The Department of Justice (DOJ) released a report finding that Oklahoma City and its police department discriminate against individuals with behavioral health disabilities, citing unnecessary institutionalization and inappropriate police responses to mental health crises. The DOJ investigation, launched in 2022 following a complaint, revealed a pattern of escalating situations through armed intervention rather than utilizing behavioral health professionals. This often leads to avoidable use of force and unmet mental health needs. The DOJ seeks a resolution with city and state officials but may file suit to ensure compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act if necessary.
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Jaia Cruz, 24, was arrested and charged with second-degree murder in the death of 36-year-old U.S. Postal Service worker Ray Hodges. The stabbing occurred inside a Harlem deli following an altercation reportedly sparked by a dispute over a food order. Hodges, a Bronx resident, was stabbed in the stomach and later died at a hospital. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is collaborating with the NYPD on the ongoing investigation.
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A new California law mandates that baby food manufacturers publicly disclose heavy metal testing results via QR codes on product labels, starting January 1, 2025. Major manufacturers are expanding this transparency nationwide, despite the law’s California-only application. This initiative follows concerns about dangerously high levels of arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury in some baby foods, previously hidden from consumers. While complete elimination is impossible, the increased transparency aims to pressure manufacturers to improve sourcing and processing methods to reduce heavy metal content.
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Rudy Giuliani faced a seven-hour contempt hearing regarding his failure to fully comply with a court order to turn over assets to compensate two women he defamed. Giuliani claimed he didn’t intentionally withhold information, citing memory issues and a desire to protect sentimental items like his grandfather’s pocket watch. However, inconsistencies emerged regarding his asset declarations, including missing items from his apartment and conflicting accounts about the location of a signed Joe DiMaggio jersey. The judge deemed Giuliani in violation of the court order, and further hearings are scheduled to determine sanctions and the surrender of additional assets.
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Meta recently deleted several AI-generated accounts after users discovered and criticized their fabricated identities and inaccurate information. These accounts, including “Liv” and “Grandpa Brian,” deceptively presented themselves as real people with specific racial and sexual identities, showcasing AI-generated images and bios. The accounts’ removal followed media scrutiny and user backlash, with Meta citing a “bug” impacting blocking capabilities. The incident highlights concerns about the potential for AI-generated content to disrupt genuine human connection on social media platforms and raises questions about Meta’s intentions in deploying such accounts.
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Pulitzer Prize-winning cartoonist Ann Telnaes resigned from the Washington Post after the paper refused to publish her cartoon depicting media and tech CEOs kneeling before Donald Trump. The Post’s opinions editor cited concerns about repetition of a similar column, a claim Telnaes disputed, asserting this was the first time a cartoon was rejected due to its subject matter. Telnaes argued this decision was dangerous for a free press, especially given the context of recent actions by other media outlets seemingly appeasing Trump. Her resignation follows the Post’s controversial decision to not endorse Kamala Harris, which resulted in significant subscriber losses.
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The six-day state funeral for former President Jimmy Carter began in his hometown of Plains, Georgia, with a procession passing his boyhood home. The motorcade, carrying Carter’s flag-draped casket and family members, traveled to Atlanta before proceeding to Washington, D.C., for a period of lying in state at the U.S. Capitol. A state funeral will be held at Washington National Cathedral on Thursday, followed by a private burial in Plains next to his wife, Rosalynn. The procession route was lined with mourners paying their respects to the 39th president, who died at age 100.
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A two-alarm fire at the Plaza Latina Bazaar in Northwest Dallas resulted in the death of 579 animals housed in an exotic pet store, primarily from smoke inhalation. Most of the deceased animals were small birds, but also included chickens, hamsters, and several dogs and cats; no exotic animals perished. Despite the extensive damage and smoke, firefighters rescued and revived several animals, including a tortoise and a puppy, with Dallas Animal Services now caring for the survivors. The fire, which began around 9 a.m., caused a partial roof collapse and affected multiple businesses within the complex.
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Michael Kenyon filed a $15.5 million claim against the city of Phoenix, alleging that Phoenix police officers caused him severe third-degree burns by pinning him to scorching hot pavement for over four minutes on July 6, 2024. The claim cites a lack of officer training and unconstitutional practices, aligning with findings from a recent Department of Justice investigation. Kenyon’s injuries, which include missing flesh, resulted in over a month of hospitalization. The city is conducting an internal investigation, but has yet to release body camera footage.
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Tomiko Itooka, the world’s oldest living person, passed away peacefully on December 29th, 2024, at age 116. Born in 1908, she led a remarkable life, overcoming wartime challenges and maintaining an active lifestyle well into her advanced years, marked by her devotion to Buddhism and frequent hiking. Her age was officially verified by multiple organizations, including the Gerontology Research Group. Following her death, Inah Canabarro Lucas of Brazil assumed the title of world’s oldest living person.
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John Q. Hosedrinker