‘Rock formation’ dashes hopes in search for Amelia Earhart’s plane
Hopes that Amelia Earhart’s long-lost plane had been found were dashed on Tuesday, Nov. 26. Researchers scanning the Pacific Ocean for the nearly 90-year-old wreckage thought they had found it last year but upon further inspection it’s reportedly just a natural rock formation shaped like a plane.
Tony Romeo funded the $11 million search with the group Deep Sea Vision for Earhart’s doomed flight.
In January of 2023, searchers claimed to have found sonar evidence of “what appears to be Earhart’s Lockheed 10-3 Electra” plane.
The images were captured by a submersible around 16,000 feet below the ocean’s surface, and 100 miles off of the coast of Howland Island, roughly halfway in between Hawaii and Australia, which would have been Earhart’s next scheduled stop as she attempted to become the first woman to fly around the globe.
Upon its return to the site, the team found the long-anticipated discovery was just a pile of rocks.
Despite the disappointing setback, the researchers vowed on Instagram to continue their search. The group said members have covered nearly 7,700 square miles so far in their efforts to find the ill-fated plane, which has been the subject of conspiracy theories for decades.
Trump plans new tariffs on Canada, Mexico, China over drugs, migrants
President-elect Donald Trump vows to hit Canada, Mexico and China with new tariffs on their products coming into the U.S. And TSA is laying out its expectations as the Tuesday before Thanksgiving is one of the busiest travel days of the year. These stories and more highlight your Unbiased Updates for Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024.
Trump plans new tariffs on Canada, Mexico, China over drugs, migrants
President-elect Donald Trump has announced some of the first executive orders he plans to issue on day one of his administration. Trump said he will make good on a campaign promise by raising tariffs on goods from China, Canada and Mexico – the latter two being the top trading partners of the U.S. – due to illegal border crossings and drugs entering the country.
Trump made the announcements Monday night, Nov. 25, on his Truth Social platform. He targeted Canada and Mexico first.
The president-elect said on his first day in office, he will impose a 25% tariff on all products coming into the United States from those two countries, which account for 30% of trade volumes. Trump said the tariffs will remain in effect until drugs, specifically fentanyl, and illegal immigrants stop crossing into the U.S.
— Donald J. Trump Posts From His Truth Social (@TrumpDailyPosts) November 26, 2024
“Both Mexico and Canada have the absolute right and power to easily solve this long simmering problem,” Trump said. “We hereby demand that they use this power, and until such time that they do, it is time for them to pay a very big price!”
In a second post on Truth Social, Trump turned his attention to China, saying he’ll charge China an additional 10% above any other tariffs on all their products coming into the U.S.
While he said he has had many talks with Chinese officials about drugs being sent into the U.S., Trump said nothing has changed. He added, “Representatives of China told me that they would institute their maximum penalty, that of death, for any drug dealers caught doing this but, unfortunately, they never followed through, and drugs are pouring into our country, mostly through Mexico, at levels never seen before.”
Reaction has been coming in from the countries affected by Trump’s tariff plans.
Chinese Embassy Spokesperson Liu Pengyu said, “China believes that China-U.S. economic and trade cooperation is mutually beneficial in nature. No one will win a trade or a tariff war.”
In a joint statement, Canada’s deputy prime minister, Chrystia Freeland, and public safety minister, Dominic LeBlancr, said, “Canada and the United States have one of the strongest and closest relationships – particularly when it comes to trade and border security. Canada places the highest priority on border security and the integrity of our shared border.”
Ricardo Monreal, Mexico’s lower house leader for the ruling party, responded in a post on X, saying, “The imposition of a possible tariff on Mexican products goes against the United States–Mexico–Canada agreement and does not solve the common problems of the border between Mexico and the United States…escalating trade retaliation would only hurt the people’s pocketbooks.”
Scott Bessent, Trump’s nominee for treasury secretary — who says tariffs would not add to inflation — supports the move, but many economists forecast tariffs would increase prices for U.S. consumers.
The Peterson Institute for International Economics estimated over the summer the tariff plan Trump promised on the campaign trail, which included 60% tariffs on Chinese goods, would cost the typical U.S. household more than $2,600 a year.
A CNBC analysis said retail chains like Five Below and Dollar Tree, along with online outlet Wayfair, would be some of the most vulnerable companies when it comes to a trade war.
Meanwhile, multiple reports said President-elect Trump spoke with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau Monday night following the social media posts. The reports said the two had a “good conversation” about trade and border security.
Federal judge dismisses Trump’s 2020 election interference charges
Special Counsel Jack Smith has dropped all federal charges against President-elect Trump in connection with attempting to overturn the 2020 election results. He filed the motion Monday and a federal judge granted it within hours.
A different judge had already dismissed the federal charges against Trump for mishandling classified documents. Smith was appealing that decision before he dropped those charges as well on Monday.
The Justice Department’s longstanding position that a sitting president cannot be charged with a crime is set to apply to Trump once he takes office again in January, which is why Smith decided to give up the cases against him.
On Truth Social, Trump posted, “I persevered, against all odds, and won.”
FBI agent acquitted in 2020 shooting arrested on sexual assault charges
An FBI agent has been arrested on charges of sexually assaulting two women, according to police in Montgomery County, Maryland. Authorities there also said they believe there might be other victims out there.
Valdivia is now suspended from the FBI pending the outcome of this case.
This is not his first brush with the law. In 2020, prosecutors charged Valdivia with attempted murder in an off-duty shooting on a metro train in Bethesda, Maryland. A Montgomery County jury found him not guilty in that case in 2022.
Macy’s says employee hid $154M in expenses, delays Q3 report
Macy’s said one employee intentionally created so many accounting inconsistencies it had to delay its quarterly report.
While the department store chain said it saw stronger-than-expected sales from July to October this year, it also discovered a now-former employee hid up to $154 million in expenses over nearly three years. The company said the issue was related to delivery expenses in one of its accrual accounts.
Macy’s delayed its third-quarter earnings report after the retailer said an employee hid up to $154 million in delivery expenses over several years, prompting an investigation https://t.co/7PlNTb2qp0
While the questionable expenses only account for a small fraction of the $4.36 billion in delivery expenses during that almost three-year period, the company found the errors to be significant enough to delay reporting its full quarterly earnings.
That report was originally set to be released Tuesday, Nov. 26. It has now been pushed back until Dec. 11.
TSA preparing for ‘busiest Thanksgiving ever’ for air travel
Thanksgiving travel is taking off and this year is expected to be another for the record books. The Transportation Security Administration said it’s ready for the rush and expects to screen 18.3 million people at U.S. airports from Tuesday through next Monday, Dec. 2.
Today we kick off our busiest travel week of the year! Flying to visit with family or friends? Start your packing with an empty bag. Leftover items from past adventures often include prohibited items. Unsure what’s allowed in your carry-on or checked bag? Send a DM to our @AskTSA… pic.twitter.com/kduiVqKY5a
The Sunday after Thanksgiving, Dec. 1, is expected to be the busiest day for air travel. The TSA estimates more than three million people are likely to pass through their checkpoints that day alone.
The word went viral after a video was posted on TikTok by user @JoolsLebron in August. Dictionary.com said demure saw a nearly 1,200% increase in usage in digital web media alone from January to the end of August, mainly attributed to the video.
The website said while demure was traditionally used to describe those who are reserved and quiet, the new usage seen on social media is meant to describe refined and sophisticated appearance or behavior.
US Supreme Court declines hearing Big Tobacco’s challenge to FDA labels
The U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear a challenge from cigarette companies on Monday, Nov. 25, against a federal requirement that cigarette packages include graphic labels that warn of the health risks associated with smoking.
Tobacco company R.J. Reynolds and other companies appealed a lower court’s decision to uphold the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) mandate, which found the federal rule consistent with the First Amendment. The court agreed with the FDA that the warnings were “factually accurate.”
R.J. Reynolds unsuccessfully argued the FDA’s rule amounted to “compelled speech” and that violated the company’s free speech rights. The company claimed the proposed warnings “overstate” the health risks associated with smoking.
The proposed labels from the FDA consisted of images of tumors, blackened lungs and surgery scars, with messages about the health issues smoking can potentially cause. The FDA proposed the 13 warning labels in 2019 under the Trump administration.
The FDA accused cigarette companies of “knowingly and actively conspiring to deceive the public about the health risks and addictiveness of smoking.”
Around 120 countries already have large graphic warning labels on cigarette packages. The United States has not updated its labeling on cigarette packages since 1984.
N Korea ballistic missile facility growing as revealed by new satellite images
U.S. defense experts revealed on Monday, Nov. 25, that they believe that Pyongyang may be ramping up its production of weapons for Moscow to use in its war in Ukraine. Researchers said new satellite images reveal North Korea is expanding a crucial weapons manufacturing complex that produces short-range missiles.
The California think-tank behind the findings noted that the plant is the only one known to produce a certain class of ballistic missiles used by Russia to strike Ukrainian forces.
Known as the KN23, the rockets are reportedly capable of evading missile defense systems by flying at low altitudes, which makes them useful for Russian forces trying to penetrate Ukrainian air defenses.
The satellite images show what reportedly appears to be an additional assembly building under construction and a housing structure for workers near North Korea’s east coast.
North Korean missiles allegedly account for only a fraction of Moscow’s strikes in Ukraine. However, the developments stoked fears among South Korea and the United States because both countries have long sought to prevent North Korea from expanding its production of ballistic missiles.
Both Moscow and Pyongyang denied that North Korea is supplying weapons to Russia for its war in Ukraine, despite the countries signing a mutual defense treaty in June 2024 and vowing to boost military ties.
Meanwhile, thousands of North Korean troops are reportedly being deployed to help Russia in its war efforts.
Amazon workers in 20 countries plan Black Friday, Cyber Monday strike
Thousands of Amazon workers from around the world are planning to strike again on one of the biggest shopping weekends of the year. This is the fifth holiday season in a row for Make Amazon Pay protests, when warehouse staff and delivery drivers strike in support of workers’ rights and climate action from Black Friday through Cyber Monday.
Employees in 20 countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, Germany and Japan, are demanding higher pay, the option to unionize, and a company commitment to environmental sustainability.
It’s all led by a pair of social and economic justice organizations, UNI Global and Progressive International.
“Amazon is everywhere, but so are we,” Progressive International’s Co-General Coordinator Varsha Gandikota-Nellutla said. “By uniting our movements across borders, we can not only force Amazon to change its ways but lay the foundations of a world that prioritizes human dignity, not Jeff Bezos’ bank balance.”
According to numbers from Amazon, employees in the U.S. can earn between $18.50 and $29.50 per hour depending on the position and location.
A 2023 report by the National Employment Law Project found that warehouse workers in areas with Amazon fulfillment centers make $822 less a month than warehouse workers in areas that don’t have Amazon fulfillment centers.
It’s not clear exactly how much more money Amazon workers are asking for, but they specifically want hazard pay and premium pay for peak times.
When it comes to environmental concerns, the advocacy groups are asking Amazon to commit to zero emissions by 2030 and to transition to electric vehicles.
An Amazon spokesperson said in a statement that it is already taking a proactive stance against climate change by becoming the world’s largest purchaser of renewable energy.
“These groups represent a variety of interests, and while we’re always listening and looking at ways to improve, we remain proud of the competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and engaging, safe work experience we provide our teams,” Amazon said.
“Ongoing security council discussions about international engagement in Haiti’s security and stability to succeed the MSS highlight the need of the government of Haiti and the international community to have a long-term vision.” Miroslav Jenca, the U.N. assistant secretary general, said.
Haitian leaders have continually asked the partially deployed and under-resourced multinational security force to be transformed into a peacekeeping effort to enhance funding.
If approved, a lengthy process would begin. The U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres would then be required to file a report of recommendations.
The United States and Ecuador presented a proposal for the transition in September. However, it failed after resistance from China and Russia. Both countries have veto powers within the U.N.
Moscow and Beijing are still refusing to get on board, despite most diplomats supporting the idea.
Russia and China argue a pause in violence is needed to rationalize sending a peacekeeping mission. They’ve also signaled a distrust of Haiti’s government.
Violence on the island nation rose dramatically this month as gangs opened fire on three commercial planes. The shootings caused the U.S. to pause flights into the country.
Just this past week, at least 150 people were reportedly killed in gang-related violence. After the violence, the charity Doctors without Borders suspended operations in Haiti.
“We are deeply concerned about the safety, basic needs and human rights of people residing in gang-controlled areas, in particular those of women and children,” Jenca said. “Predatory gangs systematically attack communities using extreme forms of violence including sexual violence as a weapon to subjugate them.”
A Haitian health official, whose son was reportedly kidnapped, warned if more isn’t done by the international community, “the alternative will be a massive genocide that has already started.” He said only the U.N. has the power to stop it.
US requests Venezuela respect will of people, says Gonzalez is president-elect
The United States officially recognized Venezuelan opposition leader Edmundo Gonzalez as president-elect of the country on Tuesday, Nov. 19, months after President Nicolas Maduro controversially declared victory in the July 2024 presidential election. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken recognized Gonzalez as the Venezuelan president in a post on X and demanded that the country “respect the will of the voters.”
The Biden administration previously acknowledged Gonzalez won the most votes in the presidential election but failed to declare him president-elect until the week of Nov. 18.
“We deeply appreciate the recognition of the sovereign will of all Venezuelans,” Gonzalez wrote. “This gesture honors the desire for change of our people and the civic feat that we carried out together on July 28.”
As Straight Arrow News previously reported, Gonzalez has been exiled to Spain after a warrant for his arrest was issued by the Maduro regime.
Venezuela’s Foreign Minister Yvan Gil responded to Blinken’s acknowledgement by launching a personal attack against Maduro.
“In the last days of his government, he should dedicate himself to reflecting on his failures, getting rid of imperial and colonial complexes and going to write the memoirs of how the Bolivarian Revolution made him bite the dust of defeat, just like his predecessors,” Gil said in a statement.
Gil made no mention of the disputed election results.
Maduro has denied requests from the United States and other nations to show voting records backing up his claims of victory. Meanwhile, Maduro has led a reportedly “brutal crackdown” on his political opponents as he maintains power in the country.
Could holograms revolutionize health care in rural and low-income areas?
The hologram technology that Princess Leia used to plead for help in “Star Wars” is real. It’s been notably used for posthumous performances by renowned artists like Michael Jackson and Tupac Shakur – but now it’s making its way into hospitals.
A north Texas hospital is the first in the United States to use the technology, called Holobox. It goes a big step beyond telehealth, allowing patients to meet face-to-face with their doctor in a private room, life size and in real time, even if they’re miles apart.
Your Hologram Doctor Will See You Now
In the emerging “MEDiverse” we’ll be interacting with remote clinicians in more engaging & interactive ways @holoconnects is one example
The Holobox looks like a big, empty, refrigerator-sized phone booth. Using a camera, a microphone and a backdrop, doctors can make a “studio” for meeting patients that creates a lifelike experience, which can help reduce commutes and admission times. It’s also designed for ease of use, requiring minimal training to get the Holobox up and running.
Crescent Regional Hospital in Lancaster, Texas, just south of Dallas, is using it for what they call “non-touch visits,” like pre- and post-op appointments. While it’s the only hospital in the country with this technology right now, it opens the door for rural hospitals and facilities in low-income areas to provide better, more consistent care to patients.
In recent years, hospitals like those have struggled to remain open nationwide because of rising costs and decreasing revenues. The issue is only expected to get worse as America faces a shortage of doctors that’s supposed to last well into the next decade, according to the Association of American Medical Colleges.
Proponents say hologram technology has the potential to bridge those gaps while also developing a more trusting relationship between doctor and patient than traditional telehealth options might be able to.
The two spoke briefly at the America First Policy Institute gala at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach, Florida. The conversation happened shortly before both leaders took the stage.
“Thank you for allowing me to be part of this major event and for giving me the opportunity to speak here among all of you,” Milei said through a translator. “You are true giants. First, I would like to begin by congratulating President-elect Donald Trump on his resounding victory. This has been the greatest political comeback in history, defying the entire political establishment, even at the risk of his own life.”
And it was mutual admiration at Thursday’s gala.
“Javier, I’d like to congratulate you and the job you’ve done for Argentina,” Trump said. “Your speech was beautiful, but the job you’ve done is incredible. Make Argentina great again, you know, MAGA, he’s a MAGA person.”
Trump and Milei publicly lauded each other over the last year. Trump congratulated Milei after he won his election by the highest percentage of votes in 40 years last November. At the time, he said he was “very proud” of Milei and claimed he would turn Argentina around.
🇺🇸🇦🇷 Donald Trump e Javier Milei se reúnem pela primeira vez durante evento de conservadores nos Estados Unidos. pic.twitter.com/atrvZaV8nQ
Thursday’s meeting wasn’t the first time the two have come into contact with each other. They met in February at the Conservative Political Action Conference in Washington D.C.
The evaluation of Argentina’s position on the Paris accords comes days after the country withdrew its negotiators from the COP29 summit in Baku, Azerbaijan.
Top US retailers in toxic ‘Hall of Shame’ ahead of holidays
The holiday shopping season is upon us, and whether you’re looking for the perfect gift or ingredients for a delicious holiday meal, one health group is warning that you might want to be careful where you shop. The nonprofit Toxic-Free Future, which specializes in environmental health research and advocacy, released it latest Retailer Report Card on the use of toxic chemicals and some of the most popular names are featured in its “Hall of Shame.”
For the report, Toxic-Free Future looked at the top 50 retailers in the United States and Canada and graded them on a scale of A to F, like a school report card.
The retailers that ranked lowest on the list were ones that owned restaurants and dollar store chains like Five Below, Family Dollar and Dollar Tree. The retailers that received A grades were Apple, Sephora, Target and Walmart.
Target and Walmart, which also owns popular bulk chain Sam’s Club, were the only grocery retailers to get such a high grade.
Publix and Trader Joe’s received an F, Aldi got a D+, Costco and Kroger both received a C-, and Whole Foods scored a B.