Dakota State University (DSU) will award an honorary doctorate and commencement speaking role to Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, prompting a student-led protest. The demonstration will challenge Noem’s record on immigration and LGBTQ+ issues, actions students believe contradict DSU’s values. Fear of reprisal, particularly among international students and those in the cybersecurity program, has created a tense atmosphere on campus, despite faculty and student senate votes against the honor. This event marks a departure from DSU’s typically apolitical campus environment.
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The Texas Supreme Court ruled that lifetime protective orders separating parents from their children require a higher burden of proof, specifically “clear and convincing evidence,” mirroring the standard for terminating parental rights. This decision reverses a lower court’s lifetime order against Christine Stary, preventing her from seeing her children since 2020. The court found that such lengthy orders, significantly impacting a parent’s fundamental rights, necessitate this heightened evidentiary standard to ensure due process. The case will now be reheard under the corrected legal standard.
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A planned $50 million autism research study, utilizing a large database of autistic individuals, has sparked significant controversy. While the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) denies creating a registry, the planned “real-world data platform” raises concerns regarding data misuse, privacy violations, and potential stigmatization of autistic individuals. A petition garnering tens of thousands of signatures prompted HHS to seemingly backtrack, yet critical questions remain unanswered about data security and opt-out options. Experts warn that the project’s aggressive timeline and lack of robust ethical safeguards could jeopardize future autism research and harm the autistic community.
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Raya Meredith’s 2018 strip search at Splendour in the Grass, deemed unlawful by NSW Police, involved degrading treatment akin to sexual assault, including being forced to undress and bend over while a male officer observed. This incident, argued as assault, battery, and false imprisonment, lacked consent and violated statutory safeguards. The case, now a class action encompassing thousands of festival attendees disproportionately impacting Indigenous and diverse communities, alleges NSW Police routinely conducted strip searches without justification and inadequate training. The state’s admission of unlawful conduct underscores a pattern of improper searches at music festivals.
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This investigation reveals that James Joseph Rodden, an assistant chief counsel for ICE in Dallas, is the operator of the X account “GlomarResponder.” This account has a long history of posting racist, xenophobic, and pro-fascist content, including statements that endorse violence against immigrants. The identification of Rodden as GlomarResponder is supported by extensive evidence, including biographical details, employment history, and social media activity. Rodden’s continued employment with ICE raises serious ethical concerns, given his publicly expressed views and potential for bias in immigration court proceedings.
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In Cincinnati, Ohio, 18-year-old Ryan Hinton was fatally shot by police after allegedly pointing a gun; bodycam footage, though unclear, supports the police account. Less than 24 hours later, Ryan’s father, Rodney Hinton, allegedly struck and killed a different police officer with his car. Rodney Hinton has been charged with aggravated murder. This double tragedy has intensified existing concerns regarding police use of lethal force and its aftermath.
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Starbase, SpaceX’s South Texas facility, overwhelmingly voted to incorporate as a city, with 212 votes in favor and only 6 against. This newly formed city, primarily comprised of SpaceX employees, will allow for greater control over local infrastructure and operations. However, the move has drawn criticism, particularly regarding potential beach closures during launches, with opponents arguing that such authority should remain with Cameron County. Legislation is pending that would transfer this power to Starbase’s mayor and city council, potentially impacting public access to Boca Chica Beach.
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Following Pope Francis’ death, his popemobile is being transformed into a mobile health clinic for children in Gaza, fulfilling his final wish. This initiative, spearheaded by Caritas Jerusalem, aims to address the dire humanitarian crisis and provide critical healthcare access to children facing starvation, infection, and other preventable conditions. The repurposed vehicle will be equipped for diagnosis, treatment, and vaccination, reaching even the most isolated areas once humanitarian access is restored. This project symbolizes the Pope’s enduring commitment to the vulnerable and serves as a reminder to the world of Gaza’s plight.
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Pope Francis’s former popemobile is being repurposed as a mobile medical clinic for children in Gaza, fulfilling his final wishes. The vehicle, entrusted to Caritas Jerusalem, will be equipped for diagnosis, examination, and treatment, serving communities lacking healthcare access. This initiative reflects Francis’s commitment to peace and aid for those in need, particularly in the wake of recent conflicts. The mobile clinic symbolizes global concern for Gaza’s children, once safe transport to the region is possible.
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The Trump administration’s budget cuts have eliminated over a dozen CDC data-gathering programs tracking crucial health information, including data on abortions, lead poisoning, sexual violence, and youth smoking. These cuts, justified as eliminating waste and focusing on infectious diseases, have left health experts concerned about a lack of crucial data for understanding and addressing public health issues. The resulting data gaps hinder the ability to monitor disease trends and effectively combat health threats, raising concerns about the administration’s commitment to comprehensive health surveillance. While the National Center for Health Statistics remains largely intact, the loss of numerous other programs significantly impairs the nation’s ability to track and understand various health problems.
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John Q. Hosedrinker