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Canadians Sue Over Summer ‘Climate Lockdowns’ in Forests

Canadian
Canadian flag (Praveen Kumar Nandagiri/Unsplash)

A coalition of Canadian citizen groups, led by the Canadian Constitution Foundation (CCF) and the Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms (JCCF), has initiated legal proceedings challenging what they call draconian “climate lockdowns”—sweeping bans on hiking, camping, fishing, and access to Crown land across Nova Scotia and New Brunswick this summer.

Nova Scotia invoked its Forests Act to prohibit public access to all wooded areas amid elevated wildfire risk, imposing fines up to $25,000 for violations. The CCF argues this constitutes unconstitutional government overreach. The litigation asserts the Forests Act does not authorize such broad restrictions and fails to balance the bans against Canadians’ Charter rights, rendering penalties on seemingly harmless acts like hiking or birdwatching irrational and overly vague. Christine Van Geyn, Litigation Director for the CCF, emphasized this crackdown undermines trust in public safety measures and lacks rational justification.

Similarly, the JCCF sent a legal warning to New Brunswick Premier Susan Holt and Natural Resources Minister John Herron, demanding a reversal of a comparable province-wide closure of forests and trails.

These lawsuits reflect a rising concern among conservative and libertarian circles that provinces are prioritizing environmental emergency responses at the expense of fundamental freedoms and legal clarity.

Princeton Prof Claims Trump’s DC Crackdown Signals ‘Slide Toward Fascism’

Washington, D.C. city skyline (f11photo/Getty via Canva Pro)

A Princeton University professor has labeled President Trump’s recent law enforcement initiative in Washington, D.C., as evidence of a creeping authoritarian agenda. The professor accused the former president of targeting minority communities and undermining democratic norms, linking the move to broader concerns about federal overreach.

Princeton Professor Khalil Gibran Muhammad made the claim during an interview with Democracy Now! He criticized President Trump’s directive to increase federal control over policing in D.C., stating it mirrors past strategies of scapegoating and militarization. Muhammad cited similar tactics used in Los Angeles and warned they could soon extend to cities like Chicago and New York.

According to Muhammad, Trump’s portrayal of the nation’s capital as overrun with “roving mobs” is a political fabrication. He noted that Washington, D.C., recorded a 30-year low in violent crime as of January 2025. The professor claimed Trump is exploiting urban centers to rally political support, alleging that minority communities are being unfairly blamed.

Muhammad also pointed to President Trump’s pardoning of January 6 participants as contradictory to his law-and-order message. He argued that while Trump increases federal policing in liberal cities, he simultaneously protects individuals involved in the Capitol unrest. This dual approach, Muhammad stated, raises serious questions about the administration’s respect for democratic institutions and equal application of justice.

The comments have reignited debate over executive power, local autonomy, and constitutional limits. Critics of the administration see the move as federal overreach, while supporters argue it is necessary to restore order in lawless cities controlled by progressive leadership.

Britons Back Deportation of Migrant Sex Offenders

London (Sabrina Mazzeo/Unsplash)

A new survey reveals overwhelming public support in Britain for deporting foreign nationals convicted of sexual crimes, with nearly nine in ten voters backing the policy. The poll, conducted by Find Out Now and reported by The Telegraph, highlights deep concern over the impact of mass migration on women’s safety.

According to the results, 87% of voters “strongly” or “somewhat” support removing migrant sex offenders from the United Kingdom. The sentiment transcends party lines, with 85% of Labour voters, 96% of Conservatives, and 97% of Reform UK supporters in favor of deportations.

The poll also found that 39% of respondents support restricting immigration from countries where women have few legal rights or protections. Nearly half of voters (47%) said immigration levels affect women’s safety in their local areas, while only 23% disagreed.

Anna McGovern, Deputy Director of the Women’s Safety Initiative, which commissioned the poll, said the findings confirm widespread fears among women. “This data confirms what women across the country have been telling us for years – they feel less safe and they want action,” McGovern stated. “Our leaders cannot continue to ignore these concerns or dismiss them as unfounded. Women’s safety must be prioritized above political convenience.”

The issue has intensified following a wave of protests across Britain linked to sexual assaults allegedly committed by illegal migrants housed in taxpayer-funded hotels. While the Labour government has promised to accelerate deportations of foreign criminals, its efforts face legal challenges under the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR).

Critics point to cases such as that of Marlon Martins Dos Santos, a convicted pedophile whose extradition to Brazil was blocked in June due to ECHR concerns, despite convictions for raping a five-year-old girl in Brazil and possessing child pornography in the UK. Such rulings have fueled public anger and doubts over whether real reform is possible under current legal constraints.

Newsom Blasts Marines Over Trump’s L.A. Deployment

California Governor Gavin Newsom (D) (Twitter/@bennyjohnson)

California Governor Gavin Newsom sharply criticized the U.S. Marines and National Guard on Saturday, accusing them of “bringing war to the American people” during their recent mission in Los Angeles. The comments came as Newsom attempted to undermine President Donald Trump, who is campaigning for the Nobel Peace Prize after resolving multiple global conflicts.

In June, President Trump federalized the California National Guard after local authorities failed to contain violent anti-ICE riots in Los Angeles. Activists opposed to Immigration and Customs Enforcement had attacked police and government buildings, blocked major highways, and threatened to expand the unrest. When the Guard struggled to hold back escalating violence, Trump deployed Marines to secure federal property and protect ICE officers during operations. The mission restored order, and troops were withdrawn once stability returned.

Newsom, eyeing the 2028 Democratic presidential primary, used the episode to accuse Trump of militarizing domestic issues. By describing the Marines’ peacekeeping mission as “war,” Newsom implied that federal forces posed a greater danger to citizens than the rioters themselves. His remarks, however, overlooked the fact that the Marines were tasked only with defensive measures—guarding federal buildings and ensuring public safety.

Meanwhile, Trump’s pursuit of the Nobel Peace Prize aligns with the original intent outlined in Alfred Nobel’s will: to reward leaders who advance peace, reduce conflict, and foster cooperation among nations. In his first seven months in office, Trump has helped resolve more than half a dozen armed conflicts worldwide. His actions reflect a principle often ignored by critics—that the credible use of force can be essential to restraining violence and advancing peace.

Newsom’s attack highlights a sharp contrast between Trump’s assertive strategy of peace through strength and Democratic leaders’ portrayal of federal intervention as a threat to civil liberties.

Justin Pearson Calls GOP ‘Fascists and Neo-Confederates’

Tennessee flag next to US flag (Nashvilledino2/Getty via Canva Pro)

Tennessee State Rep. Justin Pearson (D) launched a blistering attack on Republicans during an appearance Saturday on MSNBC’s Velshi, accusing the party of being controlled by “fascists and neo-Confederates.” His remarks reflect a growing pattern among Democrats of framing conservative policies and values as existential threats to democracy.

Pearson argued that bipartisanship no longer exists in Washington, claiming Republicans are intent on establishing “minority rule” with the support of “tech oligarchs, White supremacists, and Christian nationalists.” He urged Democrats to respond with equal intensity, saying, “The house is on fire, we have to stop pretending like we don’t smell the smoke.”

Pearson further insisted that Democrats should abandon compromise and take an uncompromising stance against conservatives. He declared that “nothing is off the table” in the fight against what he called the threat of fascism. His rhetoric echoed themes often used by the progressive left, which has increasingly characterized Christian values and conservative political movements as dangerous to the republic.

The comments come as Democrats continue to escalate their attacks on President Donald Trump and the Republican Party, framing them as authoritarian and anti-democratic. Republicans, meanwhile, have pushed back against these claims, pointing to rising crime, economic instability, and border insecurity under President Joe Biden as proof that Democratic leadership has failed.

Pearson, a member of the so-called “Tennessee Three,” has become a vocal figure for progressive causes since his reinstatement after being expelled from the state legislature last year for leading a protest inside the House chamber. His latest comments underscore the sharp divide between the left and right, with Democrats increasingly rejecting bipartisanship and instead pursuing a strategy of confrontation.

North Carolina School Choice Veto Faces Override Showdown

IRS guns
Handgun (seeetz/Unsplash)

North Carolina lawmakers will return to Raleigh next week with several high-profile vetoes still hanging over the state’s legislative agenda. Among them are two bills drawing national attention: one establishing a tax credit program for school children and another that would allow permitless concealed carry.

The school choice bill, known as the Educational Choice for Children Act (House Bill 87), would provide up to $1,700 in tax credits beginning in 2027. The measure has strong Republican backing and has already gained some Democratic support, increasing the likelihood of a successful veto override. If passed, North Carolina would become the first state to codify President Donald Trump’s signature federal school choice initiative.

Supporters note that several House Democrats—most notably Reps. Shelly Willingham and Carla Cunningham—have already sided with Republicans on key votes this session, helping to secure multiple overrides. Their cooperation has been critical to advancing the GOP’s agenda, which has included measures on immigration, donor privacy, and firearms.

In contrast, the fight over permitless carry faces an uphill battle. The Freedom to Carry NC bill (Senate Bill 50) lacked Democratic support from the beginning and even faced opposition from some Republicans, including Reps. William Brisson and Ted Davis Jr. With multiple GOP absences at passage, legislative leaders face a far steeper climb to override Governor Josh Stein’s veto.

Also on the table are three separate bills targeting diversity, equity, and inclusion policies across state agencies, K-12 education, and higher education. These measures passed without Democratic support, and their fates depend on party unity among Republicans, who hold narrow three-fifths majorities in both chambers.

Republican leaders, including Senate President Phil Berger and House Speaker Destin Hall, have stressed the importance of timing, signaling they will only call votes when they are confident of the numbers. Overrides have succeeded before—even after unexpected shifts. In the 2023–24 session, lawmakers overturned all 29 vetoes issued by then-Governor Roy Cooper, despite dozens of legislators switching their votes between passage and override.

Texas Breaks Jobs Records Again, Outpaces National Growth

Texas Flag
Texas flag (Pete Alexopoulos/Unsplash)

Texas set new employment records in July, continuing its streak as the nation’s economic powerhouse. According to the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC), the state reached an all-time high in both total nonfarm jobs and the number of Texans employed.

Nonfarm jobs in Texas climbed to 14,333,800 after adding 8,700 positions in July. Over the past year, the state added 232,500 jobs, marking a 1.6% annual growth rate—outpacing the national average by 0.6%. The total number of Texans working, including the self-employed, rose to a record 15,213,700.

Governor Greg Abbott credited the achievement to Texas’ pro-business environment and the strength of its workforce. “Texas continues to see sustained job growth thanks to having the best business climate in America and the productivity of hardworking Texans,” Abbott said. He highlighted recent legislation expanding career training programs, alongside $1.6 million in new grants to support technical education in South Texas.

While Texas’ civilian labor force dipped slightly in July, decreasing by 1,400 people, the state still added nearly 196,000 workers over the past year. TWC Commissioner Alberto Treviño III emphasized the state’s resilience, saying the commission remains focused on providing Texans with access to skills and training for new opportunities.

Industry-specific growth was led by Trade, Transportation, and Utilities, which added 5,500 jobs. Professional and Business Services followed with 3,800 jobs, while Construction added 2,800 positions. The Construction sector grew 3.2% year-over-year, beating the national rate by 2%.

Texas’ unemployment rate stood at 4.2% in July, below the national average of 4.6%. Midland reported the lowest unemployment rate at 3.1%, followed by Amarillo and San Angelo at 3.2% each. The highest rates were in Eagle Pass (9.4%), Brownsville-Harlingen (7.3%), and McAllen-Edinburg-Mission (6.7%).

Texans impacted by July’s floods can apply for Disaster Unemployment Assistance through the TWC until September 4.

30,000 Wireless Power Banks Recalled After Fires and Explosions

data privacy

More than 30,000 ESR HaloLock wireless power banks have been recalled after reports of overheating, fires, and explosions. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced the recall, warning that the devices pose serious burn and property damage risks. The products were widely sold online and in major retailers across the United States and Canada.

The recall affects models 2G520, 2G505B, and 2G512B, each carrying the ESR brand name and featuring five LED indicator lights on the front. About 24,000 were sold in the U.S. and nearly 10,000 in Canada between September 2023 and July 2025. The devices were available on Amazon, Home Depot, and ESR’s official website.

According to the CPSC, there have been nine reported incidents of these power banks catching fire or exploding. The accidents caused an estimated $20,000 in property damage, though no injuries have been reported to date. Lithium-ion battery malfunctions were identified as the cause of overheating.

Consumers are instructed to stop using the power banks immediately. To obtain a refund, owners must send a photo of their recalled unit with the model number visible and the word “RECALLED” written on it. Refund requests are processed through ESR customer support. Customers are also advised to properly dispose of the recalled devices at hazardous waste facilities, as lithium-ion batteries cannot be safely discarded in household trash or recycling.

This recall follows a series of similar safety warnings involving lithium-ion power banks. Earlier this year, Anker recalled more than 1.1 million PowerCore 10000 chargers after nearly 20 incidents of overheating, including fires and minor burn injuries. Safety officials continue to warn consumers to exercise caution with portable battery packs.

Murphy Calls Trump’s D.C. Crime Crackdown a Stunt

(Photo by Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images)

Sen. Chris Murphy (D-CT) criticized President Donald Trump’s federal deployment of troops in Washington, D.C., calling the move a “stunt” designed to distract from political pressure. Murphy made the remarks Sunday on NBC’s Meet the Press in response to growing debate over rising crime and Trump’s decision to send federal forces into the nation’s capital.

Moderator Kristen Welker noted that Republicans consistently poll higher than Democrats on public trust regarding crime and safety, asking Murphy how he responds to voters who support Trump’s tough-on-crime stance. Murphy argued that crime increased during Trump’s first term but began declining after President Joe Biden took office. He claimed crime has been falling sharply in Washington and other major cities, disputing Trump’s portrayal of Democrats as weak on law enforcement.

Murphy also accused Trump of creating a distraction as questions mount within his base. He pointed to Trump’s refusal to release the Epstein files, concerns about health care costs, and allegations of protecting “very powerful people” as reasons the former president turned attention to crime in the capital. “Nothing different is really happening in the United States capital today,” Murphy said, adding that crime would continue to fall regardless of federal troop presence.

The deployment follows Trump’s announcement of a crime crackdown in Washington, where federal officers and National Guard troops have been seen patrolling near the Capitol. Trump has argued the action is necessary to restore order in Democrat-run cities plagued by lawlessness. Republicans have long criticized soft-on-crime policies in blue states and cities, highlighting record numbers of violent incidents under progressive prosecutors and relaxed policing standards.

Murphy dismissed those concerns, framing Trump’s actions as political theater meant to “create a new news cycle.” The senator maintained that the presence of troops in D.C. has no bearing on long-term crime trends, which he insisted are already improving.

Tom Cruise Declines Kennedy Center Honor From President Trump

Tom Cruise (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP, File)

Actor Tom Cruise reportedly declined an invitation to receive a prestigious Kennedy Center Honor from President Trump, citing “scheduling conflicts.” The decision has sparked speculation about whether it was purely logistical or politically motivated.

In August 2025, President Trump announced that he would personally host the upcoming Kennedy Center Honors on December 7 and revealed the class of honorees, which includes KISS, Sylvester Stallone, Gloria Gaynor, Michael Crawford, and George Strait. The invitation extended to Cruise was declined, as his representatives claimed a busy schedule prevented his attendance.

Reports cite anonymous sources within the Kennedy Center and news outlets like Entertainment Weekly and The Washington Post indicating that scheduling conflicts were cited as the reason for the refusal. However, Snopes notes that these sources remain unverified, as neither Cruise nor his representatives provided further comment on the matter.

Given Tom Cruise’s traditionally apolitical public persona and no history of political endorsements, observers are divided over whether the refusal reflects scheduling constraints or a subtle statement regarding Trump’s prominent role in the awards this year. Cruise is set to receive an honorary Oscar later this year at the 2025 Governors Awards, which may overlap with the timing of the Kennedy Center ceremony and contribute to his unavailability.

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