Former Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard, Donald Trump’s nominee for Director of National Intelligence, was briefly placed on a TSA watchlist due to an algorithm flagging her travel history and foreign connections. Although quickly removed after Gabbard publicized the matter, the incident raises questions about vetting processes for such sensitive positions, particularly given the unusual nature of a nominee being flagged for additional screening. While sources dispute her claims of political targeting, the episode highlights concerns about the interplay between foreign engagement, political rhetoric, and national security protocols. Gabbard’s past comments, including those related to Russia and Syria, further complicate her nomination.
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Following a five-day deliberation, a NSW Supreme Court jury found police officer Kristian White guilty of manslaughter in the death of 95-year-old Clare Nowland. White tasered Nowland, who was suffering from dementia and wielding a knife, causing her to fall and sustain a fatal brain bleed. The prosecution argued White’s actions were excessive and breached his duty of care, while the defense contended the taser use was a necessary response. White’s bail has been continued pending a hearing on a Crown application for detention.
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Seuk Kim, a 49-year-old pilot known for his volunteer work transporting rescued dogs, died in a plane crash in New York’s Catskill Mountains. The crash, involving a Mooney M20J aircraft, also resulted in the death of one dog, while another injured dog was rescued and a third later found safe. The incident is under investigation by the NTSB, with weather conditions at the time noted as light rain and a foot of snow on the ground. Kim was flying for a nonprofit organization dedicated to animal rescue and transport.
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Following a neo-Nazi group’s march through Columbus’ Short North, which involved the group shouting racial slurs and waving swastika flags, police chose not to make arrests. Body camera footage reveals the neo-Nazis claimed they were attacked by counter-protesters, while witnesses corroborated some of their claims. Police determined insufficient probable cause to charge the group, citing a lack of evidence that they were the aggressors in a physical altercation. Despite the presence of weapons and pepper spray, the neo-Nazis were released after questioning. The incident sparked widespread condemnation.
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Approximately 60 British troops, including counter-drone specialists, have been deployed to three US Air Force bases in the UK following a series of unusual drone sightings. These deployments aim to protect the bases and identify the drone operators, amid concerns of a coordinated operation. Civilian and Ministry of Defence police are investigating the incidents, which involved multiple drones observed over several nights. While the drones haven’t been deemed hostile, the US Air Force and RAF continue to monitor airspace and maintain a robust security posture.
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A mother in Cheshire was sentenced to seven and a half years in prison for extreme child neglect after keeping her three-year-old daughter hidden in a drawer for most of her life. The child, who suffered severe malnutrition and developmental issues, was discovered only when a visitor heard her crying. The court heard the child had never experienced daylight or fresh air and was fed through a syringe. This horrific case, described by the judge as one of the worst he’d seen in his career, has resulted in the child being placed in foster care.
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Despite Florida law prohibiting raw milk sales for human consumption, a thriving underground market exists, with vendors selling raw dairy products labeled “not for human consumption.” Driven by online influencers and a growing anti-establishment sentiment, this trend attracts diverse consumers, many citing health benefits and a connection to traditional food practices. Florida’s strict stance contrasts with most other states and numerous countries where raw milk is legally accessible, fueling a debate over regulation and public health concerns. While proponents emphasize potential health benefits and the importance of proper sourcing and handling, scientists highlight significant health risks associated with consuming unpasteurized milk, including potential outbreaks of foodborne illnesses.
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Drake’s company, Frozen Moments LLC, filed petitions in New York and Texas alleging that Universal Music Group (UMG) employed deceptive practices to artificially inflate the popularity of Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us,” a diss track targeting Drake. The petitions claim UMG used bots, paid for radio play (payola), and manipulated Spotify’s algorithms to boost the song’s streams, all while charging below-market licensing rates. These actions, Drake alleges, caused him significant financial harm and violated the RICO Act. UMG denies the allegations, stating their marketing practices are ethical and that fan preference drives music popularity.
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Following concerns from its internal watchdog about widespread civil rights violations and potential racial profiling, the Justice Department has suspended the DEA’s airport passenger cash searches. The Office of the Inspector General found these searches, often conducted without warrants and based on factors like last-minute ticket purchases, created significant legal risks and wasted resources. The investigation highlighted problematic practices, including paying airline employees a percentage of seized cash, and the inability to determine racial bias due to incomplete data collection. This suspension will allow for an internal evaluation of the program’s legality and effectiveness.
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Walmart, facing right-wing pressure, is scaling back its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. This includes ending racial equity training, reviewing supplier diversity programs, and reevaluating funding for Pride events and LGBTQ+ products. The company’s decision follows a broader trend of corporations curtailing DEI efforts amid legal challenges and political pressure. Walmart’s actions, while claiming a desire to foster belonging, signal a potential shift in corporate culture and may impact employee retention.
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John Q. Hosedrinker