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AMERICANALMANAC (Alan Benson) - New DOJ report shows Garland school memo sparked internal ‘Anti-MAGA Task Force’ alarms

Newly released Justice Department emails show Biden-era officials warned Merrick Garland’s school-board memo looked like an “Anti-MAGA Task Force,” raising alarms over federal pressure on parents. The Justice Department this week released a “Report to Expose the Weaponization of Government Against Parents in Schools,” along with hundreds of exhibits and internal emails about Attorney General […] The post New DOJ report shows Garland school memo sparked internal ‘Anti-MAGA Task Force’ alarms appeared first on American Almanac .

Newly released Justice Department emails show Biden-era officials warned Merrick Garland’s school-board memo looked like an “Anti-MAGA Task Force,” raising alarms over federal pressure on parents. The Justice Department this week released a “Report to Expose the Weaponization of Government Against Parents in Schools,” along with hundreds of exhibits and internal emails about Attorney General Merrick Garland’s October 4, 2021, memorandum on school board protests. Fox News reported that the documents capture senior DOJ and FBI officials objecting to the effort as political, poorly grounded, and a threat to First Amendment rights. Garland’s memo directed the FBI and U.S. Attorneys to coordinate with federal, state, and local law…Open

What actions has the current DOJ taken to address the findings of the report?
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche framed the release as a way to verify that the previous DOJ worked with White House officials and the NSBA to "chill free speech and parental rights." Furthermore, FBI Director Kash Patel stated that the bureau has since reprioritized its work to "protect parents and defend the homeland" and noted that personnel tied to a separate, later-retracted FBI product on traditionalist Catholics were terminated.
Q&A ID 1b56954c-9d39-4494-854c-d6a5377f8e89
What specific incidents and locations were highlighted in the context of the DOJ's review of school board issues?
The report mentions Loudoun County, Virginia, where school board fights over gender policy and curriculum drew national attention. This included the case of Scott Smith, whose daughter was raped in a Loudoun County school bathroom in 2021; Smith and others claimed the district downplayed the assault to protect transgender policies. The report also notes that while at least 25 investigations were opened following the memo, no parents are known to have been charged with domestic terrorism.
Q&A ID 79c526d3-7c70-498d-bae4-434cee2d97b3
What was the FBI's internal response to the rollout of the school board coordination memo?
The FBI reported being blindsided by the rollout, with one lawyer stating on October 5, 2021, that the department issued the accompanying press release without coordinating with the bureau. A Deputy Assistant Director in the FBI Criminal Investigative Division stated they were "caught off guard" by the announcement, which was "unilaterally pushed by DOJ." Additionally, an FBI counterterrorism official labeled a DHS brief tying threat levels to opposition to masks, vaccines, and critical race theory as a "politically charged paper."
Q&A ID 3b6d11a5-dcfc-4930-9129-ff1a7f639309
What role did the National School Boards Association (NSBA) play in the issuance of the Garland memo?
The memo was issued following a September 29, 2021, letter from the NSBA to President Joe Biden. In that letter, the NSBA warned that some protest actions could be equivalent to domestic terrorism and hate crimes, and it invoked the PATRIOT Act in its appeal for federal help. The NSBA later apologized for the specific language used in that letter. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche stated that the memo came at the urging of the NSBA and White House officials to aim federal power at parents exercising free speech.
Q&A ID d95cb922-0881-4ad0-8320-bb93244dcfd3
Keywordsdojjustice-departmentpoliticstrumpbidenfbiinvestigationlegalmerrick-garlandwhite-housewashington-dccongresscorruptioneducationjudicial-warfarelawfareparental-rightsgovernment-overreachgovernment-oversightdemocratsdonald-trumpjoe-bidennational-securityprosecutionunited-statesusafirst-amendment

AMERICANALMANAC (Charles McAdams) - Researchers identify 57 new marine species from South Atlantic deep-sea samples

Scientists identified 57 new marine species and five new genera from South Atlantic deep-sea samples in just two weeks, a collaborative push researchers say accelerates taxonomy. A two-week International Species Discovery Workshop pulled together 20 taxonomists and early-career researchers from Latin America and Europe to examine deep-sea biological samples from the South Atlantic Ocean, and […] The post Researchers identify 57 new marine species from South Atlantic deep-sea samples appeared first on American Almanac .

Scientists identified 57 new marine species and five new genera from South Atlantic deep-sea samples in just two weeks, a collaborative push researchers say accelerates taxonomy. A two-week International Species Discovery Workshop pulled together 20 taxonomists and early-career researchers from Latin America and Europe to examine deep-sea biological samples from the South Atlantic Ocean, and the haul was striking: 57 species new to science and five new genera. FOX Weather reported the workshop was led by the Nippon Foundation-Nekton Ocean Census in partnership with the Schmidt Ocean Institute, with scientists in Argentina at the center of the work. The finds were logged directly onto Ocean Census NOVA, described as the world’s first…Open

When is the follow-up expedition planned to collect more invertebrate samples from a different submarine canyon?
A follow-up expedition is planned for February and March 2027 to a different submarine canyon to collect new invertebrate samples.
Q&A ID 20e0098f-78e0-4ca6-80d7-0bfab20efb69
What technology was used to gather the deep-sea biological samples for the South Atlantic species identification workshop?
Remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) were used to gather the material, including imagery from the Schmidt Ocean Institute's ROV SuBastian.
Q&A ID 6e5cdad4-6821-484d-9dfd-ec594c722bb8
What platform was used to log the newly discovered species to ensure the data was accessible to the global scientific community?
The finds were logged directly onto Ocean Census NOVA, which is described as the world’s first open-access data platform for newly discovered marine species.
Q&A ID 6586f929-bd3b-4eb1-939a-60e53fbe1660
Which organizations and countries collaborated to lead the effort to identify deep-sea species in the South Atlantic?
The workshop was led by the Nippon Foundation-Nekton Ocean Census in partnership with the Schmidt Ocean Institute. The work was centered in Argentina and involved 20 taxonomists and early-career researchers from Latin America and Europe.
Q&A ID e4cbd0f0-20f3-46d0-a3b1-b21aaff02b40
Keywordsmarine-biologyoceanographybiodiversitydeep-seataxonomysouth-atlanticresearchsciencediscoverymarine-lifeecosystemconservationocean-censusargentinatechnologyremotely-operated-vehiclesmarine-speciesbiologynatureresearchersinternational-cooperationscubaexplorationinvertebratesopen-access

AMERICANALMANAC (Charles McAdams) - Tom Cruise’s Digger posts career-worst opening, headed for huge losses

Tom Cruise’s Digger bombed with just $20 million worldwide on opening weekend and is headed for a $150 million loss, industry experts say. The polarizing satire took in only $8 million in U.S. theaters and $12 million from 74 countries overseas, a brutal start after months of nonstop promotion by its megastar lead. Daily Mail […] The post Tom Cruise’s Digger posts career-worst opening, headed for huge losses appeared first on American Almanac .

Tom Cruise’s Digger bombed with just $20 million worldwide on opening weekend and is headed for a $150 million loss, industry experts say. The polarizing satire took in only $8 million in U.S. theaters and $12 million from 74 countries overseas, a brutal start after months of nonstop promotion by its megastar lead. Daily Mail reporting put the production cost at least at $125 million, with some insiders placing it nearer $160 million, plus roughly $100 million more on marketing. To break even theatrically, the film needs about $350 million worldwide. Industry experts now project a $150 million loss, framing the opening as the biggest flop of Cruise’s 45-year career. Even a Resident Evil title already two weeks into release beat…Open

What were some of the specific criticisms leveled against Digger by major media outlets?
Variety's Owen Gleiberman called the film "full of itself" and "top-heavy with importance," while the New York Post's Johnny Oleksinski described the frame story as "pretentious" and noted a lack of stakes or laughs. The Hollywood Reporter's David Rooney grouped it with "prestige wrecks" like Babylon and Amsterdam, and The Times gave it a one-star review, stating Cruise was the film's "sole selling point and its fatal flaw."
Q&A ID eda14211-78ff-43df-abac-e12fc894ef57
What is the plot of Digger and what specific role does Tom Cruise play in the movie?
Tom Cruise plays Digger Rockwell, an eccentric oil tycoon billed as the world's most powerful man. The plot follows Rockwell as he unknowingly unleashes a catastrophic ecological disaster and subsequently scrambles to contain it.
Q&A ID 9a90a0e1-1145-4074-bf1f-9d0b9c95aaea
How did the opening weekend of Digger compare to other films currently in theaters?
Digger's $20 million opening was described as a "brutal start," with a Resident Evil title already two weeks into its release beating Digger's debut. Additionally, the thriller Verity, starring Anne Hathaway and Dakota Johnson, led the box office with $32.6 million over the same weekend.
Q&A ID 8136ffcb-9009-47a1-a035-f497f5a2fac6
Who are the key cast and crew members involved in the production of the film Digger?
The film was directed by four-time Oscar winner Alejandro G. Iñárritu. The cast features Tom Cruise as Digger Rockwell, John Goodman as a dictatorial U.S. president, and supporting roles by Riz Ahmed, Sandra Hüller, and Jesse Plemons.
Q&A ID eb30f352-2b3f-4731-a92a-b846e4efd1fb
Keywordstom-cruisediggerhollywoodfilm-industrybox-officeculture-waridentity-politicsoil-industrybusinessfinancealejandro-gonzalez-inarritujohn-goodmanriz-ahmedsandra-hullerjesse-plemonsanne-hathawaydakota-johnsonveritycommercial-successflopcomedyaction-moviesoscarentertainment-industryanti-capitalisthot-takeamerican-almanac

AMERICANALMANAC (Lynn Jenkins) - Jada Pinkett Smith seeks court-ordered mental exam for man suing her over alleged threats

Jada Pinkett Smith asked a Los Angeles court to order a mental health exam for the man suing her for $3 million, tying the request to his own emotional-distress claims. Pinkett Smith moved for an extensive psychiatric evaluation of plaintiff Bilaal Salaam after he accused her of threats, pressure, and a campaign of retaliation that […] The post Jada Pinkett Smith seeks court-ordered mental exam for man suing her over alleged threats appeared first on American Almanac .

Jada Pinkett Smith asked a Los Angeles court to order a mental health exam for the man suing her for $3 million, tying the request to his own emotional-distress claims. Pinkett Smith moved for an extensive psychiatric evaluation of plaintiff Bilaal Salaam after he accused her of threats, pressure, and a campaign of retaliation that he says wrecked his health and forced him overseas. She denies the claims. The Daily Mail reviewed the previously filed complaint and reported the defense motion seeking the exam. Salaam, a musician who says he was friendly with Will Smith for four decades, filed the intentional-infliction-of-emotional-distress suit in November 2025. He wants $3 million. Pinkett Smith’s filing argues he put his own mental and…Open

What is the connection between the lawsuit filed by Bilaal Salaam and the March 27, 2022, incident at the Academy Awards?
Salaam’s complaint ties the conflict back to Will Smith’s attack on Chris Rock at the Oscars. Salaam claims the friendship soured when he refused to provide "crisis management" for Will Smith after that night. While Will Smith later apologized for the incident and stated his actions were based on his own history, Salaam alleges that his refusal to help with the aftermath triggered the retaliatory campaign and subsequent threats from the Smith family.
Q&A ID 78828637-3fa9-4e57-8264-7711b67823e5
How does the defense motion for a mental health exam describe the scope of the proposed evaluation for Bilaal Salaam?
The defense motion requests a structured evaluation lasting approximately five to six hours (not counting breaks). The evaluation is intended to include a psychiatric interview, a mental status examination, and standardized psychological testing. The motion specifies that the exam will not include any physical examinations or any procedures that are painful, protracted, or intrusive.
Q&A ID 01aa7dc0-2ace-41b7-9c03-66ee40de7c56
What health and personal consequences does Bilaal Salaam claim to have suffered as a result of the alleged actions of Jada Pinkett Smith?
Salaam claims that the stress caused by the Smiths' actions resulted in a 100-pound weight gain, high blood pressure, and Type 2 diabetes. Additionally, he alleges that he was forced to live outside of the United States for a year and a half because he feared for his safety, which resulted in losing day-to-day time with his children and the end of a long-term romantic relationship.
Q&A ID f2a88423-f032-495e-ba31-2511974a1018
What specific allegations did Bilaal Salaam make against Jada Pinkett Smith and Will Smith in his November 2025 lawsuit?
Bilaal Salaam, a musician who claims to have been friendly with Will Smith for four decades, alleges that the Smith family launched a "retaliatory campaign" against him after he refused to provide "crisis management" services following the March 2022 Oscars incident. Salaam claims he turned down the work because he believed the tasks would be illegal, unethical, or morally compromising. He further alleges that during a September 2021 gathering in Calabasas, California, Pinkett Smith became verbally aggressive and warned him that he could end up "missing, or catch a bullet" if he continued to speak about the family's personal business. He also claims she demanded he sign a non-disclosure agreement and that an associate later warned him to end the feud before he got physically hurt.
Q&A ID ff24855a-2b7a-49de-9664-03548e7dbcee
Keywordsjada-pinkett-smithwill-smithlawsuitmental-healthcalifornialos-angeleslegal-battlelitigationcelebrity-newsentertainmentcourt-rulinglawyerjusticeallegationsretaliationnon-disclosure-agreementscandalproceduraldiscoverypsychiatric-evaluationdamagescivil-lawsuitlegal-newsamerican-almanachot-take

AMERICANALMANAC (Ken Jacobs) - Comedian Reggie McFadden, known from ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm,’ dies at 57

Reggie McFadden, the stand-up comic who reached TV audiences on “In Living Color” and “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” has died at 57 in Tanzania, his family confirmed. McFadden died in Tanzania, where he had lived for about 18 years, after the U.S. State Department notified his family of the death. His sister, author Bernice McFadden, confirmed […] The post Comedian Reggie McFadden, known from ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm,’ dies at 57 appeared first on American Almanac .

Reggie McFadden, the stand-up comic who reached TV audiences on “In Living Color” and “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” has died at 57 in Tanzania, his family confirmed. McFadden died in Tanzania, where he had lived for about 18 years, after the U.S. State Department notified his family of the death. His sister, author Bernice McFadden, confirmed the news to The Hollywood Reporter, and USA TODAY reported the family’s account as of an Oct. 5, 2026 update. The family did not yet know the date or cause of death. That gap left a familiar working comic’s final chapter unfinished for fans who knew him from 1990s sketch and sitcom stages. Born and raised in Brooklyn, McFadden built his act in New York before moving to Los Angeles. Wider…Open

Who are the surviving family members of the late comedian Reggie McFadden?
He is survived by his sons Jaron and Myles, his mother Vivian, his sisters Bernice and Misty, and his brother Kris. His sister, author Bernice McFadden, confirmed the news of his passing to The Hollywood Reporter.
Q&A ID d7b27d30-92b8-43bf-a82c-b65012cad2f1
How did Reggie McFadden begin his career in the comedy industry?
Born and raised in Brooklyn, McFadden built his act in New York before moving to Los Angeles. He gained wider recognition in 1991 through HBO’s "Def Comedy Jam," which served as a launch pad for his national career.
Q&A ID 00885a64-6533-4663-ad14-297bd7cbe493
What was Reggie McFadden's professional background in Tanzania and what album did he release in 2025?
While living in Tanzania, McFadden identified himself as the owner of Olduvai Records, which he described as a gold-mining and entertainment production company. In May 2025, he released an album titled "Enjoy, Vol. 1" through Olduvai Records.
Q&A ID 1497daec-406d-4643-aa88-7dc9ca3333a2
What were some of the notable television shows and films that Reggie McFadden appeared in during his career?
McFadden appeared in the HBO series "Curb Your Enthusiasm," where he played Officer Burt, and the Fox series "In Living Color," appearing in 23 episodes during its final season. His other television credits include "Martin," "Hangin’ With Mr. Cooper," "Moesha," "Coach," and the sitcom "Getting Personal." He also appeared in the Adam Sandler comedy film "Little Nicky" and a "Comedy Central Presents" special.
Q&A ID 3eb097cb-f131-47a2-bd48-9dce6489ed1c
Keywordsreggie-mcfaddenobituarycomedyhollywoodusacurb-your-enthusiasmin-living-colortanzaniastand-up-comedytelevisionentertainmentlos-angelesbrooklynnew-yorkstate-departmentfilmmakingactorlegacycelebrity-deathfoxhbonewsamerican-almanac

AMERICANALMANAC (Ken Jacobs) - Isaiah Washington discloses wife’s 2025 stroke death and urges fans to take headaches seriously

Isaiah Washington revealed this weekend that his wife of 29 years died in June 2025 from a massive hemorrhagic stroke, a shock he said hit the whole family. The former Grey’s Anatomy star posted the news on Instagram after keeping the loss private for more than a year. Deadline reported that Washington said Jenise Maria […] The post Isaiah Washington discloses wife’s 2025 stroke death and urges fans to take headaches seriously appeared first on American Almanac .

Isaiah Washington revealed this weekend that his wife of 29 years died in June 2025 from a massive hemorrhagic stroke, a shock he said hit the whole family. The former Grey’s Anatomy star posted the news on Instagram after keeping the loss private for more than a year. Deadline reported that Washington said Jenise Maria Garland, also referred to in his post as Jenisa Washington, collapsed suddenly on May 31, 2025, and died on June 9. He described the death as the result of a massive hemorrhagic stroke. She never recovered. The couple had been married 29 years. Three children, he wrote, remain to carry on her legacy. Washington breaks a long silence on a private loss Washington made clear that his wife guarded her privacy. He still chose…Open

How many children did Isaiah Washington and Jenise Maria Garland have?
The couple had three children who remain to carry on her legacy.
Q&A ID 342df2de-8447-4e0f-b180-0a8663b6af0d
Aside from his role as Dr. Preston Burke on Grey’s Anatomy, what other acting credits does Isaiah Washington have?
In addition to his well-known role as Dr. Preston Burke on Grey’s Anatomy, Isaiah Washington appeared in several episodes of P-Valley from 2020 to 2022.
Q&A ID e7e0a263-cd61-4d05-9ee2-856cef7bda85
What specific medical advice did Isaiah Washington share with his fans following the disclosure of his wife's death?
Washington urged fans to take headaches seriously, stating that some headaches are not just migraines but can be warning signs of something much worse. He advised people to get a brain scan if possible and not to shrug off pain that may signal a serious medical issue.
Q&A ID 07567282-a3a4-478f-8b59-d4fbc811db65
Why did Isaiah Washington wait until late 2026 to publicly disclose the death of his wife?
Washington kept the loss private for more than a year (16 months) because his wife was extremely private. He chose to wait before making a public disclosure on Instagram to protect the family's privacy, though he eventually shared the news to serve as both a memorial and a medical warning.
Q&A ID 1e6d263a-bb67-4982-b4a9-0f2ca5054ae5
Keywordsisaiah-washingtongrey-anatomyhollywoodcelebrityobituarystrokehealthmedical-newsdeathentertainmentpop-culturememorialwellnessbrain-health

AMERICANALMANAC (Alan Benson) - Cornell fraternity chats show a scramble after rape claims as the first statement undercuts the later suit

Phone records and fraternity chats show Cornell Chi Phi brothers scrambled to manage gang rape allegations, even as the accuser’s first police statement described the encounter as consensual. Text messages, recorded calls, and campus records reviewed by ABC News show some Chi Phi brothers at Cornell University moved fast after a classmate reported a multi-man […] The post Cornell fraternity chats show a scramble after rape claims as the first statement undercuts the later suit appeared first on American Almanac .

Phone records and fraternity chats show Cornell Chi Phi brothers scrambled to manage gang rape allegations, even as the accuser’s first police statement described the encounter as consensual. Text messages, recorded calls, and campus records reviewed by ABC News show some Chi Phi brothers at Cornell University moved fast after a classmate reported a multi-man sexual assault at their Ithaca house. The chats read like reputation management. The criminal file did not. Jane Doe, then a junior, went to Cornell University Police on Nov. 8, 2024, weeks after an Oct. 19 party. Officers memorialized her first account in plain terms: a female undergraduate said she had been raped by eight to 10 men at the Chi Phi house. The chapter was suspended…Open

What was the specific content of the messages exchanged between Jane Doe and Matthew Ingalls regarding the encounter?
In recorded calls, Doe told Ingalls she needed the truth to heal and stay in school, while Ingalls suggested that both of them might be remembering the night wrong. In text messages, Doe expressed that the episode was "f, --g RUINING" her life and that her reputation was destroyed. However, she also sent texts stating that "none of the sexual stuff was illegal" and mentioned she had enjoyed being with him and another man, expressing a desire to get together again without the extra men and ketamine.
Q&A ID c8203cc5-7a64-447b-b9a9-7c8396b66a60
What specific evidence did Matthew Ingalls provide to investigators regarding his involvement in the incident?
Matthew Ingalls, a brother who had invited Doe and was named in her civil suit, told investigators he had been too intoxicated to consent and suggested that Doe had assaulted him. He had previously denied any wrongdoing. During the school probe, he also messaged a witness on Snapchat asking if they could submit new evidence to get him and another member dismissed immediately, claiming that if the evidence was convincing enough to let them go, it would prove the accuser lied.
Q&A ID 3d8761b1-96a5-4aaf-b5f3-abc83174e10d
What role did New York Governor Kathy Hochul play in the legal progression of the rape allegations?
After the Tompkins County District Attorney, Matthew Van Houten, drew a hard line between the civil lawsuit and the original sworn statement (which described the conduct as consensual), Governor Kathy Hochul pulled the case from his office. She subsequently handed the criminal investigation to Attorney General Letitia James. Critics have argued that this move shifted the case from a local county matter to a high-profile political production under a Democratic brand name.
Q&A ID 41906c8b-ad3a-451f-8d8f-9ca370cc6b54
What were the disciplinary outcomes at Cornell University following the investigation into the Chi Phi house incident?
Cornell University conducted an internal investigation from November 2024 through May 2025. As a result of this probe, the Chi Phi chapter was suspended on the day of the initial report, two men were expelled, and others were suspended. Additionally, under pressure from the fallout, Cornell stated that an outside law firm would review how the school handled the claims.
Q&A ID b47eb7d6-88ac-4dfa-8f6e-dc1e15eaa0d1
Keywordscornell-universitycampus-safetylawsuitnew-yorksexual-assaultcornellcrimehigher-educationinvestigationlegalaccountabilityfraternitylaw-enforcementuniversityacademiaarrestsjusticejustice-departmentbreaking-newscriminal-chargescriminal-justicegang-rapelegal-actionmanhattanprosecutorschi-phicollegecourtcriminal-investigationculture-warkathy-hochullegal-newsrapedistrict-attorneypoliticsprosecutorstudent-lifecampus-culturegreek-lifestudenttransparencyallegationscampuscampus-crimecampus-lifecharlie-kirkcivil-rightsdemocratdoj

YOUTUBE (NewsNation) - One million people greet Pope Leo XIV in France

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Nearly a million people filled the Champs-Élysées for Pope Leo in one of the most secular countries on Earth. EWTN's Solène Tadié on the overwhelming joy that the press is calling "a day of communion." Watch this full episode of "One Nation Under God": https://youtu.be/hxWcE3gbeyA #religion #Catholic #Catholicism

Keywordspope-leo-xivfrancecatholiccatholicismreligionchamps-elyseespariseuropechurchfaithreligious-authorityinternational-newspoliticsgeopoliticsunitytraditionmasspapacychristianityewtncommunion

REDSTATE (Ward Clark) - Counting Coup: IDF Has Removed 4,000 of 6,000 Oct. 7 Terrorists

We will soon note the third year since the October 7, 2023 attacks on Israel; those of us who saw some of the stills and worse, watched some of the video now have those images burned into our very brains. This event was not only the worst slaughter of the Jewish people since the Holocaust, it included some of the most horrendous atrocities that we have seen in living memory — or even in most of our history books.

Keywordsisraelidfhamasgazaoctober-7terrorismwarmiddle-eastpalestinesecuritymilitary-operationsgeopoliticswarfarehostageantisemitismnational-securityforeign-policypoliticsred-green-axisanti-westernlebanonhezbollahjewish-peoplehumanitarian-crisisviolencesecurity-operations