1. DAVID RUBENSTEIN DONATES $10 MILLION TO JEFFERSON MEMORIAL RENOVATIONS: Philanthropist David Rubenstein will donate $10 million to the Jefferson Memorial in Washington for a new exhibit space and other renovations to the venue. The donation will go toward revitalizing the 25-year-old exhibits on the lower level and a new exhibit space on the main floor near the Thomas Jefferson statue. Washington Post: “The National Park Service has already embarked on an $8.2 million project to restore the exterior of the tattered landmark, which has grown dingy in recent years from the advance of a black biofilm of algae, fungi, and bacteria, as well as other effects of its exposure to the District’s weather, climate, and insects. Rubenstein—co-founder of the Carlyle Group, a global private-equity firm based in Washington—is passionate about U.S. history and has made numerous major history-themed donations in the past.”
2. NEW YORK CITY TO BAN FOIE GRAS SALES: New York City council members are expected to pass a bill that will ban the sale of foie gras at restaurants and grocery stores. A majority of council members have signed the bill, which also is supported by animal rights activists who say producing fattened liver involves force-feeding ducks and geese with a tube down their throat. NBC News: “Farmers who produce foie gras say the birds are treated humanely and don't suffer during the fattening process. Vendors say the bill could mean trouble for farms outside the city that are premier U.S. producers of the French delicacy. The bill would impose a $1,000 fine and up to one year behind bars on any restaurateur or grocery store owner who sells foie gras.”
3. ICE DETAINS WORKER INJURED IN HARD ROCK HOTEL COLLAPSE: Immigration authorities have detained a worker injured in the collapse of the Hard Rock Hotel in New Orleans after he spoke about the incident on the news. Delmer Joel Ramirez Palma, who is from Honduras, is one of five workers who sued seeking damages for injuries they sustained in the collapse. The Daily Beast: “Ramirez was arrested by U.S. Customs and Border Patrol agents on Monday, two days after the building collapsed, which killed three workers and injured dozens, Nola.com reports. One of Ramirez’s attorneys, Daryl Gray, said Ramirez has not seen a doctor since he was taken into custody, and that he requires surgery for his injuries.”