The CIA employed the Confinement Box, a horrific torture method, in post-9/11 black sites, subjecting detainees like Abu Zubaydah to prolonged periods in coffin-sized boxes. Now, a similar practice has been identified at the Alligator Alcatraz detention facility in Florida, where migrants are confined in small, cage-like structures as punishment, reminiscent of the CIA’s methods. This mirroring of torture techniques, stemming from the lack of accountability for the original architects, raises concerns about the persistence of inhumane treatment and the need for immediate criminal investigations into such practices. The article connects this to mass surveillance and its potential for abuse in Palestine, and the cover-up of civilian killings.
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President Trump indicated he may impose significant tariffs on Canadian fertilizer to boost domestic production, addressing rising costs for American farmers due to the ongoing trade war. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins stated the administration is working on plans to increase U.S. fertilizer production and lower prices. This follows concerns from both Canadian and U.S. farmers about higher fertilizer costs. In response, Trump announced a $12 billion aid package for farmers, aiming to offer financial support and help them lower food prices for American families.
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Former Spokane City Council President Ben Stuckart pleaded guilty to a felony charge of impeding immigration officers after participating in a protest to prevent the transport of two legal immigrants to a detention center. The incident stemmed from a Facebook post by Stuckart calling for action regarding the detention of the two immigrants, who were part of a government-regulated humanitarian program, resulting in a large protest where individuals blocked law enforcement vehicles. Following the protest, Stuckart and eight others faced federal charges, with Stuckart potentially avoiding jail time if he adheres to release conditions. The case, which drew national attention, also led to controversy within the Justice Department and the resignation of the Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington.
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On Monday, President Trump denied having made a previous statement captured on camera just days before, and then launched a personal attack against the reporter who repeated his comment accurately. Trump’s denial concerned his willingness to release video footage of a second U.S. military strike against a suspected drug-smuggling boat, following the public release of the initial strike video. Despite having stated on December 3rd that he would have no problem releasing the footage, the president refuted this on Monday. The president continued to deflect and criticized the reporter for quoting him accurately.
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Confirmed by The Guardian, Jimmy Kimmel has reached an agreement with Disney’s ABC Network to extend his contract and continue hosting Jimmy Kimmel Live! until at least 2027. Bloomberg initially reported the one-year extension, which was agreed upon months ago. This announcement follows the news of Stephen Colbert’s show cancellation and Kimmel’s brief suspension in September due to comments regarding the killing of Charlie Kirk. The situation sparked a national debate over free speech.
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Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett, known for her viral clashes with Republicans, has entered the U.S. Senate race in Texas. This announcement follows months of speculation and the withdrawal of Colin Allred from the race, leaving State Rep. James Talarico as her primary opponent. Crockett, with a strong fundraising record and internal polling, aims to energize infrequent voters and challenge the Republican incumbent, John Cornyn. Republicans are hopeful her candidacy will weaken the Democrat party, while Crockett aims to improve Texas’ voter turnout.
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In her resignation letter, Habba cited a flawed blue slip tradition and politically motivated judges as reasons for stepping down as U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey. Federal judges refused to extend her appointment, and her planned successor was fired, leaving the role unfilled. Despite her departure, Habba emphasized her commitment to the Department of Justice, announcing she will continue to serve as the Senior Advisor to the Attorney General for U.S. Attorneys. She asserts her decision is not a surrender and vows to continue her fight, now expanding it nationally.
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Speaker Mike Johnson is facing mounting criticism and internal strife within the House Republican caucus. Rep. Elise Stefanik, a senior member, has publicly criticized Johnson’s leadership, comparing him unfavorably to his predecessor and suggesting a lack of support among Republicans. This criticism stems from policy disagreements, with Stefanik successfully reinserting a MAGA-coded provision into the defense authorization bill, and from a growing sense of frustration among members, some of whom are leaving Congress. Johnson is further challenged by a narrow majority, rising discharge petitions, and the impending vote on a defense bill that has yet to gain widespread support.
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Former President Donald Trump has issued a demand to Mexico via Truth Social, urging the release of substantial water amounts to the United States due to treaty violations impacting U.S. agriculture, specifically in Texas. Trump stated that Mexico owes over 800,000 acre-feet of water from the past five years and requested 200,000 acre-feet be released by the end of the year. If Mexico fails to comply immediately, Trump has authorized documentation for a 5% tariff on Mexican goods. This is not the first time Trump has made this complaint, and comes as the Supreme Court is set to rule on his authority to implement tariffs without Congressional approval.
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Samuel Saxon, a 47-year-old ICE official, was arrested in Cincinnati over the weekend on charges including felonious assault, strangulation, and domestic violence. Court records indicate Saxon allegedly put a female household member in a chokehold, causing serious physical harm. Police observed bruising on the victim’s neck, and there have been numerous prior calls to the residence. Saxon is currently being held without bond on the felonious assault charge, with a hearing scheduled to determine his bond status.
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John Q. Hosedrinker
Former Spokane Council President Guilty Plea Sparks Outrage, Praised for Actions Against ICE
Former Spokane City Council President Ben Stuckart pleaded guilty to a felony charge of impeding immigration officers after participating in a protest to prevent the transport of two legal immigrants to a detention center. The incident stemmed from a Facebook post by Stuckart calling for action regarding the detention of the two immigrants, who were part of a government-regulated humanitarian program, resulting in a large protest where individuals blocked law enforcement vehicles. Following the protest, Stuckart and eight others faced federal charges, with Stuckart potentially avoiding jail time if he adheres to release conditions. The case, which drew national attention, also led to controversy within the Justice Department and the resignation of the Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington.
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