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.
Read More
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.
Read More
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.
Read More
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.
Read More
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.
Read More
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.
Read More
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.
Read More
A stampede at a ticket distribution site near the Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Andhra Pradesh, India, resulted in six deaths and 35 injuries. The incident occurred as thousands surged through a gate to obtain free temple visit passes during an auspicious period. Authorities are investigating the cause, though eyewitness accounts suggest overcrowding and pushing contributed to the tragedy. The temple operator apologized, and investigations into the incident and potential administrative failures are underway.
Read More
Alec Baldwin filed a civil lawsuit against special prosecutor Kari Morrissey, Santa Fe District Attorney Mary Carmack-Altwies, and Santa Fe County Sheriff’s investigators for malicious prosecution, civil rights violations, and defamation stemming from the fatal shooting of Halyna Hutchins on the set of “Rust.” The suit alleges intentional mishandling of evidence and scapegoating Baldwin to deflect blame from others. Following the dismissal of involuntary manslaughter charges against Baldwin, this action seeks to hold defendants accountable for their actions and prevent similar abuses of power. Baldwin claims the defendants pursued personal or political gain rather than justice, violating his rights.
Read More
The Supreme Court is considering a case challenging a law mandating TikTok’s sale due to national security concerns, with arguments focusing on free speech versus national security. President Trump, despite previously supporting a ban, now urges a delay to allow for a political resolution, a highly unusual intervention. TikTok argues the law violates free speech and that a shutdown would severely harm users and the platform. The court must decide on the appropriate level of legal review, with a strict scrutiny standard likely leading to the law’s invalidation.
Read More
John Q. Hosedrinker