The White House confirmed that the U.S. carried out a second strike on a suspected Venezuelan drug boat on Sept. 2. Press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Secretary Of Defense Pete Hegseth authorized Adm. Frank M. Bradley to conduct the attack, which killed survivors from the first attack. Congressional committees are now investigating whether the strike violated international law. (Story URL)
The TSA will begin charging a $45 fee on February 1st for travelers who arrive at airport checkpoints without a REAL ID or passport. The agency said Monday that the fee supports the next phase of its REAL ID program, requiring travelers without compliant identification to verify their identity through biometric or biographic systems. Verified travelers will receive a confirmation email valid for up to ten days. (Story URL)
Authorities in Brazil say a 19-year-old man was killed Sunday after entering a lioness enclosure at the Arruda Camara Zoobotanical Park. Gerson de Melo Machado climbed a six-meter wall, crossed security bars, and descended a tree into the exhibit. Video shows the lioness, named Leona, attacking Machado as visitors looked on. Staff said Leona would not be euthanized and continues under veterinary care. (Story URL)
Starbucks will pay about $35 million to more than 15,000 New York City employees to resolve claims it violated scheduling laws,. The company will also pay $3.4 million in civil penalties under an agreement with the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection and must follow the city’s Fair Workweek law. Most hourly workers will receive $50 for each week worked between July 2021 and July 2024. (Story URL)
Former immigration judge Tania Nemer has filed a lawsuit in Washington, D.C., claiming her firing by the Trump administration violated civil rights and constitutional protections. Nemer says she was dismissed despite strong performance reviews because she is a woman, a dual citizen of Lebanon, and a former Democratic candidate in Ohio. The administration removed Nemer in February without explanation. (Story URL)
