Trump rejected:Â A judge this morning rejected Donald Trump’s request for a new trial in the E. Jean Carroll defamation case. A jury found that Trump defamed Carroll and sexually abused her in a department store dressing room. Trump was ordered to pay her $5 million.
Russia attacks Odessa:Â Russia said this morning it attacked military targets in the Ukrainian port city Odessa, not infrastructure that’s vital for shipping through the port to take place. Ukraine said that the Russians were trying to destroy facilities used for shipping grain, fertilizer and other Ukrainian products to other countries. Russia just reneged on an agreement that had been in place to allow Ukrainian products to be shipped to countries that need them to prevent people from starving.
U.S. soldier in North Korea:Â The U.S. is trying to determine today what happened to U.S. soldier Travis King who crossed into North Korea yesterday. He had been released from a South Korean jail after being arrested for being in a fight and was due to be sent back to Fort Bliss in Texas to face disciplinary charges. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said they believe King is in North Korean custody.
Goldman Sachs financials:Â The Goldman Sachs Group today reported net revenues of $10.90 billion and net earnings of $1.22 billion for the second quarter ended June 30. Net revenues were $23.12 billion and net earnings were $4.45 billion for the first half of 2023. Net revenues were 8% lower than the second quarter of 2022 and 11% lower than the first quarter of 2023. Operating expenses were $8.54 billion for the second quarter of 2023, 12% higher than in the second quarter of 2022 and 2% higher than in the first quarter of 2023
Heat wave continues:Â The National Weather Service has issued heat wave warnings today for 15 states, affecting 85 million people. Yesterday marked the 19th straight day that temperatures were at least 110 degrees in Phoenix. Above average temperatures are expected to continue in the West and South at least through the end of the month.
$1B jackpot:Â The Powerball jackpot in tonight’s drawing is estimated at $1 billion with a cash value of $516.8 million. In Monday’s drawing, there was no jackpot winner but three tickets worth $2 million were sold in Arkansas, Georgia and Texas and there were five $1 million winners in Connecticut, New York, Florida, Kentucky and Pennsylvania.
