Breaking News Week #7 2.8.2026
- Feb 8
- 8 min read
Updated: Feb 15
DA: Albany Defendant on the Run After ‘Affixing’ Ankle Monitor to Dog
Authorities in Albany, New York, are searching for Lamont Holmes, a defendant who failed to show up for a scheduled court hearing and allegedly removed his court-ordered GPS ankle monitor, attaching it to a dog in Rensselaer County instead.
Probation officials informed the court that the monitor was found on the animal, prompting Albany County Court to issue a bench warrant for Holmes.
He had pleaded guilty to criminal possession of a weapon in 2025 and faces up to 15 years in prison when he is eventually sentenced.
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Connecting your phone to a rental car’s Bluetooth or infotainment system can cause the vehicle to store personal data from your device. This may include contacts, call logs, text message metadata, navigation history, and other information. In many cases, that data can remain in the car’s system even after the vehicle is returned, potentially accessible to future renters or others.
Using a USB cable does more than charge your phone. It can also enable two-way data transfer between your device and the car’s system, which may allow personal information to be copied without the user realizing it.
Any data left behind in a rental car can present a privacy risk. It could be viewed by subsequent drivers, rental company staff, or, in some cases, exploited by bad actors if the system is accessed improperly.
From a privacy standpoint, the safest option is to avoid pairing your phone with a rental car altogether. If navigation or audio is needed, using the phone’s speaker or a personal Bluetooth device you control reduces exposure. For charging, a cigarette-lighter adapter or standalone power bank that does not allow data transfer is a safer alternative.
Overall, privacy and security professionals commonly advise against connecting phones via Bluetooth or USB in rental cars unless users are certain no data is being stored. If a connection is made, all paired devices and stored data should be manually removed before returning the vehicle.
The super rich are injecting blood from teenagers to gain ‘immortality’ (likely from BBC Three)
The article discusses claims or circulating narratives suggesting that extremely wealthy individuals are allegedly using injections of blood from young people in an attempt to slow aging or achieve “immortality.”
It likely explores how this idea has spread online, the science (or lack thereof) behind the claim, and the social or cultural implications of such rumors.
Michael Jackson Estate Was ‘Unaware’ of Sexyy Red’s ‘Beat It’ Flip: ‘Use of the Music Is Unauthorized’
The estate of Michael Jackson has criticized rapper Sexyy Red after a viral clip showed her performing an explicit remix of Jackson’s classic song “Beat It,” retitled “Just Eat It.”
In a statement to Billboard, the estate said it had no prior knowledge of the remix and that her use of the music is unauthorized, meaning it was not approved for official release.
The snippet spread online after fellow artist Lil Yachty shared a studio video, prompting backlash from fans and other artists who viewed the remix as disrespectful to Jackson’s legacy.
The estate’s response underscores its protective stance over Jackson’s catalog, especially as a biopic about the singer is set to be released.
Fed-up residents sue Bass, nonprofit, claim city burned millions on homeless housing 🌆
Los Angeles taxpayers have filed a lawsuit against Mayor Karen Bass and a nonprofit tied to the city’s homeless housing programs, alleging that millions of dollars in taxpayer funds were wasted on ineffective or mismanaged housing initiatives.
Plaintiffs say taxpayers are left footing the bill for projects that didn’t deliver promised results, and they argue the city failed to properly oversee how the money was spent.
The lawsuit reflects growing frustration among residents who believe local government and nonprofit partners have mishandled funds meant to address homelessness, leading to costly outcomes with little meaningful impact on the ongoing crisis.
A physician who worked at Memorial Hermann Health System in Houston has been federally charged for allegedly falsifying medical records in a way that made patients waiting for organ transplants ineligible to receive donor organs.
U.S. prosecutors say Dr. John Stevenson Bynon Jr., 66, manipulated data in patient records that affected their placement on the liver transplant waiting list, leaving some patients unaware that they could not receive offers for months.
The indictment covers five counts of making false statements in health care matters; prosecutors say three patients later died and two eventually got transplants at other hospitals.
Bynon appeared in federal court and pleaded not guilty; if convicted, he could face up to five years in prison on each count and fines. Families of several patients have filed civil suits seeking answers about whether the record changes contributed to loved ones’ deaths.
Authorities in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, say the former treasurer of the Pennsylvania Occupational Therapy Association allegedly stole more than $246,000 from the nonprofit between 2021 and 2024.
Police reported that Michal Fantuzzo, 40, used the organization’s funds for personal expenses, including paying off credit card debt, a trip to Disney World, a vacation rental in North Carolina, country club membership fees, a limousine rental, and even a hot tub installation at his home.
The theft was discovered in 2025 when a newly elected board found the nonprofit’s account drained to zero and launched an investigation. Fantuzzo turned himself in and faces multiple felony charges; he is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on Feb. 17.
Tony Yayo Gets Ja Rule KICKED OFF Plane After CONFRONTION
Apple and Google agree app store changes to appease UK regulator
Apple and Google have agreed to make changes to their app store policies in the United Kingdom following concerns raised by the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA).
The agreement is aimed at improving transparency, fairness, and competition within their digital marketplaces.
As part of the changes:
• The 30% commission will be reduced to 17%.
• A smaller fee structure will apply to most developers.
• Developers will be allowed to build apps that use Apple’s Tap to Pay system.
• Those apps will not be required to be integrated into Apple Wallet.
The companies have also committed to clearer app review processes, improved communication with developers, and safeguards around how developer data is used. Regulators indicated that discussions may continue on broader competition concerns, but these updates represent a significant shift in app store policy within the UK market.
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Valuable employees aren’t safe from corporate layoffs
The opinion piece argues that discussions about widespread layoffs often overlook a significant point: even highly valued workers are being cut as companies reorganize or reduce costs.
It suggests that many layoffs are not simply about underperformance but reflect broader corporate strategies — including restructuring to reduce expenses, shift priorities, or invest elsewhere.
The article emphasizes that layoffs affect a wide range of roles and that being considered “valuable” doesn’t guarantee job security in the current business climate.
After US Judge Blocks California’s ICE Mask Ban, Scott Wiener Says He Will Make It Enforceable
A federal judge has blocked enforcement of a California law that banned federal immigration agents from wearing masks while on duty, ruling that the exclusion of state officers likely violates federal supremacy principles.
The judge left space for a constitutionally valid version. State Senator Scott Wiener, the bill’s author, said he plans to revise the law to include state law enforcement so it can be enforceable.
The ruling also upheld a separate requirement that officers display visible identification while working.
California coffee shop was operating as ‘bikini cafe’ leading to 17 arrests, cops say
Authorities in Garden Grove, California, shut down the DD Café after an undercover probe found the business wasn’t just a coffee shop but a “bikini cafe.”
Investigators allege workers in revealing attire offered lap dances, private dances for cash, and allowed customers to bring their own alcohol — all without proper permits.
The operation violated municipal codes on public nudity, business licensing, and alcohol service, leading to 17 arrests including the owners.
When You’re So Drunk You Accidentally Pick a Fight With a Cop
Based on the video’s metadata and related clips, the footage shows an encounter captured on bodycam where a person, apparently intoxicated, ends up in a confrontation with a law enforcement officer at a convenience store in Columbia County, Wisconsin. The situation escalates after the individual interacts with the deputy in a way that leads to a conflict neither side expected.
Dunkin’ Manager Kills Customer After He Snaps Over Cold … (based on metadata)
The video appears to show or report on an incident where a manager at Dunkin’ allegedly threw a punch that resulted in the death of a 77-year-old customer, with the confrontation reportedly starting over dissatisfaction with a cold order.
Second measles case connected to Disneyland visitor reported by Orange County officials

Health officials in Orange County confirmed a second case of measles linked to a person who visited both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park in Anaheim in January.
People who were at the parks during the exposure windows may be at risk of developing measles within 7 to 21 days and are advised to check their immunity and monitor for symptoms. This adds to multiple measles cases reported in the region so far this year.

: Washington Post Staff Starts GoFundMe For International Employees Facing “Serious Security Risks” After Layoffs
Following mass layoffs at The Washington Post, staffers launched a GoFundMe campaign to help international employees who were let go without union protections and now face urgent challenges including loss of housing, visas, benefits, and in some cases serious security risks.
The fundraiser aims to provide financial support for relocation, legal aid, rent, and other transition needs for those stranded overseas as a result of the cuts.
URL: https://deadline.com/2026/02/washington-post-gofundme-stranded-international-employees-1236712520/
Antioch Raley’s store closing when lease expires April 30
Summary: According to social media reports and confirmation from corporate, the Raley’s grocery store on Lone Tree Way in Antioch will close at the end of April when its lease expires.
Company leadership said they chose not to renew the lease after reviewing the store’s performance and economic factors.
The store has served the community since 1979, and Raley’s plans to assist team members with placement at other locations.
URL: https://antiochherald.com/2026/02/reports-antioch-raleys-store-closing-when-lease-expires-april-30/
Woman caught urinated in break room in front of people
Wisconsin officials say an operator of more than 100 Burger King restaurants violated state child labor and wage laws at least 1,600 times, affecting more than 600 minors.
The Department of Workforce Development says the Illinois-based franchisee failed to get required work permits for young employees, let minors work longer than legally allowed, and missed meal break requirements.
The state seeks over $1 million in unpaid wages and penalties, and the franchisee must comply with child labor laws or face further enforcement.
SBA Suspends 111,620 California Borrowers Suspected of Committing $8.6 Billion in Pandemic-Era Fraud
Summary: The U.S. Small Business Administration announced on February 6, 2026, that it has suspended 111,620 borrowers in California amid suspected fraudulent activity involving pandemic-era loan programs.
These borrowers received 118,489 Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) totaling more than $8.6 billion. Suspended borrowers are barred from taking out new SBA loans or participating in other SBA programs.
The move follows similar action taken in Minnesota and is part of broader efforts to investigate and address alleged fraud tied to pandemic relief funds.
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