WASHINGTON D.C. - The Department of Education under President Joe Biden loosened requirements for a student loan program specifically for public servants and nonprofit employees a few months after unions that stood to benefit from the change sent a letter to then-Education Secretary Miguel Cardona.
The watchdog Protect the Public’s Trust, which obtained the letter via a Freedom of Information Act request, faulted the unions for self-dealing when they demanded the Biden administration cancel the student loan debt of all public sector and nonprofit workers who completed 10 or more years of service, leaving taxpayers to pay off the balances. The revelation comes as the Department of Education under President Donald Trump is revising the program to root out alleged abuses. Click here to read more.
NEW YORK CITY — Sean "Diddy" Combs' federal sex trafficking trial is officially underway in New York City. Jury selection wrapped up Monday after being postponed over the weekend.
Opening statements followed, then two witnesses took the stand, including Israel Florez, a former security guard at the Intercontinental Hotel in Century City, where Combs allegedly assaulted Ventura in 2016.
"The most important thing he was able to do for the government was authenticate the video so it can come into evidence," said Sheena Winkfield, a criminal defense attorney based out of Dallas-Fort Worth.
In his testimony, Florez detailed being called to the floor they were staying on, talking with the two, and even claimed he was offered a bribe by Combs. Prosecutors also played the original security footage from that day.
The second witness called to testify was Daniel Phillip, who said Ventura paid him for sex multiple times, often in Combs' presence. Phillip also claimed Combs would occasionally give direction Click here to read more. Click here to read more.
GULFPORT, Miss. - A woman in Mississippi allegedly robbed a Dollar General and then went back for her phone at the scene while authorities were investigating.
According to the Gulfport Police Department, the armed robbery happened around 9:32 p.m. on Sunday, May 11, at the Dollar General at 12600 Dedeaux Road.
Police said 34-year-old Jessinya Faye Ezell entered the store with a firearm and demanded money.
Ezell then allegedly got into a fight with an employee before leaving the scene with an undisclosed amount of money.
Officers said they were at the store investigating when Ezell returned to the scene and asked about a cellphone she dropped during the robbery.
Ezell was arrested and taken to the Harrison County jail.
She is being held on a $100,000 bond.
SCHENECTADY, N.Y.—A principal-turned-consultant has built a movement—and a business—on overturning how teachers have graded for generations. His alternative: “grading for equity.”
Joe Feldman preaches that students should be able to retake tests and redo assignments. There should be no penalties for late work and no grades for homework. No points for good behavior, classroom participation or perfect attendance, either.
“When you include those in a grade, you’re bringing your implicit bias into the grade because not all students learn in that particular way,” Feldman told dozens of teachers gathered for a training session in Schenectady, N.Y., one Wednesday afternoon in March. Students should be graded only on their demonstrated learning of class material, Feldman said. Click here to read more.
WASHINGTON — At the heart of National Police Week, on a quiet Sunday afternoon in Washington, D.C., the bond between officer and K-9 was remembered in solemn tribute.
On May 11, law enforcement officers, K-9 handlers, families and supporters gathered at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial for the Annual National Police K-9 Memorial Service — a ceremony that honored the courage and sacrifice of 22 police K-9s who gave their lives in the line of duty in 2024.
The event, hosted by the National Police Dog Foundation, included a wreath-laying ceremony and the recitation of each fallen K-9’s name: Wessel, Nyx, Maze, Leo, Luca, Raiden, Rivan, Dax, Max, Coba, Wick, Horus, Archer, Vader, Odin, Dolar, Mikka, Riddick, Kodak, Draco, Titan and Bumi.
"[The K-9’s] loyalty and sacrifice will never be forgotten. Each K-9 we remember today was more than just a working partner: they were protectors and a vital part of our law enforcement family. Their commitment to duty and love for their handlers were unwaivered, and their sacrifice is something we hold in our hearts forever,” an officer with the Los Angeles Police Department Metro K-9 Unit said. Click here to read more.
