Pook-Emu Bee: Links For 04-24-26

I am a bit late today because I had a rush assignment to take care of. But now that it has been taken care of, I present for your enjoyment today’s edition of Pook-Emu Bee links (note that “we” will be off until Sunday or Monday since tomorrow’s links will be packaged in The Newsletter Leaf Journal.) 1. Massive fire rages at historic NYC church rebuilt after devastating inferno 138 years ago, wild photos show (Zoe Hussain for the New York Post. April 23, 2026.) Terrible news. I hope it ends up being salvageable. The article includes some historical notes about the church. 2. Gowanus Canal is Getting Cleaner Every Day (New York Almanack. April 15, 2026.) Yes. But I am not so sure about… The Canal is currently classified by DEC as a ‘Class SD’ waterway, which could to support some fishing. DEC is hooping to change that to ‘Class SC’ to force the city to rehabilitate the water enough to allow swimming and boating. Let’s not get carried away. 3. We Don’t Need a Trial to Fight Kids’ Social Media Addiction (C. Jarrett Dieterle for City Journal. April 23, 2026.) Last month, a jury in California returned a first-of-its-kind verdict in a case alleging that social-media companies harm children through addictive design features. The jury sided with the plaintiff, who claimed social media had caused her anxiety and depression, and ordered Meta and YouTube to pay a combined $6 million in damages. I agree with Mr. Dieterle, not least because that lawsuit was questionable (and I say this as someone who is no fan of Meta or kids being on social media). 4. The New World Order of 2027 (Marc Liebman for RealClear Defense. April 23, 2026.) Interesting essay but I have a feeling a good amount will happen between now and 2027. 5. 7 Marines receive award upgrades for Abbey Gate (Jeff Schogol for Task & Purpose. April 22, 2026.) ‘After reviewing the original awards and determining that several had been inappropriately downgraded, these awards have now been upgraded to levels that more accurately reflect the extreme risk these Marines knowingly accepted and the lives they saved under direct enemy fire,’ Chief Pentagon Spokesman Sean Parnell said in a statement. 6. Busy South Texas airport is planning a $180M expansion. Here’s what to know (Dina Arévalo for MYSA. April 23, 2026.) Important question: Will it have an art car? 7. Catholic father whose home was raided at gunpoint wins 7-figure settlement from U.S. government (Kate Quiñones for EWTN News. April 14, 2026.) A good day for religious liberty and redressing past wrongs. 8. Candy recalled in NYC, can cause allergic reactions: NYS officials (Andrew Cruz for PIX11. April 22, 2026.) I never heard of “Mei She Plan Winter Melon Candy” so I am probably safe. 9. DOJ Reclassifies Marijuana, Building on President Trump’s Earlier E.O. (Sean Moran for Breitbart. April 23, 2026.) Is it possible for a policy change to smell? I never asked myself that question before. But now I must answer in the affirmative. Rescheduling marijuana reeks.