Advocate NL 7/30/36

Hello folks and Happy Thursday! Unless you're a paper doll.Audience Editor Edgar Ramirez back in your inbox with the latest "how is the Trump administration reasonably spending our tax dollars" update. Jacob Ogles reports that Education Secretary Linda McMahon announced an investigation into Minnesota-based MyGender Dolls, saying parents had complained about the possibility that the dolls could be used in schools. Even though Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz has denied any involvement in the product’s creation and state education officials have said there are no plans to use the dolls in classrooms, McMahon asserted that the state was plotting to hurt children. Where are my Chucky and Annabelle fans at?Folks, it's only been three days since we brought you this (other) bonkers story involving McMahon. You really can't make this stuff up. Or this: Christopher Wiggins reports that during a State Department event Sunday ahead of AIDS 2026, officials displayed a map of Africa that mislabeled every country it identified.The State Department apologized, saying a staff member had hurriedly changed the presentation. The map carried a watermark indicating it had been created using -- you guessed it -- OpenAI technology, according to Reuters.What a time to be alive.Until next time!- EdgarThe Trump administration’s latest target: gender-neutral paper dolls Minnesota schools aren’t usingA Black trans teen was shot and killed in Florida. Almost no one reported itJudge weighs sanctions after Trump administration violates court order protecting trans prisonersTrump officials mislabel all African countries on map at global AIDS conference as U.S. cuts HIV aidA new HIV diagnosis doesn't have to be nerve-wracking. Advocates share their adviceCheyenne Jackson knows you recognize him — even if you can't remember whyOpinion: Hate is still a public health emergency — and the epidemic we keep ignoring