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White House Plan Shifts Federal Grants From Merit to Policy Alignment, Sparking Scientist Backlash
1 day ago•Source: Los Angeles Times
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44.03 min•1 day ago
ICE doorstep warnings ignite free-speech lawsuit over online critics
A federal lawsuit argues that DHS/ICE has been using “warning notices,” doxxing accusations, and even in-person visits to chill speech by online critics of immigration policy, contending such actions amount to government retaliation against First Amendment-protected commentary. The Verge reports that ICE’s Office of Professional Responsibility has opened more than 100 investigations into doxing and alleged threats, while DHS defends its actions as necessary to protect agents. Civil-liberties groups, including FIRE and the EFF, say the approach blurs criticism with threats and could deter lawful dissent, noting DHS’s routine requests to tech platforms for user information as part of broader crackdown on critics. The piece also cites incidents like a Syracuse polling-place warning and the broader pattern of conflating criticism with threats, raising concerns about civil liberties amid security concerns.
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NJ Moves to Bar AI-Driven Grocery Price Discrimination
Supermarket News•7 days ago
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Trump push to loosen home-appliance efficiency standards faces backlash
The Washington Post•8 days ago
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New Jersey Moves to End Personalized Grocery Pricing with New Law
New Jersey approved the bipartisan Fair Price Protection Act to ban AI/algorithm-driven and surveillance-based pricing in grocery stores and to pause electronic shelf labels for at least a year, awaiting Governor Sherrill’s signature. The bill includes exemptions for loyalty programs and certain discounts and mirrors similar moves in Maryland and Connecticut, as lawmakers argue it protects consumers amid rising grocery costs while opponents worry about regulatory consequences and job impact.
Public in the Lead: Six Paths to Democratic Science Policy
Nature argues that trust in elites is waning and public input should be embedded in research and policymaking through six steps: involve the public in research, make science advisory bodies participatory, embrace diverse knowledge (including Indigenous and community expertise), be humble and transparent about methods and uncertainties, acknowledge scientists’ values, and enable co-design with communities—citing EU Horizon 2020 priority setting, citizen panels influencing Danish and NASA decisions, and community-led mangrove restoration as evidence that public involvement boosts legitimacy and policy relevance.
Court ruling sharpens Trump’s path to unchecked executive power
Vox argues the Supreme Court’s Trump v. Slaughter ruling endorses the unitary executive, deeming the president’s removal of an FTC commissioner lawful despite congressional rules, giving Trump broader power over independent agencies. The decision raises alarms about democratic accountability and suggests the Court could become the main arbiter of executive power, with long‑term risks for juristocracy and congressional checks; it also notes related rulings like Trump v. Cook that reveal tensions over agency independence.
HHS Ends COVID-19 Emergency Use Authorizations, Shifting to Standard Regulation
HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. signed terminations ending the COVID-19 EUA declarations for drugs/biological products and for medical devices, with the terminations taking effect after advance notice (12 months for drugs; 180 days for devices). With traditional FDA pathways now widely available, reliance on EUA products will wind down, and regulators will aid manufacturers in pursuing standard approvals; notices will be published in the Federal Register and sent to Congress.
FDA leadership shake-up continues as Vijay Kumar departs cell-therapy office
Vijay Kumar, acting director of FDA’s Office of Therapeutic Products that reviews cell and gene therapies, is stepping down and not renewing his detail. His departure comes amid broader leadership turnover at the agency’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, where the cell-and-gene-therapy office is housed. Kumar had been promoted to lead the office by Vinay Prasad after Verdun’s ouster a little over a year ago, highlighting continuing leadership shake-ups within the FDA.
California launches $3,500 instant EV rebate to replace federal tax credit
California will offer a $3,500 instant rebate for new electric vehicles, funded by a $135 million state fund (matched by automaker grants) and part of a budget deal, to fill the gap after the federal $7,500 credit ended; the program will also include rebates for used EVs and is expected to be limited to California residents as the state maintains leadership in EV adoption.
DEA and FDA Push to Reschedule Marijuana, Emphasizing Medical Use and Lower Harms
Opening day of a cannabis rescheduling hearing features DEA and FDA arguing that marijuana has medical benefits and lower day-to-day harms than alcohol or opioids, supporting moving it from Schedule I to Schedule III. Testimony describes real-world pain management benefits and relatively mild withdrawal, while opponents criticize the analysis and allege shifting precedent. The process continues through July 15 amid lawsuits and broader regulatory implications, including tax guidance, workplace rules, and updates to related federal forms and enforcement.
Australia Tightens Penalties for Platforms Violating Social Media Age Ban
Australia will double the maximum penalty for breaches of the social media minimum age law to 99 million dollars and give the eSafety Commissioner power to compel platforms to show what steps they have taken to comply with the ban on under-16 users; despite the ban on 10 major platforms since December 2025, enforcement remains difficult, with investigations into Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok and YouTube and many youths reportedly still able to access banned apps.
CDC Eyes New Office to Oversee Its Scientific Publications
The CDC is proposing a new Executive Advisory, Science, and Operations Unit to review and gate scientific publications and director briefings before release, reporting to the chief of staff; funding is being sought but the plan remains in limbo, signaling a shift toward greater political oversight of agency science and raising concerns about research independence.
USDA Sets FY2025 SNAP Payment Rules to Curb Waste
USDA announced FY2025 SNAP payment error rates, with a national rate of 10.62%—above the 6% threshold—leading to state accountability measures: states at or above 6% could owe 5%, 10%, or 15% of benefits and must submit a corrective action plan; the report cites about $10.1 billion in improper payments nationwide and ties the rules to new guardrails under H.R. 1.