Patience Rousseau, a mother who experienced a stillbirth, was charged with felony manslaughter in Nevada under a statute that criminalizes women for taking substances with the intent to terminate a pregnancy. Her case exemplifies a broader trend of women facing criminalization for pregnancy outcomes, even in states where abortion is legal. This pattern has intensified since the overturning of Roe v. Wade, with prosecutors utilizing outdated laws to charge women for events like miscarriages and stillbirths. Rousseau’s conviction was later vacated due to ineffective counsel, and she received a settlement, though the trauma of her experience and the handling of her child’s remains remain deeply impactful.
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The Director-General of the World Health Organization has declared the Ebola disease caused by the Bundibugyo virus in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC). This declaration follows assessment of extraordinary circumstances, including case reports in urban centers and among healthcare workers, as well as documented international spread to Uganda. The WHO is convening an Emergency Committee to advise on temporary recommendations for States Parties to respond to the event. The advice emphasizes coordinated national responses, strengthened surveillance, infection prevention, risk communication, and border health measures, while cautioning against unnecessary travel and trade restrictions.
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Overnight on May 16–17, a substantial drone assault impacted the Moscow region, resulting in at least three fatalities and damage to residential structures. Russian authorities reported that air defense systems actively engaged numerous drones, with claims of over 70 being intercepted throughout the night. Explosions were observed across various locations, including Khimki, Klin, Zelenograd, and near Sheremetyevo Airport, with confirmed casualties in the village of Pogorelki and Khimki. This incident follows recent restrictions imposed by Russia on reporting drone strike aftermath.
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New York Times reporter David Sanger responded to President Donald Trump’s accusation of “treasonous” reporting by asserting that journalistic inquiry is not treason and is, in fact, a fundamental First Amendment responsibility. Trump had levied the accusation during a confrontation on Air Force One, criticizing Sanger’s coverage of the Iran conflict and claiming it was “fake news.” Both Sanger and The New York Times emphasized that reporting accurately, especially when government claims do not align with reality, is vital to a free press. CNN’s Jake Tapper also condemned Trump’s remarks, calling them “deranged and potentially dangerous.”
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The chairman of the Weld County GOP, 24-year-old Hunter Rivera, was arrested on felony charges including soliciting a child prostitute, internet luring of a child, and attempted child sex assault. The arrest occurred during an operation by the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office targeting child predators, where investigators posed as minors online. Rivera was met by deputies at an agreed-upon location after responding to such a listing and is currently being held on a cash-only bond. Following the charges, state House and Senate Republican leaders have publicly called for Rivera’s resignation from his party position.
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It appears that a significant portion of FiveThirtyEight’s archived articles, particularly those concerning political analysis and data, have become inaccessible, leading to widespread concern and speculation. This disappearance is not a minor glitch but rather a noticeable void where previously available historical data and analysis once resided. The implications for future historical understanding, especially concerning pivotal elections like that of 2020, are substantial, as these articles offered a unique perspective and detailed breakdowns that are now harder to access.
The situation has sparked discussions about the motivations behind this vanishing act. Some suggest it’s part of a broader effort to alter the historical narrative, particularly concerning the 2020 presidential election, making it more difficult for historians and the public to independently verify events and analyses.… Continue reading
The American Bar Association has recently voted to remove a rule that required law schools to implement diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. This decision has sparked considerable discussion and, frankly, a good deal of bewilderment. The stated rationale for this about-face is rather convoluted, with one council member suggesting that eliminating the DEI standard is actually necessary to prevent stifling the “diversity of ideas” within legal education. It’s a sentiment that, upon first hearing, sounds like a classic case of saying one thing while seemingly meaning another, leaving many to question the true motivations behind such a move.
This apparent contradiction – removing a rule aimed at promoting diversity to, paradoxically, encourage diversity – raises immediate flags.… Continue reading
Tragically, five Italian cavers perished while exploring a cave system at approximately 50 meters depth on Thursday. Recovery efforts have since located the body of one individual at an even greater depth of around 60 meters. The exact circumstances leading to this devastating incident are still under investigation.
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The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the current Ebola outbreak in Africa a “public health emergency of international concern,” a designation that signifies a serious and potentially widespread threat. This announcement signals a heightened level of alarm, as this declaration is reserved for situations with the potential to cross international borders and require a coordinated global response. It’s understandable that hearing about Ebola outbreaks can trigger a sense of déjà vu, with many recalling past events and the anxiety they brought.
The CDC, with its extensive experience in handling such crises, has acknowledged the scale of this particular outbreak and the fact that they were recently informed about its severity.… Continue reading
The political landscape surrounding unconditional US support for Israel is shifting, particularly within the Democratic Party, where the moral and political justifications for continued arms transfers are increasingly challenged. This internal division was highlighted by a Senate vote to block offensive weapons to Israel, though many Democrats still hesitate to openly condemn Israel or halt arms shipments. Public opinion is also evolving, with a growing number of Americans questioning US involvement and recognizing the futility of financially supporting a conflict that leads to mass civilian death and regional instability. This shift should alert Democrats, whose base polls significantly more critically of Israel, to the growing disconnect between their constituents and the party’s established foreign policy stances.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood