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RFK Jr.’s “Gold-standard Science” Runs Into Another AI Citation Scandal

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. spent years denouncing the federal health establishment. And as Health and Human Services (HHS) secretary, he promised to replace its failures with “gold-standard science.”

Now his department appears to have replaced some of the science with AI hallucinations.

Earlier in August, a federal judge rebuked the Department of Health and Human Services for using scientific citations that either do not exist or do not support the claims attached to them. The citations appeared in official funding notices used to reshape the federal Teen Pregnancy Prevention Program (TPP).

The episode is especially damaging because it is not the first. In 2025, the Kennedy-chaired Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Commission released a major report on children’s health that contained invented studies, garbled references, and visible fingerprints of artificial intelligence.

Phantom Studies Behind a Real Policy

The latest controversy comes from Hennepin County, Minnesota v. HHS, a lawsuit challenging Kennedy’s overhaul of the TPP.

Congress created the program to fund local initiatives shown to reduce teen pregnancy, along with “promising” approaches that could be tested. HHS took a much narrower approach in 2026.

The department issued new grant notices that pushed recipients toward abstinence, “body literacy,” reproductive-goals counseling and sexual-risk-avoidance education. A separate HHS policy notice barred programs from “encouraging, normalizing, or promoting sexual activity for minors” and required compliance with administration policies against “gender ideology” and DEI.

HHS also terminated virtually all existing TPP awards, according to the court.

That prompted Hennepin County, King County in Washington, Planned Parenthood of the Heartland, and the Sexuality Information and Education Council of the United States to sue.

On August 19, U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper granted a preliminary injunction against implementation of the new policy and funding notices. He found that the plaintiffs were likely to succeed on their claim that HHS acted arbitrarily and capriciously.

Then came the largely overlooked part that made national news this week.

A “Hallmark of AI-generated Citations”

HHS tried to support its new emphasis on “body literacy,” which it defines as understanding how a healthy body functions, including reproductive anatomy, physiology and hormonal patterns, and interpreting biological signals to make informed health decisions.

The problem was that much of the cited “science” could not be found.

 Cooper wrote:

On the topic of body literacy, the notices (remarkably) reference public health studies that appear either not to exist or not to support the propositions for which they are cited — a hallmark of AI-generated citations.

He continued:

Two out of the seven appear to be completely made up. Three of the seven did not publish in the cited journals but appear to have similar titles to articles published in completely different journals.… And according to the early-stage factual record, there seem to be no pregnancy prevention curricula and programs that “center [on] body literacy” and other newly-imposed TPP requirements.

HHS did not bury the questionable references in a stray litigation brief. They appeared in government notices telling applicants what “science” federal money would follow.

The court found a deeper problem. HHS itself acknowledged a “near absence of body literacy education standards nationwide.” Yet the agency made “body literacy” a central requirement for grantees.

Cooper said HHS offered no adequate explanation for imposing that approach across the program.

HHS funding materials nevertheless tell applicants that eligible programs must reflect “high-quality evidence of effectiveness” and align with its “commitment to gold-standard science.”

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Local Mom Dragged Into Court For Trying To Obtain Info On Secret Data Center Deals

An Arkansas mom and healthcare worker obtained a trove of documents about a data center deal between a local energy company and Google. Now, she is caught in a legal fight between the energy company and the news outlet she shared the documents with, with video surfacing of her being dragged into federal court Tuesday, weeping and scared.

Jessica Kivell recently sent a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to the Arkansas Public Service Commission, which regulates state electricity prices, regarding a data center deal between Entergy Arkansas and Google, according to the Arkansas Times. The government appeared to have mistakenly handed Kivell the documents, which she then sent to a reporter at the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette.

The documents purportedly revealed that Google will not be paying the entire cost of infrastructure upgrades needed to power a new data center in West Memphis, despite claims to the contrary, according to the Arkansas Times. Google will only pay a third of the cost, $526 million, of a new solar array required to power the data center, the outlet reported.

Entergy sent attorneys and officials to a federal courthouse Tuesday to prevent the documents and information from remaining public, according to the Arkansas Times. The company sued the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette and requested a restraining order on Kivell, arguing the documents contained trade secrets, the publication of which might violate state and federal laws.

Kivell was “visibly scared” when she arrived in court in her work scrubs after she arranged for her husband to pick up their daughter, according to the Arkansas Times, which was also listed in Entergy’s restraining order request. Throughout a closed-door portion of the hearing, Kivell wept loudly and continued to sob when she returned to the courtroom, the Arkansas Times reported.

U.S. District Judge Lee Rudofsky issued a ruling Wednesday that denied Entergy’s request for a temporary restraining order that would have prohibited the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette from publishing information about the deal. He also denied the restraining order on Kivell.

Entergy disputed the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette’s reporting and called for a retraction Wednesday.

“The information first published in the Aug. 31 Arkansas Democrat Gazette contains a serious and careless mathematical error,” Entergy alleged. “The calculation accounts for only 12 months of payments rather than the full twenty-year term of the agreement — a fact that was known to the paper but not included in its math.”

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Missouri State Representative Candidate Charged with Conspiring to Distribute Cocaine to Frame Opponent

A Missouri state representative candidate has been charged by criminal complaint for conspiring to distribute a controlled substance to plant on his political opponent. 

Thomas Christopher Ross, 37, of Joplin, Mo., was charged in a one-count complaint for conspiring to distribute a controlled substance. Ross is currently running for the state seat in House District 161 and won the Republican primary last month.

As alleged in the affidavit filed in support of the complaint, on Thursday, July 30, 2026, the Federal Bureau of Investigation was contacted by the Joplin Police Department (JPD) regarding a “public corruption” matter in Joplin, Mo. According to the initial information provided by JPD, the former campaign manager for Ross (C.S.), was asked by Ross to plant drugs on his opponent (L.S.). C.S. provided law enforcement with a black nylon glove that he claimed was given to him by Ross. A small, plastic bag was inside the glove. Inside of the bag was a small amount of white powder. A Nartec Inc. Cocaine Test Kit was used on the powder, which indicated a positive match for cocaine. 

Additionally, inside of the glove was a pink and white capsule. The capsule was identified as Amphetamine and Dextroamphetamine 20 mg extended release, also known as Adderall, a Schedule II controlled substance. C.S. told investigators that he and Ross exchanged text messages, in which Ross requested for C.S. to place the bag of drugs inside of the purse or vehicle of L.S. while Ross was out of state on vacation.

“The American people deserve confidence in an electoral process that has served our nation for generations,” said R. Matthew Price, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Missouri. “Candidates are expected to conduct their campaigns with integrity, honesty, and respect for their opponents, allowing voters to make informed decisions without fear of misinformation or undue influence. The Western District of Missouri will continue to uphold fairness, transparency, and integrity in elections and will pursue violations of public trust when warranted”.

“The conduct alleged in these charges are substantial and serious,” said Chris Ormerod, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Kansas City Field Office. “Our citizens deserve to know that the election process is done with transparency and fairness. As this case moves through the judicial process, it’s important that it proceeds fairly, impartially and in accordance with the rule of law.”

The charges contained in the complaint are simply accusations and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence. 

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Grand jury indicts former community school superintendent, business partner in $8 million fraud scheme

A federal grand jury has indicted the former superintendent and operator of a local community school and a business partner with wire fraud and other crimes related to an $8 million fraud and kickback scheme.

Leondo Ramone Davenport, 50, of Cincinnati, and Jonathan Larry Ballew, 62, of Phoenix, Arizona, were arrested this morning by federal agents. 

“We’re putting an end to fraudsters exploiting public trust and profiting off of the American taxpayer,” said U.S. Attorney Dominick S. Gerace II. “Offenders should know that my Office will work hard to ensure that those responsible for fraud end up paying the price and come to understand that the juice is not worth the squeeze.”

“This indictment alleges a brazen scheme that stole from both taxpayers and students,” said Assistant Attorney General Colin McDonald of the Justice Department’s National Fraud Enforcement Division. “Education dollars exist to support the learning and development of American children—not to fund the lifestyles of unscrupulous school officials. The Fraud Division commends the work of our federal and state partners whose efforts were essential in bringing these charges and ensuring that those who abuse positions of trust are held accountable.”

“Fraud against the government is fraud against every taxpayer and we are all victims of these schemes,” stated FBI Cincinnati Special Agent in Charge Jason Cromartie. “The FBI and Department of Justice are committed to rooting out fraud and holding accountable those who conduct illegal activities.” 

“This was an egregious kickback scheme by individuals using taxpayer resources to enrich themselves,” Auditor Faber said. “Thanks to the good work of the U.S. Attorney, the FBI and our other partners in law enforcement for pursuing justice in this case. Our investigation also continues, and we look forward to working alongside the Hamilton County Prosecutor’s Office to ensure everyone involved in these crimes is held accountable for their actions.”

Davenport served as the superintendent of Dohn Community High School from 2015 to 2019. Through an  LLC he incorporated, Dohn served as the operator of the school from 2019 until 2024.

Dohn was incorporated in Ohio as a not-for-profit organization around 1999 to serve as an addiction recovery program for high school students. It operated as a community school under Ohio law from approximately 2001 until 2025. In Ohio, a community school created under state law is a public school, independent of any school district.

Ballew incorporated at least four entities allegedly purporting to provide educational services, training, technology, staffing, and school construction and remodeling services to Dohn. 

The eight-count indictment alleges that, from 2021 to 2024, Davenport and Ballew participated in a kickback scheme to defraud the school. Ballew allegedly submitted false and fraudulent invoices to Dohn on behalf of the entities he controlled. Davenport allegedly authorized Dohn to pay the invoices and received a kickback in return. In total, during this time, Davenport allegedly authorized Dohn to pay over $8 million to Ballew and Ballew correspondingly paid over $4 million back to Davenport.

The charging document details that the defendants allegedly spent the money on luxury automobiles and rental properties. For example, in October 2023, Davenport and Ballew both signed a two-year rental agreement for a luxury vacation property near Miami, Florida, for $30,000 per month.

Davenport and Ballew are each charged with wire fraud, a federal crime punishable by up to 20 years in prison and engaging in monetary transactions in property derived from unlawful activity, which carries a potential penalty of up to 10 years in prison.

Dominick S. Gerace II, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Jason Cromartie, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division; and Ohio Auditor of State Keith Faber announced the charges. Assistant United States Attorney Matthew C. Singer is representing the United States in this case.

On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (“Fraud Division”). The Fraud Division is investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.

An indictment merely contains allegations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.

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Meta Settlement Ignites Global “Child Safety” Digital ID Push

The ink on the multi-billion dollar settlement agreement that Meta struck with 47 US states, the District of Columbia and a number of US territories has barely had time to dry – and already, officials and campaigners in the US, the EU, the UK, and at the UN are using it to press for similar rules to be imposed elsewhere.

In the UK, Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden said that Meta should apply the new rules in that country as well, while the government there has its own plans to ban social media for under-16s and impose nighttime curfews.

“We don’t want a situation where young people in America have got a higher rate of protection than young people in the UK,” he said.

The British plan is to ban social media for those under 16 by spring 2027, and impose nighttime curfews on older teenagers, the Independent is reporting. To enforce this, platforms will have to know whether a user is a child or an adult, stepping up the pressure on companies to introduce age checks.

In the EU, the Commission is also piling on the pressure on Meta to “export” the US deal.

“We expect adequate management of screen time, appropriate parental controls on these platforms,” said digital spokesperson Thomas Regnier. “It is now up to the company to propose these commitments within the European Union in order to also protect our children here.”

The official revealed that the Commission has already been in talks with Meta since the US agreement was announced, and that the goal is to give children in the EU “at least” the same protections as those in the US.

Meanwhile, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk is using the settlement to call for global protections for children from what he says is the harm caused by excessive social media use.

In the US, District of Columbia Attorney General Brian Schwalb, one of those behind the lawsuit that led to the settlement, said that Meta “will not be the last” company to be forced to agree to such terms.

His California counterpart, Rob Bonta, said that Meta is “not the only player in the industry” to have “visited enormous mental health harms on kids through their products and their designs,” and added, “others rightfully must be held accountable.”

The settlement contains financial incentives for states to bring similar cases against other companies. Snap, TikTok, and YouTube are mentioned by name in this context.

Not everyone is happy with the deal, however. Arturo Béjar, a former Meta employee who was a witness in the trial, said the protections are insufficient and that the product remains harmful.

“The limitations that are in the agreement are the equivalent of saying: ‘Well, you can smoke as many cigarettes as you can in two hours a day,'” he said. “It doesn’t make the cigarettes any safer.”

Meta responded by saying that Béjar is ignoring some of the other provisions of the settlement, such as non-algorithmic feed defaults and stronger parental controls.

“We have a huge raft of built-in protections,” a spokesperson said, and argued that teenagers also derive “substantial” benefits from using social media.

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Missouri Using Taxpayer Dollars on Anti-Abortion Ads

This is wild: the Missouri Attorney General’s office not only used taxpayer dollars for an anti-abortion ad—they also wrote said advertisement with an extremist organization that doesn’t believe in life-saving abortions. Buckle up.

KSDK News reports that an ad released by AG Catherine Hanaway’s office tells viewers that “abortion clinics in Missouri are not required to meet the same basic medical standards as other healthcare facilities.”

It’s not a coincidence that Hanaway released the ad now: in November, voters will decide on a ballot measure that would codify an abortion ban into the state constitution. As you probably remember, Missouri voters already passed a pro-choice ballot measure in 2024, but Republicans have been trying to repeal it ever since. This new ballot measure is their latest attempt. They even named the proposed ban Amendment 3, because that’s what the pro-choice measure was called. (They’re hoping to trick voters into supporting an abortion ban.)

Here’s the thing: Missouri law prevents state officials from using public funds to support or oppose a ballot measure. In other words, the ad is illegal. But Hanaway claims the ad doesn’t run afoul of Missouri law because it doesn’t mention the ballot measure by name.

“It says absolutely nothing about a ballot measure,” she told KSDK. This is exactly what Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said in 2024, when he illegally used state funds to launch a disinformation website against the pro-choice ballot measure Amendment 4. He insisted that everything on the site was “factual” and that it wasn’t “weighing in on any particular measure, whether you should vote for or against something.” (As you’ll see later in the newsletter, a grand jury just found that the DeSantis administration misappropriated funds for this campaign.)

If the Missouri GOP doesn’t care about the law, maybe they’ll care about bad PR: to write the ad, Hanaway’s office enlisted the help of the American Association of Pro-Life OB-GYNs (AAPLOG). This is a group that believes that emergency contraception and IUDs are really abortions, that raped children should be forced to give birth, and that women with life-threatening pregnancies should be given c-sections instead of standard abortions—even when it’s too early for a fetus to survive.

Why? Because they don’t believe in life-saving abortions. In fact, they claim abortion is never necessary to save a woman’s life.

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Crackhead Hunter Biden Admits He Used Burisma Cash to Fund His Drug Binges — Joe Biden ‘Showed Up’ at His DC Crack Den With a Secret Service Motorcade

Hunter Biden just confessed that the millions he collected from the corrupt Ukrainian energy giant Burisma didn’t just sit in some consulting account. He used that foreign cash to keep his crack pipe lit.

And while he was living in a Washington, D.C. drug den with a homeless crack dealer nicknamed “Bicycles,” his father, then-Vice President Joe Biden, rolled up in a taxpayer-funded motorcade of six SUVs, Secret Service agents at his side, and knocked on the door, Page Six reported.

Hunter dropped the details on the addiction podcast Dopey with host Dave Manheim. When asked how he never went broke during years of crack, prostitutes, luxury bungalows at the Chateau Marmont, and motel benders, Hunter didn’t hesitate.

“I never went broke… Well, I still had the residual. Like for instance, I still was on the board of Burisma.”

He stayed on that board for years after his father left the vice presidency. The requirement? Show up four times a year.

“Even when I was a crack addict and out of my mind, I could show up for four meetings a year,” Hunter bragged.

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ID Verification Breach Exposes Millions of Sensitive Identity Documents

If you ever needed more proof that governments pressuring companies to collect ID data from customers or users is a bad idea, you only have to look at what happened this week. A dark-web service advertised on August 31 has been offering over 153 million scans of driver’s licenses, more than 10 million other identity cards, over 3 million travel documents and/or international IDs, and at least 579,000 medical cards.

The data apparently stems from a company hired to verify people’s identities. The service, called Nexus, was advertised on the Russian-language cybercrime forum Exploit.

Security researcher Brian Krebs found that a blank search on Nexus returned about 11.5 million result pages with roughly 15 results per page. This would support the claim that there were over 153 million license scans in the database, and the number increased by nearly 400,000 in 24 hours.

Nexus itself claimed to have “continuously exfiltrated new data for over a year into our private database” – but this is not verified and could be an advertising claim.

What Krebs was able to verify is that his own Virginia license was among those available on the site. He searched with permission for the licenses of more than a dozen friends and relatives; nine people whose records appeared said that the attached timestamps matched or closely tracked their travels.

In the case of Krebs and his mother, the timestamps corresponded to a June 2025 car rental from Hertz. Their records were created seconds apart, matching their account that they handed both licenses to the rental representative at the same time.

Krebs’s record contained three pairs of images showing the front and back of the license in visible light, infrared, and ultraviolet.

Privacy researcher Zach Edwards also found his license on Nexus. Its timestamp matched a trip to Las Vegas, where he had presented the document to TSA, the Aria hotel and the Planet13 dispensary. Edwards said the dispensary was the only one of the three places where he knew the license had been scanned.

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Asst AG Harmeet Dhillon Threatens State Officials With Prosecution: “If You Knowingly Allow Non-Citizens to Vote in Elections, You are Committing a Federal Crime!” 

On July 21, 2025, the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, led by Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon, demanded that Michigan’s crooked Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson turn over Michigan’s full, unredacted Qualified Voter File — not the public list, but the files with dates of birth, driver’s license numbers, and the last four digits of Social Security numbers.

Instead of complying, the former Southern Poverty Law Center Board member and current Democrat candidate for Michigan governor, mailed the stripped-down public version and kept the rest. On September 25, 2025, the DOJ sued Benson, and then on February 10, 2026, a federal judge dismissed the case. On June 24 the Sixth Circuit agreed. On August 14 the full appeals court refused to rehear the case. Benson still has not produced the unredacted rolls.

Benson claimed she refused to turn over the voter rolls because wants to protect the voters “privacy,” by not sharing the social security numbers assigned by the federal government. On July 7, 2026 — after the Sixth Circuit loss — Dhillon warned Benson in writing that knowingly leaving noncitizens on the statewide list, sending them ballots, and counting those ballots can be a federal crime, and gave her five days to explain how Michigan would comply.

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