Leroy Ramos, a 47-year-old MARTA employee, was fatally shot over a $2.50 fare in Decatur, Georgia. Police arrested two individuals but continue searching for the gunman responsible for this senseless killing. His family and colleagues remember him fondly, highlighting his kind nature and dedication to his family. The Amalgamated Transit Union is advocating for increased safety measures for MARTA drivers, including more police presence and improved driver protection, following this tragic incident.
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In response to devastating wildfires in Los Angeles County, Mexico is deploying a support team to aid in firefighting efforts. This team comprises personnel from the National Forestry Commission and the Ministry of Defense, their deployment following diplomatic discussions between Mexican and U.S. officials. The team is currently finalizing immigration paperwork for entry into the United States. Mexico’s assistance is motivated by humanitarian concerns and the significant Mexican population in the affected region.
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Michael Scheuer, a former Disney menu production manager, pleaded guilty to computer fraud and aggravated identity theft for hacking into Disney’s menu-creation software. He falsified allergen information, potentially endangering customers with severe allergies, and made other malicious alterations including adding a swastika to a menu and replacing wine region information with mass shooting locations. Although some altered menus were printed, Disney identified and isolated them before distribution and subsequently abandoned the compromised software. Following his termination, Scheuer also launched a denial-of-service attack targeting former colleagues.
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The Department of Justice’s new report on the 1921 Tulsa race massacre reveals that the attack was a coordinated, military-style assault, not mere mob violence, perpetrated by white Tulsans with the complicity of law enforcement. The 126-page report details the systematic destruction of Greenwood, the murder of hundreds of Black residents, and the subsequent denial of justice and compensation to survivors. While acknowledging the impossibility of prosecuting any living perpetrators, the report aims to provide a full accounting of this horrific event and facilitate community reconciliation. The investigation included interviews with survivors and descendants, along with examination of primary source materials.
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After nearly seven years of treatment at a psychiatric hospital, Morgan Geyser, convicted of attempting to murder her classmate in a Slender Man-inspired attack, will be released. A judge granted her release following testimony from three psychologists who confirmed her significant progress and reduced risk. While acknowledging the severity of the crime, the court determined Geyser has maximized her treatment and poses no further threat to public safety. Her release will be overseen by the state, with Geyser placed in a group home and subject to continued supervision.
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2024 marks the first year to exceed the symbolic 1.5°C global warming threshold above pre-industrial levels, according to Copernicus Climate Service data, making it the hottest year on record. This surpasses the previous record set in 2023 by over 0.1°C, highlighting a concerning trend of escalating global temperatures. While this does not represent a breach of the long-term 1.5°C target agreed upon in Paris, it brings the world significantly closer to that critical threshold. The increased warming is primarily attributed to human emissions of greenhouse gases, exacerbated by natural weather patterns like El Niño, underscoring the urgent need for emission reductions.
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A water-dropping “super scooper” aircraft fighting the Palisades Fire in Southern California was struck and damaged by a civilian drone, resulting in the aircraft’s grounding. The drone caused a significant hole in the plane’s wing, though the aircraft landed safely. The FAA is investigating the incident, noting that interfering with firefighting efforts is a federal crime punishable by fines and imprisonment. The agency emphasizes that unauthorized drone flights within temporary flight restrictions are illegal.
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The Kenneth Fire, burning over 950 acres in Los Angeles’ West Hills, is under investigation as potential arson. Authorities have detained a suspect after residents apprehended a man attempting to ignite multiple fires in the Woodland Hills area with a blowtorch. This individual, arrested near Arcos Drive and Galendo Street, may be connected to the Kenneth Fire, according to a police source. The arrest followed reports of the man attempting to set fire to Christmas trees and garbage cans.
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Nicolás Maduro’s inauguration on Friday marks a significant escalation of authoritarianism in Venezuela, following a widely disputed 2024 election widely believed to have been stolen from Edmundo González. Despite González’s vow to return and challenge Maduro, the regime, led by Diosdado Cabello, has vowed to arrest him and quell any dissent with a major security force deployment. Experts characterize the regime’s actions as a transition from electoral authoritarianism to a closed, hegemonic dictatorship, marked by a brutal crackdown on the opposition and widespread human rights abuses. While the opposition plans large-scale protests and hopes for a military uprising, analysts remain skeptical of Maduro’s imminent removal from power given his regime’s resilience to past challenges.
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A Clean Label Project investigation revealed that many over-the-counter protein powders contain concerning levels of lead and cadmium, exceeding California’s Proposition 65 safety limits in 47% of samples. Plant-based, organic, and chocolate-flavored powders showed the highest contamination, with organic products containing three times more lead and twice the cadmium compared to non-organic options. These heavy metals are absorbed by plants from contaminated soil, and chocolate flavoring significantly increased contamination levels. While BPA levels have decreased since a 2018 study, consumers are advised to choose whey or egg-based vanilla protein powders for lower heavy metal content.
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John Q. Hosedrinker