[Maru]

Youtube video

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.

[Maru]

Youtube video

Texas graffiti case tests First Amendment with felony hate crime charges against three activists
https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/lo...6-287918a8b475

North Texas Activists Face Hate Crime Charges, Prison Time for Anti-Israel Graffiti
https://www.dallasobserver.com/news/...tique-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.

Spoiler:

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.”

[Maru]

Youtube video

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/seat...school-parents

[Maru]

Youtube video

"According to our President, there are only two genders"... "against our President's laws" 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/...-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.

[Maru]

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/new...r-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.

[Maru]

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/clima...-offshore-wind

Trump administration cancels $679 million for offshore wind projects at ports
https://www.npr.org/2025/08/31/nx-s1...d-energy-ports

[Mystic Mock]

Originally Posted by Maru

Youtube video

"According to our President, there are only two genders"... "against our President's laws" 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/...-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.

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?

[Maru]

Originally Posted by Mystic Mock

I've suffered through the pain of watching the video too, Zizu.

Oh nooooooo

[Maru]

Youtube video

[Maru]

US students' reading and math scores at historic lows: 'Devastating trend'
https://abc13.com/post/nations-repor...lows/17781482/

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."

[Maru]

Texas history professor fired after allegedly calling for political violence at socialist conference
https://nypost.com/2025/09/11/us-new...st-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.

Spoiler:

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]

Originally Posted by Maru

Oh nooooooo

My bad.

I'm sorry about that, my brain was clearly fried that day.

[Mystic Mock]

Originally Posted by Maru

US students' reading and math scores at historic lows: 'Devastating trend'
https://abc13.com/post/nations-repor...lows/17781482/

I'm no Maths expert.

But how do these kids expect to get through life without knowing at least a basic amount of Mathematics?

[Maru]

Naked cyclists roll through Htown tonight for safer streets
https://cw39.com/news/entertainment/...safer-streets/

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/opi...t-21043574.php

[Maru]

Governor Kathy Hochul endorses Zohran Mamdani in New York City mayoral race


https://abc7ny.com/post/governor-kat...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.

...

[Maru]

Youtube video

Waukesha child care experts send warning to parents about new Wisconsin day care regulations
https://www.tmj4.com/news/waukesha-c...re-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.

[Maru]

Aww, they should call them fire babies:

Also RIP the dept budget having to pay out all that maternity leave..

[Maru]

Montgomery County residents charged for setting Buddhist Temple on fire with Molotov cocktail
https://www.fox26houston.com/news/mo...ail-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."

[Maru]

Michigan judge dismisses charges against 15 pro-Trump 'fake electors'
https://www.npr.org/2025/09/09/nx-s1...harges-dropped

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]

Originally Posted by Maru

Governor Kathy Hochul endorses Zohran Mamdani in New York City mayoral race


https://abc7ny.com/post/governor-kat...race/17817290/

That should have gone on
My NYC Mayor Race Thread

https://www.thisisbigbrother.com/for...nyc+mayor+race

[Maru]

Originally Posted by arista

That should have gone on
My NYC Mayor Race Thread

https://www.thisisbigbrother.com/for...nyc+mayor+race

Yeah I looked for it before posting but didn't know how to search for it. Thanks, arista.

[Maru]

$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-new...-wasted-money/

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.”
...

[Maru]

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

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.

[bots]

very suspicous

[Maru]

Originally Posted by bots

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)