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Truthout
@truthout.org
· Oct 21
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South Carolina’s measles outbreak isn’t yet as large as those in other states, such as New Mexico, Arizona, and Kansas. But it highlights a confluence of larger trends — including historically low vaccination rates, skepticism fueled by the pandemic, misinformation, and “health freedom” ideologies.
South Carolina’s Measles Outbreak Illustrates Danger of Vaccine Misinformation
A confluence of larger national trends threaten communities with reemergence of a preventable, potentially deadly virus.
truthout.org
November 26, 2025 at 10:06 PM
South Carolina’s measles outbreak isn’t yet as large as those in other states, such as New Mexico, Arizona, and Kansas. But it highlights a confluence of larger trends — including historically low vaccination rates, skepticism fueled by the pandemic, misinformation, and “health freedom” ideologies.
A Georgia state prosecutor who took over the election interference case regarding Trump’s attempts to overturn the 2020 election results has announced he is dropping all charges in the inquiry due to the “complexity of the legal issues at hand.”
Georgia Prosecutor Drops Trump Election Interference Case
A Georgia prosecutor cited time and costs as his reasons for dropping the case.
truthout.org
November 26, 2025 at 9:17 PM
A Georgia state prosecutor who took over the election interference case regarding Trump’s attempts to overturn the 2020 election results has announced he is dropping all charges in the inquiry due to the “complexity of the legal issues at hand.”
Israel’s two-year assault on Gaza has left a catastrophic death toll that is even worse than most official estimates, according to European researchers. A study released on Tuesday estimates that “the current violent death toll” in Gaza is between 99,997 and 125,915.
Gaza Death Toll From Israeli Genocide “Likely Exceeds” 100K, Study Finds
The new research also found that Israel’s war led to a precipitous plunge in life expectancy in the Gaza Strip.
truthout.org
November 26, 2025 at 8:27 PM
Israel’s two-year assault on Gaza has left a catastrophic death toll that is even worse than most official estimates, according to European researchers. A study released on Tuesday estimates that “the current violent death toll” in Gaza is between 99,997 and 125,915.
Ralph Abraham, a top health official in Louisiana who has peddled disinformation about vaccines, has been quietly named as principal deputy director for the CDC. Because the CDC does not yet have a permanent director, Abraham will likely serve as the de facto head of the agency until one is found.
The CDC Just Appointed an Anti-Vaxxer to the Agency’s Second-Highest Position
In 2024, Ralph Abraham ordered state agencies under his watch to stop recommending vaccines.
truthout.org
November 26, 2025 at 8:01 PM
Ralph Abraham, a top health official in Louisiana who has peddled disinformation about vaccines, has been quietly named as principal deputy director for the CDC. Because the CDC does not yet have a permanent director, Abraham will likely serve as the de facto head of the agency until one is found.
Bishop William Barber: "When you look at the ICE raids and then the raiding of Medicaid for millions of people, the raiding of food stamps for millions of people, what you have is a conglomerate of policy violence, and it’s deadly. It’s deadly. It kills dreams. It kills hopes. It kills democracy."
Bishop William Barber: ICE Raids and Shredding of Social Safety Net Are Linked
“What you have is a conglomerate of policy violence, and it’s deadly,” says Barber, who is organizing protests.
truthout.org
November 26, 2025 at 7:35 PM
Bishop William Barber: "When you look at the ICE raids and then the raiding of Medicaid for millions of people, the raiding of food stamps for millions of people, what you have is a conglomerate of policy violence, and it’s deadly. It’s deadly. It kills dreams. It kills hopes. It kills democracy."
On November 18, Massachusetts advocates gathered at the State House as they have, year after year, to beat back yet another proposal for involuntary outpatient commitment. Massachusetts is now one of only two states that don’t use specialized courts to mandate forced psychiatric treatment.
Massachusetts Advocates Resist Dystopian Involuntary Outpatient Commitment Bill
Massachusetts is now one of only two states that don’t use specialized courts to mandate forced psychiatric treatment.
buff.ly
November 26, 2025 at 6:30 PM
On November 18, Massachusetts advocates gathered at the State House as they have, year after year, to beat back yet another proposal for involuntary outpatient commitment. Massachusetts is now one of only two states that don’t use specialized courts to mandate forced psychiatric treatment.
A new study reveals that gender-affirming care for transgender kids and young adults likely lowers rates of suicidality among those populations. The study found that suicide rates among all the youth who were studied dropped by over 67%.
New Study: Gender-Affirming Care Dramatically Lowers Suicide Risk for Trans Kids
Twenty-seven states in the US ban gender-affirming treatments for trans youth, including hormone therapy.
truthout.org
November 26, 2025 at 6:00 PM
A new study reveals that gender-affirming care for transgender kids and young adults likely lowers rates of suicidality among those populations. The study found that suicide rates among all the youth who were studied dropped by over 67%.
A Gen Z-led advocacy group announced a boycott campaign targeting major corporations “that enable, profit from, or directly collaborate with ICE.” Beyond the Ballot launched “Not With My Dollars: ICE Out of My Wallet” just days before Black Friday kicks off.
Boycott Campaign Targets Companies Tied to ICE Ahead of Black Friday
The Not With My Dollars campaign takes aim at Amazon, Whole Foods, Dell, Microsoft, Home Depot, Spotify, and Target.
truthout.org
November 26, 2025 at 5:38 PM
A Gen Z-led advocacy group announced a boycott campaign targeting major corporations “that enable, profit from, or directly collaborate with ICE.” Beyond the Ballot launched “Not With My Dollars: ICE Out of My Wallet” just days before Black Friday kicks off.
Security camera start-up Flock is estimated to consist of around 80,000 cameras in over 4,000 cities — with its key clients being law enforcement agencies, ranging from major metropolitan forces to small local police units, as well as private entities like retail corporations.
A Vast Camera System Now Feeds Information to Police on Drivers Across the US
Flock cameras have been called invasive, insecure, and unconstitutional. Can a grassroots movement beat them back?
truthout.org
November 26, 2025 at 4:47 PM
Security camera start-up Flock is estimated to consist of around 80,000 cameras in over 4,000 cities — with its key clients being law enforcement agencies, ranging from major metropolitan forces to small local police units, as well as private entities like retail corporations.
An Iranian professor for the University of Oklahoma was released by ICE after spending three days in detention for what the agency has deemed “standard questioning.” Vahid Abedini was on his way to the Middle East Studies Association’s annual meeting in Washington, D.C. when he was arrested.
ICE Detains Iranian Professor for 3 Days for “Standard Questioning”
“It was a deeply distressing experience, especially seeing those without the support I had,” the scholar said.
truthout.org
November 26, 2025 at 12:00 AM
An Iranian professor for the University of Oklahoma was released by ICE after spending three days in detention for what the agency has deemed “standard questioning.” Vahid Abedini was on his way to the Middle East Studies Association’s annual meeting in Washington, D.C. when he was arrested.
A polar vortex is likely to hit a large swath of North America this week and into next, potentially disrupting travel for millions of people during the Thanksgiving holiday. Research suggests that, as the planet warms due to the climate crisis, polar vortexes may become more common or severe.
Polar Vortex Set to Hit US During Thanksgiving Holiday Weekend
A growing body of research indicates that polar vortexes are likely becoming more frequent due to the climate crisis.
buff.ly
November 25, 2025 at 11:15 PM
A polar vortex is likely to hit a large swath of North America this week and into next, potentially disrupting travel for millions of people during the Thanksgiving holiday. Research suggests that, as the planet warms due to the climate crisis, polar vortexes may become more common or severe.
A network of 31 small public high schools provide “radical welcome, protection and empowerment” to migrant youth. This intentional network of schools focuses on student well-being and sidesteps standardized testing to allow newcomers to take the time they need to acclimate to life in the country.
As Immigrant Youth Come Under Attack, These Schools Are Trying to Protect Them
A network of 31 public schools is striving to provide “radical welcome, protection and empowerment” to migrant youth.
buff.ly
November 25, 2025 at 10:30 PM
A network of 31 small public high schools provide “radical welcome, protection and empowerment” to migrant youth. This intentional network of schools focuses on student well-being and sidesteps standardized testing to allow newcomers to take the time they need to acclimate to life in the country.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt claimed on Monday that “all orders” by President Donald Trump should be “presumed” legal by the military, as she defended comments he made last week threatening Democratic lawmakers with “DEATH.”
Leavitt Says “All” Military Orders by Trump Must Be “Presumed to Be Legal”
The dubious claim comes despite officials within the administration saying that the boat strike operation is unlawful.
truthout.org
November 25, 2025 at 10:00 PM
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt claimed on Monday that “all orders” by President Donald Trump should be “presumed” legal by the military, as she defended comments he made last week threatening Democratic lawmakers with “DEATH.”
Israel’s genocide has destroyed nearly 90% of Gaza’s economy, causing the worst economic collapse ever recorded. In 2024 alone, Israel caused Gaza’s GDP to decline by 83%, according to data reported by the UN Trade and Development agency. Now, Gaza’s economy stands at just 13% of its 2022 levels.
Gaza Economy at 13 Percent of Pre-Genocide Level, With Worst Collapse on Record
“Multidimensional poverty now engulfs all Gazans,” one UN official said.
truthout.org
November 25, 2025 at 9:42 PM
Israel’s genocide has destroyed nearly 90% of Gaza’s economy, causing the worst economic collapse ever recorded. In 2024 alone, Israel caused Gaza’s GDP to decline by 83%, according to data reported by the UN Trade and Development agency. Now, Gaza’s economy stands at just 13% of its 2022 levels.
CFPB Union president Cat Farman inquired: “Is this fan fiction I’m reading? What’s next, ‘Russell Vought Tells CFPB Examiners to Serve Tea to Their Wall Street Masters in Tiny French Maid Aprons’?”
CFPB Workers Slam Russell Vought’s “Humility Pledge,” Call for His Resignation
Critics say it’s the latest move in his plan to shut down the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and protect CEOs.
truthout.org
November 25, 2025 at 9:40 PM
CFPB Union president Cat Farman inquired: “Is this fan fiction I’m reading? What’s next, ‘Russell Vought Tells CFPB Examiners to Serve Tea to Their Wall Street Masters in Tiny French Maid Aprons’?”
Trump has announced ambitious remodeling plans for the golf courses at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland, the announcement comes as Americans overall are struggling with the effects of inflation, which has grown due in part to Trump’s economic policies, including his tariffs.
As Americans Grapple With Affordability, Trump Announces Joint Base Andrews Golf Course Remodeling Project
The Trump administration hasn’t provided any details on how the project will be paid for.
truthout.org
November 25, 2025 at 9:02 PM
Trump has announced ambitious remodeling plans for the golf courses at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland, the announcement comes as Americans overall are struggling with the effects of inflation, which has grown due in part to Trump’s economic policies, including his tariffs.
As the Trump administration continues to unlawfully murder people in small vessels in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific, deploy the National Guard to U.S. cities, and ignore court orders, six Democratic members of Congress were moved to act.
Soldiers Must Disobey Unlawful Orders Under Trump — It’s Their Legal Duty
I have been called to testify at courts-martial as an expert witness on servicemembers’ duty to disobey unlawful orders.
truthout.org
November 25, 2025 at 8:57 PM
As the Trump administration continues to unlawfully murder people in small vessels in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific, deploy the National Guard to U.S. cities, and ignore court orders, six Democratic members of Congress were moved to act.
The Endangered Species Act has saved thousands of animals and plants from threats like poaching, habitat loss, and pollution. In total, it has prevented the extinction of 99% of the species it has protected. Now, Trump has weakened or eliminated key provisions of the bedrock environmental law.
Trump’s Attack on the Endangered Species Act Will Hurt More Than Just Wildlife
Proposed rollbacks would open the door to more oil and gas drilling, as well as logging and mining.
truthout.org
November 25, 2025 at 7:40 PM
The Endangered Species Act has saved thousands of animals and plants from threats like poaching, habitat loss, and pollution. In total, it has prevented the extinction of 99% of the species it has protected. Now, Trump has weakened or eliminated key provisions of the bedrock environmental law.
Trump is continuing to peddle the baseless claim that his administration is delivering “economic relief” for Americans — even as prices of consumer goods are rising and polling shows that a majority of Americans are concerned about food and travel costs this Thanksgiving.
White House Touts “Economic Relief” as Data Shows Prices Rising Ahead of Thanksgiving
Sixty percent of voters believe that Trump is making the state of the economy sound better than it is, polling shows.
truthout.org
November 25, 2025 at 5:45 PM
Trump is continuing to peddle the baseless claim that his administration is delivering “economic relief” for Americans — even as prices of consumer goods are rising and polling shows that a majority of Americans are concerned about food and travel costs this Thanksgiving.
Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath recently met with a top official from Turning Point USA to discuss creating chapters of the conservative youth organization in all of the state’s high schools, days before Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick promised $1 million in campaign funds to help the project.
Will Every Texas High School, College Campus Have a Turning Point USA Chapter?
After the Texas education chief met with the group, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick pledged $1 million toward the effort.
truthout.org
November 25, 2025 at 5:25 PM
Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath recently met with a top official from Turning Point USA to discuss creating chapters of the conservative youth organization in all of the state’s high schools, days before Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick promised $1 million in campaign funds to help the project.
Democratic Rep. Joaquin Castro said on Sunday that the ceasefire deal in Gaza is a “farce.” “It’s harmful and disingenuous for American media to continue the charade that there’s a ceasefire in place.” UNICEF reported that Israeli forces have killed 67 children since October 11, 2025.
Israel Has Killed 2 Children a Day Amid Gaza Ceasefire, UN Reports
House Democrat Joaquin Castro slammed the ceasefire as a “charade” that the media is playing along with.
buff.ly
November 25, 2025 at 12:15 AM
Democratic Rep. Joaquin Castro said on Sunday that the ceasefire deal in Gaza is a “farce.” “It’s harmful and disingenuous for American media to continue the charade that there’s a ceasefire in place.” UNICEF reported that Israeli forces have killed 67 children since October 11, 2025.
Family separations are back, only now they are happening all across the country. The lawsuit against the zero tolerance policy in 2023 limited separations at the border, but does not address those that occur inside the country after encounters with ICE.
ICE Has Already Sent 600 Immigrant Kids to Detention in Federal Shelters in 2025
Once the children are there, the government is making it harder for relatives or other sponsors to get them back.
buff.ly
November 24, 2025 at 11:45 PM
Family separations are back, only now they are happening all across the country. The lawsuit against the zero tolerance policy in 2023 limited separations at the border, but does not address those that occur inside the country after encounters with ICE.
Besides arguing that Israel, the U.S., and some European governments have committed genocide in Gaza, prosecutors at the International People’s Tribunal on Palestine told jurors that the environmental devastation in the enclave amounts to ecocide.
Prosecutors at International Tribunal on Palestine Accuse Israel of Ecocide
Prosecutors at the International People’s Tribunal on Palestine decried Israel’s destruction of farms and water sources.
truthout.org
November 24, 2025 at 11:15 PM
Besides arguing that Israel, the U.S., and some European governments have committed genocide in Gaza, prosecutors at the International People’s Tribunal on Palestine told jurors that the environmental devastation in the enclave amounts to ecocide.
Global negotiations at the annual U.N. climate summit ended Saturday in Belém, Brazil, with a watered-down agreement that does not even mention fossil fuels, let alone offer a roadmap to phase out what are the primary contributors to the climate crisis.
COP30 Ended With a Watered-Down Agreement That Doesn’t Even Mention Fossil Fuels
Two attendees of the UN climate summit break down the final deal and discuss the few positive outcomes.
buff.ly
November 24, 2025 at 10:45 PM
Global negotiations at the annual U.N. climate summit ended Saturday in Belém, Brazil, with a watered-down agreement that does not even mention fossil fuels, let alone offer a roadmap to phase out what are the primary contributors to the climate crisis.
Senate Republican Ron Johnson has said that the U.S. “can’t afford” to implement Trump’s proposal to send out $2,000 checks to supposedly offset costs of tariffs — just days after the president wined and dined some of the richest people on the planet at an extravagant dinner in the White House.
Ron Johnson Says US “Can’t Afford” $2K Checks as Trump Feasts With Billionaires
The statement comes after the GOP traded millions of Americans’ health care for more tax cuts for the rich.
buff.ly
November 24, 2025 at 10:30 PM
Senate Republican Ron Johnson has said that the U.S. “can’t afford” to implement Trump’s proposal to send out $2,000 checks to supposedly offset costs of tariffs — just days after the president wined and dined some of the richest people on the planet at an extravagant dinner in the White House.