The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) voted to revise the long-standing recommendation for universal hepatitis B vaccination at birth. Instead, the committee recommended that parents make individual decisions, in consultation with a healthcare provider, for babies whose mothers tested negative for the virus, and a delay in the first dose until the infant is at least two months old. This decision contradicts the current CDC guidelines which mandate the vaccine within 24 hours of birth. The vote, which has drawn criticism from medical professionals, could potentially increase infections in children and undermine public confidence in a successful, life-saving vaccine.
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A federal judge in Florida has granted the Justice Department permission to release transcripts from a grand jury investigation into Jeffrey Epstein’s abuse of underage girls. This decision stems from the Epstein Files Transparency Act, which mandates the release of records related to Epstein. The investigation, which began in 2005, involved allegations of sexualized massages given to Epstein by teenage girls. This early investigation concluded with a plea bargain for Epstein after federal prosecutors prepared an indictment in 2007.
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The Supreme Court has decided to review a case concerning birthright citizenship, a constitutional right dating back over a century. This review stems from a challenge to the established practice, potentially impacting the citizenship status of children born to migrants in the U.S. illegally or on temporary visas. The court’s decision will determine whether birthright citizenship is upheld or if it will be terminated. Oral arguments between the government and the plaintiffs, including immigrant parents and their children, will be scheduled in the coming months.
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Canada’s unemployment rate fell to 6.5% in November, the lowest in 16 months, due to a significant cool-down in population growth and the labor force. The economy added an unexpected 54,000 jobs, primarily in the private sector and among young people, though most of these gains were part-time. Alberta saw the largest employment gains, with several other provinces also contributing. Strong job growth coupled with increasing average hourly wages and recent economic data suggest the Bank of Canada is unlikely to cut interest rates anytime soon.
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Amnesty International’s recent report details alarming conditions at Florida’s “Alligator Alcatraz” and Krome immigration processing center. Detainees at “Alligator Alcatraz” were reportedly subjected to cruel treatment, including being confined in a small, outdoor metal cage without water for extended periods. The report also highlights unsanitary conditions, inadequate medical care, and excessive use of solitary confinement. Furthermore, the report emphasizes that the Krome facility is overcrowded, with detainees facing medical neglect and humiliation, including being forced to eat off the floor.
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The State Department is instructing staff to deny visa applications to individuals involved in fact-checking, content moderation, and related activities, citing concerns about “censorship” of American speech. This directive targets H-1B visa applicants, particularly those in the tech sector, and instructs consular officers to scrutinize their work histories for activities combating misinformation or managing online content. The policy stems from the Trump administration’s criticism of tech companies and their efforts to regulate online content, with the administration claiming censorship of Americans. First Amendment experts are criticizing this guidance as a potential violation of free speech rights.
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Ghislaine Maxwell’s legal team is arguing that the release of documents related to her case could hinder her bid for a retrial, as they plan to file a habeas petition. The lawyers claim that releasing grand jury materials containing unproven allegations could create undue prejudice, making a fair retrial impossible. Maxwell, currently serving a 20-year sentence for sex trafficking, is seeking a retrial via the habeas petition after the US Supreme Court rejected her appeal. The release of the documents, linked to civil and criminal cases involving Jeffrey Epstein, comes after Donald Trump signed the Epstein Transparency Act, but Maxwell’s lawyers believe it could impact her chances.
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Michael Jordan is slated to testify in a federal antitrust trial against NASCAR, as his co-owned 23XI Racing team, along with Front Row Motorsports, alleges the racing circuit is a monopoly. The lawsuit, filed in 2024, claims NASCAR limits team revenues and freedom by requiring standardized cars and parts from approved suppliers. The teams are also contesting NASCAR’s charter system and the league’s control over track approvals. Jordan has stated he is fighting for the rights of smaller teams as well.
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Netflix has agreed to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery in an $82.7 billion deal, significantly reshaping the entertainment industry by giving Netflix control over major assets like Warner Bros. and HBO. The agreement includes WBD’s extensive TV archive and TNT Sports UK & Ireland but excludes its cable channels like CNN, TBS, and TNT, which will be spun off. The deal has raised competition concerns and is expected to undergo a lengthy regulatory process, with Netflix anticipating substantial annual savings. Paramount also bid for WBD, but the acquisition was fraught with accusations of an unfair auction process.
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A federal grand jury in Virginia has declined to indict New York Attorney General Letitia James, days after a judge dismissed the earlier case against her, which alleged bank fraud and false statements. The cases against James and Comey were dismissed without prejudice, meaning the government could attempt to indict them again. This is a rare occurrence, as grand juries rarely decline a prosecutor’s request to indict. James, who has previously brought charges against Trump, released a statement praising the grand jury’s decision, calling the charges baseless and a weaponization of the justice system.
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John Q. Hosedrinker