August 26, 2023 - Your Weekend Digest

Another mass shooting, situation in Niger worsens, and more in today's digest

Today is August 26, 2023, and here are four stories that you need to know from today. If you enjoy reading this content and want to support my work, then please consider becoming a monthly subscriber below:

1) Mass Shooting In Jacksonville

The United States experienced yet another mass shooting today, this time in Jacksonville, Florida. Earlier today, a gunman opened fire at a Dollar General store in Jacksonville, killing multiple individuals and injuring others. After opening fire, the gunman barricaded himself inside of the store until authorities were able to neutralize the threat. To date, the United States has experienced over 400 mass shootings. We are currently on a faster pace this year than in any prior year. Despite this, leaders in Washington, D.C. have failed to act to meaningful stop this gun violence epidemic. I will provide you updates on today’s shooting in Jacksonville as more information becomes available to the public so stay tuned.

2) Ukraine Update

The cause of the crash that killed Yevgeny Prigozhin and other top Wagner leaders remains unknown as Western intelligence officials believe that an explosive on board the aircraft detonated, causing the crash, while others speculating that a surface to air missile launched by the Russian military hit the plane. In any event, all reports suggest that Russia was behind the attack that killed Prigozhin, and as President Biden opined, nothing happens in Russia that Vladimir Putin does not know about. Meanwhile, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko claimed he warned Prigozhin on multiple occasions of a possible assassination attempt on his life.

Additionally, earlier today, Evan Gershkovich appeared in a Russian court where he is appealing the recent decision to extend his pre-trial detention through November. Gershkovich is a Wall Street Journal reporter and an American citizen who has been detained in Moscow on trumped up espionage charges since March. On the ground, Ukraine’s counteroffensive continues with limited success as Ukraine’s military claimed “partial success” around a small village east of Zaporizhzhia, where there has been significant fighting in the past several days. Despite the limited success thus far, there have been some reports that Ukraine is nearing a possible breakthrough on the frontlines of the war. Stay tuned for more.

3) Hurricane Targets Florida

Tropical Depression 10 has formed near the Gulf of Mexico, and preliminary tracks suggest that Florida should begin making preparations. According to initial reports, Tropical Depression 10 is likely to become Hurricane Idalia in the next 48 hours and impact the Florida peninsula Tuesday and Wednesday of next week. If you are in the cone of uncertainty, the time to prepare is now. Please heed warnings from your local authorities and begin hurricane preparations. I will provide you with further updates as we learn them.

4) Situation in Niger Worsens

The situation in Niger continues to deteriorate weeks after a military junta deposed of Niger’s first ever democratically elected President. In the past 24 hours, the junta has ordered the French and German ambassadors to leave the country. Meanwhile, the junta has placed its forces on high alert as reports are suggesting that a possible military intervention within the country, but other African nations, may be planned. In any event, the junta must seize power and restore the recently deposed President. Stay tuned for more.