San Diego’s City Council passed an ordinance, 8-1, prohibiting landlords from using private data-driven algorithms to determine rental prices. This measure, targeting companies like RealPage, aims to prevent potentially anti-competitive practices currently under legal challenge. The ordinance, while excluding algorithms using public data, intends to protect tenants from unfair rent increases and is enforceable through tenant lawsuits. However, opponents argue the ordinance is overly broad and could hinder the development of new housing.
Read More
Jeff Metcalf, father of slain Frisco ISD student Austin Metcalf, unexpectedly attended a press conference held by the accused killer’s parents. Metcalf’s presence, deemed disrespectful by organizers and resulting in his removal by Dallas police, was intended as an attempt at inter-family reconciliation. However, organizers asserted the appearance was uninvited and inappropriate, characterizing it as exploitation by political operatives. Metcalf was informed that remaining would constitute trespassing.
Read More
A Kyoto City bus driver was fired and lost his $84,000 retirement package for stealing $7 from fares. Although a lower court overturned the penalty, the Supreme Court upheld the city’s decision, citing the importance of maintaining public trust in the bus system. The driver’s actions, including the theft and prior disciplinary actions, were deemed to undermine this trust. Kyoto City officials emphasized the seriousness of the embezzlement and the need for strict measures to prevent similar incidents.
Read More
This article details the comprehensive geographic coverage of a service or data set, encompassing all 50 US states, Washington D.C., several US territories (including Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands), and a selection of US military installations worldwide. Furthermore, the reach extends to various Canadian provinces and territories. The specific service or data is organized and accessible via zip code. This wide-ranging coverage signifies broad accessibility and potentially extensive data collection. The inclusion of zip codes suggests efficient location-based targeting or retrieval.
Read More
Despite Treasury Secretary Bessent’s initial commitment, the IRS Direct File program, a free online tax filing system, will be eliminated. The program, lauded for its ease of use and high user satisfaction rates, had successfully processed over 140,000 returns in its pilot year, saving taxpayers millions in filing fees. However, political opposition and the shutdown of the 18F development team contributed to its demise, leaving taxpayers to utilize alternative, potentially costly, filing methods in the future. The decision has drawn criticism for undermining public trust and access to essential government services.
Read More
Maryland Senator Chris Van Hollen visited Kilmar Abrego Garcia, wrongly deported to El Salvador, meeting with him Thursday and speaking with his wife. This visit follows a court order mandating Abrego Garcia’s return to the U.S., which the Trump administration has contested, claiming El Salvador holds ultimate authority. The meeting sparked immediate criticism from the White House, while Abrego Garcia’s wife expressed hope but continued concerns. The situation highlights a broader legal battle over the Trump administration’s use of the 1798 Alien Enemies Act to deport migrants to El Salvador’s CECOT detention center.
Read More
In January, a Florida elementary school principal, Elizabeth Hill-Brodigan, and a teacher, Karly Anderson, were arrested following a house party attended by approximately 100 underage drinkers. One intoxicated minor required emergency medical treatment. Body camera footage shows Anderson appearing intoxicated and admitting to some knowledge of the party. Hill-Brodigan faces multiple charges including child neglect, while Anderson faces charges of disorderly conduct and intoxication. Both were suspended from Brevard Public Schools and are currently free on bond.
Read More
A 20-year-old, Phoenix Ikner, son of a Leon County sheriff’s deputy, fatally shot two men and wounded six others at Florida State University using his mother’s former service weapon. The shooting, occurring near the student union, prompted a campus-wide lockdown and immediate law enforcement response resulting in Ikner’s injury. Authorities are investigating the motive, but the victims were not students. Ikner, a former youth advisory council member with access to firearms, is hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries.
Read More
An E. coli outbreak in November 2024, affecting 89 individuals across 15 states, resulted in one death and numerous hospitalizations, including a child who suffered near-fatal kidney failure. The FDA closed its investigation without publicly naming the responsible companies, citing a lack of available contaminated lettuce and therefore no actionable advice for consumers. This decision, however, has drawn criticism from food safety advocates and victims who believe the public has a right to know which companies were involved, to make informed choices and prevent future incidents. The FDA maintains that its response aligned with existing policy, prioritizing actionable consumer advice.
Read More
Fruselva, a Miami-based company, initiated a Class II recall of over 25,000 Target’s Good & Gather Baby Pea, Zucchini, Kale & Thyme Vegetable Puree (4-ounce tubs) due to potentially elevated lead levels. Affected tubs bear lot numbers 4167 (best-by Dec. 7) and 4169 (best-by Dec. 9). Consumers are urged to immediately discontinue use of these products, as lead exposure poses significant developmental risks to infants. While the recall is classified as Class II, indicating a low likelihood of serious harm, the CDC emphasizes that no level of lead exposure is safe for children.
Read More
John Q. Hosedrinker