Los Angeles is grappling with the toxic aftermath of wildfires that devastated areas including Pacific Palisades and Altadena, destroying over 15,000 structures and releasing dangerous pollutants into the air. Scientists report that the burning of homes, cars, and infrastructure has produced hazardous levels of toxins, including lead and chlorine.
A man who was caught spraying pesticide on grocery items at a big-box store in Arizona's East Valley has been formally indicted on multiple charges. According to the Maricopa County Attorney's Office, 27-year-old Charles Smith, who has been described as a TikToker, turned himself in to authorities on December 21.
Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) announced that he will continue to investigate former National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Director Dr. Anthony Fauci for his actions surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic.
In his final hours as president, Joe Biden issued preemptive pardons for retired General Mark Milley, Dr. Anthony Fauci, and members of the January 6 Committee, along with Capitol and D.C. police officers who testified before the committee. The pardons, announced early Monday morning, sparked controversy as Biden justified them as a measure to protect public servants from “politically motivated prosecutions.”
The Supreme Court debated a Texas law requiring age verification for accessing pornography websites, with justices divided over the standard of scrutiny needed to assess its constitutionality.
A newly elected Arizona lawmaker is taking a firm stance on protecting minors from accessing pornography online. Republican Rep. Nick Kupper, a U.S. Air Force veteran and former contestant on American Ninja Warrior, has introduced House Bill 2112, which would require websites with significant explicit content to implement age-verification measures.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) criticized a Republican-backed bill seeking to prohibit biological men from participating in federally funded K-12 women’s sports. Jeffries argued on MSNBC’s All In that the legislation could lead to harmful outcomes for children, claiming it risks enabling predators under the guise of enforcing the law.
