At least 61 migrants, including women and children, have died after a boat capsized off the coast of Libya, according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM). Survivors reported that 61 migrants were missing and presumed dead, and the victims were from Nigeria, Gambia, and other African countries. The IOM has called for "urgent action" to prevent further loss of life and urged governments to provide safe and legal pathways for migrants.
News Mash
Jeff Roe, a seasoned GOP operative and architect of the ground game operation in Iowa for Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, announced his departure from the Never Back Down super PAC on Saturday night due to a Washington Post story containing a statement from the PAC's new chairman that was critical of former employees. This comes at a critical time for DeSantis, as he is up for re-election in 2022, and it remains to be seen how the PAC's new leadership will affect the governor's chances.
Alex Jones and Free Speech Systems, based in Austin, Texas, have both filed for bankruptcy in response to a lawsuit brought against Jones by the families of the victims of the 2012 Newtown school shooting. Jones' plan would pay the Sandy Hook families a minimum total of $55 million over 10 years, while Free Speech Systems' plan would pay $15 million. The court will decide which plan is the most beneficial and issue a final order in February.
NBA legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was taken to the hospital after an accidental fall during a concert in Los Angeles on Friday night. He is set to undergo hip surgery, and is being cared for by the medical team at UCLA Hospital. This medical emergency comes three years after Abdul-Jabbar revealed he had been diagnosed with prostate cancer and beaten it, and was battling chronic myeloid leukemia. The public wishes Abdul-Jabbar a speedy recovery.
Key takeaways: Cardinal Angelo Becciu was found guilty of embezzlement and sentenced to 5 ½ years in prison, making him the first cardinal ever to…
Today, the Yemeni Houthi rebels announced an attack on the port town of Eliat in southern Israel using "a large batch of drones", resulting in a prolonged communications blackout. This blackout has compounded the misery in the besieged Gaza Strip, with the Houthi group claiming they had carried out the attack in support of Palestinians living under "killing, destruction and siege". The blackout has hampered aid deliveries and rescue efforts as the war against Gaza's ruling militant group Hamas stretched into the 11th week.
Two Georgia election workers, Ruby Freeman and her daughter Wandrea “Shaye” Moss, have been awarded $148 million in damages by a Washington, D.C. jury for defamation by Rudy Giuliani. The award includes $33 million for defamation, $40 million for emotional distress, and $75 million in punitive damages. This is the largest award ever given in a defamation case in the District of Columbia and a major victory for the two women.
Matthew Perry, best known for his role in the hit sitcom "Friends," has died from the acute effects of ketamine, according to an autopsy report released by the Los Angeles Medical Examiner Office. The report states that Perry had been receiving ketamine therapy for depression and anxiety and had been clean from addiction for 19 months prior to his death. First responders went to a home in Pacific Palisades based on a 911 call at 4:07 p.m. about a “water emergency” of an unknown type. Perry's death was ruled accidental with no signs of foul play.