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Recent NAEP results show U.S. students' scores in reading, math, and science have declined to historic lows in 2024, with high school seniors performing worse than ever. The scores reflect pandemic disruptions and ongoing educational challenges, with significant declines among the lowest-performing students. Experts call for urgent reforms.
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Mahmoud Khalil, a pro-Palestine activist and US permanent resident, faces deportation after Louisiana immigration judge ruled he committed fraud on his green card application by omitting his affiliations with UNRWA and campus activism. Khalil is appealing, citing retaliation and risks if returned to Algeria or Syria. His case highlights tensions over free speech and immigration enforcement.
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Federal health policies are facing resistance from Republican-led states, with efforts to roll back vaccine mandates in schools and healthcare. The debate is intensifying amid political clashes over vaccine guidance and federal appointments, highlighting divisions over public health authority and scientific integrity.
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Former President Clinton highlighted the rise in political violence and misinformation, emphasizing the importance of global health initiatives like HIV prevention programs. He also discussed recent debates over vaccine policies and experimental autism treatments, framing these issues within broader concerns about misinformation and government response. Today’s date: Thu, 25 Sep 2025 02:45:02 +0100.
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Three inmates escaped from St. Landry Parish Jail, with one killing himself after being tracked down. Two remain at large, while the third died by suicide. The escape involved removing mortar from an upper wall, scaling the outer wall, and dropping onto the ground. The incident is under internal investigation.
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As of October 2025, multiple federal courts have blocked President Trump's executive order denying birthright citizenship to children born in the U.S. to undocumented or temporary residents, citing conflicts with the 14th Amendment. The Supreme Court is set to review the case, with a ruling expected by early summer 2026. The administration argues the order is vital for border security, while opponents call it unconstitutional.
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A rare arrest warrant has been issued for a California doctor for violating Louisiana's abortion ban by providing pills via telehealth. This highlights ongoing legal battles over prescribing abortion medication across state lines following the overturn of Roe v. Wade. The case involves multiple states and legal strategies to restrict access.
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The US has deported Iranian nationals to Iran and migrants to Eswatini, amid broader efforts to increase deportations. These actions follow negotiations and controversial agreements, raising concerns over human rights and diplomatic relations. The deportations include individuals who had little opportunity to challenge their removal, with some fearing persecution.
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Planned Parenthood has shut down its Louisiana clinics amid federal funding cuts, marking the state's absence of the organization. The closures follow nationwide threats to Medicaid funding for abortion providers, impacting reproductive health services for thousands, amid political opposition and legal battles.
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The FDA approved a low-cost generic form of mifepristone, a drug used for early pregnancy termination, despite ongoing safety reviews and political criticism. The decision has sparked debate over drug safety, regulatory processes, and abortion access, with opponents calling the move reckless and proponents emphasizing safety data.
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Kyren Lacy, a former LSU wide receiver, died by apparent suicide in April amid a criminal case linked to a fatal December crash. Police videos and evidence suggest Lacy was not responsible for the crash, contradicting initial police claims. The case remains under review as new footage challenges earlier findings.
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On October 5, 2025, President Donald Trump authorized 300 National Guard troops to Chicago to protect federal officers amid escalating tensions and federal immigration enforcement operations. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker opposed the move, calling it un-American. The deployment follows a recent shooting incident involving federal agents and an armed woman in suburban Broadview, Illinois.
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Missouri's attorney general is seeking patient records from Planned Parenthood clinics in Kansas City and St. Louis, citing legal disputes over abortion rights and state restrictions. Planned Parenthood argues these subpoenas violate voter-approved constitutional protections and threaten patient privacy amid ongoing legal battles.
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Derrick Groves, a convicted murderer and the most violent of ten escapees, was captured in Atlanta after nearly five months on the run. The escape from New Orleans jail involved a hole behind a toilet, and authorities had offered a $50,000 reward. Groves was arrested following a brief standoff in a house, ending the largest jailbreak in recent U.S. history.
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The U.S. Supreme Court is reviewing cases concerning Louisiana's congressional map and the Voting Rights Act, focusing on whether race can be a factor in districting. The decisions could significantly impact minority representation and voting laws, with rulings expected soon. Today's date: Sat, 18 Oct 2025 08:01:40 +0100.
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Indiana lawmakers remain cautious about redrawing congressional districts amid pressure from the White House and GOP leaders. Vice President JD Vance has visited the state to advocate for maps favoring Republicans, but no decision has been made, reflecting internal debates and political hesitations.
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Global electricity demand is set to double by 2050, driven by AI data centers in the US, China, and Europe. US data centers could account for over 14% of power demand by 2030, raising concerns over infrastructure costs and reliance on fossil fuels amid ongoing energy security challenges.
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Derrick Groves, a convicted murderer and escapee from a New Orleans jail, was found hiding in an Atlanta home after nearly five months on the run. Authorities recaptured him following a standoff involving police and SWAT teams. Groves faces extradition to Louisiana, where he is charged with escape and other crimes.
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The 3rd Circuit Court of Appeals is reviewing a case involving Khalil, a Palestinian advocate and US resident, who was released from detention in Louisiana. The government seeks to overturn a lower court order preventing his deportation and detention, amid ongoing debates over free speech and immigration enforcement.
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The U.S. Supreme Court is poised to restrict the use of race in redistricting, potentially affecting voting rights and minority representation. The case involves Louisiana's map after the 2020 census, with implications for future district lines and civil rights protections. Today's date: Thu, 23 Oct 2025 23:45:20 +0100.
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New York faces controversy over recent education guidance, including moves to eliminate timed math tests and promote phonics-based reading. Critics argue these policies undermine student performance, especially in math, where proficiency is declining. The debate highlights tensions between progressive approaches and traditional methods amid ongoing efforts to improve literacy and numeracy.
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LSU women's basketball coach Kim Mulkey skipped her postgame press conference following the ouster of athletic director Scott Woodward. The school has experienced a tumultuous week, including the firing of football coach Brian Kelly over a $54 million buyout, amid political interference and disagreements over coaching decisions. LSU's leadership changes reflect broader issues in college athletics and governance.
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Meta is purchasing environmental attributes of solar projects in Louisiana, adding to its renewable energy portfolio. Meanwhile, other tech companies are investing in natural gas plants and nuclear reactors in Texas and Iowa to meet rising AI data center power demands. The shift reflects a mix of renewable and fossil fuel investments amid grid constraints.
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Jeremy Shoemaker of Needham, Alabama, was arrested after making threatening calls to religious figures across several states. Weapons and ammunition were found in his home, along with documents targeting religious leaders. He has a diagnosed mental illness and refused medication. The FBI and local authorities acted swiftly to prevent potential violence.
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A rhesus monkey that escaped after a truck crash near Heidelberg, Mississippi, has been successfully recovered. The incident involved the escape of five monkeys, with some shot by civilians and others killed during the hunt. The remaining monkey was found Wednesday near a home, raising concerns about animal safety and public health.
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The U.S. Supreme Court is hearing a case involving Damon Landor, who seeks damages after prison guards cut his dreadlocks in 2020, violating his Rastafari religious beliefs. The case tests whether inmates can sue for religious rights violations under federal law. A decision is expected by spring 2026.
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As of late November 2025, the US, UK, Canada, and Japan face an early, severe flu season driven by the H3N2 subclade K variant, which has mutated beyond current vaccine strains. Hospital admissions and flu cases, especially among children and vulnerable groups, are rising. Concurrently, norovirus infections are doubling nationwide, with health officials urging hygiene and vaccination to mitigate risks.
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Calvin Duncan, ex-inmate and legal advocate, was elected as clerk of the parish criminal court in New Orleans. After serving 28 years in prison and winning exoneration, he aims to modernize court record systems and ensure fair treatment, defeating incumbent Darren Lombard in a runoff. The election highlights his lifelong fight for justice.
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A man was indicted for child sex abuse after surveillance footage linked him to multiple incidents involving young girls. Separately, a middle school girl was expelled following a bus altercation over explicit images, prompting her family to plan legal action. A school district also faces criticism over LGBTQ+ educational content without parental notice.
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Local leaders in Charlotte and Chicago are preparing for potential federal immigration enforcement actions amid reports of planned operations. Community groups are training volunteers to protest and document actions, citing fears of invasion and racial profiling. No formal notifications have been received, but tensions are high as officials emphasize the city’s diverse immigrant populations.
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Recent research indicates bird flu may resist the body's fever response, thriving at higher temperatures typical of birds. The first US human case of H5N5 was reported in Washington, involving an older adult with underlying conditions. Public health officials say the risk remains low, with no evidence of human-to-human transmission.
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Congressman Clay Higgins was the sole Republican to oppose a bill that mandates the release of Jeffrey Epstein's case files. The measure passed overwhelmingly, with bipartisan support, and now awaits President Trump's signature. Higgins cited concerns over innocent people's privacy and legal procedures.
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U.S. Border Patrol agents are expected to arrive in New Orleans as part of a nationwide crackdown on undocumented immigrants, with operations beginning in December and continuing into January. The deployment follows similar efforts in other cities, amid political tensions over immigration enforcement.
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Bruna Ferreira, a Brazilian immigrant and DACA recipient, was detained in Louisiana while en route to her son's school in Massachusetts. She was released on bond after legal challenges, amid accusations from DHS and controversy over her legal status and family ties to White House staff. The case highlights ongoing immigration enforcement issues.
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Jimmie Duncan, convicted in 1998 of killing 23-month-old Haley Oliveaux, has had his conviction vacated after new evidence discredited forensic bite mark analysis. Duncan was released on bail as his case awaits review by the Louisiana Supreme Court. The case highlights issues with flawed forensic evidence and wrongful convictions.
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Seven months after their birth, two giraffe calves remain missing from Natural Bridge Zoo. The zoo's owner is serving jail time for refusing to disclose their whereabouts. Animal rights advocates, including actress Kate Silverstone, are calling for answers and a return of the calves.
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The US Supreme Court has temporarily blocked a lower court ruling that found Texas's new congressional map racially gerrymandered. The map, which favors Republicans, will remain in effect for the 2026 midterms, amid ongoing legal challenges. The decision reflects a broader trend of partisan redistricting efforts across the US.
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Federal agents in Louisiana have conducted a large-scale immigration enforcement operation targeting 5,000 individuals, causing community unrest. Incidents like Jacelynn Guzman's chase highlight concerns over community safety and civil rights amid the crackdown.
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Federal immigration enforcement in Kenner, Louisiana, has resulted in over 250 arrests, impacting Hispanic residents and local businesses. The operation, part of 'Catahoula Crunch,' has raised concerns over transparency, community safety, and the treatment of detainees amid fears of abuse and economic fallout.