A federal appeals court has temporarily paused a lower court's ruling that would have required Texas to remove its controversial floating river barriers from the Rio Grande. The barriers, which are intended to deter migrants from crossing the U.S.-Mexico border, were installed by the state of Texas and will remain in place for the time being. The Justice Department had argued that the barrier was a violation of the U.S. Constitution and the International Boundary and Water Commission Treaty of 1970, while Texas argued that the barrier was necessary to protect the state from illegal immigration. The appeals court's decision is only temporary, and the case will continue to be litigated in the courts.
News Mash
An environmental protest disrupted the U.S. Open women's semifinal match between Coco Gauff and Karolína Muchová, delaying the match for 50 minutes. Three protesters were involved, two of whom left quietly when security arrived, while the third glued his feet to the floor of the stadium. Gauff eventually won the match 6-4, 7-5, highlighting the power of protest and the importance of standing up for what you believe in.
The U.S.-Mexico border wall constructed during former President Donald Trump's administration has caused significant damage and destruction to the environment and cultural sites, according to a new report from the Government Accountability Office. The report outlines the environmental and cultural impacts of the wall, including desecration of Indigenous cultural sites, disruption of wildlife, destruction of vegetation, and erosion of mountain slopes. The report calls for the U.S. government to assess the impacts, develop a plan to address them, and provide resources to help Indigenous communities restore and protect their cultural sites.
Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) denied any involvement in conversations with Trump allies regarding his possible presiding over the January 6, 2021 joint session of Congress. A spokesperson for the senator and former lawyer for ex-President Donald Trump both corroborated Grassley's denial. It remains unclear how seriously anyone in Trump's orbit considered using Grassley to grant Trump a second term in office.
Reza "Ray" Baluchi, a Florida ultra-marathoner and peace activist, was arrested last week by the U.S. Coast Guard after attempting to cross the Atlantic Ocean in a homemade "human-powered hamster wheel". Baluchi had refused to get off the vessel and had threatened to harm himself or the crew when the Coast Guard attempted to board the vessel. This is reportedly the fourth time Baluchi has attempted to cross the Atlantic Ocean in a homemade vessel. The U.S. Coast Guard said they take "all maritime threats seriously" and will use all available resources to ensure the safety of life at sea.
Naomi Osaka, four-time Grand Slam singles champion, has announced her plans to return to professional tennis in 2024. She recently spoke to ESPN about her plans and admiration for Coco Gauff, and expressed excitement for the future. Osaka has not competed in a tournament since September 2022, when she withdrew due to her pregnancy announcement.
Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis has accused House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan of attempting to obstruct the prosecution of the racketeering case against former President Donald Trump. In a letter sent Thursday, Willis argued that Jordan's requests for information were an "unjustified and illegal intrusion" into a state criminal matter. Jordan has yet to respond to Willis' letter, leaving it unclear if he will continue to pursue his investigation or heed her warning.
Paqui has announced the removal of their spicy "One Chip Challenge" tortilla chip from store shelves following the death of 14-year-old Harris Wolobah of Worcester, Massachusetts. The chip contains two of the world's spiciest peppers and is intended for adults only, with clear labeling. Harris' family remembers him as an intelligent, quirky and talented young man. Paqui has expressed their condolences to the family and is currently awaiting the results of an autopsy to determine the cause of death.