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Cheney Teacher’s Gender Identity Lesson Sparks Outrage

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Transgender via Canva Pro

Parents in Washington’s Cheney School District are speaking out after a ninth-grade English teacher introduced a gender identity lesson without clear approval from the school board. The controversy centers on Cheney High School teacher Jessie Mattingly, who taught the lesson in September during a unit on “personal identity” in a freshman English class.

Amy King, a local business owner and grandparent of a student in the class, voiced her concerns after her granddaughter described the unexpected content. “This has nothing to do with education,” King said, criticizing what she sees as an attempt to “sneak” controversial content into a class where parents would least expect it.

The syllabus provided at the beginning of the year did not mention any LGBTQ+ content, gender identity, or materials on being an “LGBTQ+ ally.” However, a newsletter uploaded later to Google Classroom included references to those topics. Parents could only access the details by clicking through the newsletter—an email notification was sent, but it did not mention the LGBTQ+ content explicitly.

According to Cheney School District Assistant Superintendent Tom Arlt, students were given a chance to opt out and complete alternative assignments. But no parent complaints had been filed as of his response to The Center Square. He confirmed the materials were considered “supplemental” under Washington’s education policies, which allow teachers discretion to select non-core content.

Critics, including Bo Begalman of Moms for Liberty, argue this discretion is being abused to bypass parental rights. Begalman and King want Policy 2020 amended to require school board approval for all materials related to gender and sexual orientation. Both say parents should not be expected to “research every reading assignment” just to protect their values.

“We’re the boss, not their servant,” Begalman said.

Meta Scam Ad Revenue to Hit Shocking $16 Billion

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Mark Zuckerberg (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)

Internal Meta documents reviewed by Reuters reveal that Mark Zuckerberg’s company expects to generate a staggering $16 billion—roughly 10 percent of its projected 2024 revenue—from ads promoting scams and banned products. The files, spanning from 2021 through 2025, expose how Meta’s platforms—Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp—are flooded with fraudulent advertisements targeting billions of users daily.

According to a document dated December 2024, Meta estimates that 15 billion “higher risk” scam ads are shown to users each day. These include fake investment schemes, illegal casinos, and illicit medical products. Meta’s ad review system allegedly allows these ads to run unless it determines with 95 percent certainty that the advertiser is committing fraud. Ads flagged as suspicious—but falling below that threshold—are simply charged higher rates, turning potential crime into a premium product.

Worse, the platform’s ad-personalization algorithm appears to magnify the problem. Users who click on fraudulent ads are more likely to be shown similar scams, putting them at greater risk with each interaction. This feedback loop allows scammers to build profiles of vulnerable users and exploit them repeatedly.

Meta spokesperson Andy Stone dismissed the leaked materials, claiming they reflect a selective and misleading view of the company’s anti-fraud efforts. He stated that Meta is constantly evolving its tools to combat scammers, calling them “persistent criminals” working across borders.

However, critics say Meta is profiting from criminal activity while failing to take meaningful action. Rep. Tim Walberg (R-MI) condemned Meta for refusing to address serious concerns over ads for illegal drugs, including cocaine, which have reportedly reached minors. He accused the company of negligence and monetizing illicit content at the expense of user safety.

John Ondrasik Torches Artists Over Hamas Hostage Silence

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Ariel Schalit (2017), Mideast Wars. Associated Press.

Oscar-nominated singer-songwriter John Ondrasik, best known for his work under the name Five for Fighting, is calling out the global arts community for its silence following the October 7 terrorist attacks in Israel. In a pointed interview with Breitbart News at the Republican Jewish Coalition (RJC), Ondrasik criticized prominent musicians and entertainers for failing to use their platforms to demand the release of hostages taken by Hamas.

“After 9/11, every icon pretty much was on that stage at Madison Square Garden, at the Concert for New York, condemning Osama bin Laden, standing up for America,” Ondrasik said. “But since October 7, crickets.”

He compared today’s silence to the overwhelming unity shown by artists following the September 11 attacks, when stars from across the political spectrum came together to denounce terrorism and support victims. In contrast, Ondrasik says the entertainment world has turned its back on Israeli victims and ignored the plight of hostages.

“So many of these artists that have laid their claim as the human rights leaders—Live Aid, Concert for New York, Sun City, the Springsteens of the world, even Bono—their silence has been deafening,” he said.

Ondrasik believes that had the entertainment industry immediately rallied in unity, it could have pressured Hamas and its sympathizers into releasing the hostages. “If the artists of the world said, ‘Release those hostages’ and did a ‘We Are the World’-style campaign on October 8, 2023, we would not be in this position,” he stated.

He also took aim at institutions like the BBC and U.S. college campuses, accusing them of acting as apologists for terrorist groups. “The collapse of the arts is one reason why the culture has collapsed,” Ondrasik said. “It breaks my heart as an artist.”

OpenAI Government Backstop Demand Sparks Outrage

(Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

OpenAI CFO Sarah Friar triggered a wave of criticism this week after suggesting the company wanted the U.S. government to serve as a financial “backstop” for its infrastructure investments. The comment, made during a Wall Street Journal interview, sparked accusations that OpenAI—a central player in the AI industry—was seeking taxpayer-backed bailouts to support risky financing strategies.

Following the backlash, Friar issued a public clarification, stating that her remarks were misinterpreted. She emphasized that OpenAI is not requesting direct financial guarantees but believes the federal government should play a supporting role in America’s broader AI industrial capacity. “I used the word ‘backstop,’ and it muddied the point,” she said in a LinkedIn post.

The controversy comes as growing skepticism surrounds the AI boom. Michael Burry, the investor famous for predicting the 2008 housing crash, disclosed new bets against AI giants Nvidia and Palantir. His firm, Scion Asset Management, purchased put options on both companies, signaling a bearish outlook and reinforcing fears of an AI bubble driven by excessive speculation and hype.

OpenAI, known for its massive infrastructure demands, has faced increasing scrutiny over its aggressive financial posture. Reports say the company has over $1.4 trillion in spending commitments, raising alarms from investors. When questioned about the disconnect between spending and revenue, CEO Sam Altman reportedly responded with frustration, telling one concerned shareholder, “If you want to sell your shares, I’ll find you a buyer. Enough.”

Critics argue the push for government involvement reflects deeper instability within the sector. Rather than proving long-term viability, companies appear more focused on acquiring funding and maintaining market dominance through political influence and massive spending.

The episode illustrates the tension between Silicon Valley’s expansive ambitions and the growing call for fiscal responsibility and market discipline.

Scarborough Attacks GOP, ‘Ignoring Jesus on Immigration’

Image via Canva

MSNBC host Joe Scarborough sparked controversy Thursday on Morning Joe by accusing Republicans of ignoring biblical teachings on immigration. In a segment focused on recent comments by Pope Francis and American Catholic leaders, Scarborough claimed the GOP has disregarded Jesus’ commands in the New Testament regarding treatment of foreigners and the poor.

Scarborough referenced recent statements by the Pope urging Catholics to welcome migrants, citing the parable of the Good Samaritan in the Gospel of Luke. He emphasized that the Catholic Church has called for compassion and dignity toward foreigners, framing the issue as a moral test for believers.

“The Pope says we will be judged by how we welcome foreigners,” Scarborough said. “You have archbishops in Chicago, Washington, and elsewhere preaching the same message.”

He went further, tying Christian identity to immigration policy, saying, “If you have a problem with that, don’t even take it up with the Pope. Take it up with Jesus.” Scarborough questioned whether those who support strict immigration enforcement can credibly call themselves pro-life, echoing the Pope’s past comments.

The MSNBC host concluded by charging that Republicans have “turned a blind eye to everything that Jesus said in the New Testament about welcoming foreigners, being kind to the least among us.”

Scarborough’s comments drew immediate pushback from Christian conservatives who argue that Scripture also teaches the importance of law, order, and national sovereignty. Many point to passages in both the Old and New Testaments that emphasize respecting laws, borders, and the responsibilities of government to protect its citizens.

Republican lawmakers and faith leaders continue to support policies that prioritize border security and the rule of law, viewing these not as anti-Christian, but as necessary to uphold justice and protect national integrity.

The Day Hollywood Said ‘No’ to Woke

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(Ahmet Yalçınkaya/Unsplash)

Something refreshing is happening in Hollywood, and it’s not coming from a script. Two young stars, Sydney Sweeney and Keira Knightley, just showed how to handle the kind of gotcha questions that used to derail careers. Instead of taking the bait, they brushed it off and kept the conversation where it belongs: on their work, not the latest outrage cycle. In the process, they reminded the rest of us that the loudest voices online don’t have to set the agenda anymore. . .

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Meloni Shocks Italy with Bold Self-Defense Stand

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni publicly defended a homeowner who shot an intruder during an attempted robbery in Rovigo, Italy, declaring that the right to self-defense is “always legitimate.” The incident took place Monday when a masked criminal broke into the home and allegedly attempted to attack the resident with a screwdriver.

According to Italian financial daily Il Sole 24 ORE, the homeowner used a legally registered firearm to protect himself, aiming at non-lethal areas of the assailant’s body. The suspect, who was wearing a balaclava, reportedly ignored loud warnings and continued advancing even after the alarm system had been triggered and the homeowner had announced he was armed.

Prosecutor Manuela Fasolato confirmed that the homeowner is not under investigation for any crime related to excessive self-defense. Instead, authorities are pursuing charges of attempted aggravated robbery against the wounded intruder, who remains at large and is also wanted for additional offenses.

Fasolato emphasized that the homeowner acted within the bounds of the law. She stated that the man discharged his weapon only after it became clear that the intruder was intent on violence. Her remarks affirm the Italian legal standard that allows the use of proportionate force when defending oneself or one’s property.

This is not the first time the victim’s home has been targeted by criminals. Reports indicate this marks the second burglary attempt on the same property, adding weight to concerns over rising home invasions and the need for personal protection.

Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini reinforced Meloni’s position, calling the right to self-defense fundamental. He pointed to recent legislative changes aimed at protecting law-abiding citizens and empowering them to respond effectively to violent threats. Salvini stated, “As we have maintained for years, self-defense is always legitimate.”

Trump Border Policy Success Shatters All Records

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U.S. Southern Border (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

Illegal border crossings have plummeted to the lowest level in U.S. history as President Trump’s enforcement policies reshape the nation’s southern border. In October 2025, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) recorded just 30,561 total encounters nationwide—a 79% drop from the same month last year. Border Patrol also reported six consecutive months without releasing a single illegal alien into the interior of the country.

Department of Homeland Security officials attribute the dramatic decline to a no-nonsense strategy of detention, swift removal, and zero tolerance for illegal entry. “Our mission is simple: secure the border and safeguard this nation,” said CBP Commissioner Rodney Scott. “No excuses. No politics. Just results.”

In sharp contrast to the Biden-era crisis, which overwhelmed agents with daily apprehensions exceeding 5,000, October saw just 8,000 apprehensions between ports of entry—an average of 258 per day, or less than 11 per hour. Officials note that one year ago, the system processed more than 300 illegal aliens every four hours.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem praised the milestone, calling it the “most secure border ever” and thanking President Trump and frontline agents for delivering real security. “History made,” she declared in a statement.

For six straight months, Border Patrol agents released zero illegal aliens into the U.S. interior. Every apprehension in October was processed according to the law, setting a new standard for enforcement outcomes.

Since President Trump took office in January, Border Patrol has apprehended a total of 106,134 illegal aliens—fewer than the monthly average under the previous administration. Officials credit this to a level of sustained deterrence not seen in decades, with monthly apprehensions consistently staying below 10,000.

Trump’s border strategy is being hailed by DHS leadership as the most effective in modern history. The focus remains on closing asylum loopholes, expanding detention capacity, and removing incentives that once drove mass illegal migration.

DOJ Immigration Judge Firings Rock Court System

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Department of Justice seal (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File)

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has executed a sweeping removal of immigration judges amid the Donald Trump‑administration’s aggressive push to shut down what it views as a broad asylum loophole. While figures vary, one report puts the number of judges fired at more than 80, though DOJ counters that the figure is under 55.

Reports indicate that in recent months dozens of immigration judges under the DOJ’s Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) began receiving notices of termination or non‑renewal—some of them right after their probationary period ended or before being sworn in. The firings span states including California, New York, Maryland, Washington and Texas. Critics argue this move risks undermining due‑process protections just when the immigration‑court backlog is at historic levels.

The DOJ responded to the reporting by saying it does not “target” or “prioritise” judges for removal based on their background, prior rulings or how many asylum cases they granted. It stated that immigration judges are evaluated on conduct, impartiality, adherence to law, productivity and professionalism, and that they serve as “inferior officers” appointed and removable by the Attorney General under Article II of the Constitution.

Supporters of the policy note the enforcement shift aligns with the Trump administration’s goal of cracking down on what it calls rampant abuse of the asylum system. They point to data showing rising numbers of denied asylum claims and deportation orders, and a shrinking backlog of cases as evidence the changes are working. The administration has characterised the reductions in the judge corps as part of a broader reform to speed adjudication and relieve the backlog.

Opponents warn the purge of judges threatens judicial independence and impartiality. They describe a culture of fear among court employees, where terminations appear to correlate with resistance to fast‑track removal policies. Some veteran judges argue that replacing experienced adjudicators with novices or political appointees risks due‑process violations and undermines the integrity of the immigration court system.

This development will remain under close scrutiny as the administration advances major changes in immigration adjudication. It raises profound questions about the balance between enforcement objectives and the rule of law, patience for the court system’s institutional safeguards and the future role of immigration judges in the U.S. justice system.

New Country Joining Abraham Accords

(Photo by Sean Gallup/Getty Images)

President Trump is expected to welcome Kazakhstan into the Abraham Accords, signaling cooperation in relations with Israel.

“This is going to show that the Abraham Accords is a club that many countries want to be a member of and it will be a step for turning the page on the war in Gaza and moving forward towards more peace and cooperation in the region,” a U.S. official told Axios.

In May, President Donald Trump urged Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa to join the Abraham Accords.

In June, Special Envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, told CNBC that the historic Abraham Accords agreement may soon expand.

“One of the President’s key objectives is that the Abraham Accords be expanded, that more countries come into it, and we are working on that, in my team and in coordination with the Secretary of State and the entire State Department,” Witkoff said. “We think we’re going to have some pretty big announcements on countries that are now coming into the Abraham Peace Accords.”

Witkoff explained that the Trump administration is hoping for “normalization across an array of countries that maybe people would have never contemplated would come in.” He added that a possible expansion would be a “stabilizer in the Middle East.”

The Abraham Accords were a set of agreements between Israel and the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Morocco, and Sudan in 2020. The accords declared that the countries “recognize the importance of maintaining and strengthening peace in the Middle East and around the world based on mutual understanding and coexistence, as well as respect for human dignity and freedom, including religious freedom,” and “encourage efforts to promote interfaith and intercultural dialogue to advance a culture of peace among the three Abrahamic religions and all humanity.”

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