In an ongoing audit of Los Angeles’s homeless spending, Judge David O. Carter expressed frustration over the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority’s (LAHSA) failure to provide necessary data. The judge emphasized that a lack of documentation indicates a lack of work and pressed LAHSA to expedite its reporting, operating on his timeline instead of its own. The absence of data hinders efforts to assess the effectiveness of public funds in addressing homelessness, a central concern of a lawsuit brought by the LA Alliance for Human Rights. The judge warned of potential sanctions, including the appointment of a receiver to oversee homeless services, if compliance is not achieved.
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Jeffrey Maddrey’s lawyer admitted to a consensual relationship between Maddrey and Lt. Quathisha Epps, but denied claims of quid pro quo sexual harassment. The lawyer alleges Epps initiated the relationship and is deflecting from an ongoing overtime pay investigation. Epps, however, claims Maddrey demanded sexual favors in exchange for overtime, and retaliated when she refused. This admission contradicts previous denials and further fuels ongoing investigations into the matter.
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Air Canada Flight 2259, operated by PAL Airlines, experienced a suspected landing gear malfunction upon arrival at Halifax Stanfield International Airport, resulting in a skidding landing and a subsequent fire on one side of the aircraft. The 73 passengers and crew evacuated the plane, with some reporting minor injuries despite a significant drop to the runway and the presence of fire and smoke. The Transportation Safety Board of Canada has launched an investigation into the incident, which temporarily closed a runway and caused flight disruptions. Air Canada will retrieve passengers’ belongings once the investigation is complete.
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Social media users allege Elon Musk utilized a burner account, “Adrian Dittman,” featuring a voice changer, to participate in X Spaces. This account reportedly defended Musk and engaged in heated exchanges with critics, with one instance revealing Musk’s identity through a frustrated outburst. The revelation sparked widespread debate, with critics accusing Musk of self-promotion and highlighting the challenges of maintaining public image online. Musk has yet to address the accusations directly, adding to the ongoing controversy surrounding his behavior on the platform.
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Former President Jimmy Carter, the longest-lived US president, passed away at age 100. His single term was marked by economic challenges and the Iran hostage crisis, yet he later achieved global recognition for his tireless peacemaking efforts and human rights advocacy, earning him the Nobel Peace Prize. Following his presidency, he dedicated his life to the Carter Center, significantly impacting global health initiatives and fostering international understanding. Public memorials will be held in Atlanta and Washington D.C., with a private burial in Plains, Georgia to follow.
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Taylor Bullard, 34, was arrested and charged with sending threatening emails to a debt collection agency regarding a disputed $543 debt. The emails contained threats of violence, including references to a machete and gasoline, and targeted the agency’s executive team. This arrest follows the recent killing of a CEO, raising concerns about threats against corporations. Bullard has a prior history of making similar threats, including a threat involving anthrax in 2017 and an AK-47 threat in 2022. He faces up to five years in prison.
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Kevin Colantonio pleaded guilty to setting fires around Shiloh Gospel Temple, a predominantly Black church in North Providence, Rhode Island, in February. The arson was deemed a hate crime, motivated by the church’s congregants’ race and religion, as evidenced by writings found in Colantonio’s home. Swift action by first responders prevented catastrophic damage, though property damage did occur. Colantonio faces up to 56 years in prison and a $1 million fine on four counts, including obstruction of religious practice and assault on a federal officer.
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Norovirus outbreaks are surging across the U.S. this winter, with the CDC reporting 91 outbreaks during the week of December 5th—significantly higher than previous years. This highly contagious virus, responsible for the majority of foodborne illnesses annually, causes vomiting and diarrhea, impacting people of all ages but posing the greatest risk to young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems. The illness typically lasts one to three days, though severe cases can result in hospitalization or death, primarily among older adults. Practicing diligent handwashing and disinfecting surfaces are crucial preventative measures.
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A federal judge is considering holding Rudy Giuliani in contempt for failing to comply with court orders to provide information and assets to two Georgia election workers awarded $148 million in a defamation suit. Judge Liman is dismissive of Giuliani’s attempts to avoid compliance and may infer negatively from this evidence, potentially jeopardizing Giuliani’s Florida condominium. The contempt hearing will address the seizure of Giuliani’s assets, including his Palm Beach property, to satisfy the judgment. Giuliani maintains the property is his primary residence and contests the seizure, with a trial scheduled for January 16th.
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Tragically, two Oregon men, aged 59 and 37, perished in Washington’s Gifford Pinchot National Forest after embarking on a Sasquatch hunting expedition. The Skamania County Sheriff’s Office determined hypothermia, resulting from unpreparedness for the elements, to be the cause of death. A three-day search involving over sixty volunteers and advanced technology located their bodies in a remote area of the forest. The men were reported missing on Christmas Day after failing to return from their Christmas Eve trip.
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John Q. Hosedrinker