Federal agents arrested David Taylor and Michelle Brannon on Wednesday in connection with a multi-million dollar conspiracy. As leaders of the Kingdom of God Global Church, the pair allegedly forced workers to be personal servants while using donations to fund a lavish lifestyle. The church is said to have received around $50 million in donations through call centers, which Taylor and Brannon allegedly used to purchase luxury properties and vehicles. Facing charges of forced labor, conspiracy to commit forced labor, and conspiracy to commit money laundering, Taylor and Brannon could each face up to 20 years in prison.
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The CDC has significantly reduced the scope of FoodNet, a three-decade-old program tracking food poisoning infections, by narrowing required monitoring to only two pathogens: salmonella and Shiga toxin-producing E. coli. This change, which began in July, reduces mandatory surveillance from eight pathogens, with the remaining six now optional. While the CDC claims the change allows for prioritization and effective resource management, food safety officials express concern that the reduced monitoring could hinder the detection of outbreaks and obscure the comprehensive picture of food-related infections. This is concerning as FoodNet provided robust data, including case numbers, that helped to understand certain infections and risks in the food supply.
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Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook is suing former President Donald Trump over his attempt to remove her from her position, sparking a legal challenge regarding the Fed’s autonomy. Trump cited “sufficient reason” to believe Cook made false statements regarding her mortgage, which he says allows him to remove her. Cook’s lawsuit seeks to invalidate Trump’s firing order and names Fed Chairman Jerome Powell as a defendant. This legal battle highlights the contentious relationship between Trump and the Fed, particularly concerning interest rate policy.
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A Flood Advisory is in effect until 11:30 AM CDT this morning for parts of northeast Oklahoma, including Mayes, Nowata, Rogers, Tulsa, and Wagoner counties, due to heavy rainfall from thunderstorms, with up to 2 inches already fallen and another 1-2 inches expected. Minor flooding is anticipated in low-lying areas. Additionally, a Flood Watch is in effect through Thursday afternoon for Pawnee, Tulsa, and Wagoner counties due to the possibility of excessive rainfall, with 2 to 4 inches of rain, and locally higher amounts of 4 to 6 inches possible, expected from late tonight through Thursday morning. Residents in areas prone to flooding should monitor forecasts and prepare for potential flooding.
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The White House announced the firing of CDC Director Susan Monarez after she refused to resign, citing her lack of alignment with the President’s health agenda. This leadership crisis coincided with new FDA vaccine restrictions and was followed by the resignations of four other high-ranking CDC officials, including the chief medical officer and directors of key centers. Monarez’s attorney claimed she was targeted for opposing “unscientific” directives and protecting public health. The mass exodus occurs amid the aftermath of a recent shooting at the CDC headquarters and proposed budget cuts.
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Federal law enforcement arrested two firefighters battling the Bear Gulch fire on the Olympic Peninsula, sparking confusion and criticism. The arrests occurred during a Border Patrol operation that involved demanding identification from private contractor crews supporting the firefighting efforts. The incident, captured in photos and video, took place while firefighters were working in a remote area, which is an unusual setting for such actions. Details surrounding the reasons for the arrests remain unclear, and federal agencies have not provided comment on the situation.
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Authorities in Argentina are investigating the disappearance of a painting looted by the Nazis after it was identified in an estate agent’s advertisement. The artwork, “Portrait of a Lady” by Giuseppe Ghislandi, was last seen hanging in a property near Buenos Aires being sold by the daughter of a former Nazi. A police raid on the residence failed to locate the painting, though they did seize two weapons, leading to suspicion of a smuggling cover-up. The painting, once part of a collection forced to be sold by the Nazis, had been missing for over 80 years before its recent reappearance.
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A new lawsuit filed against the Archdiocese of New Orleans accuses Archbishop Gregory Aymond and Vicar General Pat Williams of covering up child sexual abuse. Argent Institutional Trust Co., the bond trustee representing investors, alleges the officials concealed the extent of the abuse before investors purchased $41 million in church bond debt. The lawsuit cites reporting by news outlets highlighting the omission of abusers from the Archbishop’s official list and secret files regarding abuse. The suit seeks to deny Aymond and Williams retirement benefits and prioritize payments to bondholders.
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President Javier Milei faced protests and a barrage of projectiles during a campaign rally in Lomas de Zamora, ahead of crucial September and October elections, testing his administration’s mandate. The rally occurred amidst a bribery scandal involving Milei’s sister, Karina, who holds a key government position, with allegations of her involvement in taking cuts from government contracts. These allegations, coupled with Milei’s controversial economic “shock treatment,” which has included austerity measures and deregulation, have fueled opposition and criticism. Milei has responded by repudiating the allegations and using the incident to campaign against opposing political factions, highlighting the upcoming elections as a pivotal moment.
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A Los Angeles jury awarded Cellin Gluck, a filmmaker, at least $2.2 million after he was shot in the face with a less-lethal munition by a Los Angeles sheriff’s deputy during a 2020 protest against police brutality. The jury found Los Angeles County liable for Gluck’s injuries and awarded him $3.5 million in damages, along with an additional $300,000 for his daughter’s emotional distress. Although the county intends to explore its options, including an appeal, it stated the awards will be reduced due to the protesters’ partial fault. Gluck’s attorney noted the verdict offers a measure of justice, yet the amount does not adequately compensate Gluck for his injuries and the lasting consequences of the incident.
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John Q. Hosedrinker