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Friday, September 19, 2025

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3 hours ago
Crime

Jasmine Crockett: Committing Crimes Doesn’t Make You a Criminal.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Representative Jasmine Crockett (D-TX) claimed that committing crimes does not necessarily make someone a criminal.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Rep. Jasmine Crockett, Netflix personality Jonathan Van Ness, and Dallas County District Attorney John Creuzot.

📍WHEN & WHERE: During an interview on the Grounded podcast.

💬KEY QUOTE: “Just because someone has committed a crime, it doesn’t make them a criminal. That is completely different. Being a criminal is more so about your mindset.” – Rep. Jasmine Crockett

🎯IMPACT: Crockett’s remarks sparked widespread criticism, and skepticism of her capacity to hold elected office.

IN FULL

Representative Jasmine Crockett (D-TX) has stated that committing crimes does not automatically make someone a criminal, arguing that it depends on the person’s mindset. Her comments came during an interview with Netflix television personality and “genderqueer” hairdresser Jonathan Van Ness on the Grounded podcast.

Crockett, a former public defender, reflected on her experiences working with indigent clients. She rambled, “It’s just understanding what ends up having people become criminally impacted really informs so much of what I do legislatively.” She added, “When somebody goes out and commits a crime, they don’t typically say, ‘Well, I’m a D, I’m a R, I’m a I.’ It’s about, how do you fix it? How do you make communities safer?”

Crockett then elaborated further, saying, “Just because someone has committed a crime, it doesn’t make them a criminal. That is completely different. Being a criminal is more so about your mindset. Committing a crime can come from a lot of different reasons.”

She referenced Dallas County District Attorney John Creuzot’s policy of not prosecuting certain low-level theft cases involving food or other necessities, agreeing with the approach. “There is no good point in doing it because a decent defense attorney would have a defense,” Crockett said.

Many have pointed to the failure to prosecute such quality-of-life crimes as a key reason for the increase in criminality overall. Baltimore, Maryland State Attorney, Ivan Bates—himself a former criminal defense attorney—has prioritized prosecuting quality-of-life crimes, arguing that failing to prosecute things like thefts invariably leads to neighborhood deterioration and an increase in more serious crimes.

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28 minutes ago
NatSec
TECH

Trump Secures ‘TikTok Approval’ Following Call with Xi.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: President Donald J. Trump announced approval for a TikTok deal, following a call with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: President Donald Trump, Chinese President Xi Jinping, and U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The call occurred on Friday, September 19, 2025, with plans for an in-person meeting at the APEC Summit in South Korea next month.

💬KEY QUOTE: “The call was a very good one, we will be speaking again by phone, appreciate the TikTok approval, and both look forward to meeting at APEC!” – Donald Trump

🎯IMPACT: A framework agreement was reached for TikTok’s U.S. operations, addressing national security concerns and removing Chinese control over the social media app and its data.

IN FULL

U.S. President Donald J. Trump announced he has finalized the deal for the American purchase of the video social media app TikTok after speaking with Chinese President Xi Jinping. In addition, he confirmed that the two leaders will meet in person at the APEC Summit in South Korea next month.

“I just completed a very productive call with President Xi of China. We made progress on many very important issues including Trade, Fentanyl, the need to bring the War between Russia and Ukraine to an end, and the approval of the TikTok Deal,” Trump wrote in a Truth Social post on Friday. He continued: “I also agreed with President Xi that we would meet at the APEC Summit in South Korea, that I would go to China in the early part of next year, and that President Xi would, likewise, come to the United States at an appropriate time.”

Trump added: “The call was a very good one, we will be speaking again by phone, appreciate the TikTok approval, and both look forward to meeting at APEC!”

TikTok, owned by Chinese conglomerate ByteDance, has been under scrutiny for years due to national security concerns. A law passed during Joe Biden’s presidency required the app to be sold to U.S. investors or shut down. However, Biden deferred enforcement of the law, leaving it to the Trump administration, which has extended the sale-or-ban deadline multiple times as negotiations continued.

After over six months of negotiations, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced Monday that U.S. and Chinese officials have reached a “framework” agreement for TikTok. China’s Vice Minister of Commerce, Li Chenggang, remarked that the consensus “serves the interests of both sides.”  While specific details remain unclear, the U.S. investor consortium is said to include Oracle, Silver Lake, and Andreessen Horowitz.

Trump also noted that the U.S. government would receive a “tremendous fee” for facilitating the deal.

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1 hour ago
Crime
Immigration

Portland Officials Join Fight Against ICE Facility Besieged by Antifa.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: The City of Portland issued a land use violation notice to its U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility, citing alleged violations of a 2011 permit agreement and ongoing Antifa riots.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Portland Mayor Keith Wilson (D), ICE officials, Antifa rioters, and federal agents under the Trump administration.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The ICE facility on Macadam Avenue in Portland, Oregon, with events spanning from June 2024 to the present day.

💬KEY QUOTE: “U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement made clear detention limitation commitments to our community, and we believe they broke those policies more than two dozen times,” alleged Mayor Wilson.

🎯IMPACT: The notice could lead to fines or hearings, while Antifa continue to target federal agents and infrastructure nightly.

IN FULL

The City of Portland, Oregon, has issued a land use violation notice to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility located on the city’s southwest waterfront. The notice, posted on Thursday, alleges that ICE is violating a 2011 land use permit that prohibits holding detainees overnight or for more than 12 hours. The Deportation Data Project, a Portland-based progressive nonprofit, claims that the facility breached these terms at least 25 times between October 2024 and July 2025, based on data obtained through the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).

Notably, the ICE facility has been the site of ongoing protests, many of which have escalated into violence due to the actions of far-left groups like Antifa. A second notice is expected to be filed regarding the facility’s boarded-up windows, which were put in place following multiple attempts by rioters to breach the building. Democrat Portland Mayor Keith Wilson alleged, “U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement made clear detention limitation commitments to our community, and we believe they broke those policies more than two dozen times.”

Rioters have targeted the facility nightly for months, with over 27 people facing federal charges under the Trump administration for crimes such as assault on federal officers, arson, and property damage. More than 100 citations have been issued, and local police have arrested over 20 people. The facility itself has been defaced with graffiti calling for the death of ICE agents.

Portland Police have been restricted in their response to the protests following an August court ruling by Multnomah County Judge Ellen Rosenblum. The decision stated that police are not required to enforce noise ordinances against demonstrators, rejecting a lawsuit filed by a local resident. This ruling appears to have emboldened rioters, who continue their occupation outside the facility.

The Trump administration has taken notice of the situation, with President Donald J. Trump threatening to deploy the National Guard to Portland. Border Czar Tom Homan has visited the city, announcing plans to increase immigration enforcement operations.

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2 hours ago
Politics

AOC Considering 2028 Presidential Bid.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Far-left Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) is reportedly ramping up her political operation for a potential 2028 presidential run.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT), and possible donors and supporters.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Ocasio-Cortez has been holding town halls across upstate New York and participating in a national “Fighting Oligarchy” tour with Bernie Sanders for several months. The report about her potential presidential run and political operation ramp-up surfaced on Friday.

💬KEY QUOTE: “She has a supporter base that, in many ways, has a larger potential width than Bernie’s,” said Ari Rabin-Havt, a Progressive commentator and former aide to Sen. Sanders.

🎯IMPACT: The potential run would position Ocasio-Cortez as the leading figure for the progressive wing of the Democratic Party, with implications for both Senate and presidential races.

IN FULL

Far-left Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY)—popularly known as AOC—is reportedly ramping up her political operation ahead of a potential presidential run in 2028. It is believed Ocasio-Cortez and her team are weighing whether to pursue the U.S. Senate seat currently held by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY)—who has signalled he may not run for re-election in 2028—or aim for the White House.

AOC, who represents parts of Queens and the Bronx, has been working to expand her influence both in New York and across the country. She has joined Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) on his nationwide “Fighting Oligarchy” tour and has held town halls throughout upstate New York this summer. Additionally, she has invested significant resources into growing her social media presence and compiling a list of potential supporters and donors, according to reports.

While no official decision has been made, it is believed Ocasio-Cortez’s team aims to keep her options open. Some allies believe that even if she doesn’t think she can secure the presidential nomination, a run for the White House would ensure the progressive wing of the Democratic Party has a voice in the primary, similar to Sanders’s 2016 campaign against Hillary Clinton.

If she opts to pursue a Senate seat, Ocasio-Cortez could challenge Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, though it appears he may not seek re-election. Schumer, 74, has served five terms and last won re-election in 2022 without facing a serious challenge from the left.

Ari Rabin-Havt, a former Sanders aide, told the media on Friday, “She has a supporter base that, in many ways, has a larger potential width than Bernie’s. She has been in the glare of the spotlight from day one and has the national campaigning experience a lot of other potential candidates are now trying to get.”

Image by Gage Skidmore.

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4 hours ago
William Upton
Politics

These Are the 58 Democrats Who Voted Against Honoring Charlie Kirk:

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: A total of 58 Democrat lawmakers in the House of Representatives voted against a resolution honoring the life of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk, who was assassinated last week in Utah.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: House Democrats, House Republicans, and Charlie Kirk.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Friday, September 19, 2025.

💬KEY QUOTE: The resolution “honors the life, leadership, and legacy of Charlie Kirk” and “calls upon all Americans—regardless of race, party affiliation, or creed—to reject political violence, recommit to respectful debate, uphold American values, and respect one another as fellow Americans.”

🎯IMPACT: Despite significant Democrat opposition, the Republican-led resolution passed the House on Friday after being unanimously adopted in the Senate.

IN FULL

A total of 58 Democrat lawmakers in the House of Representatives voted against a resolution honoring the life of Charlie Kirk, who was assassinated last week in Utah. The Democrat “NO” votes are—for the most part—a who’s who of some of the most partisan members of Congress, including high-profile lawmakers such as Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) and Jasmine Crockett (D-TX).

Despite significant Democrat opposition, the Republican-led resolution passed the House on Friday after being unanimously adopted in the Senate. Ninety-five Democrats voted with Republicans to pass the resolution, which states that “leaders at every level—government, education, media, and beyond—must stand united in unequivocal condemnation of political violence, regardless of their ideology.”

Additionally, the resolution “honors the life, leadership, and legacy of Charlie Kirk” and “calls upon all Americans—regardless of race, party affiliation, or creed—to reject political violence, recommit to respectful debate, uphold American values, and respect one another as fellow Americans.”

The Democrats voting against the resolution are as follows:

Gabe Amo (D-RI), Joyce Beatty (D-OH), Wesley Bell (D-MO), Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (D-GA), Shontel M. Brown (D-OH), André Carson (D-IN), Troy A. Carter (D-LA), Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL), Yvette D. Clarke (D-NY), Emanuel Cleaver (D-MO), James E. Clyburn (D-SC), Jasmine Crockett (D-TX), Danny K. Davis (D-IL), Veronica Escobar (D-TX), Adriano Espaillat (D-NY), Cleo Fields (D-LA), Shomari Figures (D-AL), Valerie P. Foushee (D-NC), Maxwell Frost (D-FL), Sylvia R. Garcia (D-TX), Jimmy Gomez (D-CA), Al Green (D-TX), Jahana Hayes (D-CT), Steven Horsford (D-NV), Glenn Ivey (D-MD), Jonathan L. Jackson (D-IL), Pramila Jayapal (D-WA), Henry C. “Hank” Johnson, Jr. (D-GA), Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-CA), Robin L. Kelly (D-IL), Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), Summer L. Lee (D-PA), Lucy McBath (D-GA), LaMonica McIver (D-NJ), Robert Menendez (D-NJ), Kweisi Mfume (D-MD), Gwen Moore (D-WI), Seth Moulton (D-MA), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), Ilhan Omar (D-MN), Ayanna Pressley (D-MA), Mike Quigley (D-IL), Delia C. Ramirez (D-IL), Emily Randall (D-WA), Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (D-VA), Terri A. Sewell (D-AL), Lateefah Simon (D-CA), Marilyn Strickland (D-WA), Emilia Strong Sykes (D-OH), Shri Thanedar (D-MI), Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), Lauren Underwood (D-IL), Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY), Maxine Waters (D-CA), Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ), Nikema Williams (D-GA), and Frederica S. Wilson (D-FL).

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4 hours ago
News

Disney Chief Suspended Kimmel Before Second Charlie Kirk Monologue Doubling Down on MAGA Smears.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night show on ABC was directly suspended by Disney CEO Bob Iger following backlash over his controversial monologues.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Jimmy Kimmel, Disney CEO Bob Iger, Disney Entertainment Co-Chair Dana Walden, and affiliate station owners Nexstar and Sinclair.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The suspension occurred on Wednesday, with the decision made at Disney headquarters.

💬KEY QUOTE: “If Jimmy went on the air, there would have been no way back from that monologue for Jimmy.” – Anonymous source

🎯IMPACT: The suspension aims to protect Disney’s brand amid significant viewer and local affiliate backlash.

IN FULL

Late-night host Jimmy Kimmel was reportedly preparing to deliver a controversial monologue defending his false remarks regarding Charlie Kirk’s assassination before ABC suspended his show this week. The monologue was set to address backlash stemming from Kimmel’s earlier comments, though the late-night host is believed to have not run the plan past senior executives at ABC or its parent company, Disney.

An unnamed source, speaking to the media, described the planned monologue as “very hot” and stated it would have targeted President Donald J. Trump’s MAGA supporters. The source added, “If Jimmy went on the air, there would have been no way back from that monologue for Jimmy. We didn’t want that. Everyone deeply values him and wants him to come back. But he has to take down the temperature.”

Kimmel’s plan was eventually discovered by Disney CEO Bob Iger and Disney Entertainment Co-Chair Dana Walden, who stepped in and suspended Jimmy Kimmel Live! in order to protect the Disney brand from any continued controversy. The Disney CEO has recently been making drastic cuts to programming and staff that he sees as hostile to the company’s audience.

Notably, two major local broadcasters that control around 80 ABC local affiliates, Nexstar and Sinclair, announced they would drop Kimmel from their programming line-up. The affiliate revolt likely played a significant role in Iger’s decision to pull Kimmel.

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5 hours ago
News

Sinclair Replacing Kimmel with Charlie Kirk Tribute.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Sinclair Broadcasting Group announced it will air a tribute to Charlie Kirk during the Jimmy Kimmel Live! timeslot on its ABC stations.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Sinclair Broadcasting Group, Disney’s ABC, Jimmy Kimmel, Charlie Kirk, and Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Brendan Carr.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The tribute will air Friday night on Sinclair’s ABC stations and across all Sinclair stations over the weekend.

💬KEY QUOTE: “Mr. Kimmel’s remarks were inappropriate and deeply insensitive at a critical moment for our country.” – Jason Smith, Sinclair Vice Chairman.

🎯IMPACT: Sinclair has pulled Jimmy Kimmel Live! indefinitely and is demanding an apology and action from Disney and Kimmel.

IN FULL

Sinclair Broadcasting Group has announced plans to air a tribute to Turning Point USA (TPUSA) founder Charlie Kirk on its ABC stations this Friday during the Jimmy Kimmel Live! timeslot. The company confirmed that the tribute will also air across all Sinclair stations over the weekend and is being offered to all ABC affiliates nationwide.

The decision follows Disney’s ABC suspending Jimmy Kimmel Live! indefinitely after Kimmel made false statements regarding Kirk’s assassination. Kimmel accused the “MAGA gang” of politicizing the killing and implied the alleged assassin, Tyler Robinson, was MAGA, stating, “We hit some new lows over the weekend with the MAGA gang trying to characterize this kid who killed Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them and doing everything they can to score political points from it.”

Sinclair has demanded a direct apology from Kimmel to the Kirk family and is calling for a “meaningful” personal donation to the Kirk Family and Turning Point USA, the organization Kirk founded. Sinclair also stated it will not lift the suspension of Kimmel’s show until formal discussions are held with ABC about its “commitment to professionalism and accountability.”

Charlie Kirk was assassinated on September 10 while speaking at a Turning Point USA event in Utah. The alleged shooter was motivated by far-left political beliefs, according to statements by his mother in a charging document.

“Mr. Kimmel’s remarks were inappropriate and deeply insensitive at a critical moment for our country,” said Jason Smith, Vice Chairman of Sinclair. Sinclair has also garnered support from Nexstar, another major station group, and Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Brendan Carr, who has threatened action against Disney and ABC over Kimmel’s false remarks.

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5 hours ago
Crime
Immigration

Dem Officials Arrested Trying to Force Their Way Into ICE Facility.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Over a dozen Democrat officials were arrested during a protest at a New York City immigration holding facility.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: City Comptroller Brad Lander, state lawmakers, local advocates, and federal agents.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Thursday at 26 Federal Plaza in Manhattan, New York City.

💬KEY QUOTE: “Another day, another sanctuary politician pulling a stunt in an attempt to get their 15 minutes of fame while endangering DHS personnel and detainees.” – Tricia McLaughlin

🎯IMPACT: The arrests highlight ongoing tensions between U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and pro-illegal immigrant Democrats.

IN FULL

Over a dozen Democrat officials were arrested on Thursday while protesting and attempting to gain entry at an illegal immigrant holding facility in New York City. The protest came after a federal judge extended a court order requiring better treatment of detainees. Among the 77 people detained at 26 Federal Plaza in Manhattan were city Comptroller Brad Lander (D) and several state lawmakers. Eleven officials were arrested inside the building while attempting to enter the 10th floor under the auspices of inspecting holding rooms.

The arrested officials claim they sought to determine if U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) was complying with a preliminary injunction issued Wednesday. The injunction requires ICE to limit capacity, maintain cleanliness, and provide detainees with basic necessities. Federal agents, however, barred access to the holding rooms and arrested the officials during a sit-in. The building was later locked down due to a bomb threat.

Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin criticized Comptroller Lander, stating, “Another day, another sanctuary politician pulling a stunt in an attempt to get their 15 minutes of fame while endangering DHS personnel and detainees.”

Lander, who was previously arrested at the facility in June, denied the allegations and accused ICE of failing to comply with federal court orders. State Senator Jabari Brisport (D) described the conditions as “disgusting and cowardly” and accused officials of blocking visibility into the holding areas.

Outside the building, dozens of protesters, including open borders advocates and liberal faith leaders, were also arrested. Protesters carried signs opposing ICE and criticized the agency for alleged inhumane treatment. U.S. District Court Judge Lewis A. Kaplan’s injunction requires ICE to provide detainees with adequate space, hygiene products, and confidential legal communication. The injunction follows complaints from detainees about unsanitary conditions and inedible food.

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6 hours ago
News
UK

UK Police Harass American Cancer Patient Over Social Media Posts.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: British police confronted an American woman who supports President Donald J. over comments she made online, sparking accusations of a crackdown on free speech.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Cancer patient Deborah Anderson and Thames Valley Police. The Free Speech Union also intervened.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The incident occurred in June at Ms. Anderson’s home in Slough, Berkshire.

💬KEY QUOTE: “Are there no houses that have been burgled recently? No rapes, no murders… Why aren’t you out there investigating those?” – Deborah Anderson

🎯IMPACT: The case highlights concerns over free speech in the United Kingdom.

IN FULL

British police are again facing accusations of suppressing free speech after Thames Valley Police visited Deborah Anderson, an American cancer patient and Donald J. Trump supporter, at her home. The visit was prompted by an anonymous complaint about an online post deemed “threatening,” though the officer did not disclose the specific comment in question.

A video of the June encounter, which has gone viral online, shows Ms. Anderson standing firm, refusing to apologise after learning her post had upset someone. “I’m not apologising to anybody, I can tell you that,” she said, urging the officer to prioritise more serious crimes. “Are there no houses that have been burgled recently? No rapes, no murders… Why aren’t you out there investigating those?” she demanded.

Thames Valley Police, which initially threatened to drag Anderson to the police station for a formal interrogation if she did not comply, has closed the case under pressure and claims it is unsure what posts prompted Anderson’s interrogation because it has lost them.

The Free Speech Union (FSU) called the incident “chilling” and suggested that Anderson’s support for President Trump and the MAGA movement may have influenced the complaint. “To make it worse, Deborah is in the midst of cancer treatment, including chemotherapy. She ought to have been convalescing. Instead, she was harassed for her tweets,” the FSU remarked.

President Trump has personally voiced concerns about increasing restrictions on free speech in Britain, saying earlier this month, “Strange things are happening over there, they are cracking down… I’m very surprised to see what’s happening.”

The incident involving Deborah Andeson fuels an ongoing debate about free speech in the UK, heightened by recent cases like the arrest of Irish comedy writer creator Graham Linehan, a critic of trans ideology, and the imprisonment of Lucy Connolly, a social media user who said she would not care if hotels hosting migrants were burned down after a mass stabbing of young girls in Southport by a migration-background teenager.

Notably, the British authorities seem to apply speech restrictions unevenly. For instance, TikTok personality Charlotte Hayes faced no action from the police after celebrating the assassination of Turning Point USA (TPUSA) founder Charlie Kirk and urging her over 200,000 followers to “kill them all, kill them all.”

Image by Simon Dawson / No 10 Downing Street.

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20 hours ago
News
TECH

Tesla’s Robotaxi Rollout Marred by Multiple Accidents.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Tesla has reported three crashes involving its robotaxi fleet to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), but details remain redacted.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Tesla’s robotaxi fleet of modified Model Y vehicles and the NHTSA.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Early days of Tesla’s pilot robotaxi service in Austin, Texas.

🎯IMPACT: The crashes raise concerns about the transparency and safety of Tesla’s robotaxi software, which remains unproven for public use.

IN FULL

Tesla is facing renewed scrutiny after it was revealed that the company failed to fully disclose three crashes involving its early robotaxi fleet in Austin, Texas. The incidents were reported to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), but key details remain redacted, raising transparency concerns.

According to Tesla CEO Elon Musk, the crashes occurred when the pilot fleet consisted of only “ten to 20” modified Model Y vehicles, all equipped with safety drivers sitting in the passenger seat. While the company reported just one “minor” injury, the fact that three crashes occurred in such a small fleet has alarmed safety advocates and regulators.

Tesla has since expanded the robotaxi program by about 50 percent and opened the service to the general public in Austin. Safety drivers are now seated behind the wheel instead of in the passenger seat, though the cars still operate using Tesla’s self-driving software. Despite the expansion, Tesla has not provided concrete data to prove the safety of its robotaxi system.

Regulators in the U.S. and abroad have launched investigations into Tesla’s claims and practices. In one case, French authorities accused the company of deceptive marketing over the capabilities of its self-driving features. In the U.S., the NHTSA is reportedly examining footage that shows robotaxis running stop signs and making unsafe turns during their debut in Austin.

The company’s broader self-driving efforts have also come under legal pressure. In August, a Miami jury ordered Tesla to pay $329 million in damages related to a fatal crash involving its Autopilot system. The jury found that Tesla’s technology contributed to the death and that the company failed to provide adequate safety warnings.

Elon Musk has repeatedly promised every year since 2014 that Tesla vehicles would drive themselves without human input “next year.” Most recently, Musk said safety drivers would be removed from robotaxis “by end of year,” though no clear timeline has been provided for when that might actually happen.

Despite the setbacks, Tesla plans to expand its robotaxi service to cities like San Francisco, California. The rollout will still require human safety drivers in the front seat, as the company has yet to secure full autonomous operation permits.

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By Popular Demand.
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Microplastics Cancer

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20 hours ago
Health
News

Scientists Discover Plastic Nanoparticles Inside Vegetables.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Scientists have found plastic nanoparticles in the edible parts of vegetables for the first time, raising concerns about the implications for the food chain.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Researchers from the University of Plymouth, led by Dr. Nathaniel Clark and Richard Thompson.

💬KEY QUOTE: “This is the first time a study has demonstrated nanoplastic particles could get beyond that barrier, with the potential for them to accumulate within plants and be passed onto anything that consumes them.” – Dr. Nathaniel Clark

🎯IMPACT: The findings highlight the need for further investigation into the prevalence of nanoplastic contamination and its potential effects on human health.

IN FULL

Scientists at the University of Plymouth, England, have discovered plastic nanoparticles inside the edible parts of vegetables, raising new concerns about how deeply plastic pollution has infiltrated the food chain. Researchers found that nanoplastics, some as small as one millionth of a centimetre, can bypass natural root barriers in plants and accumulate in both roots and leaves.

The study involved growing radishes hydroponically in water containing polystyrene nanoparticles. To track the particles, scientists used radiolabelled carbon. Within five days, nearly five percent of the nanoparticles had entered the root system. Of those, around 25 percent remained in the radish root itself, while approximately ten percent entered into the leaves.

Dr. Nathaniel Clark, the study’s lead author, said the findings are unprecedented. “This is the first time a study has demonstrated nanoplastic particles could get beyond that barrier, with the potential for them to accumulate within plants and be passed onto anything that consumes them,” he said. Clark noted that radishes were used as a model, but other crops could likely absorb plastic in similar ways.

Richard Thompson, head of the university’s International Marine Litter Research Unit, said the findings build on earlier research that found microplastics in seafood, salt, and bottled water. “This study provides clear evidence that particles in the environment can accumulate not only in seafood but also in vegetables,” he said.

The study comes as other research has revealed alarming signs of plastic exposure in humans. A 2025 report from researchers in New Mexico detected microplastics in human brain tissue, particularly in the frontal cortex. The particles were small enough to cross the blood-brain barrier, though the health effects remain unknown.

Separately, a 2024 investigation found that people may be consuming more than 1,000 microplastic particles each year through ordinary table salt. All 21 salt brands examined were found to contain various forms of plastic contamination, including fragments, fibers, and pellets.

Another study linked microplastic exposure to increased spread of cancer cells in lab experiments.

Image by Oregon State University.

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