Daily Briefing: A stress test

Donald Trump will appear in a Washington courthouse Thursday facing charges of conspiracy to steal the 2020 election. The gunman who killed 11 worshippers at the Pittsburgh Tree of Life synagogue in 2018 will be sentenced to death. A new report says the intense heat in July had "the fingerprints of climate change" all over it.

👋 It's Jane Onyanga-Omara and Julius Lasin, Daily Briefing authors. Not all of Amazon's delivery workers are two-legged − mules are bringing packages to the bottom of the Grand Canyon.

Now, here's Thursday's news.

Trump returns to D.C. for third indictment that convulses 2024 presidential race

Donald Trump never thought he would return to Washington like this. Under indictment. The former president and Republican presidential front-runner lands back in the nation's capital on Thursday – not to go the White House, but to a federal courthouse to plead not guilty to charges of conspiracy to steal the 2020 election from President Joe Biden. Trump, now facing his third criminal case, has denied wrongdoing and denounced the indictment as an attempt to derail his 2024 presidential candidacy. Read more

• Trump behind bars? If prosecutors have their way, Trump will be on trial in three and perhaps four venues next year – while he is seeking to be the first former president to reclaim the White House in more than 130 years.

• Trump the front-runner: Trump enters his third plea while in a commanding position to again win the Republican presidential nomination.

• From Watergate to Oliver North: Opened in 1952, the E. Barrett Prettyman Courthouse has seen more than its share of big cases, from the Watergate scandal that brought down President Richard Nixon to the Microsoft antitrust lawsuit.

Keep reading more special coverage from USA TODAY on the indictment:

• Trump's election indictment may ring a bell: How it compares to the Jan. 6 committee's scathing report.

• Analysis: Not just one more indictment − a stress test for Trump, the campaign and the country.

• Judge overseeing Trump Jan. 6 case was tough on rioters, known for keeping brisk trial pace.

• The indictment doesn't name his alleged co-conspirators. These are most likely who they are.

• "A disgrace": Donald Trump's 2020 election indictment sparks split among Republicans.

Shooter in Pittsburgh synagogue massacre to be sentenced to death

The man who gunned down 11 worshippers at the Pittsburgh Tree of Life synagogue in 2018, the deadliest antisemitic attack in U.S. history, will be sentenced to death. Robert Bowers, 50, was found guilty on 63 criminal counts in June, including 11 counts each of obstruction of free exercise of religion resulting in death and hate crimes resulting in death. A judge will formally impose the sentence after a federal jury made the death sentence recommendation Wednesday. Bowers was found eligible for the death penalty July 13, when jurors decided that he intended to kill, substantial planning went into the attack, and he targeted the vulnerable. Read more

More news to know now

• Woman escapes kidnapper's cell in Oregon; FBI searching for more victims in other states.

• DeSantis-controlled Disney World oversight district slashes diversity, equity initiatives.

• Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his wife Sophie Gregoire will separate, ending 18-year marriage.

• Incandescent light bulbs are now banned in the United States — here's what to buy instead.

• On today's 5 Things podcast, USA TODAY National Political Correspondent David Jackson previews Trump’s trip to Washington after his latest indictment. Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your smart speaker.

What's the weather today? Check your local forecast here.

Over 80% of global population endured climate-change-driven heat in July, report says

The intense heat wave that scorched portions of the planet in July had "the fingerprints of climate change" all over it, according to a new report prepared by Climate Central, an independent science communication group. According to the report, more than 6.5 billion people – that's 81% of the global population – experienced climate change-attributed heat in July 2023. "Human-caused climate change influenced July temperatures for the vast majority of humanity," said Climate Central vice president for science Andrew Pershing. The heat had major impacts on people’s health, the environment and economies around the globe, the United Nations' weather agency said last month. Read more

• How reviving 46,000-year-old frozen worms could teach us about climate change.

Russian drone strikes hit Ukrainian port that is key to grain exports

Russian drones on Wednesday hit a Ukrainian port city along the border with Romania, causing significant damage and a huge fire at facilities that are key to grain exports. The attacks followed the end of a deal with Russia that had allowed Ukrainian grain shipments to world markets from the Black Sea port of Odesa. Since scrapping the deal, Russia has hammered the country's ports with strikes. In the past two weeks, dozens of drones and missile attacks have targeted the port of Odesa and the region's river ports, which are being used as alternative routes. Read more

Just for subscribers:

• Deep-sea mining could help fuel renewable energy. Here's why it's been put on hold.

• Moms for Liberty says no to mental health care in schools, but it's Florida law.

• 2024 Ford Mustang goes back to the '80s in salute to a hero from Detroit’s darkest days.

• From trash-strewn beach to artwork: How artists are raising awareness of plastic waste.

These articles are for USA TODAY subscribers. You can sign up here.

Lollapalooza: Billie Eilish, other stars to appear on Lollapalooza live stream

Lollapalooza kicks off Thursday and runs through Sunday in Chicago. You don't have to get a ticket or stand in line to catch the music festival – Hulu is streaming Lollapalooza to your TV and smart devices. The streaming service has two channels of live performances starting Thursday afternoon, with Billie Eilish as the opening night headliner. The music keeps playing until Sunday night. Note: There's some potential rain and storms in the forecast, according to the National Weather Service. But no worries for the at-home attendee. Read more

Quick hits

• "You have no idea": USWNT captain Lindsey Horan dismisses Carli Lloyd's criticism as noise.

• The $2.04 billion Powerball winner bought a $25 million Hollywood dream home and another in his hometown.

• Quite a haul: Truck drivers on Taylor Swift's Eras Tour received $100,000 bonuses and handwritten letters of appreciation

• New York Yankees pitcher Domingo Germán is voluntarily entering treatment for alcohol abuse and will not pitch for the team again this season.

• Watch: Georgia sheriff escorts daughter of fallen deputy to first day of kindergarten.

Photo of the day: Messi Mania rolls on as Inter Miami wins again

Inter Miami star Lionel Messi netted another two goals on Wednesday night, as his team notched a 3-1 victory over Orlando City SC in the Leagues Cup round of 32. Messi now has five goals in three games for Inter Miami, with the team winning all those matchups. With the win on Wednesday, Inter Miami and Messi advanced to face FC Dallas in the Round of 16 of the Leagues Cup on Sunday. Read more

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Associated Press contributed reporting.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Trump in court, synagogue shooter sentencing, July heat: Daily Briefing