The family of a Colombian fisherman, Alejandro Carranza, killed in a US strike in the Caribbean has filed a complaint with the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR). The petition alleges Carranza’s extrajudicial killing violated his human rights, and names US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth as responsible, also claiming President Trump ratified his conduct. Since September, the US has conducted multiple strikes on alleged drug trafficking boats, and the petitioners seek compensation for Carranza’s family and an end to such killings. The IACHR is now involved and has expressed concerns about the US strikes.
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In a recent ruling, two former apartheid-era police officers in South Africa were found guilty of murder in the 1987 killing of activist Caiphus Nyoka. The conviction, handed down by the Gauteng High Court in Johannesburg, comes decades after the incident, highlighting the impunity that once shielded perpetrators of apartheid-era abuses. This trial was sparked after a former police officer confessed to Nyoka’s murder in 2019, leading to a reexamination of the case and the subsequent trial of several other officers. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission had previously investigated such cases, but few were prosecuted, leading to continued pressure for accountability and renewed investigations into other apartheid-era deaths.
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Following reports of a deadly strike in the Caribbean against an alleged drug-running boat, bipartisan members of Congress are demanding answers and promising oversight into the operations. The controversy stems from reports that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth directed officials to kill survivors, leading to accusations of war crimes and calls for greater transparency. While some Republicans are defending the administration, others, including Senate leaders, are expressing concerns and calling for an investigation to determine whether ethical, moral, or legal codes were violated. Democrats are strongly condemning Hegseth’s actions, with some calling for his resignation or firing due to the severity of the alleged violations of the laws of war.
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Texas Tech University has implemented new restrictions on classroom instruction concerning race, gender, and sexual orientation, mirroring recent actions at Texas A&M. The policy, initiated by Chancellor Brandon Creighton, prohibits teaching six race- and sex-related concepts and mandates board review of LGBTQ+-related course content. These restrictions were preceded by Senate Bill 37, which directs boards of regents to review course content. These changes follow a controversy at Texas A&M that led to administrative demotions, a firing, and a resignation due to content deemed inconsistent with school guidelines.
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A man in Roswell, Georgia, was bitten by a raccoon and later exposed to rabies after attempting to rescue the injured animal. The man transported the raccoon for over an hour, during which it bit him on the face and hands. After arriving at the Chattahoochee Nature Center, staff urged the man to seek medical treatment. Subsequently, the raccoon tested positive for rabies, leading to condemnation from the nature center for the man’s actions, which endangered others.
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The Honduran election has resulted in a very close contest, requiring an extended vote count by the National Electoral Council (CNE). Preliminary results show a narrow lead for Asfura over Nasralla. CNE head Ana Paola Hall has urged patience while the special counting process is completed. Accusations of external interference have surfaced, including claims that former U.S. President Trump is attempting to influence the outcome.
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President Donald Trump recently pardoned Joseph Schwartz, the operator of a multi-state nursing home chain who was convicted of a $38 million employment tax fraud scheme. Despite being sentenced to 36 months in prison and ordered to pay fines and restitution, Schwartz will now be freed after serving only three months. Schwartz’s actions involved running several Arkansas nursing homes into the ground, resulting in poor care for vulnerable residents and state takeovers of two homes. This pardon has drawn criticism, particularly from Arkansas officials like Attorney General Tim Griffin, who previously condemned Schwartz’s exploitation of Arkansans and Medicaid fraud.
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The American Economic Association (AEA) has issued a lifetime ban on Larry Summers due to his association with Jeffrey Epstein, a known sex offender. The AEA’s decision follows the publication of emails revealing Summers’ inappropriate behavior and communications with Epstein, which included sexist remarks. Summers has resigned from the organization and has acknowledged his actions, expressing deep shame. This ban prohibits Summers from participating in any AEA-sponsored events or activities and reflects the organization’s condemnation of his conduct.
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The United States has unexpectedly suspended the supply of some weapons to Ukraine and severed a direct communication channel with German generals, according to Bundeswehr Lieutenant General Christian Freuding. This interruption in aid occurred without prior warning to German partners. Freuding, who previously coordinated military support for Ukraine, now relies on the German Embassy in Washington to gather information from the Pentagon, highlighting the challenges created by this shift.
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A Colombian family has filed a petition with the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) alleging that Alejandro Carranza Medina was unlawfully killed in a US airstrike on September 15th. The complaint marks the first formal challenge to the Trump administration’s airstrikes against suspected drug boats, authorized under a novel legal interpretation. The petition, filed by a human rights lawyer, identifies US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth as responsible and cites statements by President Trump ratifying the actions. A White House spokesperson responded by accusing media of supporting “foreign terrorists.”
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John Q. Hosedrinker