A bipartisan spending deal passed by the House includes a cost-of-living pay raise for lawmakers—their first since 2009—and an opt-out from the Affordable Care Act’s health insurance requirements. These provisions, slipped into the bill unnoticed, are likely to face criticism; the pay raise is politically sensitive given Congress’s unpopularity, while the Obamacare opt-out could draw opposition from Democrats who were unaware of its inclusion. The pay raise has been sought for years, but its timing may prove detrimental. Republicans have long sought the ACA opt-out, while Democrats remain upset at its clandestine addition.
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A Houston father is pleading for assistance from lawmakers following the detention and deportation of his wife and children to Mexico. His two daughters, born in the U.S. in September, were included in the deportation. The wife is still recovering from a recent C-section, adding to the family’s distress. The father is seeking help to reunite his family.
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Mack Davis, 22, of Owosso, Michigan, pleaded guilty to a federal hate crime charge for plotting a mass shooting targeting the LGBTQ+ community. His plan involved attacking a political headquarters and a bar frequented by gay individuals, fueled by his intense hatred. Davis accumulated weapons, ammunition, and bomb-making materials, documenting his preparations online and physically scouting the locations. His arrest followed a firearms incident and anti-gay graffiti targeting his homosexual neighbors, leading to a federal investigation and his guilty plea, which carries a potential life sentence.
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A British court ordered the seizure of over £2.6 million ($3.3 million) from Andrew and Tristan Tate to cover unpaid taxes, citing their deliberate evasion of tax obligations. Chief Magistrate Paul Goldspring ruled that the brothers engaged in “a straightforward cheat” of the tax authorities, based on evidence of substantial financial transactions and a history of non-payment. The court found that the Tates failed to pay taxes on £21 million in revenue from their online businesses between 2014 and 2022. The Tates, who deny all wrongdoing, plan to appeal the decision.
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Following a reversal of its previous decision, the House Ethics Committee will release its report on former Representative Matt Gaetz before the end of the current Congress. The report concludes a years-long investigation into numerous allegations against Gaetz, including sexual misconduct and campaign finance violations. Gaetz, who resigned from Congress and denies all allegations, claims to have been exonerated by the Department of Justice. The report’s release is unusual given Gaetz’s departure, and its contents, addressing claims of sexual contact with a minor, are highly anticipated.
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A mass shooting in Towson, Maryland, resulted in one fatality and nine injuries. The incident involved a fiery car crash near a funeral home, with multiple gunshot victims found at the scene. Police believe the event was isolated and targeted, though an investigation is underway to determine the circumstances and identify any suspects. Authorities are urging anyone with information to contact Baltimore County Police.
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A 79-year-old resident of Aspira Traditions in Oshawa died from exposure after wandering outside the building on March 31, 2023, and being unable to re-enter due to locked doors. Two employees, Padmini Kisseur and Danika Harrison, are charged with criminal negligence causing death and failing to provide necessaries of life. The woman, described as vulnerable, exited the building around 7:30 p.m. and was found deceased the following morning. The ongoing investigation seeks further information from anyone with relevant knowledge.
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The US Bureau of Prisons (BoP) will pay $115 million to settle 103 sexual abuse and retaliation claims from former inmates of FCI Dublin, a women’s prison notorious for widespread misconduct. This historic settlement, the largest in BoP history, follows the criminal convictions of seven Dublin employees and the prison’s closure. A related consent decree mandates ongoing monitoring of the BoP, access to services for victims, and limitations on solitary confinement. Despite the settlement, concerns remain regarding ongoing retaliation and the need for further support for survivors, including immigrant women facing deportation.
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Following a school shooting, false claims that the perpetrator, Natalie Rupnow, was transgender rapidly spread online. These unfounded accusations, fueled by previous instances of similar misinformation, are part of a larger pattern used to attack transgender individuals. Representative Mark Pocan vehemently denounced the spread of this hateful rhetoric, directly criticizing those who perpetuated the false claims. Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes also confirmed that Rupnow’s gender identity was unknown and irrelevant to the investigation.
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Rex Heuermann, the Gilgo Beach serial killer suspect, faces a seventh murder charge, this time for the 2000 killing of Valerie Mack, previously identified as Jane Doe #6. The charge stems from newly revealed forensic evidence, including DNA linking Heuermann to Mack’s remains and incriminating digital materials found in his possession. Heuermann pleaded not guilty, and his defense attorney plans to challenge the evidence and seek a change of venue, citing potential jury bias. The trial date remains pending, but further hearings are scheduled for February.
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John Q. Hosedrinker