The Square Root (2024)

14/02/2024

The CEO of a prominent Nigerian bank, Herbert Wigwe, along with his wife, son, and other passengers, tragically lost their lives in a helicopter crash near the California-Nevada border. The crash occurred as the chartered Airbus EC130 helicopter was en route from Palm Springs, California, to Boulder City, Nevada. Apart from the Wigwe family, other victims included the former group chairman of the Nigeria Stock Exchange and the helicopter’s pilots. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is investigating the crash, citing witness reports of inclement weather at the time. Condolences poured in from Nigerian officials, mourning the loss of Wigwe, who was hailed as a visionary leader in Nigeria’s financial sector. Investigators are diligently documenting the crash site, and a preliminary investigation report is expected in the coming weeks.

13/02/2024

A shooting occurred on a northbound No. 4 train at the Mt. Eden subway station in the Bronx borough of New York, resulting in one fatality and five injuries. The incident stemmed from a dispute between two groups of teenagers riding the train, escalating when the doors opened at the station. Police Chief Michael Kemper stated that the shooting was not random but rather targeted, with individuals fleeing the train and shots fired on the platform. The wounded included members of the teenage groups and bystanders, with varying degrees of injuries. Law enforcement is actively investigating the incident, urging the shooter to turn themselves in. Metropolitan Transportation Authority Chair Janno Lieber condemned the violence, emphasizing the community’s shock and sorrow over such acts.

12/02/2024

A woman armed with a long rifle entered Joel Osteen’s Lakewood Church in Houston and began firing, injuring a 5-year-old child and another individual before being shot by off-duty law enforcement officers. The child is in critical condition, while the shooter died at the scene. Despite threats of having a bomb, no explosives were found. Both law enforcement officers involved will be placed on administrative leave pending an investigation. Joel Osteen commended the officers for their response and noted that the incident occurred between services, potentially preventing further harm. The White House is monitoring the situation, and Texas Governor Greg Abbott expressed condolences to those affected.

12/02/2024

A 15-year-old has been arrested and charged as an adult after a shooting incident in a Times Square store, injuring a Brazilian tourist and prompting a pursuit by law enforcement officers. Identified as a Venezuelan migrant, the teen faces multiple charges, including attempted murder and assault. Authorities apprehended him in Yonkers after tracing a possible family connection. The shooting occurred during a confrontation with a store security guard, escalating into gunfire directed at the guard and later at pursuing officers. The incident, labeled “way beyond reckless” by the NYPD Police Commissioner, reflects a concerning trend of violence in the area. The teen, considered an extreme flight risk, is suspected of involvement in other recent New York City incidents and remains in custody pending further legal proceedings.

10/02/2024

Summary: Sony has struck a monumental deal, acquiring 50% of Michael Jackson’s catalog for a valuation of $1.2 billion or more. This transaction, considered the richest ever for a single musician’s work, encompasses Jackson’s recorded music, songwriting rights, and assets from his Mijac catalog. Despite excluding certain lucrative Jackson-related businesses, the deal allows the estate to retain significant control over the catalog, distinguishing it from other recent catalog transactions. This move underscores Jackson’s enduring global appeal and star power, despite controversies like the “Leaving Neverland” documentary.

09/02/2024

Mason Herring, a 39-year-old Houston attorney, received a sentence of 180 days in jail and 10 years on probation for drugging his wife’s drinks in an attempt to induce an abortion. Initially charged with felony assault to induce abortion, Herring pleaded guilty to injury to a child and assault of a pregnant person. His wife, Catherine Herring, expressed dissatisfaction with the sentence, citing the severe health issues their 1-year-old daughter, born prematurely, faces due to the attempted abortions. Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg’s office did not immediately comment on the case. Catherine Herring reported becoming suspicious after falling ill from a drink and later finding misoprostol packaging in the trash, a drug used for abortion induction. Hidden camera footage provided by Catherine showed Mason mixing substances in her drinks. Mason’s attorney, Dan Codgell, deemed the plea deal and sentence reasonable, emphasizing Mason’s acceptance of responsibility.

03/02/2024

Renowned actor Carl Weathers, best known for his role as Apollo Creed in the “Rocky” series and his appearances in a multitude of films and TV shows such as “Predator” and “The Mandalorian,” has died at the age of 76. His manager, Matt Luber, confirmed the news, stating that Weathers “died peacefully at home” on Thursday. The cause of death has not been disclosed. Weathers’ family expressed that he was an extraordinary individual who made significant contributions to film, television, arts, and sports, leaving an enduring impact recognized globally. The statement described him as a beloved brother, father, grandfather, partner, and friend, highlighting the multifaceted and cherished nature of the late actor.

03/02/2024

Justin Mohn, 32, faces charges of first-degree murder and abusing a co**se after allegedly beheading his father, Michael F. Mohn, in their Levittown home near Philadelphia. The gruesome act was posted on YouTube, where Justin held up the severed head and expressed anti-government sentiments, encouraging violence against officials. Michael Mohn, a federal employee with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, was found decapitated in the bathroom. Justin Mohn was arrested at a National Guard facility 100 miles away. The YouTube video, over 14 minutes long, violated policies and was removed after being online for about five hours. Mohn had a history of publishing violent rhetoric and conspiracy theories online. He was arraigned on charges, including weapons possession, and is held without bail. The case involves disturbing details, including Mohn’s troubled history, prior legal issues, and neighbors’ accounts of his peculiar behavior. The police investigation continues, with a news conference expected for further details.

03/02/2024

The NYPD reported that five asylum-seekers were arrested for assaulting police officers near Times Square. The altercation took place when officers tried to take an individual into custody on West 42nd St. The suspects allegedly kicked and punched the officers, who sustained minor injuries. The arrested individuals, identified as Yorman Reveron, Darwin Andres Gomez-Izquiel, Wilson Juarez, Kelvin Serita Arocha, and Jhoan Boada, face charges including assault on a police officer, disorderly conduct, and gang assault. Four have been released pending a future court date, while one is awaiting arraignment. The Manhattan DA’s Office is investigating with additional video surveillance and witness statements. NYPD Chief of Patrol John Chell criticized the suspects’ release, expressing concern about public safety.

30/01/2024

In a devastating turn of events, three Georgia-based U.S. soldiers lost their lives in a drone strike near the Syrian border in Jordan. Specialists Kennedy Sanders and Breonna Moffett, known for their vibrant personalities, formed a close bond during their Army Reserve service. Sergeant William Jerome Rivers, a seasoned military veteran with Iraq deployment experience, also fell victim to the attack. The families, informed by uniformed military officers, expressed shock and grief at the sudden loss of their loved ones. While President Joe Biden has pledged a U.S. response, the parents of Breonna Moffett expressed hope for no further escalation in violence.

Breonna Moffett, just 23 and celebrating her birthday overseas shortly before her death, joined the Army Reserve in 2019 after high school. Her parents emphasized her dedication to both military service and working for a home care provider. Similarly, Sanders, a 24-year-old volunteer for the Middle East deployment, balanced her military commitment with coaching youth sports and pursuing a career as an X-ray technician. The oldest of four siblings, Sanders was described as someone who lived life to the fullest. The tragedy leaves behind shattered dreams and grieving families, prompting reflections on the impact of such losses on those who serve their country.

28/01/2024

One in six Black men faces a prostate cancer diagnosis, emphasizing the importance of early detection. Nate Battle’s experience highlights successful treatment due to preventive screenings. Racial disparities reveal Black men are over twice as likely to die from prostate cancer than their White counterparts. Recent cases, including Dexter King’s death and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin’s treatment, underscore the urgency to address healthcare barriers in Black communities. Factors like mistrust, stigma, and lack of discussion contribute to lower screening rates. Initiatives like the Schaufeld Program aim to combat stigma and educate in Black communities. Advocacy organizations, like ZERO Prostate Cancer, lobby for accessible screenings and recommend discussions with doctors from the age of 40. Battle’s story highlights the impact of toxic masculinity and stubbornness on preventing Black men from seeking crucial screenings. Addressing these issues is crucial to reducing prostate cancer death rates in the Black community.

28/01/2024

James Raborn, a 27-year-old suspected bank robber in Georgia, was discovered sleeping in a woman’s home days after allegedly robbing a Truist Bank in Roswell. Raborn faces charges including armed robbery, reckless driving, and attempting to elude police. After passing a threatening note to a bank teller, Raborn fled, but using surveillance footage and technology, detectives identified a vehicle of interest. A subsequent attempt to apprehend Raborn led to a crash, and a woman, Emily Browning, found inside the vehicle was also implicated in the heist. Despite an extensive search, Raborn eluded capture until police pinged his cell phone data, leading them to the unsuspecting homeowner’s property. He likely entered through a kitchen window. Raborn and Browning are under investigation for potential involvement in other armed robberies in the Atlanta area. Raborn remains in jail on a $20,000 bond, while Browning was released on a $25,000 bond.

25/01/2024

A Colorado pastor, Eli Regalado, faces civil fraud charges after launching a cryptocurrency venture, INDXcoin, claiming divine guidance. Regalado and his wife allegedly raised over $3.2 million from 300 investors, promising wealth through their crypto offering. State regulators argue that INDXcoin was essentially worthless, accusing the couple of using $1.3 million for personal expenses, including a Range Rover, jewelry, and vacations. Regalado acknowledged the charges in a video statement, asserting that God led them to remodel their home and invest in the crypto venture. The Colorado Division of Securities initiated an investigation based on complaints, leading to civil charges. The pastor contends they are waiting for a divine miracle to repay investors.

23/01/2024

Dexter Scott King, the youngest son of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., has died at the age of 62 after battling prostate cancer, as confirmed by the King Center. Married to Leah Weber King since 2013, Dexter passed away peacefully at home. His brother, Martin Luther King III, expressed deep sadness at the sudden loss. Dexter, a Morehouse College graduate, held roles as chairman of The King Center and president of the King Estate, continuing his father's civil rights legacy. Mayor Andre Dickens acknowledged Dexter's love for family and dedication to his parents' legacies. Dexter, who was only seven when his father was assassinated, spoke about the challenges of bearing his father's name and pursued various endeavors, including co-writing a memoir and portraying his father in a film. In addition to civil rights, Dexter was known for his advocacy of veganism and animal rights, aligning with his nonviolent beliefs.

22/01/2024

Jerri Roby, also known as Jerri Israel, a 66-year-old Mississippi woman, is charged with first-degree murder after police discovered the body of her 42-year-old son, John Allen Gaither, hidden in a wooden box behind a false wall in her Gulfport home. The investigation began on December 22, 2023, when a relative reported Gaither missing. Roby's previous murder conviction in Florida around 1995 raised concerns, leading to a search warrant. During the search on January 18, detectives found a wooden box containing Gaither's body behind the false wall. Roby attempted to deceive by writing notes posing as her son, assuring family members he was okay. Multiple homemade wooden boxes were found in the house and garage. Roby, who ingested pills upon police entry, was arrested after hospital release and is held without bond in the Harrison County Detention Center. Her past criminal record deems her a flight risk. Information about her court appearance and legal representation is currently unavailable.

22/01/2024

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has decided to end his 2024 Republican presidential campaign, citing a lack of financial support and a clear path to victory, following a disappointing second-place finish in the Iowa Republican caucuses. In a video announcement, DeSantis expressed support for former President Donald Trump, endorsing him despite previous disagreements. This move leaves Nikki Haley as the lone Trump alternative, facing challenges in consolidating support. DeSantis’s decision, made after discussions with donors, has sparked second-guessing and reflections on his campaign strategy. The governor attributes his performance to various challenges, including weather, media loyalty to Trump, and negative ads. Despite his early success in the Florida governorship and a strong reelection in 2022, DeSantis faced hurdles on the national stage, with Trump now influencing the political futures of prominent Florida Republicans. The governor, at age 45, hints at a potential 2028 bid, emphasizing encouragement from Trump supporters.

22/01/2024

In a developing controversy, Fulton County District Attorney Fani T. Willis faces allegations of a romantic relationship with lead prosecutor Nathan Wade, leading to calls for disqualification in the election-interference case against Donald Trump. Despite assertions by allies that no Georgia law mandates their removal, the scandal has already sparked doubts about the case’s integrity. The accusations, initiated by Trump’s co-defendant, Mike Roman, claim impropriety and financial misconduct, intensifying the political and legal implications. As the drama unfolds, the potential impact on public confidence, legal proceedings, and political maneuvering in Georgia remains uncertain.

20/01/2024

Baltimore County Public Schools initiated an internal investigation following the circulation of an audio recording purportedly capturing the principal of Pikesville High School making highly offensive comments. The recording allegedly contains derogatory remarks about African American students, school staff, and Pikesville’s Jewish community. While BCPS Superintendent Myriam Rogers emphasized the district’s commitment to investigating the incident, the Council of Administrative and Supervisory Employees urged the public not to rush to judgment, stating that the language in the audio does not align with the character of Principal Eric Eiswert.

Amidst the investigation, various stakeholders, including County Executive Johnny Olszewski Jr. and Baltimore County Council Chair Izzy Patoka, expressed their condemnation of hate and prejudice, emphasizing the need for swift accountability following the thorough inquiry. State Senator Charles Sydnor III highlighted the serious nature of the comments, urging an extensive investigation, while others, like State Senator Shelly Hettleman, found the situation deeply concerning. The principal’s alleged derogatory remarks have prompted a thorough examination of the incident’s authenticity and implications for the diverse Pikesville community.

19/01/2024

Jermain Rigueur, 27, has been arrested and faces charges including attempted murder, assault, and criminal possession of a weapon in connection with a series of unprovoked stabbings in Queens. The attacks, occurring over a 9-day period, involved victims who were randomly targeted with a hunting knife, leading to non-life-threatening injuries. New York City Mayor Eric Adams mentioned six victims, and investigations are ongoing. The suspect, captured on video surveillance, displayed erratic behavior, including stabbing a bodega window. Authorities are also examining a stabbing in Brooklyn to determine if the same individual is involved.

19/01/2024

Nicholas Rossi, facing r**e charges in Utah, has taken an unusual path to avoid prosecution. After his arrest in Scotland in 2021, where he presented himself as an Irish orphan, Rossi is accused of using false identities, attempting to fake his death, and employing various accents. Despite being extradited to the US, he recently appeared in a Utah court under the name Arthur Knight Brown, vehemently denying his true identity, marking another bizarre turn in a case involving alleged sexual assaults and a history of evasive maneuvers.

Rossi’s modus operandi reportedly involved meeting women online, coercing them into solitary meetings, and engaging in inappropriate conduct, often resorting to threats or force. The suspect, known for using multiple aliases, was identified through DNA in a 2008 r**e case and has faced convictions in Ohio. His convoluted attempt to escape legal consequences involves a fabricated obituary, emails claiming his death, and persistent denial of his true identity. Rossi’s legal journey continues, with his next hearing scheduled for January 26 in Utah.

11/01/2024

Tiger Woods ending his 27-year partnership with Nike marks the conclusion of a historic era in golf endorsements. Woods earned a staggering $500 million from this iconic collaboration, which began in 1996 with a groundbreaking $40 million contract. The shift away from Nike suggests a new chapter in Woods' brand affiliations, notably using different golf equipment brands since Nike's exit from the golf equipment industry in 2016.

10/01/2024

A tumultuous incident unfolded at the global headquarters of the Chabad-Lubavitcher movement in Brooklyn, as clashes erupted between young Hasidic men and the police. The confrontation stemmed from a decades-old dispute over a secret tunnel discovered last year, connecting the movement's main synagogue to adjacent properties. When attempts were made to fill the tunnel with cement, some Hasidic men resisted, leading to a police intervention and the subsequent arrest of nine individuals. The conflict took place at 770 Eastern Parkway, the movement's significant religious site in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, highlighting internal tensions within the Lubavitcher community regarding the movement's future and leadership.

The motive behind the tunnel's construction remains unclear, but it is suggested to be linked to an ongoing dispute within the Lubavitcher movement over the expansion of 770, in line with the teachings of the late Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson. The movement has grappled with internal divisions since the rabbi's death in 1994, with a faction asserting messianic beliefs and challenging mainstream leadership. Legal disputes over the role of 770 and the status of the rebbe persist, reflecting a complex and longstanding conflict within the Hasidic community. Social media has amplified news of the incident, leading to antisemitic posts, and the city Department of Buildings is investigating the structural integrity of 770 following the altercation.

09/01/2024

The use of drones for drug trafficking is a burgeoning global issue, as criminal networks capitalize on these unmanned aerial vehicles to smuggle narcotics across borders and into high-security prisons. Recent data from the Punjab region of India reveals a record-breaking interception of 107 drug-laden drones sent from Pakistan last year, underscoring the escalating trend. Similarly, instances of drones transporting drugs have been reported in various regions, including Syria to Jordan, Mexico to the U.S., and Africa to Europe, showcasing the widespread adoption of this method by traffickers.

Notably, drones are not only serving as carriers but also as strategic tools for criminal organizations. They are employed to scout drug trafficking routes in Latin America and Southeast Asia, while in the UK, they're used by thieves to locate rival cannabis farms and by guerrilla growers to identify suitable spots for illegal cultivation. Despite efforts by law enforcement agencies to counteract drone-related drug activities, the article points out that advancements in drone technology may further complicate these challenges, with potential implications for both legal and illicit drone usage in the future.

08/01/2024

Former Colorado police officer Randy Roedema has been sentenced to 14 months in jail and four years of probation in the 2019 death of Elijah McClain. McClain, a Black man, was subdued by police and injected with ketamine. Roedema was convicted of criminally negligent homicide and assault. Another officer, Jason Rosenblatt, was acquitted of all charges. Roedema expressed his "deepest condolences" to McClain's family and called his death a "horrible outcome." McClain's mother criticized the sentence, calling it a "slap on the wrist." The case gained renewed attention after nationwide Black Lives Matter protests in 2020.

08/01/2024

The US Mint has released commemorative coins, including $5 gold coins, $1 silver coins, and half-dollar coins, to honor abolitionist Harriet Tubman on the bicentennial of her birth. It marks the first time Tubman has been honored with coins. President Joe Biden signed the Harriet Tubman Bicentennial Commemorative Coin Act in 2022, directing the US Mint to issue these coins. The designs reflect various periods of Tubman's life, depicting her as a "conductor" on the Underground Railroad and as a spy and Union nurse during the Civil War. Proceeds from coin sales will support the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center and the Harriet Tubman Home. The release follows a push to have Tubman replace President Andrew Jackson on the $20 bill, with some lawmakers introducing bills for this purpose.

01/01/2024

A Colorado mother suspected of killing two of her children and attempting to kill a third has been arrested in the United Kingdom. Kimberlee Singler was apprehended "without incident" following an arrest warrant issued on murder and attempted murder charges. The incident unfolded on December 19th when authorities responded to a reported burglary at Singler's home, discovering her 7-year-old son and 9-year-old daughter dead, while her 11-year-old daughter was hospitalized. Originally considered a victim, Singler became a suspect as the investigation progressed, and she now faces multiple charges, including four counts of first-degree murder and two counts of attempted murder.

30/12/2023

A 14-year-old boy in Fresno County, California, has been arrested for allegedly killing his parents and severely injuring his 11-year-old sister. Initially reporting a break-in, the boy's inconsistent story led detectives to discover he had fabricated the incident. The parents, identified as Lue Yang and Se Vang, both 37, were fatally attacked, while the sister, critically injured, underwent surgery and is expected to survive. The suspect faces two murder charges and an attempted murder charge, with authorities yet to determine a motive. The tragic incident leaves two children without their parents.

30/12/2023

A Vijetnamese eatery and slaughterhouse serving cat meat has closed after its owner expressed regret over killing 300 cats a month, many of which were stolen pets. The Humane Society International (HSI) facilitated a deal with the owner, providing a grant to open a grocery store in place of the cat restaurant. The remaining 20 cats were rescued and put up for adoption. HSI aims to combat the cat meat trade in Vietnam, where an estimated 1 million cats are killed annually, and a recent poll indicates 71% of the population supports a ban on cat meat trade and consumption.

28/12/2023

Gaston G***k, the inventor of the widely recognized G***k pistol, passed away at the age of 94. The Austrian engineer founded the G***k company in 1963, introducing the lightweight and controversial semi-automatic G***k service pistol in the early 1980s. The pistol, known for its innovative design and "safe-action" feature, became a prominent choice for law enforcement and gained cultural significance, making appearances in movies and hip-hop songs. Despite its popularity, the G***k also faced criticism for safety concerns. G***k's legacy extends beyond his invention, marking a substantial impact on the firearm industry.

The Square Root

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