New sandbag-style barriers installed along the Mendenhall River in Juneau, Alaska, successfully mitigated severe flooding caused by an ice dam release from the nearby glacier. While water pooled in some areas, the barriers prevented widespread damage and significantly reduced the impact compared to the record-breaking floods of the previous two years. The city’s response involved installing approximately 10,000 “Hesco” barriers along the riverbank to protect over 460 properties. Outburst floods are expected to continue for the foreseeable future, emphasizing the need for long-term solutions.
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A lawsuit has been filed on behalf of two mothers and their children, all U.S. citizens, alleging they were unlawfully deported to Honduras by immigration authorities. Despite having American citizenship, the children, including a 5-year-old with Stage 4 kidney cancer, were deported with their parents without proper due process or consideration for their medical needs. The suit claims the mothers were denied access to legal counsel and were not given a choice regarding their children’s deportation, despite expressing a desire for their children to remain in the U.S. The families were reportedly deported following immigration check-in appointments where they were told to bring their children and their passports. The plaintiffs are seeking a jury trial, damages, and to be returned to the United States, arguing that their deportation was unlawful.
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An Alabama priest, Robert Sullivan, is under investigation following allegations by a woman, Heather Jones, that he provided financial support in exchange for “private companionship” including sex, beginning when she was 17. Jones claims Sullivan paid her hundreds of thousands of dollars to remain silent, providing supporting documentation. The Birmingham diocese confirmed an independent review board and the Vatican are investigating while Sullivan is prohibited from public ministry. Jones, who is now speaking publicly, states that she hopes her statements will give credibility to her claims.
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The White House has mandated a comprehensive review of the Smithsonian museums and exhibitions in preparation for the nation’s 250th birthday, aiming to align the institution’s content with the President’s interpretation of American history. This review encompasses all public-facing content, including social media and educational materials, to ensure alignment with the President’s vision of celebrating American exceptionalism and removing any divisive narratives. The Smithsonian, while reaffirming its commitment to factual presentation, will collaborate with the White House, Congress, and its Board of Regents on this matter. The review, which will initially focus on eight museums, will require the submission of materials and corrective actions to replace what is deemed “divisive” language with “unifying” descriptions.
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American teen influencer Ethan Guo has been stranded in Antarctica since June after allegedly providing false flight information. The unauthorized landing occurred during a fundraising mission for cancer research, part of Guo’s attempt to be the youngest person to fly solo to all seven continents. Facing charges for providing false information, Guo reached an agreement with prosecutors that included a $30,000 donation to a children’s cancer foundation and a three-year ban from Chilean territory. While relieved by the outcome, Guo remains stuck at a military base due to the severe Antarctic winter and the unsuitability of his plane for flight, awaiting permission to depart.
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The U.S. national debt has exceeded $37 trillion, a concerning milestone highlighting escalating debt and rising costs for taxpayers. This figure arrived years earlier than pre-pandemic projections, accelerated by government borrowing during the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent spending legislation. Experts warn that increased borrowing pressures interest rates, reduces private sector investment, and can lead to higher costs for consumers and businesses. Furthermore, the speed at which the debt is growing is alarming, with another trillion dollars expected to be added in approximately 173 days, underscoring the urgency for policymakers to address the issue.
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Wei Qiang Lin, a Chinese man from Brooklyn, pleaded guilty to smuggling over 850 protected eastern box turtles and three-toed box turtles from the United States to Hong Kong. The turtles, valued at $1.4 million, were discovered by law enforcement at a border inspection after being packed in socks and falsely labeled. Lin faces up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine for violating the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. Sentencing is scheduled for December 23rd.
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A New Zealand woman, Sarah Shaw, and her six-year-old son are being held at a US immigration center after being detained at the Canada-US border, a situation her friend describes as akin to being treated like a criminal. Shaw, who holds a “combo card” visa, was detained while attempting to re-enter the US after dropping off her other children. Her friend claims border officials could have filed for humanitarian parole instead of detaining her and her son, and that her youngest child is being detained “illegally.” The case reflects broader concerns about immigration practices, with Shaw’s union calling for her release and highlighting the emotional trauma of her situation.
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A federal lawsuit has been filed against ICE by two Louisiana families after the unlawful deportation of their three U.S.-born children, including a 4-year-old boy, Romeo, battling stage-4 kidney cancer. The complaint alleges that Romeo, along with his mother and sister, was arrested during a routine ICE check-in and subsequently deported to Honduras without due process or the ability to make custody arrangements. The lawsuit argues that ICE violated its own policies and federal law, depriving Romeo of vital medical care and potentially endangering his life. The plaintiffs are seeking a jury trial, injunctions for their return to the U.S., and accountability from ICE officials.
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A federal judge has ordered ICE to improve conditions at the 26 Federal Plaza facility in New York City. The order follows reports of overcrowding, inadequate food, and unsanitary conditions within the holding areas. The court mandates limiting capacity, ensuring cleanliness with frequent cell cleanings, and providing essential hygiene products and sleeping mats. These improvements were prompted by a complaint from lawyers, citing “crowded, squalid, and punitive conditions,” and specific testimonies of detainees detailing the facility’s deplorable state. The government’s response acknowledged the need for humane conditions, with the court order seeking to ensure access to legal representation through confidential phone calls.
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John Q. Hosedrinker