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, 03:39 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, 06:54 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, 04:57 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, 06:44 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, 06:06 AM
Oh nooooooo
My bad.:laugh:
I'm sorry about that, my brain was clearly fried that day.:joker:
Mystic Mock
13-09-2025, 06:07 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, 06:32 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.
Buddhist monks continue peace walk despite accident injuries
https://kfdm.com/news/local/buddhist-monks-continue-peace-walk-despite-accident-injuries
https://kfdm.com/resources/media2/16x9/1303/986/0x190/90/7a85031b-7e79-4378-a311-debdbf2f64b1-0710c49b6a9742f998fe42942e823ce4.png
SETX — A group of Buddhist monks is persevering on their peace walk from Fort Worth, Texas, to Washington, D.C., despite facing challenges, including a recent accident in Dayton that injured two monks.
The monks began their journey on Oct. 26 at the Hong Dao Buddhist Temple and have covered nearly 300 miles. They aim to complete the 2,300-mile trek in 120 days.
The monks say their mission is to support a suffering society and promote healing worldwide. "We try to spread that love, loving kindness, compassion, and hopefully that everyone will be living in harmony and unity, and that is our purpose of walking," they said.
Supporters have been inspired by the monks' dedication. One supporter shared, "I woke up my daughter and I was like, hey, we got to go and we flew here... I think it's awesome what they're doing."
Despite the accident involving a pickup truck, which left one monk hospitalized, the group remains committed to their journey. "The surgery went well, and he's well, and he's happy. He supported this walk, and he wanted all the monks to continue walk in to finish this journey," they said.
Crazy judge
Glamorous female judge's career ends in disgrace after she was caught out in outrageous lie
https://mol.im/a/15379631
Central to the fabrications that the judge pushed was claims that she was a veteran of Operation Desert Storm - the name for the US-led Gulf War in the early 1990s - despite being aged just 16 at the time.
In the investigation into Foxworth-Roberts' insurance claim, it was found that she had claimed around $40,000 in jewelry and expensive goods were stolen from her car during a break-in.
As she was removed from the bench, the Supreme Court said in its majority ruling that her conduct 'calls into question her honesty and integrity — minimum qualifications the public expects from every judge.'
Writing in the decision to remove Foxworth-Roberts from the bench, Louisiana Supreme Court Justice Jay McCallum said officials were bemused by her continued attempts to defend herself.
'Rather than take responsibility for her conduct, (Foxworth-Roberts) has persisted with tortured explanations and excuses,' he wrote.
arista
13-12-2025, 07:50 AM
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
Well done, that dog
Upstream homeowners flooded by Addicks, Barker reservoirs during Harvey win major court ruling
https://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston-texas/environment/article/hurricane-harvey-addicks-barker-upstream-flooding-21262724.php?utm_campaign=trueanthem&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook
Catastrophic flooding during (Hurricane) Harvey
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers controls gated dams at the Addicks and Barker reservoirs, which were built in the 1940s and can hold about 410,000 acre-feet of floodwaters in an emergency.
The reservoirs were constructed to prevent catastrophic flooding along Buffalo Bayou, in the city of Houston and along the industry-heavy Ship Channel. According to court rulings in the flood victims' case, urban sprawl encroached on the reservoirs over the years, measurably reducing the capacity to mitigate upstream flood damage when the water rises in the reservoirs.
Facing Hurricane Harvey's extreme rainfall in August 2017 that drenched Houston for days, Army Corps operators had to decide when to open the flood gates and allow water to flow downstream. Harvey caused major flooding for over 10,000 upstream homes and businesses, according to lawyers' estimates. Properties downstream were also flooded when the Army Corps opened the gates.
Flood victims with properties downstream of the reservoirs are still waiting for a separate lower-court decision after arguments in their trial concluded in early 2025.
Ruling in favor of homeowners
The panel affirmed the conclusion by the Court of Federal Claims that the Army Corps should have foreseen flooding on these adjacent properties, and that it was not a one-time occurrence.
"Every property owner whose land is subject to the government's flowage easement deserves compensation," said Charest, the property owners' lawyer, in a news release after the ruling was handed down. His firm worked with several others to represent flooded landowners in the case.
In the appeals court ruling issued on Dec. 22, the judges found that "the flooding was permanently recurring and, in the alternative, that, even if the flooding were characterized as temporary, it would still constitute a taking."
MORE COVERAGE: These 5 Houston-area neighborhoods saw the most floodplain development since Hurricane Harvey
The three judges did deviate from the lower court on how to calculate flood victims' damages, though, telling the Court of Federal Claims to leave out line items including lost rental income before recalculating the dollar figure owed to six bellwether property owners presented at trial.
The federal judge had initially ruled in 2022 that those six victims should get over $450,000 compensation in total, plus interest. The final decision on their compensation is designed to set the standard for payouts to other upstream litigants.
If all property owners flooded above Addicks and Barker join litigation efforts, the federal government could owe a combined 1.67 billion before interest, according to a 2022 estimate by Charest's firm.
I wonder how this will impact the flood control district.. because most of our watershed is dotted with retention/detention areas and those do overflow in extreme rainfall events causing damage. Granted, those homes would've likely flooded anyway without drainage...
The same could be said about the reservoir, but they made a very public decision to hold back the water. So it's a bit different than a passive system that collects water so that it has somewhere else to go/drain more slowly so that the bayou/watershed has more room to take water downstream without cresting.
Could effect other states also.
These are rainfall totals across several days (the worst of Harvey was a 3-day event iirc)
https://i.postimg.cc/XYc13tdN/u-https-www-weather-gov-images-hgx-projects-harvey17-5dayrainfalltotal-westgulfri.png
CAUGHT ON CAM: Escaped giant snow globe rolls through South Carolina town
https://www.wtoc.com/2025/12/29/caught-cam-escaped-giant-snow-globe-rolls-through-south-carolina-town/
EASLEY, S.C. (FOX Carolina) - A giant inflatable snow globe was caught on camera blowing through Easley on Monday morning.
A viewer said she watched the snow globe blow from a car dealership along Old Easley Bridge Road to a gas station across the street.
While rolling along, the inflatable can be seen running into street lights, tumbling over cars and bouncing off a power line before deflating over a home.
duzybDH34nM
Hope that car dealership has liability coverage
Local police union at war with Houston Chronicle (local newspaper) for being terrible. Kinda sucks because they used to be good. I grew up reading their paper... and to be fair, it's the state of all media to write things for the effect it has rather than the information it provides, so not just this paper. Have seen information from sources well before it even hits coverage only to be reported very differently in the media. Not even just spin, just completely inaccurate and made up..., so that's not a new phenomenon for local news, sadly.
S: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1BvqX7PBEH/
Op-Ed, by Douglas Griffith
Houston Police Officers' Union, President
The Houston Police Officers’ Union has always had a good working relationship with the media for the most part. As president, I have always been open and available to speaking with the media on any topic, good, bad, or indifferent. I am a very proud Houston Police Officer and believe that we have the best department in the nation! I also understand that we are not always perfect and will readily admit if or when we make a mistake. I have done this before with the SL Code cases, and other instances in the department. I believe that this is what gives the HPOU credibility within the community.
In the last few weeks, the Houston Chronicle has printed several stories about the immigrant mother whose “autistic” son was taken and placed with the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ACF - ORR), or by Chronicle standards, ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement). Several of these articles were crafted by the Editorial Board and not regular investigative reporters. Not only are these articles misleading, but the reports are crafted to produce an emotional outcome. The comments in the story are opinion based, as it does not have to be factual, just in the public mind.
The Chronicle has worked hard to make the public believe that the 15-year-old autistic migrant child was ripped from his mothers’ arms and placed into federal custody at the hands of incompetent police officers. Nothing could be further from the truth. Several of the Chronicle articles had headlines disparaging HPD like “Houston Police fractured a loving family”. Other articles had comments stating, “botched police investigation.” “Police fail at their most basic duty of protecting Houston Families”, and “the story is more about incompetence than malice,”. Each of these editorials disparage the great work of the officers of the Houston Police Department.
Have any of the editorial board writers or journalist reached out to the HPOU for comment? NO, because I do not believe that it would not fit their narrative. The department may not comment on current investigations, but the HPOU will. The body worn camera videos and reports generated the day Emannuel was found were provided to city council and many of them stated that the officers did a great job given the circumstances.
It is important to know that Emannuel told officers that he was homeless and from another country. Officers did what policy dictates and contacted Child Protective Services and followed their direction. Officers were told to contact Immigration and Customs Enforcement and they did. The officers were advised to take the child to the Office of Refugee Resettlement as they match unaccompanied children with their families. That is exactly what happened and thank God it did. The child then had a medical emergency that his mother may not have been able to handle.
In at least four Chronicle news articles the headlines stated that Emannuel was autistic. This is not a factual statement, and the editorial board later pivoted by saying, “Though not diagnosed” his school records show he has learning disabilities. So now it is unclear to what extent or how severe Emmanuels issues are. It should be noted that Emannuel had conversations with firefighters and officers at the scene and according to Chronicle reporting, long conversations with his mother over the phone. It appears that he has the ability to understand what he was saying and what he told officers.
The editorial board blames HPD for failing to connect two different names. I know in their world they can Google and get different variations of different names. The department computers do not have that same ability. The officers who were called to help Emannuel did everything possible to help him. The editorial board running a headline of “Houston police called ICE on missing teen. Then they blamed his mom” is, in my opinion, inaccurate and inflammatory. In this editorial they insinuate that we blamed the mother, with the only evidence provided being Chief Diaz’s account of the incident at city hall.
The editorial board also stated that they found a complicated story, “one that reveals a botched police investigation and startling gaps that failed a child.” This is another claim that cannot be supported by facts only insinuations, as far as I can tell. Thanks to the officers, the child was safe and protected during this entire incident even to the point of receiving medical care.
These little hit articles by the Chronicle and the Editorial Board, do more damage to the community because of the accusations and fear that they spread. This is especially true right now in the immigrant community. HPD is dedicated to the safety and security of all Houston residents. It is for this reason that the Houston Police Officers’ Union will no longer provide statements to the Houston Chronicle, until a formal apology is printed to the HPD and its officers.
Until then, no further comments will come from the HPOU! Our officers and the citizens of Houston deserve to have a newspaper that prints only on facts, not politics and opinions!
- Douglas Griffith
Houston Police Officers’ Union, President
My in-laws came to town just in time for this
SWAT standoff ends with man in custody after coming down from roof of Chick-fil-A, HCSO says
https://abc13.com/post/swat-standoff-underway-chick-fil-west-harris-county-man-refuses-come-down-roof-hcso-says/18378179/
https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/mytexasdaily.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/6/7b/67b61056-ce2d-52d9-be55-9e6b6c03b820/6961a82c25ead.image.jpg?resize=1333%2C571
OK lawmaker AJ Pittman resigns, pleads guilty to felony charges amid ethics investigation
https://kfor.com/news/oklahoma-legislature/ok-lawmaker-aj-pittman-resigns-charged-amid-ethics-investigation/
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) – On Wednesday, State House Democrat Representative Ajay Pittman, who has been under fire after the Ethics Commission filed a lawsuit and accused her of fraud, has resigned.
The Oklahoma Ethics Commission announced the resolution of what they say is one of the most serious campaign finance enforcement matters in recent years, involving the intentional misuse of campaign funds, fraud, and falsified filings by the now former State Representative Ajay Pittman.
“This case involved intentional misconduct and deception, not reporting errors or technical mistakes,” said Lee Anne Bruce Boone, Executive Director of the Oklahoma Ethics Commission. “Campaign funds are not personal funds, and when an elected official deliberately abuses that trust, the Commission will pursue every appropriate remedy available under the law.”
According to the Ethics Commission, under the terms of the settlement and agreed-upon judgment, Pittman admits that she knowingly and intentionally violated Oklahoma’s campaign-finance laws by converting campaign contributions to personal use, withdrawing campaign funds as cash for personal expenses, paying personal credit-card charges with campaign funds, submitting falsified campaign reports, and presenting fraudulent documents to the Ethics Commission.
Pittman further admits that this conduct constituted fraud and that these obligations cannot be
discharged in bankruptcy.
The Attorney General says Pittman appeared before a judge Wednesday morning and pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Commit a Felony, Forgery in the Second Degree, and Violating the Oklahoma Computer Crimes Act.
...
Videos show ICE agents chasing, detaining individuals at Midland job site
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/videos-show-ice-agents-chasing-detaining-individuals-at-midland-job-site/ar-AA1VlSro
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MIDLAND, Texas (KMDI/KPEJ)- Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents were allegedly involved in an enforcement operation Friday afternoon at a Midland construction site, according to videos obtained by KMID/KPEJ and various social media reports.
Videos sent to ABC Big 2 News show ICE agents chasing several suspects through the area. Other footage shows workers remaining on the roof of a home under construction as agents gathered below and attempted to get them to come down.
The additional video shows at least one individual being taken into custody. The total number of people detained has not been confirmed.
Midland Fire Department and Midland EMS were observed at the scene. Fire crews appeared to assist after workers remained on the roof for a period of time.
The activity occurred near the Stonebridge and Porterfield area, where multiple homes are currently under construction.
Jury finds Seattle NEGLIGENT in 2020 CHAZ killing of 16-year-old Antonio Mays Jr, awards family $30 MILLION
https://thepostmillennial.com/breaking-jury-finds-seattle-negligent-in-2020-chaz-killing-of-16-year-old-antonio-mays-jr-awards-family-30-million?utm_campaign=64530
A King County jury has found the City of Seattle negligent and liable for the 2020 death of 16-year-old Antonio Mays Jr., who was fatally shot in the Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone (CHAZ), also known as the Capitol Hill Organized Protest (CHOP). The verdict, delivered three-plus weeks after a month-long trial at the King County Courthouse presided over by Judge O'Donnell, stems from a wrongful death lawsuit filed by the Mays Estate accusing the city of negligence in its handling of the zone, which protesters occupied for three weeks amid nationwide unrest following George Floyd's death.
The jury's ruling holds the city accountable for creating a "state-created danger" by abandoning the Seattle Police East Precinct, installing barricades that fortified the zone, and prohibiting police and emergency responders from entering the area, which plaintiffs argued enabled unchecked violence and delayed life-saving aid to Mays Jr. Jurors were required to determine whether the City was negligent in its response to the incident, and if so, whether such negligence contributed to Mays' death.
The 12-person jury awarded the family roughly $30 million in damages. Jurors found the City "negligent" and that its negligence was a "proximate cause of the death of Antonio Mays Jr."
...
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Plan to tax drivers per mile ‘is a direct assault on the everyday Californians’
https://www.yourcentralvalley.com/news/local-news/california-assembly-advances-bill-to-research-taxing-drivers-per-mile/
FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – A California Assembly bill could drive the state closer to a mileage-based tax system.
AB 1421 passed its third Assembly reading 43-18 Thursday.
One of those no votes was Valley Assemblymember David Tangipa.
“This is a direct assault on the everyday Californians in rural portions of California that own gas vehicles,” Tangipa said.
The bill would not itself enact the mileage tax, but would launch research into how much to charge drivers per mile and how to collect that money.
The research would have to be finished and presented by Jan. 1, 2027, so they can move forward enacting the milage tax.
The bill’s author, Assemblymember Lori Wilson, said, “AB 1421 asks a basic fairness question: How do we ensure all motorists pay their fair share, no more and no less?”
California’s gas tax is $0.61 a gallon, generating billions of dollars for the state each year.
However, as more drivers gravitate toward electric vehicles, the California Transportation Commission expects to lose $31.3 billion over the next decade.
“This loss, this $31 billion loss, actually proves that the policies that my colleagues really wanted to push to get people into electric vehicles really started to work. But now they want to re-weaponize this taxation arm to take from people to back-fill the pockets of Sacramento,” Tangipa said.
Assemblymember Carl DeMaio represents San Diego – a county that already tried the mileage-based tax system in 2022.
“When you add up the car tax, the gas tax, and this new mileage tax for a family with two cars, a working family with two parents driving, they would have to pay $4,200 a year to the state of California just for the privilege of driving on crappy roads,” DeMaio said.
The bill calls the mileage-based tax system an ‘alternative to the gas tax system.’
Republicans worry it could end up being an addition, though.
“There is no language in the bill right now that makes it – that repeals the gas tax,” Tangipa said.
Wilson says she has a plan to address that.
“I am committed to amending AB 1421 in the Senate to explicitly direct the research to help understand and avoid situations where motorists could be double taxed,” Wilson said.
(Jan 27th)
‘No Kings Act’ passes California Senate, heads to Assembly
https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/no-kings-act-passes-california-223638776.html
(Inside California Politics) — A bill that would make it easier for Californians to sue federal agents has passed the state Senate on a party line vote.
The “No Kings Act” — formally Senate Bill 747 — would make it easier for California residents to take federal law enforcement officers, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents, to court over alleged constitutional violations.
It passed the California Senate on a party-line vote Tuesday, with all 30 Democrats voting in favor and all 10 Republicans voting in opposition.
State Sen. Scott Wiener, D-San Francisco, said the legislation aims to hold ICE officers accountable.
Wiener, who wrote the bill, said that as things stand today, Californians can sue state and local law enforcement officers in federal court — but they face far more limitations when bringing a lawsuit against federal agents.
“This bill stands for the basic proposition that no one, no one, is above the law,” Wiener said.
Republicans, however, said the bill would undermine law enforcement and blamed sanctuary state policies for causing dangerous situations. State Sen. Tony Strickland, R-Huntington Beach, said those policies put law enforcement in a tough position.
The vote came a day after top California Democrats called a news conference to push back against President Donald Trump’s nationwide immigration crackdown. Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas, D-Salinas, and Senate President Pro Tem Monique Limón, D-Santa Barbara, vowed to advance a series of bills they say would bring accountability to ICE.
Meanwhile, Sacramento Mayor Kevin McCarty is also working with lawmakers on another bill that would require the attorney general to investigate shootings
The “No Kings Act” now advances to the Assembly, where it must go through the committee process and a full floor vote before it could potentially head to Gov. Gavin Newsom’s desk.
Seattle mayor, police guild spar over ICE protection directives
https://www.msn.com/en-us/politics/government/seattle-mayor-police-guild-spar-over-ice-protection-directives/ar-AA1VmJ4t
Mayor Katie Wilson signed an executive order barring ICE from using city-owned properties—including parks, garages, and Seattle Center—for civil enforcement operations.
The Mayor also directed Seattle Police to "investigate, verify, and document" ICE activity using body cameras and ID checks to gather evidence for potential prosecution.
SPOG President Mike Solan rejected the directive, labeling it "political theater" and stating he will not allow officers to be used as pawns in a conflict with federal agencies.
SEATTLE - The Seattle Police Officers Guild is refusing to cooperate with a recent directive from Mayor Katie Wilson ordering officers to investigate and document ICE activity in the city.
On Thursday, Wilson announced a set of actions ahead of an expected increase in federal immigration enforcement activity. She directed the Seattle Police Department to "investigate, verify and document" ICE activity, and prohibit ICE from staging operations on city property.
If called to reports of ICE activity, Wilson directed officers to document it with video, check the IDs of federal agents and "secure scenes of potentially unlawful acts to gather evidence for transmital to prosecutors."
City and local authorities are not allowed to interfere with federal immigration, but they are also not required to assist.
2017010087131566385
The other side
Seattle Police Officers Guild president Mike Solan said he does not intend to let union members do any of this.
"Toothless virtue signaling rhetoric like this has already cost two people their lives," wrote Solan. "The concept of pitting two armed law enforcement agencies against each other is ludicrous, and will not happen. I will not allow SPOG members to be used as political pawns."
The push for local police assistance comes just days after the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti by U.S. Border Patrol agents in Minneapolis.
State lawmakers have considered measures to slow federal immigration activity in Washington, including a bill that would prevent former ICE agents from being hired into local law enforcement, as well as banning officers from wearing face coverings.
Teen wins $2M first-ever ‘malpractice’ lawsuit over breast-removal gender transition
https://www.bizpacreview.com/2026/01/31/teen-wins-2m-first-ever-malpractice-lawsuit-over-breast-removal-gender-transition-1619366/
In a first-ever victory of its kind, a detransitioner has won a lawsuit against the psychologist and plastic surgeon who’d allegedly encouraged and approved her gender transition at the age of 16.
Now 22, plaintiff Fox Varian sought and received gender transition surgery in 2019. She later came to deeply regret the decision.
“I immediately had a thought that this was wrong, and it couldn’t be true,” Varian previously testified regarding the immediate moments after she’d received her chest surgery, according to The Epoch Times.
She also testified that the surgery left her with nerve pain that she described as “searing hot … ripping sensations across my chest.”
“Shame — I felt shame,” her previous testimony continued. “It’s hard to face that you are disfigured for life.”
During the trial, Varian’s attorneys argued that her psychologist, Dr. Kenneth Einhorn, and surgeon, Dr. Simon Chin, had incorrectly diagnosed her with gender dysphoria.
They pointed to a referral letter that Einhorn wrote in 2019 to Chin in support of Varian’s desire to have gender transition surgery.
“Varian’s attorneys said that since the letter contained some omissions and inaccuracies, Chin didn’t have a clear picture of his patient’s psychological history,” according to the Times.
Einhorn and Chin’s attorneys, meanwhile, maintained that Varian hadn’t ever expressed any regret for the procedure until 2023, the year she filed the suit.
In fact, they alleged she was “happy” after the surgery and continued to live as a trans man for years afterward. As evidence, their attorneys read from an essay Varian had written 10 months after receiving the surgery.
“It’s such an immense relief to wake up and not feel at odds with my body,” the essay read.
While on the witness stand, Varian blamed the essay on “cognitive dissonance.”
She also noted that, prior to the surgery, she’d told Chin’s staff that she’d “felt pressure to decide” on a gender identity “by family, friends, and culture.”
She also admitted to continuing to question her gender identity but being afraid to bring that up because she might “lose credibility.”
“Einhorn said he might not have written the letter had he known; Chin also testified that had he known Varian was unsure of her gender identity, he would not have performed the surgery,” the Times notes.
Einhorn and Chin’s attorneys pushed back by arguing that Varian was the one who’d pushed for a male gender identity, not them.
“[D]efense attorneys argued that Varian, not Einhorn, had spurred decisions like using ‘he/him’ pronouns, cutting her hair short, and changing her name from Isabelle to Gabriel, then Rowan, then Fox,” according to the Times. “They said the decision to wear a chest binder, and later the breast removal, were also her idea.”
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But funnily enough, Varian’s attorneys also pushed back by making the case that this blind acceptance of whatever she wanted was the very issue at hand.
“Whatever the kid wants, the kid gets,” they said in closing arguments.
Varian’s mother, Claire Deacon, also took the stand to testify that she had consented to the gender transition surgery out of the fear that her daughter would commit suicide otherwise. Einhorn and Chin’s attorneys pushed back this time by pointing to similar suicide threats Varian had made, and by also noting that the idea of suicide hadn’t come from them.
The jury ultimately sided with Varian, awarding her $1.6 million for pain and suffering, and another $400,000 for any future medical expenses.
“The jurors found that in many respects the surgeon and psychologist had skipped important steps when evaluating if she should go forward with the surgery and had not adequately communicated with each other,” the Times notes.
Texas legislature forced a redistrict, so this is actually hilarious. Though it being in Ft Worth isn't really that surprising.
Dem Taylor Rehmet flips Texas state senate seat blue for first time since 1992 in shocking upset
https://nypost.com/2026/02/01/us-news/shocking-dem-upset-in-texas-as-seat-flips-blue-for-first-time-since-1992/
WASHINGTON — Democrats notched a shocking upset victory Saturday when they flipped a Fort Worth-area Texas state Senate seat blue for the first time since 1992, defeating a President Trump-backed candidate.
Dem Taylor Rehmet dispatched Republican Leigh Wambsganss by more than 14 percentage points in the special-election race for the state seat in District 9, where President Trump won by 17 points in 2024.
“This win shows what is possible in Texas with strong organizing, great candidates, and strategic investments,” Texas Democratic Party Chair Kendall Scudder crowed in a statement.
Democratic National Committee Chairman Ken Martin added that Rehmet’s victory is “a warning sign to Republicans across the country” — as Trump has admitted the GOP is facing headwinds heading into the midterms.
The contest was to fill a vacancy left by four-term Republican Kelly Hancock, who became comptroller of Texas over the summer.
Rehmet, an Air Force veteran and leader with the machinists and aerospace workers union, came out on top in the Nov. 4 special election with 48% of the vote compared to Wambsganss’ 36% but was short of the majority needed to avoid a runoff, which then took place Saturday.
He will have to defend seat in November for a complete four-year term.
Trump publicly backed Wambsganss, hailing her as “an incredible supporter.”
Democrats haven’t won statewide in Texas since 1994.
Adding to Republicans’ woes, Democrat Christian Menefee also prevailed in a special election for the Lone Star State’s solidly blue 18th Congressional District seat that had been held by late Dem Rep. Sylvester Turner, who died in March.
While Democrats were always expected to win that race, Rehmet’s win means that the GOP’s margin in the local House will slip to 218–214, narrowing the Republican leadership’s room for error.
Typically, special and off-year elections have lower voter turnout than midterm and presidential cycles, which can be difficult for the party in power in Washington, DC, to mobilize turnout, while the minority party usually has ample fodder to get its base energized.
Special and off-year elections also have been seen as a harbinger of what’s to come in the midterms.
Last week, Trump swung through Iowa to tout his accomplishments while acknowledging that the party in power typically faces an uphill battle in House races, dubbing it a “psychological factor.”
“Presidents, whether it’s Republican or Democrat, when they win, it doesn’t make any difference. They seem to lose the midterms,” Trump told Fox News’ Will Cain.
“Maybe [voters] want to put up a guard fence. You just don’t know. It doesn’t make sense,” he said. “Hopefully, we’re going to change that around. We’re doing great.”
Since 1938, the party in control of the White House has lost House seats in all but two elections in such races. Given the GOP’s threadbare grip on the lower chamber, many analysts believe Democrats are the favorites to control the House this time around.
That means Trump will likely face a wave of investigations that will plague the final two years of his term if Democrats regain control of key House committees.
They handle the cold better than we do
WATCH: Florida man creates ‘blanket’ of cold-stunned iguanas
https://fox8.com/news/watch-florida-man-creates-blanket-of-cold-stunned-iguanas/
https://fox8.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2026/02/iguana-blanket-2.jpg
S: https://www.instagram.com/p/DUOpUNvATZI/
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — A Florida man was seen using several cold-stunned iguanas as a “blanket” to keep warm during chilly weather in the Sunshine State.
Influencer @stackz posted a video on Feb. 1 joking that he was trying to sleep under a pile of the invasive lizards.
The iguanas were easy to capture because they were in a state of torpor, where they temporarily lose muscle control and appear “frozen,” according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
On Friday, the FWC issued an executive order allowing Floridians to remove live, cold-stunned iguanas without a permit and bring them to five FWC locations between Sunday, Feb. 1 and Monday, Feb. 2.
The FWC said the iguanas would be “humanely killed or, in some cases, transferred to permittees for live animal sales.”
In the video, @stackz said he did not kill the iguanas.
“We love everything with a heartbeat.”
‘Rampant fraud’: More than 100 identities stolen in massive SNAP fraud scheme in Mass., feds say
https://www.boston25news.com/news/local/rampant-fraud-more-than-100-identities-stolen-massive-snap-fraud-scheme-feds-say/EPC3PTJMZVEHLBJZKTTG5JPF3E/
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BOSTON — Criminal charges have been lodged against four people who federal prosecutors say stole vast amounts of taxpayer money in a massive fraud scheme in New England involving SNAP and pandemic-era government benefits.
More than $1 million in governmental benefits were stolen using more than 100 stolen identities as part of a multi-state fraud scheme, federal prosecutors said in Boston on Tuesday.
One of the people charged, Raul Fernandez Vicioso of Fitchburg, used government supplemental assistance benefits, also known as SNAP, to buy food for his Leominster restaurant, which he then sold to customers, federal officials said.
Vicioso was caught on camera taking a cart full of meats and groceries using fraudulent SNAP benefits, prosecutors said.
Vicioso used fraudulent SNAP EBT cards to buy food from local stores, including BJ’s Wholesale in Leominster and Hannaford supermarket in Leominster, prosecutors said. He ultimately used that food to supply El Primo restaurant in Leominster.
Proceeds from the scheme were then wired to people in Venezuela and the Dominican Republic, officials said.
“This fraud is nationwide. We are doing what we can to stop that nationwide,” U.S. Attorney Leah Foley said during a press conference on Tuesday morning.
Authorities have charged the following people by criminal complaint:
Joel Vicioso Fernandez, 42, of Fitchburg;
Roman Vequiz Fernandez, 32, a Venezuelan national living in Leominster;
Coralba Albarracin Siniva, 24, a Venezuelan national living in Leominster; and
Raul Fernandez Vicioso, 37, of Fitchburg.
Raul Fernandez Vicioso has been charged with Conspiracy to Commit SNAP Fraud, Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud, SNAP benefit Fraud, Aiding and Abetting and Money Laundering.
According to the charging documents, the accused bought and used stolen personal information of over 100 real people from multiple states to fraudulently obtain SNAP benefits.
The stolen identities were used to create 24 “households” in SNAP applications. Prosecutors said all of these applications, submitted in the names of over 100 people, were listed as living in two single-family apartments in Providence, Rhode Island.
A number of the stolen identities from Connecticut, Florida, Kentucky, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and Puerto Rico were used to fraudulently obtain SNAP benefits in Massachusetts and Rhode Island.
Prosecutors allege that Raul Fernandez Vicioso and Joel Vicioso Fernandez used their own personal information to create fraudulent SNAP benefit accounts that were found commingled among the victim identities in the applications.
In support of the fraudulently submitted SNAP applications, the accused allegedly provided images of counterfeit passports and passport cards, with metadata indicating the images were taken inside or within the immediate vicinity of El Primo Restaurant – a restaurant operated by Raul Fernandez Vicioso in Leominster.
The accused allegedly used the fraudulent SNAP benefits cards to buy large quantities of expensive bulk food items (such as multiple-pound packages of chicken, beef and pork) at various local wholesalers and food markets to stock El Primo Restaurant at no expense.
With their supplies obtained for free through fraudulent SNAP benefits, prosecutors said they prepared and then sold menu items at El Primo Restaurant at a complete profit, later wiring the fraud proceeds, among other places, to individuals living in Venezuela and the Dominican Republic.
According to the charging documents, between April 2020 and December 2021, the accused further enriched themselves by over $700,000 by submitting fraudulent applications and supporting documents for pandemic unemployment benefits in Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio and Nevada.
The fraudulent pandemic unemployment benefits were issued in the names of Raul Fernandez Vicioso, Joel Vicioso Fernandez and in the names of suspected identity theft victims, including identities common to the related SNAP benefit fraud.
At least 29 different identities were allegedly used in PUA applications in six different states – all of which listed the address for El Primo Restaurant as the residential address.
Bank records obtained during the investigation detail approximately $276,021 in fraudulent PUA benefits deposited into bank accounts held in the names of the El Primo Restaurant, Raul Fernandez Vicioso, Joel Vicioso Fernandez and other co-conspirators, prosecutors said.
Other fraudulent PUA benefits were allegedly issued to prepaid cards using the identities of various individuals using their known addresses and telephone numbers.
During searches of Raul Fernandez Vicioso’s home and the El Primo Restaurant, investigators found fraudulently-obtained Massachusetts and Rhode Island EBT cards, fraudulent documents bearing a Providence address involved in the alleged scheme, printed ledgers and handwritten lists of more than 100 identities and SNAP-related mailings.
The charge of Conspiracy to Commit SNAP Fraud provides for a sentence of up tofive years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000.
The charge of Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000
The charge of illegal acquisition or use of SNAP benefits provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000.
The charge of money laundering provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $500,000 or twice the amount involved in the transaction, whichever is greater.
Anthony D’Esposito, Inspector General for the U.S. Department of Labor, echoed Foley’s comments on Tuesday.
“This case is not a one-off,” D’Esposito said during the press conference. “This is something that is happening throughout the United States of America. When there’s no checks and balances in place... fraud ensues.”
The criminal charges announced Tuesday occurred as authorities are working to catch and prosecute “criminals who are stealing from the taxpayers,” Foley said.
“This is in the public’s interest. The public needs to know what its officials are doing to protect the taxpayer dollars,“ Foley said.
The goal, officials said, is to root out waste, fraud and abuse from across the country, including in Massachusetts.
“The work continues. It never stops for us,” Michael Krol, special agent in charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England, said to reporters on Tuesday.
The public can report fraud, waste or abuse to the Council of the Inspectors General for Integrity and Efficiency by clicking here.
Bail at 130K... which means for 13K he gets to walk free (with bail conditions).
Oregon 18-year-old arrested for violent plot targeting ICE agents, police say
https://www.kptv.com/2026/02/09/oregon-18-year-old-arrested-violent-plot-targeting-ice-agents-police-say/
ST. HELENS Ore. (KPTV) - An 18-year-old St. Helens resident was arrested last week after authorities say he planned violent attacks against federal immigration officers and took steps to build incendiary devices, according to court records.
Rayden Tanner Coleman was arrested Feb. 4 following a high-risk traffic stop at an assisted living facility where he worked, police said in a probable cause affidavit filed in Columbia County Circuit Court. Coleman is charged with 12 counts of unlawful possession of a destructive device and one attempt to commit a Class B Felony. A judge set bail at $130,000.
The investigation began after police received a report of a suspicious situation involving Coleman from people who said they were concerned about statements he had made to friends and roommates, the affidavit said. According to the document, witnesses told officers Coleman discussed plans to attack Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, including killing them and using Molotov cocktails.
Several witnesses told police that Coleman had talked about forming a group he referred to as “Cascadia Rangers” and recruiting people from the Warm Springs Reservation, according to the affidavit. Witnesses said he claimed violence against ICE agents would be used to demonstrate his seriousness and inspire others to join.
Court records state that witnesses provided police with copies of online messages allegedly sent by Coleman in which he talked about getting guns and killing ICE agents. Investigators said Coleman also shared a link to a document he described as a manifesto outlining his beliefs and plans, though police were unable to access the file because permissions had been restricted.
Police said multiple witnesses reported helping Coleman obtain empty glass bottles , which he said would be used to make Molotov cocktails. One witness told investigators that Coleman later admitted the bottles were incendiary devices and that he filled some of them with sand to increase accuracy when thrown.
Officers stopped Coleman on Feb. 4 and searched his car, a white Ford Fusion, police said. According to the affidavit, officers found glass bottles filled with sand in the trunk, along with surveillance-related equipment in plain view.
During an interview with investigators, Coleman admitted he had planned to kill ICE agents and said he bought an AR-style rifle for that purpose, the affidavit states. Police said Coleman told investigators he was scheduled to pick up the rifle the following day from a licensed dealer in St. Helens and that he was paying for it in monthly installments.
Investigators also said Coleman admitted to gathering materials for Molotov cocktails and planning to use camouflage clothing to conceal himself during the attacks. According to the affidavit, Coleman admitted to making statements about beheading ICE agents but claimed some comments were made out of anger.
Coleman was taken to the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office following his arrest. Court records did not list an attorney for him, and it was not immediately clear when he would appear in court.
The charges are allegations, and Coleman is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
Lol... I was listening in when she made the comment about people bullying her wanted to tear down her office wall. It didn't stand out to me so much because she already was saying so many crazy things. They were getting ready to go into private meeting and she insisted they argue about it then and there so it would be in the public.
Thankfully she won't seek reelection. She's not mentally stable. She spends many meetings asking for money for pet projects and then acts like a child when they have to remind her there is a budget.
Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo walks out of Commissioners Court over doorway dispute
https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2026/02/13/harris-county-judge-lina-hidalgo-walks-out-of-commissioners-court-over-doorway-dispute/
*County Judge in this case runs the entire county, so similar to a mayor.
https://res.cloudinary.com/graham-media-group/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/d_https:::cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com:gmg:S6JZ4ZURDJANVGFQCHV 677XQEU.png/c_scale,w_900/v1/media/gmg/NUWSEXVUBVEPXMDGQGPXHQH2GE.png?_a=DAJHqpE+ZAAA
Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo walked out of Thursday’s Commissioners Court meeting during a dispute over a proposed second doorway to Commissioner Lesley Briones’ office.
The request, submitted by Briones, calls for adding a second exit to Hidalgo’s office for safety reasons. One of three proposed construction options would require cutting through a wall connected to the county judge’s office.
“Frankly, if we’re allowed, I’d like to discuss 259 out here because I don’t want my wall torn down,” Hidalgo said during the meeting. “I don’t need my office wall torn down by the office that continues to bully me.”
Commissioners later entered executive session to discuss the issue before returning to open court.
Briones said the request was based on safety recommendations.
“Safety is non-negotiable. Everybody’s safety is non-negotiable,” Briones said. “All we want is a second door in case there is an active threat, whether that is a shooter, that is a fire. My office does not have a second exit in a separate area by which my team can leave.”
Briones said the recommendation came from former Houston Fire Chief Samuel Peña, who now works in the county engineer’s office, along with the county fire marshal.
Hidalgo said she supports the need for two doors but objected to the location.
“I agree. Your team needs two egress doors. It’s so important. I agree. Here’s the issue… they don’t need to come from my office,” Hidalgo said.
During the exchange, Hidalgo also referred to Peña as “cute” while cutting him off as he attempted to provide clarification.
The county judge said there were three possible construction options and that another precinct declined alternatives that did not involve her office. She also noted that parts of her staff are currently displaced due to ongoing work in the building and said she worked for years in a non-remodeled office.
“I had carpet in the bathrooms for seven of the eight years I’ve been serving,” Hidalgo said.
At approximately 2:37 p.m., Hidalgo left the meeting, saying she was taking her lunch break.
Commissioners later unanimously approved the motion to move forward with construction. Hidalgo was not present for the vote.
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lol They actually showed the toilet with carpeting underneath....
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'Nothing under you for 900 feet': Longview firefighters describe hot air balloon rescue
https://www.msn.com/en-us/travel/article/nothing-under-you-for-900-feet-longview-firefighters-describe-hot-air-balloon-rescue/ar-AA1Xo4xn
GREGG COUNTY, Texas (KLTV) - Two Longview firefighters are opening up about what it was like climbing more than 900 feet in the air to rescue two people whose hot air balloon hit a radio tower.
Stephen Winchell, a lieutenant with the Longview Fire Department, said the department had trained for scenarios involving balloons caught in trees or power lines, but not at the height encountered Saturday.
“We have literally talked about this one, and briefed and talked about what would happen if a hot air balloon got stuck in a tree or a power line but we just didn’t expect both of those scenarios to get combined today, to one very tall rescue,” Winchell said.
First responders were dispatched to the radio tower around 8:15 a.m. Saturday after the call about a high-angle rescue came in. Both people were pulled from the balloon’s basket about 10:58 a.m.
The operation took roughly four hours from the time crews began climbing until the two riders reached the ground. Winchell said the riders’ physical condition was a factor in the operation’s outcome.
“If it had been people that were injured or not as capable as they, we would’ve had to climb out to the basket and that would’ve added a significant degree of difficulty,” Winchell said.
Winchell, who said he has about 18 years of rope rescue experience, said the height of the tower exceeded anything he had previously encountered. His previous highest tower work was about 350 feet.
Winchell described his experience with rope rescues and great heights as a “work-in-progress” because he had a fear of heights as a child, something that still lingers with him even now.
“There’s moments on the way up and moments when I got up there that my brain and my gut and my body did not like where I was at,” Winchell said. “Even the balloon flapping in the wind that was up there, that can mess with your head. But at some point as firefighters, all of us have a fair amount experience doing things that don’t come naturally and going places that other people don’t want to go.”
Firefighter Cliff Patrick, a 16-year veteran of the Longview Fire Department, said he was off duty when the call came in and arrived 20 to 30 minutes after the initial rescue plan was established.
Patrick said the balloon operator had shut off the balloon’s fuel valve and made an attempt to secure the basket to the tower before crews arrived. Patrick said rescuers used a half-inch static rope to secure the basket and provided the riders with rescue harnesses before beginning the extraction.
“They were able to get that gear on. We were able to just talk them through everything we needed of them,” Patrick said.
Patrick said six rope systems had to be used at different points along the tower due to the sheer height at which the riders were stranded. Crews also used drones to monitor conditions and confirm the exact height of the crashed balloon during the operation.
Patrick said the riders’ cooperation reduced the complexity of the rescue.
“They were a phenomenal help as far as survivors go,” said Patrick. “I couldn’t really ask for better survivors for them to be able to help us. We worked through getting a harness on, worked through getting that secured. That saved us the step of having to get actually out to them and put them in it. We were able to just talk them through everything we needed of them, so they were in the correct headspace to be able to function as an assistant to us.”
Winchell echoed Patrick’s praise of the riders’ demeanor during the rescue.
“Their courage to climb out of the basket, we were somewhat concerned if they were going to be capable of doing that, just from the pure mental stress of climbing out of a basket with nothing under you for 900 feet,” said Winchell.
Both Winchell and Patrick emphasized the large group effort that went into planning and executing the rescue. 14 firefighters were stationed at different points along the tower and about 21 were on the ground during the operation.
“There was a big team effort that went into this,” Winchell said. “14 guys were on that tower making this happen, another 21 firemen on the ground and other agencies participating.”
“That’s a snapshot of it, it was a team effort,” Patrick said. “Lieutenant Winchell and I were coming in off duty but the plan was in place. A phenomenal plan was in place and we were able to plug into it.”
However, other firefighters and emergency personnel weren’t the only ones watching the rescue unfold.
“My wife and three kids had showed up, and Lieutenant Winchell’s wife and a few other family had showed up and were watching us,” said Patrick. “We’d received a few texts saying, ‘Hey we see you guys. Hey we’re praying for you guys.’ So it was an encouragement to have all the support from below as well.”
Supreme Court ponders law making it a crime for marijuana users to own guns
https://www.npr.org/2026/03/02/nx-s1-5718476/supreme-court-guns-marijuana
The Supreme Court hears arguments Monday in an important gun case that has united an array of strange bedfellows, from conservative gun rights groups to liberal civil liberties groups. At issue is a federal law making it a crime for drug users to possess a firearm. It's the same law that was used to prosecute then-President Joe Biden's son for illegal gun possession — only this case involves marijuana use and gun ownership.
The briefs in the case present diametrically different versions of the facts. On one side, the Trump administration portrays Ali Danial Hemani as a drug dealer and someone with terrorist ties and a marijuana habit. Importantly, he is not being prosecuted for any of those offenses, however. Rather, the government has charged Hemani with violating a federal gun law that bars people with drug addiction from possession of firearms, a crime punishable by up to 15 years in prison.
The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals threw out the indictment, declaring that the federal law violates Hemani's Second Amendment right to own a gun.
Won't be surprised if this becomes national news. She is on her way out so her tantrums are becoming more frequent and so this has become a big deal here.
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Entitled Democrat judge complains she was MANHANDLED by Texas rodeo staff who refused to let her access VIP area after giving her $9,000 freebie... and suggests she is victim of racism
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-15639009/lina-hidalgo-houston-rodeo-vip-dispute.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=social-twitter_mailonline
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