The US State Department has issued new rules for its annual human rights report that redefine human rights, potentially targeting countries with diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies. These changes signal a shift in Washington’s approach to global human rights, influenced by the Trump administration’s domestic agenda and are intended to “change the behaviour of governments”. The new instructions also label policies like abortion subsidies, gender-transition surgery for children, and facilitating mass migration as human rights infringements. Critics argue these changes weaponize human rights for ideological purposes and exclude certain groups under US and international law.
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In a recent essay published in *The New Yorker*, John F. Kennedy’s granddaughter, Tatiana Schlossberg, disclosed her terminal cancer diagnosis at the age of 34, revealing she was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia. Schlossberg, an environmental journalist, detailed her experiences with chemotherapy, stem cell transplants, and clinical trials, during which her doctor estimated she might have about a year to live. She also expressed criticism of policies supported by her cousin, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., impacting cancer research. The essay, published on the anniversary of her grandfather’s assassination, delves into her fears and sadness surrounding her diagnosis.
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Due to the implementation of President Trump’s federal spending bill, graduate nursing programs are no longer classified as professional degrees, thus eliminating access to federal loans for nursing students. This change has sparked concerns among Kentucky nurses, who are already facing a healthcare workforce shortage, with a majority of the state’s counties designated as health professional shortage areas. The Kentucky Nurses Association fears the reclassification will worsen the shortage and impact patient care, as advanced practice registered nurses are crucial for providing essential healthcare, especially in rural areas. The American Nurses Association is urging members to contact legislators to advocate for nursing to be reclassified as a professional degree to ensure access to loan programs and strengthen the workforce.
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A federal judge has temporarily halted the IRS from sharing taxpayer information with ICE, deeming the practice unlawful. The court’s decision, based on a 94-page ruling, cited violations of the Administrative Procedure Act and several Internal Revenue Code provisions, specifically concerning the disclosure of confidential taxpayer address information. The IRS had already shared information on nearly 47,000 taxpayers in early August, prompting the judge to pause the data-sharing policy. This ruling preliminarily blocks the IRS and Treasury Department from sharing tax return information with the Department of Homeland Security, with some exceptions requiring judicial approval.
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Judge Matthew EP Thornhill of Missouri resigned following disciplinary action for inappropriate conduct in court. The longest-serving circuit judge in St. Charles County was disciplined for wearing an Elvis Presley wig and playing the singer’s music during court proceedings, violating the integrity of court proceedings. The disciplinary commission cited frequent and irrelevant Elvis references as the reason for demanding his suspension. In a letter, Judge Thornhill acknowledged the impact of his actions, expressing a desire to add levity, while regretting the effects.
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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website has been altered to contradict the scientific consensus that vaccines do not cause autism, sparking strong criticism from public health and autism experts. The updated “vaccine safety” webpage now states that the claim “Vaccines do not cause autism” is not evidence-based, despite numerous studies to the contrary. This change follows the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) efforts to revisit the safety of vaccines. Concerns have been raised by former CDC officials, and critics suggest the changes are ideologically driven, particularly with the appointment of anti-vaccine activist Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as HHS secretary.
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A Bloomfield firefighter filed a federal lawsuit alleging racial discrimination and a hostile work environment due to a coworker’s actions during training sessions. The complaint, filed on November 16, 2025, details two incidents where the coworker, Walter Coffey, displayed and threw a noose at the plaintiff, accompanied by racial slurs. Despite the incidents, which occurred in November 2023, and subsequent criminal charges against Coffey, the firefighter claims the Bloomfield Fire Department failed to take appropriate disciplinary action. The plaintiff alleges emotional and psychological distress, seeking $25 million in damages, citing violations of federal and state civil rights laws.
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During a Friday lunch period, a high school student in McMinnville was arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). School officials confirmed the incident, noting students witnessed the event and that they are verifying information and communicating with local partners. The family of the arrested 17-year-old claims he is a U.S. citizen, and ICE has not yet commented on the arrest. This incident follows a rise in immigration enforcement activity in Oregon, though arrests of minors are uncommon.
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Emails released by US lawmakers reveal that Noam Chomsky maintained “regular contact” with Jeffrey Epstein, even after Epstein’s conviction for soliciting prostitution from a minor. A letter of support attributed to Chomsky lauded Epstein’s intellectual contributions and described their relationship as a “most valuable experience.” The correspondence indicates a deeper relationship than previously acknowledged, including discussions of musical interests and potential vacations. Furthermore, Epstein offered Chomsky the use of his residences.
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John Q. Hosedrinker
Judge Blocks IRS from Sharing Taxpayer Data with ICE: A Critique of Enforcement Practices
A federal judge has temporarily halted the IRS from sharing taxpayer information with ICE, deeming the practice unlawful. The court’s decision, based on a 94-page ruling, cited violations of the Administrative Procedure Act and several Internal Revenue Code provisions, specifically concerning the disclosure of confidential taxpayer address information. The IRS had already shared information on nearly 47,000 taxpayers in early August, prompting the judge to pause the data-sharing policy. This ruling preliminarily blocks the IRS and Treasury Department from sharing tax return information with the Department of Homeland Security, with some exceptions requiring judicial approval.
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