NEWS

Latest News Headlines for Tuesday February 6, 2024 – Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley has requested Secret Service protection due to a rise in security threats, as reported in several sources this week. The request follows two recent “swatting” incidents at Haley’s residence on Kiawah Island, one of which occurred while her elderly parents and their caregiver were present. In these incidents, police arrived with drawn guns in response to false reports of violence, known as “swatting.” Haley’s call for protection underscores the escalating security concerns for public figures. — U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman during a crucial four-day Middle East trip focused on resolving the hostage situation in Gaza and seeking a prolonged ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas conflict. In Riyadh, Blinken highlighted the need to address Gaza’s humanitarian crisis and prevent further escalation of the conflict, according to State Department spokesman Matthew Miller. The trip, which runs through Thursday, includes visits to Egypt, Qatar, Israel, and the West Bank, marking Blinken’s fifth trip to the region since the conflict began on October 7th. — An Iraq-based militia group, supported by Iran, took responsibility on Monday for a drone attack on an eastern Syrian base used by U.S. forces, which resulted in the deaths of six allied Kurdish fighters. This attack, which did not result in American casualties, is seen as the first major retaliation by Iran-backed groups against U.S. airstrikes in the region. The U.S. initiated these strikes on Friday against militias within the Islamic Resistance in Iraq as a response to escalated attacks on American bases. — A group of migrants was arrested in the Bronx late Monday night for a spree of citywide crimes, including the theft of women’s phones, as reported by the New York Police Department. The police executed a search warrant at a suspected hideout and apprehended seven suspects. These individuals are expected to face multiple robbery and grand larceny charges. The suspects, believed to be from Venezuela, are linked to at least 62 cases of women being robbed of their pocketbooks and phones, according to police statements. — An Oklahoma jury awarded $25 million to Scott Sapulpa after finding a local newspaper guilty of defaming him by mistakenly identifying him as the announcer who made racist comments during a 2021 girls basketball game broadcast. The Muskogee County jury granted Sapulpa $5 million in actual damages and an additional $20 million in punitive damages. Sapulpa’s attorney, Michael Barkett, expressed relief and hope for his client’s reputation restoration. The jury determined that the newspaper acted with actual malice, which allowed for punitive damages to be considered. — South Dakota prosecutors have charged a man with first-degree murder and aggravated eluding in connection with the death of a deputy during a high-speed chase. Joseph Gene Hoek, 40, is accused of killing Moody County Chief Deputy Ken Prorok, 51, while evading police using tire spikes. At his first court appearance, Hoek was held without bail. South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley, who is personally prosecuting the case, mentioned the need for further investigation into mitigating factors. — A McDonald’s franchisee agreed to a $4.4 million settlement with a teenage girl who sued over sexual assault by a restaurant manager, a registered sex offender, in Pittsburgh, as announced by the victim’s lawyers on Monday. The agreement compensates the girl, who was 14 at the time of the 2021 assault by Walter A. Garner in the restaurant’s bathroom. Garner, now 44, had previously been imprisoned and was listed on the Megan’s Law website for sexually assaulting a minor. — The San Francisco 49ers have expressed concerns about the state of their practice field assigned for the Super Bowl week, citing it as too soft. An inside source revealed the team’s worries, particularly since sod was recently placed over the turf field at UNLV for their use this week. The source, choosing to remain anonymous, shared this information amid the absence of official statements from the NFL or the 49ers on the matter. — In Michigan, firefighters successfully saved two deer that had fallen through weak ice on a frozen lake. The incident, reported by the Plainfield Township Fire Department on Facebook, involved collaborative efforts with the Cannon Township Fire Department. The deer were found stranded on the ice of Versluis Lake at Versluis Park in Grand Rapids. Rescue efforts were captured in a video, showing firefighters employing a hovercraft to access the deer floundering in the icy waters. Once brought to shore, local residents from Waterford Condos assisted in drying and warming the deer, taking measures to avert hypothermia.

Latest Headline News for Monday February 5, 2024 – In a dispute with the Biden administration over border crossings, Texas Governor Greg Abbott affirmed the state’s authority to secure its borders. During a press conference in Eagle Pass, Texas, alongside several GOP governors, Abbott urged President Biden to take decisive action on migrant crossings at the U.S.-Mexico border, which peaked in December. He accused President Biden of neglecting his duty to uphold U.S. laws, stating, “Mr. Biden has completely abdicated and abandoned his responsibility to enforce the laws of the United States.” — An Israeli far-right minister openly criticized President Joe Biden, expressing a preference for Donald Trump’s presidency to freely combat Hamas. The remarks caused a stir among Israeli leaders, especially during U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s visit to the region. Despite controversy, the Biden administration has bypassed Congress to expedite arms shipments to Israel and shielded it from international demands for a cease-fire since the October 7th Hamas attack. — Patrick Mahomes Senior, father of Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, was arrested in Tyler, Texas, on charges of driving while intoxicated, just days before the Super Bowl. Mahomes Senior, 53, faced his third DWI charge, according to Smith County records, and received a $10,000 bond. His release status was unclear. He is known for his Major League Baseball career from 1992 to 2003. — Chile’s wildfire death toll has climbed above 65, prompting the government to implement curfews and establish shelters. President Gabriel Boric announced two days of national mourning starting Monday, stating, “It is Chile as a whole that suffers and mourns its dead.” The emergency escalated rapidly with a red alert in the Valparaíso region on Friday, followed by fires in the Lago Peñuelas National Reserve. — In Omaha, Nebraska, two off-duty police officers fatally shot two men in an SUV under circumstances that remain unclear. The incident occurred around 2 a.m. Saturday while the officers were working at a local business. The victims, Fernando Rodriguez-Juarez, 26, and Jonathan Hernandez-Rosales, 28, were critically injured and later died in a hospital. The officers are on paid leave pending an investigation. — Indianapolis police are probing the homicides of two women, found killed in a similar manner near each other within days. Interim Police Chief Christopher Bailey acknowledged similarities between the two cases, saying, “We’re here out of an abundance of caution to share information with the community.” Bailey appealed for public assistance at a press briefing to advance the investigations. — Namibia’s president and founding prime minister, Hage Geingob, passed away at 82 while undergoing cancer treatment. His deputy was swiftly sworn in to complete the term. Geingob, a pivotal figure in one of Africa’s most stable democracies, returned from exile in Botswana and the U.S. as an anti-apartheid activist. He led Namibia since its 1990 independence after a long period of German and apartheid South African rule. — A collection of sneakers worn by Michael Jordan during his six NBA championship wins with the Chicago Bulls sold for $8 million at auction, a record for game-worn sneakers, according to Sotheby’s. Brahm Wachter of Sotheby’s remarked, “Serving as both a reminder of Michael Jordan’s lasting impact on the world and a tangible expression of his recognized legendary status, its significance is further validated by this monumental result.” Wachter is responsible for modern collectibles at Sotheby’s. — A collective of 30 current and past employees at a middle school in Kentucky recently won a $1 million Powerball jackpot, using a set of numbers they’ve consistently played for years. The winning ticket, cleverly concealed in a math textbook, led to their big win. This group from Rector A. Jones Middle School in Florence had been participating in the lottery together for a long time, sticking to the same numbers since 2019. The organizer of the group realized that their ticket for the January 27 Powerball draw had secured the $1 million second prize and decided to hide it in a math textbook for safekeeping. She joked, “No one looks in a math book. I knew it would be safe there … on page 200. I have checked this a thousand times.” The group members, who selected their numbers randomly, each received $24,000 after tax deductions. Their plans for the prize money vary, ranging from investments to home improvements and travel.

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.

Latest News Headlines for Wednesday January 31, 2024 – In an early morning operation in the West Bank, three Palestinian men were fatally shot at Ibn Sina Hospital in Jenin by Israeli special forces disguised as Muslims and medical staff, as reported by Palestinian officials. The Palestinian Health Ministry described the incident as “assassinations,” stating the individuals were asleep when the undercover Israeli Defense Forces entered the hospital. Surveillance footage circulating online showed about a dozen armed personnel, including three in women’s attire and two posing as healthcare workers, navigating the hospital’s hallways. — Following a drone strike at a Jordanian base that resulted in the deaths of three American soldiers, the U.S. is bolstering the base’s air defenses, a U.S. official has confirmed. The targeted base in northeast Jordan, previously not subjected to attacks, had weaker air defenses compared to U.S. bases in Iraq and Syria, which have faced continual threats since October. The new air defense system being deployed is specifically designed to counter drone attacks. — A tragic incident off the coast of Cancun, Mexico, led to the deaths of four individuals, including a child, after a tourist boat sank. The 26-foot boat “La Diosa del Mar” (“Goddess of the Sea”) was carrying 16 tourists and three crew members from Isla Mujeres to Puerto Juárez along the Yucatan Peninsula when it encountered rough seas and began sinking. Following reports that the boat was over its legal capacity, the captain was arrested. — A Delaware judge has ruled against Tesla CEO Elon Musk retaining a compensation package exceeding $55 billion, stating Musk and Tesla failed to justify the fairness of the payout. This decision comes in the wake of a shareholder lawsuit filed five years ago, accusing Musk and Tesla’s board of breaching fiduciary duties, misusing corporate assets, and unjustly enriching Musk. Tesla’s stock fell 4% in after-hours trading following the ruling. — The New York City Council overruled Mayor Eric Adams’ vetoes concerning a solitary confinement ban and a bill for documenting police stops, voting 42 to 9. City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams emphasized the need for transparency and accountability in policing, noting the disproportionate impact of unconstitutional stops on Black and Latino New Yorkers. “Public safety is a collective effort,” she stated in support of the bills. — Ohio legislators have proposed a bill permitting execution by nitrogen gas, a method facing criticism as unproven and potentially inhumane compared to lethal injection, following Alabama’s precedent-setting nitrogen gas execution. State Representatives Phil Plummer and Brian Stewart, both Republicans, introduced the bill, advocating for nitrogen hypoxia as an execution method. “Nitrogen hypoxia is an alternative method for carrying out capital punishment that has been made available in other states,” Stewart said during a press conference on Tuesday. — Oregon’s top officials have declared a state of emergency in downtown Portland due to a public health and safety crisis exacerbated by fentanyl. Governor Tina Kotek, Mayor Ted Wheeler, and Multnomah County Chair Jessica Vega Pederson announced the 90-day emergency, focusing on collaboration and response from a command center. The initiative aims to connect individuals with resources like drug treatment and intensify efforts to combat drug trafficking. — Missouri Representative Cori Bush is under investigation by the Department of Justice over allegations of misusing federal funds, with the probe reportedly linked to her campaign’s security expenditures. Responding to the initial news of the investigation, Bush firmly denied any wrongdoing. “I hold myself, my campaign, and my position to the highest levels of integrity,” she stated. She also mentioned that the Federal Election Commission and the House Committee on Ethics are currently reviewing the matter. — A woman from Everett, Washington, remarkably won five top prizes in a single lottery drawing, totaling $50,000, by purchasing four identical lottery tickets. Known only as K.L., she explained to Washington’s Lottery officials that the inspiration for her ticket numbers came from a blend of her and her mother’s birthdays, reflecting on her mother while making the purchase. The draw coincidentally fell on the anniversary of K.L.’s mother’s wedding, leading to a stroke of luck with each ticket securing a $10,000 top prize. Upon sharing the news with her husband, K.L. described his reaction as utterly speechless. K.L. plans to allocate a portion of her winnings to support local charities and animal welfare organizations.

Latest News Headlines for Tuesday January 30, 2024 – The Defense Department has released the names of three U.S. service members who tragically lost their lives in a drone attack on a military base in northeast Jordan. In an official statement, the Pentagon identified the deceased as Sergeant William Jerome Rivers, 46, from Carrollton, Georgia; Specialist Kennedy Ladon Sanders, 24, from Waycross, Georgia; and Specialist Breonna Alexsondria Moffett, 23, from Savannah, Georgia. They passed away on January 28, 2024, in Jordan, following an attack by “a one-way unmanned aerial system (OWUAS)” on their living quarters. — The Supreme Court has scheduled oral arguments for a significant case involving access to a medication commonly used in abortion procedures. The hearings, set for March 26, will focus on access to the abortion pill mifepristone. This follows an August 2023 appellate court decision that allowed the drug to remain legal in the U.S. but restricted patient access. A decision by the Supreme Court is anticipated later in the year. — Two brothers from New York City are facing charges for allegedly stockpiling explosives and untraceable firearms, along with possessing anarchist materials and a hit list. Andrew and Angelo Hatziagelis have been indicted on 130 counts, including weapon possession and sales, according to a statement by Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz. The brothers are currently in custody. — Following the United Auto Workers union’s endorsement of President Joe Biden, former President Donald Trump criticized the union’s president, sparking a sharp response from the Biden campaign as both sides seek union voter support. The endorsement by the UAW, crucial in battleground Michigan, intensifies the rivalry between Biden and Trump, with both 2024 campaign teams seemingly eager for a November showdown. — San Bernardino County officials in California have announced the arrest of five individuals in connection with the shooting deaths of six people in a desert community last week. During a Monday night press conference, officials stated that multiple search warrants were executed on Sunday, leading to the arrests of suspects aged in their 20s and 30s. All are being held without bail, and eight firearms were seized during the arrests. — Kentucky authorities reported the safe recovery of a missing 5-year-old girl, and the arrest of her father, who was wanted for the murder of the girl’s mother. An Amber Alert was issued Monday morning for Lela Black from Princeton, Kentucky, believed to be with her biological father, 42-year-old Byron Black. An arrest warrant for the murder of Lela’s mother had been issued for Byron Black. — The Justice Department has charged an Iranian and two Canadian nationals in an alleged assassination plot targeting Iranian dissidents residing in the U.S. Prosecutors allege that Naji Zindashti, along with two Canadians, conspired between December 2020 and March 2021 to kill two Maryland residents. The targets, former Iranian residents who fled to the U.S., were critics of the Iranian regime. — A woman in Sydney suffered severe leg injuries following a suspected bull shark attack while swimming in Sydney Harbor. The woman, in her late 20s, was bitten on her right leg at Elizabeth Bay on Monday evening. A witness recounted how a bystander provided immediate aid by applying tourniquets to control the bleeding until paramedics arrived at the scene. — The South Carolina Education Lottery announced an unprecedented number of top prize winners, totaling 3,351, following a Pick 4 drawing that produced the combination 4444. According to lottery officials, these winning tickets were bought for Friday night’s draw, resulting in a total payout of over $8.3 million in prizes. Depending on the ticket’s purchase price, Pick 4 winners receive either $2,500 or $5,000. This drawing marked the first instance in which a Pick 4 draw yielded a sequence of four 4s.