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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Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond dismissed felony assault charges against Oklahoma City Police Sgt. Joseph Gibson, who was accused of breaking a 71-year-old man’s neck during a traffic stop altercation. Drummond cited the officer’s adherence to training and a lack of criminal intent, despite video evidence showing Gibson throwing the man to the ground. The decision followed outrage from the victim’s community and the District Attorney’s assertion that the force used was unreasonable. Drummond maintained that the victim’s actions initiated the escalation.
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In Delray Beach, Florida, a fire truck disregarded lowered crossing arms and collided with a Brightline passenger train, resulting in injuries to three firefighters and twelve train passengers. The fire truck, with its lights flashing, proceeded around stopped vehicles at the crossing after waiting for another train to pass. Video footage captured the collision, which caused significant damage to both the train and the fire truck. The Federal Railroad Administration will investigate the incident, adding to existing concerns about railroad safety nationwide.
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A Jeju Air Boeing 737-800, en route from Bangkok, crashed at South Korea’s Muan International Airport, resulting in at least 29 fatalities and numerous critical injuries. The plane, carrying 181 people, skidded off the runway without apparent landing gear, impacting a wall and igniting a fire. Initial reports suggest a bird strike caused landing gear malfunction. Acting President Choi Sung-mok has ordered a full-scale rescue operation and investigation.
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Five-time world chess champion Magnus Carlsen forfeited the World Rapid Chess Championship after refusing to comply with FIDE’s dress code, resulting in a $200 fine and exclusion from further rounds. Carlsen cited a lack of time to change from jeans, a violation of longstanding regulations, claiming the request was made after his second game. He further withdrew from the World Blitz Championship, alleging FIDE’s actions were retaliatory against players participating in a competing tournament, a claim FIDE’s CEO vehemently denied. The dispute highlights a clash between the governing body and a prominent player over regulations and tournament affiliations.
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Body camera footage released by New York Attorney General Letitia James shows the fatal beating of inmate Robert Brooks by correctional officers at Marcy Correctional Facility. The video depicts officers repeatedly punching and kicking the handcuffed Brooks, ultimately resulting in his death from asphyxiation. Following the release of the disturbing footage, Governor Hochul ordered the dismissal of fourteen correctional facility employees, and the state Department of Corrections and Community Supervision launched an investigation into the incident. Attorney General James emphasized the need for transparency and accountability, stating that the video evidence was shocking and disturbing.
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John Q. Hosedrinker