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1. Mar-a-Lago
The Justice Department has a deadline of noon today to release a revised version of the Mar-a-Lago search warrant affidavit. This affidavit explains why investigators believe there was probable cause to commit crimes. The warrant authorized the FBI to search Trump’s home and private club earlier this month and remove boxes of documents, drawing criticism from the former president. This comes after Justice Department prosecutors stressed the need for continued secrecy in order not to disrupt the ongoing criminal investigation. It remains unclear how blacked out the updated version of the affidavit will be.
2. Ukraine
Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, which is occupied by Russian forces, was disconnected from the country’s power grid for the first time on Thursday. Increased shelling near the plant has recently prompted calls for international experts to visit the facility and heightened fears of a possible nuclear accident. On Thursday, backup diesel generators were activated to prevent a “radioactive catastrophe,” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said. “If the diesel generators had not been turned on, if our automation and plant personnel had not reacted after the blackout, then we would already be forced to overcome the consequences of the radiation accident,” Zelensky said. US State Department official Bonnie Jenkins also warned that Russia’s actions at the plant “could threaten not only the people and environment of Ukraine, but also affect neighboring countries and the entire international community.”
3. Floods
Record rainfall and flooding in Mississippi has stranded residents, washed out roads and derailed a train this week. The city of Jackson saw more than five inches of rain Wednesday, setting a record for the city’s wettest August day ever. Jackson Mayor Chokwe Adar Lumumba called for voluntary evacuations in areas at risk of flooding. Separately, at least 33 million people have been affected by deadly floods in Pakistan, in what some of the country’s officials have called “the worst humanitarian disaster of this decade.” Since June, 937 people have died from rain and flooding across the South Asian country.
4. Mobile service
SpaceX and T-Mobile want to bring cell phone service to “more places in the U.S.,” including some of the country’s most remote areas traditionally untouched by wireless connectivity. The idea is to use SpaceX’s satellite-based Internet business to provide an “extra layer” of connectivity to some cellphones where service is limited. SpaceX CEO Elon Musk called it a “life-saving” mission, as it could provide people with connectivity in emergency situations, such as when hiking in remote areas. The companies plan to begin beta testing by the end of next year. It remains to be seen how effective the partnership will be and how many wireless customers will benefit.
5. LPG cars
California regulators voted Thursday to ban sales of new gas-powered cars by 2035. The measure to phase out gasoline-powered cars in the state is historic in the US and would be one of the first such bans worldwide. The move has major implications for the US auto market, as several states are expected to implement similar rules in the coming years, experts say. California’s new rules will also set temporary quotas for zero-emission vehicles. Starting with the 2026 model year, 35 percent of new cars, SUVs and small pickups sold in the state must be zero-emission vehicles. This quota would increase every year. The new rules will not affect used vehicles, allowing them to remain on the road.
BREAKFAST DESCRIPTION
Pour a martini on your plants Researchers say giving plants alcohol can protect them from dying in drought. Here’s why plants benefit from a little liquid peppermint encouragement. Oscar Mayer is now selling sprouted freeze pops Why stick hot dogs in a bun… when you can enjoy cold dogs on a stick! The restaurant features new dishes every month developed by refugee chefs This restaurant helps immigrants start new lives in the US — and introduces many Americans to new cultural cuisines. The greatness of weather photography A weather photography competition has revealed stunning images of extreme weather events. See the impressive photos here. Looking back on 50 years of Hard Rock Cafe Since the first Hard Rock Cafe opened its doors in 1971, branches have popped up everywhere from Tokyo to Egypt.
IN MEMORY OF
Joe E. Tata, who played Nat, the suave owner of the Peach Pit on “Beverly Hills, 90210,” has died, according to his daughter, Kelly Tata. She was 85. The cause of death was not released, but her father had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Tata played Nat for 10 seasons of “Beverly Hills, 90210,” from 1990 to 2000, and later reprized the role for a spin-off series of the show in 2008.
QUIZ TIME
Apple is expected to unveil the new generation of the popular product early next month? A. MacBook B. iPad C. Apple Watch D. iPhone Take CNN’s weekly news quiz to see if you’re right!
TODAY’S NUMBER
24 billion dollars That’s roughly what President Biden’s student loan forgiveness plan could cost annually, White House press secretary Karin Jean-Pierre told CNN on Thursday. Asked why the president waited so long to make his decision to cancel the debt, she said Biden “wanted to do it in a fiscally balanced way.” However, there is no public estimate of the total price of the program.
TODAY QUOTE
“I will work with my attorneys to fully and honestly disclose the plan of my accusers and defend myself in court. I don’t pick fights, but I don’t run away from them either.” — Former heavyweight boxing champion George Foreman is denying allegations by two women who accused him of sexually abusing him when they were minors in the 1970s, according to lawsuits filed this week. One of the women is described as the daughter of Foreman’s adviser and manager, while the second woman is the daughter of a boxer who trained with him, according to the documents.
THE WEATHER TODAY
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AND FINALLY
The World’s Master Maze Maker Meet the man behind some of the most impressive labyrinths and mazes around the world. (Click here to view)
