Karen Cahall, a long-time New Richmond Exempted Village Schools teacher, is suing the district for a three-day unpaid suspension stemming from four LGBTQ+-themed books in her classroom. The district, citing a vaguely worded policy on “controversial issues,” deemed the books unacceptable despite their non-obscene content and Cahall’s non-instructional use of them. The lawsuit alleges the policy is unconstitutionally vague and that the district engaged in viewpoint discrimination, violating Cahall’s First and Fourteenth Amendment rights. Cahall claims economic loss due to the unjust suspension.
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Far-right influencer Nick Fuentes was arrested and charged with battery after allegedly pepper-spraying and assaulting a woman who went to his home in Berwyn, Illinois. The woman, Marla Rose, claims she visited Fuentes’ residence to confront him following his controversial “Your body, my choice” social media post. Fuentes, who was released pending a December 19 court appearance, claims self-defense due to alleged death threats and doxing following his viral post. Both individuals have taken to social media to publicize their perspectives on the incident.
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Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is vying for the top Democratic seat on the House Oversight Committee, aiming to hold President Trump accountable. Despite Republicans controlling the committee initially, a Democratic victory in 2026 would grant the ranking member significant investigative power. Ocasio-Cortez highlights her experience and strategic planning within the committee, emphasizing her ability to counter partisan agendas and effectively communicate with the public. She faces competition from Representative Gerry Connolly, and the final decision rests with the House Democrats.
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A new federal order mandates nationwide testing of the milk supply for the H5N1 bird flu strain affecting dairy cows in 15 states. The USDA aims to swiftly identify infected herds and curb transmission, beginning testing in six states on December 16th. This initiative complements existing regulations requiring testing of cows before interstate transport and reporting of positive cases. The order addresses the escalating spread of avian flu in livestock and concerns about potential human health risks, particularly given the rise in raw milk consumption.
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A lawsuit alleges UnitedHealthcare, using an AI tool with a purported 90% error rate, wrongfully denied medically necessary claims, resulting in patient deaths. The company denies the AI makes coverage decisions, claiming it’s merely a guidance tool. Despite this, UnitedHealthcare’s claim denial rate is reportedly much higher than competitors, prompting some hospitals to refuse its insurance. Following the CEO’s targeted murder, where bullets bore inscriptions linking to a book criticizing insurance practices, the connection between the lawsuit and the shooting remains under investigation.
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In Moradabad, India, a Muslim couple was forced to resell their newly purchased home after facing intense protests from Hindu neighbors who objected to their presence in the predominantly Hindu housing society. The protests, fueled by claims of safety concerns and religious intolerance, led to the intervention of local officials and the couple’s eventual agreement to resell the property to a Hindu family. This incident highlights the growing religious polarization in India and underscores the discriminatory practices faced by Muslim communities in accessing housing. The incident is not isolated, with similar instances of discrimination reported across various Indian cities, raising concerns about the violation of fundamental rights.
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Russian state television hosts have openly celebrated Donald Trump’s cabinet picks, viewing them as a team capable of dismantling the American government. Hosts like Vladimir Solovyov and Olga Skabeeva expressed delight over appointees such as Kash Patel and Robert F. Kennedy Jr., highlighting their perceived anti-establishment views. This enthusiasm reflects a potential threat to U.S. governmental agencies and institutions. The selections suggest the deliberate undermining of established norms and processes within various departments, potentially leading to a dysfunctional “kakistocracy.” The Kremlin’s positive reaction underscores the potential geopolitical ramifications of these appointments.
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The CFPB will distribute a record-breaking $1.8 billion to 4.3 million consumers defrauded by credit repair companies Lexington Law and CreditRepair.com. This payout, the largest in the agency’s history, stems from a court ruling finding the companies violated consumer protection laws by charging illegal junk fees. The impending disbursement highlights the CFPB’s crucial role in protecting consumers, a role threatened by President-elect Trump’s plans to dismantle the agency. This action underscores the agency’s impact and the ongoing political battle over its future.
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Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is vying for the top Democratic spot on the House Oversight Committee, a position that would significantly influence investigations into the Trump administration and focus on improving working-class Americans’ lives. Her bid challenges Representative Gerry Connolly of Virginia, who also seeks the position vacated by Representative Jamie Raskin. This competition reflects broader leadership changes within the House Democratic caucus, with several senior members stepping down from key committee positions. The outcome will shape the Democrats’ oversight strategy during the upcoming Congress and potentially position Ocasio-Cortez to chair the committee in 2026.
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Donald Trump’s business ventures, operating largely through licensing agreements, continue to flourish despite his presidential candidacy. These ventures, ranging from gold sneakers to a new fragrance and even a cryptocurrency platform, raise significant ethical concerns, particularly given their potential to attract foreign investment and influence. Unlike his first term, the Trump Organization’s ethics plan is expected to be significantly weaker, allowing for greater exploitation of his presidency for profit. This brazen disregard for conflicts of interest, including dealings with foreign entities, has sparked minimal serious political opposition.
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John Q. Hosedrinker