The FBI announced the closure of its Office of Diversity and Inclusion (ODI), effective December 2024, amid criticism from Republicans who argued the focus on DEI distracted from national security. Critics, including Sen. Marsha Blackburn and former FBI agents, claimed DEI initiatives misused taxpayer resources and detracted from the FBI’s core mission. The ODI, established in 2012, aimed to foster a diverse workplace but faced … Continue reading FBI closed DEI office in December, agency says

Firefighters made progress against two massive wildfires near Los Angeles as strong winds eased on Wednesday, though forecasters warn Santa Ana winds could return next week. Improved conditions, including cooler temperatures and a marine layer, are helping containment efforts, with nearly half of the Eaton Fire and 20% of the Pacific Palisades Fire controlled. The fires have killed 25 people, destroyed thousands of homes, and … Continue reading Weather eases up as progress made on LA fires

A Southwest Airlines pilot, David Paul Allsop, was removed from the cockpit before a flight from Georgia to Chicago on Wednesday after allegedly showing signs of intoxication and smelling of alcohol. He was arrested and charged with driving under the influence. Southwest Airlines apologized for the disruption, ensuring customer safety and rescheduling flights. Allsop’s bail was set at $3,500, and he was released on bond. … Continue reading Southwest pilot removed from cockpit, booked for DUI

Texas sheriff’s deputy Jesus Vargas, a 17-year veteran of the Brazoria County sheriff’s department, was fatally shot on Wednesday while attempting to serve an arrest warrant in Houston. Vargas, working with a U.S. Marshal’s task force, was targeted by a suspect with a lengthy criminal history, including aggravated assault. A large-scale search involving helicopters and K-9 units ensued, culminating hours later when law enforcement located … Continue reading Texas sheriff’s deputy killed, suspect fatally shot after large search in Houston

Residents and businesses in Pacific Palisades have sued Los Angeles’ Department of Water and Power (LADWP), claiming unpreparedness and a failed water system worsened the Palisades Fire, which began January 7, destroyed 5,000 structures, and caused eight deaths. The lawsuit, filed in California Superior Court, seeks damages for property losses, living expenses, and lost income, citing the empty Santa Ynez Reservoir and ignored fire warnings … Continue reading Pacific Palisades residents sue Los Angeles department of water and power

The son of Robert L. Brooks Sr., who died after a brutal beating by guards at Marcy Correctional Facility in New York, filed a federal lawsuit alleging systematic violence and negligence. Brooks, a 43-year-old Black inmate, died in December 2023, a day after being handcuffed, beaten, and lifted by his neck in an attack caught on body camera footage. The lawsuit names over a dozen … Continue reading Guards ‘systematically and casually’ beat New York inmate to death, lawsuit says

Sinaloa cartel co-founder Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada, 76, is negotiating a plea deal with U.S. federal prosecutors in Brooklyn to avoid a trial that could result in the death penalty. Arrested in New Mexico in July after decades on the run, Zambada faces 17 counts of drug trafficking, firearms offenses, and money laundering. During a hearing, he chose to keep his lawyer despite a conflict … Continue reading Sinaloa cartel leader ‘El Mayo’ in plea talks in Brooklyn federal case, prosecutor says