The EPA recently approved ten pesticide products containing isocycloseram, a PFAS “forever chemical,” for use in agriculture and pest control. Although the EPA claims no human health risks were identified when used as directed, environmental advocates express concerns about the long-term dangers associated with PFAS exposure, such as reproductive and liver toxicity. Researchers emphasize the persistence of isocycloseram and its toxicity to pollinators. While the EPA highlighted the benefits for crop management, concerns remain due to the potential ecological and public health impacts.
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According to a whistleblower report, Elon Musk’s “Department of Government Efficiency” (DOGE) team at the Social Security Administration allegedly uploaded the sensitive personal information of over 300 million Americans to a vulnerable cloud server. The data, including addresses and birth dates, could be at risk of being leaked or hacked, potentially leading to widespread identity theft and other consequences. The whistleblower, the agency’s chief data officer, claims DOGE personnel violated security protocols and federal privacy laws. This incident raises concerns about the Trump administration’s influence and the potential for drastic cuts to federal programs, especially considering Musk’s history of questioning the agency’s legitimacy.
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The Shopping Trends team has observed a growing trend of consumers utilizing online platforms for their shopping needs. This shift is driven by the convenience of browsing and purchasing items from the comfort of one’s home, alongside an abundance of product options. The team may receive commissions from purchases made through their provided links, highlighting a business model intertwined with consumer spending. Further details about their team and practices are available for readers seeking more information.
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Viola Ford Fletcher, the oldest living survivor of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, has passed away at the age of 111. Fletcher, along with other survivors, pursued a lawsuit against the city of Tulsa alleging complicity in the massacre, which destroyed the Greenwood neighborhood and caused widespread loss of life and property. Despite the ongoing efforts for reparations, a recent court decision dismissed the survivors’ lawsuit. The city has proposed a private trust to fund initiatives in the area, though it would not provide direct payments to survivors or their descendants.
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A 65-year-old woman in Thailand caused a stir at a Buddhist temple when she was found alive in her coffin, ready for cremation. The woman’s brother drove her from Phitsanulok to Bangkok, believing she had died after a two-year illness. Initially, the hospital declined the brother’s offer to donate her organs due to a missing death certificate, leading him to the temple for a free cremation service. However, before the cremation could take place, the temple staff heard knocking, opened the coffin, and discovered the woman alive, prompting them to send her to a nearby hospital, with the temple covering her medical costs.
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In a significant legal blow to the Trump administration, a federal judge dismissed criminal cases against James Comey and Letitia James. The ruling stemmed from the judge’s conclusion that the prosecutor, Lindsey Halligan, who brought the charges at President Trump’s urging, was unlawfully appointed by the Justice Department. The dismissals centered on the appointment process of Halligan, a former White House aide, rather than the substance of the allegations against Comey and James. The judge determined that the Justice Department’s appointment of Halligan as interim U.S. attorney was invalid, thus invalidating all actions, including the indictments, that she secured.
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The Associated Press, established in 1846, operates as a global, independent news organization committed to objective reporting. AP maintains its position as a leading provider of trustworthy, rapid, and unbiased news across various formats, including essential technology and services. Its journalism reaches over half of the world’s population daily.
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According to the Justice Department, two North Texas men, Gavin Weisenburg and Tanner Thomas, have been indicted for plotting a violent coup on the Haitian island of Gonave. The plan involved murdering all the men, enslaving the women and children, and taking military control of the island. Both men are charged with conspiracy to kill or kidnap persons in a foreign country and producing child pornography. They prepared for the attack by seeking military training, studying Haitian Creole, researching weapons, and planning to transport firearms and explosives by sailboat.
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DMGT has agreed to purchase The Telegraph for £500 million, forming a major right-leaning media group in the UK. This deal follows RedBird Capital Partners’ withdrawal of its bid for The Telegraph due to regulatory delays and internal opposition. The acquisition will allow DMGT to repay RedBird’s prior investment and comply with the UK’s Foreign State Influence regime. DMGT expects a quick finalization of the deal, which will not involve foreign state investment.
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The Pentagon has initiated an investigation into Democratic Senator Mark Kelly for potential violations of military law after he participated in a video urging U.S. troops to reject unlawful orders. The Pentagon cited a federal law allowing for the recall of retired service members, like Kelly, for possible court-martial or other actions, indicating his statements may have interfered with military order and discipline. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated Kelly was the only lawmaker targeted because he is the only one who formally retired from the military, placing him under the Pentagon’s jurisdiction. The video, released last Tuesday, also prompted criticism from President Donald Trump who accused the lawmakers of sedition, although reactions from troops online have been minimal.
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John Q. Hosedrinker