July 18, 2023 - Your Evening News Digest
Another likely Trump indictment, Michigan false electors indicted, U.S. soldier defects to North Korea, a looming offensive in Ukraine, and more
Today is July 18th, and here is all the news you need to know about
1) A third indictment of Donald Trump likely coming soon
Today, Donald Trump announced that he received a “target letter” from Special Counsel Jack Smith regarding his investigation into the January 6th insurrection. This letter was a surprise to Trump attorneys and allies who did not expect Jack Smith to move as quickly toward an indictment. According to the target letter, Donald Trump has four days to appear in front of a federal grand jury. This is unlikely to occur. It is highly likely that we will see a third indictment of Trump within the next month as the grand jury wraps up its investigation, and I will provide you updates as soon as we have them. Trump’s announcement was made on Truth Social and can be seen here:
2) American soldier in North Korean custody
This morning, an American soldier crossed the demarcation line at the North Korean border, entering the country. He has since been detained in North Korea. Latest reporting suggests that the solider was a low-ranking official and was facing disciplinary action by the U.S. military. The solider was set to return to America and willfully ran across the border, laughing as he did so. The United States is currently working to secure the soldier’s release from North Korean custody. You can learn more here.
3) Likely Russian offensive coming soon
New satellite imagery and intelligence suggests that Russia is planning on launching a massive offensive to take Ukraine’s second largest town, Kharkiv. According to reports, Russia has amassed more than 100,000 troops on the border along with more than 900 tanks, more than 555 artillery systems, and more than 370 MLRS. These troops are likely heading in the Lyman-Kupiansk direction near the town of Kharkiv. This is the latest map from the UK Ministry of Defense showing the current status of the war:
4) Country star facing heat over new music
Jason Aldean, a country star, is facing significant pushback following the release of his new song, Try That in a Small Town. The lyrics of this song, as many have pointed out, include racist and pro-gun language. Some critics have even called the song a “modern lynching song.” Learn more about this controversy here.
5) New military aid package for Ukraine
The United States is expected to announce a massive new military aid package for Ukraine totaling 1.3 billion dollars. This new aid package is expected to include VAMPIRE Anti-Drone Missile Systems as well as additional Switchblade 300/600 and Phoenix Ghost “Kamikaze” Attack Drones. Learn more about this new package here.
6) Could South Africa go to war with Russia?
Amid rumors that South Africa may arrest Vladimir Putin if he were to attend the upcoming BRICS summit next month, today South Africa asked the International Criminal Court for an exemption to avoid going to war with Russia. The ICC arrest warrant of Vladimir Putin remains pending, and last week, South Africa’s Vice President alluded to the fact that an arrest of Putin may be made if he were to attend the upcoming summit. Russia would take any such arrest as a declaration of war. It remains to be seen what will happen next. Learn more here.
7) 16 “false electors” charged in Michigan
Today, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced felony charges against 16 “false electors” who signed certificates claiming that Donald Trump won Michigan in the 2020 election. This is an image of the certificate signed:
These charges include election law forgery and the false electors will likely face jail time if convicted at trial. Each defendant is charged with:
One count of Conspiracy to Commit Forgery (14-year felony);
Two counts of Forgery (14-year felony);
One count of Conspiracy to Commit Uttering and Publishing (14-year felony);
One count of Uttering and Publishing (14-year felony);
One count of Conspiracy to Commit Election Law Forgery (5-year felony); and
Two counts of Election Law Forgery (5 year felony)
Learn more here.
8) Investigation continues into Tupac’s death
In a stunning new development, Las Vegas police officers executed a search warrant in connection with the investigation into Tupac’s death. Tupac passed away after a drive by shooting at the age of 25 in 1996. Nevada does not have a statute of limitations for prosecuting homicide cases. Learn more about the search warrant and the status of the investigation here.