Nikki Giovanni, Renowned Poet and Activist, Dies at 81

Three individuals are unaccounted for after a significant explosion at the Horizon Biofuels plant in Fremont, Nebraska, on Tuesday, which caused heavy smoke and structural collapse. Fire crews are currently unable to access the site due to safety concerns, and the cause of the explosion is under investigation by multiple agencies, including the Nebraska State Fire Marshal's Office. Want More Context? 🔎

Ghislaine Maxwell appealed to Congress for a pardon to testify about Jeffrey Epstein, stating she would invoke her Fifth Amendment right without immunity. Her attorney emphasized the need for a non-prison setting for truthful testimony, while the House Oversight Committee has ruled out granting her immunity for the testimony. Want More Context? 🔎

Audio recordings released by ABC News reveal the chaos faced by Texas residents during the July 4 flooding, with desperate calls for help from individuals trapped in trees and homes. The flooding led to over 130 fatalities, with confusion over evacuation orders and emergency responses highlighted in the 911 dispatch communications, reflecting challenges in coordination among agencies. Want More Context? 🔎

The US Senate confirmed Emil Bove, former defense lawyer for President Trump, to a lifetime position on the federal appeals court with a 50-49 vote, despite opposition from Democrats and two Republican senators. Bove, criticized for his loyalty to Trump and alleged misconduct, will oversee cases in Delaware, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, amidst calls from former justice department employees and judges to withdraw his nomination. Want More Context? 🔎

A powerful 8.8 magnitude earthquake struck near Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula, prompting tsunami alerts in Japan, Hawaii, and parts of Alaska. The quake, which occurred at a depth of 19.3 kilometers, caused damage and evacuations in nearby Russian regions and led to warnings of potential tsunami waves up to 3 meters affecting several coastal areas across the Pacific. Want More Context? 🔎

Earthquake 'the strongest in decades', says Russian officialAn 8.7 magnitude earthquake struck 78 miles from Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, Russia, at a depth of 18 kilometers, generating a 3-4 meter tsunami in Kamchatka. While there were no reported injuries, a kindergarten was damaged, and local officials described it as the strongest tremor in decades. Want More Context? 🔎