A Massachusetts federal judge has ordered the Trump administration to reinstate billions of dollars in canceled FEMA disaster mitigation funding, following a lawsuit from 22 states and the District of Columbia. The administration had halted the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program, deeming it wasteful and ineffective, and halting $3.6 billion in awarded but unpaid funding. This decision disrupted numerous projects designed to improve infrastructure resilience against climate change impacts. The judge ruled FEMA’s actions unlawful, citing congressional appropriation of the funds for these specific grants and emphasizing the public interest in upholding the law.
Read More
Two members of the Iowa National Guard were killed in a terrorist attack in Syria, ambushed by a lone ISIS gunman. The attack resulted in the deaths of the two soldiers and a civilian, while also wounding three other soldiers; the gunman was killed in the attack. The two service members killed were part of a group of 1,800 members of the Iowa National Guard deployed to Syria this past summer. President Trump vowed retaliation for the attack, and several Iowa politicians have offered condolences and expressed gratitude for the fallen soldiers’ service.
Read More
Belarus has released 123 prisoners, including prominent opposition figures like Maria Kolesnikova and Nobel Peace Prize winner Ales Bialiatski. This release follows an agreement with the US to lift sanctions on Belarus, specifically concerning potash exports, a significant economic move. While some prisoners were transported to Lithuania, the majority were sent to Ukraine, highlighting an unexpected arrangement. The move is viewed as a major diplomatic victory for Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, who has faced international criticism and non-recognition as president.
Read More
President Trump stated there would be “very serious retaliation” following an attack in Syria, attributed to ISIS, that killed two U.S. service members and one American civilian. The incident, which occurred in a dangerous part of Syria not fully controlled by the Syrian President, also left three U.S. service members wounded, and an investigation into the attack is ongoing. Syrian authorities reported a gunman linked to ISIS opened fire at a military post, also wounding members of Syria’s security forces. The attack marks the first with fatalities since the fall of President Bashar Assad, with the U.S. maintaining a presence in Syria to combat ISIS, as relations between the two countries have warmed since the recent political changes.
Read More
Police are currently responding to an active shooter situation at Brown University, following reports of shots fired near Governor Street around 5:30 p.m. An initial alert from Brown University urged individuals to shelter in place and lock their doors. Law enforcement is on the scene, and the incident is believed to have originated near Thayer Street. Authorities are advising the public to avoid the area of Hope Street near the university.
Read More
The Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation faces significant backlash from other Native Americans following the revelation of a nearly $30 million federal contract awarded to a tribal business entity for the design of immigrant detention centers. Critics condemn the tribe’s actions, citing historical parallels to their own forced removal and detention by the U.S. government. Tribal leaders are now seeking ways to end the contract and have fired the economic development leaders involved. The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) dealings with tribes are facing increased scrutiny, especially as federal funding decreases, pressuring tribes to generate revenue.
Read More
A $31.5 million settlement has been reached in a lawsuit concerning the death of 11-year-old Arabella McCormack, who was allegedly tortured and starved by her adoptive family. The settlement includes contributions from the city and county of San Diego, as well as Pacific Coast Academy and the Rock Church, following claims of systemic failures to report the abuse. The suit, brought on behalf of Arabella’s two younger sisters, alleged that social workers, teachers, and a police officer failed to act on abuse claims. The adoptive parents and grandparents are facing murder and child abuse charges, while the sisters are now in foster care.
Read More
Carl Erik Rinsch, the director of “47 Ronin,” has been convicted of wire fraud and money laundering charges for scamming Netflix out of $11 million. According to court records, the funds were intended for an unfinished sci-fi show but were instead used for extravagant purchases, including multiple Rolls-Royces, a Ferrari, and luxury bedding. Prosecutors stated that Rinsch made failed investments and crypto transactions before diverting the funds to personal expenses. Rinsch’s sentencing is scheduled for April, with Netflix declining to comment on the matter.
Read More
The FDA has recently approved two new oral antibiotics, zoliflodacin and gepotidacin, for the treatment of gonorrhea, marking the first new treatments in decades. These approvals come amid rising cases of gonorrhea and increasing antibiotic resistance to existing treatments. Both medications offer the advantage of oral administration, potentially improving patient access and convenience compared to the current injectable standard of care. Clinical trials demonstrated comparable efficacy and safety profiles for the new drugs.
Read More
Following a recent acid attack in Forsyth Park, Savannah police are increasing park patrols. The incident, which occurred Wednesday night, resulted in serious burns to a woman. Authorities have not released details regarding suspects, but the victim’s loved ones are prioritizing her recovery. The NBC News team is covering the developing story.
Read More
John Q. Hosedrinker
Native American Tribe Faces Backlash Over Detention Center Design Contract
The Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation faces significant backlash from other Native Americans following the revelation of a nearly $30 million federal contract awarded to a tribal business entity for the design of immigrant detention centers. Critics condemn the tribe’s actions, citing historical parallels to their own forced removal and detention by the U.S. government. Tribal leaders are now seeking ways to end the contract and have fired the economic development leaders involved. The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) dealings with tribes are facing increased scrutiny, especially as federal funding decreases, pressuring tribes to generate revenue.
Read More