Utah has become the first state to ban fluoride in public drinking water, despite opposition from dentists and health organizations who warn it could lead to health issues, particularly for low-income communities. Governor Spencer Cox signed the legislation, which prohibits local governments from adding fluoride to water systems. The ban, effective May 7, is based on concerns about personal choice and the cost of fluoridation. … Continue reading Utah bans fluoride in public drinking water, a first in the US

At least three people died in Hidalgo County, Texas, after catastrophic flooding from nearly 20 inches of rain in the Rio Grande Valley. A fourth death was reported in Mexico. A disaster declaration was issued as homes, vehicles, and infrastructure suffered extensive damage, along with significant agricultural losses. Harlingen saw over 21 inches of rain, forcing evacuations and shelter openings. While no more heavy rainfall … Continue reading Three dead in South Texas after more than foot of rain falls in Rio Grande Valley

Columbia University interim president Katrina A. Armstrong is stepping down, returning to the university’s medical center. Claire Shipman, co-chair of the board of trustees, will serve as acting president while a replacement is found. Armstrong’s departure comes a week after the university agreed to negotiate with the Trump administration to restore $400 million in federal funding, which was previously pulled over alleged inaction against antisemitic … Continue reading Columbia University’s interim president steps down

A confrontation erupted at the Kansas Statehouse when Michael Stewart, leader of the Kansas City-area Satanic Grotto, attempted to perform a Black Mass in the rotunda. Stewart and two others were arrested after a scuffle broke out with a Christian counterprotester who tried to seize Stewart’s script. The Satanic Grotto had gathered outside to protest religious favoritism in state events, drawing hundreds of Christian counterprotesters. … Continue reading Satanist leader’s attempt to hold Black Mass in Kansas Statehouse sparks chaos

Oklahoma’s Superintendent of Public Instruction, Ryan Walters, is at the center of a national debate over religion in public schools. A staunch conservative and outspoken Christian, Walters has pushed for policies that blur the lines between church and state, including placing Bibles in schools and approving the nation’s first religious virtual public charter school—now facing a Supreme Court challenge. The case highlights tensions between the … Continue reading Battle over religion and schools in Oklahoma could decide future of 1st Amendment

Federal prosecutors are considering seeking the death penalty for Mexican drug lord Rafael Caro Quintero in a case that includes the 1985 killing of DEA agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena. During a Brooklyn court hearing, prosecutors confirmed the possibility but have not made a final decision. Caro Quintero, the former head of the Guadalajara cartel and a key figure in the Sinaloa cartel, faces life imprisonment … Continue reading Mexican drug lord charged with killing DEA agent could face death penalty

A Kansas babysitter discovered a man hiding under a child’s bed after the child complained of a “monster.” When checking, she came face-to-face with the intruder, leading to an altercation where one child was knocked over. The suspect, a 27-year-old with a protective order against him, fled but was arrested the next morning after a short chase. He faces multiple charges, including aggravated kidnapping, burglary, … Continue reading Babysitter finds man under bed after child complains of ‘monster’

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem visited El Salvador’s CECOT mega-prison, where the Trump administration deported 238 Venezuelans accused of gang ties. The controversial deportations, carried out under the 1798 Alien Enemies Act, have sparked legal battles, with a federal court blocking further removals. Noem’s visit signals the administration’s commitment to mass deportations despite legal challenges, Axios has reported. Critics argue that tattoos used as evidence … Continue reading Noem sends warning to immigrants as she tours El Salvador prison