At least four people were killed as severe storms hit Houston. Two Border Patrol agents already under investigation for their ties to the Tequila King are now being investigated for their ties to a prominent businessman. And new research may unravel the mysteries of Egypt's pyramids.
Here's what you need to know today.
Border Patrol agents who partied with Tequila King face more scrutiny
Two Border Patrol officials under investigation for ties to Mexico's Tequila kingpin also attended a party hosted by a wealthy businessman involved in cross-border trade, officials said. , has been the subject of new scrutiny, raising questions about whether there is a conflict of interest.
NBC News previously reported that Border Patrol Chief Jason Owens and Rio Grande Valley Division Chief Gloria Chavez have been working together to create a Border Patrol-branded tequila to commemorate the agency's 100th anniversary. It was reported that he had formed a party with Mr. González. Owens and Chavez are among the officials being investigated for their ties to Mexican-American businessman Eduardo Garza, two people familiar with the matter said.
Garza entertained Border Patrol agents at three events at his ranch near Laredo, Texas, and entertained small groups of agents at two other events in Mexico, officials said. Mr. Garza, a prominent and politically active figure in the Texas border town, runs Unitrade, a company that advises international companies on “global transportation, foreign trade and customs.”
U.S. Customs and Border Protection's Office of Professional Responsibility is currently investigating whether the agency fully disclosed its contacts with Garza and everything he provided.
Through his attorney, Garza said he has “never paid any travel or transportation expenses” to Chavez or Owens, and that they have “hosted numerous celebrations at their home for various reasons.”
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Severe storms hit Houston area, killing four
Four people were killed and more than 790,000 homes and businesses were left without power in Texas after severe storms battered the Houston area last night. Two of the deaths were caused by falling trees and one was caused by a crane accident, Houston Fire Chief Samuel Peña said. No information was provided about the fourth death.
Heavy rain and powerful storms flooded roads and damaged windows and glass in downtown buildings. Mayor John Whitmire said the city had seen “80, 90, 100 mph storms” and “several twisters.” Here's what else we know:
Trump trial: Fireworks set off during Cohen cross-examination
Donald Trump's lawyers continued their efforts to paint former lawyer Michael Cohen as a liar in the former president's hush money trial. Things got heated at key points, such as when Trump's lawyer Todd Blanche confronted Cohen about details of a 2016 phone call. Cohen testified that the call was about “the Stormy Daniels issue.” Blanche claimed the call was actually about a 14-year-old boy, and Cohen claimed it was a prank call.
Mr. Cohen said he “believed he was telling the truth,” but Mr. Branch was furious. “We're not looking for your beliefs.” Read more highlights From the 18th day of the trial.
Court is not in session today so President Trump can attend his son Barron's high school graduation, and the trial is nearing its conclusion. Blanche said he plans to finish cross-examining Cohen by mid-morning Monday, and Judge Juan Marchand instructed lawyers for both sides to prepare to begin closing arguments on Tuesday.
Disney uses American influencers to promote international parks
A major expansion at Tokyo Disney Resort, scheduled to open next month, will include new lands and attractions modeled after hit movies such as “Frozen” and “Toto.” To get the word out, the company is reaching out to its most valuable fans – content creators in the US who share travel tips, updates and snippets of life at the parks with a large following online. Partly dependent on the creator you are based at.Invitation to US fan media Showing the evolution of Disney's goals.
Disney's efforts to attract American tourists overseas mirror similar efforts to attract domestic fans to other countries. For example, Paris La Defense Arena announced that Americans accounted for more than a quarter of ticket sales for Taylor Swift's Hellas tour.
New research may unravel the mystery of Egypt's pyramid construction
Giza and the surrounding pyramids have presented fascinating puzzles for thousands of years.
How did the ancient Egyptians move blocks of limestone weighing over a ton without the use of wheels? Why do these funerary structures appear to have been built in a remote and desolate desert? Is it?
A new study offers a possible answer, providing new evidence that an extinct tributary of the Nile River once weaved through the landscape in a wetter climate. Dozens of Egyptian pyramids lined the waterway in a 40-mile-long stretch, including the most famous complex at Giza, the study said. read more How rivers made the construction of the pyramids possible, and what caused their disappearance.
U.S. military says trucks have begun delivering aid to Gaza over a U.S.-built pier
As Israeli forces carry out clearing operations in the north and south of the enclave, trucks carrying desperately needed humanitarian aid begin landing in Gaza using a temporary pier built by the United States.
U.S. Central Command said, “U.S. forces did not land in Gaza.” “This is an ongoing multinational effort to deliver additional aid to Palestinian civilians in Gaza through a maritime corridor that is entirely humanitarian in nature,” the report added, noting that aid is being delivered to several countries. He pointed out that donations were made by humanitarian organizations.
This comes less than a day after the US successfully towed a floating dock system to the coast of the Palestinian enclave. There, many Palestinian borders have been cut off due to Israeli military attacks. It is essential for the provision of food, fuel and other aid.
Steve Kornacki's Guide to the Preakness
Red roses, set aside, it's time for black-eyed Susan. Two weeks after the Kentucky Derby, the Triple Crown horses head to Pimlico Racecourse in Baltimore for the crown jewel of the center. With news that Moose, trained by Bob Baffert, will not run, major developments that could change the race have already occurred. So Derby winner Mystic Dan is likely to be the favorite heading into Saturday's race.
But can Mystic Dan win again? What if it rains? NBC News and his MSNBC chief political correspondent, election data guru, and horse racing enthusiast Steve Kornacki presents a guide to the Preakness with odds, horses to watch, and candidates to win. I have written. See stats here.
Politics overview
Chaos House Meeting: Last night's House Oversight Committee meeting was scheduled to center around a resolution recommending that attorney Merrick Garland be held in contempt of Congress. But it turned into a personal attack. It took place between Reps. Marjorie Taylor Greene, Jasmine Crockett, and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
Support for Israel is divided: Republican-led House of Representatives passed the bill That would place limits on President Biden's ability to withhold arms transfers to Israel. The vote was largely symbolic, but it drew attention to the Democratic caucus, which is divided over the Gaza war.
Reclassification of marijuana: Ministry of Justice We took a “big” step Marijuana is in the process of being reclassified and removed from a category that has long been treated as more dangerous than fentanyl and methamphetamine.
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Staff recommendations: The Satanic Temple says a hard no to Christian nationalism
The Satanic Temple, a religion designated by the IRS, does not believe the devil is real but is known for trolling right-wing activists. In response, it has received numerous threats and bombing attempts. And the temple's victories in the courts have made it a formidable opponent for Christian nationalists seeking to incorporate prayer into public education. now, Those ministers will soon be working in public schools. Thanks to a number of bills that would add chaplains to school districts. One satanic pastor said, “Basically you fight fire with fire.” — tyler kingcade national investigative reporter
In case you missed it
- Texas Governor Greg Abbott Pardoned Army sergeant convicted of murder He was sentenced to 24 years in prison for fatally shooting a protester in Austin in 2020.
- 91-year-old man donates $500,000 Saved a small volunteer fire department in Missouri From a certain fate.
- Google is Testing a way to scan people's calls The ability to detect signs of fraud in real time has some privacy advocates scared.
- Olympic gymnasts Simone Biles, Gabby Douglas, and Suni Lee set to compete Tomorrow, my first trip to Paris in 2024 begins.
Choice: Online shopping, simplified
Buying a TV can be daunting. That's why our editors took a closer look at the pros and cons of brands like Sony, Samsung, and LG. Click here for an overview. If you want your TV to sound as good as it looks, check out the following: best tv speakers Improve your home audio experience.
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