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...
Civil Discourse What to know: Education Secretary Linda McMahon has called for teachers to both teach and model civil discourse. The TPPF take: How should we restore peace in public political and social debates? “Our constitutional traditions and concept of the Rule of Law mean little to those rationalizing away either Charlie Kirk’s assassination or the many other...
Civil Discourse What to know: The Texas Legislature has created House and Senate committees on civil discourse, following the political assassination of conservative Charlie Kirk. The TPPF take: When it comes to this kind of oblivious ignorance and hatred, all roads lead back to our universities. “They are indoctrination factories that teach young people, including those...
A Real Disaster What to know: The Travis County Commissioners’ Court unanimously approved a tax rate that will raise taxes on the average homeowner by 11.6%, or $200 annually. Despite public outcry, commissioners refused to let the public vote on the huge tax hike saying it was needed to fund disaster relief, but as reports...
The More You Know What to know: The public has a right to know what government is doing and why. This right ensures that we, the people, are well-positioned “to ask questions, to speak out, to demand change.” The TPPF take: Public information should be timely, accurate, and accessible to all Texans. “From transparency comes accountability....
Defend America What to know: Most Americans believe political violence is wrong, though a growing number of young people defend feeling “joy” at the death of a political opponent, a new poll shows. The TPPF take: The radical Left’s assault on the Right is an assault on our nation. “We don’t face threats just to our political or...
Prove Charlie Right What to know: Real Clear Media’s publisher urges Americans to “prove Charlie right,” to stand up boldly for the principles Charlie Kirk advocated. The TPPF take: Charlie Kirk stood for truth. And so should we. “What usually happens in America after heart-breaking political violence like this is the country is on good behavior for a week...
Narco-terrorists Are Still Terrorists What to know: President Donald Trump has ordered a second strike on Venezuela’s drug-running cartels. A boat hauling cocaine and fentanyl was destroyed, killing three male traffickers. The TPPF take: We must treat drug cartels as the terrorist organizations they are. “For decades, Washington approached cartels as criminal enterprises,” says TPPF’s Ammon Blair. “That framework...