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- 1AI systems increasingly deciding who gets medical care●AI is deciding whether or not people receive medical care
Health insurers are increasingly using artificial intelligence to determine whether patients receive coverage for medical care, according to a Vox report. The practice, already in use by major insurers serving Medicare Advantage and other plans, is drawing criticism from doctors and patient advocates who argue algorithms can wrongly deny needed treatment and are pushing for stronger regulation and oversight.
- 2Trump Mining Push Targets America's 'Forgotten Wildlife Corridor'▼The Trump Administration’s Critical Minerals Agenda Comes for America’s ‘Forgotten Wildlife Corridor’
Reporting by InvestigateWest and Inside Climate News examines how the Trump administration's critical minerals agenda is moving into a region described as America's 'forgotten wildlife corridor'. The coverage highlights the tension between expanding domestic mining for minerals used in batteries and electronics, and protecting habitat corridors that wildlife depends on. Environmental advocates are warning of lasting ecological damage as federal policy fast-tracks mineral development.
- 3Clinical trial genetic data exposed in academic database breaches●Clinical trial data including genetic and medical history information has been exposed in academic research database bre
Breaches of academic research databases have exposed clinical trial data, including genetic and medical history information, affecting thousands of trial participants. Privacy advocates are urging people to use their HIPAA rights to request their medical records and a list of everyone those records were shared with, then correct any errors. The incident highlights ongoing concerns about how securely universities and research institutions store sensitive participant data.
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Reporting from The Sick Times features interviews with five people serving time in prison who have Long COVID, describing how they are effectively invisible within prison healthcare systems. The piece highlights limited medical care, lack of recognition of their condition, and the difficulty of advocating for themselves while incarcerated, drawing attention to an overlooked group in the wider Long COVID conversation.
- 5Fossil Fuel Industry Accused of Shifting Goalposts on Renewables●The Fossil Fuel Industry Keeps Shifting the Goalposts How denial tactics have evolved as renewable energy succeeds... Th
Commentators are revisiting how fossil fuel advocates have repeatedly moved the goalposts on renewable energy as clean power exceeds expectations. One example circulating: during an Australian Senate debate on renewable energy in February 2013, Barnaby Joyce dismissed a 5% solar target as never achievable — a target solar has since surpassed. Critics argue denial tactics have evolved from outright rejection to minimising and delaying as renewables succeed.
- 6500,000 facial scans at UK stations yield no arrests●500k facial scans at UK stations yield no arrests, 1 false positive
A trial of live facial recognition cameras at London railway stations scanned around half a million faces and produced no arrests, with a single false positive match. The results, reported by the Guardian, are drawing criticism from privacy advocates and civil liberties groups, who question the effectiveness and cost of mass biometric surveillance in public spaces, while reigniting debate over police use of the technology.
- 7White House Calls Press Access a 'Privilege' in Court Filing Defending Media Ban●White House Says Access Is a 'Privilege' in Court Filing Defending Media Ban
The White House has filed a court brief arguing that journalists' access to the president is a 'privilege' rather than a right, as it defends its ban on outlets including CNN, Politico and MS NOW. The filing, reported by The New York Times, is drawing criticism from press freedom advocates who say it threatens the First Amendment and the public's ability to hold the administration accountable.
- 8U.S. and Russia gutted human oversight from AI weapons pact●U.S., Russia stripped human oversight from global AI weapons pact
The United States and Russia worked to strip requirements for human control over lethal autonomous weapons from an international agreement regulating AI in warfare. The Washington Post reports the two powers weakened the global effort to regulate so-called killer AI, drawing criticism from arms control advocates who warn that removing human oversight raises the risk of unintended escalation and accountability gaps on the battlefield.
- 9Oregon's grey whales threatened by climate change▼Local whales in trouble: Oregon's grey's impacted by climate change
Oregon's resident grey whales are facing growing pressures linked to climate change, according to coverage from NPR for Oregonians. Warming ocean conditions are affecting the food sources and coastal habitat the whales depend on, raising concern among researchers and wildlife advocates about the health of the local population.
- 10White House Rule Would Cut Funding Helping Disabled Americans Vote●This White House Plan Threatens Funding That Helps Disabled Americans Vote
A new rule from the Office of Management and Budget would bar federal grant money from being used for voter registration drives. Critics, including ProPublica's reporting, warn the change threatens programs that help disabled Americans register and vote, and fits into the Trump administration's broader efforts to restrict voting access. Advocates fear it will sharply reduce turnout support for voters with disabilities ahead of upcoming elections.
- 11Surveillance Firm Pitches Facial Recognition for Flock Cameras●Surveillance Company Tells Cops It Wants to Add Facial Recognition to Flock Cameras
A surveillance company has told police departments it wants to add facial recognition capabilities to Flock's network of cameras, aiming to close a gap that Flock itself has declined to fill. Flock cameras, widely used by law enforcement to track vehicles, currently do not perform facial recognition. The pitch is drawing attention amid ongoing debate over the expansion of mass surveillance tools available to police.
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The CEO of surveillance company Flock said the firm wants to add facial recognition to its network of license plate reading cameras, calling it "the way the world will have to be." Critics are warning the move would dramatically expand mass surveillance, since Flock cameras are already deployed across thousands of US neighborhoods and police departments, and argue the technology enables tracking of people rather than just vehicles.
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US Immigration and Customs Enforcement is scaling up recruitment of new officers and expanding its detention capacity, a move drawing sharp criticism from immigrant rights advocates who warn of mass deportations. Supporters argue stronger enforcement is needed, while critics question oversight, funding and the treatment of those held in detention facilities.
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The US Department of Education has rescinded Title IX guidance protecting LGBTQ students from discrimination, drawing swift backlash from civil rights groups and education advocates while conservative groups welcomed the move. Critics say the rollback leaves transgender and gay students without federal safeguards in schools, and legal challenges are expected as states and advocacy organisations weigh their response.
- 15Health Experts Urge Layered Precautions Against Repeat COVID Infections●Each COVID infection carries risk, and repeated infections can add to that risk over time. Reducing how often we get inf
Public health voices are stressing that each COVID infection carries risk and that repeated infections can compound that risk over time, making it important to reduce how often people catch the virus. They point to layered precautions: cleaner indoor air, well-fitting masks, vaccination, testing, and staying home when sick, as practical ways to lower exposure.
- 16California mental health court sees only incremental changes in new laws●New laws make incremental tweaks to California’s mental health court, while bigger changes nixed
California lawmakers have passed new legislation making incremental adjustments to the state's mental health court system, while proposals for more sweeping changes were rejected. The outcome leaves the core structure of the courts, which divert people with mental illness away from incarceration and into treatment, largely intact. Advocates on both sides had pushed for bigger reforms, and the decision to hold off on major changes is drawing attention.
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A group of US senators is pressing the Trump administration to extend Temporary Protected Status for Ukrainians living in the United States. The designation shields recipients from deportation and allows work permits, and the senators argue that conditions in Ukraine, still under Russian attack, make returning unsafe. The push comes as the status's expiration approaches, drawing attention from immigrant communities and advocates.
- 18Sprout Outbreaks Span Twenty-Five Years of US Records●Twenty-Five Years of Sprout Outbreaks in the United States, in CDC’s and FDA’s Own Records: E. coli, Salmonella and Listeria, 2001 to 2026
A review of CDC and FDA records catalogs sprout-related outbreaks of E. coli, Salmonella and Listeria in the United States from 2001 through 2026, drawing on the agencies' own documentation. The compilation highlights the recurring public health risks associated with raw sprouts, which have repeatedly been linked to foodborne illness over a quarter century.
- 19Lansing conference gathers advocates on youth mental health●Lansing conference brings advocates together on youth mental health
Advocates, educators and mental health professionals gathered in Lansing, Michigan for a conference focused on youth mental health. Attendees discussed rising concerns among young people and strategies for better support in schools and communities. Organizers hope the event strengthens local networks and pushes the issue higher on the state's policy agenda.
- 20California coastal protection helps ocean and tribal communities heal▼Protecting California’s coastal waters helps heal the ocean — and its tribal caretakers
A report highlights how marine protected areas along California's coast are benefiting not only ocean ecosystems but also the tribes that have long served as the waters' stewards. Tribal communities, whose cultural practices and fishing traditions were disrupted by colonization and industrial exploitation, are finding renewed roles in managing and restoring coastal waters. Conservation advocates say the effort shows environmental protection and Indigenous leadership can reinforce each other.
- 21Supporters rally around Ayham's nursing ambition●RE: https:// mastodon.social/@ayham_ljboor2 008/117354519505930403 🍉🍉🍉AYHAM'S SOMEONE WHO KNOWS WHAT HE WANTS TO DO AND
Posts are circulating in support of Ayham, a young man described by supporters as determined to become a nurse and help save lives. Advocates are sharing his story and appealing for donations and wider attention, framing him as someone with a clear goal worth backing. The watermelon symbol used in the posts signals the context is the Palestinian cause.
- 22Canada launches $5M program to speed clinical trial start-ups●Canadian $5M accelerated clinical trial program cuts start-up to 45 days
Canada has introduced a $5 million accelerated clinical trial program that cuts trial start-up times to 45 days. Announced via Fierce Biotech, the initiative aims to streamline regulatory and administrative processes so studies can begin far sooner than under typical timelines. Observers in the medical and biotech community see it as a bid to attract trial sponsors and speed new treatments to Canadian patients.
- 23ICE stops disclosing locations of detainees with removal orders●Most fucked up thing I’m experiencing in immigration law this week is that ICE decided to stop telling us where they’re
Immigration lawyers report that US Immigration and Customs Enforcement has stopped disclosing where it is holding people who already have final deportation orders. According to practitioners, detainees are being held incommunicado, with families and attorneys unable to locate them. Commenters describe the practice as effectively making people disappear and are calling it one of the most alarming developments in immigration enforcement this week.
- 24David Piantino Named Director of Medical Physics at Advocate Health●David Piantino: Excited to Begin New Role as Director of Medical Physics at Advocate Health
David Piantino has announced he is starting a new position as Director of Medical Physics at Advocate Health, one of the largest nonprofit health systems in the United States. The appointment was shared via an oncology-focused news outlet, drawing attention from professionals in the medical physics and cancer care communities as Piantino takes on the leadership role.
- 25Federal Judge Strikes Down New York Climate Law as Unconstitutional●N.Y. Federal Judge Rules State Climate Change Act Unconstitutional, Preempted
A federal judge in New York has ruled that the state's climate change act is unconstitutional and preempted by federal law. The decision strikes at one of the most ambitious state-level climate statutes in the United States and is expected to draw an appeal. Legal experts and climate advocates are watching closely, as the ruling could influence similar climate laws in other states and reshape how states may regulate emissions.
- 26Federal agencies quietly drop Trump 'loyalty question' from job applications●"Federal agencies have been quietly removing what’s known as the Trump 'loyalty question' from job applications, after a
Federal agencies are quietly removing the Trump-era 'loyalty question' from federal job applications following a federal judge's ruling earlier this month that the question is likely unconstitutional. The question had asked applicants about their views on the former president's policies, drawing criticism from civil service advocates who argued it politicized hiring. Commenters online are highlighting the removal as a win for merit-based, nonpartisan federal employment practices.
- 27WSU field station manager voices support for Sternberg Museum●LETTER: WSU Biological Field Station manager advocates for Sternberg Museum
The manager of Wichita State University's Biological Field Station has written a public letter advocating for Fort Hays State University's Sternberg Museum of Natural History. In the letter, published by Hays Post, the manager argues for the museum's value to science education and the region. The letter adds to discussion over the museum's future in Hays, Kansas.
- 28Firm pitches facial recognition add-on for Flock police cameras●A surveillance company is pitching police departments on adding facial recognition to Flock licence plate cameras, despi
Surveillance vendor VIDIZMO is pitching US police departments on a way to add facial recognition to Flock licence plate cameras, even though Flock itself refuses to offer the feature. The company says its software can export Flock data for facial recognition, behaviour prediction and racial and gender classification, prompting criticism from privacy advocates over expanding surveillance capabilities without the camera maker's safeguards.
- 29Deepfake nudes flood social media as crackdowns emerge●Deepfake nudes are flooding social media. Here's what's being done about it
Non-consensual deepfake nude images of women are spreading widely across major social media platforms, prompting growing alarm from lawmakers, safety advocates and tech companies. Responses under discussion or in motion include detection tools, faster takedowns, and new legislation targeting the creation and sharing of sexually explicit synthetic images of real people without consent.
- 30Your Car May Be the Most Invasive Device You Own●The Most Invasive Device You Own Might Be Sitting in Your Driveway
A growing warning says the most invasive device people own may be the car parked in their driveway. Modern vehicles collect large amounts of personal data, including location history, driving behavior, and even in-cabin activity, often sharing it with insurers, data brokers, and manufacturers. Privacy advocates argue cars track more than phones, and drivers are urging others to check what data their vehicles gather and how to limit it.
- 31Trump's 'Super Intelligence' Rebrand Criticised as Label Without Policy●Super Intelligence Rebrand Is All Label and No Policy Super intelligence rebrand by 47 swaps an accurate term for a misl
The Trump administration is being criticised for rebranding its artificial intelligence approach as 'super intelligence', a term critics say is misleading and potentially collides with existing federal law. Writing in The Democracy Advocate, commentators argue the rebrand swaps an accurate term for a misleading one while the administration still offers no substantive AI policy governing development, safety or oversight.
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Human rights advocates are highlighting what they describe as a regression of women's rights in Iraq, raising concerns that hard-won gains for women are being rolled back. The issue has drawn attention among human rights observers, who warn that Iraqi women face mounting legal and social setbacks. Details about specific measures or events behind the claim were not provided.
- 33Trump meets AI leaders, suggests self-regulation approach●Trump gathers with AI leaders and floats ‘self-regulation’ as the way to deal with the technology’s dangers
Donald Trump met with leaders from the artificial intelligence industry and suggested that 'self-regulation' should be the way to address the technology's dangers. The proposal signals a preference for industry-led oversight over government rules at a time when regulators and companies are sharply divided on how to manage AI risks. The idea is likely to draw scrutiny from safety advocates and lawmakers.
- 34Texas wildlife refuge faces threat from renewed border wall construction●“I love showing it to people who say, ‘There’s nothing to do in the Valley,’ or ‘We don’t have any green spaces.’” The S
The Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge, a rare green space in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas, is being celebrated by locals as a hidden gem for nature and recreation. Supporters say many people dismiss the Valley as lacking outdoor attractions, and they point to the refuge as proof otherwise. But advocates warn the refuge's protection is running out of time as border wall construction, driven by the "Big" bill, threatens the site.
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Commentary in defense-policy circles argues that Iran's nuclear program underscores the continuing relevance of nuclear deterrence. The piece suggests that states pursue nuclear weapons capabilities because they believe such arsenals provide security guarantees, and that recent developments around Iran's program reinforce arguments by deterrence advocates that nuclear weapons remain central to international stability and strategic decision-making.
- 36NY Appeals Court Orders Disclosure of Secret Judicial Guidance Documents●Court Officials Must Disclose Documents Containing Secret Guidance to Judges on How to Interpret Laws, NY Appeals Court Rules
A New York appeals court has ruled that court officials must disclose documents containing secret guidance given to judges on how to interpret laws. The decision opens previously confidential internal materials to public view. Civil liberties advocates, including the American Civil Liberties Union, highlighted the ruling, which is being seen as a victory for transparency in the state's court system.
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Human rights advocates have moved forward with a legal effort to challenge sanctions imposed on the International Criminal Court by the Trump administration. The suit, reported by Bloomberg Law, challenges measures targeting the court and its officials. The development is drawing attention from legal and rights groups watching the standoff between Washington and the ICC.
- 38Italian logistics firm cuts costs after switching to Kubuntu●Increased productivity, decreased costs, when Italian logistics company moved from # Windows to @ kubuntu . https:// its
An Italian logistics company has moved its operations from Windows to Kubuntu, a Linux distribution, reporting increased productivity and decreased costs after the migration. Mišo Oroz, founder of Zerolock, which handled the switch, says the company has not needed to call him for a single ordinary technical issue since. The case is being shared as an example of businesses successfully adopting free open-source software.
- 39Sudan urged to define 'collaboration' accusations against women●‘Accusation against women in Sudan of ‘collaboration’ needs clearer definition’
Calls are growing in Sudan for a clearer legal definition of 'collaboration' after women were accused of the offence. Critics say the vaguely worded charge leaves women exposed to arbitrary prosecution and harassment, particularly amid the country's ongoing conflict, and are pressing authorities to specify exactly what conduct constitutes collaboration.
- 40Hunger-striking Gaza activists' lives in danger in Tunisia●Hunger striking Gaza activists' lives in danger in Tunisia
Gaza activists on hunger strike in Tunisia are reportedly in serious danger as their health deteriorates. Reports say the activists launched the strike in protest, and concern is mounting over their condition. Details about their demands, identities and the response of Tunisian authorities remain limited, but advocates are calling for urgent attention to their plight.