Saturday, May 30, 2026
Trump’s EEOC goes after another company that required vaccines
NewsJeff Brumley | May 28, 2026
(Shutterstock)
An Oklahoma company has agreed to settle a federal religious and disability discrimination lawsuit stemming from its firing of unvaccinated employees during the pandemic, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission announced.
AG Equipment Co. in Broken Arrow will pay $4.2 million to more than 40 workers terminated due to its 2021 mandate that all employees, without exception, had to receive COVID-19 vaccinations, EEOC said May 18.
The situation dates back to 2021 when the COVID-19 pandemic was sowing divisions in the U.S. over issues such as sheltering in place and vaccines. Many white evangelical churches were openly defiant in resisting government-led public health measures.
EEOC has redoubled its focus on “religious liberty” cases since President Donald Trump returned to office, resulting in at least 16 religious discrimination cases — many of them COVID related — and the recovery of $67 million.
In fall 2021, AG Equipment Co. required all employees to receive COVID-19 vaccinations. In response, several workers requested exemptions based on religious reasons and one provided a doctor’s note asking for an accommodation because of a medical condition, EEOC said.
However, the company refused to consider the requests and on Oct. 21 that year fired all those who had requested the exemptions in addition to anyone else who didn’t show proof of vaccination.
“When these workers asked for a simple religious accommodation, the company didn’t pause to listen or even consider the impact,” said Patrick J. Holman, trial attorney for EEOC’s Oklahoma City area office. “It fired every one of them outright — without a conversation and without any real inquiry into whether granting an accommodation would have caused the business any hardship at all. This is unlawful as well as unfair.”
The lawsuit said the company’s conduct violated Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, which bans discrimination based on faith and disability. In addition to the financial compensation in consent decree ending the litigation, the company must train managers in Title VII compliance and inform employees of their right to religious and disability accommodations.
“Where an accommodation can be provided without undue hardship, the law requires it — the pandemic did not exempt employers from their legal obligations under Title VII and the ADA,” EEOC Chair Andrea Lucas said. “The EEOC under my leadership will continue to hold employers accountable, deliver meaningful results, and restore dignity to American workers harmed by widespread COVID-19 vaccine-related civil rights violations.”
In March, the agency announced a $15 million conciliation agreement with an unnamed global technology company. “In its investigation, the EEOC found reasonable cause to believe that the company discriminated against a class of employees on the basis of religion and disability by denying their COVID-19 vaccine exemption requests and terminating employees who declined to receive vaccines.”
And Northwestern Medicine, a health care system in Chicago, agreed to pay $325,000 to employees who were denied vaccine exemptions based on religious beliefs dating back to November 2023, EEOC said May 26.
Friday, May 29, 2026
DHS Tells Agents to Ignore State Mask Bans During Operations
By Solange Reyner | Friday, 29 May 2026 12:32 PM EDT
The Department of Homeland Security has instructed federal immigration officers that they are not required to comply with state and local laws restricting the use of face masks while carrying out their official duties, according to an internal agency memo reviewed by The New York Times.
The May 15 memo from the department's general counsel was issued amid growing disputes between federal immigration authorities and Democrat-led states over enforcement operations and the conduct of federal agents.
According to the memo, federal officers are "not legally required to comply with state and local mask prohibitions while carrying out their official duties."
It further advised agents to "freely perform their authorized duties without concern for state interference or fear of prosecution."
The guidance comes more than a week after New York state lawmakers approved a wide-ranging public protection and government operations bill that includes immigration-related measures limiting cooperation with federal immigration enforcement and expanding protections for immigrants and undocumented students.
The legislation, passed as part of the state budget process for the 2026-27 fiscal year, would restrict actions that state and municipal employees can take in connection with federal immigration enforcement, create new protections for schools and sensitive locations and establish a new immigrant trust office within the state attorney general's office.
DHS has argued that federal law generally preempts state and local regulations that interfere with the execution of federal duties.
The memo reinforces that position by assuring officers that they can continue wearing masks during enforcement operations regardless of state or local requirements.
The issue has drawn heightened attention as Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers have conducted enforcement actions in major cities, often while wearing tactical gear and face coverings.
Immigration advocates and some elected officials have criticized the practice, saying it makes it difficult for the public to identify officers and distinguish them from private individuals.
Federal officials have defended the use of masks, citing safety concerns and a rise in threats directed at immigration officers.
Jen Goodman, a spokeswoman for New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, told the Times that any "ICE agent who comes to New York and violates our laws will be held accountable."
Federal agents in New Jersey beat back anti-ICE agitators in chaos outside Delaney Hall detention facility
Confrontation follows days of protests over alleged hunger strike and conditions at the privately run facility
By Stephen Sorace Fox News
Published May 27, 2026 10:23am EDT
Federal agents in New Jersey beat back anti-ICE agitators in chaos outside Delaney Hall detention facility
Federal agents and anti-ICE agitators clashed outside the Delaney Hall detention facility in New Jersey. (Credit: FNTV)
Federal agents deployed pepper spray and beat back anti-ICE agitators outside the Delaney Hall detention center in New Jersey on Tuesday night, following days of chaos outside the privately run facility.
The confrontation, captured on video shared by FreedomNewsTV, shows the agitators trying to stop vehicles from leaving Delaney Hall in Newark. Authorities are seen attempting to stop agitators from obstructing vehicles and clearing them from the road.
The video shows the encounter turned physical as federal agents forcibly pushed back agitators who made contact with the hood of a vehicle trying to leave the facility. Some agents were also seen deploying pepper spray while others used batons against the agitators.
BLUE STATE ICE FACILITY RAMPS UP SECURITY WITH NEW BARRICADES AMID CLASHES WITH PROTESTERS
Federal agents pushed back anti-ICE agitators who were blocking vehicles from leaving Delaney Hall, a privately run immigration detention facility, in Newark, New Jersey, on Tuesday, May 26, 2026. (FNTV)
On Tuesday night, Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin addressed the latest confrontation in a post on X.
"ICE law enforcement officers were assaulted by anti-ICE rioters who sprayed law enforcement with an unknown chemical substance," Mullin wrote, adding that two individuals were arrested for allegedly assaulting, resisting and impeding federal officers.
Federal agents were seen hitting some agitators with batons during the encounter outside Delaney Hall in Newark, New Jersey, on Tuesday, May 26, 2026. (FNTV)
The clashes extended a weekend protest over conditions for detainees in the facility, prompted by a reported hunger strike undertaken by the detainees themselves.
Mullin on Monday denied the claims, writing, "There is NO hunger strike at Delaney Hall. There are no subprime conditions."
How a Catholic nun provides 'radical hospitality' outside Delaney Hall detention center
How a Catholic nun provides 'radical hospitality' outside Delaney Hall detention center
RNS
May 27, 2026
Sister Susan Francois, a member of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace, has been showing up at Delaney Hall, the immigrant detention facility in Newark, New Jersey, since May 2025. In late May 2026, detainees inside Delaney Hall started a hunger and labor strike, citing inhumane conditions at the Newark, New Jersey immigration detention center. Days later, protests intensified outside its gates. Francois documents her work along the way. This is a day in her life.
“Faith on the Immigration Frontline” is an RNS short-form documentary series about clergy and religious community members putting their faith to work on the front lines of America's immigration crisis. Each episode follows a single subject as they navigate detention, border enforcement and the human stakes of immigration policy — through pastoral care, faith and conscience.
Produced by Fiona Murphy
Music by Kelly Ribiat
Mayor Brandon Johnson meets with Pope Leo, invites him to visit Chicago
Johnson said he thanked the first-ever Chicago born pope for his courage and moral stance against endless wars.
By Craig Wall and Lissette Nuñez
Friday, May 29, 2026 6:19AM
CHICAGO (WLS) -- Mayor Brandon Johnson met with Pope Leo XIV Thursday and invited him to visit Chicago in 2027.
Johnson and Pope Leo met privately Thursday for nearly an hour.
The mayor said he and the pope share ideals, including their stance against the U.S. war in Iran, and pushing back against actions carried out by the Trump administration during "Operation Midway Blitz."
"Of course we shared the legacy of leadership and organizing in civil rights in Chicago," Mayor Johnson said. "I believe he took that to heart. Ultimately, that is going to be his decision on whether or not his schedule is going to allow for it. Who would have thought that a middle school teacher, the son of a pastor, would be in the Vatican talking to the pope who has his roots in the city of Chicago? I believe that he was definitely appreciative of the warm exchange and invite and we will look forward to hosting Mass in Chicago."
Mayor Johnson and aldermen reflected on meeting the Chicago-born pope.
During the historic visit, they discussed politics, immigration, baseball and Chicago faith connections.
Johnson said the meeting brought him a sense of peace and comfort.
"I think the pastoral moment was the first question that he asked was, 'How's Chicago? How's Chicago?' And you know I was able to say that you know Chicago is strong," Johnson said.
The trip is funded in part by World Business Chicago, an economic development agency.
Friday, May 29, 2026 6:19AM
CHICAGO (WLS) -- Mayor Brandon Johnson met with Pope Leo XIV Thursday and invited him to visit Chicago in 2027.
Johnson and Pope Leo met privately Thursday for nearly an hour.
The mayor said he and the pope share ideals, including their stance against the U.S. war in Iran, and pushing back against actions carried out by the Trump administration during "Operation Midway Blitz."
"Of course we shared the legacy of leadership and organizing in civil rights in Chicago," Mayor Johnson said. "I believe he took that to heart. Ultimately, that is going to be his decision on whether or not his schedule is going to allow for it. Who would have thought that a middle school teacher, the son of a pastor, would be in the Vatican talking to the pope who has his roots in the city of Chicago? I believe that he was definitely appreciative of the warm exchange and invite and we will look forward to hosting Mass in Chicago."
Mayor Johnson and aldermen reflected on meeting the Chicago-born pope.
During the historic visit, they discussed politics, immigration, baseball and Chicago faith connections.
Johnson said the meeting brought him a sense of peace and comfort.
"I think the pastoral moment was the first question that he asked was, 'How's Chicago? How's Chicago?' And you know I was able to say that you know Chicago is strong," Johnson said.
The trip is funded in part by World Business Chicago, an economic development agency.
Thursday, May 28, 2026
Mayor Johnson addresses media ahead of meeting with Pope Leo | Full Availability
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AI chatbots face major backlash over left-wing bias: ‘Can no longer be considered neutral and cannot be trusted’
By Brian Flood , Fox News
Published May 26, 2026, 2:51 p.m. ET
Artificial intelligence chatbots are relying on left-wing media and politically charged sources, making it difficult for the average American to trust them as a news source, critics say.
AI systems are widely known to sometimes “hallucinate” and generate false yet believable information that can quickly erode trust.
Some critics insist chatbots such as ChatGPT, Google Gemini and Claude provide information with a liberal slant, or push information from left-leaning news sources while silencing opposing views.
As more and more Americans rely on the technology, the right-leaning Media Research Center (MRC) has conducted studies in an attempt to determine if the chatbots should be relied upon — and they don’t find the results encouraging.
“We’re watching the next phase of media bias unfold in real time,” Media Research Center President David Bozell told Fox News Digital.
“Silicon Valley’s shiny new toys can no longer be considered neutral and cannot be trusted.”
ChatGPT, which is developed by OpenAI, insisted in January that nobody named Charlie Kirk was ever assassinated and declared no credible evidence or reporting could substantiate such a claim, according to the MRC.
AI systems are widely known to sometimes “hallucinate” and generate false yet believable information that can quickly erode trust.
Some critics insist chatbots such as ChatGPT, Google Gemini and Claude provide information with a liberal slant, or push information from left-leaning news sources while silencing opposing views.
As more and more Americans rely on the technology, the right-leaning Media Research Center (MRC) has conducted studies in an attempt to determine if the chatbots should be relied upon — and they don’t find the results encouraging.
“We’re watching the next phase of media bias unfold in real time,” Media Research Center President David Bozell told Fox News Digital.
“Silicon Valley’s shiny new toys can no longer be considered neutral and cannot be trusted.”
ChatGPT, which is developed by OpenAI, insisted in January that nobody named Charlie Kirk was ever assassinated and declared no credible evidence or reporting could substantiate such a claim, according to the MRC.
Some critics insist chatbots such as ChatGPT, Google Gemini and Claude provide information with a liberal slant, or push information from left-leaning news sources while silencing opposing views. irissca – stock.adobe.com
That same month, the MRC reported that Claude, which is developed by Anthropic, rejected the notion that AI should directly incorporate the US First Amendment into its policies.
That same month, the MRC reported that Claude, which is developed by Anthropic, rejected the notion that AI should directly incorporate the US First Amendment into its policies.
Cherfilus-McCormick, who resigned from Congress under cloud, says she’s running to regain seat
Former U.S. Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, outside a gathering of a group of Broward Democratic clubs at Flamingo Park in Sunrise on Monday, May 11, 2026. Cherfilus-McCormick, who resigned in April, said she is running in this year's election to return to Congress. (Anthony Man/South Florida Sun Sentinel)
PUBLISHED: May 11, 2026 at 8:59 PM EDT | UPDATED: May 11, 2026 at 9:36 PM EDT
Less than a month after she resigned from Congress in the face of a looming expulsion recommendation, former U.S. Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick said Monday she is a candidate to return to Washington.
Cherfilus-McCormick said she is seeking the Democratic nomination in the reconfigured 20th Congressional District, which is concentrated in central Broward County, after Florida Republicans changed the map of Florida congressional districts.
She said she isn’t deterred by four other candidates who are already running — or by the prospect that U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz might decide to run in the same district. Wasserman Schultz’s Broward district was blown up by the new Republican reconfiguration of the congressional map.
“The strongest candidate in the race is me,” Cherfilus-McCormick said. “I never said I wasn’t running.”
The former congresswoman made it clear she doesn’t care for Wasserman Schultz, the senior Democratic member of Florida’s congressional delegation. When she was first elected, in a 2022 special election to fill the vacancy left by the late U.S. Rep. Alcee Hastings, Cherfilus-McCormick said Wasserman Schultz was dismissive when she arrived in Washington.
“One of the first things that ever happened when I came into Congress, she told me I wouldn’t be in Congress for more than 5 minutes, and here we are, five years still fighting. So I wish everyone well, but what I know is that in our district we’ll be fighting and we’ll make sure that the Black voice, as well as everybody’s voice is not diluted, and that’s what this is about, to make sure that everyone’s voice is being heard.”
Cherfilus-McCormick made her comments in response to reporters’ questions just before a gathering of members from about 20 Broward Democratic clubs, organized by Barbara Effman, president of the West Broward Democratic Club. Effman is a longtime Wasserman Schultz supporter.
Wasserman was the evening’s major speaker and arrived at the event as reporters were talking to Cherfilus-McCormick. The two didn’t cross paths.
Markwayne Mullin tells ICE hunger-strikers who want 'ethnic food' to 'go back to their country'
Story by Peter Rubinstein • 11h
U.S. Rep. Adriano Espaillat described the conditions at the Newark facility as "inhumane" and vowed to shut the center down (Image: AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)
© AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin
Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin channeled the same anti-immigrant rhetoric as Trump on Wednesday, claiming that the New Jersey ICE facility detainees on hunger strike are only doing so because they want "ethnic food."
"There was only a handful of individuals that was refusing to eat because they want their ethnic group, or their ethnic-right food. Well, they can go back to their country and get whatever food they want," Mullin said during a televised Cabinet meeting. “The fact is, we’re giving them the calories they want. This isn’t Holiday Inn.”
His comments came after Democratic members of Congress who visited Delaney Hall in Newark said detainees are being given small portions of food that "very often" contain maggots. U.S. Rep. Adriano Espaillat described the conditions as "inhumane" and vowed to shut the center down.
Protesters have been demonstrating for days and asserting that detainees at the New Jersey facility are on a hunger strike.
U.S. Rep. Jerry Nadler, a Manhattan Democrat, said that the only medication they receive is Tylenol.
"There was only a handful of individuals that was refusing to eat because they want their ethnic group, or their ethnic-right food. Well, they can go back to their country and get whatever food they want," Mullin said during a televised Cabinet meeting. “The fact is, we’re giving them the calories they want. This isn’t Holiday Inn.”
His comments came after Democratic members of Congress who visited Delaney Hall in Newark said detainees are being given small portions of food that "very often" contain maggots. U.S. Rep. Adriano Espaillat described the conditions as "inhumane" and vowed to shut the center down.
Protesters have been demonstrating for days and asserting that detainees at the New Jersey facility are on a hunger strike.
U.S. Rep. Jerry Nadler, a Manhattan Democrat, said that the only medication they receive is Tylenol.
The lawmakers addressed protesters and family members of detainees demonstrating outside the facility’s security gate after their visits© Kyle Mazza/Shutterstock
Newark NJ Police Department stands down during Delaney Hall protests
Photo (Courtesy) https://www.themirror.com/news/us-news/gallery/angry-protests-erupt-outside-new-1858680
The Newark Police Department's (NPD) decision to stand down and refuse requests for assistance at the Delaney Hall detention facility is a direct reflection of a deep, ongoing political and operational conflict between New Jersey local/state officials and federal immigration authorities.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) publicly criticized the move in a statement, noting:
"Local police have refused to answer calls to help our law enforcement. We will not allow violent rioters to slow ICE down."
The situation boils down to a stark division over jurisdiction, local "sanctuary" laws, and escalating clashes at the facility.
Why the Newark Police Department Stood Down
The NPD's refusal to intervene aligns with local governance and a broader pushback against federal immigration operations in the state:The Washington Post
- Sanctuary Policies: Newark and New Jersey have strict policies restricting local law enforcement from cooperating with federal immigration enforcement (ICE). Local officials argue that deploying city police resources to defend a private, federal immigration facility goes against municipal directives.The Washington Post
- Political Alignment: Newark Mayor Ras Baraka has been a vocal opponent of the facility, previously attempting to send city fire and code enforcement officials to inspect it, only to be blocked by federal authorities. Mayor Baraka recently called on New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill to launch an investigation into the facility. NJ Spotlight News
- The State Law Context: New Jersey passed a law banning the operation of private immigration detention centers. However, a federal legal challenge struck down the ban, allowing ICE and the private prison company GEO Group to reopen the 1,000-bed Delaney Hall facility. Local authorities view the facility's continued operation as an overreach against state intent. The Guardian
The police department's refusal to assist comes during a week of intense turmoil at the facility, driven by a reported hunger strike and severe clashes outside the gates:
- The Hunger and Work Strike: Approximately 300 detainees signed a public letter alleging "deplorable" and "inhumane" conditions, insufficient medical care, and small food portions contaminated with maggots. Visiting Democratic members of Congress corroborated reports of medical neglect, citing detainees with untreated cancer or suspected breast lumps.The Guardian
- Federal Denials: DHS and Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin have fiercely denied the existence of a hunger strike or subprime conditions, labeling the allegations "smears" and a "political stunt." The Guardian
- Violent Clashes: Protests have escalated, with federal agents deploying pepper spray and pepper balls into crowds. High-profile figures, including U.S. Senator Andy Kim, reported being pepper-sprayed by federal agents during an attempted oversight visit. Houston Chronicle
- Recent Arrests: DHS confirmed that federal authorities arrested at least two protesters for assaulting, resisting, and impeding federal officers, accusing them of spraying law enforcement with an unknown chemical substance.
Because local police are staying out of the conflict, security at the perimeter remains entirely under the control of helmeted, armed federal ICE agents and GEO Group personnel.
Source: Google Gemini
Mistaken Zeal - Maranatha Our Lord Is Coming - May 28
Clash Of Minds
Apr 27, 2025
For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge. Romans 10:2.
There is a noisy zeal, without aim or purpose, which is not according to knowledge, which is blind in its operations and destructive in its results. This is not Christian zeal. Christian zeal is controlled by principle and is not spasmodic. It is earnest, deep, and strong, engaging the whole soul and arousing to exercise the moral sensibilities.
The salvation of souls and the interests of the kingdom of God are matters of the highest importance. What object is there that calls for greater earnestness than the salvation of souls and the glory of God? There are considerations here which cannot be lightly regarded. They are as weighty as eternity. Eternal destinies are at stake. Men and women are deciding for weal or woe. Christian zeal will not exhaust itself in talk, but will feel and act with vigor and efficiency. Yet Christian zeal will not act for the sake of being seen. Humility will characterize every effort and be seen in every work. Christian zeal will lead to earnest prayer and humiliation, and to faithfulness in home duties. In the family circle will be seen the gentleness and love, benevolence and compassion, which are ever the fruits of Christian zeal....
Oh, how few feel the worth of souls! How few are willing to sacrifice to bring souls to the knowledge of Christ! There is much talking, much professed love for perishing souls; but talk is cheap stuff. It is earnest Christian zeal that is wanted—a zeal that will be manifested by doing something. All must now work for themselves, and when they have Jesus in their hearts they will confess Him to others. No more could a soul who possesses Christ be hindered from confessing Him than could the waters of Niagara be stopped from flowing over the falls.
Eternal life should engage the deepest interest of every Christian. To be a co-worker with Christ and the heavenly angels in the great plan of salvation! What work can bear any comparison with this! From every soul saved there comes to God a revenue of glory to be reflected upon the one saved and also upon the one instrumental in his salvation.
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