At least seven individuals across three states have fallen ill with E. coli food poisoning, with young children being disproportionately affected. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has identified raw milk cheddar cheese produced by California-based Raw Farm as the “likely source” of the outbreak, despite the company’s refusal to recall its products due to a lack of definitive pathogen testing in their products. Illnesses occurred between September 2025 and mid-February, with two hospitalizations reported, and health officials urge consumers to consider avoiding these products while the investigation continues to pinpoint the source of contamination.
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A U.S. Marine Corps investigation into a live fire demonstration over Camp Pendleton concluded that a “one in a million” malfunction caused an artillery shell to detonate prematurely, showering shrapnel onto Interstate 5 and striking two California Highway Patrol vehicles. The incident occurred during a Marine Corps anniversary celebration attended by Vice President JD Vance and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, though no one was injured. Investigators were unable to pinpoint a definitive cause for the malfunction, citing possible contributing factors such as howitzer proximity and potential anomalous electromagnetic energy, but ruled out negligence or wrongdoing by Marines. The event was canceled after the initial misfire, which occurred despite prior assurances that motorists would not be endangered and against the voiced concerns of California Governor Gavin Newsom.
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Recent acts of domestic terrorism, including bombings and violent attacks, underscore a heightened terrorism threat. This surge coincides with the U.S. war with Iran and is compounded by significant departures of experienced national security professionals at the FBI and Justice Department. These personnel changes, along with diverted resources, have raised concerns about the nation’s ability to preempt potential threats, particularly from self-directed individuals radicalized online. While the FBI maintains its commitment to homeland defense, the loss of institutional knowledge and established relationships among experienced agents is seen as a critical vulnerability.
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Florida permits first cousin marriages, a legality shared with 17 other states that often surprises residents and prompts inquiries into its continued allowance. This practice, though uncommon, remains legally permissible across a significant portion of the United States. The reasons behind its continued allowance in these states, including Florida, often stem from historical precedent and the absence of recent legislative challenges.
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Prosecutors in Arizona have filed criminal charges against the prediction market Kalshi, alleging it operates an unlicensed gambling business and takes illegal bets on elections within the state. The 20-count complaint accuses Kalshi of violating Arizona law, despite the company’s assertion that it is a federally regulated financial exchange and not a gambling operation. This legal action represents the latest challenge to Kalshi’s business model, as the company contends that individual states should not regulate a nationwide financial exchange.
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Cuba’s national electric grid has collapsed, impacting approximately 10 million people due to an oil blockade enforced by the United States. This blockade has severely crippled the island’s outdated generation system, exacerbating a series of widespread power outages that have recently sparked protests. The U.S. intensified pressure on Cuba after Venezuela, a key benefactor, had its oil shipments cut off, leading to a critical fuel shortage for Cuba’s power infrastructure. Despite Cuba being in talks with the U.S. to de-escalate the crisis, the situation remains dire with minimal oil imports received this year.
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Oil prices surged Tuesday amidst intensified Iranian attacks on Middle Eastern energy infrastructure, with a senior Iranian official indicating the Strait of Hormuz will remain unsafe for shipping. This escalation, including drone strikes on the UAE’s natural gas field and oil port, coupled with attacks on an Iraqi oil field and a tanker, has stoked global supply concerns. The disruptions have led to a significant rise in US gasoline prices and have underscored the critical importance of the Strait of Hormuz, through which approximately one-fifth of global oil and LNG passes.
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Governments responsible for search and rescue in the Mediterranean are withholding information on migrant arrivals and shipwrecks, leading to “invisible shipwrecks” where the true death toll is unknown. This lack of transparency makes it increasingly difficult for organizations like the UN’s International Organization for Migration to verify cases, with a significant number of missing migrants now categorized as unverifiable. This strategy of silence by Italy, Tunisia, and Malta, coupled with funding cuts and restrictions on humanitarian actors, prevents journalists from confirming reports, leaving families of missing migrants in agonizing uncertainty.
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A Utah woman was convicted of aggravated murder on Monday after prosecutors presented evidence that she poisoned her husband with fentanyl, driven by significant debt and a desire to inherit his estate and pursue an affair. The jury found Kouri Richins guilty of aggravated murder, attempted murder from an earlier poisoning attempt, forgery, and insurance fraud, with her sentencing scheduled for May 13th. Evidence presented included text messages discussing her financial motives and leaving her husband, as well as internet searches related to lethal fentanyl doses and luxury prisons. The conviction follows a trial where the defense argued insufficient evidence, and the prosecution characterized the 911 call as that of a “black widow.”
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The director of the National Counterterrorism Center has announced his resignation, citing his inability to “in good conscience” support the Trump administration’s war in Iran. He stated on social media that Iran posed no imminent threat and suggested the conflict was initiated due to pressure from Israel and its American lobby. This director, also a former political candidate with ties to right-wing extremists, was confirmed to his position last July.
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John Q. Hosedrinker