AI Boyfriends
What to know: Millions in China have been forced to break up with their AI boyfriends and girlfriends, as the Chinese government bans AI companion apps.
The TPPF take: China has this much right, at least — AI boyfriends aren’t real boyfriends.
“Over the past decade, much of the public square has migrated online,” says TPPF’s Hannah Bruck. “Conversations, friendships, and communities increasingly exist through screens and platforms. As our social lives have moved into digital spaces, it is perhaps unsurprising that artificial voices have entered those spaces as well. But something important risks being lost in the process.”
Sanity Returns
What to know: President Donald Trump has ended federal funding for “gender affirming” treatments for minors.
The TPPF take: The move by the Trump administration will help protect children.
“The cruel outrage of telling children that they could (and perhaps should) change their gender through hormone-blocking drugs and mutilating surgery was bolstered by an even bigger outrage — the network of clinics and ‘healthcare’ providers who made billions selling so-called gender-affirming care,” says TPPF’s Sherry Sylvester.
Expensive Government
What to know: A new report from TPPF shows that local government spending has outpaced inflation and population growth — meaning there has been a growth in government.
The TPPF take: It’s because local budgets are so big that taxes are soaring and the affordability crisis is getting worse.
“Local governments continue to spend above their means and plunge Texans further into debt,” says TPPF’s John Bonura. “The 90th legislative session should put guardrails in place to rein in out-of-control local spending.”