Yolanda Borucki, a childcare centre manager, was acquitted of computer hacking charges after reporting her colleague, Ashley Paul Griffith, to authorities. Despite initial dismissal of her concerns, Griffith was later convicted of 307 child sexual offences and sentenced to life imprisonment. The magistrate found insufficient evidence that Borucki acted without permission or caused significant harm by sharing information to alert the media. Borucki’s lawyer called her actions heroic, highlighting the need for an inquiry into how Griffith was allowed to work with children for so long.
Read More
A 72-year-old French woman, Gisèle Pélicot, testified in the trial of 51 men accused of raping her, including her 71-year-old husband, Dominique. Gisèle learned of the decade-long abuse after police discovered photographic evidence of the rapes, which her husband had filmed and orchestrated after secretly drugging her. Dominique admitted to police that he derived pleasure from watching others rape his unconscious wife, and the court heard details of his meticulous planning to facilitate the assaults. Gisèle, who waived her anonymity, aims to expose the accused and prevent future such crimes.
Read More
Over 11,000 Starbucks baristas, represented by Workers United, will begin a five-day strike on Friday, impacting hundreds of stores by Christmas Eve unless a deal is reached. The union demands improved wages, staffing levels, and scheduling, citing a significant pay disparity between baristas and CEO Brian Niccol’s substantial compensation. Starbucks counters with claims of above-average pay and benefits, averaging over $30 per hour for 20-hour-per-week employees. The strike coincides with other labor actions, including a Teamsters union protest against Amazon, highlighting broader concerns about worker compensation and conditions.
Read More
Multiple US government agencies are investigating TP-Link routers over security vulnerabilities and potential ties to Chinese cyberattacks, raising the possibility of a nationwide ban within the next year. The Commerce Department is reportedly leading the investigation, which includes subpoenas to the company and could result in the prohibition of TP-Link router sales. This follows a Microsoft report implicating TP-Link routers in a significant Chinese hacking campaign and concerns over the company’s response to security flaws. A ban would significantly impact millions of US consumers and various government agencies that utilize TP-Link’s affordable and widely prevalent routers.
Read More
In other news, a 32-year-old Walker, Michigan man was arrested for stabbing his company president during a staff meeting in Muskegon. The suspect fled the scene but was apprehended 15 minutes later. The victim underwent surgery and is in serious but stable condition; the motive remains under investigation. Police described the suspect as having a previously quiet demeanor.
Read More
A temporary drone ban affecting 22 New Jersey cities is in effect until January 17th, authorizing the use of deadly force against unmanned aircraft posing an imminent threat. This action follows weeks of unexplained drone sightings near critical infrastructure, prompting public concern and conspiracy theories. While the White House and Congress have downplayed the threat, the ban restricts drone operation below 400 feet, with exceptions for certain governmental and commercial operations. Investigations are ongoing, despite assertions that many sightings involved ordinary aircraft.
Read More
Body camera footage shows Louisville Lt. Caleb Stewart citing a pregnant woman experiencing homelessness for violating Kentucky’s street camping ban, even after she stated she was in labor and her water broke. Stewart expressed skepticism about her claim and issued the citation regardless of the apparent medical emergency. This incident highlights the conflict between enforcing the new law and providing compassionate care to vulnerable individuals, particularly pregnant women experiencing homelessness. The woman later gave birth to a healthy child, but the event underscores the potentially harmful consequences of criminalizing homelessness.
Read More
Big Lots’ anticipated sale to Nexus Capital Management has failed, leading the retailer to initiate going-out-of-business sales across all its stores. Despite this action, the company remains optimistic about securing an alternative sale by early January. Efforts to complete a transaction with Nexus or another buyer are ongoing. Until then, Big Lots will continue normal operations in stores and online.
Read More
During a Charlotte Hornets game, a mascot gave a young fan a PlayStation 5 as part of an on-court skit, only to have Hornets staff later retrieve the console and replace it with a jersey. This action, captured on video and viewed millions of times, prompted an apology from the Hornets organization. The team admitted poor communication and decision-making led to the incident. Subsequently, the Hornets contacted the family, apologized, and promised to deliver the PlayStation 5 along with VIP game tickets.
Read More
Following their 2019 arrival in Washington state, four nests of the invasive northern giant hornet were successfully eradicated through a combination of public reporting and targeted trapping efforts. Eradication involved tracking devices and the destruction of colonies, culminating in the discovery and elimination of a nest containing nearly 1,500 hornets in 2023. Despite this success, the potential for future infestations remains, necessitating continued vigilance and trapping. Although rarely attacking humans, these hornets pose a significant threat, resulting in dozens of deaths annually.
Read More
John Q. Hosedrinker