GOP Debate Wrap-Up: Trump Still in Control

The first Republican debate emphasized the reality of the primary race: Former President Donald Trump is still in the driver’s seat for the nomination.

The debate drew 12.8 million viewers, and several GOP candidates had good moments and should see boosts in the polls—especially Ramaswamy, DeSantis, and Haley—but strategists don’t believe the general dynamic of the race will change. Unless a major shift occurs or Trump becomes ineligible for office, everyone else is likely warring for a spot as the former President’s running mate.

The second GOP debate will be held on September 27th at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, California.

US Suspects Putin Behind Prigozhin’s Death

Vladimir Putin delivered his personal sympathies to the victims’ families after a jet carrying Yevgeny Prigozhin, the founder of the Wagner military company, crashed shortly after leaving Moscow.

The intelligence community in the U.S., however, is very suspicious that the explosion was ordered by the Russian president in retaliation against Prigozhin for threatening Putin’s 23-year rule.

One U.S. official stated that Prigozhin was “very likely” targeted and that the explosion is typical of Putin’s “long history of trying to silence his critics.”

Details Emerge of Maui Horrors

Survivors of the Lahaina fire are telling their stories, including chilling details of people being trapped by barricades as they tried to escape the hellscape around them.

Downed powerlines and the subsequently closed roads created choke points, making it difficult for many to escape the flames. “Nobody realized how little time we really had,” one survivor said. “Like even us being from the heart of the fire, we did not comprehend. Like, we literally had minutes and one wrong turn. We would all be dead right now.”

Residents who narrowly survived the fire took measures into their own hands by plowing through roadblocks or driving off-road altogether to get to safety. Others, including many children home from school without parents, had no idea a fire was raging and didn’t get out in time.

Maui officials, including the Chief of Police, are defending their response to the wildfire, but they remain under intense scrutiny as the full picture of the event develops.

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➤ Former President Trump was booked at Fulton County Jail yesterday (video) over alleged election interference, and he posted his mugshot on X (formerly Twitter). It was his first post since his suspension from the platform in 2021. (More) 

➤ Jim Jordan is launching an investigation into the charges in Georgia against President Trump. “The timing of this prosecution reinforces concerns about your motivation,” Jordan wrote to the Fulton County district attorney.” (More)

➤ Jen Psaki, President Biden’s press secretary, came under fire yesterday for saying that “No one supports abortion up until birth.” Criticizers of her statement cited evidence that many Democratic politicians are in favor of abortion up until birth for any reason. (More) 

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➤ Indianapolis Colts rookie QB Anthony Richardson taunted Philadelphia fans after a touchdown last night with a “Fly Eagles Fly” celebration. (Video)

➤ Los Angeles Angels superstar Shohei Ohtani is done pitching this season because of a UCL tear. Team officials think he’ll be able to bat, likely as a DH,  as the Angels enter the playoffs. (More)

➤ The 200-meter semifinal was delayed at the World Athletics Championships after golf carts carrying the contestants crashed into each other. No one was hurt, fortunately. (More)

Market Report   8/24/23

➤ Nvidia corporation sales are estimated to jump 170% this quarter due to increasing demand for AI chips. Nvidia’s A100 and H100 AI chips are needed for AI applications like OpenAI’s ChatGPT and other query/response services. (More)

➤ Modelo has replaced Bud Light as the top-selling beer in the U.S. for the first time in more than two decades. The Mexican beer has been the top seller monthly since Bud Light entered into a controversial endorsement partnership with transgender icon, Dylan Mulvaney. (More) 

➤ Subway, a family-owned sandwich chain, has been sold to Roark Capital for $9.6 billion. Roark currently owns more than a dozen popular restaurant chains, and Subway earns more yearly revenue than all but Dunkin’.  (More)

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➤ The Indian Space Research Organization shared the first pictures taken of the moon by India’s Chandrayaan-3 mission. The images reveal a pockmarked surface near the lunar south pole that scientists believe could be filled with water ice capable of sustaining a permanent human presence. (More) 

➤ Top science publisher Springer Nature withdrew a popular study after being accused of presenting misleading conclusions about climate change. Critics of the study said the scientists “manipulated data, cherry-picked facts and ignored others that would contradict their assertions.” (More) 

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➤ Wolves in Yellowstone National Park were seen carrying toys home to their den of pups. Park officials say that when resources are scarce, adult wolves are known to deliver toys to their litter instead of food. (Video) 

➤ A group of dolphin spotters witnessed a brutal “porpicide” in New Quay, Ceredigion during a routine boat tour. Researchers believe the killing could be a result of feeding competition. (More)

➤ Seattle has hired its first six unarmed “crisis responders” to be used in lieu of traditional police officers. ”It’s going to be a way for 911 operators to dispatch calls to somebody other than police, somebody other than fire, a crisis responder who is unarmed,” said Councilwoman Lisa Herbold. (More) 

Have you played a round of golf this year?

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Thursday’s Results:

Who do you think won last night’s debate?

Vivek Ramaswamy: 31.1%
Ron DeSantis: 30.1%
Nikki Haley: 15.8%
Tim Scott 9.9%
Mike Pence: 7.2%
Chris Christie: 5.9%

Today’s Trivia

Where was the first Subway restaurant located?