Following a Shakira concert at MetLife Stadium on May 15th, New Jersey health officials are warning attendees of potential measles exposure due to an out-of-state concertgoer who was infectious from 7:30 p.m. on May 15th to 1:00 a.m. on May 16th. Individuals experiencing measles symptoms—cough, high fever, red eyes, runny nose, and a characteristic rash—should contact their healthcare provider before seeking treatment to prevent further spread. The best protection against measles is vaccination, and while no additional cases have been reported in New Jersey, officials urge residents to ensure their vaccinations are up-to-date.
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Long-serving Congressman Gerry Connolly (D-VA) passed away at age 75 following a battle with esophageal cancer. A prominent figure in the House, Connolly served as the top Democrat on the Oversight and Government Reform Committee until recently stepping down due to his illness. Known for his bipartisan relationships and advocacy for federal employees in his district, Connolly’s death prompted a moment of silence in the House Rules Committee. His family described him as a devoted public servant committed to justice and the betterment of his community.
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The Department of Justice has launched an investigation into former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo’s testimony to Congress regarding COVID-19 nursing home deaths. This follows a House panel referral alleging Cuomo lied under oath about his involvement in a state report on the issue. The investigation comes after the DOJ dropped charges against mayoral rival Eric Adams, prompting accusations of political bias. Cuomo’s spokesperson denies any wrongdoing and claims the investigation is politically motivated.
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A Guardian investigation reveals that UnitedHealth Group secretly paid nursing homes bonuses to reduce hospital transfers, saving the company millions but potentially jeopardizing resident health. This cost-cutting strategy, involving UnitedHealth medical teams in nearly 2,000 nursing homes, resulted in delayed or avoided hospitalizations in several documented cases, with at least one resident suffering permanent brain damage. The investigation, based on thousands of records and interviews, uncovered UnitedHealth’s focus on minimizing “admits per thousand,” incentivizing care denial. UnitedHealth denies preventing necessary transfers, asserting its program improves outcomes, but whistleblowers and internal documents contradict this claim.
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A 30-year-old Georgia woman, Adriana Smith, was declared brain dead in February after suffering a medical emergency, yet remains on life support three months later due to the state’s strict abortion law. Doctors are prohibited from removing life support because doing so would likely end her pregnancy, which is past the point where fetal cardiac activity is detectable, despite concerns about the fetus’s health. This situation highlights the complex ethical and legal challenges posed by state-level abortion bans, particularly in cases involving pregnant individuals declared legally dead. The family faces immense emotional and financial strain while navigating the constraints imposed by Georgia’s restrictive legislation.
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A remarkably preserved juvenile hadrosaur fossil, including fossilized skin, was unearthed in Dinosaur Provincial Park, Alberta. The discovery, a collaborative effort between the University of Reading, the University of New England, and the Royal Tyrrell Museum, is significant due to the rarity of juvenile hadrosaur fossils and the exceptional preservation of soft tissue. Analysis of the fossilized skin will provide invaluable insights into the dinosaur’s appearance and biology. Following excavation and preparation, the fossil will be housed at the Royal Tyrrell Museum.
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A 33-year-old Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office maintenance worker, Sterling Williams, has been arrested and charged with 10 counts of principle to simple escape and malfeasance in office for his alleged role in the escape of ten inmates from the Orleans Justice Center. Williams reportedly complied with an inmate’s request to turn off the water in a cell, facilitating their escape through a hole behind a toilet. The escape, believed to be an inside job, involved inmates cutting through steel bars and changing clothes before being discovered hours later. Four escapees have been recaptured, while six remain at large.
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A federal judge ordered U.S. officials to retain custody of migrants deported to South Sudan, pending a determination on the legality of their removals. This ruling follows allegations that the Trump administration deported individuals from Myanmar and Vietnam to South Sudan, violating a prior court order mandating a “meaningful opportunity” to contest deportation to unsafe countries. The judge demanded the government account for the deported migrants’ whereabouts and detail the process leading to their deportation. The government must also appear in court to provide further information on the matter. This action stems from concerns over human rights abuses and ongoing conflict in South Sudan.
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Following a Palm Springs fertility clinic bombing linked to a suspect with anti-natalist beliefs, Reddit banned the r/Efilism subreddit due to violations of its rules against promoting self-harm and violence. The suspect, who identified as a “promortalist,” published a manifesto referencing Efilism and other online anti-natalist communities before the attack. While Reddit is removing related content, other anti-natalist subreddits remain active on the platform, with some moderators publicly denouncing the suspect’s actions. The platform emphasizes its commitment to preventing violence and the spread of harmful ideologies.
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A new salmonella outbreak, linked to Florida-based Bedner Growers’ cucumbers, has sickened at least 26 people across 15 states, with nine hospitalizations. These cucumbers, distributed by Fresh Start Produce Sales between April 29 and May 19, are suspected to be the source of illness reported between April 2 and 28. The outbreak follows a larger 2024 outbreak involving the same grower, and investigations reveal matching salmonella strains in both incidents. Consumers are urged to discard any cucumbers of uncertain origin.
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John Q. Hosedrinker