Ethics journal retracts paper by high school student for AI, peer review manipulation; Retraction Watch, July 6, 2026

 Retraction Watch; Ethics journal retracts paper by high school student for AI, peer review manipulation

"The Journal of Medical Ethics has retracted a paper on the use of AI in the pharmaceutical industry for containing references that don’t exist. The article’s sole author: a high school student. 

The paper, which argues biased algorithms can exacerbate inequities in health care, was published in September. The author, Irfan Biswas, listed his affiliation as Shrewsbury Public Schools in Massachusetts.

According to the May 28 retraction notice, an investigation by the journal found Biswas used generative AI to “identify and understand referenced sources” and did not verify the references prior to submission. 

“The journal investigated concerns about the quality of the work and the accuracy of the references, including concerns that several references did not exist,” the notice reads. 

Last year another ethics journal made a similar retraction after a reader found fabricated references in a paper on whistleblowing. The Biswas article joins the estimated one in 277 papers indexed in PubMed with fabricated references, a phenomenon that came about with the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT.

The retraction notice for the latest paper also cites “evidence of peer review manipulation.”

Caroline White, media relations manager for BMJ Group, which publishes the journal, declined to elaborate on the problematic peer review. Biswas confirmed to the journal he was a high school student, and agreed to the retraction, White said. 

Biswas did not respond to our emails or LinkedIn message asking for clarification on how the references ended up in the paper. 

In an August 2025 paper in Frontiers in Genome Editing, “Ethical dimensions and societal implications: ensuring the social responsibility of CRISPR technology,” Biswas listed affiliations with the University of Massachusetts Medical School in Worcester and the University of Rhode Island in Kingston. A representative from UMass told Retraction Watch they have no record of Biswas attending the school. URI said a student by the same name is enrolled as an undergraduate, but said they were “unable to confirm whether or not it is the same individual.” 

They built the world’s most powerful AI. They’re facing a mystery they can’t explain.; The Washington Post, July 1, 2026

 Nitasha Tiku, The Washington Post ; They built the world’s most powerful AI. They’re facing a mystery they can’t explain.

"Anthropic, Google and Meta have over the past year hired computer scientists, neuroscientists and philosophers to study concepts like the welfare of AI models or whether chatbots have forms of emotion. AI companies are collaborating with nonprofits, researchers and academic centers, who warn of an ethical crisis if the digital helpers used by millions of people for homework, coding, office work and therapy one day begin to feel that they hate their job."

The Revenge of the Philosophy Majors; The New York Times Magazine, July 5, 2026

 Benjamin Wallace, The New York Times Magazine; The Revenge of the Philosophy Majors

"One of humanity’s oldest disciplines and one of its newest inventions feel distinctly made for each other. A.I. presents a fresh way for philosophers to ask ancient questions, and its own set of new ones that they are uniquely trained to engage with: of truth and belief and knowledge (epistemologists); of reasoning (logicians); of mind and consciousness (philosophers of mind and consciousness). For ethicists, in particular, A.I. is a bonanza. How should models act toward us? How should humans interact with them? Where would purpose come from in a post-work society?"

American Library Association Council Introduces Resolution to Establish Librarians’ and Library Workers’ Bill of Rights; American Library Association (ALA), June 28, 2026

 American Library Association (ALA) ; American Library Association Council Introduces Resolution to Establish Librarians’ and Library Workers’ Bill of Rights

" The American Library Association (ALA) Council passed a resolution calling for the adoption and recognition of the Librarians’ and Library Workers’ Bill of Rights, a landmark framework affirming the dignity, safety and professional rights of library workers across all sectors.

The resolution, presented at Council Meeting I during the 2026 ALA Annual Conference in Chicago, responds to growing concerns about the treatment and working conditions of library professionals nationwide. It underscores the essential role librarians and library workers play as champions of intellectual freedom, equitable access to information, and lifelong learning. 

“The passage of this resolution marks an important step forward in recognizing the rights, safety and professional dignity of library workers everywhere,” said ALA President Sam Helmick. “At a time when library professionals are facing unprecedented challenges, ALA is affirming that those who serve our communities deserve respect, support and protection as they uphold intellectual freedom and access to information for all.

The resolution highlights the escalating challenges faced by library workers, including harassment, censorship pressures, and workplace inequities and calls on library systems at all levels to formally adopt the Bill of Rights as a guiding document for policy and practice. 

The Librarians’ and Library Workers’ Bill of Rights 

Article I: The Right to a Safe, Respectful, and Discrimination-Free Workplace 

All library workers have the right to perform their duties in an environment free from harassment, bullying, discrimination, and threats to personal safety. 

Article II: The Right to Recognition and Respect for the Librarian’s Role in Fostering Intellectual Freedom

Librarians and library workers shall not be censored, silenced, or punished for upholding intellectual freedom and professional ethics. 

Article III: The Right to Fair Compensation and Ongoing Professional Development 

All library workers deserve fair pay, professional respect, and opportunities for continued growth within their field. 

Article IV: The Right to Reflect and Respect the Diversity of the Human Experience. 

Librarians and library workers shall strive to represent the diversity of their communities in the materials they collect, in the displays they create, and the programs and services that they offer. 

Article V: The Right to Protection from Workplace Harassment and Threats 

No library worker shall endure intimidation, violence, or bullying from patrons, colleagues, or administrators. 

Article VI: The Right to Fair Treatment and Due Process 

Library workers shall be guaranteed transparency, fairness, and access to representation in all disciplinary or termination actions. Together, these principles aim to create stronger, more inclusive library environments that benefit both staff and the communities they serve.

The resolution urges libraries, governing boards, and affiliated organizations to formally endorse and integrate the Bill of Rights into organizational policies, training, and strategic planning."

Actor Sean Astin and Entertainment Industry Executives Testify on Digital Piracy; C-SPAN, June 30, 2026

 C-SPAN ; Actor Sean Astin and Entertainment Industry Executives Testify on Digital Piracy

"Actor Sean Astin and entertainment industry executives testified before the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property, AI, and the Internet on digital piracy and intellectual property enforcement. The witnesses discussed several topics, including artificial intelligence's role in intellectual property theft, efforts to protect content creators, and the use of judicial site blocking to combat online piracy."

NHS app to use AI to determine which service best for patients; BBC, July 5, 2026

 Emily Atkinson, BBC; NHS app to use AI to determine which service best for patients

"Artificial intelligence software will be used on the NHS app to determine which service is most appropriate for patients in England, the health service has announced.

A new triage tool will ask patients a series of questions, and will use the responses to direct them to a GP appointment, pharmacy, A&E, community service or offer self-care advice.

NHS England said the update would reach more than 200,000 patients in the next 12 months and be available to all app users by April 2028 as part of a "major overhaul" of its technology. 

The rollout has been largely welcomed, but some health bodies urged the NHS to prioritise patient safety, confidentiality and inclusion as it grows more reliant on AI.

According to NHS England, the triage tool will provide advice and suggest services or book appointments. Part of its aim is to reduce waiting on the phone when GP surgeries typically open their lines at 08:00."

Chess Federation Suspends Former World Champion for Violating Ethics Code After He Accused Other Players of Cheating; People, July 4, 2026

 Kimberlee Speakman, People ; Chess Federation Suspends Former World Champion for Violating Ethics Code After He Accused Other Players of Cheating

"Former chess world champion Vladimir Kramnik has been suspended. 

The International Chess Federation (FIDE) announced on Friday, July 3, that it suspended Kramnik, 51, over “multiple violations” of the federations' ethics code and disciplinary code due to previous comments he made.

Kramnik — who held the world chess champion title from 2000 to 2007 —  has been banned from participating in worldwide FIDE chess competitions or acting in official chess functions for at least one year...

“The Chamber found that his conduct breached provisions relating to the right to dignity and respectful treatment, safeguarding the dignity of individuals, bullying and cyberbullying, psychological abuse, responsibility as a role model, failure to cooperate with the Fair Play Commission’s investigation, and false or unjustified public accusations,” the FIDE said in a statement."

Has Trump Changed Democracy Forever? We Asked 11 Historians.; Politico, July 4, 2026

 POLITICO MAGAZINE, Politico;  Has Trump Changed Democracy Forever? We Asked 11 Historians.

Experts on U.S. history look to the past — and the future.

"From a fledgling republic to a global superpower, the United States has constantly reinvented itself over the last 250 years.

Americans have expanded democracy and driven innovation. They’ve also confronted war, economic upheaval and long struggles over equality and justice.

Now, the country faces a new era of uncertainty: Americans are debating the United States’ role in the world, losing faith in its institutions and grappling with deep political and cultural divisions. In this moment, the semiquincentennial gives us the opportunity to evaluate the latest iteration of America — and how we got here.

To mark America 250, we asked 11 historians and writers to reflect on the lessons U.S. history has taught us. They told us what grade they’d give the current state of American democracy, what it means to be an American today and what the country needs to last another 250 years."

Full Text: Pope Leo XIV’s Letter on the 250th Anniversary of America’s Founding; National Catholic Register, July 3, 2026

  National Catholic Register; Full Text: Pope Leo XIV’s Letter on the 250th Anniversary of America’s Founding

"Editor's Note: Ahead of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States, Pope Leo XIV penned a letter marking the historic moment. The letter, dated June 25 and released by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops on Friday, is reprinted in full below."

Newspapers take on AI giants in court, warn of ‘death knell for local journalism’; NJ.com, July 2, 2026

 Rebecca Heath, NJ.com; Newspapers take on AI giants in court, warn of ‘death knell for local journalism’

"OpenAI and Microsoft are facing a federal lawsuit from hundreds of newspaper publishers who allege the tech giants unlawfully used their copyrighted content without permission or payment.

Former New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin is representing the coalition in the case filed June 24 in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York.

The lawsuit alleges OpenAI and Microsoft scraped publishers’ content to develop and commercialize artificial intelligence products, including ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot...

“Local reporters should not have their work stolen without credit or compensation, and new technology does not come with an exemption from copyright law,” he added."

Judge rules Michael Lunsford, Citizens for New La. owe librarian $50,000 in attorney fees; The Acadiana Advocate, July 2, 2026

CLAIRE TAYLOR , The Acadiana Advocate; Judge rules Michael Lunsford, Citizens for New La. owe librarian $50,000 in attorney fees

[Kip Currier: It's dizzying to remind ourselves via articles like this 7/2/26 one in The Acadiana Advocate of the legal twists and turns that librarian Amanda Jones has traversed to arrive at this $50,000 settlement agreement for attorney fees in her lawsuit for alleged defamation against Citizens for a New Louisiana.

Ms. Jones previously secured a recorded apology and $1 payment from blogger Ryan Thames in November 2025. 

I was fortunate to speak with the greatly-in-demand inspiring intellectual freedom advocate Amanda Jones in April 2025 for a recorded interview that graduate students continue to be able to learn from in my MLIS degree's "required core course" The Information Professional in Communities at the University of Pittsburgh. Her profile is also included in the Intellectual Freedom chapter of my 2025 Bloomsbury book Ethics, Information, and Technology.

Ms. Jones shared on LinkedIn recently that she was "incredibly humbled and grateful" to learn that her 2024 Bloomsbury book That Librarian: The Fight Against Book Banning in America "has been included in The Obama Foundation Public Library collection of non circulating books, specially chosen by President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama."

Kudos to Amanda Jones -- and other dedicated librarians and information professionals throughout the world -- for courageously standing up for intellectual freedom and access to diverse viewpoints and voices through books.]

"A Livingston Parish judge has ruled that Michael Lunsford and the Lafayette-based Citizens for a New Louisiana owe $50,000 to a librarian in a defamation case that has not yet been tried on its merits.

Twenty-first Judicial District Court Judge Erika Sledge of Livingston Parish on June 15 awarded Amanda Jones, a Livingston Parish school librarian, $50,979 to be paid by Citzens for a New Louisiana and Executive Director Michael Lunsford.

In 2022, Jones spoke at a Livingston Parish Library board meeting against censorship and the proposal removal of books. Lunsford, who runs the social media for the conservative Citizens for a New Louisiana and blogger Ryan Thames blasted Jones on social media, equating her opposition to banning publications like “This Book Is Gay” to supporting the grooming of children and pornography...

Jones has since settled with Thames who issued a public apology."

Pete Buttigieg’s Ordeal Is a Frightening New Form of Political Harassment; The Atlantic, July 2, 2026

 Quinta Jurecic, The Atlantic; Pete Buttigieg’s Ordeal Is a Frightening New Form of Political Harassment

"The news that former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg was investigated by Child Protective Services for a false allegation of child abuse was surprising. Not that an accuser would attempt such a cruel form of harassment—this, unfortunately, is not shocking at all—but because nobody seems to have aimed this particular tactic at a prominent politician before. Even in these unimaginative days, Americans are still capable of new innovations in cruelty.

“Someone decided to hurt our family this week,” Buttigieg wrote in a Substack post last week. Buttigieg, the first openly gay Cabinet member and a likely Democratic presidential contender, wrote that state police and a CPS worker arrived at his home in the last week of June to investigate an anonymous report that Buttigieg may have harmed his 4-year-old twins. The matter was quickly resolved, but only after Buttigieg was separated from his children for 24 hours and CPS had interviewed them. State investigators in Michigan, where Buttigieg lives, determined that the tip had been false.

Life as a public servant in America requires an escalating tolerance for danger. Politicians, judges, election workers, school-board members, and librarians face online abuse, threats, true risk of physical violence, and bullying—persistent, creative torment that emerges from unexpected corners and darts back and forth across the line of physical and psychological peril. Now people considering a role in public life have a new nightmare to consider: the possibility that a malicious hoax will lead the state to take away their children."

Olympian David Hearn indicted in Reflecting Pool destruction of property case; CNBC, July 2, 2026

 Dan Mangan, CNBC; Olympian David Hearn indicted in Reflecting Pool destruction of property case

 "U.S. Olympian canoeist David Hearn was indicted by a grand jury in Washington, D.C., for destruction of property in connection with allegedly ripping up sealant in the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro said Thursday.

Pirro said Hearn on June 19 willfully and “violently” damaged a two-square-foot piece of sealant at the pool, whose renovation has been a top priority for President Donald Trump this year.

Hearn, 67, faces a possible maximum sentence of 10 years in prison if convicted of the felony charge, which was filed in the District of Columbia. He was arrested on June 19 on a misdemeanor charge.

The three-time Olympian told The Washington Post after his arrest that he had been cycling when he stopped at the Reflecting Pool to look at it. While there, he said, he reached into the water to feel what a partially detached piece of blue liner felt like, after which he was arrested.

“I didn’t vandalize anything,” Hearn told The Post. “I didn’t destroy or break or peel anything. By the time I realized what was going on, I was being put in handcuffs.”"

Icom adopts revised Code of Ethics for Museums; Museums Association, June 29, 2026

REBECCA ATKINSON, Museums Association; Icom adopts revised Code of Ethics for Museums

"The International Council of Museums (Icom) has officially adopted a revised Code of Ethics for Museums following four years of consultation with its members and the wider sector.  

The updated global framework sets out shared ethical principles to help museums protect cultural heritage, strengthen public trust, manage collections responsibly, and serve society.

Approved during the Icom’s 41st ordinary general assembly last week by 85.9% of the vote, the revised code reflects the evolving role of museums and responds to key challenges such as AI, the climate crisis and the legacy of colonialism. It also aligns with Icom’s 2022 definition of a museum.

The code is structured around five core principles:

1. Society: Museums serve society.
2. Professionalism: Museums operate and communicate with professional expertise, knowledge and standards.
3. Education: Museums offer diverse experiences for knowledge-sharing and reflection.
4. Collections: Museums research, collect and conserve.
5. Governance: Museums are not-for-profit, permanent institutions."

House Democrats accuse Trump of 'hijacking' America's 250th birthday for his own gain; NPR, July 2, 2026

 Rachel Treisman, NPR; House Democrats accuse Trump of 'hijacking' America's 250th birthday for his own gain

"As America's birthday celebrations kick into high gear, so too do criticisms of the preeminent national group organizing them, Freedom 250.

Democrats on the House Natural Resources Committee published a 55-page report Thursday accusing the group of aiding President Trump in turning America's milestone into a "hotbed of corruption and self-enrichment" through tactics that potentially amount to criminal fraud.

It's titled "From Vanity to Insanity: How the White House Cheated the American People out of their 250th Birthday.""

DOJ reaches settlement with major egg producers over alleged price manipulation; Fox News, July 1, 2026

 Bradford Betz; Fox News; DOJ reaches settlement with major egg producers over alleged price manipulation

"The Justice Department and attorneys general from 17 states announced proposed settlements Tuesday with three of the nation's largest egg producers after alleging they coordinated to manipulate a key pricing benchmark that inflated egg prices for consumers nationwide.

Federal officials simultaneously filed a civil antitrust lawsuit against Cal-Maine Foods, Hickman's Egg Ranch and Versova while lodging the proposed settlements, which – if approved by a federal court – would prohibit the companies from engaging in the alleged conduct going forward.

According to New York Attorney General Letitia James' office, the companies agreed to pay a combined $3.3 million to participating states and donate approximately 53 million eggs to food banks and nonprofit organizations. The settlements also require the companies to adopt antitrust compliance measures and end the alleged coordination."

AI Costs More Than The People It Replaced; Forbes, July 2, 2026

 Jemma Green , Forbes; AI Costs More Than The People It Replaced

"Something odd is happening in the tech world right now: the technology that was supposed to make human labour obsolete is, at this moment, more expensive than the humans it was meant to replace."

ICE’s arrest of nun heading to church fuels bipartisan backlash in South Texas; The Washington Post, July 1, 2026

 Arelis R. Hernández, The Washington Post; ICE’s arrest of nun heading to church fuels bipartisan backlash in South Texas

"Sister Leticia “Letty” Ugboaja was walking to Sunday Mass in McAllen, Texas, when federal immigration officers stopped her, confiscated her rosary and put her in handcuffs."

Microsoft Shareholder Sues Top Brass for AI Copyright Claims; Bloomberg Law, July 1, 2026

 

Rebecca Klar

, Bloomberg Law; Microsoft Shareholder Sues Top Brass for AI Copyright Claims

"Microsoft Corp.'s executives and board directors misled shareholders in statements concealing its artificial intelligence tools were trained on copyrighted material, a new investor lawsuit said. 

The tech giant’s false statements about its AI strategy and violations of intellectual property law caused substantial damage to Microsoft and its shareholders, according to Eric Anderson’s stockholder derivative lawsuit filed Tuesday in the US District Court for the Western District of Washington."

The Trump Family and ‘Honest Graft’; Wall Street Journal, July 1, 2026

 The Editorial Board , Wall Street Journal; The Trump Family and ‘Honest Graft’

They are profiting off the Presidency in ways that demean the office.

"Americans tell pollsters they don’t think they are getting ahead financially. But President Trump and his family are having no trouble, judging from his 2025 financial disclosure report released Tuesday. The Trump clan is cashing in on the Presidency in big and sketchy ways.

The 927-page report shows Mr. Trump made some $1.4 billion last year from crypto alone. Yowzers. This includes $635 million in royalties from the memecoin that Mr. Trump launched days before his inauguration. Trump Organization business affiliates make money from what are akin to transaction fees when the memecoin is traded.

Another $593 million came from token and equity sales by World Liberty Financial, whose co-founders include the President, his sons and special envoy Steve Witkoff. Mr. Witkoff’s son, Zach, is its CEO. A business entity affiliated with Mr. Trump and his family members owns a major chunk of World Liberty."

As Trump reports $2.2 billion in 2025 income, ethics experts raise alarm; Los Angeles Times, July 1, 2026

 Jenny Jarvie, Los Angeles Times; As Trump reports $2.2 billion in 2025 income, ethics experts raise alarm

"Ethics experts sounded the alarm Wednesday after new financial disclosure reports revealed that President Trump’s income ballooned to $2.2 billion in 2025, with $1.4 billion coming from various new cryptocurrency-related businesses.

“It’s bribery. It’s graft. It’s exploitation of public power for private financial gain,” said Kathleen Clark, a law professor at Washington University and an expert in government ethics. “Trump has — with the acquiescence of a somnolent, GOP-controlled Congress and the active assistance of John Roberts’ Supreme Court — transformed the presidency into a massive corruption racket.”

Trump reported income of over $600 million in 2024. But after he entered the White House in 2025, he reported that his income had soared to more than $2.2 billion."

Supreme Court Leaves in Place Injunction Preserving Register of Copyrights Shira Perlmutter’s Position; Munger, Tolles & Olson LLP, June 30, 2026

 Munger, Tolles & Olson LLP; Supreme Court Leaves in Place Injunction Preserving Register of Copyrights Shira Perlmutter’s Position

"Munger, Tolles & Olson and co-counsel Democracy Forward secured a significant victory for Register of Copyrights Shira Perlmutter in litigation challenging the Trump administration’s attempt to remove her from office. On June 30, 2026, the U.S. Supreme Court denied the administration’s emergency application in Blanche v. Perlmutter, leaving in place the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit’s injunction preserving Perlmutter’s position while her legal challenge proceeds. 

Shira Perlmutter contends that her removal was unlawful because only the Librarian of Congress has authority to remove the Register of Copyrights and that then-Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche was not lawfully serving as Acting Librarian of Congress when he attempted to remove her. By declining to stay the D.C. Circuit’s injunction, the Supreme Court allowed Perlmutter to remain in office while the litigation continues."

US Supreme Court won't let Trump remove top copyright official for now; Reuters, June 30, 2026

 John Kruzel, Reuters ; US Supreme Court won't let Trump remove top copyright official for now

Frustrated with book bans, these Utah bookstores now hand out free copies of titles pulled from public schools; The Salt Lake Tribune, June 30, 2026

 Carmen Nesbitt, The Salt Lake Tribune; Frustrated with book bans, these Utah bookstores now hand out free copies of titles pulled from public schools

"A group of LGBTQ organizations and independent bookstores have teamed up to hand out free copies of books that have been banned from all Utah public schools.

The giveaways will continue, they say, until the state ends its practice of removing titles from school shelves statewide.

Organizers of the “Read Between the Bans” campaign include The King’s English Bookshop, Under The Umbrella bookstore, The Legendarium bookstore and Weller Book Works, along with Utah’s LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce and Safe Zone Utah...

Inside Brain Food Books’ “bookmobile,” a section of free banned books was also set up for festival attendees to peruse. The nonprofit, sponsored by The King’s English Bookshop, helps get books to people who otherwise lack “regular access,” according to its website."

Dua Lipa Is Fighting Book Bans with a New 'Manifesto Library' She Calls a 'Shrine' to Banned Books; People, June 29, 2026

Desiree Anello, People; Dua Lipa Is Fighting Book Bans with a New 'Manifesto Library' She Calls a 'Shrine' to Banned Books

"Dua Lipa is taking her book club to the next level. 

Three years after she founded Service95, a book club dedicated to "serving up insider recommendations and global stories featuring some of the world's most compelling voices," the pop star and bookworm, 30, celebrated the opening of her very first physical library. 

"This library is a shrine to books that have disappeared, to authors whose courage unmasks structures of power and control, and to readers who refuse to be told what book they're allowed," Lipa wrote in an Instagram post shared by Service95 Book Club and Livraria Lello. 

In her Manifesto Library, which opened on June 27 as part of the new BABELL - City of Books literary festival, Lipa will stock a diverse collection of books — including banned books — that relate to the themes of power, control, voice and memory. The permanent library resides inside the historic Livraria Lello Bookshop in Porto, Portugal."