Inappropriate Use What to know: A Dallas City Council member has admitted to using taxpayer-funded lobbyists to lobby West Texas state senators about some land she owns there. The TPPF take: Hiring lobbyists is an inappropriate use of taxpayer funds. “As this instance demonstrates, it poses a danger to taxpayers and the public trust alike,” says TPPF’s James Quintero. “And...
Reaching for a Better Future What to know: President Donald Trump has boosted funding for historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). The TPPF take: The Left hates to admit that Trump’s policies help HBCUs. “Too often, good news in the Black community is downplayed or ignored when it does not fit a preferred political narrative,” says TPPF’s Richard Johnson. “But...
Unlawful Combatants What to know: President Donald Trump has designated cartels from Mexico and Venezuela as “unlawful combatants,” giving him more power to fight them. The TPPF take: President Trump is right, and it’s about time we acknowledge the facts. “For decades, Washington treated cartel violence as a crime — a problem for prosecutors, not generals,” says...
No More Woke What to know: U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth says the U.S. military is done with wokeness. “Not anymore.” The TPPF take: TPPF’s Selene Rodriguez served in the Marines and applauds the restoration of the military’s mission. “For too long, the service of our men and women in uniform has been distracted by initiatives that drew attention...
The American Miracle What to know: The nation is getting ready to celebrate the 250th birthday of what Regent University is calling the “American Miracle”: the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The TPPF take: America is worth celebrating, but are we teaching our children that? “As we stand on the cusp of 250 years,...
Social Media’s Grip What to know: Social media has us in its grip, and it doesn’t want to let us go. The TPPF take: Social media is working as designed. “The algorithms did what they always do. They highlighted the worst sides of humanity, with the most incendiary theories strategically planted in our feeds to boil our blood,”...
The Real Problem What to know: At a recent public hearing, a Dallas city council member openly admitted to asking the city’s taxpayer-funded lobbyist “to lobby state senators in West Texas because of property she owns there.” This admission raises serious ethical concerns, to say the least. The TPPF take: This council member’s shocking confession is another reason...
The Real Problem What to know: The city of Austin’s proposed 20% tax rate hike is drawing criticism from many corners, including a surprising rebuke from the Austin American-Statesman. The newspaper notes: “Austin wants taxpayers to tighten their belts—but City Hall isn’t doing the same.” The TPPF take: High taxes are a symptom. Runaway spending is the real...
Fasting from Social Media What to know: More and more Americans say they’re taking a social media “fast” to regain perspective on the world. The TPPF take: In the aftermath of Charlie Kirk’s assassination, a social media fast is a healthy response. “In the aftermath of the shooting, I was glued to my phone,” says TPPF’s David Dunmoyer. “The...
Stepping Up? What to know: Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum is moving to strengthen the country’s federal police force. The TPPF take: The Trump administration is giving Mexico an opportunity to step up in the fight against the criminal cartels. “Sheinbaum, if she is a good-faith partner, need not risk her regime or her life with an immediate assault...
Losing Its Shine What to know: California, the Golden State, is losing its shine for energy companies. Currently, Gov. Gavin Newsom is trying to convince energy firms to stay in California. The TPPF take: California’s troubles are self-inflicted. “The predictable outcome of California’s green energy policies has arrived and it’s a disaster,” says TPPF’s Chuck DeVore. “The...
Sunny Skies What to know: A $2.2 billion solar facility in California will soon close, because it had to rely on natural gas to produce electricity. The TPPF take: This energy debacle was entirely predictable. “California’s policymakers prioritized renewable energy mandates over affordability and reliability,” says TPPF’s Chuck DeVore. “Over the years, they have forced utilities to integrate ever-growing...