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Israel orders evacuations as it widens offensive, but Palestinians are running out of places to go - The Associated Press

3 hours ago

Israeli warplanes have heavily bombarded an area around Khan Younis in southern Gaza, prompting the military to order mass evacuations. The expanded assault has forced hundreds of thousands of Palestinians to either stay in the path of Israeli forces or flee within the confines of southern Gaza with no guarantee of safety. Aid workers warn that the mass movement would worsen the already dire humanitarian catastrophe in the territory. Phone and internet networks across Gaza have collapsed again, making it difficult for residents to communicate with each other or the outside world. Israel has vowed to eliminate Gaza's Hamas rulers, whose attack on Israel on October 7 killed 1,200 people, mostly civilians. The war has already killed thousands of Palestinians and displaced over three-fourths of the territory's population of 2.3 million people. The mounting toll is likely to further increase international pressure to return to the negotiating table. Since the truce's collapse, the military has ordered the population out of an area of about 62 square kilometers in and near Khan Younis, further reducing the space available for Palestinians by more than a quarter.
The Israeli military has ordered the evacuation of a fifth of Khan Younis, which was once home to 117,000 people. Now, it houses over 50,000 people displaced from the north, living in 21 shelters. Some Palestinians have ignored past evacuation orders, fearing they will never be allowed back to their homes. The Israeli military has been pursuing Hamas with "maximum force" in the north and south while minimizing harm to civilians. The Health Ministry in Gaza reported a death toll of 15,890 people, 70% of them women and children, with over 42,000 wounded. The Israeli military claims to have killed thousands of militants without providing evidence. The US is pressing Israel to avoid more mass displacements and civilian deaths, and the US will not allow the forced relocation of Palestinians out of Gaza or the occupied West Bank. The US has pledged unwavering support to Israel since the October 7 attack, including rushing munitions and other aid to the country. Israel has rejected US suggestions that control over postwar Gaza be handed over to the internationally recognized Palestinian Authority as part of a renewed effort to resolve the overall conflict by establishing a Palestinian state.

Los Angeles man charged with murder in fatal shootings of 3 sleeping homeless men, held without bail - CNN

3 hours ago

A Los Angeles man, Jerrid Joseph Powell, has been charged with murder for the killings of three homeless men last week as they slept at his home in San Dimas. Powell was arrested last week in connection with the fatal shooting of the man in nearby San Dimas during a robbery. Investigators using surveillance technology then linked him to the killings that same week of the three men in Los Angeles. Powell appeared in court Monday afternoon in a yellow jail jumpsuit, but his arraignment, when he will be asked to enter a plea, was postponed until January 8. The Los Angeles County Public Defender’s Office said in a statement to CNN that they are committed to presenting a vigorous defense for Powell and holding the prosecution to their burden of proof. The killings targeted some of the city’s most vulnerable residents as police believe the suspect walked up to the men and shot them as they slept on sidewalks or in alleys. The spree prompted the city to deploy hundreds of workers and partners late last week to warn unhoused residents a killer was still on the loose.

Former U.S. Ambassador to Bolivia Manuel Rocha accused of spying for Cuba for decades - CBS News

2 hours ago

A former U.S. diplomat, Victor Manuel Rocha, has been arrested and charged with acting as a foreign agent of Cuba. Rocha, a naturalized U.S. citizen born in Cuba and currently living in Miami, allegedly spied on behalf of Cuba's intelligence agency, referring to the U.S. as "the enemy" and supporting Cuba's clandestine intelligence-gathering mission. The indictment does not provide details about the information that prosecutors allege Rocha shared with the Cubans during the decades he is accused of working with them. Charges describe an ongoing relationship he fostered with Cuban handlers, working with unnamed conspirators inside Cuba's intelligence community. Rocha was an adviser to the commander of the joint command of the U.S. military in the region, which included Cuba. Court documents say unspecified evidence from the investigation, coupled with numerous meetings in recent years between Rocha and an undercover FBI agent, led prosecutors to bring the charges. Rocha is set to appear in federal court for an initial appearance Monday afternoon in Miami.

House Republicans prep for impeachment inquiry vote - NPR

3 hours ago

House Republicans are preparing to formally launch an impeachment inquiry against President Biden, as far-right lawmakers and the party's hardline base press for action. House Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, briefed reporters on elements of the Republican case against Biden and hoped the House would vote "as soon as possible" this week. The move comes as key committee chairs continue to negotiate with witnesses they believe can help develop a case for corruption charges against Biden. Jordan outlined what he believes amounts to a pattern of corruption that started in 2015 when Hunter Biden was approached about working for Burisma, an energy company in Ukraine. He cited possible charges as bribery, abuse of power, and obstruction but said "we will look at all the facts and make a decision."
Political pressure for a case against Biden comes months after House Speaker Kevin McCarthy unilaterally directed three panels in September to probe whether the president and his family engaged in corrupt business practices. House Speaker Mike Johnson argued that the response from the Biden administration to the three House panels conducting the investigation was insufficient and the GOP chairs were "being stonewalled." He predicted he would have the votes to approve an inquiry, telling Fox, "I believe we will."

Hamas planned sexual violence as weapon of war - Israeli campaigner - BBC.com

4 hours ago

Israel has been investigating evidence of sexual crimes during the Hamas attacks on the Supernova festival, with Israeli police gathered over 1,500 testimonies from witnesses and medics. Hamas has denied the group carried out sexual violence during the attacks, but the concentration of cases in one day left her in "no doubt" that there was a "premeditation to use sexual violence as a weapon of war." Israeli women's rights campaigner and lawyer Prof Ruth Halperin-Kaddari saw footage of women in several locations whose condition left her in "no doubt" that they had been raped. Hamas has denied the group carried out sexual violence during the attacks, and the UN has yet to respond to accusations of a delay. Israel has been calling on key international organizations to publicly acknowledge reports of gender-based violence, including sexual violence, in the wake of Hamas's attacks. An ongoing UN commission of inquiry investigating alleged war crimes on both sides of the Israel-Hamas conflict will include a focus on sexual violence carried out during the attacks on 7 October. Israel has not so far co-operated with the commission, viewing it as biased.

US Supreme Court torn over Purdue Pharma bankruptcy settlement - Reuters

4 hours ago

The US Supreme Court is grappling with the approval of Purdue Pharma's bankruptcy settlement, which would shield its Sackler family owners from lawsuits over their role in the opioid epidemic. The deal would provide immunity in exchange for paying up to $6 billion to settle thousands of lawsuits filed by states, hospitals, and others who have sued the company over allegedly misleading marketing of its pain medication OxyContin. The court is considering whether U.S. bankruptcy law allows Purdue's restructuring to include legal protections for the members of the Sackler family, who have not filed for personal bankruptcy. Some justices expressed skepticism towards the Biden administration's stance, while others were wary of extending protections to the Sacklers under bankruptcy law when the family members themselves were not debtors under the plan. The court heard arguments in an appeal by President Joe Biden's administration of a lower court's ruling upholding the settlement. The Biden administration and eight states challenged the settlement, but all the states dropped their opposition after the Sacklers agreed to contribute more to the settlement fund.

COP28 president sparks outcry after he claims there’s ‘no science’ behind fossil fuel phase out - CNBC

17 hours ago

COP28 President Sultan al-Jaber has faced backlash for his claim that there is "no science" behind calls for a phase out of fossil fuels, a demand that many believe will ultimately determine the success of the United Nations climate conference. Al-Jaber suggested a fossil fuel phase out would not allow sustainable development "unless you want to take the world back into caves." The remarks, made during a live online event on November 21, have been described by scientists and advocates as "farcical," "beyond astonishing," and verging on climate denial. University of Pennsylvania climate scientist Michael Mann accused al-Jaber of making a complete mockery of the COP28 talks and urged U.N. chief Antonio Guterres to speak out on the issue.
A spokesperson for COP28 told CNBC that al-Jaber has been "unwavering" in saying that keeping global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius involves action across a number of areas and sectors. The 1.5 degrees Celsius temperature threshold is widely recognized as crucial because so-called tipping points become more likely beyond this level. The COP28 host has been "excited" with the progress made so far and for the delivery of a decision on the global stocktake.
The outcry over al-Jaber's comments comes as COP28 gears up for a fight over the future of fossil rules. The language of the final agreement, expected by or around the Dec. 12 end of the conference, will be closely monitored. A "phase out" commitment would likely require a shift away from fossil fuels until their use is eliminated, while a "phase down" could indicate a reduction in their use — but not an absolute end.

Immigration talks collapse, threatening to sink aid to Israel and Ukraine - NBC News

5 hours ago

The collapse of Senate immigration negotiations is threatening President Joe Biden's national security package, including aid to Israel and Ukraine. Republicans have vowed to filibuster Biden's aid package unless Democrats agree to tighten U.S. asylum and parole laws in immigration proceedings. Bipartisan negotiations on a border policy deal, led by Sen. James Lankford and Sen. Chris Murphy, faltered on Friday amid deep disagreements between the two parties. Democratic aides claim that their negotiators have offered proposals to speed up and streamline processing of asylum claims, and even put on the table changes to the "credible fear" standard for having one's claim approved, against the wishes of immigration advocates. However, Republicans are insisting on "extreme policies" that would "end asylum as we know it" and create "expansive powers to shut down the border," which they cannot stomach. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer blasted the GOP demands as being "dictated by Donald Trump and Stephen Miller." Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell said Republicans have made "crystal clear" that "serious policy changes" on the border are a condition for passing Ukraine aid, which he said he supports.
Even if the Senate rekindles talks and reaches a deal, there is no guarantee it can clear the House, where Johnson is under pressure from hard-liners to reject any immigration proposal short of the House GOP's aggressive border bill, known as H.R. 2.Schumer took a procedural step on the Senate floor to force a 60-vote threshold vote on a "shell bill" that the chamber could use to pass a foreign aid and border package if they do strike an agreement.

1 killed in double stabbing at Macy's in Philadelphia; man arrested at SEPTA station - CBS Philly

10 hours ago

A man allegedly attempted to steal multiple hats from a Macy's store in Philadelphia, resulting in a fatal stabbing. The incident occurred around 10:45 a.m. when the man was stopped by security. After a confrontation, the man returned to the store and stabbed a security guard. The other guard attempted to save his coworker and suffered several slash/stab wounds. Both guards were rushed to Jefferson Hospital, where one guard died and the other was stabbed in his face and left arm. The suspect fled on the Market-Frankford Line and was later arrested at SEPTA's Somerset Station. The store was closed for the day, and it is unclear when the store will reopen. The suspect is expected to be charged with murder and aggravated assault charges. Macy's has stated that they are heartbroken about the incident and will temporarily remain closed as they work with law enforcement on the investigation.

Doctor treating freed Hamas hostages reveals unprecedented abuse: 'We have to rewrite the textbooks' - Fox News

6 hours ago

A doctor treating freed Hamas hostages in Israel has described the severe psychological abuse they endured during captivity. The Tel Aviv Medical Center is currently treating over 15 former hostages, who were subjected to starvation, beating, sexual abuse, and inhumane conditions. The hostages were also held in solitary confinement and faced threats from weapons and weapons-related threats even after their release. Dr. Renana Eitan, a doctor treating the survivors, urged the release of the remaining hostages as they face a long road ahead of physical and mental rehabilitation. The Tel Aviv Medical Center is actively treating over 15 former hostages and is working to rewrite the textbooks of post-trauma.

Maduro vote to claim Guyana’s territory backfires as Venezuelans stay home - The Guardian

5 hours ago

Guyana's government has expressed relief after a referendum aimed at securing Venezuela's claim to two-thirds of the country's territory failed. The referendum, which was intended to rally public support for Venezuela's claim to the disputed Essequibo region, was largely quiet on Sunday as most voters shunned the issue. The Venezuelan government has been accused of falsifying the results, with Guyana officials not commenting directly on the results but sources close to the government stating they were "relieved" by the poor turnout. Venezuela has laid claim to the oil-rich Essequibo region since gaining independence from Spain in 1811, alleging that its borders were drawn up unfairly in an act of international collusion. The dispute is being reviewed in the international court of justice, but Maduro has pleaded for the Venezuelan public to back the government to take matters into its own hands.
Venezuela's government has said that more than 10.5 million people voted in the referendum, which would be a higher number than voted to re-elect Maduro's more popular predecessor, Hugo Chávez, in 2012. However, analysts say the government figures have been widely scrutinised, and the actual turnout is fewer than 1.5 million people, less than a 10th of the population. Guyana remains on high alert due to the unpredictability of the Venezuelan president, who is operating as a one-man-show and telling the people what they need.

Strong atmospheric river to slam Northwest with over a half foot of rain, creating a significant flood threat - CNN

5 hours ago

A strong atmospheric river is set to hit the Northwest late Monday, bringing over half a foot of rain and a significant flood threat. This storm is the latest in a series of atmospheric rivers that have increased the flood risk more than the last. Several inches of rain and feet of snow have fallen since late Friday, but Monday's event will transport warmer air and drench even high, snow-covered elevations with rain. Flood watches were issued for over 10 million people across the Northwest, with a Level 3 of 4 moderate risk of excessive rainfall in northwestern Washington. The heaviest rainfall will begin Monday evening from coastal Washington and Oregon into the Cascade mountains. The first atmospheric river of this multi-day event unloaded more than 4 inches of rain from Saturday to Sunday, reducing the ground's ability to absorb more water. Heavy rainfall may also trigger landslides or debris flows in areas burned by wildfires.

White House condemns antisemitic protest outside restaurant in Philly - The Hill

10 hours ago

The White House has criticized protesters in Philadelphia who gathered outside a restaurant serving Israeli food, calling it "completely unjustifiable." The protesters, who supported Gaza and called for a cease-fire, chanted "Goldie, Goldie you can't hide, we charge you with genocide." White House spokesperson Andrew Bates defended the actions as antisemitic and unjustifiable, highlighting the cruel and senseless double standard of antisemitism. Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro called the protest a "blatant act of antisemitism." The White House has been addressing antisemitism and Islamophobia since the October 7 terrorist attacks in Israel.

Gov. Doug Burgum ends 2024 presidential campaign - The Associated Press

6 hours ago

North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum has ended his presidential campaign, citing the Republican National Committee's strict requirements to qualify for the debate stage. He blamed the RNC for "nationalizing the primary process and taking the power of democracy away from the engaged, thoughtful citizens of Iowa and New Hampshire." Burgum argued that the RNC's arbitrary criteria ensure advantages for candidates from major media markets on the coasts versus America's Heartland. He was little known nationally when he launched his 2024 presidential campaign in June, touting his priorities of energy, the economy, and national security. He participated in the first two Republican debates, offering $20 Biden Relief Cards in exchange for $1 donations. Ultimately, he was unable to gain much traction against his rivals in a contest dominated by former President Donald Trump. Burgum is in his second term as governor and is eligible for a third in 2024, though he hasn't indicated whether he plans to run again. An April filing deadline looms for candidates.

Trump, allies fire back at media warnings of second-term dictatorship - The Hill

5 hours ago

Headlines warning about a second Trump presidency could slip toward dictatorship have prompted a stiff pushback from allies of the ex-president, who is topping GOP primary polls just weeks before the Iowa caucuses. The Washington Post, The Atlantic, and The New York Times each published stories referencing a "Trump dictatorship" in recent days, arguing a new Trump presidency posed a threat to democracy. The Times wrote a second Trump term likely would be more radical than his first. Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio), a Trump ally, wrote on X, formerly Twitter. Sen. Jason Miller wrote on X, stating that Democrats & their media allies have given up on debating issues & have shifted to name-calling & rhetorical fearmongering.
The Atlantic announced its January/February issue would be dedicated to what a second Trump term would mean for immigration, civil rights, the Justice Department, climate, and more. The New York Times published its latest piece in a series focused on what a second Trump term might mean for the country. In it, the reporters noted Trump's rhetoric on the campaign trail has attracted growing alarm and comparisons to historical fascist dictators and contemporary populist strongmen.
Trump allies dismissed the pileup as the latest instance of media outlets opposing the former president, who routinely derides the press as "fake news" and previously called some journalists the "enemy of the people." Former Rep. Liz Cheney (R-Wyo.), an outspoken Trump critic, told NBC's "Today" when asked about the risk of the U.S. becoming a dictatorship under Trump.

Woman learned dad was a bank robber Ted Conrad, a 52-year fugitive, before he died - NBC News

5 hours ago

Ashley Randele, a former car salesman, had a close relationship with her late father, Tom Randele. Randele believed that Tom would tell her things because he thought she could handle it better than her mom or that she had a terrible gift of compartmentalizing things. However, before dying of lung cancer in May 2021, Randele revealed that he was Ted Conrad, who pulled off one of the nation's greatest unsolved bank heists. Before dying, Randele admitted to using the fake birthdate of July 10, 1947, when he was really Conrad, born July 10, 1949. Conrad was working as a vault teller at Society National Bank in Cleveland when he went home from work on July 11, 1969. It wasn't until Monday morning that bank managers realized $215,000 was missing, and Conrad departed Cleveland with the cash and started a new, fake life, leaving behind all of his friends and family. Friends on the podcast said that Conrad would openly talk about how easy it would be to get away with money from his bank. Ashley Randele still struggles to believe her dad was a master criminal, but she would have never guessed how many secrets he had.

Ohio Senate Republicans propose banning home grown marijuana and other changes to legal marijuana - PBS NewsHour

4 hours ago

Ohio Senate Republicans have proposed significant changes to a marijuana legalization measure approved by voters last month. The changes, which emerged in committee just days before the law is set to take effect, would prohibit growing marijuana at home, increase the substance's tax rate, and alter how those taxes are distributed. The Senate's proposal also would increase the approved tax on marijuana products from 10% to 15%, with cultivators also taxed at that rate under the revisions. Tax revenue would go toward general state funding, law enforcement training, substance abuse treatment and prevention, and safe driving training. The legislation would also reduce the amount of recreational marijuana someone can legally possess at a time and lower the legal THC levels for marijuana plants and extracts.
The Senate legislation would also address "ambiguous" rules around public consumption, with non-smoking products being consumed publicly unless prohibited by a private establishment, but smoking or vaping of the drug being banned unless inside an individual's home. Employers would also be able to set their own rules for their employees' cannabis use and testing and can fire them for use without worrying about violating discrimination laws.
The fate of the Senate changes in the full Senate and the GOP-led House remains unclear.

Top progressive Jayapal slammed by fellow House Dems for downplaying Hamas rape accusations - Fox News

11 hours ago

Congressional Progressive Caucus Chair Pramila Jayapal has been criticized by fellow Democrats for downplaying the reported sexual violence against Israeli women by Hamas terrorists. Jayapal was accused of trying to find a moral equivalence between Hamas and the Israeli Defense Force (IDF) during a Sunday television interview. She argued that the only "balanced" approach is to condemn sexual violence loudly, forcefully, and without exceptions. There are concerns over whether sexual violence is still being carried out on the dozens of Israelis still held hostage by Hamas. Jayapal has been a leader on the left on the issue of sexual violence against women, including during the "Me Too" movement. Rep. Ritchie Torres criticized Jayapal's reaction to the accusations, stating that Israel did not invade Palestinian homes and rape and sexually violate Palestinian women. She has also led legislation aimed at ending forced arbitration for survivors. Christine Pelosi, the daughter of former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, criticized Jayapal's comments, stating that "do not minimize, excuse, 'balance' or 'both sides' sexual assault – that is victim blaming we have spent decades trying to undo in the laws, the courts and the hearts and minds of the people."

Comer Releases Direct Monthly Payments to Joe Biden from Hunter Biden's Business Entity - United States House Committee on Oversight and Accountability - House Committee on Oversight and Reform |

9 hours ago

The House Committee on Oversight and Accountability Chairman, James Comer, has released subpoenaed bank records revealing that Hunter Biden's business entity, Owasco PC, made direct monthly payments to Joe Biden. Biden is currently under investigation by the Department of Justice for using the Owasco PC corporate account for tax evasion and other serious crimes. The House Oversight Committee has identified over 20 shell companies and uncovered how the Bidens and their associates raked in over $24 million dollars between 2015 and 2019 by selling Joe Biden as "the brand." Financial records obtained show Hunter Biden's business account, Owasco PC, received payments from Chinese-state linked companies and other foreign nationals and companies.
The House Oversight Committee will continue to follow the money to ensure accountability for President Biden's involvement in his family's corrupt domestic and international business schemes. The Justice Department has made a concerted effort to prevent investigators from asking questions about Joe Biden, but whistleblower testimony suggests that the Justice Department was trying to cover up for the Bidens. The House Oversight Committee continues to investigate Joe Biden's involvement in his family's domestic and international business schemes at a rapid pace.

US Navy ship 'intruded' in South China Sea waters, China says - NavyTimes.com

7 hours ago

The Chinese military has accused the US of illegally intruding into waters near the Second Thomas Shoal, a site of a territorial dispute between China and the Philippines in the South China Sea. The US Navy's 7th Fleet stated that the ship was conducting routine operations in international waters, consistent with international law. China accuses the US of meddling in waters far from its shores and has renewed its charge that America is raising regional tensions following the sailing of the USS Gabrielle Giffords near Second Thomas Shoal. The US has long been the major military power patrolling the South China Sea, an important shipping lane and fishing grounds, operating out of bases in the Pacific. China has staked claim to virtually all of the reefs and outcroppings in the South China Sea, building some into islands with runways that could be used by the military.

Ron DeSantis Predicts Success In Iowa, Pledges To Replace Obamacare - HuffPost

11 hours ago

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis expressed confidence in winning the upcoming Iowa caucus and pledged to offer an alternative health care plan to Obamacare by the spring. Despite trailing former President Donald Trump by over 27 points, DeSantis predicted that GOP voters would eventually have to choose between him and Trump. He dismissed other candidates still in the race, including former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley, who is well ahead of DeSantis in New Hampshire. Haley also secured the endorsement of a super PAC backed by the Koch brothers, which could boost her candidacy further.
DeSantis' campaign is facing further struggles as three members of the Never Back Down super PAC stepped down this weekend, following the departure of the group's former CEO last month. The staffers' departures were not unnoticed by Trump, who seized the opportunity to attack the governor. DeSantis will introduce a "big proposal" in the spring, which he says will replace the Affordable Care Act if he were elected president. He criticized Trump for failing to deliver on his pledge to repeal the law during his previous term, even as the former president has promised to renew the push if he gets reelected next November.
Trump has so far continued to dominate the GOP field, leading DeSantis by over 47 percentage points. He also took aim at Democratic front-runner Biden but warned House Republicans that a formal impeachment inquiry into the president is not a top priority for GOP voters.

Graham responds to Cheney’s dire warnings about second Trump term - The Hill

9 hours ago

Sen. Lindsey Graham has defended former President Donald Trump's reelection, arguing that it would be worse for the country. Graham, a staunch ally of Trump, has repeatedly defended him as he faces numerous criminal cases. She has been warning against electing Trump to the White House again, suggesting it could spell the end of American democracy. Cheney, a prominent Trump critic, has been on a media tour to promote her forthcoming book, "Oath and Honor: A Memoir and a Warning." She also said that reelecting a GOP majority in the House presents a threat to the country and that members of the Republican Party "haven't chosen the Constitution." Graham has stated that she will never vote for Donald Trump and will do whatever it takes to make sure that Trump is defeated in 2024.

Brian Laundrie allegedly told his parents Gabby Petito was 'gone' 13 days before she was reported missing - NBC News

6 hours ago

Brian Laundrie, the man who murdered Gabby Petito, allegedly called his parents nearly two weeks before her disappearance. The case, which made headlines worldwide, involved Laundrie being named the person of interest and being found dead in Florida one month after Petito's body was found in a national forest in Wyoming. Petito's parents, Joseph and Nichole Schmidt, allege that Laundrie's parents and their attorney knew Petito was dead but lied to them and the public by issuing messages of hope that she would be found. In an amended complaint filed in the Petito lawsuit against Laundrie and lawyer Steven Bertolino, Petito's parents allege that Laundrie told his parents that Gabby was "gone" and he needed a lawyer. The complaint also alleges that Bertolino sent a text message from Gabby Petito's phone to her mother stating there was no service in Yosemite Park in an effort to deceive Nichole Schmidt into believing that Petito was still alive.

YouTuber gets 6 months in federal prison for staging small plane crash - CNN

1 hour ago

A 30-year-old YouTube creator and former Olympic athlete, Trevor Daniel Jacob, has been sentenced to six months in federal prison for staging a small plane crash for social media clicks. Jacob admitted to intentionally crashing his plane in November 2021, which was equipped with multiple cameras to capture its demise on video. He posted a video titled "I Crashed My Airplane" on YouTube to promote a sponsorship with a wallet company. Jacob lied to investigators and a Federal Aviation Administration safety inspector, and was told to preserve the site and inform the National Transportation Safety Board. He found the crash site and used a helicopter to lift the wreckage out of the Los Padres National Forest. Jacob pleaded guilty earlier this year to destruction and concealment with the intent to obstruct a federal investigation.

Disinformation researcher says Meta helped push her from Harvard - NPR

5 hours ago

Disinformation researcher Joan Donovan has accused Harvard University of pressuring her out and shutting down her work to protect the school's relationship with Facebook owner Meta. Donovan claims that the pressure campaign came as the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, a charitable organization established by Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg and his wife, Priscilla Chan, was pledging $500 million to fund a new university-wide center on artificial intelligence at Harvard. Donovan had worked at the Harvard Kennedy School's Shorenstein Center since 2018, serving as research director and leading its Technology and Social Change Research Project. She was a prominent expert on social media and online disinformation, testifying before Congress, raising millions of dollars in grant funding, and being frequently cited by news media. In August, Donovan was hired as an assistant professor at Boston University. The filing asks for a formal investigation by federal education officials into whether Harvard was "inappropriately influenced by Meta" and whether it was misleading donors and misappropriating money given to fund Donovan's work. Harvard disputed Donovan's claims, stating that her "allegations of unfair treatment and donor interference are false."

Tyler Goodson of 'S-Town' Podcast Is Shot Dead in Police Standoff - The New York Times

4 hours ago

Tyler Goodson, a key figure in the popular "S-Town" podcast series, died after being shot during a standoff with police at a house in Woodstock, Alabama. Goodson had barricaded himself inside the house and brandished a gun at officers. The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency said the shooting was under investigation and its findings would be handed over to local authorities. The series, which was released in 2017, followed a man named John B. McLemore who hated his hometown of Woodstock and sought help investigating the son of a rich family who claimed to have gotten away with murder. Goodson featured prominently in the series and had a close friendship with McLemore. The podcast was also subject to scrutiny because it was released after McLemore's death, raising concerns that he had not consented to sharing private details about his life.

Mount Marapi: Eleven hikers killed as volcano erupts in Indonesia - BBC.com

11 hours ago

11 hikers have been found dead near the crater of Indonesia's Mount Marapi volcano after it erupted over the weekend. Twelve others are missing, and the search was suspended on Monday after another smaller eruption. Marapi spewed a 3km (9,800ft) ash cloud into the air, dimming the sky and blanketing surrounding villages in ash. It is among the most active of Indonesia's 127 volcanoes and is also popular among hikers. Some trails reopened only last June due to ash eruptions from January to February. Marapi's deadliest eruption occurred in 1979, when 60 people died. Three people were rescued near the crater on Monday before the search was suspended. Forty-nine climbers were evacuated earlier in the day, many of whom also suffered burns. Authorities did not immediately release the identities of the hikers. Video footage of Sunday's eruption showed a huge cloud of volcanic ash spread widely across the sky, and cars and roads covered with ash. Rescue workers took turns carrying the dead and injured down the mountain's arduous terrain and onto waiting ambulances with blaring sirens.

Ramaswamy calls George Santos 'insane and pathological liar,' but says expelling him from Congress was 'wrong' - Fox News

13 hours ago

Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy criticized the House's decision to expel former Rep. George Santos, arguing that the decision should have been made by voters during next year's election or by his colleagues in the House only in case of a criminal conviction. Ramaswamy argued that the expulsion set an awful precedent for the future and opened a Pandora's Box that could be exploited by other parties in the uniparty.
Ramaswamy pointed to the case against Sen. Bob Menendez, who was indicted in September for allegedly accepting thousands of dollars of bribes as part of an alleged corruption scheme to benefit the Egyptian government. Ramaswamy said that this should be up to the voters and the courts, not for fellow congressmen to overrule the Democratic will of the people.
Santos' fabrications about his Jewish ancestry, attending college, and a lucrative career on Wall Street were first exposed by the New York Times in December 2022, after he had already won his election but before he was sworn into Congress. He survived the first two efforts to expel him, but the lawmakers ultimately voted him out last week on the third try in the wake of a damning House ethics report that found the freshman congressman "used campaign funds for personal purposes" and "engaged in fraudulent conduct," among other allegations.

India's ruling party wins 3 of 4 states in elections in a boost for prime minister - NPR

21 hours ago

India's ruling Hindu nationalist party, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), won three out of four state elections in India, according to results released on Sunday. The BJP regained control of Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan from the Indian National Congress and was reelected in Madhya Pradesh for a record fifth term. The Congress party comfortably won in Telangana state, ruled by the strong Telangana Rashtra Samithi. Vote counting in a fifth state, Mizoram, is set for Monday. The elections were held last month, with over 160 million people eligible to vote. Prime Minister Narendra Modi thanked voters for their unwavering support in the states where his party was victorious. Surveys suggest he will win a third consecutive term in 2024. However, a new alliance of 28 opposition parties, called INDIA, is expected to challenge Modi's party nationally. Both Modi and Gandhi flew across the five states to woo voters before the election, promising subsidies, loan waivers, and employment guarantees.

Video shows research ship's "incredibly lucky" encounter with world's largest iceberg as it drifts out of Antarctica - CBS News

9 hours ago

Britain's polar research ship, the RRS Sir David Attenborough, has crossed paths with the largest iceberg in the world, A23a, enabling scientists to collect seawater samples around it as it drifts out of Antarctic waters. The iceberg, equivalent to three times the size of New York City and more than twice the size of Greater London, had been grounded for over three decades in the Weddell Sea after splitting from the Antarctic's Filchner Ice Shelf in 1986. It began drifting in recent months and has now moved into the Southern Ocean, helping by wind and ocean currents. Scientists believe it is now likely to be swept along into "iceberg alley," a common route for icebergs to float toward the sub-Antarctic island of South Georgia. The RRS Sir David Attenborough is part of an $11.3 million project to investigate how Antarctic ecosystems and sea ice drive global ocean cycles of carbon and nutrients.

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