Former President Donald Trump said he plans to surrender to authorities in Georgia, and it’s the end of an era for an iconic plumber. These stories and more highlight The Rundown for Tuesday, Aug. 22.
Trump to surrender to authorities in Georgia
Former President Trump planned to surrender to authorities on Thursday, Aug. 24 in connection to an indictment in Georgia on charges he attempted to overturn the 2020 presidential election results in the state. Trump confirmed as much on his social media platform on Monday, Aug. 21.
“Can you believe it? I’ll be going to Atlanta, Georgia, on Thursday to be arrested,” Trump posted on Truth Social.
Hours before that post, Trump’s bond was set at $200,000. According to the bond agreement between Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis, Trump’s attorneys and the judge, the former president is barred from intimidating co-defendants, witnesses or victims in the case.
Willis had given Trump and 18 other co-defendants until Friday, Aug. 25 to turn themselves in. Trump’s former personal lawyer John Eastman has agreed to surrender on Wednesday, Aug. 23.
Trump will surrender at the Fulton County Jail in Georgia a day after the first Republican primary debate. He has already said he will not be taking part in the debate. Multiple news outlets have reported a prerecorded interview with former Fox News host Tucker Carlson will be made available at the same time.
Biden visits Maui two weeks after wildfires ravaged island
President Joe Biden visited the island of Maui Monday to survey the devastation left behind by massive wildfires earlier in August. President Biden met with survivors, reassuring them federal resources were there to stay as long as recovery efforts take.
On top of mind on the island are the more than 800 people still considered missing. One hundred fifteen people have been found dead.
Officials said there are still weeks of searching to go as crews slowly clear a five-mile disaster zone left in the wake of the historic wildfire. Biden offered his condolences to the community and recognized their strength shown in the process so far.
“Many of you have lost more than just that. Many of you have lost family. Not even sure where some are,” Biden said. “You know, I’ve been impressed how you look out for one another, you turn your pain into purpose. This town has stood as a sacred spot for centuries.”
Judge considers legality of Texas buoy barriers
A federal judge in Texas will consider whether the state has legal grounding to keep its buoy barrier afloat in the Rio Grande River. The border security tactic has been controversial ever since it was implemented in July of 2023.
The Biden administration and Mexico have both pushed for Texas to remove the buoys, citing safety concerns. Gov. Greg Abbott (R-TX) argued the state first deployed the buoy barriers because of safety concerns.
“Just last month here in the Eagle Pass area, there was an infant who drowned crossing the border,” Gov. Abbott said on Aug. 21. “That was before we put the buoys up, a little infant drowned and not a peep out of Washington, D.C.”
The state of Texas has moved its buoys closer to the United States side of the river to appease a request from Mexico. However, Abbott has stood firm the state is within its legal rights to have the buoys deployed.
Abbott was joined by other Republican governors from Iowa, Nebraska, Oklahoma, and South Dakota at the border on Aug. 21. Each of those states have sent their own law enforcement and national guard members to the border to help secure it.
Japan to release treated radioactive water into Pacific Ocean
Starting Wednesday, Japan plans to release treated radioactive wastewater from its Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant into the Pacific Ocean. The move comes amid criticism from some countries like China and support from others like the U.S.
The plan, in the works for years, came to be after the nuclear plant was damaged during a 2011 earthquake and tsunami. Japan had to pump more water into the plant to cool down fuel rods in the reactor. Because of this, space has been limited.
Japan has said the water release is safe. The water will be filtered to remove most radioactive elements except for tritium.
According to Japan, the water will be diluted to well below internationally approved levels. However, some scientists believe the wastewater could still harm marine life.
American Airlines pilots ratify contract that includes pay raises
Pilots at American Airlines followed in the steps of their colleagues at United Airlines and Delta Air Lines by approving a new contract that will see their pay rise. The Allied Pilots Association said the four-year contract will see a 46% overall rise in the value of total compensation.
The contract includes $1.1 billion in one-time payments and ratification bonuses, immediate pay raises averaging 21%, annual raises and increased company contribution to retirement plans. In addition, the pilots will get more vacation benefits and more predictable schedules.
American has approximately 15,000 pilots. The union said 73% of pilots who took part voted in favor of the contract.
Original voice of Nintendo’s Mario steps down
The original voice of Nintendo’s beloved character Mario will step down. Charles Martinet has been voicing the adventurous plumber in Nintendo games since the 1990s.
The company said Martinet will now be serving in the role of “Mario Ambassador,” traveling the world to promote all things Mario. Nintendo has not said who will be replacing Martinet.
Earlier in August, the company reported a 52% increase in net profits. The rise was in part due to the success of “The Super Mario Bros. Movie,” which has grossed $1.3 billion.
