A federal jury ruled against Sarah Palin in her defamation retrial against the New York Times, upholding the newspaper’s non-liability for a 2017 editorial inaccurately linking Palin to a mass shooting. This verdict, following a 2022 ruling overturned on appeal, reinforces the “actual malice” standard, requiring proof of knowing falsehood or reckless disregard for the truth. The case garnered significant attention due to the high-profile individuals involved and its implications for free speech in the current political climate. Despite the loss, Palin expressed contentment with her personal life and remained undecided on an appeal.
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The Chan Zuckerberg Initiative’s The Primary School in East Palo Alto will close at the end of the 2025-26 school year, impacting over 400 students. The school, known for its integrated education and support services, cited a difficult decision but pledged a thoughtful transition for families. CZI will invest $50 million in the community over five years, focusing on 529 plans, transition specialists, and collaboration with the Ravenswood City School District. This investment aims to support families in their transition to new schools and bolster existing community services.
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Bill Owens resigned as executive producer of 60 Minutes, citing an inability to maintain independent decision-making amid pressure from Donald Trump’s attacks and a lawsuit against CBS. This decision follows Trump’s targeting of the show and ongoing settlement talks, fueled by concerns about jeopardizing Paramount Global’s merger with Skydance. Owens’ departure comes amidst staff anxiety and fears of compromising journalistic integrity, with some viewing the situation as a retreat from First Amendment principles. CBS News leadership expressed gratitude for Owens’ contributions, affirming their commitment to 60 Minutes’ mission.
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Pakistan has expelled over 80,000 Afghan nationals since March due to a renewed crackdown on undocumented foreigners. This forced repatriation sends thousands back to Afghanistan, where they face unsafe conditions, economic hardship, and Taliban restrictions, particularly concerning women and girls’ education. Despite a deadline extension, the pace of deportations has slowed due to local authorities’ hesitancy and international pressure. Concerns remain regarding vulnerable groups and the potential for instability, highlighting the complex humanitarian situation.
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Governor Tate Reeves of Mississippi has declared April 2025 as Confederate Heritage Month, continuing a tradition dating back to 1993. This annual proclamation, requested by the Sons of Confederate Veterans (SCV), a neo-Confederate organization, is not publicly promoted by state officials. Despite criticism, Reeves and previous governors, both Republican and Democrat, have issued similar proclamations, highlighting a long-standing practice rooted in the “Lost Cause” narrative. The proclamation’s continuation underscores ongoing debates surrounding Mississippi’s history and its legacy of slavery and white supremacy.
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The Trump administration revoked over 1,500 student visas, citing national security concerns related to political activities like pro-Palestinian protests. Subsequently, many universities disenrolled affected students based on terminated SEVIS records. However, a Michigan court ruling and DHS court filings confirmed that SEVIS termination does not automatically revoke legal immigration status. This revelation exposes the universities’ actions as potentially unlawful, as the basis for disenrollment was faulty. Despite this, the DHS website still incorrectly implies that SEVIS termination ends legal status, leaving many students and institutions in uncertainty.
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The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is suing Uber for allegedly deceptive subscription practices related to its Uber One service. The FTC claims Uber enrolled users without consent and made cancellations excessively difficult, requiring numerous steps. Uber denies these allegations, stating that cancellations are now easily performed within the app. This lawsuit marks the FTC’s first against a major US tech company since the start of President Trump’s second term. The case highlights ongoing scrutiny of tech companies’ billing and consumer protection practices.
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Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth forwarded sensitive operational details regarding U.S. airstrikes in Yemen, received via secure channels from Gen. Michael Kurilla, to at least two unsecured Signal group chats. This action, occurring within minutes of receiving the information, contradicts prior warnings to Hegseth about using unsecure communication systems. While Hegseth and the Pentagon deny the information was classified, the incident raises concerns about his handling of sensitive military data and has prompted calls for his resignation from some Republicans. Despite these calls, President Trump continues to support Hegseth.
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A recent FinCEN report details how the Sinaloa and CJNG cartels launder billions of dollars through U.S. casinos and other financial institutions, primarily using proceeds from fentanyl trafficking. Nearly 1,300 suspicious activity reports were filed in 2024, with a significant portion involving depository institutions and money services businesses. The cartels utilize various methods, including wire transfers, cash smuggling, and complex international trade schemes involving Chinese businesses to obscure the origins of their illicit funds. These schemes often leverage front companies, money mules, and U.S.-based intermediaries to facilitate the laundering process.
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Walgreens will pay up to $350 million to settle a Department of Justice lawsuit alleging the company illegally filled millions of opioid and other controlled substance prescriptions between 2012 and 2023. The settlement includes a minimum payment of $300 million, with an additional $50 million contingent on a company sale or merger before 2032. The government accused Walgreens of ignoring red flags indicating invalid prescriptions and pressuring pharmacists to fill them rapidly, ultimately billing federal healthcare programs. Walgreens denies liability but will also implement improved compliance measures with the DEA and HHS.
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John Q. Hosedrinker