Author: Alex Trent

Reports indicate that the United States top commander in the Indo-Pacific region spoke with his Chinese equivalent on Monday for the first time in years, a result of the Biden administration’s efforts trying to reestablish ties with Beijing. This move comes after China officially broke high-level military communications with the United States in 2022 over political disputes. Taiwan Visit Source: Maryland GovPics/Wikimedia Commons Back in August 2022, China announced a move to freeze top military communications following US House Representative Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan, a country China doesn’t recognize and believes is part of its territory. This event between…

The Congressional Black Caucus (CBC), a group of African American lawmakers, is fighting back against a rising wave of anti-DEI sentiment which has caused some high-profile corporations to walk back commitments to DEI initiatives made during 2020 in the aftermath of George Floyd’s death. To this end, the CBC just released a report to hold Fortune 500 companies accountable for their commitments and revealed they have been urging companies through CEO and C-Suite meetings to advance DEI in practices and business operations. New Report Source: Scott Graham/Unsplash In what the CBC is describing as the “first-of-its-kind,” this new report was…

The state of Louisiana is facing increased pushback in its efforts to force Christian teachings into its public schools. After a June mandate to put the Ten Commandments in schools was passed by the governor, a lawsuit challenge has forced the new law’s implementation to be partially put on hold. This month, a hearing is set for the case that could be instrumental in deciding the ultimate outcome. Ten Commandments Bill Source: Sean Foster/Unsplash On June 19, Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry signed HB 71 into law, which requires that all publicly funded schools and colleges display copies of the Ten…

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has declared the activation of the state’s emergency response system in preparation for possible impacts from developing tropical systems in the Atlantic. This declaration comes as the National Hurricane Center (NHC) has been closely watching as several separate tropical systems form, with the chance of development becoming more and more likely. Potential Storm Six Source: Vladimir Srajber/Pexels The NHC is most focused on what they are calling “Potential Storm Six” also known as Tropical Storm Francine. Early on September 9, the NHC declared that it was expected to become a storm later today, bringing with it…

Former President Donald Trump and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis have entrenched themselves in opposite positions over a new voter initiative that could legalize Marijuana in the state of Florida this November. Trump and DeSantis’ positions have divided the GOP, which supporters of the proposal hope to capitalize on to get it over the finish line. Marijuana Amendment Source: Gras Grun/Unsplash On the ballot this November for voter consideration is Amendment 3, which would legalize recreational marijuana for Florida adults. If passed, this constitutional amendment would allow the possession of up to three ounces of marijuana for all individuals 21 years…

Wildfire season continues to heat up as mandatory evacuations are being called in the states of California and Nevada and weather forecasters are also predicting record heat levels will make things worse. There are currently 14 active wildfires blazing in California, including one so intense that its are creating its own weather system. Evacuations Source: raquel raclette/Unsplash Thousands of homes in these two states are being forced to evacuate as wildfires continue to spread. In particular, the Line Fire in Southern California has demanded the evacuation of more than 11,000 people from the area. Tough Conditions Source: Mendocino/Wikimedia Wildfires are…

In June, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis was ecstatic about the newest budget he signed where he vetoed nearly $1 billion in spending and reduced the state’s fiscal spending overall. However, since then, critics have said these cuts have hurt Florida in many ways. They have also complained some cuts have been extra painful because of the way they came unexpectedly. DeSantis’ Budget Source: Gage Skidmore/Wikimedia Commons On June 12, DeSantis announced the completion of the new fiscal budget, dubbing it the “Focus on Florida’s Future Budget.” “The Focus on Florida’s Future Budget totals $116.5 billion—less than the previous fiscal year—which…

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is assembling a team of allies to fight against an upcoming amendment ballot measure this November that would restore rights to abortion access in the state. As part of this effort, DeSantis has enlisted the help of the Heritage Foundation, the group behind the infamous “Project 2025” that Democrats say is a blueprint for an authoritative Trump presidency. Abortion Proposal Source: Gayatri Malhotra/Unsplash Florida Amendment 4, also known as the “Right to Abortion Initiative” is a ballot proposal that voters will decide on during the upcoming 2024 general election. The amendment would change the Florida constitution’s…

Snap, the owner of the popular instant messaging app Snapchat, is being sued by the state of New Mexico over allegations that its services “openly foster and promote illicit sexual material involving children and facilitate sextortion and the trafficking of children, drugs, and guns.” This newest lawsuit follows a similar one by the state against the company Meta and comes in the context of increasing pressure from governments across the country against big tech platforms to better protect children online. Lawsuit Filed Source: wirestock/freepik New Mexico filed a “complaint for abatement and civil penalties” in the First Judicial District Court…

Earlier this year, the Biden administration issued a rule that sought to protect the privacy of American women getting abortions by banning certain health disclosure requirements regarding reproductive health. Now, the state of Texas has filed a lawsuit hoping to block the ban, saying it unnecessarily hinders the state’s ability to conduct lawful investigations. Biden Rule Source: The White House/Wikimedia Commons On April 22, the Biden administration announced the rule, saying disclosure requirements for women’s reproduction have a negative effect on health outcomes. “Many Americans are scared their private medical information will be being shared, misused, and disclosed without permission.…