A federal judge has ruled that a section of Illinois' concealed carry law, which prohibits permit holders from carrying guns on public transportation, is unconstitutional.
According to the Chicago Tribune, the decision was made by U.S. District Judge Iain Johnston in Rockford, Illinois. The ruling comes as a result of a 2022 lawsuit filed by four individuals who argued that the law violated their Second Amendment right to self-defense.
The lawsuit cited the landmark 2022 case, New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen, which established a new constitutional standard requiring gun laws to be consistent with historical precedents.
Judge Johnston noted that the defendants, including Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul and Cook County State's Attorney Kim Foxx, failed to provide evidence of an American tradition of firearm regulation that would justify the ban on public transportation. The judge ruled that historical laws cited by the defendants were not applicable to the plaintiffs' argument about self-defense rights.
The defendants ... failed to meet their burden to show an American tradition of firearm regulation at the time of the Founding that would allow Illinois to prohibit Plaintiffs — who hold concealed carry permits — from carrying concealed handguns for self-defense onto the CTA and Metra.
The plaintiffs' attorney, David Sigale, welcomed the ruling but advised permit holders to continue following the law until the broader applicability of the ruling is clarified. Attorney General Raoul's office indicated that they are reviewing the decision and will likely appeal.
Governor JB Pritzker criticized the ruling, stating that many conservative judges have misunderstood what it means to uphold public safety while respecting the Second Amendment.
Well, unfortunately many of the conservative judges who’ve been appointed have misunderstood what it means to uphold public safety and we still believe in the Second Amendment. It’s part of the Constitution. You have rights as a result of the Second Amendment. But there are limitations to that.
The ruling comes at a time when Chicago's crime rates have been a concern, particularly on public transportation. According to city officials, there have been 626 instances of violent crime reported on the CTA this year, up from 547 in the same period last year.
The defendants attempted to cite historical laws, including a nearly 700-year-old law, to justify the prohibition. However, the judge ruled that these laws did not serve as appropriate historical analogs to the plaintiffs' argument.
The judge also rejected arguments made by Cook County State's Attorney Kim Foxx, who claimed that the government has a right of exclusion similar to that of private property owners.
Johnston described this argument as "breathtaking, jawdropping, and eyepopping," stating that government ownership of property does not exempt it from constitutional protections.
In summary, a federal judge in Rockford, Illinois, has ruled that Illinois' concealed carry law cannot prohibit permit holders from carrying guns on public transportation. The ruling, based on a 2022 lawsuit, argues that the law violates the Second Amendment right to self-defense. The plaintiffs' attorney welcomed the ruling, while the Illinois Attorney General's office indicated it will likely appeal. The decision comes amid concerns about crime on Chicago's public transportation system and is part of a broader legal landscape involving challenges to Illinois gun laws.
Residents of Rancho Palos Verdes, a coastal California town known for its affluent retiree population, are grappling with a severe crisis as essential utilities have been abruptly cut off.
According to SavvyDime, the situation has escalated to the point where many residents are being forced to evacuate due to unsafe land conditions, leading to widespread frustration and anger among the community.
The crisis began in early August when gas service was terminated for 135 homes in the area. The situation worsened dramatically by Sunday when power and water supplies were disconnected, leaving residents in a precarious position. This sudden loss of essential services has prompted calls for intervention from California Governor Gavin Newsom as more homes face the prospect of power outages.
The root cause of this crisis can be traced back to the torrential rains that hit the area last spring, triggering a series of landslides. These natural disasters were further exacerbated by additional storms in February, causing significant land movement and considerable damage to homes and infrastructure.
The ongoing land movement has created such dangerous conditions that Southern California Edison made the difficult decision to disconnect power indefinitely. David Eisenhauer, a spokesperson for the utility company, explained the rationale behind this decision, citing safety concerns as the primary factor.
This situation has left many residents, particularly the elderly, who make up over a quarter of the town's population, facing urgent evacuation orders. The city has advised residents to avoid using water or plumbing following the power shutoff to prevent potential sewer spills.
The abrupt nature of the utility cutoffs, coupled with very short notice periods, has added to the stress and uncertainty faced by the residents. Many have expressed their dismay at the situation, feeling abandoned and unsure about their future.
Nikki Noushkam, a resident, voiced her distress:
I have no idea where in the hell I'm going. Why do you think it's ok to ignore us? We have lost everything and we are not rich, we are working professionals.
Similarly, Mike Hong shared his experience with the LA Times, highlighting the lack of adequate notice:
They are giving us even less time than the gas company. Don't abandon us. Where's the humanity in this?
In response to the escalating crisis, County Supervisor Janice Hahn has allocated an additional $5 million in county funds to aid in the disaster response. She has also called on Governor Newsom for further assistance, emphasizing the unprecedented nature of the emergency.
Due to growing concerns about possible looting in the largely deserted town, LA County Sheriff Robert Luna has heightened security efforts. He emphasized that anyone caught attempting to steal will be arrested and jailed, urging potential thieves to reconsider their actions.
Despite the dire circumstances, the community of Rancho Palos Verdes is demonstrating resilience and unity. Residents continue to support each other, sharing resources and information as they adapt to their new realities and seek solutions amidst ongoing uncertainty and disruptions. Southern California Edison has scheduled further power cuts due to accelerated land movement damaging their electrical equipment. This ongoing instability leaves the timeline for restoring power uncertain, causing continued distress among affected residents.
In conclusion, the residents of Rancho Palos Verdes are facing a severe crisis due to the termination of essential utilities and ongoing land movement issues. The situation has forced many to evacuate, particularly affecting the elderly population. Local authorities have responded by allocating additional funds and increasing security measures, while residents continue to show resilience in the face of adversity. The timeline for resolving these issues remains uncertain, leaving the community in a state of prolonged distress and uncertainty.
A Venezuelan judge has issued an arrest warrant for opposition presidential candidate Edmundo González, escalating political tensions in the country following a disputed election.
According to The Washington Post, González, who many international observers believe won the July 28 election, is now facing potential arrest as part of an investigation into the opposition's publication of voting machine receipts.
The arrest warrant, filed by Venezuela's attorney general, comes amid claims that González secured more than twice as many votes as the incumbent President Nicolás Maduro. However, Venezuela's electoral council, which is under Maduro's control, has declared Maduro the winner of the election. This development has sparked international concern and condemnation.
The opposition in Venezuela has been vocal in challenging the official election results. Independent reviews of receipts from 23,000 voting machines, including one conducted by The Washington Post, suggest that González won the election by a significant margin. However, the electoral council has not released precinct-level results, raising questions about the transparency of the electoral process.
In response to the opposition's claims, the Maduro government has intensified its crackdown on dissent. More than 1,600 people have been arrested, and many opposition leaders have been forced into hiding. This wave of repression has further strained the already tense political climate in Venezuela.
The opposition remains defiant in the face of these challenges. María Corina Machado, a prominent opposition leader who backed González after being banned from running herself, expressed her determination on social media.
Maduro has lost all touch with reality. The arrest warrant issued by the regime to threaten President-Elect Edmundo González crosses a new line that only strengthens the resolve of our movement. Venezuelans and democracies around the world are more united than ever in our quest for freedom.
The international community has been closely monitoring the situation in Venezuela. The United States, in particular, has been vocal in its criticism of Maduro's actions. National Security Council spokesman John Kirby indicated that the Biden administration is considering various options to respond to the developments in Venezuela.
Brian Nichols, Assistant U.S. Secretary of State for the Western Hemisphere, condemned the arrest warrant in strong terms:
Rather than recognizing his election loss and preparing for a peaceful transition in Venezuela, Maduro has now ordered the arrest of the democratic leader who defeated him overwhelmingly at the polls. Edmundo González has promoted national reconciliation, and we join the growing list of international partners condemning this unjustified arrest warrant.
The United States has already taken some punitive measures, including seizing a luxury aircraft allegedly used by Maduro. Additionally, reports suggest that the U.S. Treasury Department may be preparing to announce sanctions on 15 officials affiliated with Maduro's government.
The arrest warrant against González includes accusations of serious crimes such as usurpation, forgery of public documents, instigation, and sabotage. These charges were approved by a judge in an anti-terrorism court, raising concerns about the use of Venezuela's judiciary to suppress political opposition.
González, who is 75 years old and a former diplomat, has not been seen in public for over a month. His lawyer, José Vicente Haro, stated that González is in hiding but has not sought asylum in any foreign embassy. The lawyer also mentioned that he and González's wife are staying at González's residence to cooperate with authorities if they arrive. Maduro has publicly accused González of endorsing violence and linked him to a recent nationwide power outage. The Venezuelan president insists that his actions are in line with maintaining order and respecting the constitution.
The arrest warrant for Edmundo González marks a significant escalation in Venezuela's political crisis. The opposition continues to challenge the official election results while the Maduro government intensifies its crackdown on dissent. International observers, particularly the United States, have condemned these actions and are considering potential responses. As the situation unfolds, concerns about democracy and human rights in Venezuela continue to grow.
Tech billionaire Elon Musk has publicly stated his enthusiasm for potentially joining Donald Trump's administration if the former president wins the 2024 election.
According to The Daily Beast, Musk responded to speculation about his involvement in a possible Trump government by expressing his readiness to serve.
The discussion arose following reports that Trump is considering assembling a team of business leaders to evaluate and potentially eliminate numerous government programs. Musk, who has been increasingly supportive of Trump, seems to be a prime candidate for such a role.
Musk took to X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, to share his thoughts on the matter. Responding to reports about his potential involvement in Trump's administration, he posted:
I can't wait. There is a lot of waste and needless regulation in government that needs to go.
This statement aligns with Musk's well-known stance on government efficiency and deregulation, themes that resonate strongly with Trump's political messaging.
The Tesla CEO's enthusiasm for a potential government role was further emphasized during a two-hour call on X. During this discussion, Musk proposed the idea of a "government efficiency commission," offering his willingness to contribute to such an initiative.
Donald Trump has not been shy about his interest in bringing Musk into his potential future administration. In an August 20 interview with Reuters, Trump confirmed that he would "certainly" consider offering Musk a position in his government.
This consideration comes despite concerns raised about potential conflicts of interest, given Musk's extensive business operations that could be affected by government policies.
Trump has attempted to address these concerns by suggesting that Musk's role would not be a formal Cabinet position.
The discussion of Musk's potential government role comes against a backdrop of regulatory challenges faced by his companies.
Tesla, for instance, was recently required by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to recall over two million vehicles due to concerns about the Autopilot function.
Additionally, Musk's 2022 acquisition of Twitter (now X) is currently under investigation by the Securities and Exchange Commission, focusing on the financing of the deal. These regulatory actions underscore the complex relationship between Musk's business interests and government oversight.
The potential collaboration between Elon Musk and Donald Trump in a future administration has generated significant interest and speculation. Musk's enthusiasm for a role focused on government efficiency aligns with his business-oriented approach and Trump's political agenda. However, concerns about potential conflicts of interest remain, given Musk's extensive business holdings.
President Joe Biden has expressed strong disapproval of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's efforts to secure a hostage deal following the deaths of six hostages in Gaza, including an American-Israeli.
According to ABC News, Biden's criticism comes amid stalled negotiations and growing pressure for a cease-fire agreement.
The President, described as "outraged," returned to the White House on Monday to meet with the U.S. hostage negotiating team in the Situation Room. When asked by reporters if Netanyahu was doing enough to secure a deal, Biden emphatically responded "No," signaling a potential shift in the U.S. approach to the ongoing crisis.
Biden expressed his devastation and outrage at the murder of the hostages, including Hersh Goldberg-Polin, a 23-year-old American-Israeli who was taken during the October 7 attacks. The President emphasized the need for accountability, stating that Hamas leaders would face consequences for these actions.
In a statement released after the Situation Room meeting, the White House reaffirmed the importance of holding Hamas's leaders accountable. Biden also shared his personal connection to the Goldberg-Polin family, having gotten to know the parents during this ordeal.
The recovery of the six killed hostages has intensified the urgency for a resolution. With 97 Israeli hostages still in Gaza, including seven Americans (three confirmed dead), the pressure on both Israeli and U.S. leadership to secure their release has escalated.
Biden indicated that the U.S. is considering presenting a final proposed hostage deal to Israel and Hamas. When asked about this possibility, the President stated, "We're very close to that."
Senior administration officials revealed that while nothing is definitive, there is a sense of urgency to bring the negotiations to a close. The U.S. is deliberating whether to allow the parties to continue working out the details or to present a new proposal that bridges the existing gaps.
If this potential final deal falls through, it could potentially lead to the end of U.S.-led negotiations, underscoring the critical nature of the current diplomatic efforts.
Netanyahu has pushed back against what he terms "international pressure" on Israel, arguing that such statements should be directed at Hamas instead. The Israeli Prime Minister defended his position, stating:
I don't believe President Biden or anyone serious about achieving peace and achieving the release can seriously ask Israel, Israel to make these concessions. We've already made them. Hamas has to make concessions.
This response highlights the tension between the two leaders' approaches to resolving the hostage crisis and achieving a cease-fire. Netanyahu's stance remains firm, emphasizing that Israel has already made significant concessions and that the onus is now on Hamas to reciprocate.
In conclusion, President Biden's criticism of Netanyahu's efforts to secure a hostage deal marks a significant moment in U.S.-Israel relations amid the ongoing Gaza conflict. The deaths of six hostages, including an American-Israeli, have heightened the urgency for a resolution. As the U.S. considers presenting a final proposal for a cease-fire and hostage release, the international community watches closely. The divergent views between Biden and Netanyahu on the path forward underscore the complexities of the situation and the challenges in achieving a diplomatic breakthrough.
A Russian Mi-8T helicopter carrying 22 people crashed in the Kamchatka peninsula, with no survivors found at the wreckage site.
According to USA TODAY, the incident occurred near the Vachkazhets volcano in Russia's far eastern region, approximately 4,400 miles east of Moscow.
The state news agency TASS reported on Sunday that search teams discovered the crash site, confirming the tragic outcome. The cause of the crash remains unclear, although the region was experiencing severe weather conditions at the time of the incident.
The Kamchatka peninsula was hit by a cyclone over the weekend, bringing heavy winds and rain to the area. These adverse weather conditions coincided with the timing of the helicopter crash, raising questions about their potential role in the incident.
Despite the harsh weather, it has not been definitively established whether the cyclone directly contributed to the crash. Investigators will likely examine the possible impact of these meteorological factors as they piece together the events leading to the tragedy.
The challenging terrain and remote location of the crash site may complicate rescue and investigation efforts, potentially prolonging the process of determining the exact cause of the accident.
The Mi-8T helicopter, a model commonly used for both civilian and military purposes in Russia, had departed from a base in close proximity to the Vachkazhets volcano. This area is known for its rugged landscape and often unpredictable weather patterns.
The flight's purpose and the identities of those on board have not been disclosed in the initial reports. However, the loss of 22 lives represents a significant tragedy for the local community and the broader region.
Questions may arise about the decision to fly in potentially hazardous conditions, especially given the cyclone's presence in the area at the time of the flight.
Search teams faced the daunting task of locating the crash site in the vast and challenging terrain of the Kamchatka peninsula. The discovery of the wreckage marks a crucial step in the investigation process, although it brings the somber confirmation of no survivors.
The recovery operation is likely to be complex, given the remote location and the potential for continued adverse weather conditions. Investigators will need to carefully examine the wreckage to gather clues about the cause of the crash.
The process of identifying and repatriating the victims will be a priority for authorities, providing closure to the families affected by this tragedy.
In conclusion, the crash of the Russian Mi-8T helicopter in the Kamchatka peninsula has resulted in the loss of all 22 people on board. The incident occurred near the Vachkazhets volcano, amid challenging weather conditions caused by a cyclone. While the exact cause of the crash remains unknown, investigators will likely focus on the potential impact of the severe weather. The tragedy underscores the risks associated with aviation in remote and environmentally challenging regions.
A newly released video of Nancy Pelosi during the January 6 Capitol riots has sparked controversy among supporters of former President Donald Trump.
As reported by Newsweek, Pelosi can be heard expressing frustration in the clip about the lack of preparedness for the riots and questioning why the National Guard wasn't present from the start.
The video was part of documentary footage turned over to the Republican-led House Committee on Administration. The footage, which shows Pelosi being evacuated from the House floor, has led to claims that it vindicates Trump's assertions about the events of that day.
This has prompted many MAGA supporters to argue that Trump's previous statements about offering National Guard troops were correct, despite denials from Pelosi and former acting Defense Secretary Christopher Miller.
The video, which was shot by Pelosi's daughter, Alexandra, for an HBO documentary, shows the then-House Speaker being escorted from the House floor by security personnel. In the footage, Pelosi appears to criticize the lack of readiness for the situation, saying:
We're calling the National Guard, now? It should've been here to start out. I just don't understand it. Why do we empower people this way by not being ready?
Trump supporters and conservative commentators have seized upon these comments as evidence that Pelosi bears responsibility for the security failures on January 6. Many have taken to social media to express their views on the matter.
The release of this footage has reignited debates about the events of January 6 and the responsibility for the security breakdown at the Capitol. Conservative media personalities and MAGA supporters have been quick to interpret Pelosi's words as an admission of fault.
Tim Young, a conservative media personality and comedian, posted on social media: "Trump was right … AGAIN. In this J6 footage, Pelosi admits it was HER FAULT that the Capitol was not secured." Similar sentiments were echoed by Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, who stated, "Pelosi failed on J6. She admits it in newly unearthed footage."
Alexandra Pelosi, daughter of Nancy Pelosi, offered insight into the viral video featuring her mother. She addressed the matter with The Hill, emphasizing the skill involved in the footage.
Alexandra also took the opportunity to promote her documentary about Nancy Pelosi, encouraging viewers to watch "Pelosi in The House" on HBO for a more comprehensive understanding of her mother's work.
Pelosi herself has previously addressed similar footage that emerged in June 2024. During an appearance on MSNBC's "Deadline: White House," she pushed back against attempts to revise the narrative of January 6, stating:
The fact is that the president of the United States, the former president and his 'toties' do not want to face the facts. They're trying to do revisionist history on Jan. 6, but we cannot let us be dragged into their, again, false impression of what happened that day.
The emergence of this new footage has reignited debates about the events of January 6, 2021. It has provided fuel for Trump supporters who claim it vindicates the former president's assertions about offering National Guard troops. However, Pelosi and her team maintain that these interpretations are attempts at revisionist history.
The ongoing investigations by the Republican-led House Committee on Administration continue to scrutinize the security failures of that day, with both sides of the political aisle offering differing narratives about responsibility and preparedness.
Politico reports that the office real estate market is facing a crisis as higher interest rates and remote work trends are driving down property values and leading to an increase in distressed sales.
With nearly $1 trillion in commercial real estate loans maturing this year, lawmakers and industry experts are concerned about the stability of smaller banks that hold a significant portion of these loans.
As the office real estate market grapples with the consequences of the pandemic-induced shift to remote work, there is growing concern about the potential impact on the financial system. The combination of higher interest rates and decreased demand for office space has put downward pressure on property values, making it difficult for borrowers to refinance their loans. This situation has raised alarms, particularly for smaller banks that are heavily invested in commercial real estate.
In response to the crisis, a bipartisan group of lawmakers has introduced legislation to incentivize the conversion of vacant office buildings into residential housing. The bill proposes a temporary 20% tax credit for qualified property conversion expenditures, aiming to address the declining office market and the shortage of affordable housing.
Rep. Mike Carey (R-Ohio), who co-sponsored the bill, emphasized the significant shift in work patterns caused by the pandemic and highlighted the potential of vacant office buildings. He believes that converting these underutilized properties into housing is a common-sense solution that can benefit both the real estate market and communities facing housing shortages.
Despite the Federal Reserve's plans to cut interest rates, some experts believe that these measures may not be sufficient to fully mitigate the risks associated with the declining office market. The situation has been exacerbated by the fact that many commercial real estate loans are structured with balloon payments, requiring borrowers to make large lump sum payments at maturity. With interest rates expected to remain elevated, refinancing these loans will be a significant challenge for many borrowers.
Jerome Powell, Chair of the Federal Reserve, has acknowledged the concerns surrounding commercial real estate, stating that the risks "will be with us for some time, probably for years." While the Fed's decision to cut interest rates is a step towards addressing the issue, the long-term implications of the office market downturn remain a concern for regulators and industry stakeholders.
The wave of maturing commercial real estate loans poses a particular threat to regional and smaller banks, which hold a disproportionate share of these loans. Unlike their larger counterparts, smaller banks often lack the capital reserves and diversified business models to absorb potential losses from distressed commercial real estate loans. This vulnerability has raised concerns about a potential domino effect, where defaults in the commercial real estate sector could destabilize smaller banks and have broader implications for the financial system.
Rep. Ritchie Torres (D-N.Y.) has characterized the situation as a "ticking time bomb" within the banking system, stating:
Excessive exposure to commercial real estate remains a ticking time bomb within the banking system. An interest rate cut might ease the symptoms, but it will not cure the disease itself. ‘Extend and pretend’ can delay a crisis but it cannot make it magically disappear.
The gradual nature of the office market downturn, while seemingly less disruptive than a sudden crash, has its own set of challenges. Scott Rechler, CEO of New York landlord RXR, likens the situation to a Category 5 hurricane that has been building strength while lingering off the coast. The extended period of high interest rates has exacerbated the underlying issues in the office market, making the eventual correction potentially more severe.
Rechler also notes that the delayed onset has given banks more time to prepare for potential losses by building up reserves. However, he emphasizes that simply extending loans and hoping for a market rebound is not a sustainable solution.
There is a clear acknowledgment that if you're kicking the can — this is different than 2008 — that this is not going to resolve itself in just, you know, prices and values re-inflating because of an injection of capital into the system. So at some point or another, the day of reckoning needs to come. I think it's here.
The office real estate market is facing significant challenges due to the combined effects of higher interest rates and the rise of remote work. With a substantial amount of commercial real estate debt maturing this year, concerns are mounting about the potential impact on the financial system, particularly for smaller banks that are heavily invested in this sector. Lawmakers have proposed legislation to incentivize the conversion of vacant office buildings into housing, while industry experts are closely monitoring the situation and urging stakeholders to take proactive steps to mitigate the risks.
The US government has seized an airplane belonging to Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, according to an exclusive report by CNN.
A Dassault Falcon 900EX aircraft was seized in the Dominican Republic and flown to Florida on Monday. The seizure is the latest development in a long-standing feud between the US and Venezuela.
The US has imposed sanctions on Venezuela's government, and Maduro's administration has been accused of corruption and human rights abuses. The airplane's seizure is seen as a significant move by the US to enforce its sanctions and target Maduro's regime.
The US has imposed sanctions on Venezuela's government, including its oil and gas sector, in response to Maduro's failure to allow "an inclusive and competitive election" to take place. The sanctions are aimed at disrupting the flow of billions of dollars to the regime. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) has seized dozens of luxury vehicles, among other assets, heading to Venezuela.
The Venezuelan government has been accused of corruption, with officials allegedly using the country's resources for personal gain. The US Department of Justice charged Maduro and 14 current and former Venezuelan officials with narco-terrorism, drug trafficking, and corruption in March 2020.
The State Department's Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs has offered a reward of up to $15 million for information leading to Maduro's arrest or conviction.
The airplane was seized in the Dominican Republic, where it was undergoing maintenance. The Dominican Republic's President, Luis Abinader, said the plane was not registered under the name of the Venezuelan government but rather under "the name of an individual."
Foreign Minister of the Dominican Republic Roberto Álvarez said the country's Attorney General's Office received an order last May from a national court to "immobilize" the plane.
The US had requested the plane be immobilized so they could search it for "evidence and objects linked to fraud activities, smuggling of goods for illicit activities and money laundering." The plane was purchased from a company in Florida and was illegally exported to Venezuela through the Caribbean.
One of the US officials said:
This sends a message all the way up to the top. Seizing the foreign head of state's plane is unheard-of for criminal matters. We're sending a clear message here that no one is above the law, no one is above the reach of US sanctions.
The Venezuelan government has described the seizure as "piracy" and accused the US of escalating "aggression" toward Maduro's government. The government said the US is using its economic and military power to intimidate and pressure states such as the Dominican Republic to serve as accomplices in its criminal acts.
The Venezuelan government has also accused the US of trying to destabilize the country and undermine its sovereignty. The government has said it will take all necessary measures to protect its interests and defend its sovereignty.
The US government has seized an airplane belonging to Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, marking a significant move to enforce its sanctions and target Maduro's regime. The seizure is the latest development in a long-standing feud between the US and Venezuela, with the US imposing sanctions on Venezuela's government and Maduro's administration accused of corruption and human rights abuses. The Venezuelan government has described the seizure as "piracy" and accused the US of escalating "aggression" toward Maduro's government.
K.C. Fox, a renowned set decorator, has passed away at the age of 70. According to Deadline, Fox died on August 28 due to pancreatic cancer.
Throughout her illustrious career, Fox worked on numerous films and television shows, including "Speed," "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo," and "The 40-Year-Old Virgin."
Fox was a highly respected figure in the film industry, known for her keen artistic eye and clever wit. She was a founding member of the Set Decorators Society of America (SDSA) and a recipient of the Earl Cooperman Lifetime Achievement Award in 2024.
Fox's work spanned four decades, during which she earned two Art Directors Guild Awards for her work on "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" and HBO's "Little Britain USA."
Fox began her career in the film industry in the 1980s, working as an art department coordinator for production designer James Cameron.
She later transitioned to set decorating, working on teen films and eventually art directing and decorating for commercials, music videos, and movies of the week. After 12 years of hard work, Fox made it into the union and continued to excel in her field.
Fox's work on "Gypsy," starring Bette Midler, earned her an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Individual Achievement in Art Direction for a Miniseries or a Special.
Her contributions to the film industry were recognized by her peers, who praised her generosity and willingness to offer career advice and mentorship.
Fox's love for her work was evident in her statement,
I love what I do … can’t imagine not doing it. It is such a gift we are given to create characters and define spaces in a world of imagination. Self-taught as I am, I have learned to keep my eyes open and soak it up. Most importantly: do the research. Go the extra mile. Trust your instincts. Don’t try to fix something with a Band-Aid, get to the root of the problem and re-invent the solution.
The Set Decorators Society of America (SDSA) and IATSE Local 44's Set Decorator Steering Committee paid tribute to Fox's memory, praising her generosity, spirit, and contributions to the film industry. The SDSA wrote,
Known for her joie de vivre, keen artistic eye, belly laugh, and clever wit, she was beloved by her crew and colleagues. K.C. generously offered career advice, mentored through the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, and served on many Boards and Committees at the SDSA and AMPAS.
Fox's legacy will live on through her work, which continues to inspire and influence new generations of set decorators and filmmakers. Her contributions to the film industry will not be forgotten, and her memory will be cherished by those who knew her and worked with her.
K.C. Fox, a talented and respected set decorator, has passed away at the age of 70. Throughout her career, Fox worked on numerous films and television shows, earning numerous awards and nominations for her work.
She was a founding member of the Set Decorators Society of America and a recipient of the Earl Cooperman Lifetime Achievement Award in 2024. Fox's legacy will continue to inspire and influence new generations of filmmakers, and her memory will be cherished by those who knew her and worked with her.