscape. According to our current understanding, as galaxies grow, collide, and merge throughout cosmic history, they accumulate vast amounts of stars, gas, and dust. Black holes at their centers expand in tandem, growing as they merge with one another and feed on the newly acquired material. Rough estimates suggest that a supermassive black hole weighs around one-thousandth the mass of its host galaxy. In this framework, dwarf galaxies—the tiniest galaxies in the universe—likely underwent minimal mergers in the past. Weighing just a fraction of the Milky Way's mass, they were expected to harbor relatively small black holes or none at all. However, in the late 2000s, astrophysicist Marta Volonteri of Institut d'Astrophysique de Paris at Sorbonne University conducted computer simulations that traced the evolution of massive black holes from their birth to the present day. Surprisingly, even the smallest galaxies could harbor significantly large black holes from their inception. As time progressed, some of these galaxies remained unchanged, devoid of growth or mergers, preserving their unaltered state over billions of years of cosmic evolution.Source