Mayor Zohran Mamdani has appointed Shawn(ta) Smith-Cruz as the new commissioner of the New York City Department of Records and Information Services (DORIS). Smith-Cruz, a Black lesbian archivist and librarian with extensive experience in advocating for information access, will oversee the preservation of the city’s historical materials and its response to public records requests. Her selection highlights Mayor Mamdani’s commitment to appointing leaders from community-based work and advocacy networks, and it aligns with a broader pattern of elevating LGBTQ+ leadership within his administration. Smith-Cruz’s vision for DORIS emphasizes ensuring that the city’s historical record inclusively represents all communities, particularly in an era of heightened national debate around historical preservation and access to public information.
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The difficulty in weaponizing legal processes stems from a perceived lack of qualified individuals aligned with specific political agendas. Many career prosecutors are reportedly uninterested in pursuing cases deemed important by certain political factions, leading to a small pool of willing participants. This situation suggests that the execution of certain legal strategies is hindered by the limited availability of personnel who are both politically aligned and possess the necessary expertise.
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President Trump has announced an indefinite extension of the ceasefire in the Iran war, a move that follows threats to destroy Iranian infrastructure if a peace deal is not reached. Despite claims from the White House that the US blockade of Iranian ports is successfully crippling the economy, a stalemate persists. The Strait of Hormuz remains closed, and Iran’s refusal to reopen it signifies a lack of a clear path forward for the administration, with rising oil prices directly impacting UK inflation.
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Contrary to claims that the FDA panel unanimously voted against a new drug due to its ineffectiveness, oncologists have presented evidence disputing these assertions. Initial panels had approved the drug, with later objections stemming from a higher authority, not a universal panel consensus against its efficacy. Furthermore, the trial’s design was misrepresented; patients received a novel immunotherapy, not chemotherapy, leading researchers involved to believe the drug showed significant promise as a valuable alternative for patients with limited treatment options.
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In discussions regarding Navy recruitment, a prominent perspective suggests the ideal candidates possess an extreme level of tenacity and dedication. This viewpoint emphasizes the need for individuals who exhibit extraordinary resilience and a relentless drive for success. Such “alpha” recruits are seen as essential for achieving victory in demanding military operations.
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A federal judge has dismissed Laura Loomer’s $150 million defamation lawsuit against comedian Bill Maher. The suit stemmed from a joke Maher made on his HBO show, suggesting Loomer was having a sexual relationship with Donald Trump. The judge ruled that no reasonable person would interpret Maher’s statement as a factual claim, given the context of a late-night comedy program. Loomer, who has a history of controversial statements and has been banned from various platforms, vowed to appeal the decision.
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The president is expected to deliver a “revenge” speech to the White House press corps at a Washington dinner, targeting publications he believes have reported negatively on his administration. However, he plans to depart before any press awards are presented, particularly avoiding an award to the Wall Street Journal for a report that led to a dismissed lawsuit. This marks his first attendance at the event as president, and he will leave before the planned entertainment, a mentalist, to avoid any potential embarrassment, recalling past negative experiences with comedians at similar events.
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U.S. Rep. David Scott, a Georgia Democrat and the first Black chairman of the House Agriculture Committee, has died at the age of 80. Scott was a trailblazing lawmaker, serving as a prominent voice for Democrats on farm and food aid policy, and was a notable Black member of the moderate Blue Dog caucus. He faced recent criticism due to declining health and primary challenges, but maintained his dedication to serving his constituents. Scott’s passing creates another vacancy in the House, widening the Republican majority.
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As measles outbreaks have resurged in the US, reaching levels not seen in decades and threatening the country’s elimination status, some vaccine-hesitant parents are beginning to question their deeply held beliefs. Witnessing the deadly realities of the disease firsthand has prompted a shift in perspective for individuals like Katie Jennings, who was raised in an anti-vaccine community. In measles hotspots, a growing number of parents are quietly changing their minds about the MMR shot, leading to a slowdown in outbreaks and a notable increase in immunizations in states like South Carolina and Texas. This trend challenges the sustainability of anti-vaccine movements, particularly those fueled by misinformation.
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A medical student has claimed he created a successful AI-generated conservative influencer, Emily Hart, by exploiting the perceived gullibility of the MAGA audience for financial gain. The student, who identified himself only as Sam, reportedly generated thousands of dollars monthly through social media accounts featuring the AI persona, which posted on topics such as immigration and abortion. After being flagged for fraudulent activity, both the Instagram and Facebook pages associated with Emily Hart have been taken down, with Meta stating its efforts to label AI-generated content. The student stated he was inspired to use the MAGA niche after an AI platform suggested it was a lucrative audience.
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John Q. Hosedrinker