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Trump’s Proposed Military Action Against Iran Sparks War Crime Concerns

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In a recent segment on MS NOW’s “The Briefing,” former Secretary of State John Kerry expressed his concerns over President Donald Trump’s alarming rhetoric regarding Iran. Kerry highlighted that Trump’s threat to annihilate Iran could be interpreted as a war crime.

During the show, host Jen Psaki addressed the issue, referencing Trump’s bold statement that “a whole civilization will die tonight,” which was made before the announcement of a ceasefire earlier in the week. Psaki remarked on the unprecedented nature of such language from a U.S. president, noting its potential long-lasting impact. She asked Kerry for his thoughts, given his extensive experience in diplomatic roles.

Kerry shared his shock and dismay, pointing out the incongruity of such threats coming from a leader who identifies as Christian, especially on Easter Sunday. He emphasized that such statements, broadcast to audiences worldwide, could tarnish the image of the U.S. presidency. Kerry recalled America’s historical role in liberating Europe from fascism, a stark contrast to the notion of threatening an entire civilization, which he equated to actions of a war criminal. Such rhetoric, he argued, stands in direct opposition to international norms and the values the country has long championed.

Follow Pam Key on X @pamkeyNEN

 

Drama Unfolds: Dorit’s Book Party Boycotted by Erika, Kyle, and Sutton; Boz and Keely Celebrate Surprise Engagement; Rachel Reacts to Ex’s Controversial Post

The atmosphere on “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” has been anything but harmonious lately, with Dorit seemingly at the center of the discord. She finds herself at odds with Amanda, Erika, and Kyle, leading many to wonder if Rachel’s birthday celebration might serve as a unifying event or if Kyle’s loyal followers will continue to target Dorit. Meanwhile, Bozoma receives an unexpected surprise, yet tensions remain high as Erika, Amanda, and Kyle opt to skip Dorit’s book cover launch due to the current state of their strained friendships.

RHOBH Recap: Dorit Gets Snubbed by Erika, Kyle and Sutton at Her Book Launch Party, Boz Gets a Surprise Engagement From Keely, and Rachel is Upset Over Post by Ex; Plus Dorit Believes Sutton Desperately Longs for Kyle's Approval

As Rachel’s Studio 54-themed birthday bash unfolds, the partygoers are on the brink of either reconciliation or further conflict. Dorit feels increasingly unsupported by Kyle, perceiving her as having an entourage ready to back her every move, almost as if they might soon don matching outfits to demonstrate their loyalty.

Kyle, on her part, acknowledges that her recent argument with Dorit was particularly severe, and she views Dorit’s current behavior as self-destructive. Despite their differences, Kyle feels a pang of sadness about Dorit’s recent actions, especially concerning her treatment of Erika.

Erika confides in Boz that she intends to distance herself from Dorit, hoping this will provide clarity on their friendship. As Dorit approaches, Erika subtly signals the rest of the group to join them, only adding to the palpable tension in the air.

Erika shares with Boz that she is going to take some space from Dorit so she can assess their relationship. When Dorit makes her way over to where they are sitting, Erika waves over the rest of the group as if things are not awkward enough. 

Dorit believes that she needs a conversation with Kyle, but because of her intense week (her home-schooled kids are in school-school now) she would rather wait until her head is in the right place. Dorit refuses to apologize to Kyle or follow any of Sutton‘s directives on how to approach Kyle.  Now, according to Dorit, Sutton’s “desperate approval of getting Kyle’s approval” has forced the demise of their friendship. And so, she walks away from Sutton.

Sutton, however, realizes that Dorit is pulling some mean girl behavior. Just because she doesn’t like what Sutton says, does not give her a pass to act nasty. According to Sutton, Dorit shut her down and has now pushed her to want to leave the party.  Dorit’s condescending attitude has really shaken Sutton.

Sutton reminds Kyle that she too has emotions and things are going on in her life, too.  Sutton is now seriously alone since her youngest went off to college and she has been doing a great job holding it together… up until now.  Perhaps Dorit should pay attention and realize they can all help each other, after all, the world does not revolve around Dorit. 

After a pep talk from Kathy, Sutton pulls Dorit away (after Dorit calls it annoying) and lets Dorit know her feelings are hurt. Sutton points out that as soon as Rachel sat down it’s like she didn’t exist.  Sutton is not sure Dorit’s apology is legit and naturally, when felt backed into a corner, Dorit once again evacuates and runs off.

Rachel invites all the virgos up to blow out the candles on her cake.  For a lady that hates her birthday, Rachel sure likes to celebrate it. She talks about how liberated she feels this birthday and when Jennifer jumps into the pool, you know it’s a good party.

Sutton FaceTimes her momma, Reba, and she fills her in on Italy. She explains how much Dorit’s behavior has changed and Reba talks about how emotional Dorit must be considering her situation. Sutton points out that she has been in Dorit’s corner, but Reba continues to stick up for Dorit.

Dorit asks her mom if it would be okay to skip Dorit’s book cover launch party considering she has not even gotten a chance to get the quiet place of her newly empty house.  She wants to process this new chapter that’s starting because she is not sure what this new life will feel like. If not for her business, Sutton feels like she would feel so lost, but understands that now it’s time for her to take in the beautiful view she worked so hard on creating.

Erika and Rachel debrief about the birthday party. Erika reminds Rachel that she’s a good friend, even to Dorit. Erika points out that the first thing most people think about when a separation occurs is money, but Rachel states she doesn’t need to because she has always had financial independence (take notes, ladies!).

Erika thinks Dorit’s perpetual lateness stems from fear over legal issues and financial issues.  According to Erika, PK knows all the tactics to have Dorit “whipped into a frenzy.” Erika is not sure if she will attend Dorit’s book party, but realizes that she cannot simply be a no-show for the event.

Boz and her daughter head out for a mommy/daughter date…except it’s not that at all…instead, it’s a surprise engagement!  On the other side of the door stands Keely, ready to pop the question. He explains that he can’t wait to do forever with Boz and he gets down on one knee to ask for her hand in marriage.  Boz feels blessed to get this moment again, especially after losing her first husband. She is thrilled to feel this happy all over again with Keely. She has so much wonderful to look forward to!

The big day is coming and soon enough Kyle’s daughter, Alexia, will be someone’s wife. Kyle talks to her assistant about Dorit’s event and decides that she will simply text Dorit to decline.  Over ten years, Kyle believes that she has stood up for Dorit, but nothing Kyle is doing seems to be saving this friendship.

Although Amanda does not feel obligated to attend Dorit’s book cover party, considering Dorit has been horrible to her, she wants to support women and in the end, decides to attend.

Sutton lets Boz know she will not be attending Dorit’s event because she wants to avoid being a part of the problem. Sutton does not want to find herself in a reactive position and so she chooses to step away.  Boz doesn’t think this is a good look for Sutton, but there’s no changing her mind.

The book cover reveal party is making Dorit feel excited for her future.  She lets Rachel know she is hanging on by a thread, but when Rachel says she is on fire, we learn about her ex’s latest social media post.  His new girlfriend’s birthday is a few days after Rachel’s and he posted, “happy birthday to my love.”  Rachel gags that he is doing this for the “virgo wannabe stylist,” and Dorit realizes that attention hungry PK would likely do the same thing to her. 

Three ladies of the group are not coming to the event for certain: Kyle (because she is “tired and overwhelmed”), Sutton (because she “thinks it’s best”), and Natalie. Dorit is not surprised by any of this considering the only thing consistent about Sutton is her inconsistency. But when Erika leaves Dorit in limbo about her attendance, we all know Dorit’s going to be in limbo…especially when she finds out that Erika is currently hanging at Sutton’s house.  To be continued…

WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON THE RHOBH EPISODE?

Live: Victoria’s Bushfires Intensify as ‘Heat Dome’ Threatens Devastation – Latest Updates

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In a devastating turn of events, bushfires have ravaged parts of Victoria, leaving at least three homes and other structures in ruins. The fires have struck amid a relentless heatwave affecting the inland regions of southeast Australia, raising concerns over the continuation of extreme weather conditions.

In response to the crisis, firefighting teams from not only every Australian state and territory but also from Canada and New Zealand have been mobilized to bolster efforts in combating the blazes. This international and domestic collaboration underscores the severity of the situation and the urgent need for coordinated action.

Bushfires have destroyed at least three homes and structures in Victoria as heatwave conditions are set to continue across inland regions of southeast Australia.

Firefighters from every state and territory in Australia, as well as teams from Canada and New Zealand, have been brought in to help Victorian efforts.

There are more than a dozen blazes across the state, including a fire near Colac that has claimed 11,300 hectares and destroyed three buildings. 

While cooler conditions are expected for much of Victoria on Wednesday, emergency services are expecting another four days of above 40C temperatures and overnight temperatures in the mid-20s in the north of the state.

Severe heat is also expected to hit parts of NSW and Queensland, with Thargomindah in QLD forecast to reach 49C.

Tibooburra, Ivanhoe and Wilcannia in NSW are predicted to reach 48C.

Officials Report Evacuation at MacDill Air Force Base Lodging Facility Following Security Threat


In an incident that stirred concern in Tampa, Florida, the MacDill Air Force Base took precautionary action following a reported threat on Thursday evening. This led to the evacuation of a U.S. Air Force lodging facility, known as the MacDill Inn, which is situated on the base itself.

The MacDill Inn serves as a temporary residence for military personnel, contractors, and other approved visitors, making its evacuation a significant event. Base officials decided to clear the inn “out of an abundance of caution,” reflecting the seriousness with which they treat potential threats.

Netflix Resolves Issue Hindering Anime Viewing Experience

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Earlier this year, Netflix embarked on the journey of expanding its international anime library by introducing the popular 2000s-era sci-fi comedy anime, Gintama, which boasts a significant fanbase in Japan. However, the streaming giant initially stumbled by overlooking a crucial detail that marred the series’ debut. Despite keeping a low profile, Netflix has begun addressing this misstep for its subscribers.

The issue came to light through fan discussions on platforms like Reddit, where many pointed out that Netflix had recently added missing English subtitle options for Gintama Season 1 Part 1, which spans the first 25 episodes. When these episodes were initially released on January 15, 2026, in the U.S., the UK, and Canada, they lacked subtitle options for both the English and Japanese versions. This omission frustrated fans who were eagerly anticipating enjoying the series in its original language.

Such an oversight would be problematic for any Japanese anime, but it was particularly vexing for Gintama devotees. The anime, adapted from Hideaki Sorachi’s manga, is a quirky sci-fi comedy set in an alternate Edo-era Japan that has been taken over by aliens. Its unique humor and cultural references make subtitles essential for non-Japanese speaking audiences to fully appreciate the show.

Netflix Finally Adds Missing English Subtitles for Gintama Anime Fans

Gintoki Sakata speaks to the viewer in Gintama
Gintoki Sakata speaks to the viewer.
Image via Sunrise

While Netflix’s initial streaming fumble would have been problematic for any Japanese anime series, it was a uniquely frustrating roadblock for Gintama enthusiasts. Based on Hideaki Sorachi’s eponymous manga, Gintama is a screwball sci-fi comedy set in a version of Edo-era Japan which has been taken over by aliens.

In addition to its absurd premise, the anime relies heavily on pun-based humor, slapstick, fourth wall breaks and “potty” humor. As some critics have noted, Gintama‘s English dub often fails to capture the original’s unique flavor of comedy, either by omitting instances of Japanese wordplay outright or through awkward translations.

As of April 4, Netflix’s corrective measures for the Gintama series are only half-complete. Season 1’s remaining 24 episodes were added to the platform for North American and UK subscribers on Feb. 15, 2026. However, this portion of the series does not feature the subtitle options that will make Gintama‘s eccentricities fully accessible to the English-speaking world.

Produced by Sunrise of Mobile Suit Gundam fame, Gintama revolves around an odd-jobs business called Yorozuya (“We do everything”) run by Gintoki Sakata, a samurai who enjoys eating sweets and reading Shonen Jump manga.

Working on the outskirts of a tyrannical alien society that has forced most humans into slave labor, Gintoki takes on whatever tasks he can to pay the bills, from finding lost kittens and cleaning houses to serving as for-hire bodyguards. Yorozuya’s other employees include a wannabe teenage samurai named Shinpachi Shimura and Kagura, a former member of a bloodthirsty extraterrestrial clan.

The original Gintama anime series consists of nine seasons and several animated films. The franchise’s most recent theatrical entry, Gintama: Yoshiwara in Flames, debuted in Japan on Feb. 13, 2026. As of March 2026, the film has surpassed the 1 billion yen (US$6.3M) milestone at the Japanese box office.

Additionally, a televised spinoff titled Gintama: Mr. Ginpachi’s Zany Class aired during the Fall 2025 anime season. Adapted from Tomohito Osaki and Hideaki Sorachi’s eponymous light novel series, the anime recasts Gintoki as a high school teacher for several other characters in the Gintama universe.

Gintama Episodes 1-49 are streaming on Netflix. Gintama: Mr. Ginpachi’s Zany Class is also available on Hulu and Crunchyroll. Hideaki Sorachi’s Gintama manga series is available in English from VIZ Media.


0347014_poster_w780.jpg


Release Date

2006 – 2021-00-00

Network

TV Tokyo, TV Osaka, TV Aichi, TVh, TVQ, TSC

Directors

Yasuhiro Minami, Kazuo Miyake, Shuji Miyahara, Naoki Hishikawa, Ai Yoshimura, Shinya Watada, Matsuo Asami, Shouji Ikeno, Seiki Takuno, Taro Kubo, Tomoaki Koshida, Hikaru Yamaguchi, Hitoyuki Matsui, Hiroyuki Hata, Ko Matsuo, Mamoru Enomoto, Yohei Shindo, Tatsufumi Itoh, Jet Inoue, Makoto Moriwaki, Tatsuma Minamikawa, Hirokazu Yamada, Shigeki Takagi, Shinobu Sasaki

Writers

Shu Matsubara, Taku Kishimoto, Masaki Tachihara, Deko Akao


  • Tomokazu Sugita

    Gintoki Sakata (voice)

  • Cast Placeholder Image

    Rie Kugimiya

    Kagura (voice)


Trump Criticizes ‘Deranged Liberal Judges’ Following Tragic Death of Woman by Haitian Immigrant

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On Tuesday, RedState highlighted a tragic incident involving a female gas station attendant in Florida who was brutally murdered, with the crime allegedly captured on video. The suspect is reported to be a Haitian immigrant living in the U.S. illegally.

This tragic event unfolded at a Chevron gas station in Fort Myers on April 3rd. The surveillance footage revealed the victim, identified as Yasmin, a 51-year-old Bangladeshi mother of two, being violently attacked. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has named Rolbert Joachin, 40, as the individual taken into custody for this heinous act.

Authorities from the Fort Myers Police Department (FMPD) responded to the scene following an emergency call. According to their report, the surveillance video shows Joachin shattering the windshield of the victim’s car before approaching her and repeatedly striking her with a hammer in a brazen daylight attack.

Additional details about the incident have surfaced, intensifying the horror of the crime:

The distressing footage of Yasmin’s murder is available on X, although it cannot be embedded directly. Viewers should be warned of its highly graphic and disturbing nature if they choose to watch it.

Joachin first entered the U.S. in August 2022 and was released into the country under the Biden administration. A federal judge issued a final order of removal against him in 2022, but the Biden administration granted him Temporary Protected Status which expired in 2024.

The video of Yasmin’s murder is on X but is not embeddable. Content warning if you click on the link to watch, because it’s incredibly disturbing.




Recap of ‘The Pitt’ Season 2, Episode 14: “Breathe Easier

“This is the moment. Time to step up and doctor.” In the gripping second season of The Pitt, Dr. Robby’s journey of self-discovery hits a high point as he motivates a senior resident to overcome doubts and find solutions. His ability to inspire his team and apply his improvisational skills to critical situations becomes the crux of his professional life, even as his inner turmoil continues. Episode 14, titled “8:00PM,” showcases a dramatic scene where Dr. Crus Henderson describes a daring procedure as “cowboy stuff”—re-aligning neck bones for a patient’s urgent cervical dislocation. This thrilling demonstration of medical expertise, featuring Robby supporting Dr. Frank Langdon at a crucial moment, captures the essence of what fans love about the series. “I think I’m starting to breathe easier,” remarks the patient, reflecting the audience’s sentiment as we approach the finale of Season 2.

THE PITT 214 [Robby w/ Langdon] “Doctor the fuck up.”

Meanwhile, Dana Evans grapples with concern for her friend Robby, unsure whether to feel sadness, anger, or fear after his recent confession of suicidal thoughts in the previous episode. She urges Abbot to reach out, hoping to break through Robby’s notorious stubbornness. Abbot’s intervention could be pivotal, but it’s also reassuring to see Dr. Caleb Jefferson, Robby’s psychiatrist friend, stepping in. When Robby dismisses Dr. Mohan’s concerns about a patient named Orlando Diaz, his harsh words shock Samira, revealing a troubling side of Robby. The comment about Diaz needing a higher ledge for his fall, implying a fatalistic attitude, is alarming.

Ultimately, it’s Duke who breaks through Robby’s tough exterior. While managing his own serious heart condition with mechanical metaphors, Duke confronts Robby about his emotional state. He compares the repairable damage of a minor accident to the irreversible nature of death, highlighting the importance of addressing personal regrets. Duke sees through Robby’s facade, recognizing his callousness as a shield against fear. As Robby plans to escape his problems rather than face them, Duke provides the guidance Robby desperately needs.

“That’s not riding,” Duke warns Robby. “That’s running. Is that the lesson you want to leave these young doctors with?”

THE PITT 214 [Duke to Robby] “I’m not talking about me.”

Robby’s impact on others is evident throughout. When he chides Victoria Javadi for using company time to create content, she stands her ground, demonstrating the confidence he’s helped her develop since the series’ inception. Similarly, Whitaker, who steps into Langdon’s former mentorship role under Robby, refuses to be belittled. Though Langdon may assign nicknames during their grueling shifts, Whitaker asserts his status as a capable doctor, rejecting any diminutive comparisons to a mere sidekick.

Rather than yell at the medics who damaged his ride, Robby publicly calls out a different pair of EMTs, who threatened a woman’s life by misplacing the EKG leads on her chest. Worry over patient modesty and partial nudity should not supplant careworkers’ lifesaving goals. Dr. Al-Hashimi thanks him for imparting this lesson. She also asks for his medical advice. (“I’ve come to respect your opinion.”) The feeling is mutual between the senior attendings, who certainly butted heads philosophically during their long concurrent shift, but have never questioned any professional competency in the other. Dr. Al shows Robby into a trauma bay, where a medical chart awaits, and closes the door.

“History of seizure disorder…35 years after childhood viral meningitis…” Robby is reading the medical information when he trails off. His fellow senior attending is showing him the answer to his questions, and ours, over her dissociative spells. She is not standing around waiting for him to leave, just so she can take over his emergency department. She is honestly asking for help from a peer she respects. She wants him to pause his radical self-examination and doctor the fuck up. 

“Baran,” he asks the incoming attending with care. “Is this you?”       

THE PITT 214 Robby to Al-Hashimi, her reaction] “Baran, is this you?”

Nurse’s Desk for Season 2 Episode 14 of The Pitt (“8:00PM”): 

  • Noah Wyle wrote this episode of The Pitt, so we wonder if he inserted its many specific, age-appropriate references. Rumble Fish. Clue. Fucking Styx! Maybe Wyle was rocking “Come Sail Away” while writing scripts.
  • Dayshifters are departing, but we’ve still got Santos, Mel, and McKay on digitization of paper patient charts. Whitaker’s helping, too, though he’s also hunting for the newly-issued doctor’s badge he lost.
  • We didn’t see the content “Dr. J” was making. But it involved telling her followers to be aware of ICE, to stay safe and support each other. McKay also tells Robby to go easy on the social media disparagement. She highlights that Javadi’s TikToks are not a waste of time or even a HIPAA violation, but “actually cool, like bad-ass self-care.”
  • We looked for a pin, and can find no listing for a real-life “Zazu’s Sports Bar” in the Pittsburgh area. But in this ep, the two Rolling Rock enthusiasts who stabbed each other at the bar with tabletop American flags certainly add some shouty static to the ED. Surgery? “Just pull it out, man.” Nah dude.  
A man lying on a gurney with an American flag embedded in his bloody chest.

Johnny Loftus (@johnnyloftus.bsky.social) is a Chicago-based writer. A veteran of the alternative weekly trenches, his work has also appeared in Entertainment Weekly, Pitchfork, The All Music Guide, and The Village Voice.

Australia Lags Behind as Global Foreign Aid Plummets

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In brief

  • The OECD reported worldwide giving fell by $56.7 billion in 2025, or 23 per cent, making it the worst year on record for aid cuts.
  • Australia is below average when it comes to generosity, ranking 25th out of 32 donor nations.

Recent data reveals a dramatic reduction in foreign aid contributions last year, with the United States, United Kingdom, Japan, and France leading the retreat of tens of billions of dollars.

The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has disclosed that global aid decreased by $56.7 billion in 2025, representing a 23 percent drop, marking it as the most significant annual reduction on record.

This funding gap likely resulted in hundreds of thousands of avoidable deaths in many developing countries, with the potential for millions more to be affected.

The United States played a major role in this decline, contributing to three-quarters of the decrease by dismantling USAID early in Donald Trump’s second term.

Additional considerable cuts from other key donors such as the UK (11 percent reduction), Japan (5.6 percent), and France (10.9 percent) further intensified the worldwide development assistance crisis.

The US retreat from supporting the world’s poorest and most in-need populations meant that for the first time, Germany was the top foreign aid provider last year in real terms.

Germany’s development assistance hit $41 billion in 2025, ahead of the United States by almost $200m.

In terms of percentage of a country’s gross national income (GNI), Norway was the most generous, giving 1.03 per cent.

Australia, by contrast, is of below-average generosity, ranking 25th of 32 donor nations, giving 0.18 per cent of GNI, behind the UK (0.43 per cent) and New Zealand (0.27 per cent).

Countries not meeting UN goal

Wealthy countries, including Australia, have signed up to a United Nations goal of giving 0.7 per cent of GNI — or 70c in every $100 from each nation’s budgets — to lesser developed nations.

Just four nations did so in 2025: Norway, Luxembourg, Sweden and Denmark, with an average of 0.26 per cent.

Oxfam Australia said the figures should spur Australia to step up its global giving to fill gaps left by others, helping to combat diseases like HIV/AIDS and malaria.

“Oxfam analysis found that global aid cuts mean a child under 5 could die every 40 seconds by 2030. If this trend continues, aid cuts could kill over 9 million people by 2030,” head of humanitarian Lucia Goldsmith said.

“The governments of wealthy nations are turning their backs on the lives of millions of women, men and children in the Global South through severe aid cuts.”

Oxfam research from January found a child under five years old could die every 40 seconds due to the US aid cuts.

Another study published by global health publication Lancet last year suggested aid cuts — at 21 per cent — would kill almost 700,000 people last year, and cumulatively 9.4 million people by the decade’s end.

Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has budgeted $5.1 billion in official development assistance this financial year, with a small increase in line with inflation.


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California Man Shot by ICE Denies Gang Affiliation, Says Attorney

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On Thursday, the lawyer representing a man shot by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents during an arrest in central California announced that his client is recuperating following three surgeries for several gunshot wounds. The man, identified as Carlos Ivan Mendoza Hernandez, refutes any claims of gang affiliation.

Attorney Patrick Kolasinski revealed that federal prosecutors confirmed Mendoza Hernandez is not in custody, prompting speculation about the motives behind the enforcement operation. ICE’s online detainee database does not list anyone by his name from El Salvador. Meanwhile, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has yet to comment on Kolasinski’s assertions.

This incident is one of several shootings associated with the Trump administration’s heightened efforts to arrest and deport undocumented immigrants, actions that have faced scrutiny and raised concerns with federal immigration authorities.

According to the Department of Homeland Security, ICE agents discharged their weapons defensively when Mendoza allegedly attempted to drive into them after being stopped on Tuesday. The agents were executing an enforcement operation in Patterson, approximately 75 miles southeast of San Francisco. Mendoza, 36, was labeled a suspected gang member sought in El Salvador for questioning related to a murder.

Kolasinski informed the press that Mendoza is experiencing difficulty speaking due to a jaw injury sustained in the shooting, but insists he has never been involved with a gang. Previously, Kolasinski stated that his client has only faced minor traffic violations, possesses no criminal record in the U.S., and is not wanted under an arrest warrant in El Salvador, where he was previously acquitted of murder.

Kolasinski said that the FBI was leading the investigation of the shooting and that ICE was not currently involved in Mendoza’s case. The Department of Justice referred inquiries to the FBI, which said it couldn’t comment on an active investigation.

Kolasinski said that agents fired on Mendoza while the car was stopped and he drove away to flee the gunfire. “He fled in a panic because he was being fired on,” Kolasinski said. “He was not trying to hurt anyone … he was just scared he was going to die.”

According to a Oct. 25, 2019 court document from a judge in El Salvador, Mendoza, who was 29 at the time, was acquitted after being accused of murder and ordered immediately released. The document lists 10 others who were convicted of various crimes from aggravated robbery to murder, and mentions at least one of them was a member of the 18th Street Gang. But there is no mention of Mendoza belonging to a gang or being accused of carrying out gang activity in the document.

In the California ICE shooting, dashcam footage obtained by KCRA-TV shows three officers standing around a vehicle stopped on the side of a road. One of the officers appears to be touching the driver-side window when the car begins to back up and turn, hitting a vehicle behind it. At least two of the agents have weapons drawn, pointing at the car. The driver then pulls forward toward where the men are standing and turns sharply, driving over the roadway median.

The video has no sound and it’s unclear when the shots were fired or if words were said.

Mendoza’s fiancée was able to speak with him Wednesday before a surgery and again Thursday morning, Kolasinski said.

Kolasinski said Mendoza, a dual citizen of El Salvador and Mexico, came to the U.S. in 2019 but he said he did not know his legal status nor how he arrived to the country.

The attorney said his client works as a laborer to repair fire damage. He has a 2-year-old daughter and is engaged to a U.S. citizen, he said.

Texas Beauty Queen’s Tragic Death Sparks Lawsuit Against Alani Nu Energy Drink

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The untimely death of a promising Texas beauty queen is being attributed to the “unreasonably dangerous” levels of caffeine found in energy drinks she consumed shortly before her unexpected passing.

Larissa Rodriguez’s family has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Alani Nu Energy Drinks and the Texas store where she purchased them. They claim the 17-year-old was not adequately warned about the potential dangers of the drink, as reported by The Post.

Rodriguez, a high school senior and co-captain of her varsity cheerleading team, tragically suffered a “fatal cardiac event” on October 20, 2025, after consuming at least one 12-ounce can of Alani Nu.

Authorities concluded that her death was due to cardiomyopathy, a severe heart muscle disease, which they linked to excessive caffeine intake.

The family contends that the formulation of Alani Nu Energy Drinks can lead to cardiomyopathy, cardiac arrhythmia, cardiac arrest, and even death, particularly in young people, children, and those sensitive to caffeine.

The lawsuit, filed in Hidalgo County District Court by Rodriguez’s parents – Jennifer and Roberto — noted that several health organizations unequivocally state that energy drinks have no place in the diets of children and adolescents, with the maximum daily intake for minors being no more than 100 milligrams.

Her parents claim the 200 milligrams inside a 12-ounce can of Alani is significantly higher than most soft drinks and other energy drinks on a per-ounce basis, while the can has several design flaws.

“Critically, it does not warn against excessive caffeine consumption,” the lawsuit states.

A can of Alani Nu has a brief warning on the label saying the beverage is “Not recommended for Children, People Sensitive to Caffeine, Pregnant Women or Women who are Nursing.”

“The only cautionary language on the can is printed in small, inconspicuous text that is easily overlooked and wholly inadequate to warn consumers of the serious risks of cardiac injury and death,” the lawsuit continues.

“It was defective in its design, unreasonably dangerous, and unsafe for its intended purpose because it did not provide adequate protection and/or warning against the foreseeable risk of cardiac-related injuries and death.

Rodriguez’s family also accused Alani Nu of having an undisclosed quantity of taurine, an amino acid, known to amplify the stimulatory effects of caffeine and linked to several health effects, including altered neural functioning, lowered serotonin and dopamine levels, and cardiovascular effects.

The effects of the additional combined stimulants and the health risks consumers face, including cardiomyopathy, cardiac arrhythmia, cardiac arrest, or death, are not noted on the can.

The several ingredients are allegedly “hidden within a vaguely described ‘Energy Blend’ that does not specify individual amounts, preventing consumers from making informed decisions about their intake,” the suit claimed.

Alani Nu, founded by fitness influencer Katy Hearn, is marketed as a “better-for-you” wellness and lifestyle beverage, the suit claims, with young women and minors as its target audience through advertisements on social media.

“Alani Nu’s marketing is particularly deceptive because it positions the product as part of a healthy, active lifestyle while concealing the substantial cardiac and neurological risks associated with its concentrated caffeine and stimulant ingredients,” the suit states.

The lawsuit compared Rodriguez’s death to lawsuits against Panera Bread after its “Charged Lemonade” was blamed for at least two deaths.

“Those lawsuits alleged that the beverages were not adequately labeled as energy drinks, were placed alongside non-caffeinated beverages without adequate warnings, and caused fatal cardiac events in consumers with and without pre-existing conditions,” Rodriguez family lawyer, Benny Agosto Jr., argued.

Rodriguez was described as an active, high-achieving teenager — a cheerleader, tennis player and honor student who had been accepted to nearly 20 colleges, according to the San Antonio Express-News. She planned to study law at the University of Texas at Austin, according to her obituary.

She had no previous known health issues and did not use drugs or alcohol.

In 2022, the teen was crowned the inaugural Junior Miss Weslaco, and won the Miss Texas Onion Fest 2024.

Rodriguez’s family is seeking recovery of damages from their daughter’s death.

“As a result of the wrongful conduct, Larissa Rodriguez suffered physical pain and mental anguish, pain, and torment prior to her death,” the lawsuit states.