In a significant legal development, appeals court judges hinted strongly on Tuesday that they are inclined to dismiss former President Donald Trump’s assertions of immunity from prosecution in connection with his alleged involvement in election interference. The anticipated outcome became apparent during a hearing that delved into various political and legal considerations.
Donald Trump, currently the leading contender in the Republican presidential primary, made a rare appearance at Washington’s federal courthouse after months of absence. His legal team aimed to persuade an appeals court to dismiss the case accusing him of orchestrating efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 election. However, the defense’s argument faced skepticism from the three-judge panel of the U.S. District Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit.
While the judges did not specify a timeline for their decision, the urgency is heightened as a trial date of March 4 looms. Trump’s legal representatives, seeking to prolong the proceedings beyond the upcoming November presidential election, have indicated a readiness to escalate the matter to the U.S. Supreme Court if the D.C. court aligns with special counsel Jack Smith. The high-stakes legal battle continues to unfold against the backdrop of broader political and legal implications.
The couple’s son has been charged with capital murder, police confirmed to PEOPLE
Williamson County Sheriff’s OfficeSeth B. Carnes
Texas officials are investigating the double-homicide of former district judge Burt Carnes and his wife, Susan Carnes.
On Tuesday, the couple’s 45‐year‐old son, Seth B. Carnes, was taken into custody and transported to the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office, PEOPLE confirmed. He has been charged with capital murder, and is currently being held without bond.
According to a press release from the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to a 911 call reporting a shooting around 11:45 p.m. on Monday at a residence near Georgetown, Texas.
When deputies arrived on the scene, they encountered Seth “exiting the residence,” per the release.
“Seth Carnes confessed to the deputies that he had just shot and killed his mother and father,” the press release states.
Both victims were 74 years old and located inside of the residence. “The preliminary investigation suggests that the murders resulted from a disagreement, escalating into family violence and death,” the release reads.
The sheriff’s office added that there is no threat to public safety at this time. The investigation is ongoing. It is unclear if Seth has retained an attorney to speak on his behalf.
“This deeply distressing incident has sent shockwaves through our community, particularly considering Alfred ‘Burt’ Carnes’ esteemed position as a retired District Judge,” Commander John Foster of the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division said in the release. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to the friends and family affected by this heartbreaking event.”
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Before becoming a judge, Carnes came from a family filled with law enforcement officials — including his father, who was an FBI agent, and other relatives such as a Texas Ranger, a Border Patrol agent and a Wilson County sheriff.
When he retired after serving 24 years as a judge in October 2013, he reflected on his career with the Austin American-Statesman.
“Early on, I decided that I was going to be a judge, not a politician,” he said during the interview. “You’ve got to follow the law and within the bounds of the law, do what you think is right.”
Texas representative John Carter praised Carnes’ decades of contributions at that time.
“Judge Carnes was an exemplary judge — hardworking, fair and a judge/lawyer who knew the law,” Carter told the outlet via email at the time. “Whenever I wanted to talk out an issue with anyone, Judge Carnes was my first choice because he was a smart lawyer and a smart judge.”
A devastating explosion rocked a historic hotel in downtown Fort Worth, Texas, on Monday, shattering windows, scattering debris across the streets, and leaving 21 people injured, including one in critical condition, according to authorities.
The blast, which occurred at the 20-story Sandman Signature Hotel, sent doors and entire sections of walls onto the road, leading to a chaotic scene. Rescue crews, responding swiftly to the emergency, discovered several individuals trapped in the hotel’s basement. Fifteen people were rushed to hospitals, with six of them in “semi-critical” condition, as reported by MedStar, the emergency medical services provider in Fort Worth.
While there were no indications of missing persons, late Monday, fire officials announced their commitment to continue searching the building for any potential victims.
The explosion, believed to have been caused by a gas leak, unfolded during the afternoon on a workweek day, catching many occupants off guard. The hotel, which had more than two dozen occupied rooms at the time, was undergoing construction.
“There was debris. There was insulation. There was office furniture,” described Charlie Collier, an eyewitness who was working nearby when the explosion occurred. He recounted witnessing a large flash and hearing a sound resembling thunder. “Everything that was in the first couple floors of the building was blown out all over the street,” he added.
The Sandman Signature Hotel, situated one block from the Fort Worth Convention Center, is located in a bustling area of downtown. News helicopters captured footage of firefighters navigating through piles of debris, including drywall, shattered glass, and twisted metal, strewn across the street. Authorities urged the public to avoid the affected area.
Craig Trojacek, a spokesman for the Fort Worth Fire Department, stated that the restaurant within the building was under construction, though it remained uncertain if this was the specific location of the explosion.
Eyewitness accounts described a loud crack, a wall of dust and debris sweeping through the city streets, and the intense smell of natural gas following the blast. Rescue teams evacuated nearby buildings, ensuring the safety of residents.
As the investigation unfolds, federal investigators are collaborating with local authorities to determine the cause of the explosion. Technicians from Atmos Energy, a Dallas-based natural gas distributor, and a representative from the Railroad Commission of Texas are actively involved in examining the site.
The Canadian company Northland Properties Co., owner of the hotel, expressed cooperation with officials to ascertain the cause and assess the extent of the damage. In a statement, the company emphasized its commitment to supporting the injured individuals during this challenging time.
Constructed in 1920 as the “Waggoner Building,” the Sandman Signature Fort Worth Downtown Hotel has 245 rooms and has held a place on the National Register of Historic Places since 1979. As investigators delve into the incident, the historic hotel and its occupants grapple with the aftermath of a tragic explosion.
The body discovered along Buffalo Bayou on the northeast side of downtown Houston has been identified as 18-year-old Tierra Horn, who was reported missing last Thursday. Her life was tragically cut short, and the cause of death, as determined by the Harris County Institute for Forensic Science, is listed as “compression of the neck.”
Tierra was last seen by her family members on Tuesday, and her body was found on Friday evening. Rokeisha Calton, Tierra’s older sister, expressed deep sorrow, emphasizing the potential life that was taken away from her sister.
“She had a lot more life she could have lived that was taken away from her,” Calton shared.
According to Calton, Tierra had connections to someone residing in the apartment building near where her body was discovered, and surveillance footage from the building captured her presence earlier in the week. Despite ongoing investigations, no arrests have been made in connection with her death.
Calton, grappling with the loss, strongly believes that Tierra knew her assailant and expressed her sentiments about the perpetrator.
“Who would do that to her?” questioned ABC13 reporter Jessica Willey.
“A devil. A person who doesn’t have a heart. A person who doesn’t care about life. A monster,” Calton replied.
The heartbreaking reality is that Tierra’s 19th birthday, which she and her sister had been planning, will now be commemorated as a celebration of life instead. Calton, seeking justice for her sister, expressed a hope that those involved or with information will be held accountable.
“I hope that everybody that’s involved or who knew anything, I hope they are all charged,” Calton remarked.
Authorities are urging anyone with information about this case to contact the Houston Police Department’s Homicide Division at (713) 308-3600 as they continue their investigation into this tragic incident.
In a groundbreaking revelation, scientists at Columbia and Rutgers universities have, for the first time, detected and categorized nearly a quarter million invisible nanoplastics in the average liter of bottled water. Using a microscope equipped with dual lasers, researchers examined samples from three common bottled water brands, uncovering particle levels ranging from 110,000 to 400,000 per liter, with an average of approximately 240,000, as reported in a study published in Monday’s Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
These nanoplastics are minuscule, measuring less than a micron in size, with 25,400 microns in an inch. This finding surpasses previous studies that focused on slightly larger microplastics, ranging from visible 5 millimeters to one micron. The study revealed the presence of 10 to 100 times more nanoplastics than the previously studied microplastics in bottled water.
The investigation raises concerns about the potential sources of these nanoplastics, with lead author Naixin Qian, a Columbia physical chemist, pointing to the bottle material itself and the reverse osmosis membrane filter used to exclude contaminants. While the study did not disclose the names of the three brands analyzed, Qian mentioned they were common and purchased at Walmart. However, researchers plan to broaden their sample pool before pinpointing specific brands.
The crucial question remains unanswered: Are these nanoplastic particles detrimental to human health?
Phoebe Stapleton, a toxicologist at Rutgers and co-author of the study, highlighted the ongoing examination of the potential health risks. “That’s currently under review. We don’t know if it’s dangerous or how dangerous,” she said. “We do know that they are getting into the tissues (of mammals, including people) … and the current research is looking at what they’re doing in the cells.”
As concerns about plastic pollution escalate, this research underscores the need for further investigation into the potential health implications of nanoplastics in bottled water, raising awareness about the unseen environmental and health challenges posed by these microscopic particles.
In a historic clash, the No. 1 Michigan Wolverines asserted their dominance over the No. 2 Washington Huskies in a spectacular performance that culminated in a 34-13 victory, securing the 2024 College Football Playoff National Championship in Houston. The triumph marks Michigan’s return to the pinnacle of college football, bringing a championship ring to Ann Arbor for the first time since 1997.
The Wolverines, under the guidance of Coach Jim Harbaugh, showcased an impressive ground game, amassing a record-breaking 303 yards rushing while overpowering the Huskies on both offensive and defensive lines throughout the contest. Running back Blake Corum led the charge with 134 yards and two touchdowns on 21 touches, complemented by Donovan Edwards, who, despite minimal contributions earlier in the season due to injuries, broke loose for two first-quarter touchdowns and totaled 104 yards on six carries.
Michigan’s rushing dominance proved historic, surpassing Washington’s total yardage for the entire game (301) and setting a new standard for the most rushing yards by a national title winner in the BCS/CFP era (since 1998). Corum and Edwards etched their names in history as the first teammates to each rush for over 100 yards in a national championship since Alabama’s Eddie Lacy and T.J. Yeldon in 2013.
Quarterback J.J. McCarthy, despite registering the fewest passing yards (140) for a winning signal caller since the 2010 BCS title game, played a crucial role in the Wolverines’ triumph. The victory marks Harbaugh’s successful redemption, overcoming previous struggles against arch-rival Ohio State, securing three consecutive wins, including a national title, and cementing his status as the ultimate Michigan Man.
The championship game concluded a season marred by controversies for Harbaugh, with suspensions and allegations, but Michigan’s resilience prevailed. After surviving an overtime battle against No. 4 Alabama in the Rose Bowl, the Wolverines faced a challenging matchup against Washington, who rallied from an early deficit. However, a resilient defensive stand and a 71-yard offensive surge with Corum’s second touchdown secured Michigan’s victory.
Despite Washington’s top-ranked passing offense, Michigan’s defense emerged as the superior unit, intercepting star quarterback Michael Penix Jr. twice. Penix, the 2023 Heisman Trophy runner-up, faced challenges as his usually precise passes went astray, and his receivers struggled with drops in critical moments.
The Wolverines’ triumph carries significant milestones:
First national championship since 1997 (split with Nebraska)
Tenth national title in program history
First undisputed crown of the modern era
First No. 1 seed to beat a No. 2 seed in the CFP National Championship (1-3)
Second Big Ten team to win a CFP (Ohio State, 2014)
First Big Ten team to win 15+ games since the University of Chicago in 1899
McCarthy’s remarkable career record of 27-1 as a starter (third-best winning percentage in FBS history)
Michigan’s 40-3 record over the last three seasons, rebounding from a 2-4 campaign in the COVID-19 shortened 2020 season
Snapping Washington’s 21-game winning streak, the longest active streak in the FBS
Corum’s consistent excellence was highlighted with a touchdown in all 15 games this season, contributing to Michigan’s triumphant journey to the 2024 College Football Playoff National Championship.
Harris County officials announced on Monday that the launch of the online application portal for the “Uplift Harris” guaranteed income program has been postponed until later this week. The initiative, which aims to provide $500 per month for 18 months to low-income families, will undergo a review by county leaders at the upcoming Commissioners Court meeting on Tuesday. Further program details are expected to be released in the coming days, with a focus on clarifying eligibility criteria.
Commissioner Rodney Ellis’ office for Harris County Precinct 1 confirmed that commissioners will use the upcoming session to “iron out” specifics related to eligibility and program implementation. The delay in the launch allows for a more thorough examination of the “Uplift Harris” program to ensure it effectively addresses the needs of the community.
Under the program, approximately 1,928 eligible residents will receive direct cash assistance over the course of 18 months, providing financial relief for families facing economic challenges. The funds are intended to cover essential expenses such as rent, groceries, transportation, housing, utilities, and healthcare. Monthly payments will be distributed randomly, with applicants selected from the county’s most underserved neighborhoods.
Last summer, Harris County officials identified priority areas through specific zip codes, including 77050, 77093, 77051, 77060, 77028, 77033, 77026, 77081, 77547, and 77091. These zip codes encompass various neighborhoods, including Gulfton, Galena Park, Sunnyside, Acres Homes, and more.
To be eligible for the “Uplift Harris” program, households must be living 200 percent below the federal poverty line. This equates to an individual earning $29,160 per year or a family of four with a maximum income of $60,000 annually. Applicants must be 18 years or older to apply, and additional recipients will be selected from the county’s Public Health ACCESS program, which offers specialized services for vulnerable individuals, focusing on education, employment, healthcare, and housing.
Funded through $20.5 million in American Rescue Plan Funds, the “Uplift Harris” program received approval from Harris County leaders in June 2023. Similar initiatives have been launched in Los Angeles County and Chicago.
Residents are encouraged to submit online applications, with notifications expected via email or phone in mid-February. The initial payments are slated to begin in March or April, distributed through direct deposit or on a prepaid reloadable debit card. For more details on the program, interested individuals can find additional information here.
In a comprehensive address to ambassadors representing 184 nations with diplomatic ties to the Vatican on Monday, Pope Francis fervently called for a worldwide prohibition on surrogate motherhood. He denounced the practice as “deplorable” and emphasized that unborn children should not be treated as commodities for trafficking.
The pontiff asserted that surrogacy represents a profound violation of both the dignity of women and the sanctity of children, exploiting the financial circumstances of surrogate mothers. He declared, “A child is always a gift and never the basis of a commercial contract,” emphasizing the moral implications of such arrangements.
This is not the first time Pope Francis has spoken out against surrogacy. In 2022, he referred to it as “inhuman,” highlighting the exploitation of predominantly economically disadvantaged women and the commodification of children.
The global landscape regarding surrogacy laws is diverse, with only a handful of countries and some U.S. states permitting commercial surrogacy. Others allow “altruistic” surrogacy, where no financial transactions take place, while several nations, especially in Europe, have outright banned the practice.
In his annual address to the diplomat corps, often regarded as the pontiff’s “state of the world” speech, Pope Francis underscored the threat posed by conflicts and divisions to global peace. Surrogacy found its place in this list, alongside issues such as the ongoing conflicts in the Gaza Strip and Ukraine, the immigration crisis, climate change, arms proliferation, antisemitism, the persecution of Christians, and artificial intelligence.
Reflecting on the wars in Gaza and Ukraine, the pope emphasized that such conflicts inevitably lead to indiscriminate suffering among civilian populations, asserting that grave violations of international humanitarian law constitute war crimes. As Pope Francis addressed a myriad of global concerns, his call for a universal ban on surrogacy stood out as a moral imperative in the pursuit of a more just and humane world.
Verizon Wireless is paying up to $100 million to settle lawsuit claims about a misleading administrative charge.
You could be eligible for up to $100 in a Verizon class-action settlement.James Martin/CNET
If you’re a current or former Verizon customer who purchased a traditional, postpaid wireless plan in the past seven years, you may be owed money as part of a $100 million class action lawsuit settlement. Verizon is making the payments to address claims that its service plans were misleading because the advertised prices did not include an administrative charge.
In a class-action lawsuit, the plaintiffs allege (PDF) that Verizon implemented, charged and increased an administrative fee for postpaid wireless or data services in a deceptive and unfair manner.
In a statement to CNET, a Verizon spokesperson said the company “clearly identifies and describes its wireless consumer Admin Charge multiple times during the sales transaction, as well as in its marketing, contracts and billing. This charge helps our company recover certain regulatory compliance and network-related costs.”
