Andrew Taake, a January 6th Capitol attacker pardoned by Donald Trump, faces an outstanding charge of soliciting a minor. Trump’s blanket pardon for those involved in the Capitol riot freed Taake from a federal prison sentence for assaulting police. However, a pre-existing state-level charge of soliciting a minor remains unresolved, making Taake a fugitive from Houston authorities. This situation highlights the ongoing controversy surrounding Trump’s pardons and their impact on justice for victims and law enforcement.
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Acting OMB chief Matthew Vaeth’s memo directs a temporary pause on federal grants, loans, and other financial assistance programs to align spending with President Trump’s priorities. While Medicaid and Social Security are excluded, the impact on numerous other programs—including cancer research and food assistance—remains uncertain. This action, following a near-total halt to foreign aid, has drawn criticism for its potential devastating consequences and potential legal challenges concerning presidential authority over congressionally-apportioned funds. The memo specifically cites foreign aid, NGOs, DEI initiatives, and “woke” policies as targets for review.
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U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents arrested 84 undocumented immigrants in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, part of a nationwide operation targeting criminal aliens. While ICE stated all those arrested were criminals, specifics regarding their crimes remain undisclosed. These arrests coincide with Governor Abbott’s deployment of 400 Texas troops to the southern border, reflecting a broader national crackdown on illegal immigration. This increased enforcement prioritizes public safety and national security concerns, according to officials.
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Pope Francis has dissolved the Sodalitium Christianae Vitae, a Peruvian Catholic group, following decades of abuse allegations against its founder, Luis Fernando Figari, and other members. This unprecedented decision, confirmed by the group itself, comes after a 2023 Vatican investigation revealed “sadistic” abuses and follows previous attempts at reform. The Vatican’s action includes the expulsion of Figari and ten other leaders, and the Sodalitium has paid over $5 million in compensation to victims. The suppression is notable for its severity and its response to years of complaints and reporting, including a 2015 book that detailed the abuses.
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Phoebe Dong received a 41-month prison sentence for her role in the USA Happy Baby scheme, which facilitated birth tourism for over 100 pregnant Chinese women seeking US citizenship for their children. Dong and her husband, Michael Liu (also sentenced to 41 months), were convicted of conspiracy and money laundering, having coached clients on deceiving US customs officials. Despite Dong’s emotional plea citing her personal experiences and hardships, the judge denied her request to serve her sentence after Liu’s. This case highlights the ongoing debate surrounding birthright citizenship in the United States and forms part of a larger crackdown on birth tourism operations.
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A tuberculosis (TB) outbreak in the Kansas City metro area constitutes the largest documented outbreak in US history, surpassing records kept since the 1950s. As of late January 2024, 67 active and 79 latent TB cases have been identified across Wyandotte and Johnson counties, with the majority in Wyandotte County; two deaths have been linked to the outbreak. While the risk to the general public remains low, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) is actively managing the situation with treatment and preventative measures. This surge follows a concerning national trend of rising TB cases in the United States and globally.
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Matthew Inman, 39, Orange County Democratic Party Treasurer and Rainbow Democrats president, has been arrested and charged with transportation of child sex abuse material. Authorities allege Inman possessed CSAM videos on his phone and attempted to delete them upon FBI arrival with a warrant. He allegedly engaged in online conversations expressing interest in sexually assaulting a fictional 9-year-old boy. If convicted, Inman faces five to twenty years in federal prison, and both the Orange County Democratic Party and the Rainbow Democrats have suspended him.
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Following a memo from a CDC official, all collaboration between the CDC and the WHO has been immediately suspended, halting joint efforts on combating outbreaks like Marburg virus and mpox. This abrupt action, surprising to experts, contradicts the previously announced phased withdrawal from the WHO and is expected to hinder global health initiatives. The suspension impacts crucial information sharing and expertise exchange, potentially jeopardizing U.S. and global health security. This comes alongside a freeze on PEPFAR funding, further impacting global health efforts.
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Matthew Huttle, a 42-year-old man pardoned for his participation in the January 6th Capitol riot, was fatally shot by a Jasper County sheriff’s deputy during a traffic stop. The shooting followed an altercation in which Huttle allegedly resisted arrest and possessed a firearm. An Indiana State Police investigation is underway, and the deputy is on paid administrative leave. Huttle had previously pleaded guilty to entering a restricted building during the riot and received a presidential pardon earlier this month.
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Matthew Huttle, a 42-year-old Indiana man pardoned by President Trump for his participation in the January 6th Capitol riot, was fatally shot by a Jasper County sheriff’s deputy during a traffic stop. The shooting occurred after Huttle allegedly resisted arrest and struggled with the officer; Huttle was reportedly armed at the time. Indiana State Police are investigating the incident, and the deputy involved has been placed on administrative leave. Huttle’s death follows a pattern of post-pardon legal troubles for other January 6th participants.
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John Q. Hosedrinker