News

Deputy who killed Sonya Massey was removed from the Army, had DUIs and needed ‘high stress decision’ classes, records show

As I sit down to reflect on the alarming news about Deputy Sean Grayson, the man who tragically killed Sonya Massey, it’s impossible not to feel a wave of frustration and disbelief wash over me. The fact that Grayson had a track record of being kicked out of the army for misconduct, multiple DUIs, and the need for ‘high stress decision’ classes is deeply concerning. How did he manage to work at six different Illinois law enforcement agencies in just four years despite these glaring red flags? It’s a textbook example of someone who should never have been allowed to carry a gun, let alone hold a position of authority as a law enforcement officer.… Continue reading

Southwest to get rid of open seating, offer extra legroom in biggest shift in its history

As a frequent flyer who has relied on Southwest Airlines for years, the recent announcement of the airline’s decision to eliminate open seating and introduce extra legroom as a paid option is disheartening. Southwest’s unique open seating model has been a defining feature of the airline since its inception, setting it apart from other carriers in the industry. The ability to board based on check-in time and choose your own seat on the plane was not only convenient but also made the flying experience more flexible and less stressful for many passengers.

The move to offer pricier seats with extra legroom and assign seats to passengers represents a significant departure from Southwest’s traditional approach.… Continue reading

NORAD jets intercept 2 Russian and 2 Chinese bombers off Alaskan coast

An age ago, I worked for NORAD while stationed in Alaska, maintaining the computers that were used to track these interceptions. They used to give photographs of the intercepted Soviet bombers to everyone on duty at the ROCC during the vent. I have a folder of Tu-95 photos. After the Berlin Wall came down, the number of interceptions dropped to almost nothing for many years. During the Cold War this was called “Wednesday”. Obviously in response to the 2 B-52s the other day. Sabre rattling no doubt… this dance is as old as time.

The recent incident where NORAD jets intercepted 2 Russian and 2 Chinese bombers off the Alaskan coast has caused a stir in the media and amongst the public.… Continue reading

Suspect identified after abandoned newborn found crying near Houston dumpster: Police

The news of a newborn baby being found near a dumpster in Houston is nothing short of heartbreaking. The fact that a helpless infant was abandoned in such a cruel and inhumane way is truly disturbing. It is a stark reminder of the harsh realities that exist when abortion access is restricted and women are forced into situations where they feel like they have no other choice.

The consequences of limiting access to safe and legal abortion are far-reaching and devastating. When women are denied the right to make decisions about their own bodies and reproductive health, we see the grim outcomes play out in real life.… Continue reading

Customers who save on electric bills could be forced to pay utility company for lost profits

Customers who save on electric bills could be forced to pay the utility company for lost profits. Sounds outrageous, right? Well, it seems like a dystopian nightmare where basic human needs are turned into profit-churning machines. The idea that just because people are using less electricity, they should be punished financially is absurd. Yet, here we are, facing the reality of being charged for not consuming goods or services at a rate deemed profitable by the corporation.

In Louisiana, customers who participate in energy efficiency programs could potentially face fees for the electricity they would have used if it weren’t for their efforts to save energy.… Continue reading

California education official embezzled over $16 million, hid cash in mini fridge, officials say

I can’t help but feel a deep sense of outrage and disappointment when I read about the California education official who embezzled over $16 million from the school district. The fact that this man, Jorge Armando Contreras, managed the fiscal operations of a school district where 81% of students are classified as socio-economically disadvantaged is particularly galling. How could someone in a position of trust, overseeing the financial well-being of a district already struggling with limited resources, stoop so low as to steal such an exorbitant amount of money?

It’s mind-boggling to think about the audacity and deception that must have gone into this blatant act of embezzlement.… Continue reading

Olympic athlete amputates finger to play in 2024 Paris Games

As I delved into the captivating tale of Matthew Dawson, the Australian hockey player who made the bold decision to amputate his finger to secure his spot in the 2024 Paris Games, I was both awestruck and perplexed. The sacrifice he made, chopping off the tip of his finger to continue pursuing his dream of competing on an Olympic stage, is truly a testament to the dedication and passion that athletes possess. It made me pause and ponder the lengths to which individuals are willing to go to achieve their goals, especially in the fiercely competitive realm of professional sports.

The concept of amputating a body part, even if it’s just a small section of a finger, in order to continue participating in the Olympics may seem extreme to some.… Continue reading

First positive doping test at Paris Olympics is Iraqi judoka for anabolic steroids

The news of the first positive doping test at the Paris Olympics being an Iraqi judoka for anabolic steroids is not entirely surprising, yet it still manages to raise eyebrows. The prevalence of doping in high-level athletics is not a new phenomenon, but it continues to be a topic of controversy and debate. As someone who has served in Iraq during the Global War on Terrorism, the idea of athletes from the country resorting to performance-enhancing drugs is not unfamiliar. The accessibility and affordability of such substances in certain regions of the world can often lead individuals to make such decisions.… Continue reading

Nebraska teen accused of derailing train, recording the crash and posting it online

As I sit here and ponder the recent news of a Nebraska teen being accused of derailing a train, recording the crash, and posting it online, I can’t help but feel a sense of unease. The idea that someone would go to such lengths for the sake of content creation is alarming, to say the least. While I’m not one to advocate for the creation of new laws where existing ones are already in place, it is essential to consider the implications of allowing streamers to engage in dangerous activities without facing appropriate consequences.

The fact that this teenager reportedly approached an investigator after the crash and nonchalantly speculated on what might have caused the derailment is unsettling.… Continue reading

Harvey Weinstein in hospital with Covid and double pneumonia, his team says

Harvey Weinstein in hospital with Covid and double pneumonia, his team says.

May he get the compassion and respect that he gave his victims. The viruses came in a group because they knew it was a bad idea to be alone in a room with him. I hope he’s very uncomfortable and having a miserable time. It’s almost poetic justice that he’s now facing the consequences of his actions. The fact that he used to smoke in the office long after it was banned adds a layer of irony to his current condition.

Intubate him from both ends. So how about them Mets?… Continue reading