February 2024

Latest News Headlines for Saturday February 3, 2024 – U.S.-led airstrikes against Iran-backed militias in Syria and Iraq on Friday resulted in the deaths of at least 39 people and injuries to many others, according to Iraqi officials and independent observers. In Iraq, 16 individuals, including an unspecified number of civilians, were killed and 25 others injured, stated Iraqi government spokesperson Basem Al-Awadi. The U.S. launched these airstrikes as a response to a drone attack in Jordan that killed three American soldiers and wounded over 40 U.S. troops. — Turkish authorities have apprehended a gunman who held seven hostages at a Procter & Gamble factory as a protest against Israel’s military actions in Gaza. The siege, which began on Thursday in the Gebze district of Kocaeli province, ended early Friday following unsuccessful negotiations. Governor Seddar Yavuz’s office confirmed that security forces intervened and subdued the suspect after dispatching authorities and medical teams to the site. — In Paris, three people were injured in an attack by a man wielding a knife and hammer at the bustling Gare de Lyon train station, heightening security concerns ahead of the Summer Olympics. The 31-year-old attacker, carrying Italian residency papers and medicines indicating ongoing treatment, was apprehended by police following the incident at 7:35 a.m. in the station’s large hall. Gare de Lyon is a major hub for high-speed and commuter trains, frequented by millions of passengers. — The House Judiciary Committee has issued a subpoena to Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis over allegations of fund misuse by her office. Committee Chair Jim Jordan highlighted whistleblower claims in a letter to Willis, alleging inappropriate use of a $488,000 federal grant intended for a ‘Center of Youth Empowerment and Gang Prevention’ for extraneous expenses. — A 5.1 magnitude earthquake struck Oklahoma late Friday night, tying it as the fourth largest in state history, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. The earthquake’s epicenter was near Prague in Lincoln County, about 50 miles east of Oklahoma City. While no damage or injuries were immediately reported, officials are assessing the situation. — Wisconsin authorities reported that a police officer fatally shot an armed driver who confronted officers after fleeing a traffic stop. The incident occurred in North Fond du Lac, Winnebago County, when the motorist evaded a traffic stop on Friday night. The driver’s vehicle was stopped using a tire deflation device during a police pursuit, leading to the fatal confrontation. — A 26-year-old Florida Highway Patrol trooper, Zachary Fink, was killed while pursuing a suspect on the interstate, according to officials. In St. Lucie County, Fink attempted to stop a felon driving recklessly. The suspect led Fink on a chase, during which Fink collided with an 18-wheeler semi-truck as he tried to apprehend the suspect and warn other drivers. Both Fink and the truck driver succumbed to their injuries. — Target has decided to discontinue sales of a Civil Rights-themed product following a TikTok video that exposed significant errors in it. Espy, in an interview with The Associated Press, revealed she bought the “Civil Rights Magnetic Learning Activity” for her children but discovered blatant mistakes upon opening it. After her TikTok video went viral, Target confirmed it would halt sales of the item. — A stray emu discovered roaming in Washington has been relocated to a sanctuary, as its owner did not step forward to reclaim the sizable Australian bird. Elliot, as the emu was nicknamed, was caught last week with assistance from the Washington State Patrol, Kitsap County Sheriff’s Office, and Washington State Department of Transportation, according to the Kitsap Humane Society. Initially, the emu was housed in a barn while efforts were made to locate its owner. After remaining unclaimed for over 72 hours, the humane society arranged for the bird’s permanent residence at the Center Valley Animal Rescue.

Latest News Headlines for Thursday February 1, 2024 – On Wednesday, the Federal Reserve chose to maintain its current interest rate levels, postponing the much-anticipated rate reductions expected to occur later this year. The federal funds rate will continue to range between 5.25% and 5.5%. The Fed stated, “The Committee seeks to achieve maximum employment and inflation at the rate of 2 percent over the longer run. The Committee judges that the risks to achieving its employment and inflation goals are moving into better balance.” — The Justice Department revealed on Wednesday that it has thwarted an attack by Chinese government-backed hackers targeting U.S. critical infrastructure. The hackers used malware to compromise “hundreds” of home and small business routers. In a court-sanctioned operation initiated last month, U.S. officials successfully dismantled the botnet by removing malware from routers within the U.S. and implemented measures to prevent future reinfections. — The U.S. government has identified the Islamic Resistance in Iraq militant group as responsible for the drone attack in Jordan that resulted in the deaths of three American service members. National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby stated, “The attack in Jordan was planned, resourced, and facilitated by an Umbrella group called the Islamic Resistance in Iraq.” Kirby explained that this group includes several factions, including Kataib Hezbollah. — Alec Baldwin has entered a not guilty plea for the second time to charges of involuntary manslaughter in the 2021 fatal shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the “Rust” film set. The 65-year-old actor and executive producer waived his right to an arraignment, initially scheduled for Thursday, and submitted his plea through a court filing. Baldwin, under the terms of the filing, is prohibited from possessing firearms among other conditions. — In New Mexico, three police officers involved in the fatal shooting of Robert Dotson, who was mistakenly targeted at the wrong address, will not face charges, as communicated by the New Mexico Justice Department. The incident occurred on April 5, 2023, when Farmington police officers Daniel Estrada, Dylan Goodluck, and Waylon Wasson, responding to a domestic violence call, erroneously went to Dotson’s residence, mistaking house number 5305 for 5308. — A federal judge in Florida has dismissed Disney’s lawsuit against Governor Ron DeSantis and other state officials. The lawsuit contested the state legislature’s decision to modify the Reedy Creek Improvement District’s governance structure. Disney’s lawsuit, filed last April, claimed the changes were retaliatory, responding to the company’s criticism of the Parental Rights in Education Act, often referred to by opponents as the “Don’t Say Gay” bill. — Five asylum-seekers were arrested in Midtown Manhattan, accused of assaulting police officers, according to the NYPD. Police stated that during an attempt to disperse a disorderly group on West 42nd St., a physical altercation ensued. As officers tried to detain one individual, the suspects began kicking and punching them. The officers suffered minor injuries and received treatment at the scene. — The Justice Department announced on Wednesday a $59 million settlement with eBay. The settlement resolves claims that the e-commerce giant facilitated the sale of thousands of pill presses on its platform, potentially aiding in the illegal production of drugs. Under the agreement, eBay will pay one of the largest penalties imposed under the Controlled Substances Act and will implement changes to prevent future sales of pill presses and related items. — A 285-year-old lemon discovered in an old cabinet drawer was sold at an auction in England for $1,780. Brettells Auctioneers in Shropshire reported that a family brought in a 19th-century cabinet, previously owned by a late uncle, to their facility. While preparing the cabinet for sale, a specialist found the lemon tucked away in a drawer. Inscribed on the fruit was the note: “Given By Mr P Lu Franchini Nov 4 1739 to Miss E Baxter.” Deciding to auction the historic lemon, the auction house was astounded when it garnered a winning bid of $1,780. In contrast, the cabinet itself was sold for a mere $40.