World’s largest urban wildlife crossing under construction in CA
Southern California’s 10-lane Highway 101, which sees approximately 400,000 vehicles daily, will soon be home to the largest urban wildlife crossing globally. Currently, portions of Highway 101 cut through Los Angeles, isolating wildlife from their natural habitat and impacting species survival.
Over the past two decades, at least 26 mountain lions have lost their lives attempting to cross the highway. To address this issue, California is constructing a wildlife walking corridor to allow animals to safely traverse this section of the highway.
Wildlife advocates emphasize that this crossing will not only prevent wildlife fatalities but also facilitate mountain lion breeding and their access to food.
“There are very few people who don’t get upset when they see a dead animal on the side of the road,” Beth Pratt, the regional executive director for the National Wildlife Federation, told CBS News. “So I think this is something that within a time when we agree on very little, we pretty much agree on wildlife crossings.”
These crossings are not unique to the United States. Across 43 states, there are more than 1,500 wildlife crossings. For instance, the wildlife bridge on Snoqualmie Pass near Seattle, Washington, allows coyotes, elk, deer, and other animals to safely move from one side of Interstate-90 to the other.
Internationally, Australia has also implemented similar solutions. On Christmas Island National Park, a bridge assists millions of red crabs during their migration to the ocean, preventing collisions with passing cars.
California’s upcoming Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing will blend seamlessly into the natural habitat on both sides of Highway 101, providing animals with easier access to food, shelter and mates.
Upon completion in early 2026, it will claim the title of the world’s largest wildlife crossing.
Biden’s physician responds to reports on Parkinson’s expert visits
President Joe Biden’s physician releases a letter as questions surround a Parkinson’s expert’s repeated visits to the White House. And former President Donald Trump’s deadline to pick a vice president nears with the Republican National Convention just days away. These stories and more highlight The Morning Rundown for Tuesday, July 9, 2024.
Biden’s physician responds to reports on Parkinson’s disease expert visits
Ever since President Joe Biden’s self-described “bad night” at the presidential debate, he and his team have had to field questions about his health. That was no different on Monday, July 8, when the concerns centered on a Parkinson’s disease expert who had recently visited the White House on several occasions.
According to public visitor logs, Dr. Kevin Cannard — a neurologist and “movement disorders specialist” from Walter Reed National Military Medical Center — visited the White House eight times in the eight-month span between July 2023 and March 2024, including a visit with the president’s personal physician.
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre was asked repeatedly about the visits during Monday’s press briefing. Jean-Pierre said Biden has seen a neurologist three times as part of annual physicals but would not confirm much else, saying the White House medical unit serves multiple personnel along with the president.
“I can tell you this — just going back to Parkinson’s for a little bit, so, to give you some answers here: Has the president been treated for Parkinson’s? No. Is he being treated for Parkinson’s? No, he’s not,” Jean-Pierre told reporters. “Is he taking medication for Parkinson’s? No. So those are the things that I can give you full-blown answers on but I’m not going to confirm a specialist, any specialist that comes to come comes to the White House, out of privacy.”
Hours later, White House physician Kevin O’Connor released a letter addressing the issue, saying Dr. Cannard was “the neurological specialist that examined President Biden for each of his annual physicals,” including one in February that showed no signs of any neurological disorders. O’Connor also confirmed the president has not seen a neurologist outside of those physicals.
The president himself wrote a letter earlier in the day to Democrats in Congress amid growing calls for him to step aside, saying he is “firmly committed to staying in the race.” He added he “wouldn’t be running again if” he did not “absolutely believe” he was the “best person to beat Donald Trump.”
A defiant Biden joined MSNBC’s Morning Joe shortly after sending the letter, saying it’s the voters who chose him as the Democratic nominee, and he is not concerned about those calling for him to drop out of the race.
“I’m getting so frustrated by the elites — not you guys — the elites in the party, oh, they know so much more,” the president said. “Any of these guys that don’t think I should run, run against me. Announce for president, challenge me at the convention.”
Biden to host NATO summit, will take questions from media
President Biden will look to answer critics’ calls for him to step aside as he welcomes world leaders to Washington, D.C. for the NATO summit that begins Tuesday, July, 9. Leaders from more than 30 NATO countries, as well as partners Australia, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, the European Union and Ukraine, will join the president to mark 75 years of the global alliance.
The summit will focus on supplying additional military and financial aid to Ukraine, including new steps to strengthen its air defenses. During the week, Biden will host an event with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and two dozen other leaders. He’ll also take part in his first bilateral meeting with new U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
On Thursday, July 11, the president will hold a press conference where he will take questions from the media.
Trump’s vice president search enters final days
Former President Trump is getting back on the campaign trail with a rally in Florida as the deadline to announce his pick for vice president looms. In an interview with Fox News’ Sean Hannity Monday, July 8 night, Trump did confirm Sen. J.D. Vance, R-Ohio, Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C., and North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, R, are under consideration.
But as to when we’ll find out who the official pick is, it seems even the former president isn’t quite sure.
“I think probably within the next week, week and a half, probably sometime — I’d love to do it during the convention,” he told Hannity. “My people say that’s a little complicated. You know, in the old days, they would announce the vice president during the convention. Today, with modern day technology you can’t do things that you could’ve done 50 years ago very easily. But probably a little before the convention but not much. It could even be during the convention that we’ll do it. I’d love to do it during the convention. I think it would be a very interesting build up and important for the convention and would make it even more exciting.”
The Republican National Convention kicks off Monday, July 15, in Milwaukee.
At least 6 dead in Texas after Beryl, millions without power
At least six people have been confirmed dead and millions are without power after Hurricane Beryl made landfall in Texas as a Category 1 storm on Monday, July 8. Dozens of people across the state also had to be rescued from flood waters after Beryl dropped up to ten inches of rain in some areas and tornadoes could be spotted across the state.
Officials in Texas said it’ll take “several days” to restore power, but they should be getting a clearer timeline at some point Tuesday.
Since making landfall, Beryl has weakened to a tropical depression. It’s now moving toward Arkansas, but rain from the storm is expected to hit as far north as Detroit by Tuesday night then dump heavy rain in Vermont by Wednesday, July 10.
Jury selection begins in Alec Baldwin’s involuntary manslaughter trial
On Monday, a judge ruled jurors will not hear evidence related to his status as a producer on the film, only his role as an actor in the movie.
Baldwin admitted he was holding a prop gun when a live bullet discharged. He’d previously stated that he did not intentionally pull the trigger and that the gun “went off.”
If convicted, Baldwin faces up to 18 months in prison.
Price of Forever stamps to increase starting next week
The price of stamps is going up again. Starting on Sunday, July 14, one Forever stamp will cost 73 cents — up five cents from its current price.
Supreme Court to deliver rulings on presidential power, abortion, social media
The Supreme Court is set to issue rulings on several high-profile cases. And the closed-door trial for a Wall Street Journal reporter begins in Russia. These stories and more highlight The Morning Rundown for Wednesday, June 26, 2024.
SCOTUS to deliver rulings on presidential power, abortion, social media
It’s decision time at the Supreme Court. Over the next three days, the high court is set to deliver rulings on 14 argued cases — including high-profile ones on subjects like presidential power, abortion care and social media.
As President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump prepare for the first presidential debate on Thursday, June 27, the court is poised to deliver a ruling on Trump’s claims of “absolute immunity” from criminal prosecution. With Trump facing federal charges accusing of him of attempts to overturn the 2020 election, the court will decide if a former president can be prosecuted for “official acts” taken while in the White House.
During oral arguments in April, the justices seemed open to the idea of some immunity for presidents when conducting official acts, while questioning what exactly falls under that category.
The Supreme Court will also tackle the legality of a felony obstruction charge used by the Justice Department against 300 people who stormed the capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. A former Pennsylvania police officer has challenged that charge — stemming from a law to prevent the destruction of evidence during financial crimes — which originated during the Enron accounting scandal.
The obstruction charge is one of four former President Trump faces in his federal election subversion case.
Then, for the first time since Roe v. Wade was overturned, the court will issue a ruling on state-level abortion restrictions. The question before the justices is whether doctors can perform abortions in medical emergencies despite a state’s strict near-total abortion ban.
The topic of social media is also on the docket. First, the Supreme Court will determine whether state laws restricting how social media platforms moderate content violate the First Amendment. In another case, the justices will decide whether the Biden administration violated the Constitution in its communication with social media companies to remove misinformation on COVID-19 and the 2020 election.
While the Supreme Court justices usually look to complete their work by the end of June, there is a possibility the opinions may continue to early July.
Wall Street Journal reporter’s espionage trial starts in Russia
The espionage trial of Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich is now underway in Russia behind closed doors. Gershkovich appeared in a courtroom the morning of Wednesday, June 26, inside a glass cage before the proceedings began.
Falsely accused WSJ reporter Evan Gershkovich appeared in a Russian court as proceedings started in a secret trial that will offer him few legal protectionshttps://t.co/CnygQ1pxLJhttps://t.co/CnygQ1pxLJ
He is the first western journalist to be arrested on espionage in post-Soviet Russia.
Gershkovich was arrested while reporting for the Wall Street Journal in March 2023, just weeks before Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, accused of spying for the CIA.
The U.S. government, Wall Street Journal and Gershkovich himself all deny the allegations. The State Department has declared him “wrongfully detained.”
His trial is expected to last months. If convicted, Gershkovich faces up to 20 years in prison.
WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange free after guilty plea
WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange returned to his home country of Australia on Wednesday, June 26, a free man. He was released from U.S. custody after pleading guilty to violating espionage law.
— Free Assange – #FreeAssange (@FreeAssangeNews) June 26, 2024
As part of the deal with the Justice Department, Assange will get no more prison time since he already spent the last five years in a London prison fighting extradition to the U.S.
He had originally been facing 18 criminal charges relating to WikiLeaks’ release of sensitive information into the public domain, but only had to plead guilty to one charge as part of the agreement.
Judge partially lifts Trump gag order from New York criminal trial
The judge in former President Donald Trump’s New York criminal case has partially lifted a gag order put in place during the trial.
For the entire trial, Trump was barred from talking about potential witnesses, jurors, or court staff and their families. Now, the former president is allowed to comment publicly about witnesses and jurors.
The judge also left a separate order in place prohibiting Trump and his lawyers from disclosing the identities of jurors or their addresses.
In May, Trump became the first president to be convicted of a felony when the jury found him guilty of 34 felony counts of falsified business records. He’s set to be sentenced July 11.
House committee to vote on holding Biden’s ghostwriter in contempt
The House Judiciary Committee plans to vote on a measure to hold President Biden’s ghostwriter, Mark Zwonitzer, in contempt of Congress. The vote stems from Zwonitzer refusing to hand over documents and other materials tied to his work on the president’s memoirs.
The vote is set for Thursday morning, just hours before Biden and Trump’s debate.
The resolution to hold Zwonitzer in contempt is expected to advance on party lines.
The White House on Tuesday called the vote an attempt “to harass and intimidate a private citizen.”
Results for New York, Colorado, Utah primary elections
Results are in for several states that held primary elections on Tuesday, June 25. In the most expensive congressional primary in history, incumbent Democratic Congressman Jamaal Bowman lost to George Latimer in New York’s 16th district.
While this race garnered a lot of headlines, tomorrow we turn a new page. We must come together, united to defend our Democratic values from MAGA extremism.
Bowman became the first member of the progressive group in the House known as “the squad” to lose in the primaries this year. During the race, a pro-Israeli lobbying group spent nearly $15 million in efforts to stop Bowman, who had been critical of Israel’s operations in Gaza.
In Colorado, after switching districts, Republican Congresswoman Lauren Boebert won the House primary in the state’s 4th district. Boebert has previously received the endorsement of former President Donald Trump.
And in Utah, Rep. John Curtis, R-Utah, won the GOP primary to fill Mitt Romney’s open Senate seat. Curtis is favored to win in November since Utah has not elected a Democrat to the Senate since 1970.
Toys ‘R’ Us uses OpenAI’s Sora to create brand film
Toys”R”Us is known for the slogan “I don’t want to grow up,” but now the toy brand is growing with the times. It used AI to make its latest promotional video.
The retail toy company used OpenAI’s text to video tool called Sora to create the video.
Toys”R”Us released the video at an advertising event in France, saying it is the first ever brand film created by the technology. While Sora is not yet publicly available, the toy chain partnered with an agency that is an early tester of the AI model.
Hacking group says it stole personal info of 550M Ticketmaster customers
A hacking group claims to have stolen the personal data of more than 500 million Ticketmaster customers around the world. The group, known as ShinyHunters, said the stolen data includes the names, addresses, phone numbers and partial credit card details. The group is offering to sell that data for $500,000.
Ticketmaster has not yet confirmed the security breach, but Australia’s Department of Home Affairs said it is working with the company in the wake of this hacking incident. A U.S. Embassy spokesperson in Australia said the FBI has offered assistance to Australian authorities.
The authenticity of the data being sold by ShinyHunters has not yet been verified. If verified, the hack could be the most significant breach ever in terms of numbers and the extent of the data stolen, according to the BBC.
This is just the latest issue for Ticketmaster and its parent company Live Nation. On Thursday, May 23, the U.S. Justice Department filed an antitrust lawsuit against the ticketing giant. It comes after allegations the company has abused its position as a concert promoter, ticket seller and venue owner to suppress competition, leading to reduced consumer choice and higher ticket prices.
The lawsuit is also a response to public outcry, notably after Ticketmaster’s mishandling of ticket sales for Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour in 2022, which led to significant backlash from fans and politicians.
This is also not the first time Ticketmaster has been hit with security issues. In 2020, the company admitted it hacked into one of its competitors and agreed to pay a $10 million fine.
Water cannons, the Philippines, and the South China Sea
Video captured on April 30 by the Philippines Coast Guard shows a pair of Chinese Coast Guard ships using water cannons to douse Filipino vessels, which were reportedly sailing to the Scarborough Shoal to help some fishermen. At least that’s how the Philippines government described the incident in its official protest of what is now the 20th such encounter just this year.
The Chinese government also released footage of the encounter but said the water cannons were used lawfully to protect Chinese interests in the area.
𝐋𝐎𝐎𝐊: @coastguardph Commandant, CG Admiral Ronnie Gil L Gavan, has directed the immediate conduct of a damage assessment after the 44-meter multi-role response vessel, BRP Bagacay (MRRV-4410), was involved in a water canon incident while enroute to Bajo de Masinloc. pic.twitter.com/NDJFycJbcU
— Philippine Coast Guard (@coastguardph) May 2, 2024
Both the Philippines and China accuse the other of escalating tensions in the region, and the April 30 incident also happened while the Philippines and the United States were taking part in the annual Balikatan military drills.
Balikatan means “shoulder-to-shoulder,” and this year’s event marks the largest ever, with more than 17,000 soldiers taking part.
So why is there so much attention on the South China Sea? And why do some military and geopolitical analysts think the tensions there are more likely to spark a conflict between the U.S. and China than a possible Chinese takeover of Taiwan? Well, it’s a multifaceted issue.
First, the Scarborough Shoal is in the South China Sea, where the most recent run-in between China and the Philippines happened. The Spratly Islands, a grouping of very small islands, coral outcroppings, and sandbars are also in the area.
Now, all of these locations are within the fishing grounds that have historically been accessed by most of the countries in this region of the Pacific. Vietnam, Indonesia, Brunei and others have all fished those waters. The waters are very fertile and supply a lot of the food for people living there.
However, the waters are also within the Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) for each country. The U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea defines an EEZ as “an area of the sea in which a sovereign state has exclusive rights regarding the exploration and use of marine resources.”
Typically, an EEZ extends out from a country’s coastal territory by no more than 200 nautical miles.
There’s been no official ruling on whose sovereign territory any of disputed areas belong to, but the Permanent Court of Arbitration ruled in 2016 that China definitely doesn’t own it. Still, Chinese vessels implement blockades from time to time and essentially have controlled access to the Scarborough Shoal since 2012.
The Chinese Communist Party, under the rule of Xi Jinping, maintains it’s just looking out for its own best interests and protecting its territory from what it views as a hostile expansion of U.S. interests.
On the other side of the pendulum swing are the China hawks who say the real aim of Xi’s regime is to establish military footholds in the region and potentially control trade routes. These routes are some of the most lucrative in the world. More than $3 trillion worth of goods sail on these seas every year.
Remember the Spratlys? Over the course of the last few years, the Chinese government invested billions to build up what were essentially exposed outcroppings of coral reef into full-fledged military facilities with runways and barracks.
China isn’t alone in adding more military resources to the region. In addition to upping its naval patrols, the Philippines also sought to further its claims to this area of the South China Sea by purposely running a ship aground in the Second Thomas Shoal.
The ship is now used as a permanent military installation by the Philippines. That means regular resupply missions, and those are another point of contention for the Chinese and often another source of conflict.
While all of this is going on, the Philippines continues to strengthen its military ties to the United States, which is a familiar pattern in the Pacific. Japan and Australia also entered into historical military partnerships with the U.S. recently over fears the Chinese may try to take control of territory that isn’t theirs.
Even India is focused on what is happening in the region. India doesn’t want China to take over the trade routes any more than anyone else does, which is why it recently sold the Philippines some BrahMos missile batteries. Because again, when $3 trillion worth of trade could be on the line, that demands international attention.
Australia seeks global ban on violent video posted on X; Musk pushes back
In the wake of deadly stabbings in Australia, the country’s leaders asked social media platform X to ban violent videos from the attacks. X CEO Elon Musk said if his company complies, it could set a dangerous precedent.
The Australian government asked the platform to remove videos of the April 15 stabbing at a church in Western Sydney. The church was live streaming its service when a person stabbed a bishop and several others. People later shared video of the terrorist attack online.
Australia eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant asked X to block the videos from appearing to Australian users shortly after. The social media company complied, although it did so reluctantly.
Grant asked the Australian court to compel X to block the video for users worldwide. A judge forced X to remove the videos late on Monday, April 22.
“While X respects the right of a country to enforce its laws within its jurisdiction, the eSafety Commissioner does not have the authority to dictate what content X’s users can see globally,” X’s Global Affairs account posted on the platform. “We will robustly challenge this unlawful and dangerous approach in court. Global takedown orders go against the very principles of a free and open internet and threaten free speech everywhere.”
However, Australian leaders said they were pleased with the temporary decision. They said they hope that a judge enacts a permanent ban.
“We’ll do what’s necessary to take on this arrogant billionaire who thinks he’s above the law, but also above common decency,” Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said. “The idea that someone would go to court for the right to put up violent content on a platform shows how out of touch Mr. Musk is.”
The videos will stay off the platform until Wednesday, April 23, when another judge will decide if the videos should be permanently banned.
Sydney shock: Church and mall stabbings leave trail of death and injuries
Police in Sydney, Australia arrested the person they believe stabbed a bishop and several others at a church in Western Sydney on Monday, April 15. The attack comes two days after someone stabbed and killed six people at a busy Sydney shopping mall.
A video that circulated online showed Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel preaching at the Good Shepherd Church when a man carrying a knife ambushed him. That man appeared to stab the bishop several times.
People can be heard screaming, and several attempted to intervene.
New South Wales police posted an update on X, saying a male suspect has been arrested.
Paramedics treated several people who were stabbed in the rampage before they were taken to the hospital. Those victims suffered non-life-threatening injuries, according to police.
The Fairfield deputy mayor told news outlets that the bishop, after being stabbed, got up, put his hand on the attacker and began praying for him.
Paris wants a green Olympics, so there’s no air conditioning in athletes’ rooms
Paris 2024 has been billed as the “greenest ever” Olympic Games, and Mayor Anne Hidalgo hopes it lives up to that reputation. On Thursday, March 14, Reuters reported that Hidalgo is urging nations to resist the temptation to install air conditioning units at the athletes’ village.
Instead, Hidalgo advised nations planning to install air conditioning to “trust the science.” She assured competing nations that the buildings in the athletes’ village have been designed with a natural cooling system.
Here’s how the cooling system functions: water is drawn from underground to create a natural cooling mechanism. Additionally, the buildings’ facades are aligned to generate naturally shaded areas, reducing direct sunlight exposure.
However, some competing nations remain unconvinced about forgoing air conditioning units, especially considering 2023 was reportedly the hottest year on record globally.
“It’s a massive logistical challenge, but we’re considering portable air conditioners to offer athletes,” Australia’s Chef De Mission Anna Mears said.
Hidalgo maintains that installing air conditioners won’t be necessary.
“We must trust the scientists when they assist us in constructing buildings in a manner that allows us to manage without air conditioning,” Hidalgo said.
Some nations are in agreement with Hidalgo’s perspective. The German Olympic Committee reported visiting the athletes’ village and determining that the natural cooling system is adequate.
In total, approximately 6,000 athletes will reside in the village for part of the summer. Following the conclusion of the Games, the village will reportedly be repurposed as housing for Parisian locals.
Hidalgo is also gaining attention for her stance on Russian athletes. She told Reuters that she “would prefer them not to come” due to Russia’s war against Ukraine, which she believes denies Ukrainians their right to exist as a people and a nation.
The International Olympic Committee has stated that Russian and Belarusian athletes can compete as neutral athletes. However, the committee has not yet announced whether Russian athletes can participate in the opening ceremony under a neutral flag.
Recently, the International Paralympic Committee declared that Russian and Belarusian Paralympic athletes would not participate in the opening ceremony.
Hidalgo expressed her support for this decision, deeming it “just.” When asked by Reuters about whether Israeli athletes should face similar restrictions, she dismissed the idea of penalizing Israel but stressed her support for diplomatic efforts to secure a cease-fire
Trouble mid-flight: Another Boeing incident amid federal scrutiny
A LATAM Airlines flight from Sydney to Auckland experienced severe turbulence, injuring at least 50 passengers Monday, March 11. The Boeing 787 Dreamliner managed to land safely at Auckland Airport despite the mid-air drop.
One individual is reported to be in serious condition, with others suffering from mild to moderate injuries. Passengers described the incident as chaotic. Some were thrown from their seats, with a few hitting the cabin ceiling.
Emergency services were on hand to treat the injured at the airport. The cause of the flight’s sudden change in trajectory remains under investigation.
This event raises questions about aircraft safety and the importance of preparedness for unexpected mid-air incidents. Recently, Boeing has faced challenges, including issues with improperly drilled holes, loose rudder bolts and a door-plug blowout on an Alaska Airlines MAX 9 in January.
The Justice Department is now investigating the incident to see if Boeing followed through on its promise from earlier investigations into two fatal crashes in 2018 and 2019. If Boeing didn’t keep up with the safety improvements agreed upon in 2021, the company could face legal consequences.
3 US soldiers killed in Jordan drone strike identified: The Morning Rundown, Jan. 30, 2024
The Defense Department identifies the three U.S. soldiers killed in a drone strike at a base in Jordan as officials investigate how the attack happened. And Elon Musk says his Neuralink startup has successfully implanted a computer chip into a human’s brain for the first time. These stories and more highlight The Morning Rundown for Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2024.
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3 U.S. soldiers killed in Jordan drone strike identified
The identities of the three U.S. soldiers who were killed in an attack on a military base in Jordan on Sunday, Jan. 28, have been released as the investigation is revealing new details. The Defense Department said 46-year-old Sgt. William Jerome Rivers, 23-year-old Spc. Breonna Moffett and 24-year-old Spc. Kennedy Sanders, all from Georgia, were killed by an unmanned aerial drone attack on the troops’ sleeping quarters in the early morning hours.
"We are deeply saddened by the loss of our three Army Soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving their country in Jordan. Our prayers are with these loyal and courageous Soldiers’ families, friends, and the entire 718th Engineer Company – we honor their selfless…
The Biden administration blamed an Iranian-backed militia group for the attack, the first in which American soldiers have been killed since the start of the Israel-Hamas war. Iran has denied it was behind the strike. White House National Security spokesperson John Kirby echoed President Joe Biden’s comments a day earlier. Kriby said the U.S. would respond.
“We do not seek another war. We do not seek to escalate,” Kirby said. “But we will absolutely do what is required to protect ourselves, to continue that mission, and to respond appropriately to these attacks.”
All three soldiers who died were part of Operation Inherent Resolve, tasked with defeating ISIS in the region. The strike is believed to be the deadliest attack on U.S. service members since 13 Americans were killed in Afghanistan in 2021.
Six-week pause in war proposed for release of more hostages
Talks of another pause in the war between Israel and Hamas are in the early stages. Still, officials said the framework to deal is expected to be presented to Hamas that would see a six-week stoppage in fighting and the release of more hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners.
I met with @MBA_AlThani_ in Washington, DC, to discuss efforts to secure the release of all the remaining hostages held by Hamas. We are thankful for Qatar’s partnership and indispensable role in mediating. pic.twitter.com/ngdqwM5miY
The terms were drafted by representatives of the United States, Israel, Qatar, and Egypt on Sunday, Jan. 28, in Paris. CIA Director William Burns was among those working on the plan that Qatar would present to Hamas officials, and they would then send back a response.
“We are hoping actually, to relay this proposal to Hamas and to get them to a place where they engage positively and constructively in the process.” Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al Thani said during an Atlantic Council webinar.
Officials told the New York Times the early framework called for Hamas to release elderly hostages as well as any remaining women and children during the pause in fighting. When asked on Monday, Jan. 29, about the plan, Secretary of State Antony Blinken replied, “The less said, the better.” He added the proposal on the table is a “compelling one” and “there is some real hope going forward.”
IRS contractor sentenced to 5 years for leaking Trump’s tax records
I acted out of a sincere, if misguided, belief I was serving the public interest.
Charles Edward Littlejohn
Prosecutors said Littlejohn leaked tax data to the New York Times and ProPublica between 2018 and 2020; prosecutors called the leaks “unparalleled in the IRS’s history” and argued that Littlejohn applied to be an IRS contractor to get Trump’s tax returns and figured out how to search for records without sounding alarms.
“I acted out of a sincere, if misguided, belief I was serving the public interest,” Littlejohn said.
Littlejohn was also fined $5,000 and will be under three years of supervised release following his prison sentence. Judge Reyes said the crime was so extraordinary that the punishment must “deter others who might feel an obligation to break the law.”
Cyberattack targets government systems where Trump faces election interference charges
A cyberattack targeted Fulton County, Georgia, government systems, where former President Donald Trump faces election interference charges. According to a Fulton County official, the attack, which is being investigated by law enforcement, targeted devices that use county servers, including those used by District Attorney Fani Willis’ Office.
A county commissioner said there is no indication that any sensitive information about employees or citizens has been leaked, and there is no timeline for when the threat will end and when systems will be restored.
The attack comes as Willis faces filing deadlines in the election interference case against Trump. This week, Willis will be heard in front of a judge as to why she should not be disqualified from prosecuting the case following allegations that she had a relationship with the special prosecutor she hired to work on the Trump case.
Elon Musk says Neuralink has implanted computer chip in first human
Musk said initial results showed “promising neuron spike detection” but gave no further details on the procedure or the patient. In May of 2023, Neuralink announced it received approval from the FDA to conduct its first-in-human clinical study.
🧠 Elon Musk announced the first successful Neuralink brain chip implant in a human. Think about telling someone 10 years ago that by 2024, we'd be on the brink of unlocking telepathy…
In a follow-up post, Musk said the first Neuralink product called “telepathy” will enable the patient to use a phone or computer to control any device just by thinking. Musk said initial users will be those who have lost the use of their limbs.
Pilot believes he may have found Amelia Earhart’s long-lost plane
Tony Romeo, a former Air Force intelligence officer, said he and his crew at Deep Sea Vision may have discovered the long-lost wreckage of Earhart’s twin-engine aircraft after scanning more than 5,200 square miles of ocean floor.
The $11 million expedition used an underwater drone to capture a sonar image resembling the shape of an airplane near Howland Island, halfway between Australia and Hawaii. Earhart was set to land on the island for refueling during her 1937 flight, in which she had hoped to be the first pilot to circumnavigate the globe.
Because the images are blurry, Romeo said his team will return to the site later this year to take clearer photos to confirm if it is indeed the long-lost plane.