Zachary Alam, a participant in the January 6th Capitol attack who received a presidential pardon, has been sentenced to seven years in prison after being convicted of burglary in Virginia. This conviction follows his earlier sentence for his role in the Capitol violence, where he was described as one of the most combative rioters. The recent burglary involved Alam breaking into a home, claiming to fix internet service, and then stealing electronics and jewelry before being apprehended. Prosecutors indicated that the presidential pardon may have emboldened Alam, but it did not shield him from state charges for his new crimes.
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Canada has been welcomed to join Eurovision by its director, Martin Green, after the country’s government revealed plans to explore participation in its federal budget. While Canada’s national broadcaster, the CBC, is an associate member of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) and thus eligible, it must present a compelling business case for its entry. This potential participation signifies a strategic pivot by the Canadian government, moving away from the US and towards Europe, and aims to provide a global platform for Canadian artists and cultural identity. The precedent for non-European participation was set by Australia, which joined in 2015 due to its popularity and a proposed regional contest.
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Hawaii’s Democratic governor has signed a bill into law that redefines corporations to limit their election spending, aiming to curb the influence of corporate and “dark money” in politics. This innovative approach, taking effect in July 2027, seeks to counteract the impact of the Supreme Court’s Citizens United decision. While some, like the Center for American Progress, hail it as a bold move to reduce outside political spending, the state’s Attorney General’s office has expressed concerns about potential legal challenges and defense costs.
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A five-month investigation has identified 13 previously unknown victims of US attacks on suspected drug boats in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific, bringing the total number of identified victims to 16. These attacks, which have resulted in nearly 200 deaths, are justified by the US as combating “narco-terrorists.” However, the investigation reveals that many of the identified victims came from impoverished communities and showed no clear indication of drug trafficking involvement. Critics argue these strikes have not disrupted the drug trade but have instead devastated vulnerable communities, questioning the legality and effectiveness of the operations.
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A Phoenix police sergeant has been fired following his involvement in a high school ICE protest in January. Videos captured Sergeant Dusten Mullen, armed and masked, stating his intention to provoke students into breaking the law so they could be arrested. Despite being off-duty, his actions led to the arrest of one teenager, though charges were later dropped. The Phoenix Police Chief terminated Mullen’s employment due to significant concerns about his judgment and professionalism, emphasizing the department’s commitment to accountability and community trust.
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A US citizen has been convicted for their role in operating the first known Chinese secret police station within the United States. This operation, allegedly conducted on behalf of the Chinese government, aimed to monitor and harass dissidents residing in the US. The conviction highlights a significant legal precedent concerning foreign intelligence operations on American soil.
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A Thursday ruling, issued on the court’s emergency docket and without stated reasoning, placed a stay on the manufacturers’ case. This order halts proceedings until the justices determine whether to grant full review. The stay will remain active throughout this decision-making process.
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The FBI is offering a $200,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of Monica Witt, a former Air Force intelligence specialist charged with spying for Iran. Believed to have defected to Iran in 2013, Witt is accused of revealing classified information about a U.S. intelligence program and the identity of a U.S. intelligence officer to Iranian officials. The FBI is urging anyone with knowledge of her whereabouts to come forward during this period of heightened U.S.-Iran tensions to help bring her to justice.
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Large crowds of ultranationalist Jews participated in an annual parade through Palestinian areas of the Old City, chanting racist slogans and engaging in provocative acts. The march commemorates Israel’s capture of East Jerusalem in 1967 and comes amid political maneuvering ahead of new elections. While the procession is often marked by violence, counter-protests and intervention by coexistence groups aimed to de-escalate tensions. This annual event underscores the deeply contested status of Jerusalem, a city central to both Israeli and Palestinian national and religious identities.
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Jurors resumed deliberations in Harvey Weinstein’s rape retrial Thursday after he experienced chest pains the previous day, leading to an early dismissal. The jury requested to rehear testimony from accuser Jessica Mann, specifically regarding her account of the alleged assault and her motivations for not informing a friend. Weinstein’s defense aims to portray the encounter as consensual, while Mann testified to repeated refusals before unwanted sexual activity. This retrial follows an overturned conviction and a previous jury’s inability to reach a verdict on Mann’s allegations.
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John Q. Hosedrinker