Policy

UCLA Law School Accused by Department of Justice of Racial Bias in Admissions

The Department of Justice has accused UCLA's law school of illegally using race in its admissions decisions. UCLA denies the allegations, asserting its commitment to lawful admissions practices. This follows a similar accusation against the university's medical school.

State Department Criticizes Senate Democrats Over Venezuela Oil Deal Briefing

The State Department has criticized Senate Democrats for postponing a briefing on a Venezuela oil deal, accusing them of grandstanding. The Democrats are questioning the legality of a deal that grants the Pentagon a 35% stake in one of Venezuela’s largest oil producers, while the administration argues it could yield significant returns without upfront taxpayer investment.

State Department Responds to Senate Democrats' Demands for Venezuela Oil Deal Briefing

The State Department has accused Senate Democrats of delaying a briefing on a Venezuela oil deal, which involves a significant stake for the Pentagon in a major oil producer. The Democrats are questioning the legality of the agreement and the administration's vetting process for the involved company, North American Blue Energy Partners (NABEP). The situation may lead to further congressional scrutiny of the administration's actions in Venezuela.

Former GOP Representative David Rivera Sentenced to 10 Years for Lobbying Violations

Former Republican congressman David Rivera has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for concealing a $50 million lobbying campaign for Venezuela during the Trump administration. Convicted of conspiracy to commit money laundering and failing to register as a foreign agent, Rivera's case highlights issues of foreign influence in U.S. policy. His defense team plans to appeal the conviction while seeking a presidential pardon.

National Science Foundation Redirects $1.4 Billion in Research Funds

The National Science Foundation has redirected $1.4 billion in research funds to comply with White House guidance. This has resulted in some divisions pulling back on research proposals.

Governor Hochul Criticizes Handling of Cornell Rape Investigation

New York Governor Kathy Hochul criticized the handling of the Cornell rape investigation, stating that the accuser was failed by law enforcement and the prosecutor. Attorney General Letitia James has been appointed as the special prosecutor, and an active criminal investigation is underway. Hochul called for changes to state law regarding voluntary intoxication in sexual assault cases.

Governor Hochul Appoints Attorney General James as Special Prosecutor in Cornell University Rape Case

Governor Kathy Hochul has appointed Attorney General Letitia James as the special prosecutor in the alleged rape case at Cornell University. Hochul criticized the handling of the case by both the Cornell police and the Tompkins County District Attorney's office, highlighting concerns about how the victim's allegations were managed. The investigation is ongoing, and the victim has filed a lawsuit against the university and the accused individuals.

States Implement Backup Plans for Executions Amid Failures

Christa Pike's execution in Tennessee faced complications when the initial lethal injection attempt failed, leading to her being hospitalized in critical condition. Various states have implemented backup plans for executions, but failures still occur, raising concerns about the transparency and effectiveness of the execution process.

Senate Outpaces House in Congressional Work Days

The Senate has outperformed the House in terms of congressional work days, with 104 weekdays in session compared to the House's 72. Senate Majority Leader John Thune and House Speaker Mike Johnson have faced criticism for the House's time off, with Johnson defending the House's productivity despite the differences in session days. The Senate is projected to conclude the year with 126 weekdays in session, while the House is expected to have 92.

Two Illinois Protesters File Lawsuit Against Benny Johnson Over Misrepresentation

Two protesters from Illinois, Kyle Frankovich and Maureen Foody, have filed a lawsuit against media personality Benny Johnson, claiming he misrepresented them as violent criminals following a protest at an ICE facility in October 2025. The lawsuit alleges that Johnson falsely claimed to have witnessed violent actions by the plaintiffs and seeks compensatory and punitive damages for reputational harm.

Roxane Gay Calls for Release of Luigi Mangione During Harvard Panel on Healthcare

Roxane Gay, a professor at Rutgers University and artist-in-residence at Harvard Medical School, called for the release of Luigi Mangione during a panel discussion on healthcare at Harvard. Mangione pleaded guilty to federal stalking charges related to the death of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. Gay expressed her frustrations with the health insurance industry and discussed the need for better mental health support for individuals like Mangione.

New ICE Guidance Restricts High-Speed Chases and Traffic Stops

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has issued new guidance prohibiting high-speed car chases and requiring specific training for officers conducting vehicle stops. This directive follows several incidents involving shootings during ICE traffic stops. The memo aims to improve safety for officers and the public and restricts certain techniques to trained personnel only.

Federal prosecutors charge store clerk and son for selling kratom linked to Ole Miss deaths

Federal prosecutors have charged Yahya Mohamed Mosleh and his son Islam Yahya Mosleh with selling illegal kratom products linked to the deaths of two University of Mississippi students. The investigation followed warnings from authorities about the risks associated with kratom, which is legal at the federal level but banned in some states.

Charges Filed Against Store Clerk and Son in Connection with Deaths of Two Ole Miss Students

Federal authorities have charged store clerk Yahya Mohamed Mosleh and his son Islam Yahya Mosleh with selling illegal kratom products in connection with the deaths of two University of Mississippi students. The investigation revealed that the students had purchased kratom, and while it is unclear if it contributed to their deaths, both cases appear consistent with drug overdoses. The investigation remains active, with potential for additional charges.

Mayor Mamdani Threatens Lawsuit Against Columbia University Over Campus Access

Mayor Zohran Mamdani has threatened legal action against Columbia University to reopen College Walk, a pedestrian path that has been closed for three years. Residents previously sued the city and university, claiming the path was intended to remain public. Columbia maintains that College Walk is private property and the university has the right to manage access.

New York Governor Criticizes Handling of Cornell University Rape Case

New York Governor Kathy Hochul criticized the handling of the Cornell University rape case, stating that the woman involved was "failed" by officials. The case, which alleges drugging and rape by multiple men in 2024, has reopened after a civil lawsuit was filed. Hochul appointed Attorney General Letitia James to lead the investigation and announced plans to address legal loopholes regarding consent and intoxication in rape cases.

New York Governor Appoints Special Prosecutor in Cornell University Rape Case

Riot Police Clash with Students Amid Education Protests in France

Riot police clashed with students protesting education standards in France, disrupting over 700 schools. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez reported 1,747 arrests, while Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin noted that 735 schools were affected. The protests, which began in Paris, have spread nationwide, fueled by concerns over teacher shortages and planned budget cuts.

Kennedy Center Honors to be held at Capital One Arena amid legal dispute over Trump's name

The Kennedy Center Honors will take place at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., on December 7, instead of the riverfront venue involved in a legal dispute over adding President Trump's name. A federal judge ruled that the name change cannot proceed without Congressional approval, and the center's board voted to close the venue amid ongoing legal challenges.

Defense Secretary Hegseth Establishes Office of Religious Affairs at the Pentagon

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced the establishment of an Office of Religious Affairs at the Pentagon, which will report directly to him and advocate for military chaplains. The office aims to provide religious support while ensuring that it does not compel participation or favor any faith. The initiative has faced criticism regarding its implications for religious freedom within the military.