2025-01-29 22:07:45.1

President Donald Trump signed the Laken Riley Act into law, granting federal authorities broader power to deport undocumented immigrants accused of crimes. The act, named for a nursing student murdered by an undocumented immigrant, was the first legislation passed during Trump's second term. Trump also announced plans to send "worst criminal aliens" to Guantanamo Bay, claiming 30,000 beds are available there. The White House later confirmed a presidential memorandum on Guantanamo. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem stated the administration would seek funding for expanded detention facilities. While the details remain unclear, the plan involves using existing facilities and potentially the Migrant Operations Center. The Supreme Court previously ruled on the rights of detainees at Guantanamo, but not on the president's authority to detain individuals. The act passed Congress with bipartisan support despite concerns from immigrant rights advocates who fear mass detentions for minor offenses. Critics argue the act exploits a tragedy and may lead to chaos and cruelty. The law mandates detention for immigrants arrested or charged with various crimes, and allows state attorneys general to sue the government over immigration decisions. The ACLU and other groups raised constitutional concerns and fear mass detentions under the new law.

2025-01-29 22:07:45.082

A stampede at the Maha Kumbh festival in Prayagraj, India, on January 29, 2025, killed at least 30 people and injured 60 more. Millions of pilgrims had gathered for a ritual bath at the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers, a sacred event during the six-week Hindu festival. The stampede occurred when pilgrims surged past barricades set up for a procession of holy men. Witnesses described chaotic scenes of pushing and falling, with no escape. Authorities, including Uttar Pradesh’s top official Yogi Adityanath, responded, urging pilgrims to use other bathing areas. Despite the tragedy, millions continued to attend the festival. The incident drew criticism from opposition leaders who blamed mismanagement and VIP culture. The Maha Kumbh festival, held every 12 years, is expected to draw over 400 million people in total. This is not the first stampede at the festival; a similar incident in 2013 resulted in at least 40 deaths. Deadly stampedes are a recurring issue at large religious gatherings in India.

2025-01-25 18:00:50.045

Following a ceasefire agreement, four Israeli female soldiers held captive by Hamas for 15 months were released and reunited with their families. The release was accompanied by a Hamas show of force, highlighting their continued presence despite the war. However, the release of a civilian hostage, Arbel Yehud, was delayed, causing a dispute between Israel and Hamas. Israel claims Yehud is a civilian and should have been released, while the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) claims she is a soldier and will be released later. This dispute led to Israel preventing Gazan civilians from returning to their homes in northern Gaza. Concurrently, Israel released 200 Palestinian prisoners, including those serving life sentences. The situation remains tense, with ongoing negotiations and concerns about remaining hostages.

2025-01-24 18:54:44.582

Former Green Bay Packers Super Bowl champion and Nebraska Cornhuskers legend Calvin Jones died Wednesday at the age of 54. Omaha police told WOWT-TV that the running back’s death is indicative of carbon monoxide poisoning. Officers arrived at Jones’ home around 8:30 p.m. Wednesday after a neighbor reported odors of gas. Inside, they found a generator running and Jones unconscious in the basement. While there were “signs of carbon monoxide poisoning,” the official cause of death has not yet been confirmed and is pending an autopsy report. Jones had been running a generator in his basement because the furnace in his house had stopped working. An Omaha native, Jones gained national acclaim playing for the Cornhuskers from 1991-93. He led the Big 8 Conference in scoring during his freshman season and was named an All-American during his sophomore year. He was part of head coach Tom Osborne’s “we-back” system, teaming with Derek Brown. In 1992, the duo averaged 329 rushing yards per game, leading Nebraska to an Orange Bowl appearance. Before entering the NFL draft, Jones had over 3,000 rushing yards and 40 touchdowns. His professional career was short, lasting three seasons with the Raiders and Packers, culminating in a Super Bowl win with Green Bay in 1997. Nebraska Football mourned Jones, stating, “We are deeply saddened by the passing of Husker legend and Super Bowl Champion, Calvin Jones. Our hearts go out to the Jones family and he will be greatly missed.”