Bill Seeks to Restore Religious Vaccine Exemptions Across Nation

September 2, 2025

Rep. Greg Steube (R-FL) recently introduced the Guaranteeing Religious Accommodation in Childhood Education (GRACE) Act, which blocks federal funding from schools failing to honor religious exemption policies in vaccination requirements.

“No Federal education funds may be made available to an educational institution or agency that has a vaccination requirement, unless the institution or agency holds a policy wherein an individual may be exempted from the requirement “if such individual (or their parent or guardian, in the case of an individual who is a child) asserts that receiving the vaccination would violate a sincerely held religious belief” and “no documentation or other information is required to be submitted by the individual (or their parent or guardian) to support the validity of such assertion,” the bill states.

“Freedom of speech and religion is the most sacred right guaranteed under our Constitution,” said Steube. “No student or their family should ever be coerced into sacrificing their faith or jumping through loopholes to comply with a vaccine requirement. The GRACE Act reaffirms our country’s commitment to protecting religious freedom in the classroom.”

Reps. Mary Miller (R-IA), Dan Webster (R-FL), Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL), Paul Gosar (R-AZ), Barry Moore (R-AL), Lauren Boebert (R-CO), Glenn Grothman (R-WI), Nancy Mace (R-SC), Thomas Massie (R-KY), Randy Weber (R-TX), Rich McCormick (R-GA), Pat Harrigan (R-NC), Andy Ogles (R-TN), and Troy Downing (R-MT) are co-sponsoring the bill.

Several states, such as California, New York, Connecticut, and Maine, deny religious vaccine exemptions. Other states, such as West Virginia, have taken steps to support religious exemptions. Governor Patrick Morrisey (R) issued an executive order earlier this year permitting exemptions.

“Forcing those West Virginians to vaccinate their children despite their religious and moral objections substantially burdens the free exercise of religion in violation of the inherent religious liberties guaranteed by the Constitutions of the United States and West Virginia,” the order says.

Sanctuary Policy Criminal Arrested by ICE in Washington

September 2, 2025

United States Capitol Building (Ian Hutchinson /Unsplash)

A Mexican national with convictions for assault, rape, and child molestation—identified as Eduardo Roman Velazquez‑Rodriguez—was arrested by U.S. Border Patrol and ICE agents in Spokane. He is now in ICE custody awaiting removal proceedings.

According to ICE officials, Velazquez‑Rodriguez had served a 15-month prison sentence for child sexual abuse and rape, but was apparently released into the community due to Washington’s sanctuary policies, which restrict state cooperation with federal immigration authorities. ICE condemned these policies, arguing they allow dangerous individuals to remain in the U.S. unlawfully and pose risks, especially to children.

The arrest underscores ongoing tensions between federal immigration enforcement and Washington’s sanctuary framework, established under past Democratic leadership. Critics say the policies have contributed to tragic outcomes.

One notable instance occurred in March 2024, when Washington State Patrol Trooper Christopher Gadd was killed in the line of duty during a DUI stop. The motorist responsible, an undocumented immigrant with a lengthy criminal record, remained in the country under sanctuary protections. He has since been convicted and sentenced to over 10 years in prison, with deportation pending his release.

In recent years, immigration enforcement advocates have increasingly warned that sanctuary laws create loopholes for repeat offenders to avoid detection and removal. Critics argue that these policies not only obstruct federal law but also endanger public safety by allowing violent criminals to re-enter communities without oversight. While proponents claim sanctuary measures protect immigrant communities, high-profile incidents like Velazquez-Rodriguez’s release continue to raise alarm among law enforcement and victims’ rights groups.

Lawmakers at the federal level have introduced multiple bills to defund sanctuary jurisdictions or compel cooperation with ICE detainer requests, but most have stalled due to partisan gridlock. With the 2026 election cycle approaching, Republican candidates are expected to place renewed focus on border security and criminal alien enforcement, especially in states where sanctuary laws remain in place despite their consequences.

Woman Released After Trump Threats Under GPS Monitoring

September 2, 2025

A New York City woman arrested for making graphic threats to kill President Donald Trump was quietly released in late August by Chief U.S. District Judge James Boasberg, an Obama appointee. Nathalie Rose Jones, 50, had been denied bond earlier by a U.S. Magistrate judge due to the nature of her threats, which included detailed plans to disembowel the former president and use a bladed object to “carry out her mission.”

Despite the seriousness of the threats, Judge Boasberg approved her release under strict conditions, including a GPS ankle monitor and mandatory mental health treatment. Jones was ordered to meet with her psychiatrist by 5 p.m. on August 27.

In the bond hearing, Boasberg acknowledged the “oddly specific” threats Jones had made but questioned whether they constituted a real danger. “If she had a gun with her this case is easy. But the question is, why shouldn’t we consider this the rantings of someone with a mental illness with no ability to carry this out?” he said.

Jones, who reportedly has schizophrenia, began making threats on Facebook in early August. One post said she was “willing to sacrificially kill” Trump, while another called for a mock arrest ceremony at the White House. In a voluntary interview with the Secret Service, she confirmed her intention to kill Trump and mentioned a “bladed object” she would use to do so. She claimed her motivation was to “avenge all the lives lost during the COVID-19 pandemic.”

The Department of Justice described Jones as a “clear danger” and argued that her threats were “true threats,” not protected speech. Prosecutors said her actions showed “a penchant for violence” and a lack of concern for consequences.

Jones was arrested in Washington, D.C., after traveling from New York to attend a protest.

DHS Reimbursing Cooperative ICE States

September 2, 2025

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced that it would open reimbursement opportunities for state law enforcement agencies that have partnered with ICE.

Under the leadership of DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, 287(g) partnerships have increased 60%, from 135 agreements to 958, the department explained. “Currently, state and local police are participating from 40 states, with 8,501 Trained Task Force Officers and over 2,000 additional officers in-training,” DHS said.

Beginning October 1, law enforcement entities will have the opportunity to be reimbursed for the “annual salary and benefits of each eligible trained 287(g) officer, including overtime coverage up to 25% of the officer’s annual salary,” as well as be eligible for “quarterly monetary performance awards based on the successful location of illegal aliens provided by ICE and overall assistance to further ICE’s mission to Defend the Homeland.”

ICE Deputy Director Madison Sheahan acknowledged ICE’s partnership successes in a statement, saying, Thanks to the One Big Beautiful Bill, ICE launched a new reimbursement program for state and local law enforcement who partner with DHS to make America safe again.”

“We encourage all state and local law enforcement agencies to sign a 287(g) agreement now. By joining forces with ICE, you’re not just gaining access to these unprecedented reimbursement opportunities—you’re becoming part of a national effort to ensure the safety of every American family,” said Sheahan.

ICE has three 287(g) models: the Jail Enforcement Model, the Task Force Model, and the Warrant Service Officer Program. The Jail Enforcement Model allows officers to process illegal immigrants in jails and have pending or active criminal charges while they’re in custody; the Task Force Model offers limited immigration authorities while performing routine police responsibilities, and the Warrant Service Officer Program authorizes offers to execute warrants on illegal immigrants in custody.

Michigan Rep Helps Trans Youth After U-M Ban

September 2, 2025

columbia — Transgender flag (ev/Unsplash)

Michigan State Rep. Carrie Rheingans is pledging to help connect minors with gender-transition services following the University of Michigan’s decision to stop offering sex-change procedures for children. The university halted its gender-affirming care program for minors amid pressure from the Trump administration and concerns about losing federal Medicare and Medicaid funding.

In a video posted to social media, Rheingans wore a “Protect Trans Kids” hoodie and addressed transgender youth in Michigan directly. “I want you to know that the care you might want for gender-affirming care is legal in Michigan, and it’s still continuing in a wide variety of places,” she said. She blamed the University of Michigan’s decision on fear of financial losses, not legal requirements, noting that the hospital is “choosing to stop providing this care because they’re scared of losing millions and millions of dollars.”

Rheingans went further, offering to help minors find new providers. “Reach out to our office. We’ll be able to connect you to what might still be available in our community,” she said, adding that support services for parents are also becoming available. “We love you, we are really supportive of you as kids, and we want to make sure that you can grow up and thrive here in Michigan,” she concluded.

The university’s move follows a broader national shift. Many hospitals across the U.S. have shut down pediatric gender clinics after the Trump administration reaffirmed its opposition to so-called gender-affirming treatments for minors. The administration has threatened to cut off federal funding for facilities that provide puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, or sex-change surgeries to individuals under 19.

Medical experts aligned with the Trump administration have raised concerns about the long-term effects of such treatments. Puberty blockers can stunt growth, cross-sex hormones may impair fertility and sexual function, and surgeries are often irreversible. Detransitioners—individuals who later regret and reverse their transition—have become a growing part of the debate.

Space Command Moving to Alabama

September 2, 2025

golden dome — Space Satellite (NASA/Unsplash)

President Donald Trump is set to announce that the U.S. Space Command is relocating to Alabama. Trump is expected to make the announcement from the Oval Office this afternoon.

“Space Command coming to Huntsville? Count on it,” Alabama Governor Kay Ivey wrote on X. “Huntsville was already chosen once before as the home for U.S. Space Command — and for good reason. I remain confident that Alabama is the right place for this mission to take root and thrive.”

Space Command’s headquarters is currently located in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

The announcement follows Trump’s signing of an executive order in August enabling competition in the commercial space industry.

“It is the policy of the United States to enhance American greatness in space by enabling a competitive launch marketplace and substantially increasing commercial space launch cadence and novel space activities by 2030,” the order read. “To accomplish this, the Federal Government will streamline commercial license and permit approvals for United States-based operators.”

In 2018, during his first presidential term, Trump signed a memorandum establishing the Space Command.

“I assign to United States Space Command: (1) all the general responsibilities of a Unified Combatant Command; (2) the space-related responsibilities previously assigned to the Commander, United States Strategic Command; and (3) the responsibilities of Joint Force Provider and Joint Force Trainer for Space Operations Forces. The comprehensive list of authorities and responsibilities for United States Space Command will be included in the next update to the Unified Command Plan,” the memorandum read.

Jerry Nadler Retirement Sparks Democratic Shake-Up

September 2, 2025

Rep. Jerry Nadler (D-NY) announced Tuesday that he will not seek re-election in 2026, citing the Democratic Party’s losses in the last election cycle and the need for a new generation of leadership. The 78-year-old congressman is serving his 17th term and has long been one of the party’s senior voices in the House.

“This decision has not been easy,” Nadler said in a public statement. “But I know in my heart it is the right one and that it is the right time to pass the torch to a new generation.”

Nadler pointed directly to President Joe Biden’s failed reelection campaign as a catalyst for his decision. In an interview with The New York Times, he said, “Watching the Biden thing really said something about the necessity for generational change in the party, and I think I want to respect that.”

Nadler served as chairman of the House Judiciary Committee from 2019 to 2023, playing a leading role in the first impeachment of President Donald Trump. He stepped down as ranking member after Republicans regained control of the House.

Throughout his tenure, Nadler supported major Democratic legislative priorities, including the Affordable Care Act, the Inflation Reduction Act, and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. He also opposed key measures like the USA PATRIOT Act and the authorization of force in Iraq.

His retirement opens the door for a new Democratic primary in New York. Rep. Jamie Raskin has already launched a campaign for Nadler’s seat, and 26-year-old Democrat Liam Elkind entered the race last month, calling for a new generation to lead the party.

Attorney General Letitia James and Gov. Kathy Hochul both praised Nadler’s long service, calling him a fighter and champion for New Yorkers.

Chicago Alderman Calls for National Guard Help

September 2, 2025

Chicago Alderman Raymond Lopez is calling for the National Guard to be deployed to help relieve the city’s overburdened police force. Speaking on Newsmax TV’s Newsline on Monday, Lopez criticized local leaders for relying on symbolic policies while violence persists across Chicago neighborhoods.

“We need the National Guard to help take off the pressure from the Chicago Police Department, which is guarding some of the city’s assets,” Lopez said. He argued that National Guard troops could be used more effectively in neighborhoods, providing intelligence, training, and added manpower to assist officers on the ground.

Lopez took aim at Mayor Brandon Johnson and Governor J.B. Pritzker, accusing them of being content with only minor improvements in public safety. “It’s interesting that the mayor and the governor have this threshold where they say, we’ve decreased crime just enough. We don’t need to go any further,” he said. “Well, we all say, let’s keep going.”

He pointed to Washington, D.C. as an example, citing an 84% reduction in crime. “Let’s go 12 days without a murder in the city of Chicago. Those are noble aspirations that we can work together with, if we choose to engage President Donald Trump,” Lopez said.

The alderman’s comments reflect growing frustration with the city’s public safety strategy, particularly following a Labor Day weekend that saw multiple shootings. Lopez emphasized that safety should not be a partisan issue, warning that the city’s residents continue to feel unsafe despite political reassurances.

His push for National Guard deployment follows months of tension between the mayor’s office and local officials who argue that more aggressive action is needed to curb violent crime and restore order.

Justine Bateman Slams Mayors Over City Neglect

September 2, 2025

Actress and former Family Ties star Justine Bateman unleashed harsh criticism toward the mayors of Los Angeles and Chicago after both appeared on MSNBC to attack President Donald Trump’s stance on crime. Bateman specifically targeted Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, questioning why the city’s top executive was on national television instead of addressing urgent local issues.

Bateman responded to a video clip posted by Mayor Bass, which featured both Bass and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson dismissing President Trump’s tough-on-crime messaging as “sowing fear.” The actress fired back on X, writing, “For the love of God, can you just do your job?” She continued, “Can you attend to the city of Los Angeles? What are you doing on national news shows?”

Bateman didn’t stop there. She listed specific areas of neglect under Mayor Bass’s leadership, including unfilled potholes, rising crime, wildfire preparedness, and inoperable emergency vehicles. “Unless you’re running for President, we don’t see the purpose. Use your time instead to fill our potholes, deal with the city’s crime, get the reservoirs filled for the next fire, get the @LAFD off-line trucks fixed, etc.,” she added.

This is not the first time Bateman has publicly condemned Democratic leadership in California. Earlier this year, she criticized local and state officials for failing to manage recurring disasters like wildfires and earthquakes. In a Fox News interview, Bateman said, “If you’re not doing everything you can to take care of those problems if they arise, then get out [of office]. You are useless to us.”

Bateman further warned that failure to manage basic city services harms residents directly. “You didn’t do what we pay you for, and you should resign out of shame and responsibility for the people whose lives you destroyed right now.”

Seven Shot During West Indian Day Parade Despite New York’s Strict Gun Laws

September 2, 2025

Police-vehicle-lights-via-Canva-Pro — Police vehicle lights via Canva Pro

At least seven people were shot Monday evening in Brooklyn during the West Indian Day Parade, despite New York’s status as one of the strictest states in the country for gun control. The violence occurred in three separate incidents along the parade route on Eastern Parkway.

The first shooting took place around 5:35 p.m., where a man and a woman were wounded. About an hour later, two more individuals were shot near the same area at approximately 6:30 p.m. Another shooting followed just 15 minutes later, leaving two more victims with gunshot wounds to the shoulder. A 14-year-old boy was also shot later in the evening.

The West Indian Day Parade, held annually on Labor Day, typically draws large crowds and a strong police presence. However, the violence this year raised fresh concerns about public safety in a city where high-profile events continue to be marred by gunfire. Law enforcement has not confirmed if the shootings were connected or related to gang activity.

New York consistently ranks among the top states for gun control. Everytown for Gun Safety, a group backed by former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, lists New York as having the fourth most restrictive gun laws in the nation. Those laws include a red flag law, universal background checks, a ban on so-called assault weapons and high-capacity magazines, storage mandates, and bans on bump stocks and “ghost guns.”

Despite this extensive legal framework, the parade shootings highlight ongoing challenges in curbing gun violence in major urban areas. Investigations into the suspects and motives are ongoing.