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April 10, 2025
Politics

Texas GOP Congressman Backs Paxton Over Cornyn in Senate Showdown.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: Republican Rep. Lance Gooden endorsed Ken Paxton in the Texas GOP Senate primary against longtime Sen. John Cornyn.

👥 Who’s Involved: Rep. Lance Gooden, Sen. John Cornyn, Attorney General Ken Paxton, President Donald Trump, Texas Rep. Troy Nehls, Senate Majority Leader John Thune, and Sen. Tim Scott.

📍 Where & When: The endorsement was made in Texas on Thursday.

💬 Key Quote: “Attorney General Paxton is the conservative champion we need in the U.S. Senate,” stated Rep. Lance Gooden.

⚠️ Impact: The endorsement increases pressure in a primary that could turn into a costly and contentious contest. The GOP primary winner will likely be favored in the general election.

IN FULL:

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton‘s Republican primary bid against U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) is receiving some early support. Congressman Lance Gooden (R-TX), who represents parts of Eastern Dallas and is known for his MAGA allegiance, announced he is endorsing Paxton for Senate—a sign that populist and Trump-backing Republicans in the state could soon follow suit. The Texas Republican primary for the U.S. Senate is anticipated to be particularly contentious and costly.

Paxton, who has served as Attorney General since 2014, announced his Senate run earlier this week. He cites a need for change and a stronger representation of conservative values. He argues for aligning more closely with President Donald J. Trump’s agenda. Paxton has accused Cornyn of failing to support conservative principles and questions his loyalty to Trump.

Cornyn, a member of the Senate since 2002, has backing from significant Republican figures, including Senate Majority Leader John Thune. The National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRCC) also endorses Cornyn. However, while he claimd that his voting record shows steadfast support for Trump’s policies, he initially opposed his bid to reclaim the presidency in 2024, and argued congressional Republicans should not oppose the lawfare prosecutions of America First leader.

While Trump could weigh in on the race with an endorsement—likely all but deciding the primary’s winner—such an action appears unlikely at the moment. Paxton’s campaign is characterized by his stance as a staunch conservative and ally to Trump, and the Trump-style lawfare against him—including an attempted but failed impeachment pushed by establishment Republicans and Democrats in the Texas legislature.

Despite the attention currently on Paxton and Cornyn, Rep. Wesley Hunt (R-TX) could also enter the race.

Image by Gage Skidmore.

By Popular Demand.
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6 minutes ago
Immigration
NatSec

Democrats Rushing to El Salvador to Help MS-13 Gangster Back into America.

PULSE POINTS:

❓ What Happened: A group of Democratic lawmakers wants to travel to El Salvador to lobby for the release of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, an MS-13 gang member deported by the Justice Department.

👥 Who’s Involved: The key figures are Senator Chris Van Hollen and Representatives Maxwell Frost and Yassamin Ansari.

📍 Where & When: The stunt follows a White House visit involving President Donald J. Trump and President Nayib Bukele of El Salvador, where the press raised Garcia’s case.

💬 Key Quote: “Of course I’m not going to do it,” said President Bukele regarding returning Garcia, an El Salvadoran citizen, to the U.S.

⚠️ Impact: The situation highlights tensions between leftist legislators and judges and the U.S. and Salvadoran governments.

IN FULL:

Leading Democratic lawmakers, spearheaded by Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), are prepared to visit El Salvador to advocate for the release of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, an MS-13 gang member deported to the Central American country’s CECOT super-prison by the Trump administration. During a White House visit, Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele declared that he would not send Garcia back to the U.S.

Van Hollen has formally contacted El Salvador’s ambassador in Washington, requesting a dialogue with President Bukele. The Maryland Democrat announced his intention to monitor Garcia’s condition and negotiate for his release in El Salvador if he is not returned to the U.S. by midweek. Democratic colleagues, including Rep. Maxwell Frost (D-FL) and Rep. Yassamin Ansari (D-AZ), have expressed readiness to join the potential delegation.

The push to bring Garcia back stems from the Trump administration deporting him contrary to a 2019 immigration judge’s order prohibiting his return to El Salvador, due to rival gang members presenting a threat to him.

Contradicting media reports presenting Garcia as an “innocent” father, the courts also adjudicated that he was an illegal alien who had failed to demonstrate he was not a danger to Americans at an immigration bond hearing. Additionally, the relevant ruling states that “sufficient” was presented proving Garcia was a gang member, which he had failed to rebut.

The Trump White House’s deputy chief of staff for policy, Stephen Miller, contends that Garcia’s deportation was in accordance with federal law. “Nobody was mistakenly deported anywhere. That’s a big fact that all of you, most of you, have gotten wrong,” Miller told the press outside the White House on Monday. He added: “The only mistake that was made is a lawyer put an incorrect line in a legal filing that’s since been relieved… [Garcia] is El Salvadoran. He is an illegal alien. He was deported to El Salvador.”

While the courts have asked the Trump administration to facilitate Garcia’s return, the fact he is an El Salvadoran citizen in the custody of El Salvador puts him beyond U.S. jurisdiction. During Bukele’s visit, the Salvadoran leader dismissed calls to return Garcia to the U.S., describing such expectations as “preposterous.” He questioned how he could “smuggle” Garcia into America without violating the law, given his status as a “terrorist.”

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By Popular Demand.
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45 minutes ago
William Upton
Education
Politics

Trump Withdraws $2 BILLION from Harvard. Here’s Why…

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: The Trump administration is freezing $2 billion in federal funding for Harvard University after the Ivy League institution rejected a set of government policy conditions aimed at addressing anti-Semitic incidents and pro-Hamas protests on its campus.

👥 Who’s Involved: Harvard University, President Donald J. Trump, Harvard President Alan Garber, pro-Hamas demonstrators, and federal officials.

📍 Where & When: Harvard University in Boston, Massachusetts, and the White House in Washington, D.C., with the funding freeze announced late on April 14, 2025.

💬 Key Quote: “Harvard’s statement today reinforces the troubling entitlement mindset that is endemic in our nation’s most prestigious universities and colleges,” the Trump administration’s Joint Task Force to combat anti-Semitism said in a statement.

⚠️ Impact: The university is being hit with a freeze on $2.2 billion in multi-year federal grants, and the Trump administration has canceled a $60 million contract with Harvard.

IN FULL:

Late Monday evening, the Trump administration suspended $2.2 billion in multi-year federal grants for Harvard University after the Ivy League academic institution rejected funding conditions U.S. President Donald J. Trump proposed to address anti-Semitism on campus. Earlier Monday, Harvard issued a statement declaring the Trump White House’s push for policy changes at the university to be “illegal.” The Trump White House had previously announced it would condition funding for Harvard on the school adequately addressing anti-Semitic incidents on campus, ensuring viewpoint diversity in its academic programs, and assisting with the federal screening of foreign students for pro-terrorism and extremist ideologies.

“Harvard’s statement today reinforces the troubling entitlement mindset that is endemic in our nation’s most prestigious universities and colleges—that federal investment does not come with the responsibility to uphold civil rights laws,” the Joint Task Force to combat anti-Semitism announced in a statement yesterday evening, continuing: “The disruption of learning that has plagued campuses in recent years is unacceptable. The harassment of Jewish students is intolerable. It is time for elite universities to take the problem seriously and commit to meaningful change if they wish to continue receiving taxpayer support.”

The statement concluded: “The Joint Task Force to combat anti-Semitism is announcing a freeze on $2.2 billion in multi-year grants and $60M in multi-year contract value to Harvard University.”

Universities across the United States have seen an explosion in anti-Semitic incidents and the harassment of Jewish students by pro-Hamas demonstrators. In several instances, protests escalated to the point where demonstrators would surround and trap Jewish students in university classrooms and libraries. In recent weeks, the Trump administration has moved to revoke student visas for hundreds of foreign students over their participation in the campus demonstrations and for public pro-Hamas statements.

Image by Adam Fagen.

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By Popular Demand.
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1 hour ago
Science

Now ‘Climate Change’ is Responsible for… Schizophrenia!?

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: A study in Nature Climate Change links high temperatures to increasing mental and behavioral disorders, including schizophrenia, and warns of a further rise due to climate change.

👥 Who’s Involved: Researchers from the University of Adelaide conducted the study.

📍 Where & When: The Australian study was published in Nature Climate Change on Monday.

💬 Key Quote: Dr. Peng Bi claims, “From mild distress to serious conditions like schizophrenia, rising temperatures are making things harder for millions.”

⚠️ Impact: The study alleges there will be a 49 percent increase in mental health burdens by 2050 due to climate-related heat unless effective adaptations are made.

IN FULL:

A recent study by researchers at the University of Adelaide, Australia, claims that increasing temperatures significantly affect mental health. According to the findings published in Nature Climate Change, extreme heat is contributing to a rising incidence of mental and behavioral disorders, and the situation will worsen if the climate warms.

The research utilizes the metric of disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) to estimate the mental health toll of rising temperatures. Currently, heat supposedly contributes to the annual loss of over 8,450 healthy life years in Australia, accounting for about 1.8 percent of the nation’s mental and behavioral disorder burden. The study claims this toll could rise by nearly 50 percent by 2050 if global temperatures increase.

Dr. Peng Bi, who led the research, alleges that high temperatures exacerbate conditions from mild distress to severe illnesses like schizophrenia. According to the study, approximately 8.6 million Australians could encounter a mental behavioral disorder at some point. Co-author Dr. Jingwen Liu claims, “Climate change will drive up mental health challenges beyond what population growth alone would cause,” and, “Young people, who often face these issues early in life, are especially at risk as the climate crisis worsens.”

The research models various scenarios, indicating a possible 49 percent increase in burden under a high-emissions pathway and up to 141 percent when factoring in population growth. It claims climate change policies could limit the increase. Notably, however, Western countries such as Australia now account for only a small percentage of global emissions, with the impact of net zero policies that have a punishing effect on households and businesses being wiped out by the increasing use of coal and other carbon-heavy fuels by the likes of China and India.

Image by Jorge Royan.

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By Popular Demand.
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2 hours ago
Economy
News

Europe Braces for Influx of Cheap Chinese Imports as Trump Tariffs Protect U.S. Producers.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: Europe is concerned about an influx of cheap Chinese goods due to tariffs imposed by the United States on Chinese exports.

👥 Who’s Involved: Key players include European leaders, Chinese manufacturers, and the U.S. government.

📍 Where & When: The situation is unfolding across Europe, with a focus on countries like France, Germany, and Italy, amid escalating trade tensions.

💬 Key Quote: Liana Fix of the Council on Foreign Relations noted, “The overcapacity challenge has taken a long time, but it has finally arrived in European capitals.”

⚠️ Impact: Potential economic strain on European industries and increased vigilance on imports to prevent dumping.

IN FULL:

Europe faces an expected surge in Chinese products due to the ongoing trade clash between the United States and China. With U.S.-imposed tariffs dampening export opportunities for Chinese goods, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) could seek to dump exports on the European market. This situation raises alarm over the potential negative impact on local industries across the European Union (EU).

The situation stems from President Donald J. Trump’s hefty tariffs on China, which have significantly obstructed Chinese exports to American markets. Consequently, there are growing apprehensions that these goods—ranging from electric vehicles to consumer gadgets—might overflow into the European market. Such an influx could undercut European manufacturers, impacting economic stability in major economies like France, Germany, and Italy.

“The overcapacity challenge has taken a long time, but it has finally arrived in European capitals,” remarked Liana Fix of the Council on Foreign Relations.

In response to the mounting concerns, Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, has emphasized the importance of constructive engagement with China. She acknowledges the indirect effects of the U.S.-imposed tariffs, stressing the need for vigilance in monitoring Chinese imports. A newly constituted task force will track these imports for signs of dumping, aiming to maintain market balance within Europe.

President Trump also enacted significant tariffs on European Union goods—though the trade duties have been reduced to 10 percent for a 90-day grace period while trade negotiations take place. The EU initially announced its own retaliatory tariffs, but it later caved and announced it would suspend the idea to pursue trade negotiations.

Image: European Union 2023– Source: EP.

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By Popular Demand.
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3 hours ago
Jack Montgomery
UK

‘America is an Anglo Country’ — VP Vance Says Brexit Britain Has ‘Good Chance’ to Strike U.S. Trade Deal.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: U.S. Vice-President J.D. Vance expressed optimism about the potential for a trade agreement with the United Kingdom, which regained control over its trade policy from the European Union (EU) following Brexit, as negotiations to end tariffs continue.

👥 Who’s Involved: U.S. Vice-President J.D. Vance, U.S. President Donald J. Trump, British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, British Business and Trade Minister Sarah Jones.

📍 Where & When: Comments made during an interview with UnHerd on Monday.

💬 Key Quote: “There’s a real cultural affinity. And of course, fundamentally America is an Anglo country. I think there’s a good chance that, yes, we’ll come to a great agreement that’s in the best interest of both countries.” — Vice President J.D. Vance.

⚠️ Impact: A potential British-American trade deal may eliminate or significantly reduce tariffs, leaving Britain better placed to conduct trade with the U.S. than the European Union.

IN FULL:

Vice President J.D. Vance indicated there is a “good chance” the U.S. will reach a trade agreement with the United Kingdom. Speaking to UnHerd, Vance said, “We’re certainly working very hard with Keir Starmer’s government” on a trade deal.” Unlike the 27 national governments of the European Union (EU), which surrender control over their trade policy to the unelected European Commission, the British government can strike bilateral trade deals on its own initiative following Brexit.

“The President really loves the United Kingdom. He loved the Queen. He admires and loves the King. It is a very important relationship. And he’s a businessman and has a number of important business relationships in [Britain],” Vance explained. “But I think it’s much deeper than that. There’s a real cultural affinity. And of course, fundamentally America is an Anglo country. I think there’s a good chance that, yes, we’ll come to a great agreement that’s in the best interest of both countries,” he added.

The “Liberation Day” reciprocal tariff imposed on Britain on April 2 was initially half the tariff imposed on the EU, at 10 percent versus 20 percent. However, President Trump has now reduced all reciprocal tariffs—except China’s—to 10 percent while trade negotiations are conducted.

Sources in the United Kingdom claim significant progress has been made in discussions with the U.S., aiming for a comprehensive trade deal. This agreement would transcend tariffs, involving trade in both goods and services. Vance believes a U.S.-EU trade deal may be more challenging, as “with the United Kingdom, we have a much more reciprocal relationship than we have with, say, Germany… While we love the Germans, they are heavily dependent on exporting to the United States but are pretty tough on a lot of American businesses that would like to export into Germany.”

British Business and Trade Minister Sarah Jones responded positively to Vance’s comments, emphasizing that reducing tariffs is a priority to promote jobs and growth.

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By Popular Demand.
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4 hours ago
News
World

Hungary Gets Constitutional in Fight to Protect Kids From LGBT Ideology.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: Hungary passed a constitutional amendment that permits authorities to prohibit LGBT+ public events like Pride marches.

👥 Who’s Involved: Hungary’s government, led by Prime Minister Viktor Orban; opposition politicians; protesters; LGBT+ communities.

📍 Where & When: Hungary, April 14.

💬 Key Quote: “We’re protecting children’s development, affirming that a person is born either male or female, and standing firm against drugs and foreign interference.” — Prime Minister Viktor Orban.

⚠️ Impact: The law could increase tensions regarding LGBT+ rights, potentially leading to broader use of surveillance technology and affecting freedom of assembly.

IN FULL:

Hungary’s parliament has approved a constitutional amendment enabling authorities to ban LGBTQ public events to protect children from LGBTQ ideology. The amendment, which passed Monday, explicitly allows the government to halt events such as Budapest‘s annual Pride march.

Prime Minister Viktor Orban said of the constitutional changes, “Hungary’s constitutional amendment is now law. We’re protecting children’s development, affirming that a person is born either male or female, and standing firm against drugs and foreign interference.”

Specifically, the amendment allows for the prohibition of events that “promote or display deviation from a person’s gender at birth, gender reassignment, or homosexuality” in settings where children could be exposed to them, such as public streets.

In response to the amendment, opposition politicians and demonstrators blockaded the parliament’s entrances and used air horns to disrupt proceedings inside the legislature.

In addition to the provisions concerning Pride marches, the amendment codifies previously stated definitions regarding gender, explicitly recognizing only two sexes. In a statement, the government said this clarifies that laws around sex and gender are based on biological realities rather than self-identification.

Further provisions in the amendment include a right to cash payments, a right to community self-defense, powers to strip dual nationals working for foreign powers of their Hungarian citizenship, and an explicit ban on the production and promotion of narcotics.

This is the 15th amendment to the constitution penned by an Orban government since 2011. This reflects his party’s strong, sustained mandate from the Hungarian electorate, which is necessary for constitutional amendments to pass.

Image by Annika Haas (EU2017EE).

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By Popular Demand.
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5 hours ago
Health
UK

Children’s Home Leaders Instructed to Adopt Gender-Inclusive Language Over ‘Boys’ and ‘Girls.’

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: The Care Inspectorate in Scotland has issued new guidance directing children’s home managers to use “gender-inclusive language” to avoid offending transgenders. Staff are advised not to refer to residents as “boys” or “girls” and to use gender-neutral terms to ensure inclusivity.

👥 Who’s Involved: The Care Inspectorate provided the guidance. It impacts staff at children’s homes across Scotland.

📍 Where & When: This guidance applies to children’s homes in Scotland and was released by the regional government last week.

💬 Key Quote: A spokesman from the Care Inspectorate stated, “Every day, the staff of these services must, and do, find ways of helping all young people to feel supported, loved, valued, and respected.”

⚠️ Impact: The Scottish government agency contends the guidance aims to create a more inclusive environment for all young residents. However, critics contend the language policy only affirms false perceptions caused by mental health issues.

IN FULL:

The Care Inspectorate in Scotland has issued new guidance directing children’s homes to adopt “gender-inclusive” language to ensure all residents feel respected and valued. According to the latest guidelines, children’s home staff should avoid calling residents “boys” or “girls” and encourage language that does not risk offending transgender patients.

Officials for Scotland’s devolved government—roughly equivalent to a U.S. state government—claim the move follows requests from child services seeking assistance in accommodating the needs of young people who identify as transgender or non-binary. The instructions indicate that phrases like “come on, boys and girls” no longer align with recommended practices for supporting LGBTQ individuals.

A representative from the Care Inspectorate explained, “Every day, the staff of these services must, and do, find ways of helping all young people to feel supported, loved, valued and respected.” The guidance states that staff should “try to create an environment that feels safe to explore identity and enables young people to change their mind in the future if they wish to do so.”

The Care Inspectorate guidance comes just months after the British central government, now led by the leftist Labour Party, decided to maintain the previous Conservative government’s ban on prescribing puberty-blocking drugs to minors in England. Announcing the move last December, Health Secretary Wes Streeting emphasized the lack of evidence for the safety of child gender transitions: “Children’s health care must always be evidence-led. The independent expert Commission on Human Medicines found that the current prescribing and care pathway for gender dysphoria and incongruence presents an unacceptable safety risk for children and young people.”

Increasingly, medical studies are finding that so-called “gender-affirming” treatments do not reduce the demand for mental health services, indicating that the procedures fail to address underlying psychological issues associated with transgenderism.

Image by Quinn Dombrowski.

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By Popular Demand.
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16 hours ago
Crime
NatSec

Teen Accused of Murdering Parents in Plot to Assassinate Trump, FBI Reports.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: A 17-year-old in Wisconsin is accused of killing his mother and stepfather to obtain resources and freedom in order to execute a plan to assassinate President Donald J. Trump and overthrow the U.S. federal government.

👥 Who’s Involved: Nikita Casap, his stepfather Donald Mayer, his mother Tatiana Casap, Waukesha County, Wisconsin authorities, and federal investigators.

📍 Where & When: The incident occurred in Waukesha County, Wisconsin, with the arrests made in March. A preliminary court hearing on Casap’s state charges was held on April 9, with the 17-year-old set to be formally arraigned on May 7.

💬 Key Quote: “He was in touch with other parties about his plan to kill the President and overthrow the government,” investigators said in the affidavit.

⚠️ Impact: The incident prompted federal charges in addition to the state counts.

IN FULL:

Authorities in Wisconsin have charged a teenager with the murder of his mother and stepfather, citing intentions to use their assets to execute plans to assassinate President Donald J. Trump and overthrow the federal government. Nikita Casap, 17, faces multiple state charges, including two counts of first-degree murder following the March incident. Authorities located the bodies of Donald Mayer, 51, and Tatiana Casap, 35, within their Waukesha County residence.

Prosecutors also charged Casap with hiding bodies, theft, and identity theft. In addition to the state prosecution, the 17-year-old will also likely face federal charges, according to affidavits filed by federal investigators. Based on a review of a manifesto allegedly written by the teenager, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) believes Casap likely communicated with other individuals regarding his plot—suggesting the possibility of a broader conspiracy.

A search warrant on the teenager’s phone uncovered affiliations with “The Order of Nine Angles,” a group associated with extremist and racially charged ideology. In his manifesto, Casap allegedly advocates for violent actions to “save the white race” alongside imagery revering Adolf Hitler.

“He was in touch with other parties about his plan to kill the President and overthrow the government of the United States. And he paid for, at least in part, a drone and explosives to be used as a weapon of mass destruction to commit an attack,” federal investigators state in the affidavit. They add: “Other parties, with whom Casap was in contact, appear to have been aware of his plan and action and to have provided assistance to Casap in carrying them out.”

During the 2024 election, President Trump was the target of two assassination attempts, with the first would-be assassin striking the America First leader’s ear with a bullet during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. The second assassination attempt involved pro-Ukraine activist Ryan Routh, who was discovered with a rifle hiding along the treeline at Trump International Golf Club, only a short distance from the America First leader.

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By Popular Demand.
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16 hours ago
Education

Trump-Backed School Choice Program Texas Is Poised to Adopt Will Be Largest in U.S.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: The Texas House, during an extended session, passed a $337 billion budget proposal, including a large-scale school choice initiative. The budget bill now heads to a conference committee that will reconcile differences between the versions passed by the Texas House and Senate before receiving a final vote on passage. 

👥 Who’s Involved: Governor Greg Abbott (R-TX), lawmakers in the Texas state legislature, school choice advocates, and Texas Democrats who oppose the budget bill and school choice program.

📍 Where & When: The debate took place in Texas on April 10, 2025, with the House passing the budget bill early Friday morning.

💬 Key Quote: Governor Abbott stated, “The fact is that we are going to pass school choice this session. At the same time, we’ll ensure Texas public schools receive record funding.”

⚠️ Impact: The budget measure seeks to distribute funds for educational savings accounts, affecting 100,000 students, and includes plans for property tax relief and increased border security funds.

IN FULL:

The Texas House engaged in a lengthy session on Thursday to debate the state’s $337 billion budget proposal, which includes a provision establishing the largest school choice program in the United States. After hours of debate and consideration of over 390 amendments —with only 25 being adopted—lawmakers moved to adopt the budget measure early on Friday morning, moving the school choice program one step closer to becoming a reality. The bill now heads to a conference committee that will reconcile differences between the House-passed budget and a version passed earlier this year by the Texas Senate.

If enacted, budget legislation would allocate $1 billion towards educational savings accounts, affecting roughly 100,000 Texas students. Additionally, the measure allows families to utilize public funds for differing educational expenses, such as private school tuition and homeschooling. President Donald J. Trump announced his support for the Texas school choice program in February, writing on Truth Social: “The Texas House must now pass School Choice to deliver a gigantic Victory for Texas students and parents… We need School Choice passed in every State!”

Governor Greg Abbott (R-TX) has also backed the school choice provision in the budget, contending that it will simultaneously bolster educational outcomes and empower families in their education decisions. “The fact is that we are going to pass school choice this session,” Abbott wrote in a post on X (formerly Twitter). “School choice creates competition and guarantees a better education for ALL students.”

Additional elements of the proposal include $11.2 billion for property tax relief and a record-setting $6.5 billion for border security. However, Democrat lawmakers in the state legislature have signaled they will oppose the final budget bill—though it appears unlikely they will be able to prevent its passage.

Image by Chmorich.

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By Popular Demand.
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17 hours ago
News
UK

Minority Report: Predictive Algorithms Will Be Used to Identify Potential Criminals.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: An algorithm is being developed to predict which criminals might later commit murder.

👥 Who’s Involved: Britain’s Ministry of Justice, Greater Manchester Police and other British police forces, and civil liberties group Statewatch.

📍 Where & When: The United Kingdom; the project started in January 2023 and is believed to have been completed in December 2024 but is yet to be deployed.

💬 Key Quote: “Time and again, research shows that algorithmic systems for ‘predicting’ crime are inherently flawed,” noted Sofia Lyall from Statewatch.

⚠️ Impact: Concerns about bias and the ethical implications of using such predictive models on vast datasets, including from communities already facing structural discrimination.

IN FULL:

The British Ministry of Justice is advancing in its initiative to create an algorithmic tool aimed at predicting which individuals convicted of crimes might escalate to committing homicide. Known internally as the Homicide Prediction Project, the undertaking emerged through Freedom of Information requests from the civil liberties group Statewatch, which flagged the project as concerning.

Expanding on risk-prediction systems already in place, the project is designed to build upon frameworks such as the Offender Assessment System (OASys), which has been used since 2001 to forecast recidivism and inform legal decisions. However, the broad scope of data in this new model has raised red flags. Data utilized, sourced from various police and government bodies, potentially includes information on up to half a million people, some without any criminal history.

Despite officials’ assertions that the project remains in a research phase, uncovered documents allude to future deployments. Sources claim increased collaboration across government agencies and police forces, such as Greater Manchester Police and the Metropolitan Police, to enhance the dataset driving these predictions.

Statewatch has raised ethical concerns about the predictive model’s potential for systemic bias. The British state has already attempted to introduce guidelines that were explicitly two-tier and would have seen ethnic minorities prioritized for bail over white men in the country.

Statewatch’s Sofia Lyall described the algorithm project as “chilling and dystopian,” calling for an immediate cessation of its development. “Time and again, research shows that algorithmic systems for ‘predicting’ crime are inherently flawed,” he said. She highlighted the risk algorithms pose in creating profiles of potential criminals before any crime is committed.

Image by Rama.

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