Karen Bennett, a former Georgia state House member, has been charged with making false statements to collect $13,940 in federal unemployment benefits during the pandemic, according to federal prosecutors. Bennett waived indictment, pleaded not guilty, and was released on bail, subsequently resigning from the House. This is the second Democratic House member to face such charges, following Rep. Sharon Henderson, who was indicted in December. Prosecutors allege Bennett, a physical therapist, falsely claimed she was unable to work due to quarantine and failed to disclose income from a church.
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A Phoenix man and his wife were detained by Border Patrol agents after returning from a cruise in Miami, Florida. Jose “Joey” Martinez was taken into custody after agents entered his cabin and handcuffed him, later stating he was flagged due to a name match with someone wanted for a crime. Despite providing extensive identification, including a passport, Real ID, veteran card, concealed carry permit, and TSA PreCheck, Martinez was detained for over an hour and had his picture and fingerprints taken. His wife, who has dual citizenship, was traumatized by the incident and is now considering relocating to Belgium due to the perceived lack of safety.
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In Salina, Kansas, a father and his partner face charges of child abuse and endangerment. The charges stem from an incident where a young girl was allegedly punished for wetting her pants while visiting her father in McPherson. Court documents state the child was reportedly forced to stand outside in freezing temperatures for over an hour, wearing only underwear. Authorities also noted bruising on the child from being struck with a spoon.
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Following a fatal shooting by a federal immigration officer in Minneapolis, federal authorities have blocked state investigators from accessing evidence, asserting Minnesota’s lack of jurisdiction. Legal experts are debating whether a federal officer can be criminally investigated under state law while performing a federally authorized operation. The FBI has denied Minnesota law enforcement involvement in the investigation. The state is evaluating options, but federal officials maintain control, citing the Supremacy Clause and potential immunity.
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Republican Ohio gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy has expressed concern regarding federal drug trafficking charges against his family’s former bodyguard, Justin Salsburey. Salsburey and his wife, Ruthann Rankin, are accused of conspiring to distribute large quantities of narcotics via mail. The security firm that employed Salsburey immediately removed him from the Ramaswamy family’s detail upon learning of the charges. Despite passing multiple background checks and drug tests, Salsburey is currently being held in jail.
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The federal death penalty trial for Luigi Mangione, accused of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, could begin in December or January 2027, according to a judge’s ruling. The judge will make a decision regarding whether the death penalty will be sought, as the defense is attempting to prevent prosecutors from doing so. The defense is also seeking to have certain charges thrown out, and to exclude evidence obtained during Mangione’s arrest. Mangione has pleaded not guilty to both federal and state murder charges.
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Minneapolis Public Schools announced they will offer remote learning options to families as a response to increased federal immigration enforcement within the city. This decision aims to protect students and families who may be hesitant to attend in-person classes due to fear of immigration actions. The remote learning option is designed to ensure continued access to education while prioritizing the safety and well-being of the school community during this period. The district has not yet specified the exact details or duration of the remote learning program.
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In Minneapolis, Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty urged the public to submit any evidence related to the fatal shooting of Renee Good by an ICE officer directly to local investigators. Moriarty expressed concerns regarding the Trump administration’s decision to exclude state and local agencies from the investigation, emphasizing that her office retains jurisdiction. The announcement followed widespread protests in Minneapolis and other cities, as well as a separate incident where federal immigration officers shot and wounded two people in Portland, Oregon. Video evidence of the shooting shows an officer approaching a vehicle, then immediately firing shots as the vehicle moved forward.
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Fort Greely, an Alaskan Army base crucial for U.S. missile defense, faced critical disruptions in food service due to a workforce reduction attributed to staff retirements, hiring freezes, and a buyout program. The resulting shortage of essential civilian cooks threatened mission success, leading to an emergency contract to hire additional staff. Despite these efforts, the base, which houses the 49th Missile Defense Battalion, resorted to temporary measures like cash allowances and vendor-supplied meals. This situation reflects a broader issue of civilian workforce instability affecting soldier quality of life, further complicated by cuts to military cook positions.
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A cell phone video, purportedly capturing the perspective of the ICE officer involved, has emerged concerning the shooting of Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis. This footage is currently under review and is providing new insights into the events leading up to the confrontation. NBC News reporters Tom Winter and Julia Ainsley are analyzing the video and its implications for the ongoing investigation. The video’s contents are expected to shed light on the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
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John Q. Hosedrinker
Minneapolis Schools Shift to Remote Learning Amid ICE Fears
Minneapolis Public Schools announced they will offer remote learning options to families as a response to increased federal immigration enforcement within the city. This decision aims to protect students and families who may be hesitant to attend in-person classes due to fear of immigration actions. The remote learning option is designed to ensure continued access to education while prioritizing the safety and well-being of the school community during this period. The district has not yet specified the exact details or duration of the remote learning program.
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