Following the resignation of Oklahoma’s anti-LGBTQ+ Superintendent of Public Instruction, Ryan Walters, the Rainbow Youth Project observed a 36% decrease in crisis calls from the state. Prior to Walters’ departure, the hotline received an average of 1,431 monthly calls, with 64% of callers identifying him as a source of distress. This drop in calls comes after a period where calls surged, particularly following the death of a transgender student, and when many calls concerned bullying incidents related to anti-LGBTQ+ policies. Notably, Walters’ tenure was marked by controversial actions, including attempts to implement Christian Nationalist policies and measures seen as harmful to the LGBTQ+ community.
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Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents are using facial recognition software to determine immigration status, even on U.S. citizens, without consent. This technology, such as the app Mobile Fortify, scans faces in public, comparing them against databases and potentially overriding official documentation. Internal documents show that the data collected, including images of U.S. citizens, is stored for years. Furthermore, officials have been known to trust the app’s results over a person’s government documents.
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A New York judge has dismissed a legal challenge from Texas attempting to enforce a civil judgment against a doctor who prescribed abortion pills via telemedicine. The Texas Attorney General sought to enforce the judgment against Dr. Margaret Carpenter, but the Ulster County Clerk refused, citing New York’s shield law protecting providers from out-of-state actions. Justice David Gandin ruled in favor of the clerk, stating the medical services were legal in New York and protected under the shield law. This ruling serves as a precedent for the state’s shield law, and the Texas Attorney General’s office has not yet commented on whether the case will be appealed.
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According to internal U.S. government documents, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has requested military assistance from Russia, including the delivery of missile units and restoration of fighter jets. Maduro’s request, delivered in a letter to President Vladimir Putin, also sought overhauls of equipment and “logistical support,” alongside a three-year financing plan. The Venezuelan leader emphasized the importance of the Su-30 jets for deterring threats. While Venezuela is a close Russian ally, it is uncertain if Moscow will respond due to its involvement in the Ukraine war.
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The Ukrainian Defense Ministry has expanded its defense partnerships by signing 20 contracts with defense ministries and securing agreements with 17 NATO partner states as part of various initiatives. Within the “Danish model,” over EUR 1.4 billion in contracts have been signed, with EUR 427.8 million already paid to Ukrainian producers and a new tranche of EUR 825.9 million arranged. Additionally, the PURL initiative has secured $2.8 billion in contributions from 17 NATO partners for U.S. weapons, and the Capabilities Coalition has delivered substantial quantities of ammunition and defense systems.
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A French court sentenced four Bulgarians to prison terms ranging from two to four years for vandalizing Paris’ Holocaust Memorial with red hand graffiti. The court also issued a lifetime ban from France for each of the individuals. The red hand symbol, which has historical ties to antisemitism, was part of a campaign allegedly orchestrated by Russia to incite social division and spread disinformation, according to French intelligence. The court emphasized the severity of the act and the site’s significance, highlighting the attempt at foreign interference.
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The current government shutdown is creating significant hardship for air traffic controllers, compounding the already high-stress nature of their jobs, as they are required to work without pay. This uncertainty has led to increased anxiety, reduced staffing, and shorter breaks, making it difficult to maintain focus and safety. Many controllers are facing financial struggles, taking on additional jobs to make ends meet and are worried about covering basic expenses. The author calls on political leaders to negotiate and find a resolution, emphasizing the need for federal employees to be paid and for the government to function effectively.
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In a recent Truth Social post, Donald Trump attacked Seth Meyers, calling him a “deranged lunatic” and questioning the legality of his commentary. The post was in response to Meyers’ mocking of Trump’s comments on steam-powered catapults during a visit to Japan. This attack on Meyers is part of a pattern of Trump targeting late-night hosts, including previous criticisms of Stephen Colbert, Jimmy Fallon, and Jimmy Kimmel.
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North Korea is experiencing a severe food shortage, leading desperate citizens to sell their blood to afford basic meals, a practice that has surged recently. The fall harvest failed to alleviate the food crisis, causing a tenfold increase in the number of people selling blood in some areas. In exchange for blood, individuals receive meager amounts of cooking oil or rice, barely enough to sustain a family. This practice poses significant health risks due to unsanitary conditions, frequent donations from malnourished individuals, and inadequate medical examinations, with some people suffering severe health consequences.
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The federal government shutdown is causing delays in the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), impacting millions of low-income households. Several states, including Kansas, Pennsylvania, and Minnesota, have announced delays in LIHEAP funding, which provides crucial assistance for heating and cooling costs. The delays could lead to significant hardships for vulnerable populations as temperatures drop, with some states exploring temporary solutions while the shutdown persists. These delays come at a time when other safety net programs also face funding uncertainties, raising concerns about the potential impact on low-income families.
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John Q. Hosedrinker
ICE’s Facial Recognition App Scans US Citizens, Ignores Proof of Citizenship
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents are using facial recognition software to determine immigration status, even on U.S. citizens, without consent. This technology, such as the app Mobile Fortify, scans faces in public, comparing them against databases and potentially overriding official documentation. Internal documents show that the data collected, including images of U.S. citizens, is stored for years. Furthermore, officials have been known to trust the app’s results over a person’s government documents.
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