Tag: Local News

Over 1,500 Illegal Immigrants Cross Border Into El Paso in Massive Single-Day Crossing

Over 1,500 people crossed the U.S.–Mexico border illegally into El Paso, Texas in the early hours of Dec. 12, according to video from the scene and local media, in what reports say could be one of the biggest single crossings ever in the region. Footage from the border shared on social media by news outlet…


Biden Administration Approves Health Insurance for Illegal Immigrants in Washington State

The Biden administration has approved a waiver that will allow Washington state to offer health insurance to illegal immigrants. The waiver, known as the “State Innovation Waiver” was submitted by the state in the spring and approved by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Treasury Department on Dec. 9 under section 1332 of the…


Missouri Man Seeks Exoneration in Murder; 2 Others Confessed

ST. LOUIS—Lamar Johnson has wrongly spent nearly three decades in prison for a St. Louis killing after a witness was coerced into falsely identifying him as the shooter, an attorney for the local prosecutor’s office told a judge Monday. But Assistant Missouri Attorney General Miranda Loesch said detectives will testify that they never threatened or…


Bad Weather Delays Fuel From Reaching Busy Florida Airport

ORLANDO, Fla.—Airplanes flying into Orlando International Airport on Monday were encouraged to top off at airports they were coming from after recent bad weather prevented the delivery of reserve jet fuel, prompting fears that visitors could face delays. Airport spokesperson Carolyn Fennell said there have not been any major interruptions and that reserve fuel was…


Supreme Court Refuses to Halt College Athletics Discrimination Lawsuit Against Michigan State University

The Supreme Court decided Dec. 12 to allow a lawsuit to continue against Michigan State University that claims the school violated the Title IX anti-discrimination law by mothballing its swim teams. By refusing to take up the university’s appeal, some observers say the Supreme Court missed an opportunity to reassess how to measure compliance with…


Costco to Increase Membership Fees

Costco plans to increase membership fees, possibly as early as next year, following the lead of its competitor Sam’s Club. Since March, the company’s CFO Richard Galanti has mentioned the possibility of a fee increase to membership subscriptions in monthly earnings calls. In the latest call with investors Dec. 8, he said it was “a…


Beverly Hills Father, Son Sentenced to Prison for COVID Relief Fraud

A Beverly Hills father and son were sentenced Dec. 12 to federal prison for defrauding COVID-19 relief programs, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Ramiro Da Rosa Mendes, 61, of Beverly Hills, was sentenced to 41 months in federal prison and ordered to pay more than $2.2 million in restitution. Mendes pleaded guilty in September to one count…


Woman Killed, Male Injured in Anaheim House Fire

ANAHEIM, Calif.—A woman was killed Dec. 12 morning when an Anaheim house became engulfed in flames. A neighbor called Anaheim Fire and Rescue at 1 a.m. to report the house fire in the 2700 block of East Verde Avenue, Anaheim police Sgt. Shane Carringer told City News Service. Firefighters extinguished the flames in about a…


Knott’s Berry Farm Loosens Chaperone Policy

Minors can now enjoy chaperone-free admission every day except Saturday at Knott’s Berry Farm after the theme park announced it was loosening its policy Dec. 7. The policy change is “based on the positive trends resulting from the current chaperone policy and improved security protocols,” the Buena Park theme park officials wrote on Twitter on…


San Diego Swears-In All-Democrat 74th City Council

SAN DIEGO—The city of San Diego swore in its 74th city council Dec. 12, bringing about an entirely Democrat council for the first time in its history. Outgoing Councilman Chris Cate, who was the only Republican on the ostensibly nonpartisan council, thanked his family, staff, and colleagues in his departing remarks—even though he sometimes disagreed…