A second child has died from measles in Texas, prompting HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to visit the grieving community. The death, along with a previous fatality in February, underscores the severity of the multi-state outbreak, which has reached at least 569 cases across Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and possibly Kansas. The majority of cases are unvaccinated children and teens, highlighting the critical need for MMR vaccination. Federal and state health officials are working together to contain the outbreak and emphasize vaccination as the most effective preventative measure.
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The National Parks Service webpage on the Underground Railroad has undergone significant revisions, notably removing a prominent quote and image of Harriet Tubman, along with references to enslaved people and the Fugitive Slave Act. These changes, following a pattern of alterations to government websites under the Trump administration, have sparked criticism for minimizing the historical narrative and downplaying the role of enslaved people in their own liberation. The revised page now emphasizes “American ideals of liberty and freedom,” a shift historians deem a distortion of historical fact. The removal of Tubman’s contributions is considered particularly offensive given her crucial role in the Underground Railroad.
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A White House investigation revealed that National Security Advisor Mike Waltz inadvertently included journalist Jeffrey Goldberg in a Signal group chat discussing Yemen strikes. This resulted from a series of errors beginning with Goldberg emailing the Trump campaign, his number being forwarded to Waltz, and ultimately being saved incorrectly on Waltz’s phone. Though Trump briefly considered firing Waltz, he ultimately decided against it, partly to avoid giving the Atlantic satisfaction. The incident prompted a forensic review, which highlighted the use of Signal for sensitive discussions due to a lack of secure alternative platforms.
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Alex Ovechkin surpassed Wayne Gretzky’s longstanding NHL record of 894 career goals, scoring his 895th in a game against the New York Islanders. The power-play goal, witnessed by Gretzky and Ovechkin’s family, prompted a ceremony celebrating this historic achievement. Ovechkin, in his 20th NHL season, matched Gretzky’s game total (1,487) to reach the milestone, overcoming a previous fibula injury. Gretzky himself declared Ovechkin’s record likely unbreakable, highlighting the monumental nature of the accomplishment.
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A 52-year-old Chinese national died by suicide while detained at a Yuma, Arizona border patrol station after being apprehended in California for visa overstay. Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal alleges that required welfare checks were not performed, and that surveillance footage indicates a significant delay in medical response following the suicide attempt. Investigations are underway by the CBP’s Office of Professional Responsibility to determine whether established procedures were followed and whether false records were filed. Jayapal expressed concern over the incident, citing reports of inadequate care for detainees within the current immigration enforcement climate.
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After a five-week hospitalization for pneumonia and a near-fatal polymicrobial infection, Pope Francis made a surprise public appearance at the Vatican, greeting crowds in St. Peter’s Square. His improved condition, though still requiring a wheelchair and nasal cannula, showed increased mobility and vocal strength compared to his previous public appearance two weeks prior. The unannounced appearance followed a morning mass and confession, bringing cheers from the assembled worshippers. The 88-year-old pontiff’s doctors previously stated that a two-month recovery period would be necessary.
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A growing number of American doctors and healthcare workers are exploring relocation opportunities in Canada, according to recruitment agencies. This trend reflects challenges within the U.S. healthcare system, including issues with compensation and working conditions. Canadian provinces are actively recruiting to address their own healthcare workforce shortages. The influx of American medical professionals could offer some relief to Canada’s healthcare system, while simultaneously impacting the U.S. healthcare landscape.
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American farmers are experiencing devastating economic consequences due to U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods, impacting both product prices and input costs like fertilizer and equipment. These tariffs, particularly the 25% levy on steel, significantly increase the cost of essential Canadian-made farm equipment, creating a substantial burden for American producers. Agricultural economists warn that the resulting uncertainty has already caused irreparable harm to both U.S. and Canadian economies, hindering investment and slowing growth, regardless of any future tariff reversals. The situation highlights the unintended negative consequences of protectionist trade policies on close trading partners.
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Severe thunderstorms and torrential rainfall have caused catastrophic flooding across the US midsection, resulting in at least 16 deaths and impacting 41 million people. A three-day period of the highest possible flood risk, unprecedented outside of hurricane season, has led to widespread flash flooding and flash flood emergencies in several states. The storms have also caused tens of thousands of power outages and flight delays, with significant damage reported across Arkansas, Tennessee, Kentucky, and Missouri. The stagnant weather pattern is expected to break by Sunday, shifting the storm system eastward.
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A North Carolina appeals court issued a 2-1 decision ordering a review of tens of thousands of ballots cast in a closely contested state Supreme Court race. The court found that the State Board of Elections incorrectly allowed these ballots, which predominantly favored the Democratic candidate, ruling that they did not comply with state law. The decision mandates that voters be given an opportunity to provide additional information to validate their ballots, but those lacking proper documentation will have their votes disallowed. This ruling is expected to be appealed to the state Supreme Court and potentially to federal court.
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John Q. Hosedrinker