AP News reports that a Navy admiral testified before lawmakers, denying a “kill them all” order from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth concerning a strike near Venezuela. Although there was no direct order for the second attack, lawmakers remain concerned. Investigations are underway regarding the handling of the military operation and whether it violated the law, with Democrats demanding full video footage and records. Pressure on Hegseth mounts as Republicans pledge a thorough review.
Read More
The family of Dawn Sturgess, who died after being exposed to a nerve agent, has criticized the UK state for failing to protect the public and prevent such tragedies. They expressed concern that the inquiry into her death did not provide sufficient plans to prevent future incidents. The family noted the report did not contain any recommendations, especially regarding the lack of risk assessment of Sergei Skripal and the inadequate protective measures, which put the British public at risk. Furthermore, the family also criticized the police for initially mischaracterizing Sturgess as a drug user and highlighted the need for more widespread training on nerve agent symptoms and improved public health advice.
Read More
The New York Times filed a lawsuit against the Pentagon, challenging new rules imposed by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth that have effectively banned most mainstream media outlets from the building. The Times argues the rules violate constitutional freedoms by granting Hegseth the sole power to ban reporters, leading to the exclusion of outlets like the Times, the Associated Press, and others. Despite the denial of access, these outlets continue to report on the military, highlighting stories that the Pentagon may not like. The Times believes this viewpoint discrimination case is strengthened by the lack of credentials for its reporters, while the Pentagon defends the policy as necessary to protect the military.
Read More
In a significant development, the FBI has arrested a suspect connected to the pipe bombs placed at the Republican and Democratic party headquarters in Washington, D.C. on January 5, 2021. The arrest concludes a lengthy investigation into the incidents which occurred hours before the Capitol riot on January 6th. The suspect, whose motive is still under investigation, has been linked to statements suggesting support for an anarchist ideology. The FBI had previously offered a substantial reward for information leading to the suspect’s identification.
Read More
In a Los Angeles federal court, Dr. Salvador Plasencia received a 2 1/2-year prison sentence, along with probation and a fine, for providing ketamine to Matthew Perry, ultimately contributing to the actor’s fatal overdose. The judge emphasized that while Plasencia did not directly cause Perry’s death, he exploited the actor’s addiction for profit, leading to the outcome. During the emotional hearing, Perry’s family gave victim impact statements, expressing their grief and highlighting the profound loss. Plasencia, who pleaded guilty to distributing ketamine, apologized to Perry’s family, as the judge pushed back against the defense that Perry was his patient, viewing him instead as a drug dealer.
Read More
A safety volunteer has been charged with manslaughter after fatally shooting a man during a “No Kings” protest in Salt Lake City. The volunteer, Matthew Alder, fired three shots, one hitting a man assembling an AR-15 rifle and another killing rally participant Arthur Folasa Ah Loo. Despite having the right to use lethal force, prosecutors determined the third shot, fired over people’s heads, was reckless. The man with the rifle, Arturo Roberto Gamboa, will not be charged, while the widow of the deceased has called the decision “moral and just”.
Read More
Newly released images and video footage from the House Oversight Committee offer a disturbing glimpse into Jeffrey Epstein’s private island, Little St. James, revealing bedrooms, a room with masks, and a dental chair. The images, taken in 2020, also show a chalkboard with redacted words and a phone with speed-dial names, furthering public scrutiny of Epstein’s activities. Committee Democrats stated the release aims to ensure transparency regarding the investigation into Epstein and his co-conspirator, Ghislaine Maxwell. As the Trump administration faces pressure to release further documents, including those from JP Morgan and Deutsche Bank, the committee seeks to uncover the full extent of Epstein’s crimes.
Read More
Former Florissant police officer Julian Alcala has pleaded guilty to 20 felony counts for stealing intimate photos and videos from women’s phones during traffic stops. Alcala, who resigned from the police department in June 2024, admitted to searching the victims’ phones under the guise of checking for insurance or registration. The FBI launched an investigation after one victim discovered a transferred video, leading to Alcala’s guilty plea in federal court, with sentencing scheduled for March 11. He faces a maximum of three years in prison, and the plea will be used as evidence in the nearly two dozen pending civil rights lawsuits filed against him and the city of Florissant.
Read More
Victims of Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell have urged judges to unseal records from their federal sex trafficking cases. This request follows the passage of the Epstein Files Transparency Act, which mandates the release of government files related to the cases. The Justice Department has asked judges to lift secrecy orders on various records. Lawyers for Maxwell, however, are preparing a habeas petition in a bid to overturn her conviction and stated that unsealing the records would create undue prejudice.
Read More
The Department of Homeland Security initiated an immigration crackdown in New Orleans, focusing on arresting violent criminals. According to Homeland Security officials, the operation targets immigrants previously released after arrests for serious crimes like home invasion and armed robbery. The agency did not disclose the number of agents deployed. This action follows similar crackdowns in other cities, and Louisiana, under the leadership of Governor Jeff Landry, has been preparing for this type of operation.
Read More
John Q. Hosedrinker