View Full Version : The American Local News Thread
Instead of spilling a ton of very random articles into S&D that are oddball, I decided to start a themed thread for just local stuff...
Here's the first one and it's definitely for fun:
https://i.postimg.cc/zfgVsM2w/AA1Lc8Mk.jpg
(April 2025)
Trump-inspired burger joint just opened in Houston — Here’s what you can expect
https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2025/04/28/trump-inspired-burger-joint-just-opened-in-houston-heres-what-you-can-expect/
It’s the fourth Trump Burger spot to hit the Houston area, joining locations in Kemah, Bellville, and Flatonia.
According to the Bellville location’s DoorDash page, you’ll find a lineup of burgers, chicken sandwiches, starters, and salads — all with a presidential twist.
Signature items include the Trump Burger, the towering Trump Tower, and the First Lady Chicken Sandwich.
(June 2025)
Trump Burger sues landlord, alleges unlawful takeover of restaurant
https://www.khou.com/article/money/business/houston-business-journal/trump-burger-lawsuit-kemah/285-6a58aefd-cde5-4245-aebf-38d955e66e62
The complaint, filed June 24 in Harris County District Court, accuses the landlord, Archie Patterson, and his companies, 409 Bradford LLC and All Tex Personnel LCC, of taking over the restaurant on June 7.
"Archie" does sound rather villainous...
The Kemah restaurant is different from the other locations, offering a family-friendly burger joint during the day and an adult social scene at night with a dance floor, live band space and alcohol sales.
Oh my.
And then this happened...
(Aug 7th)
Trump Burger co-owner in Houston could be deported after ICE arrest
https://www.khou.com/article/news/local/trump-burger-owner-deportation-ice/285-0d9ef249-0b88-4534-86eb-b3f301560da1
(Aug 21st)
A second Trump Burger owner was detained by ICE. His lawyer says he's suffering from medical neglect
https://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston-texas/article/trump-burger-second-ice-arrest-wrong-20827379.php
The co-owner of Donald Trump-themed restaurants in the Houston area faces possible deportation after he was arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in May for allegedly overstaying his visa, according to the federal agency.
Trump Burger co-owner Roland Beainy was granted bond by an immigration judge on June 13 as he awaits immigration proceedings, according to ICE.
"Beainy is a 28-year-old illegal alien from Lebanon" ...
How dare him.
... "who entered the United States in 2019 as a non-immigrant visitor, but he failed to depart by Feb. 12, 2024, as required under the terms of his admission," an ICE spokesperson said in a Friday statement to Houston Public Media. "ICE is committed to restore integrity to our nation's immigration system."
Who can resist a good burger, though. Apparently not even an ICE agent.
…oh, I thought that was fake news there but apparently the fans of the Trump burger can Putin their own fillings …/…obviously bun taxes will have to be raised and applied accordingly, though…
…neat thread, Maru…:love:..
[Trump Burger co-owner Roland Beainy was granted bond by an immigration judge on June 13 as he awaits immigration proceedings, according to ICE.]
Is that seriously his real name? :laugh:
[Trump Burger co-owner Roland Beainy was granted bond by an immigration judge on June 13 as he awaits immigration proceedings, according to ICE.]
Is that seriously his real name? :laugh:
His name sounds so AI generated. We're not far from AI generated news articles at this point so waiting for the day when people's names start getting switched out for "ethical and privacy reasons".
Houston-area researcher charged with stealing research funded by U.S. government
https://www.chron.com/news/article/md-anderson-cancer-research-data-allegedly-stolen-21015938.php
A Houston-area researcher was accused of stealing confidential data on breast cancer and attempting to leave the country, according to court documents filed last week.
Yunhai Li, 35, was charged with theft of trade secrets and tampering with government records, a third-degree felony and misdemeanor, respectively.
Although Li conducted the research during his tenure at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center (MDACC), investigators said the university maintained ownership of the research, prohibiting Li from storing or sharing the data. About 70 percent of the project was completed at the time of Li's resignation.
On July 1, Li resigned from his position and intended to return to China, according to court documents.
On his journey home, Li was stopped by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection at the George Bush Intercontinental Airport and detained for inspection. Upon conducting a search of his devices, Li was accused of storing research on his Baidu account, amassing about 50 GB of data.
Someone had a really fun day at work.
World War I-era artillery shell detonated by bomb squad after being found at Houston’s Memorial Park
https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/news/houston/2025/08/26/529501/world-war-i-era-artillery-shell-detonated-by-bomb-squad-after-being-found-at-houstons-memorial-park/
https://i.postimg.cc/LsYBKBLG/Memorial-Park-Artillery-Shell-HPD-1125x1500-jpg.webp
As Memorial Park leaders embark on a project to honor its World War I roots, an explosive discovery was made this week.
“Memorial Park is unique nationally because it is the only remaining site of a WWI training camp that remains accessible to the general public.,” Ballard said in a statement. “A 100-acre site along West Memorial Loop Drive was selected for Memorial Groves as it contains the largest number of Camp Logan archaeological finds within Memorial Park.”
NY teen opens up about winning free speech battle to display Bible verses on school parking spot
https://nypost.com/2025/08/26/us-news/ny-teen-opens-up-about-winning-free-speech-battle-to-display-bible-verses-on-school-parking-spot/
https://i.postimg.cc/J0qntn9j/new-york-teen-sabrina-steffans-110117216.webp
A New York high school student has won the right to display Bible verses on her senior parking spot after a battle over free speech and religious expression came to a close.
Grand Island High School initially rejected Sabrina Steffans’ designs because they included Christian imagery and Scripture, but after intervention from the First Liberty Institute — a nonprofit legal organization dedicated to defending religious liberty — the school reversed its decision, citing constitutional principles.
“The first [design], I wasn’t very surprised that they turned that down because I do run a Bible club, and they turned down a lot of stuff in the Bible club,” Steffans told Fox News on Tuesday.
Grand Island Central School District Superintendent Brian Graham previously issued a statement to CBN News, reiterating the district’s commitment to “fostering an inclusive school environment that respects the rights and dignity of all students.”
“We also take seriously our responsibility to uphold constitutional principles, including the First Amendment,” the statement continued.
Imagine praying for the closest parking spot to Starbucks while under another God and this is the one you see first:
https://media.giphy.com/media/v1.Y2lkPWVjZjA1ZTQ3dmNxaTk0eDY4cjBrdTQ4Mmc1a3dwZ3d ucGZndjVidDcxem8zeXlsZyZlcD12MV9naWZzX3NlYXJjaCZjd D1n/mCCmiI3dLKqWEoDxq3/giphy.gif
Something I just saw...
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Fulton County is Atlanta, Georgia, etc...
Fulton commissioners to respond to GOP lawsuit over election board nominees
https://www.fox5atlanta.com/news/fulton-commissioners-respond-gop-lawsuit-election-board-nominees
FULTON COUNTY, Ga. - Two Democratic Fulton County commissioners are responding to a lawsuit filed by Republicans over their refusal to seat the GOP nominees to the county’s elections board.
Despite a recent court order, commissioners have refused to seat Jason Frazier and Julie Adams, claiming that both nominees had a history of challenging election results and ballots.
The backstory:
Under Georgia law, the commission is required to appoint two people from the political parties that received the largest number of votes in the state - those being the Republicans and Democrats.
However, the Democratic commissioners have continued to table or vote against Frazier and Adams' nominations.
Adams, who had previously been a member of the board, controversially argued in 2024 that she should be allowed to withhold certification of the county's election if she believed the results were incorrect or unreliable. She had also refused to certify the results of the county's May 2024 primary election. Frazier has reportedly lodged thousands of voter registration challenges in Fulton County.
In other news, Jesus' "best friend" was indicted by the FBI... $50M trafficking case...
https://i.postimg.cc/y829fQjg/ratio3x2-960.webp
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Indictment documents with lots and lots of fun texts: https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/26076679-federal-indictment-against-david-taylor-of-kingdom-of-god-global-church/?mode=document
What to know about Joshua Media Ministries, David Taylor after FBI raid at Houston church
https://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston-texas/religion/article/david-taylor-jmmi-joshua-media-fbi-raid-21017750.php
In 2023, Michigan-based church leader David Taylor announced a new Houston location for his ministry, the Kingdom of God Global Church, and vehemently denied claims that his church was a cult.
On Wednesday, FBI agents searched the church’s Houston property and authorities confirmed Taylor had been indicted on federal charges that include forced labor and money laundering conspiracy.
Here’s what we know about Taylor, his controversial church and what federal officials alleged about the Houston property:
Who is David E. Taylor?
Taylor, along with executive director Michelle Brannon, is accused in the federal indictment of soliciting tens of millions of dollars in donations through psychological abuse, food and shelter restrictions, and physical assault of their workers.
They ran call centers that solicited daily donations for the Kingdom of God Global Church, also known as Joshua Media Ministries International.
Taylor built a viable online following — with supporters who call him “Apostle” — and he has claimed Jesus Christ appeared to him at 17 years old. He went on to write a book in 2009 that detailed his “face-to-face” visitations with Jesus and promised instructions for others on how to get those same meetings.
He’s also claimed he can raise the dead. Joshua Media Ministries International posted on social media in 2016 about an elderly woman coming back to life: “David E. Taylor Commands Her to Live Through Sending a Text Message Through Facebook - Releasing the Supernatural Resurrection Power of God! She Lives!”
What is Kingdom of God Global Church?
The church began in Michigan, then expanded to locations in Texas, Florida and Missouri, according to the Department of Justice. Taylor frequently shares a number for the organization’s “24-hour prayer line.” On his TikTok account, he told nearly 98,000 followers that calling the line can provide trips to heaven, financial miracles, and healing from “all sickness and disease.”
...
It's exactly what i imagine from an american cult :laugh:
It's exactly what i imagine from an american cult :laugh:
What is also very American I think is when they ask nearby people who they were and they're all like "Oh yeah, they're a cult"... everyone just knows :laugh:
When they have their parishioners reel mowing their entire property manually across most of the day, it's almost like an advertisement...
They busted all their locations it seems like in multiple states. I mean $50M is a lot for a church of any size...
I mean it makes sense... but they would still have to put up a lot money into detention/retention areas of some kind just to prevent whatever is downstream from becoming an even bigger floodplain... and it will if it's not slowed somehow...
Elon Musk is trying to build $760M tunnels under Houston
https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/news/flooding/2025/08/28/529626/elon-musk-is-trying-to-build-760m-tunnels-under-houston-a-texas-congressman-is-quietly-helping-him/
Elon Musk's Boring Company is interested in Houston, investigation finds
The proposal is a shift away from the tunneling firm's usual projects tackling traffic.
https://www.chron.com/culture/article/boring-company-houston-tunnels-21019744.php
https://s.hdnux.com/photos/01/54/31/53/28416758/3/ratio3x2_960.webp
'Bathroom bill' aimed at trans people approved by Texas House after decade of failed attempts
Senate Bill 8 will restrict restrooms in government buildings, public schools and universities based on sex assigned at birth.
https://www.khou.com/article/news/local/texas/bathroom-bill-passes/285-e8b64736-4f49-451a-8c26-cb5eb3a7cd68
AUSTIN, Texas — Texas House members clashed over a bill the chamber passed on Thursday that would restrict which restrooms transgender people can use in government buildings and schools.
Representatives approved Senate Bill 8 on a 86-43 vote after several hours of tense debate that was at times interrupted by people in the gallery shouting insults at lawmakers who supported the bill. The House gallery, where visitors can watch proceedings, was emptied out by staff and Department of Public Safety officers after the disruptions continued.
SB 8 would restrict bathroom use in government-owned buildings, public schools and universities based of sex assigned at birth and would not allow exceptions for transgender inmates’ housing in prisons and jails. It would also bar those assigned male at birth from accessing women’s domestic violence shelters, unless they are under 17 and the child of a woman also receiving services.
Bathroom bills proposing civil or criminal penalties for entering restrooms not matching biological sex have been proposed in Texas for more than a decade, and 19 other states have successfully passed their own proposals. The Texas House, however, has largely failed to garner traction for bathroom bills after a tense battle over one proposal in 2017. The Texas Senate has passed six different bathroom bills since 2017.
A last-minute amendment from Rep. Steve Toth, R-Conroe, raised the proposed fines to $25,000 against institutions where violations occur, and $125,000 for any subsequent violations. The raised penalties would make SB 8 the most financially punitive bathroom bill in the country. The amendment was adopted without debate.
Supporters of SB 8, which has also been called the “Texas Women’s Privacy Act,” have said the bill is necessary to ensure safety and comfort for women in intimate spaces like changing rooms and bathrooms. The bill’s House sponsor, Rep. Angelia Orr, R-Itasca, said the goal of the bill is to prompt political subdivisions to create their own policies to ensure bathrooms are secure.
“The preference of someone’s sexual appearance does not override the safety and privacy of a biological female,” Orr said.
Orr said the bill does not affect privately owned or funded businesses, and will not create penalties against individuals.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Opponents of the bill have called the restrictions unnecessary, and that the bill would incite harassment against trans people and cisgender people falsely accused of entering the wrong facility. Rep. Jessica Gonzalez, D-Dallas, said she personally had been accused of entering the wrong restroom in the Texas Capitol, which already has a policy similar to SB 8’s proposal.
Questioning from Democrats who opposed the bill attempted to zero in on how the bill would be enforced, as it outlines that agencies will take “every reasonable step” to ensure the policy is followed. Orr said during questioning that it would be up to agencies how to enforce their policy. Previously when the bill was heard in committee, Orr said the policies would be determined based on how someone looked.
“Who do you think is more uncomfortable in the bathroom today? A cis woman, or a trans woman wondering if she's about to be harassed?” Rep. Erin Zwiener, D-Driftwood, asked.
During testimony in both chambers through the session and on the House floor on Thursday, tensions between lawmakers for and against the bill flared. Several members argued in small groups multiple times and were separated by staffers as debate continued on the floor. At one point, Toth heckled Rep. Rafael Anchia, D-Dallas, for using Bible quotes as he spoke on a failed amendment designed to kill the bill. Toth was warned by a House staffer for the remarks. Anchia later argued with Rep. Hillary Hickland, R-Belton, away from the floor debate after she chastised his use of the Bible and countered with her own quotes as she expressed support for the bill.
Representatives with family violence shelters expressed concern about the bill’s exclusivity during testimony earlier in the month, and said it could affect not just trans victims of domestic violence, but cisgender women with teenage dependents or adult dependents who are disabled. While four other states have similar sex-based restrictions on shelters, they still allow trans victims to be accepted if they have separate sleeping quarters.
“When you call the hotline, it is often the moment before you believe you will die. I don't say that with hyperbole,” said Molly Voyles, director of public policy at the Texas Council on Family Violence, during the House State Affairs committee hearing last week when SB 8 was discussed. “Many women fleeing have a son who is 18 still in high school, or a child with a disability over that age for whom they are the primary caretaker. A choice to leave that includes leaving without your child is not a choice at all.”
SB 8 requires one more vote in the House before being sent back to the Senate to approve the changes. Lawmakers have until Sept. 13 to approve any legislation during the second special session.
California Republicans renew bid to split the state in two
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Article: https://abc7.com/post/california-republican-lawmaker-proposes-state-solution-response-redistricting-fight/17658941/
arista
29-08-2025, 02:39 AM
Maru
Sadly that
YouTube clip the California Republicans
will not allow that video
to work in the UK
Video unavailable
The uploader has not made this video available in your country
Maru
Sadly that
YouTube clip the California Republicans
will not allow that video
to work in the UK
Video unavailable
The uploader has not made this video available in your country
Thanks. I changed it out. There's no way to know it's country restricted without turning on a VPN :shrug:
arista
29-08-2025, 05:54 PM
Good on you
Maru.
Good on you
Maru.
I'll see if I can find a way to check which countries are profiled in the future. Thanks for letting me know :love:
NC election official arrested after allegedly spiking granddaughters' ice cream with drugs
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/james-yokeley-jr-north-carolina-election-official-ice-cream-drugs/
https://i.postimg.cc/SK37T53H/250829-cocaine-icecream.png
A North Carolina election official has resigned after being arrested for allegedly putting illicit drugs into ice cream that his granddaughters were consuming, police said.
James Yokeley Jr. flagged down an officer at a Sheetz gas station in Surry County, North Carolina, on Aug. 8, the Wilmington Police Department said. Yokeley told the officer that his two granddaughters, who were not identified, had found pills in ice creams purchased at a nearby Dairy Queen, according to a police statement released Wednesday.
The girls had not ingested any of the substances, the police department said. Preliminary field tests determined the pills were illegal narcotics. The pills were later determined to contain MDMA and cocaine, according to a warrant reviewed by CBS affiliate WGHP.
An investigation was opened. Police reviewed video footage that allegedly showed Yokeley, 66, placing the pills in the ice creams. He had been acting as the girls' guardian for the weekend, WGHP reported.
Police did not share a possible motive. The investigation is ongoing, the department said.
Yokeley was arrested and charged with contaminating food or drink with a controlled substance and felony child abuse, the police department said. He was also charged with possession of a Schedule I narcotic. Yokeley was transported to the New Hanover County Detention Center and later posted a $100,000 secured bond.
Yokeley had been selected to lead the Surry County Board of Elections in June; he first became a member in 2023. He resigned on Thursday morning, following calls to step down, the State Board of Elections said. In his resignation letter, he wrote, "I remain prayerfully confident that I will be exonerated of all accusations levied against me."
Was he trying to frame a Dairy Queen worker? :laugh: I can't understand what other motive there would be...
It sounds like he had the pills on him and if they found a container for it, that would make it very difficult for his lawyer to prove innocence...
This is insane. Actual bots are signing up for school :laugh:
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California’s community colleges are contending with widespread enrollment fraud that has prevented real students from getting the classes they need and disrupted campus operations.
More than 1.2 million fraudulent applications were filed in a single year, affecting about 80 percent of campuses across the state.
The problem, first seen during the shift to online learning, has persisted despite efforts to contain it. In this episode, Dr. Jeannie Kim, president of Santiago Canyon College, and Marvin Martinez, chancellor of the Rancho Santiago Community College District, explain how campuses are responding and the steps now underway to safeguard access for genuine students.
1.2 million fake students applied to California community colleges last year. What’s being done?
https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2025-06-24/community-colleges-financial-aid-fraud
How are fraudsters scamming the system?
Of those who applied to state community colleges from January through December 2024, 31% were determined to be likely fraudulent. That’s more than 1.2 million applications, according to data from the office of the chancellor for the college system.
Anyone who applies to a California community college is admitted. This accessibility, coupled with the increase in remote and hybrid formats for classes since the COVID-19 pandemic, creates vulnerabilities that scammers exploit to cash in on both state and federal financial aid.
Fraudsters, with the help of stolen identities, bots and artificial intelligence, act as dozens or even hundreds of students. They join classes and remain enrolled until they receive their financial aid checks. The fake students often take up limited spots in classes actual students need to take, creating headaches for both students and staff.
is that Trump screwing with education intentionally? It's crazy :laugh:
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I've seen people mentioning moving back to CA when they realize that Austin isn't at all built like LA or NYC and it's not what they expected... Austin has emulated versions of those cultures... sure... but it's in a micro form. The city is also tiny compared to a typical TX city.
Most people here also didn't realize how harsh our weather is. It's one thing to see high temperatures and 80-90% humidity on paper but to experience that regularly...
arista
01-09-2025, 03:57 PM
Yes Maru
moving back to CA
He failed to do proper research
is that Trump screwing with education intentionally? It's crazy :laugh:
Community colleges are a cheaper doorway to university (much lower upfront costs) and so it is possible for Pell Grants (free money/financial aid) to pay for all the tuition costs as well as books. If there are any leftovers, the student can pocket and there isn't an explicit requirement as to how many classes one can sign up for... as long as a "full time" student registers for enough to reach full time, they can pocket any remainder. That money becomes available before the start of the semester so that the student can register for classes and it's usually available through any bookstores, etc.. but then any remainder gets cut as a check after a point (I think by the college)...
Because many community college students are part time workers or students who are pulling together funds last minute to pay for their classes from other sources, they give a cut off before the student is kicked from a course if they're unable to pay. So that means someone can still register even if they've not paid and even in the past some plan could be worked out...
So maybe they make it so that certain class fees have to be paid up front. When normally it would've made sense for financial aid students (or students paying closer to cut off) to declare they were waiting for their applications to clear and those fees would be covered...
Pell Grants are really easy to qualify for if the student is over a certain age (I believe it's 24...) and especially if fully emancipated before that cutoff (they still need to include parent's income and tax records, otherwise...). So even if they're working full time, they would likely still fall under the income limit. It's not a lot of money, but it's enough to pay for community in most cases.. depends on how expensive the school is. The maximum per year for it right now is $7,395 (government math lol) and is split 50% by semester.
Edit: So yeah, I say all that to say if they're stealing identities, just go through the ones whose age is at the cut off or higher... that would be the easiest... all they have to fill out is an application and submit a social and some tax records. Not sure how easy it would be to get the latter, though... but if they could get the prior filing electronically somehow through the IRS, that would probably be fine.
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The restaurant fed surfers and tourists for nearly 40 years. Because of a yearslong dispute over land use, it and other historical businesses may never reopen.
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Texas graffiti case tests First Amendment with felony hate crime charges against three activists
https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/texas-graffiti-case-tests-first-amendment-felony-hate-crime-charges-activists/287-340f462b-ba21-43c1-bb36-287918a8b475
North Texas Activists Face Hate Crime Charges, Prison Time for Anti-Israel Graffiti
https://www.dallasobserver.com/news/tarrant-county-activist-charged-with-hate-crime-for-israel-critique-23188969
Free speech experts claim the charges are legally dubious, but in line with Texas’ flexible hate crime interpretation.
A self-proclaimed “lifelong activist” will face a Tarrant County jury this month in a case that legal experts claim erodes the First Amendment rights of protesters and critics of the nation of Israel.
Raunaq Alam, 32, is accused of using spray paint to write the phrase “**** Israel” along the side of a non-denominational church in Euless in 2024. Tarrant County criminal records show Alam was initially charged with graffiti causing a loss of between $100 and $750, a Class B misdemeanor in Texas.
But Alam now faces between two and 10 years in prison for the graffiti after prosecutors upgraded the charges and the associated penalties using Texas’ hate crime statute. Alam is now charged with criminal mischief causing damage to a place of worship, a felony, and prosecutors now claim the financial burden of the graffiti costs more than was initially recorded in arrest records, The Guardian reports.
In Texas, punishments for certain crimes can be enhanced if the state can prove the crime stemmed from the offender's bias or prejudice toward a class’ protected characteristics, which can include race or ethnicity, religion, disability, or sexual orientation.
Alam’s trial is scheduled to begin on Sept. 8, and a second protester, Afsheen Khan, will face the same escalated graffiti charges in a Sept. 30 trial. A third activist, who has not been named, will be tried under the hate crime statute for the same Euless incident.
Whether or not Alam actually committed a hate crime through his criticism of Israel is legally dubious, defense attorney Adwoa Asante told The Guardian. Alam did not target a synagogue, and his spray paint did not single out a group protected under Texas’ hate crime statute.
“Nowhere in the statute does it cite governmental entities such as states as part of protected persons or group,” Asante said. “If citizens and persons within the United States are allowed to say and express ‘**** America’, why would the condemnation of a foreign country garner more enhanced prosecution from the state of Texas?”
In the nearly two years since the Oct. 7 Hamas attack on Israel, U.S. institutions have reckoned with conflicting views of when anti-Israel speech constitutes antisemitism. Federal officials have stated that criticism of Israel has been used as a reason to deny or revoke visas for international students.
In May, Gov. Greg Abbott signed Senate Bill 326 into law, which requires public schools and universities to use the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s definition of antisemitism in conduct hearings. The definition lists “denying the Jewish people their right to self-determination, e.g., by claiming the existence of a State of Israel is a racist endeavor,” “applying double standards by requiring of (Israel) a behavior not expected or demanded of any other democratic nation,” and “holding Jews collectively responsible for the actions of the state of Israel,” as examples of antisemitism.
Before SB 326 was passed, some critics of the definition argued it offers “a dangerous conflation of the government of Israel and the Jewish people,” which will erode free speech protections.
Across the U.S., activists who helped organize pro-Palestine campus protests have faced escalated scrutiny and legal challenges. Asante said the upgraded charges in Alam’s case represent similar prosecutorial retribution.
“We don’t know if he’s guilty of this offense or not,” Asante told The Guardian. “It’s simply a matter of how far the government is going to silence and to repress anybody that opposes the genocide of Palestinians, so much so that they’re expanding what it means to engage in a hate crime.”
Alam and Khan’s cases are set to be prosecuted by Attorney Lloyd Whelchel, who has a background in capital murder trials but recently represented the state in a case against a woman who shouted an expletive during a Tarrant County Commissioners Court meeting in January. Whelchel argued that the case had “absolutely nothing to do with free speech,” although the defense disagreed.
According to Asante, the upgraded charges in Alam’s case mean the activist has been arrested multiple times over the last two years. He has lost his job and faced “reputational damage.”
Still, Alam told The Guardian that he remains committed to speaking out “in favor of people that are oppressed.”
“I have so much love and compassion for people, and that’s the main reason why I’m so outspoken,” Alam said. “That’s why I’m an activist: because I care so much about people, and I care so much about injustice.”
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A Seattle Public Schools (SPS) policy about teaching students an LGBTQ-inclusive curriculum is gaining attention from local families and making national headlines Friday.
The policy in Washington's largest school district has been thrust into the spotlight as parents have learned they cannot opt their children out of certain lessons, and the Seattle school district says it's simply following state law.
The SPS website states the inclusive instruction can happen with no prior notice to Seattle families at any grade.
The families that KOMO News spoke with on Friday largely support the policy even though the Supreme Court just ruled a group of parents in another state could opt out of similar teachings.
Seattle Public Schools LGBTQ+ curriculum and 'opt out' policy draws attention from parents
https://komonews.com/news/local/seattle-public-schools-lgbtq-curriculum-opt-out-policies-sexual-identities-transgender-learning-lessons-gender-identity-education-school-parents
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1965119626339373243
"According to our President, there are only two genders"... "against our President's laws" :skull: wtf Mystic Mock ... suffer this cringe with me.
I don't know who the tweeter is, it's just easier to get the video this way without someone ranting over it to make it 8 minutes...
Student Kicked Out Of Classroom For Opposing Gender Lesson: A&M Removes A Dean And Dept Head After Uproar
https://dallasexpress.com/education/student-kicked-out-of-classroom-for-opposing-gender-lesson-am-removes-a-dean-and-dept-head-after-uproar/
Texas A&M University has removed two academic officials following the fallout of a viral classroom video showing a professor telling a student to leave after raising objections to a lesson on gender identity.
The move came after state Rep. Brian Harrison, a Republican from Midlothian, posted the video online Monday, demanding the removal of A&M President Mark A. Welsh III and sparking national attention. By evening, Welsh directed his provost to remove a dean and department head from their administrative posts, citing course content that he said strayed from the published catalog.
“I learned this afternoon that key leaders in the College of Arts and Sciences approved plans to continue teaching course content that was not consistent with the course’s published description,” Welsh said in a statement shared by the university Monday night. “As a result, I directed the provost to remove the dean and department head from their administrative positions, effective immediately.”
Oh yeah, mislabeled courses were common when I was in and it's a fun way to get students to sign up for dept pet project classes they wouldn't otherwise take on their own. I really enjoyed my time in college doing manual labor for the school picking weeds with medical gloves for a "history" course. Oh and being told that taking long showers for me was now forbidden because too wasteful.
An easy A once you understood the assignment. I dumbed down my papers to talking points that stayed within the sentiments of the Professor. I even named one paper so close to "Trees are Good", just to see if that would make it through the radar... oh and it did... a lot of people got C's because they didn't realize the main assignment.
Chronicle article about the above with more political context(s):
Texas A&M University fires professor in controversial video, hours after push from Gov. Greg Abbott
https://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston-texas/education/article/abbott-texas-am-professor-21039346.php
Abbott praised Welsh's move on social media but also urged the university to fire the professor for acting “contrary to Texas law.” He did not clarify which law he was referring to, and an Abbott spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
However, Harrison said Abbott’s statement was “not good enough” and called for Welsh to be fired as well. The governor does not have the authority to fire a university president directly, but he does appoint the regents who make the prominent hiring decisions.
Welsh then shared an update Tuesday night about his decision to direct the provost to fire McCoul. He reiterated that the university is obligated to deliver courses to students that are consistent with an "extensive approval process."
"This isn’t about academic freedom; it’s about academic responsibility," Welsh said. "Texas A&M is a great university — the best in the world. This is a place that honors academic freedom and academic responsibility. It’s also a place that unequivocally abides by state and federal law. Together, we will remain committed to our Aggie Core Values and providing our students with the education and experience they deserve."
Texas A&M System policies on academic freedom state that “each faculty member is entitled to full freedom in the classroom in discussing the subject that the faculty member teaches but should not introduce controversial matter that has no relation to the classroom subject.”
"It is essential that each faculty member be free to pursue scholarly inquiry and to voice and publish individual conclusions concerning the significance of evidence that the faculty member considers relevant," according to the policy. "Each faculty member must be free from the corrosive fear that others, inside or outside the academic community, because their vision may differ, may threaten the faculty member's professional career or the material benefits accruing from it."
The free expression group PEN America had already warned that Welsh's removal of the dean and department head signaled the "death of academic freedom."
Charlotte Arneson, program officer for the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, said the First Amendment protects the professor’s right to engage in "pedagogically relevant" classroom lectures and discussions even on controversial topics. FIRE is a national free speech advocacy nonprofit
Glenn Hegar, the chancellor of the Texas A&M University System, wrote in a statement that early investigations indicated that the professor who taught the course “failed to comply with clear instructions to align course descriptions with course materials.”
“I will work with the Board of Regents to make certain that the A&M System takes the disciplinary action necessary to ensure this does not happen again at one of our campuses,” Hegar said.
Hegar said it was “unacceptable” for faculty to push a personal political agenda, and they should prioritize “protecting children not engaging in indoctrination.” He said the video recording was irreconcilable with the values of the Texas A&M University System.
1965020976682352904
Trump admin sued by developers and two states after stopping work on nearly complete offshore wind farm project
https://www.cnn.com/2025/09/04/climate/trump-lawsuit-revolution-offshore-wind
Trump administration cancels $679 million for offshore wind projects at ports
https://www.npr.org/2025/08/31/nx-s1-5522943/trump-offshore-wind-energy-ports
Mystic Mock
11-09-2025, 05:44 AM
BU0GkC628C8
1965119626339373243
"According to our President, there are only two genders"... "against our President's laws" :skull: wtf Mystic Mock ... suffer this cringe with me.
I don't know who the tweeter is, it's just easier to get the video this way without someone ranting over it to make it 8 minutes...
Student Kicked Out Of Classroom For Opposing Gender Lesson: A&M Removes A Dean And Dept Head After Uproar
https://dallasexpress.com/education/student-kicked-out-of-classroom-for-opposing-gender-lesson-am-removes-a-dean-and-dept-head-after-uproar/
Oh yeah, mislabeled courses were common when I was in and it's a fun way to get students to sign up for dept pet project classes they wouldn't otherwise take on their own. I really enjoyed my time in college doing manual labor for the school picking weeds with medical gloves for a "history" course. Oh and being told that taking long showers for me was now forbidden because too wasteful.
An easy A once you understood the assignment. I dumbed down my papers to talking points that stayed within the sentiments of the Professor. I even named one paper so close to "Trees are Good", just to see if that would make it through the radar... oh and it did... a lot of people got C's because they didn't realize the main assignment.
I've suffered through the pain of watching the video too, Zizu.:laugh:
Tbh the Teacher deserved the sack if she's teaching something that's not apart of the lesson.
I mean what else did she expect?
I've suffered through the pain of watching the video too, Zizu.:laugh:
Oh nooooooo
US students' reading and math scores at historic lows: 'Devastating trend'
https://abc13.com/post/nations-report-card-us-students-reading-math-scores-historic-lows/17781482/
https://cdn.abcotvs.com/dip/images/17781566_students-img.jpg
High school students, especially 12th graders, are reading and learning math and science at historic lows, according to a new report from the National Assessment of Education Progress.
The new report, known as the Nation's Report Card, was released Monday by the National Center for Education Statistics, or NCES, and the Department of Education. It is the first nation's report card to be released since the coronavirus pandemic.
The report shows almost half of high school seniors are now testing below basic levels in math and reading, and approximately 35% are at or above a proficient reading level, while 32% of them had a below "basic" reading proficiency.
By comparison, 37% of high school seniors were reading at or above proficiency in the 2019 report card, and 40% were at or above reading proficiency in 1992.
In math, the report shows only about 22% of 12th graders performing at or above proficiency standards.
The report card also looked at eighth graders and their science ability and found 31% of them were performing at proficient or above proficient standards.
Another key issue the report highlighted was absenteeism, with the number of absent students in schools rising among all age groups since the pandemic.
According to the report card, in 2024, approximately 31% of 12th graders specifically reported missing at least three or more days of school in the previous month, an increase from 2019, when the rate was 26%.
Educators and policymakers say it is critical for parents to stay engaged and regularly check in with students and their teachers about assignments and any absences.
Education Secretary Linda McMahon called the report's findings "devastating" in a statement Tuesday.
"Today's NAEP results confirm a devastating trend: American students are testing at historic lows across all of K-12," McMahon said, adding, "Despite spending billions annually on numerous K-12 programs, the achievement gap is widening, and more high school seniors are performing below the basic benchmark in math and reading than ever before."
The Department of Education has notably been cutting staff and services under McMahon's leadership, including the researchers who produced the new nation's report card. President Donald Trump has also tasked McMahon with dismantling her department altogether and handing control over education agendas to the states.
"Success isn't about how much money we spend, but who controls the money and where that money is invested," she said Tuesday.
Marty West, a professor of education at Harvard University, told ABC News the results are concerning because only a portion of American students are getting the education they deserve.
"What troubles me most about the patterns that we're seeing is that the declines are largest for our lowest-performing students -- those in the bottom quarter of the distribution. Meanwhile, high-scoring students - those at the 90th percentile are doing just about as well as ever," West said. "So, this really highlights the extent with which American schools right now are really only preparing some students for success at the post-secondary level."
Texas history professor fired after allegedly calling for political violence at socialist conference
https://nypost.com/2025/09/11/us-news/texas-history-professor-fired-after-allegedly-calling-for-political-violence-at-socialist-conference/
A professor at Texas State University was axed on Wednesday after a video of him allegedly advocating for political violence during a socialism conference went viral.
Tom Alter, a now-former associate history professor at TSU and member of Socialist Horizon, spoke at the online Revolutionary Socialism Conference 2025 on Sept. 7, according to screen recordings shared on X.
During his brief talk, Alter launched into a tirade about the “US Capitalist crisis” that he claimed is exacerbating issues like education, mental health and even basic infrastructure.
“What makes the current crisis an extra problem for capitalists is the willingness of people to fight back,” Alter said.
He presented a rough pitch for how socialists could organize a stronger base within the US and criticized various parties, including the Chinese Communist Party, Democrats and “insurrectional anarchists,” for their half-baked methods of organizing.
Alter wished-washed on his approach and praised other anarchists who had been detained or even convicted for participating in protests
“While their actions are laudable, it should be asked, to what purpose do they serve? Without organization, how can anyone expect to overthrow the most bloodthirsty, profit-driven, mad organization in the history of the world — that of the United States?” Alter said in the full clip posted on YouTube.
The Post reached out to Alter for comment and clarity on his message.
Just four days later, Texas State University President Kelly Damphousse announced that Alter was fired after the administration was made aware of his comments. She said that his assertions counted as “serious professional and personal misconduct,” but didn’t point to any specific university policy he violated.
“Conduct that advocates for inciting violence is directly contrary to the values of Texas State University. I cannot and will not tolerate such behavior,” Damphousse said in a statement on X.
Brian McCall, the chancellor of the greater TSU system, celebrated Alter’s removal and even doubled down, saying that no conduct “intended to incite violence” would be tolerated from any employee.
“Video recordings made public this week in which a Texas State University professor advocated for the overthrow of our government are inconsistent with our shared values and demonstrate egregious personal and professional misconduct,” McCall said in the statement.
Alter is the second professor to be laid off in Texas this week.
Melissa McCoul, an English professor at Texas A&M, was instructing a children’s literature course when a female student noted that she wasn’t sure the presentation concerning gender and sexuality was “legal to be teaching” under President Trump’s numerous DEI orders, according to a video shared on X.
McCoul asserted that the student was “under a misconception” that the instruction at hand was illegal.
The professor added that the student’s challenge against the course material, which had been taken up by the president of the university, would likely not “be effective in stopping me from teaching things that are biologically true,” including that there are more than two genders.
The student was asked to leave the classroom shortly after. McCoul was fired on Tuesday, alongside the Texas A&M College of Arts and Sciences dean and the head of the English Department.
Mystic Mock
13-09-2025, 05:06 AM
Oh nooooooo
My bad.:laugh:
I'm sorry about that, my brain was clearly fried that day.:joker:
Mystic Mock
13-09-2025, 05:07 AM
US students' reading and math scores at historic lows: 'Devastating trend'
https://abc13.com/post/nations-report-card-us-students-reading-math-scores-historic-lows/17781482/
https://cdn.abcotvs.com/dip/images/17781566_students-img.jpg
I'm no Maths expert.
But how do these kids expect to get through life without knowing at least a basic amount of Mathematics?
Naked cyclists roll through Htown tonight for safer streets
https://cw39.com/news/entertainment/naked-cyclists-roll-though-htown-tonight-for-safer-streets/
https://s.hdnux.com/photos/01/54/41/50/28449313/3/ratio3x2_720.webp
HOUSTON (CW39) – It’s been the buzz for weeks and tonight’s the night! Saturday Sept. 13, at 8 p.m., Houston cyclists will meet up to participate in the annual World Naked Bike Ride (WNBR). Each city has a different date. For Houston, tonight’s ride begins at Super Happy Fun Land on Polk Street downtown and cruises 12-miles. Local riders are raising awareness about improving cyclist safety and protest local changes to Houston’s biking infrastructure.
Texas ranks 32th in bike deaths statistically with northern states in the top three. In 2023, 91 cyclists died on bikes. In 2024, 106 according to Bicycleaccidentlawyers.com. Most recently, a Houston member of the Critical Mass biking community posted on social media about a community cycling friend killed by a motorist in early September.
Tonight, riders are encouraged to ride naked – promoting visibility and safety for the right to ride anywhere safely. So how naked is considered naked enough for WNBR? No matter how it goes worldwide, Houston’s public nudity laws, state no baring private parts and women can’t be topless on the street.
Bike deaths are a problem here. There's a guy that takes donated bikes and he paints them all white and places them in the spot where someone has passed as a memorial. I've seen quite a few white bikes over the years...
It's a problem in other ways because our city is not very "walkable", so this is a good alternative. We have bike lanes in some parts of town, but people aren't very good with being courteous of the people in them.
Will a naked bike protest make Houston streets safer? | Opinion
https://www.houstonchronicle.com/opinion/columnists/article/naked-bike-ride-houston-protest-21043574.php
Governor Kathy Hochul endorses Zohran Mamdani in New York City mayoral race
https://abc7ny.com/post/governor-kathy-hochul-endorses-zohran-mamdani-nyc-mayoral-race/17817290/
NEW YORK (WABC) -- New York Governor Kathy Hochul said she is endorsing Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani in the NYC Mayoral race.
Hochul tweeted on Sunday saying, "New York City deserves a mayor who will stand up to Donald Trump and make life more affordable for New Yorkers. That's Zohran Mamdani."
She explained her endorsement in a New York Times Op-Ed.
"In the past few months, I've had frank conversations with him. We've had our disagreements. But in our conversations, I heard a leader who shares my commitment to a New York where children can grow up safe in their neighborhoods and where opportunity is within reach for every family. I heard a leader who is focused on making New York City affordable - a goal I enthusiastically support," Hochul wrote.
Mamdani responded on Sunday saying he was grateful for Hochul's support in unifying the party.
...
1967380168735084654
3qK6eVTNZxY
Waukesha child care experts send warning to parents about new Wisconsin day care regulations
https://www.tmj4.com/news/waukesha-county/child-care-experts-send-warning-to-parents-about-new-wisconsin-day-care-regulations
Wisconsin's child care crisis continues to impact families across the state, with some industry veterans raising concerns about recent regulatory changes meant to address the problem.
With 40 years of experience, Beverly Anderson, executive director of Ebenezer Child Care Centers, is particularly troubled by changes to required teacher-to-child ratios.
"That is not fair to the children, it is not fair to the staff, and it is just not the right thing to do," Anderson said.
The state recently loosened regulations, changing the required ratio from one teacher per four toddlers to one teacher per seven toddlers between 18 and 30 months old. Anderson believes this approach doesn't address the real issues facing the industry.
"To me, it is not solving anything," Anderson said.
Leslie Hundt, a 4K teacher with the Waukesha Schools Ebenezer Child Care Partnership Program and a 30-year veteran of child care, emphasized that families throughout Wisconsin are struggling with both availability and affordability. Many families face months-long waiting lists to get care.
"There is not enough child care for the families who come to our programs. Everybody has a wait list," Hundt said.
Beyond the ratio changes, Anderson expressed alarm about another regulatory shift allowing 16-year-olds to work in child care centers. When asked if either of these changes was safe, Anderson was unequivocal.
"No, absolutely not. Absolutely not," Anderson said.
The new ratio requirements are currently part of a pilot program scheduled to expire in 2027 unless made permanent through additional legislation.
...$18,000/yr for child care... more than tuition for their nearby Uni.
Aww, they should call them fire babies:
1968286155088277777
Also RIP the dept budget having to pay out all that maternity leave..
https://images.foxtv.com/images.foxtv.com/static.fox26houston.com/www.fox26houston.com/content/uploads/2023/11/932/470/1864/940/vlcsnap-2023-11-07-14h03m21s10.jpg?ve=1&tl=1&ve=1&tl=1
Montgomery County residents charged for setting Buddhist Temple on fire with Molotov cocktail
https://www.fox26houston.com/news/montgomery-county-buddhist-temple-fire-molotov-cocktail-indictment
MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Texas - Two Montgomery County residents were indicted for the November 2023 firebombing of the Huyen Trang Buddhist Meditation Center, U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei announced.
Austin Willard Tanton, 28, and Kayla Lynn Thompson, 31, face conspiracy to commit malicious use of explosive materials and using explosive materials in the commission of a felony charges. Tanton has an additional charge for possessing an unregistered destructive device.
The backstory:
On Nov. 15, 2023, the U.S. Attorney's Office claims Tanton threw a Molotov cocktail, known also as a crude incendiary device, through a window of the meditation center at Buddhist Temple in the 17000 block of FM 1485 in New Caney. A fire ignited which damaged the flooring and a rug.
Officials report monks sleeping inside the temple woke up and quickly extinguished the flames, but smoke damage forced the center temporarily close. At least four people, including the head nun, were inside at the time of the attack.
Surveillance video allegedly shows a vehicle, believed to be driven by Thompson, stopping near the temple’s gate. After it drove off, a man approached the building, broke a window screen, lit a gasoline-filled jar, and threw it inside causing flames to erupt inside before running away.
Get news, weather and so much more by downloading the FOX LOCAL app
Officials report a man who's a monk, who was an out-of-town guest sleeping in the room jumps into action and uses a rug to put out the fire.
The surveillance video shows members of the temple extinguishing the flames and then calling the police. Then in the video, you see another monk grab a fire extinguisher to help put out the flames.
What's next:
If convicted, each could face up to 20 years in federal prison and fines of up to $250,000. Tanton could receive an additional 10 years in prison and a $10,000 fine for the weapons charge.
What they're saying:
U.S. Attorney Ganjei stated:
"The use of firebombs to attack a place of worship is a direct threat to the safety and peace of our community," said Ganjei. "No one should fear being attacked in their house of worship. The Southern District will continue working with our law enforcement partners to hold accountable those who seek to spread fear and violence through acts of hate or intimidation."
Michigan judge dismisses charges against 15 pro-Trump 'fake electors'
https://www.npr.org/2025/09/09/nx-s1-5535584/michigan-fake-electors-trump-charges-dropped
https://i.postimg.cc/J0ph7pLC/npr-brightspotcdn.webp
A Michigan judge has dismissed criminal charges against 15 people who signed false certificates saying Donald Trump won the state's electoral votes in 2020. Trump lost the state and the presidency to Joe Biden.
It's the latest loss in prosecutors' efforts to hold accountable people associated with Trump's attempt to overturn his election loss.
In May, an Arizona judge sent that state's so-called "fake elector" case back to a grand jury. The Nevada case is stuck in a jurisdictional appeal after a court dismissed the case last year. In Georgia, the Fulton County district attorney's office is fighting to keep its prosecution alive after a court ruled that the DA's office should be removed from the case.
And, notably, the federal election interference case against Trump himself was dropped when he was reelected president.
In Michigan, Judge Kristen Simmons dismissed the charges during a court hearing Tuesday, citing a lack of evidence.
"This is a fraud case, and we have to prove intent," the judge said. "And I don't believe there's evidence sufficient to prove intent."
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, a Democrat, announced the charges more than two years ago. Sixteen people were originally indicted, but charges were dropped against one of them in exchange for their cooperation.
As Nessel's office said in a statement in 2023: "These defendants are alleged to have met covertly in the basement of the Michigan Republican Party headquarters on December 14th [2020], and signed their names to multiple certificates stating they were the 'duly elected and qualified electors for President and Vice President of the United States of America for the State of Michigan.'"
Some pro-Trump 2020 electors have defended their actions by saying they were merely doing so in case Trump's challenges of the election were successful.
In an appearance with reporters Tuesday, Nessel criticized the judge's ruling and stood by her prosecution.
"The evidence was clear: They lied. They knew they lied," she said of the defendants. "And they tried to steal the votes of millions of Michiganders."
Nessel said her office is "evaluating" a decision about appealing.
Michigan Republican Party Chair Jim Runestad said in a statement that the dismissal "is not only a huge win for these electors but also for justice itself."
arista
20-09-2025, 05:32 AM
Governor Kathy Hochul endorses Zohran Mamdani in New York City mayoral race
https://abc7ny.com/post/governor-kathy-hochul-endorses-zohran-mamdani-nyc-mayoral-race/17817290/
1967380168735084654
That should have gone on
My NYC Mayor Race Thread
https://www.thisisbigbrother.com/forums/showthread.php?t=397745&highlight=nyc+mayor+race
That should have gone on
My NYC Mayor Race Thread
https://www.thisisbigbrother.com/forums/showthread.php?t=397745&highlight=nyc+mayor+race
Yeah I looked for it before posting but didn't know how to search for it. Thanks, arista.
$2.2 billion solar plant in California turned off after years of wasted money: ‘Never lived up to its promises’
https://nypost.com/2025/09/23/us-news/2-2-billion-ivanpah-solar-facility-in-california-turned-off-after-years-of-wasted-money/
https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/09/ivanpah-solar-power-facility-concentrated-111934052.jpg?resize=1536,899&quality=75&strip=all
Seen from the sky, the Ivanpah Solar Power Facility in California’s Mojave Desert resembles a futuristic dream.
Viewed from the bottom line, however, Ivanpah is anything but.
The solar power plant, which features three 459-foot towers and thousands of computer-controlled mirrors known as heliostats, cost some $2.2 billion to build.
Construction began in 2010 and was completed in 2014. Now, it’s set to close in 2026 after failing to efficiently generate solar energy.
In 2011, the US Department of Energy under former President Barack Obama issued $1.6 billion in three federal loan guarantees for the project and the Secretary of Energy, Ernest Moniz, hailed it as “an example of how America is becoming a world leader in solar energy.”
But ultimately, it’s been more emblematic of profligate government spending and unwise bets on poorly conceived, quickly outdated technologies.
“Ivanpah stands as a testament to the waste and inefficiency of government subsidized energy schemes,”Jason Isaac, CEO of the American Energy Institute, an American energy advocacy group, told Fox News via statement this past February. It “never lived up to its promises, producing less electricity than expected, while relying on natural gas to stay operational.”
...
Can't help but think it was arson.
Judge's $1.5M beachfront home is burned to the ground as her senator husband is rushed to hospital https://mol.im/a/15164269
https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/10/05/19/102724933-15164269-image-a-45_1759690326250.jpg
A South Carolina judge's beautiful beachfront home was burned to the ground on Saturday morning, sending three of her family members to hospital.
Police have launched an investigation after the home of Circuit Court Judge Diane Goodstein, 69, roared in flames on Edisto Beach as her family, including her ex-senator husband Arnold Goodstein, was rushed to hospital.
Goodstein's four-bedroom, four bath $1,155,200 home stretching up three stories went up in smoke at around 11.30am yesterday. Law enforcement are probing the cause of the devastating fire.
very suspicous
They claimed there was no foul play lol, but I don't know... maybe the govt just wants the property for more affordable housing... (a joke because they're preventing people rebuilding in the Palisades via rolls of red tape)
Dog leads authorities to missing Florida woman, authorities say
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/animal-news/dog-leads-authorities-missing-florida-woman-authorities-say-rcna236106
https://media-cldnry.s-nbcnews.com/image/upload/t_fit-360w,f_avif,q_auto:eco,dpr_2/rockcms/2025-10/251007-dog-rescue-missing-woman-body-cam-police-vl-1009a-09cdda.jpg
Florida authorities released body cam footage on Monday that appears to show a dog leading a deputy sheriff to a woman reported missing by her husband that night.
The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office posted footage of the September 25 incident on Facebook on Oct. 6. The video begins by showing a man at the door of a home in Destin, Florida, a town about 50 miles east of Pensacola.
The man tells Deputy Devon Miller that his wife has been missing for an hour that evening. A spokesperson for the sheriff’s office said in an email that the woman is 86 years old, but declined to provide the couple's names.
"She just takes that dog, but she never takes more than 10 or 15 minutes," he said. "It's almost an hour now. It's over an hour now."
The video then shows Miller returning to their car and driving off before spotting the loose canine, which the sheriff's office identified as "Eeyore." Miller then gets outside to greet the dog before following it.
Eeyore then leads the deputy to the missing woman, who is near grass. The video does not show the woman, but Miller describes her to the sheriff's office as lying on the sidewalk, "alert and conscious."
Miller then tells the woman that the dog helped find her. The woman repeats back the deputy's comments in disbelief before revealing that Eeyore is her adult child's dog.
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