A rare EF1 tornado with 90 mph winds touched down in Scotts Valley, California, injuring five people and causing significant damage to the city’s main street. The tornado, part of a larger storm system including an atmospheric river, overturned vehicles and downed power lines, leading to widespread power outages in Santa Cruz County. The damage included bent utility poles and extensive property damage along Mount Hermon Road, which remained closed for repairs. The incident is unusual for California, which averages only about 11 tornadoes annually.
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Robert Duffy (42) and Jeremy Folcik (32) were arrested on Long Island, MA, following a hazardous drone operation near Boston’s Logan International Airport. The pair were apprehended after a police officer detected a drone dangerously close to the airport airspace at 4:30 PM local time. One drone was recovered from Duffy’s backpack; a third suspect escaped by boat. Charges include trespassing, with potential further charges and fines related to the drone operation pending.
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Founded in 1846, the Associated Press (AP) is a globally recognized independent news organization committed to delivering unbiased, factual reporting. AP’s comprehensive news coverage reaches over half the world’s population daily, maintaining its position as a leading source of accurate and timely information. The organization also provides essential technology and services to the news industry. This commitment to journalistic integrity and technological innovation ensures AP’s continued relevance in the global landscape.
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Former Speaker Nancy Pelosi underwent a successful hip replacement at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany after sustaining a leg injury during a congressional delegation trip to Luxembourg. The procedure followed her admission to a Luxembourg hospital for evaluation and subsequent medevac transport facilitated by the Department of Defense. Pelosi, 84, expressed gratitude for the medical care received in both Luxembourg and Germany. She remains an influential figure in the Democratic party, having recently won re-election to Congress.
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A Nevada federal jury awarded Kirstin Lobato, now Blaise, $34 million in compensatory damages and $10,000 in punitive damages from two retired Las Vegas detectives, finding they fabricated evidence and inflicted emotional distress during her wrongful conviction for a 2001 murder. Lobato, wrongly convicted twice and imprisoned for nearly 16 years, was exonerated in 2017 after new evidence proved her innocence. The jury’s verdict concluded that Las Vegas police were responsible for her ordeal; the department had preemptively agreed to pay damages should the jury find in Lobato’s favor. The detectives’ attorney plans to appeal the decision.
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Bob Fernandez, a 100-year-old Pearl Harbor survivor and USS Curtiss veteran, passed away peacefully at his nephew’s home in California. His death followed a recent stroke that prevented him from attending the 83rd anniversary commemoration in Hawaii. A mess cook during the attack, Fernandez witnessed firsthand the bombing and its devastating impact, losing shipmates in the process. He lived a full life, marked by his naval service, community involvement, and generosity, leaving behind a legacy of kindness.
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Luigi Mangione, charged with the second-degree murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, has retained high-profile attorney Karen Friedman Agnifilo. New evidence, including a 3D-printed gun matching shell casings at the crime scene and matching fingerprints, strengthens the case against Mangione, who is currently fighting extradition from Pennsylvania. While Mangione’s Pennsylvania attorney anticipates a not-guilty plea, the NYPD report suggests the killing was motivated by anger towards corporate greed, citing a “manifesto” found on Mangione. The extradition process is underway, with both governors expected to cooperate.
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Kash Patel’s nomination as FBI director has raised concerns among former FBI officials due to his lack of experience and potential for unchecked power. With Republican support secured and the current director’s impending resignation, Patel’s confirmation is highly likely. Former officials warn that this could lead to partisan investigations, manipulation of background checks, and access to sensitive files, all without the typical oversight mechanisms. Patel’s close ties to Trump and shared distrust of the FBI exacerbate these concerns, potentially jeopardizing the bureau’s integrity and operational effectiveness.
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Suchir Balaji, a 26-year-old former OpenAI researcher, was found deceased in his San Francisco apartment; the San Francisco Office of the Chief Medical Examiner ruled his death a suicide. Prior to his death, Balaji publicly voiced concerns about OpenAI’s alleged copyright violations in developing ChatGPT, believing the technology threatened creators’ livelihoods. His death follows ongoing legal battles against OpenAI regarding the use of copyrighted material in training AI models. OpenAI has expressed its condolences.
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Following the mandated recertification of Medicaid recipients, over 5 million children nationwide have lost their coverage. Many cases appear to stem from procedural complexities and administrative hurdles. The challenges faced by families are highlighted by the story of a Colorado father fighting to restore his daughter’s Medicaid benefits. This situation underscores the significant impact of these eligibility reviews on vulnerable populations.
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John Q. Hosedrinker
Pelosi’s European Hip Surgery Sparks Healthcare Debate
Former Speaker Nancy Pelosi underwent a successful hip replacement at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany after sustaining a leg injury during a congressional delegation trip to Luxembourg. The procedure followed her admission to a Luxembourg hospital for evaluation and subsequent medevac transport facilitated by the Department of Defense. Pelosi, 84, expressed gratitude for the medical care received in both Luxembourg and Germany. She remains an influential figure in the Democratic party, having recently won re-election to Congress.
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