Hello! This is August 13, 2025.

Judge Orders ICE to Improve NYC Detention Facility Conditions

A Manhattan federal judge issued a temporary restraining order requiring ICE to improve conditions at its New York City processing facility. The order—stemming from a class-action lawsuit by Peruvian national Sergio Alberto Barco Mercado—mandates at least 50 square feet per detainee, clean bedding, nutritious meals, access to medications, and private attorney calls. Plaintiffs, represented by the ACLU and others, allege prolonged detentions, poor food, and denial of medication. DHS disputes the claims, calling them “fiction,” and says it will appeal.

Massachusetts Police Training Manual Labels Moms for Liberty as ‘Hate Group’

Massachusetts’ updated police training materials have placed Moms for Liberty (M4L), a conservative parents’ rights group, alongside organizations like the KKK and Antifa under the “Hate Groups” category. The manual claims M4L uses parents’ rights to target public education and make schools less welcoming to minorities and LGBTQ+ students. M4L, which campaigns against sexually explicit content in schools, obtained the slides via FOIA and called the classification false and absurd, contrasting their school board activism with Antifa’s violent tactics. Co-founder Tina Descovich questioned why police would need to be “concerned” about M4L’s conduct.

Scarborough: Many Democrats Privately Back Trump’s DC Crime Crackdown

MSNBC’s Joe Scarborough revealed that numerous Democrats are quietly supportive of President Trump’s federal takeover of Washington, D.C.’s police department, despite publicly denouncing it. Speaking on Morning Joe, Scarborough said people privately tell him the city has been unsafe for decades, even as they post online condemning Trump’s move. While cautioning against federal overreach, he stressed that crime remains a persistent issue, noting he feels safer walking long distances at night in New York City than in D.C. Trump announced the MPD federalization Monday, along with deploying 800 National Guard troops. Since Aug. 7, over 100 arrests have been made in the capital, though critics point to official data showing crime at a 30-year low.

Small-Cap ETF Rally Raises Hopes For Rebound

Small-cap stocks have trailed large caps for years, but the iShares Russell 2000 ETF (IWM) just posted a strong two-day rally. Analysts say falling interest rates could help these smaller companies, which are more sensitive to borrowing costs. While risks remain, some investors see IWM as a good long-term addition for a balanced portfolio.

Refis Surge as 30-Year Mortgage Rates Fall to 6.67%

The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate dipped to 6.67% last week — the lowest since April — sending refinance applications up 23% to a four-month high, though home purchase applications barely budged. High prices and still-elevated rates continue to sideline many buyers, even as markets bet the Fed could cut rates in September following steady inflation data.

Man Hospitalized After Following ChatGPT’s Harmful Dietary Advice

A 60-year-old man was hospitalized with sodium bromide poisoning after using ChatGPT to find a salt substitute, following the AI’s suggestion for the toxic compound. He developed symptoms of bromism, including hallucinations and paranoia, and was treated for three weeks. Experts warn large language models can generate unsafe health advice without common sense or medical judgment, highlighting the need for safeguards and regulation.

Survey Finds US Alcohol Consumption at Record Low

A new Gallup poll shows 54% of U.S. adults drink alcohol, the lowest level in three decades, as health concerns over even moderate drinking grow. Fifty-three percent now believe moderate drinking is bad for health, up from 28% in 2015, with younger adults leading the shift. Scientific consensus has moved away from prior beliefs about heart benefits, linking alcohol to cancer and other risks. The federal government is expected to release updated dietary guidelines later this year, potentially changing alcohol recommendations.