A group of 17 transgender Air Force members is suing the U.S. government over the revocation of their early retirement pensions and benefits, a move the plaintiffs say is unlawful. The lawsuit follows the Air Force’s decision to deny early retirement to transgender service members with 15-18 years of service, separating them without benefits. This action, potentially costing affected service members up to $2 million in lifetime earnings and health insurance, is part of a larger trend of policies targeting transgender troops. The Pentagon has not commented, but officials have noted 4,240 troops have been diagnosed with gender dysphoria, an identifier of being transgender.
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AP News reports that a diamond brooch lost by Napoleon during the Battle of Waterloo sold for over 3.5 million Swiss francs at a Geneva auction. The brooch, featuring a 13-carat oval diamond, significantly exceeded its pre-sale estimate. This sale price was boosted by a “private collector,” as well as the recent theft of Napoleonic jewels at the Louvre museum in Paris. A green beryl also worn by Napoleon sold for nearly 1 million Swiss francs.
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On Tuesday night, Jimmy Kimmel paid tribute to his longtime friend and “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” bandleader, Cleto Escobedo III, who recently passed away. The two were inseparable since childhood, sharing a bond that extended to their professional lives, where Escobedo led the show’s band for over two decades. Kimmel shared fond memories of their shared experiences, highlighting their unique connection and the impact Escobedo had on his life. Escobedo was remembered as a phenomenal musician who toured with Paula Abdul and a great friend to many. Kimmel announced the show would take a break due to Escobedo’s passing.
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Apple has removed two popular gay dating apps, Blued and Finka, from its China app store due to an order from Chinese authorities, a company spokesperson confirmed. This action has sparked concerns within the LGBT community, despite a “lite” version of Blued remaining available. Apple operates a separate app store in China to comply with the country’s strict internet regulations. The BBC has reached out to the Chinese embassy and the apps’ developers for further comment.
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The U.S. Mint in Philadelphia is set to strike its last circulating penny on Wednesday, ending production due to the rising costs of manufacturing the 1-cent coin. President Donald Trump ordered the penny’s discontinuation as the cost to produce them exceeded their value. While the penny had a historical significance and some retailers voiced concerns about the abrupt phase-out, the Treasury Department anticipates saving $56 million annually by halting production. Despite this change, the nickel, dime, and quarter are still in production, though their cost of production also outweighs their value.
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The UK has reportedly ceased sharing some intelligence with the US regarding suspected drug trafficking vessels in the Caribbean due to concerns over American strikes against these boats. The US has conducted numerous strikes, resulting in a significant number of fatalities, which have raised questions about potential breaches of international law. The UK, which possesses intelligence assets in the Caribbean and previously assisted the US in identifying vessels, is withholding information to avoid being complicit in actions that may be illegal. This move follows the UN human rights chief’s assessment that the strikes constitute extrajudicial killings, adding further scrutiny to the situation.
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The Shopping Trends team has observed a shift in consumer behavior, likely influencing purchasing patterns. The team may earn commissions when links are used to make purchases. The shopping trends team is separate from the journalists who work for CTV News. Further details about the team are available.
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The Shopping Trends team has observed a growing trend in consumer behavior and is reporting on it. They are sharing insights gleaned from analyzing shopping patterns. The team’s recommendations may include commission-based links, offering readers opportunities to purchase featured items. It is important to note that the team operates independently from the CTV News journalists.
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In a recent incident at a Sam’s Club in a Chicago suburb, a US citizen reported that his family, including his one-year-old daughter, was pepper-sprayed by federal immigration agents. The incident was captured on video, showing the family’s distress, though the Department of Homeland Security denied any pepper spray was deployed. The incident occurred amidst increased ICE activity in Chicago, part of what has been described as an immigration crackdown. These tactics, criticized by local activists and community members, have led to arrests and legal challenges, including court rulings against the use of force by ICE agents.
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The Shopping Trends team, separate from CTV News journalists, analyzed shopping data to provide insights into consumer behavior. Their work focuses on highlighting purchasing trends and potentially earning commissions through affiliate links. The team’s analyses aim to guide readers toward popular products and shopping opportunities. They offer transparency by disclosing their independence and potential for commission through the use of links.
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John Q. Hosedrinker
ICE Agents Pepper-Spray Family in Illinois: Video Surfaces
In a recent incident at a Sam’s Club in a Chicago suburb, a US citizen reported that his family, including his one-year-old daughter, was pepper-sprayed by federal immigration agents. The incident was captured on video, showing the family’s distress, though the Department of Homeland Security denied any pepper spray was deployed. The incident occurred amidst increased ICE activity in Chicago, part of what has been described as an immigration crackdown. These tactics, criticized by local activists and community members, have led to arrests and legal challenges, including court rulings against the use of force by ICE agents.
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