Migrant caravan, Rhoden family massacre, gene-editing experiment: 5 things to know Thursday
Migrant caravan: Mexico to open second shelter in Tijuana
The Mexican federal immigration agency is preparing to open a second emergency shelter Thursday for thousands of Central American migrants who traveled to the U.S.-Mexico border to seek asylum in the United States. Mexico had opened up Unidad Deportiva Benito Juarez, an open-air sports complex less than a mile from the border, to house the migrants, as U.S. immigration officials process around 40 asylum applicants a day. But some migrants have complained of a lack of food and water at the complex, as well as being exposed to rain, mud and other elements. The move to open a second shelter comes days after a tear-gas confrontation between migrants and U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents ended with families fleeing clouds of the searing gas near the U.S.-Mexico border in Tijuana.
Suspect in Rhoden family massacre set for court date
One of the accused in the gruesome killing of eight members of an Ohio family is scheduled to be arraigned Thursday in a Pike County courtroom. Angela Wagner, 48, will be the third member of the Wagner family to appear in court this week to face charges of aggravated murder in the slayings of the Rhoden family in 2016. Edward "Jake" Wagner, 26 was arraigned Tuesday and George Wagner IV, 27, on Wednesday. Angela Wagner's husband, George "Billy" Wagner, 47, has a court date next week. Officials said the slayings stemmed from a dispute over custody of the child of Jake Wagner and murder victim Hanna Rhoden.
Investigation pending after missing teen's body found
The grim discovery of a body near where a North Carolina teen disappeared from outside her family's mobile home has relatives, friends and an entire community fearing the worst. On Wednesday authorities tentatively identified the remains as those of Hania Noelia Aguilar, 13, with a positive identification still pending as of early Thursday, for the Lumberton Junior High student. She was abducted Nov. 5 after going outside to start an SUV for a relative who was going to drive her to the school bus. The FBI soon joined the search, offering reward money and transmitting her picture across the country. Investigators said they don’t currently have a suspect or person of interest.
Scientists condemn China researcher's gene-editing experiment
A group of leading scientists declared Thursday that it’s irresponsible to try gene editing on eggs, sperm or embryos except in lab research because not enough is known yet about its risks or safety. The statement, by the leaders of a 14-member conference in Hong Kong, came after a Chinese researcher claimed to have helped make the world’s first genetically edited babies and said a second pregnancy may be underway. He Jiankui claims to have altered the DNA of twin girls born earlier this month to try to make them resistant to infection with the AIDS virus. Mainstream scientists have previously condemned his work.
New Ariana Grande docu-series coming to YouTube
A four-part documentary series launching Thursday, "Ariana Grande: Dangerous Woman Diaries," offers fans highlights of the making of Grande's latest album, "Sweetener." The documentary also has new footage of her Dangerous Woman Tour, which was suspended after a terrorist bombing at the Manchester Arena in during her U.K. concert in May 2017. Parts of Grande's One Love Manchester concert that helped raise money for the bombing victims will also be shown. Grande has had a tumultuous last couple of years, with the aforementioned bombing, the death of ex-boyfriend Mac Miller and the whirlwind romance, engagement and subsequent breakup with comedian Pete Davidson. However, she has become a positive force to be reckoned with, especially with her latest single, "Thank U, Next."
Contributing: Associated Press