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Vacant House Engulfed in Flames, Causing Displacement in Elliott Neighborhood, Pittsburgh

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On Tuesday night, emergency crews responded to a major house fire in the 900 block of Gibson Street in Pittsburgh’s Elliott neighborhood. The blaze, which began around 9:30 p.m., quickly engulfed the structure, sending large flames and thick smoke billowing from the top of the house.

A Channel 11 crew at the scene witnessed the intensity of the fire firsthand. Video footage captured by a viewer appears to show an explosion occurring inside the house, which was reportedly vacant at the time of the incident.

Major house fire in the 900 block of Gibson Street in Pittsburgh’s Elliott neighborhood.

According to Pittsburgh Public Safety officials, two adults from a neighboring home have been displaced due to the fire. Fortunately, no injuries were reported in connection with the blaze.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation, and authorities have not released any further details regarding the circumstances that led to the outbreak.

Firefighters battled the flames for an extended period, working to contain the blaze and prevent it from spreading to adjacent structures. The vacant house sustained significant damage, with the roof and upper floors bearing the brunt of the destruction.

The displacement of the two adults from the neighboring home serves as a reminder of the far-reaching impact that such fires can have on a community. Local authorities and support organizations will likely work to ensure that the affected individuals receive the necessary assistance and resources to cope with this unexpected event.

As the investigation into the cause of the fire continues, the Elliott neighborhood community remains thankful that no lives were lost, and that the swift response of emergency crews prevented the blaze from causing even greater harm.

Wpxi.com

Tragic Accident Claims Life of Bicyclist in North Park, Pittsburgh After Contact with Live Wires

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A bicyclist met a tragic end on Tuesday night in North Park, Pittsburgh, after coming into contact with downed power lines on a trail near Olympia Grove. Emergency crews responding to the scene at 8:22 p.m. found the man lifeless among the live wires.

Due to the active power in the area, first responders were unable to immediately reach the victim. Duquesne Light crews were called to the scene to cut power, which was accomplished at 10:30 p.m. The man was then pronounced dead at the scene.

Bicyclist met a tragic end on Tuesday night in North Park.

According to Allegheny County police, a call reporting the downed wires had come in earlier that day at 8:40 a.m. Police, fire, EMS, and park maintenance crews were dispatched to the area, and Duquesne Light was contacted at 8:51 a.m.

County officials had closed the trail and placed caution tape near the wires and at the main entrance of the trail following the initial report.

The victim’s identity has not been released at this time.

In a statement to Channel 11, Duquesne Light expressed their deep sadness over the tragic accident and extended their condolences to the victim’s family. The company is working closely with local emergency responders and park officials to investigate the incident.

Emergency workers responded to a call that bicyclist met a tragic end on Tuesday night in North Park.

The power lines in the area have been deenergized and removed. Duquesne Light also noted that storm restoration efforts continue throughout the region following Monday evening’s storms and the ongoing heat wave, urging the public to avoid all downed wires and call 9-1-1 immediately if they encounter any.

The tragic loss of life serves as a somber reminder of the dangers posed by downed power lines and the importance of exercising extreme caution in their presence.

wpxi.com

Willie Mays, Baseball’s ‘Say Hey Kid’ and All-Time Great, Passes Away at 93

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Willie Mays, the Hall of Fame centerfielder whose all-around skills and exuberant playing style made him one of the greatest baseball players of all time, died on Tuesday at the age of 93. Major League Baseball announced his passing, with the San Francisco Chronicle reporting that Mays died of heart failure.

Mays, known as “The Say Hey Kid” for his standard greeting, played 23 seasons for the New York Giants, San Francisco Giants, and New York Mets, from 1951 through 1973. He was the epitome of a “five-tool player,” excelling at hitting for average, hitting for power, fielding, throwing, and baserunning.

Willie Mays, the Hall of Fame centerfielder.

Beyond his talent, Mays played with a verve and passion that endeared him to fans. He was known for playing stickball with kids on the streets of Harlem and for running with such speed and fury that his hat would fly off as he stole bases or chased down flyballs. His snag of a deep fly ball in the 1954 World Series, known simply as “The Catch,” remains one of baseball’s most iconic moments.

Mays, born in Westfield, Alabama, during the segregation era, was inspired to play ball by his father and uncle. He joined the New York Giants in 1951, four years after Jackie Robinson had integrated Major League Baseball, and went on to win Rookie of the Year honors. He missed most of the 1952 season and all of 1953 while serving in the U.S. Army during the Korean War.

Willie Mays, the Hall of Fame centerfielder.

Upon his return in 1954, Mays won the first of his two Most Valuable Player awards and led the Giants to a World Series sweep of the Cleveland Indians. When the Giants moved to San Francisco in 1958, Mays faced some challenges in winning over the local fans but continued to showcase his extraordinary skills.

Mays retired in 1973 after a final season with the New York Mets. He was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1979, his first year of eligibility, and was named to the all-star team a record 24 times, a feat shared only with Hank Aaron and Stan Musial. When he retired, Mays held third place on the all-time home run list with 660 and was the first player to hit 300 homers and steal 300 bases.

Willie Mays, the Hall of Fame centerfielder.

Baseball writer and historian Charles Einstein captured Mays’ essence in his book “Willie’s Time,” quoting the legend as saying, “I thought I was [the greatest player ever]. I hope I didn’t say that wrong.”

Willie Mays’ legacy as one of baseball’s all-time greats is secure, and his passing marks the end of an era for the sport he loved and played with such joy and brilliance.

Reuters

Brooklyn Preacher with Ties to NYC Mayor Sentenced to 9 Years for Fraud

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Lamor Miller-Whitehead, a 45-year-old flashy Brooklyn preacher known for his connections to New York City Mayor Eric Adams, has been sentenced to nine years in prison for multiple frauds. The sentencing took place Monday in Manhattan federal court, with Judge Lorna G. Schofield presiding.

During the trial, Miller-Whitehead was convicted of fleecing one parishioner out of $90,000 in retirement savings, among other scams. Despite claiming to be “very remorseful” in a rambling statement, the Rolls Royce-driving bishop was found to lack meaningful remorse by the judge.

Judge Schofield interrupted Miller-Whitehead’s statement, reminding him that sentencing is not a time to relitigate the case. She emphasized that a significant prison sentence was necessary due to the high probability of Miller-Whitehead committing future crimes, given his previous convictions for similar offenses.

Miller-Whitehead, who formed the Leaders of Tomorrow International Ministries in 2013, was known for his designer clothing and was once the victim of a robbery in which $1 million in jewelry was stolen from him during a church service. He owned a $1.6 million home in Paramus, New Jersey, and an apartment in Hartford, Connecticut.

Prosecutors contended that Miller-Whitehead used his friendship with Mayor Eric Adams, developed while Adams served as Brooklyn’s borough president, to commit fraud and attempted extortion. Adams was not accused of any wrongdoing in the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Derek Wikstrom requested a sentence of over 12 years in prison, stating that Miller-Whitehead had defrauded large financial institutions and a parishioner who lost her life savings. Wikstrom accused Miller-Whitehead of lying and stealing repeatedly, asserting that he possesses a “psychological and delusional failure” to accept his crimes and the need for punishment.

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In addition to the nine-year prison term, Miller-Whitehead was ordered to pay $85,000 in restitution and to forfeit $95,000. His lawyer, Dawn Florio, had urged for no prison time, citing her client’s charitable works. However, the judge stated that Miller-Whitehead’s prison sentence would have been longer if not for his good works in the community.

Will Smith Takes on Lead Role in Sci-Fi Thriller Resistor, Adapted from Daniel Suarez’s Influx

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Oscar-winning actor Will Smith, 55, has landed his next major role in the upcoming sci-fi thriller, Resistor, based on Daniel Suarez’s 2014 New York Times bestselling novel, Influx. Smith has reportedly been developing the project for years alongside American film producers Todd Black, Jason Blumenthal, Steve Tisch, Jon Mone, and Tony Shaw of Escape Artists.

At this time, the ‘film is in development and currently in search of a director,’ according to Variety (pictured in 2022).

Heather Washington will serve as an executive producer, while Dave Wilson will act as a producer. Screenwriter Zak Olkewicz, known for his work on Bullet Train (2022), penned the first draft of the script, with Eric Singer responsible for the latest draft.

Although the plot details are being kept under wraps, Resistor is an adaptation of Influx, which follows a physicist who is imprisoned in a high-tech facility just as he is on the verge of a groundbreaking discovery. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the scientist uncovers a shadowy organization that has been hoarding technological advancements and keeping them out of the hands of the general public, prompting him to fight back.

The casting news comes on the heels of Smith’s latest movie, Bad Boys: Ride or Die, which has proven to be a box office hit since its June 7 theatrical release. The fourth installment in the franchise has grossed $113 million domestically and $215.5 million globally, pushing the franchise past the $1 billion mark at the global box office.

Actor Will Smith.

The success of Bad Boys: Ride or Die demonstrates that Smith remains a draw for audiences, despite the controversy surrounding his slapping incident with Chris Rock at the 2022 Oscars. Industry insiders have suggested that the film’s success could put the actor “back on top” and bode well for his future projects.

As Resistor is currently in development and searching for a director, fans eagerly await further updates on this high-profile sci-fi thriller. With Will Smith’s star power and the compelling source material from Daniel Suarez’s bestselling novel, Resistor has the potential to be another major hit for the actor and the creative team behind the project.

Dailymail.com

U.S. Investigation Uncovers Sinaloa Cartel’s Partnership with Chinese Money Launderers

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In a significant breakthrough, a five-year investigation by U.S. officials has exposed an intricate partnership between Mexico’s notorious Sinaloa Cartel and Chinese underground banking groups in the United States. Federal prosecutors announced on Tuesday that the scheme involved laundering more than $50 million in profits from the sale of fentanyl, cocaine, and other drugs, with much of the money being processed in the Los Angeles area.

The investigation, which led to charges against 24 individuals, relied on assistance from Chinese and Mexican law enforcement to arrest fugitives who had fled the United States after initial charges were filed last year. Drug Enforcement Administration official Anne Milgram emphasized the significance of the case, stating, “This investigation shows that the Sinaloa Cartel has entered into a new criminal partnership with Chinese nationals who launder money for the cartels.”

Part of large sum of money seized from the underworld men.

The lead defendant, Edgar Joel Martinez-Reyes, 45, of East Los Angeles, is accused of managing couriers who collected drug cash in the Los Angeles area and partnering with the leader of the Chinese money launderers. Prosecutors alleged that Martinez-Reyes traveled with the Chinese leader to Mexico to negotiate contracts with the cartel.

The scheme exploited the high demand for U.S. currency among wealthy Chinese nationals, who face government restrictions on transferring more than $50,000 per year out of China. According to authorities, individuals in China would move money into a seller’s Chinese bank account and receive the dollar equivalent in the U.S. for various purposes, such as purchasing real estate, luxury items, and paying tuition. Cryptocurrency transactions were also utilized to move the drug money.

United States Attorney Martin Estrada addressing news conference in Los Angeles on Tuesday June 18 2024.

Prosecutors highlighted that the Chinese money brokers charged lower commission fees compared to traditional money launderers, providing more cost-effective methods than previous practices like smuggling cash across the U.S.-Mexico border or using banks and businesses.

The funds in China were allegedly used to purchase chemicals for manufacturing fentanyl and methamphetamine, which were then sent to the drug cartels in Mexico. U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada described the situation as a “cycle of destruction,” with drugs sold in the United States funding precursor chemicals for even more drug production.

Federal law enforcement has collaborated closely with China’s Ministry of Public Security since the meeting between President Joe Biden and Chinese leader Xi Jinping in November 2022. At least 22 of the 24 defendants have been arrested, facing charges of conspiracy to aid and abet drug distribution, money laundering, and operating an unlicensed money-transmitting business.

Law enforcement also seized approximately $5 million in drugs, including cocaine and methamphetamine, as well as several firearms during the investigation. The case highlights the evolving nature of international drug trafficking and the importance of cross-border cooperation in combating organized crime.

Nvidia’s Stock Surges, Beats Microsoft to Crown It Wall Street’s Most Valuable Company

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Nvidia’s staggering stock run carried it to the market’s mountaintop on Tuesday, as it became the most valuable company on Wall Street. The chipmaker’s shares rose 3.5%, lifting its total market value further above $3 trillion and grabbing the top spot from Microsoft, which had been trading the crown back and forth with Apple.

Nvidia’s ascent is driven by the wave of artificial intelligence (AI), with its chips playing a crucial role in developing the technology. The company’s revenue routinely triples every quarter, and its profit is skyrocketing at even more breathtaking rates. Nvidia’s stock is up nearly 174% this year and has been responsible for nearly a third of the S&P 500’s entire gain through May.

Stock Indexes Edge Up to More Records

Meanwhile, stock indexes ticked to more records following the latest signal that the U.S. economy’s growth may be slowing without cratering. The S&P 500 added 0.3% to set an all-time high for the 31st time this year, while the Nasdaq composite edged up by less than 0.1% to set its own record. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 56 points, or 0.1%.

Treasury Yields Fall After Retail Sales Data

Stocks broadly got a lift from easing yields in the bond market. Treasury yields fell after a report showed sales at U.S. retailers returned to growth last month but remained below economists’ expectations. This could be an encouraging signal for the Federal Reserve, which is trying to slow the economy just enough through high interest rates to get inflation under control without triggering a painful recession.

Mixed Corporate News

In corporate news, homebuilder Lennar fell 5% after citing “challenged consumer sentiment” and swings in interest rates as challenges. Electric-vehicle maker Fisker more than halved to 2 cents after filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. On the winning side, La-Z-Boy jumped 19.4% after reporting stronger profit and revenue than expected, and Silk Road Medical surged 24% after agreeing to be acquired by Boston Scientific for roughly $1.26 billion.

Global Markets Recover

In stock markets abroad, indexes continued to recover in Europe following last week’s rout, with France’s CAC 40 rising 0.8% for a second straight gain. In Asia, Japan’s Nikkei 225 rose 1%, and heavyweight Toyota Motor climbed after its shareholders rejected a proposal to force the automaker’s chairman to leave his post.

As Nvidia’s star continues to rise and stock indexes reach new heights, investors will closely monitor the U.S. economy’s growth trajectory and the Federal Reserve’s interest rate decisions in the coming months.

AP

Ukraine Admits to Drone Attack on Russian Oil Facility, Causing Massive Blaze

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In a significant escalation of cross-border strikes, Ukraine claimed responsibility for an overnight drone attack on a Russian oil facility in the Rostov region, which sparked a massive blaze. The attack is the latest in a series of long-range aerial assaults by Kyiv’s forces targeting Russian soil, aimed at hindering the Kremlin’s war efforts.

Russian fire servicemen putting out fire caused by the drone attack.

According to a Ukrainian official speaking anonymously due to lack of authorization to share the information with the media, the attack was a special operation conducted by Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU). The drones targeted two Rostov oil depots housing 22 oil reservoirs. Kyiv officials typically refrain from commenting on attacks within Russian territory, although they sometimes make oblique references to them.

The blaze, which covered an area of 5,000 square meters (55,000 square feet), was attended to by more than 200 firefighters, as stated by Rostov Governor Vasily Golubev. Russia’s Emergencies Ministry reported no casualties resulting from the attack.

Russian fire servicemen putting out fire caused by the drone attack.

Ukraine has been incrementally increasing the range of its drone capabilities over the past few months, as it seeks to compensate for its battlefield disadvantages. These unmanned aerial vehicles provide an affordable option for Kyiv while it awaits the arrival of more substantial Western military aid.

The escalation of aerial assaults on Russian soil comes as Moscow’s army presses hard along the front line in eastern Ukraine, where a shortage of troops and ammunition in the third year of the war has left defenders vulnerable.

Russian fire servicemen putting out fire caused by the drone attack.

As the conflict continues, Ukraine’s use of drones to target Russian infrastructure and slow down the Kremlin’s war machine is likely to remain a key strategy. The international community will closely monitor the implications of these cross-border strikes and their potential impact on the ongoing conflict.

AP

Russian President Vladimir Putin Makes Rare Visit to North Korea, Strengthening Ties with Old Ally

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Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in North Korea early on Wednesday for a rare visit, aiming to strengthen cooperation with the country’s leader, Kim Jong Un, in the face of intensifying confrontations with the United States. The visit, Putin’s first to North Korea in 24 years, comes amid growing concerns about an arms arrangement between the two nations.

Upon his arrival in Pyongyang, Putin was greeted by Kim at the airport, where they shook hands and embraced. The North Korean leader personally guided Putin to the Kumsusan State Guest House, a gesture described by the Korean Central News Agency as a historic event demonstrating the “invincibility and durability” of the two nations’ friendship and unity.

In comments published by North Korean state media hours before his arrival, Putin expressed his appreciation for the country’s firm support of his military actions in Ukraine, which Russia invaded in 2022. He emphasized the countries’ shared goal of opposing Western ambitions to hinder the establishment of a multipolar world order based on justice, mutual respect for sovereignty, and consideration of each other’s interests.

The visit has raised concerns about a potential arms deal, in which North Korea would provide Russia with much-needed munitions for its war in Ukraine in exchange for economic assistance and technology transfers that could enhance the threat posed by Kim’s nuclear weapons and missile program.

In Pyongyang, the streets were adorned with portraits of Putin and Russian flags, with a banner on a building welcoming the Russian President. Putin also stated that Russia and North Korea would develop trade and payment systems not controlled by the West and jointly oppose sanctions against their countries, which he described as “illegal, unilateral restrictions.”

Both North Korea and Russia are grappling with economic sanctions imposed by the United States and its Western partners. North Korea is under heavy U.N. Security Council sanctions due to its nuclear weapons and missile programs, while Russia faces sanctions over its aggression in Ukraine.

Putin, accompanied by top officials including Deputy Prime Minister Denis Mantrurov, Defense Minister Andrei Belousov, and Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, is expected to sign several documents during the visit, possibly including an agreement on a comprehensive strategic partnership.

U.S. and South Korean officials have noted a sharp increase in military, economic, and other exchanges between North Korea and Russia since Kim and Putin’s meeting in September 2019 in the Russian Far East.

As the two leaders seek to strengthen their ties and counter U.S.-led sanctions, the international community will closely monitor the developments and potential implications of this rare visit.

AP

Texas Megachurch Pastor Robert Morris Steps Down After Admitting to ‘Sexual Behavior’ with a Child

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Robert Morris, the 62-year-old founder and senior pastor of Gateway Church in Southlake, Texas, has resigned from his ministry following allegations that he sexually abused a 12-year-old girl in the 1980s. The accusations come from former family friend Cindy Clemishire, who claims the abuse occurred between 1982 and 1987 when she was between the ages of 12 and 16.

Robert Morris, the 62-year-old founder and senior pastor of Gateway Church in Southlake, Texas.

Morris, who previously admitted to “inappropriate sexual behavior with a young lady” without specifying Clemishire’s age, has made no public statement since his resignation. Gateway Church’s Board of Elders accepted Morris’ resignation on Tuesday, issuing a blistering statement condemning his actions and expressing their “deep sympathy to the victim and her family.”

The church, which claims a weekly attendance of 100,000, had initially backed Morris, stating that he had been “open and forthright about a moral failure he had over 35 years ago.” However, after discovering the victim’s age, they now deem his behavior unacceptable. The church has hired an independent law firm to review the accusations.

Pastor Morris recently hosted Trump in his church.

Clemishire, now 54, went public with her accusations and revealed her identity on Friday. She alleges that the abuse began in December 1982 when Morris, then a traveling preacher, stayed at her family home in Tulsa, Oklahoma. She recounts a disturbing incident in which Morris touched her inappropriately, telling her she could never tell anyone because it would “ruin everything.”

Morris, in a statement to The Christian Post on Saturday, admitted to “inappropriate sexual behavior” involving “kissing and petting” with a “young lady” but did not acknowledge Clemishire’s underage status at the time. He claims to have repented in 1987 and received counseling, stating that Clemishire’s family had forgiven him.

Randy Pastor Morris confessed to the act years ago and apologized to victim and her family.

Clemishire disputes Morris’ account, asserting that he never had her family’s blessing to return to ministry and that his statement lacks true repentance. She previously sued Morris in 2005, seeking $50,000 for therapy costs, but did not accept a $25,000 settlement offer that included signing an NDA.

Pastor Morris in black suit.

Morris, who was part of Donald Trump’s “evangelical advisory board” during his 2016 presidential campaign, was never criminally charged, and the statute of limitations has expired. Clemishire has hired attorney Boz Tchividjian, grandson of evangelist Billy Graham, to represent her in a potential new lawsuit.

As the church grapples with the fallout of these revelations, Clemishire hopes that her story will bring freedom to other victims and ultimately lead to something good for the church and God’s glory.

Dailymail.com

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