January 26 top stories
It is January 26. Here are today’s top stories.
Denver pastor accused of cryptocurrency fraud
The Denver Post reported that Colorado Securities Commissioner (CSC) Tung Chan filed civil fraud charges against a Denver pastor, Eligo Regalado and his wife, Kaitlyn, last week. They accused the Regalados of selling the “illiquid and practically worthless” INDXcoin tokens through a cryptocurrency exchange called Kingdom Wealth Exchange. They created both INDXcoin and Kingdom Wealth Exchange.
The sales supported the couple’s lavish lifestyle. Chan said, “Mr. Regalado took advantage of the trust and faith of his own Christian community and that he peddled outlandish promises of wealth when he sold them essentially valueless cryptocurrencies. The Regalados raised more than $3.2 million from over 300 investors, encouraging investors to have faith that their investment would lead to ‘abundance’ and ‘blessings’.
Both INDXcoin and Kingdom Wealth Exchange were shut down on November 1, leaving investors scrambling for answers.
Eligo acknowledged last Friday that the allegations that he pocketed $1.3 million from investors are true and said God had instructed him to do so in a video. He added, “God had asked him to pass on a message to investors to stay where they are in INDXcoins and they will see a miracle in very short order.” He also said in the video that he will go to court to address the allegations against him and his wife.
ICJ rules Israel must prevent genocide
Multiple sources reported that the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ordered Israel on Friday to take all measures within its power to prevent genocide against the Palestinians and do more to help civilians, although it failed to order ceasefire as requested by South Africa.
South Africa brought the case to the ICJ earlier this month, asking it to grant emergency measures to halt the fighting, which has killed more than 26,000 Palestinians.
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu said the decision by the ICJ denies the right to basic self-defense and rejects the discrimination against Israel. The claim that Israel is committing genocide against Palestinians is not just false, it is outrageous. Netanyahu added that Israel will continue the war until “absolute victory,” until all hostages are returned and Gaza is no longer a threat to Israel.
IRS to launch new free tax-filing pilot program
When tax filing season opens on January 29, some taxpayers will have the option of filing their 2023 federal tax returns with a brand new, government-run system by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
Known as Direct File, the free program will be open on a very limited basis – at first, to federal and state government employees in 12 states with certain tax situations.
The IRS built the guided filing system after the Democrat-backed Inflation Reduction Act that was passed by Congress in 2022. The law required the IRS to complete a cost and feasibility study about developing a free, electronic tax filing system. The agency then decided to move forward with a pilot program.
If the pilot program is successful, Direct File could eventually rival competing services in the private market.
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Mysterious deaths of 3 men found dead
On January 7, a group of Kansas City Chiefs fans got together to watch the last game of the regular season. Three of those friends never came home. After a couple of nights, their families grew increasingly anxious. Finally, on the night of Tuesday the 9th, a woman called the police after making a horrifying discovery.
Three men, David Harrington (38), Ricky Johnson (38) and Clayton McGeeney (36) were found dead outside a Kansas City home in the backyard.
Police said they found “no obvious signs of foul play.” A medical examiner is investigating to see what caused the men’s deaths. An attorney for the man who lived at the home where the dead men were found said his client was cooperating with authorities and had no idea his friends were dead in the backyard.
Two weeks later, it’s still not clear what killed them. No one has been arrested or charged. The mystery continues to puzzle the Kansas City community.
Alex has two updated pieces of information on Trump.
Trump aide Navarro sentenced
Thanks Callie.
The first news is that Peter Navarro, who was a former Trump White House adviser, was sentenced to four months in prison for criminal contempt of Congress. He refused to testify and provide documents to the Jan 6. House Committee in 2022. NBC News explained that he helped to spread misinformation about the 2020 election and Trump used the misinformation as a part of his tweet encouraging his supporters to come to D.C. to protest on Jan. 6. Navarro tried to argue that he was a victim of political persecution but a federal judge told him that he is not a victim and he simply refused to cooperate with Congress. NBC News explained that another former Trump White House advisor, Steve Bannon, was previously sentenced to four months in prison on similar charges but he has not served any time as he is trying to overturn his conviction.
Closing arguments in E. Jean Carroll defamation case
The second news update is about E. Jean Carroll’s defamation case against Trump in a New York federal court. A jury will decide how much Trump owes Carroll for defaming her when she accused him of raping her in 1995. Trump said she was lying and this defamed her. Carroll wants at least $10 million. Today closing arguments began. Trump was in the courtroom but walked out after a lawyer for Carroll told jurors that Trump thinks the rules don’t apply to him. That’s when Trump walked out. The jury is expected to begin deliberations later today.
Thanks for that information. That is all the news stories for this week. Have a nice weekend and stay with the light.
Pastor:
https://www.denverpost.com/2024/01/18/indxcoin-crypto-victorious-grace-church-eli-regalado/
ICJ:
IRS:
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/05/your-money/irs-tax-filing-free-online.html
KC men:
Trump updates:
Navarro sentencing: https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/justice-department/trump-adviser-peter-navarro-sentenced-defying-jan-6-committee-subpoena-rcna135457
Carroll defamation case: https://www.cnbc.com/2024/01/26/trump-e-jean-carroll-defamation-trial-closing-arguments.html