Tangeriners For ICE, At The Southern Border, Continue To Foot-Drag — On Even IDENTIFYING Those In Custody — For Legal Aid. Damn.

This obstinance, in defiance of clear federal immigration law and regulations — to say nothing of explicit federal court orders… is maddening.

In the San Diego Ms. L. class action, the lawyers for the asylum seekers are owed names of those in custody, so that counsel may meet with them — with appropriate native language interpreters in tow. This the Stephen Miller/Trumpists are… refusing to do, without repeated — ever smaller sentences, in new federal court orders. The insouciance is… bordering on sanctionable. Here’s the latest, in any event:

…Further, providing such information is not as simple as the Court potentially anticipated in the Order. Specifically, while the Court notes that 8 C.F.R. § 241.4(l)(1) requires the government to notify certain formerly paroled aliens “of the reasons for revocation of [their] release or parole,” ECF No. 937 at 8, this regulation is not applicable to every ICE arrest but rather applies to aliens with final orders of removal who may be subject to detention beyond the removal period imposed by 8 C.F.R. Part 241.

Therefore, requiring ICE to provide the bases for detention for all future ICE detentions of class members and QAFMs is not as simple as providing previously created notices that are readily available….

The Trumpers now employed at ICE seem to be saying “since it is not [in all cases] easy, already collected — and simple… we don’t have to do it.” The USDC Judge already ordered this, idiots. Get with it, you malign clowns. Out.

नमस्ते

Merck, Plus Gilead — For Twice A Week Oral HIV Treatment — Soon?

This is a very exciting time for real bio-science. We are on the verge of having oral therapies that are practically a cure, for the scourge of HIV. [Here is one of my prior backgrounders, on Gilead’s twice a year injection therapy for HIV.] And longer-term readers will recall that we first mentioned this oral combo probability in March of 2024.

Rather than rehash that, let’s simply listen in, to FiercePharma — ever cogent, on the topic of new drugs in the pipeline — nearing FDA clearance:

…A combination of Merck’s islatravir and Gilead’s lenacapavir has succeeded in two phase 3 trials and is in line to become the first long-acting oral HIV treatment that can be taken weekly.

Both trials of the combination regimen — which includes a 2 mg dose of islatravir and a 300 mg dose of lenacapavir — included people with HIV who are virologically suppressed and both achieved their primary efficacy endpoint.

In the Islend-1 study, the combo showed its non-inferiority in those who had switched off Gilead’s once-daily pill Biktarvy. In Islend-2, the combo measured up in those who had switched off standard-of-care antiretroviral regimens. No new safety concerns were identified in either study….

“Long-acting oral therapies represent a new wave of transformational innovation in HIV drug development, with the potential to reshape the landscape of care,” said Jared Baeten, M.D, Ph.D, Gilead’s SVP, Clinical Development, Virology Therapeutic Area Head, said in a release. “Innovative oral HIV treatment options that allow for less frequent dosing may make a meaningful difference in the lives of people living with the virus, potentially offering more flexibility and discretion.”

In a note to clients, analysts from Jefferies said that they viewed the data as a “plus,” but that they expect Biktarvy to remain the standard of care because of its well-established efficacy. While five-year data on Biktarvy has shown that 97% of patients remain suppressed, questions remain about the long-term safety and resistance of ISL/LEN….

Gilead’s lenacapavir has been on the market since 2022, when it was approved in the U.S. as Sunlenca for twice-yearly administration for those with drug-resistant HIV. Twelve months ago, the FDA signed off on lenacapavir for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). It is known commercially in that indication as Yeztugo….

Now you know — onward, to a cool but clear and sunny Monday. Smile….

नमस्ते

World Cup Fireworks — Now Underway…

I am not a wildly-obsessive soccer fan, but I do enjoy the unscripted dramatic moments. This evening, Ivory Coast was able to break a nil-nil tie, in the ninetieth minute, as Amad Diallo (also of Manchester United when not in World Cup play) scored on Ecuador.

It is hard not to embrace these moments of complete joy.

As watching a son, decades ago, just a high schooler, advance to the boxing semi-finals against a variety D1 NCAA Football players…

…Or finish second in an olympic tri-, two weeks ago… these are the golden moments. So, do take the time to savor and enjoy them — like a Korean BBQ, or a night at Kennedy’s steak house in Eugene. Smile. Onward.

नमस्ते

John Hinderaker, Again Spinning Orwellian Lies: MAGA Wishes To ERASE Accurate — But Painful — US History.

The level of his depravity… geez.

It is clear as the nose on my face (from the factual record), that long before Mr. Biden — before Mr. Obama, even — many US National Parks displays made accurate, unflinching references to the pernicious effects of slavery (since the early 1990s), and the mistreatment of indigenous peoples (since 1924)… and various other ills, that beset — and in some cases, still beset our nation — America.

But the Orwellian lie MAGA (and/or Hinderaker) tries to tell us is… that these unflinching looks at our actual past all started with Mr. Biden — and that these accurate historical narratives are themselves… lies — designed to weaken America, as a nation.

Poppycock.

John goes even a step further, tonight, arguing that court orders preventing MAGA acolytes from whyte-washing US History in the National Parks… is the US judiciary ordering us all, on pain of contempt, to engage in “hating America”.

Damn this malign fool. Damn him — and let his senility utterly overrun his mind — as quickly as possible now.

O U T.

Status Report/UPDATE: On The Four DECADES Of Flores Class Litigation — In LA — About Treatment Of… Children (And All Others) At The Southern Border…

The orders are clear, from the US Supreme Court, down to the trial courts: children must be have unlimed access to drinking water, fed nutritious food, given toothpaste and toothbrushes, provided warm and sensible bedding, private sleeping arrangements, and regular showers with soap, and daily outdoor recreation and once of school age — meaningful educational opportunities — via computers, in their own native language(s).

That is the minimum our own signed protocols on refugees has required, since 1978. [You will recall, that we earlier learned in this litigation, that as of May 31, 2026, Trump agents had held a 12- and 14-year old, locked in a windowless hotel room for more than nine days (by the government agents’ own admissions), without access to any outside contact… utterly… alone. Disgusting.]

Both versions of Trumpian 1.0 and 2.0 cruelty have intentionally violated these laws — mostly at the direction of Stephen Miller. When this is over, he should be held accountable for his “war crimes” — since the malign idiot claims preposterously this is an “invasion” — and has tried to invoke emergency/war powers, here [both times].

These people must be brought to justice, once we hold the reigns of power in the Congress, once more. Here’s the latest court filed status report, out of LA:

…Both sides acknowledge that since mediation started in January, the number of class members at Dilley and the average time in custody have decreased; educational services offered to younger children have been enhanced; older children have been provided some access to educational activities on computers; and there have been some improvements with respect to the menu and hygiene products.

[The children’s lawyers /] Plaintiffs’ position is that the improvements to the menu and hygiene products have been insufficient. In addition, Defendants have allowed Dr. Paul Wise to conduct site visits at Dilley on March 5, 2026, March 24, 2026, and April 23-24, 2026 and received his recommendations and feedback….

With respect to the notice of Flores rights, Plaintiffs provided Defendants a proposed written notice of Flores rights on April 15, 2026. [Trump] Defendants have not yet responded to Plaintiffs’ proposal or offered a counterproposal….

As a result, [the children’s lawyers /] Plaintiffs see no reason to think progress will be made on this issue. Defendants’ position is that they are still considering Plaintiffs’ proposal and their own position or alternate proposal….

[The Trumpian] Defendants assert that their consideration has taken time because of the weighty issues and numerous agency components involved. [Ed. Note: this is purely foot-dragging, while violating existing court orders Trump himself agreed to — in the era of Tangerine 1.0, when faced with both Ninth Circuit, and Supreme Court losses.]

As set forth in the parties’ recent reports to the Court and during the June 1, 2026 status conference, Plaintiffs’ position is that the conditions at Dilley continue to violate the FSA, and Defendants’ position is that they do not.

At this time, Plaintiffs believe that the parties’ mediation efforts are at an impasse due to Defendants’ current position on some issues and the lengthy delay in response time on other urgent issues….

So it is likely to still be in issue — at least until Trump leaves office, in 2028. Damnation — these are… children. This may require USDC Judge Dolly Gee in LA to start to impose sanctions, on the Trumpian lawyers, for willfully violating her eight years’ worth of remedial orders. Damn. Again, these… are…

CHILDREN. Out.

नमस्ते

A THIRD Fatality, Caused By Kenyan Police, Identified — From The Protests Against Trump’s “Ebola Camps”: Sylvester Muigai Ndung’u, A Student.

All of this bloodshed (scores injured), and death — is directly attributable to Donald Trump’s lawlessness, and malign idiocy — in matters of public health / epidemic abatement.

We have several Ebola treatment facilities in the US — all first rate. We have a collective bargaining agreement — one that promises foreign service workers a pass home, and treatment in these facilities, should they contract Ebola. But Trump — feckless dotard that he is — is forcing Kenyan authorities to build “leper colonies / camps” in that country — instead of honoring his obligations to our own citizens.

Unsurprisingly, ordinary Kenyans do not want Ebola stricken US citizens housed inside their cities. So they have been taking to the streets, by the thousands. And the police have shot and killed at least three protesters, including the teenage student at right.

Here’s the Sunday Beeb — on these deplorable developments:

…The mother of teenager Sylvester Muigai Ndung’u found his body in a mortuary in the central Kenyan town of Nanyuki two days after he went missing.

The 17-year-old was killed on Tuesday in clashes between police and demonstrators during a protest over a US plan to build an Ebola quarantine centre at a nearby military base.

Lucy Kagure had been searching for her son in hospitals and police stations and eventually discovered his body at the mortuary, where he was listed as an unidentified male. . . .

“When I found him, half of his head had been split open. His clothes were soaked in blood,” she told the BBC….

His head was likely split open by a tear gas cannister fired at him, from very close range.

Dammit — this makes American “policy” just… the worst — of the worst.

नमस्ते

[Kicker: Knicks, Champs!] USDC Judge Cummings In Chicago Releases Another 10 People Grabbed (Lawlessly) In The Last Six Months By Noem/Bovino/ICE, Under Order To Enforce Consent Decree Of 2019.

Bit by bit, the courts are ending last summer’s reign of terror — by Noem and Bovino and Miller… AND Tangerine 2.0.

I won’t link the full PDF as it lists too many identifying details as to the ten, and I will not put them at risk from private militias — or even rogue ICE agents, again — but here is the central feature, in anonymized text:

…For any of the above ten individuals that remain detained, defendants are ordered to facilitate their immediate release on their own recognizance and without bond or conditions of release as specified in Section IV(E)(2) of the Decree, (Dckt. #155-1 at 9), by no later than 5:00 p.m. CT on June 16, 2026.

With respect to those individuals who have already been released, but on bond and with conditions, defendants must take action to refund any bonds and remove all conditions on or before 5:00 p.m. CT on June 16, 2026. Defendants shall file a certification by 5:00 p.m. CT on June 17, 2026, that all individuals have been released on their own recognizance and without bond or conditions of release as required by Section IV(E)(2) of the Consent Decree….

As stated on the record, defendants will produce the remaining approximately 100 files for the individuals purportedly subject to targeted arrests on a rolling basis, and shall complete that production by no later than July 3, 2026….

Now you know — and onward, to a grilled, dry-rubbed ribeye tonight (rare) — and now, actually — at 11 PM… a Knicks title — the first, since 1973 and the days of a young Walt “Clyde” Frazier. Woot!

नमस्ते

Children And Refugees — In A Crowded Camp Of 30,000+, In DRC Conflict Zone — Now Presenting With… Ebola. Awful.

This is going to get much worse.

And it didn’t have to be this way. [This, even as Gilead donates 2,000 vials of remdesivir — a therapeutic — to the DRC health missions. This amount is far short of what will be needed though, to be clear.] Here’s the latest — from CIDRAP:

…Among the dead are two victims who were living in a displacement camp in eastern DRC, which has been plagued by conflict between the government and rebel groups. According to Reuters, the mother and daughter, who died on May 31 and June 1 and later tested positive for Ebola, were living in a camp that’s hosting 30,000 internally displaced people in cramped and unsanitary conditions.

“We are all really worried that Ebola in these camps will spread extremely quickly and that there will be panic and people will flee all over whether or not they’re contacts, whether or not they’re ill,” Caitlin Brady, country director for the Danish Refugee Council in Congo, told the news agency.

Officials with the World Health Organization (WHO) said the number of affected health zones in DRC is growing.

“Every day, cases are being identified in new health zones. And that reflects really the scale of this outbreak, a scale that is much bigger than what is being detected and the high mobility of the population in this part of the DRC,” Olivier le Polain, PhD, of the WHO said at a press conference today….

This may well become the second worst outbreak in recorded history — even as world-wide, various entities are racing to develop both therapeutics — and a mRNA vaccine, for the current “Bundibugyo” variant of the Ebola virus.

[We won’t update our totals in the graphic, as it is not clear that the “official” counts are accurate. They ignore hundreds who were ill and died — before the world became aware that a new outbreak was underway. We will update our counts to match the official WHO count, when/if the totals reach 1,000 “official” deaths, next.]

This is a fraught moment, indeed. Onward, resolutely — just the same.

नमस्ते

Hinderaker: Utterly (And Disingenuously) Confused — About Why People Don’t Like Musk.

Tonight, and preposterously so, Hinderaker claims that it is only “the liberals” — who distain Elon Musk.

Nope.

In fact, John himself admits that he would not invest in Musk’s SpaceX, unless the stock price falls — to one-half of where it is, now.

He correctly observes that absolutely nothing in the stable of businesses as presently constituted remotely justifies $1 trillion valuation.

But instead of saying Elon Musk is a serial securities fraudster, John leaps to the wild eyed conclusion — that “liberals” are just envious — and hate/reject the idea of anyone having their “own” property. What a preposterous load of crap that — and he — represents.

Let us instead consider the fact that Musk regularly lies about his public companies; consider that… is a felony under the ‘34 Act, John.

Thus, the Twitter/X-itter case study:

…In a pitch to private investors, Elon Musk once predicted that one of his companies would quintuple its revenue to more than $26 billion and nearly quintuple its customer base by 2028.

That company was Twitter and those projections were made as Mr. Musk prepared to buy the social media company for $44 billion in 2022.

Today, Twitter, which has been renamed X, has fallen far short of what Mr. Musk said would happen. The social media platform’s ad revenue plunged 65 percent last year. And it was ultimately folded into SpaceX, Mr. Musk’s rocket company, this year ….

Those are facts, John. Not wildly irrational prejudices.

Prejudices — like the ones which you clearly hold — about “liberals”.

Personally, over the last five years, I have now heard dozens of GOP voters / genuine conservatives… lament the level of dishonesty that both Trump and Musk regularly exhibit.

Some of them even specifically call Musk a securities fraudster. That’s not a liberal opinion, and that’s not a hatred of all property. That’s a respect for the rule of law. Sadly, you are no longer similarly afflicted.

You’re just a bitter and old man.

Cheers.