News
George Santos Faces Prison After Pleading Guilty to Fraud Charges
Former Republican congressman George Santos is now facing several years in prison after pleading guilty to two federal counts of fraud. Santos, 36, appeared in court in Central Islip, New York, where he admitted to wire fraud and aggravated identity theft, including stealing the identities of campaign staff and misusing campaign funds.
The judge overseeing the case estimated that Santos could face a sentencing range of six to eight years in prison. Santos expressed deep regret for his actions in a statement read to the court, taking full responsibility for the harm caused. This guilty plea marks a significant downfall for Santos, who was expelled from Congress last year after a scandal-ridden tenure.
As part of a plea agreement, Santos is required to pay restitution of at least $374,000. The aggravated identity theft charge alone carries a mandatory two-year prison sentence, which will be added to any other sentences he receives.
During the court proceedings, Santos admitted to several fraudulent activities, including applying for unemployment benefits he was not entitled to and making false statements on financial documents submitted to both the House Ethics Committee and the Federal Election Commission (FEC). His charges included 23 federal felonies, ranging from wire fraud and money laundering to the misuse of campaign funds.
Santos’ sentencing is scheduled for February 7.
In a devastating incident in eastern India, at least 46 people, including 37 children and seven women, have drowned while celebrating the Hindu Jivitputrika festival. The fatalities, which occurred across 15 districts within the past 24 hours, resulted from victims ritually bathing in rivers and ponds swollen by recent flooding.
The three-day festival, which honors children’s wellbeing, is traditionally marked by mothers fasting and families participating in ritual baths. This year, the swollen water bodies, exacerbated by recent floods, have turned the celebratory ritual into a deadly disaster.
Local disaster management officials have expressed fears that the death toll could rise further. State authorities have promised compensation for the families and relatives of the victims.
Fatal accidents during religious festivals are not uncommon in India, where large gatherings often take place with insufficient safety measures. This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by such gatherings, especially during adverse weather conditions.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have conducted airstrikes in Beirut, reportedly killing Mohammad Hussein Surur, a senior Hezbollah air unit leader. The Lebanese health ministry confirmed two deaths and 15 injuries from the attack. The strikes come amid escalating violence between Israel and Hezbollah, with both sides exchanging fire throughout the night and into the morning.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the IDF would continue to fight “with full force” against Hezbollah, aiming to dismantle the Iran-backed militant group. This marks a significant intensification of hostilities between the two sides, which have been exchanging rockets and airstrikes for days. The Lebanese health ministry also reported that 28 people were killed today by Israeli airstrikes.
In retaliation, Hezbollah launched 80 missiles targeting northern Israeli cities, including Safed. Israeli authorities have reported no casualties but noted significant property damage in Safed and Rosh Pina.
Amid the intensifying conflict, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin renewed calls for a diplomatic solution. The U.S., along with 11 other allied nations, has urged both Israel and Hezbollah to agree to a ceasefire to prevent further escalation and civilian casualties.
Ferry travel between the Isle of Man and Lancashire continues to face disruption due to strong winds over the Irish Sea. The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company has cancelled Thursday’s 08:45 BST sailing of the Manxman to Heysham and its scheduled 14:15 return journey. This follows the cancellation of the vessel’s return trip from the Lancashire port on Wednesday evening.
The disruptions have affected postal services, with the Isle of Man Post Office reporting delays in deliveries from the UK. While local deliveries within the island remain unaffected, items posted on Wednesday for UK delivery may not reach Royal Mail’s network in time for Friday delivery.
Additionally, the ferry cancellations have caused a delay in newspaper deliveries, with no papers available on the island on Thursday, as confirmed by the island’s wholesale distributor.
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