The Department of Education has opened an investigation into Harvard University's admissions process following a complaint from advocacy groups alleging that the school's use of legacy admissions violates federal civil rights law. The complaint accuses Harvard of giving preferential treatment to applicants with familial ties to wealthy donors and alumni, and if the Office for Civil Rights finds Harvard in violation of Title VI, the school could be required to make changes to its admissions process. The investigation is the latest development in the legal battle over U.S. college admissions and could have far-reaching implications for the admissions process at Harvard and other universities.
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A federal judge has vacated the military conviction of Bowe Bergdahl, ruling that the presiding judge had a potential conflict of interest that he failed to disclose. This means that the case will be remanded to a different military judge, and is seen as a victory for Bergdahl's lawyers who argued that the military court system should be held to the same standards as civilian courts. The ruling is a test of the military justice system's ability to remain independent from political influence.
Thomar Latrell Simmons, the former boyfriend of Carlee Russell, has publicly condemned her after her attorney revealed she was not kidnapped as she had reported to police. Simmons took to Instagram to express his "disgust" at the outcome of the situation, and confirmed that Russell had not seen a baby on the side of the road as she had previously reported. The incident has left many in the community shocked and confused, and it remains unclear why Russell made the false report and what happened during the two days she was missing.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis' presidential campaign has fired staffer Nate Hochman after he promoted a video with Nazi imagery superimposed over DeSantis' face. The campaign has let go of roughly 38 people as part of its downsizing effort, and the move is seen as a sign of the campaign's commitment to distance itself from any association with Nazi imagery. Hochman had also previously praised white nationalist Nick Fuentes, though he later walked back his statements.
Key takeaways: Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose announced that a proposed amendment to the Ohio Constitution that would enshrine reproductive rights has qualified for…
A buoy off South Florida has recorded ocean temperatures of up to 101.1 degrees Fahrenheit, as hot as a hot tub, which is a cause for concern as it could have a negative impact on marine life and the environment. Experts have been tracking the exceptionally warm water temperatures since early July, and surrounding buoys have recorded similarly high temperatures, indicating that the high temperature reading is not an outlier or sensor error. Scientists are now monitoring the situation closely to determine the extent of the damage.
President Joe Biden has honored Emmett Till and his mother with a national monument spanning two states, consisting of three protected sites in Illinois and Mississippi. The monument is a powerful reminder of the legacy of Till and his mother, and a call to action for Americans to learn the country's full history, which Biden addressed in his remarks.
U.S. Marine Corps veteran Trevor Reed, who was released in a prisoner swap with Russia last year, has been injured while fighting for Ukraine and is now receiving medical treatment in Germany. The Biden administration has confirmed Reed's injury and travel to Germany, but has not commented on the specifics of his injury or the circumstances surrounding it. They have stated that Reed was not engaged in any activities on behalf of the U.S. Government.