The Whitsdom Press

Category: In the News

  • How Changes in Loan Eligibility Affect Careers in Therapy, Education, and Nursing

    Let me speak on this as a Black woman who worked hard for her Master’s degree in Education. I’ve been in these classrooms. I’ve sat in those IEP, ARD, and PLC meetings where we fight to get our students the help they need.

    I’ve been reading about what the Department of Education is planning for 2026 and they are trying to pull a fast one. They are changing the rules on who gets to borrow money for school, and it’s going to hurt the people who need help the most.

    Here is the plain truth about what’s going on.

    1. They Downgraded the Important Jobs

    For a long time, degrees like Nursing, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and Teaching were respected as “Professional Degrees.” That meant the government knew these schooling programs were expensive, so they let you borrow the money you needed to finish.

    Now? They are taking that title away.

    They are saying that being a Nurse, a Physician Assistant, or a Therapist is just a regular “Graduate Degree.” They are keeping the “Professional” title for doctors, dentists, and lawyers. Basically, they are saying our work—the work of caring, teaching, and healing—isn’t in the same league. And that is a lie.

    2. What Does This Mean for Your Pockets? (The Loans)

    Let me break the money part down so it makes sense.

    How it used to work: If you wanted to go to school to be a Nurse Practitioner or an Occupational Therapist, and the school cost $60,000 a year, the government would basically say, “Okay, we got you. Here is a loan for the full amount.”

    How it’s gonna work now: Under these new rules, the government is saying, “We are capping you.” They might only let you borrow about $20,500 a year.

    Now, you do the math. If school costs $60,000, and they only lend you $20,000, where are you supposed to get that other $40,000?

    I’ll tell you what happens:

    • You have to go to a private bank (and get charged crazy interest).
    • Take out a private loan and be even more in debt.
    • Or, you just don’t go to school.

    This means only rich people—people who have $40,000 sitting around in their daddy’s bank account—will be able to become nurses or therapists. It pushes us out.

    And just thinking at random…

    3. What Happens to the Special Needs Kids?

    There are kids who have trouble walking, students who can’t hold a pencil because of their motor skills, or can’t speak clearly. They rely on:

    • Occupational Therapists (OT) to help them learn to write and button their shirts.
    • Physical Therapists (PT) to help them move without pain.
    • Speech Pathologists to help them talk.

    If regular folks can’t afford to go to school to get these degrees because the loans don’t cover it, who is going to be there to do the therapy?

    We are already short on staff. If you make it too expensive to become a therapist, there won’t be any therapists left. And when there are no therapists, who suffers? The kids. Specifically, Black and Brown kids in underfunded schools. Our babies will be sitting on a waiting list for services they never get.

    4. Who Will Take Care of Grandma?

    It ain’t just the kids. If you have an elderly parent who has a stroke, they need PT and OT to learn how to walk and eat again.

    If the Department of Education makes it impossible for regular people to afford these degrees, we won’t have enough people to help our elders recover. It’s a ripple effect. You hurt the students, you hurt the patients over time.

    The Bottom Line

    They are trying to save money. They are cutting the credit limit for the people who do the actual work of caring for society. They are telling us this. Unless you are becoming a rich doctor or lawyer, they aren’t going to front the bill for your education.

    If you are considering returning to school for Nursing, Education, or Therapy, you should examine those numbers now. And we need to be loud about this, because our community cannot afford to lose any more of our essential people in the Human Business.

    Here are a few direct links to sources and news reports covering these changes (as of November 2025), broken down by what they explain.

    News & Breakdowns (Best for General Understanding)

    Official Statements from Professional Associations

    The “Fine Print” (Financial Details)

    • NASFAA (Financial Aid Administrators):Making Sense of the Student Loan Changes from OBBBA’s RISE Committee
      • Why read this: This is the technical explanation from the financial aid experts. It explains the “HEAL” list (Health Education Assistance Loan) history and why the Department of Education is using such an old definition of “professional.”

  • Teacher Blames Bullying Victim: A Call for School Accountability

    Bullying in schools is a serious concern. A recent incident in Richmond, Texas, has sparked widespread outrage. A mother claimed her 9-year-old son was bullied by classmates. He was then allegedly blamed by his teacher for the harassment he endured. The story, which quickly went viral, highlights a critical failure in providing a safe and supportive learning environment for all students.

    The Heartbreaking Allegation

    According to mother Shy Jones, her son, Chance, had been facing bullying from peers for weeks, who were mocking his mannerisms—specifically, how he “walks and talks.” When Chance approached his teacher for help, hoping for support from a trusted adult, the situation took a heartbreaking turn.

    Chance recalls the teacher’s alleged response after he reported being called a derogatory name: she reportedly implied that the reason students were teasing him was “because of this”—referring to the way he carried himself. The teacher allegedly justified the remark by saying, “the reason why I said that is because you walk this way and you being silly.”

    This interaction left the 9-year-old feeling deeply hurt, causing him to break down crying when he arrived home. The mother also expressed her frustration, stating that when she spoke with the school administration, she “felt dismissed” and that their response was merely an attempt to buy time instead of taking immediate action. Compounding the issue, the school reportedly wrote Chance up for pushing a classmate who had been teasing him, seemingly shifting the focus away from the initial bullying.

    District Response and Call for Accountability

    The mother posted a video of the incident, which garnered thousands of views and immediately raised questions about classroom safety and teacher conduct. In response to the public outcry, Lamar Consolidated ISD acknowledged the incident.

    The district stated that an investigation is underway, emphasizing that their campuses are expected to be “safe supported environments where every student is treated with dignity and respect.” However, the boy’s mother maintains that words are not enough. She stressed that accountability means “action, not apology.”

    The Long-Term Impact of Bullying

    The consequences of this kind of experience extend far beyond a single school day. Dr. Ashwani Tuari, Department Chair of Urban Education at the University of Houston Downtown, highlighted the serious long-term effects of bullying on young students.

    Dr. Tuari noted that when a 9-year-old reports bullying, adults have a responsibility to listen, as a long line of research shows a negative impact when this occurs during formative years. Students who experience this type of prolonged or severe bullying “tend to be, you know, more depressed, you know, suicidal in long run.” The expert insight underscores the necessity for schools and educators to adhere strictly to policies that protect students and address all reports of harassment appropriately and swiftly.

    The investigation by Lamar Consolidated ISD is ongoing, as the community awaits steps for both accountability for the adults involved and assurance that all children can feel safe in their classrooms.

  • Shadows on the Yard: The Recent Hazing Allegations at Southern University’s Alpha Phi Alpha Chapter

    The culture of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) is defined by a deep reverence for tradition. At Southern University (SU), few traditions are as visible or revered as that of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., the first intercollegiate Greek-letter fraternity for African American men.

    However, this prestigious legacy has once again been clouded by serious allegations. In October 2025, reports surfaced regarding unauthorized and potentially dangerous activities involving the university’s Beta Sigma chapter, leading to immediate suspensions and a high-profile investigation.

    The Allegations: “Miss Black and Gold” and The Board of Regents Report

    While hazing is often associated with fraternity initiates, the recent controversy at Southern University took a different, disturbing turn. According to a Louisiana Board of Regents report detailed by WBRZ News, the allegations centered on contestants of the chapter’s “Miss Black and Gold” pageant.

    The report outlines a scene that fits the classic definition of hazing:

    • Unauthorized Meetings: Contestants were allegedly instructed to meet off-campus without the knowledge or approval of the chapter advisor.
    • Strict Dress Code: Participants were reportedly told to wear all-black clothing.
    • Physical Demands: The report states the women were transported to a secondary location where they were forced to perform physical exercises, such as jumping jacks.
    • Psychological Pressure: They were also made to recite the poem “Excuses,” a piece of literature frequently used in underground pledging processes to enforce discipline and silence.

    The Response: Swift and Severe

    The reaction to these allegations was immediate from both the university and the fraternity’s national headquarters.

    1. Alpha Phi Alpha Headquarters Strikes Back

    The national leadership of Alpha Phi Alpha moved quickly to protect its brand and distance itself from the alleged misconduct. In an official statement released on October 22, 2025, the fraternity placed the Beta Sigma chapter on “Immediate Cease and Desist Directives.”

    The fraternity’s statement was unequivocal:

    “Any Member who directly or indirectly participated in these illicit activities will be permanently expelled and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. will encourage the University and Law enforcement to pursue the maximum penalties allowed.”

    The organization also deployed its internal Rapid Response Team to investigate the incident, reinforcing a strict zero-tolerance policy against hazing.

    2. Southern University Launches Investigation

    Simultaneously, HBCU Buzz reported that Southern University officials launched a formal investigation, working closely with Baton Rouge authorities. The university indefinitely suspended the chapter’s operations pending the outcome. The university’s Office of Student Conduct emphasized that the safety of students—whether they are pledging a fraternity or participating in a pageant—is paramount.

    Here’s the report on why the Southern University chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity (Beta Sigma) was put on a cease-and-desist last month.

    Why This Matters: The Culture of “Underground” Processes

    These incidents highlight a persistent disconnect between the official “Membership Intake Process” (MIP) mandated by national headquarters and the “underground” culture that still thrives on many campuses.

    The use of the “Excuses” poem and calisthenics suggests a deeply ingrained belief that anyone associated with the fraternity—even pageant contestants—must “pay dues” through physical or emotional hardship. This “tradition” continues to put students at risk and places the fraternity’s charter in jeopardy.

    Conclusion: Protecting the Legacy

    The Beta Sigma chapter has a storied history, but incidents like these threaten to overshadow the achievements of its members. As the investigation concludes, the hope is that accountability will lead to a culture shift.

    For Alpha Phi Alpha to remain a beacon of leadership, the cycle of hazing must be broken—not just in policy, but in practice. As the fraternity stated, “Hazing has no role in the Alpha Phi Alpha experience.” It is up to the current generation of brothers to ensure that statement becomes a reality on the Yard.

    Just to let you know, THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON. This chapter just got caught.

  • Major Break in Jaylen Burns’ Murder Investigation

    The investigation into the tragic 2023 murder of Jackson State University (JSU) student Jaylen Burns has seen a significant breakthrough. Authorities have confirmed that four individuals have been taken into custody and formally charged in connection with the case. This development follows months of intensive and coordinated efforts by law enforcement to bring justice for the victim and provide closure to the heartbroken JSU community.

    Remembering Jaylen Burns: A Promising JSU Senior

    Jaylen Burns was a well-regarded member of the Jackson State University community and a native of Chicago, Illinois. At the time of his death, he was a 21-year-old senior majoring in industrial technology.

    • Fraternity and Service: Jaylen was an ambitious young man dedicated to service, serving as a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. (Delta Phi Chapter at JSU). He was also the president of the C100 Chapter at JSU, an affiliate of the 100 Black Men of America.
    • Legacy: His mother, La’Trice Wright, stated that the community service Jaylen performed with his fraternity would be his lasting legacy. A mural was later unveiled in his honor in Jackson, Mississippi. His father, Jason Burns, described him as “not a violent kid”.

    The Night of the Tragedy at University Point Apartments

    The fatal shooting of Jaylen Burns occurred on Sunday, October 15, 2023, during JSU’s homecoming weekend.

    • The Incident: The shooting took place at the University Pointe Apartment Complex. Initial reports indicated that Burns was shot after attempting to intervene and break up a fight at the complex.
    • Response: Burns was transported to the hospital after police responded to reports of shots fired, but he succumbed to his injuries. The tragedy led to the cancellation of classes at Jackson State University the following Monday.

    The Long Road to Arrests

    The recent arrests were executed by the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation (MBI) after months of coordinated effort. The individuals charged are Marquis Scales (24), Ziqua Amos (21), Jamison Kelly Jr. (23), and Elisha Brown (23).

    Source: WJTV12

    Prior Developments: The investigation involved earlier arrests and subsequent releases of different individuals due to insufficient evidence, including a separate person, Joshua Brown, who was later released after evidence suggested he was nearly 100 miles away at the time of the shooting.

    Charges: Scales and Amos were each charged with murder. Kelly was charged with accessory after the fact, and Brown with accessory after the fact and hindering prosecution.

    With the formal charges now levied against the four suspects, the case moves into its next critical phase through the judicial system.

    Source of Information: WJTV 12 News YouTube Short –

    You can view the original news report here: https://youtube.com/shorts/HA9P_26Bmlc?si=t09ttzQavfBRuT3z

  • TSU Financial Troubles: Investigation Findings Unveiled

    The financial health of our universities is important, especially when taxpayer money is involved. Right now, there is a major investigation underway into the finances of Texas Southern University (TSU), one of the state’s largest historically Black universities.

    State leaders and auditors have found serious problems with how TSU has been handling its money. TSU’s Board of Regents has even admitted the university has faced “historical challenges” with its finances. Here is a simple breakdown of the current investigation and TSU’s past money issues.

    The Big Money Problems (Current Audit Findings)

    The Texas State Auditor’s Office looked closely at TSU’s money records. The preliminary report uncovered some very disturbing findings:

    • Hundreds of Millions in Questionable Spending: Investigators flagged over $280 million worth of invoices that were linked to contracts that had already expired. This means the school was paying people and companies even though their contracts were no longer valid.
    • Bills Before Approval: Thousands of invoices were billed before the purchases were officially requested or approved, which is against proper accounting rules.
    • Poor Records: Auditors noted serious problems with:
      • Tracking inventory (making it hard to know where university property is).
      • Missing or invalid contracts.
      • Financial reports being sent to the state late.

    In short, the audit showed a breakdown in the basic, important rules for handling large amounts of money.

    State Leaders React: A Criminal Investigation

    The audit findings caused an immediate and strong reaction from Texas’s top officials:

    • Governor Greg Abbott stepped in and asked the Texas Rangers (a part of the Department of Public Safety) to start a criminal investigation. Governor Abbott stated that “waste, fraud, and abuse will not be tolerated.”
    • Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick called the findings “disturbing.” He suggested no more state money should go to TSU until these problems are fixed.
      • Dan Patrick recently posted a letter on X (formerly known as Twitter)

    💸 A History of Financial Trouble

    The current problems are not the first time TSU has faced serious questions about its money. The university has dealt with several major scandals involving top leaders in the past:

    Priscilla Slade, 1999-2006
    Austin Lane, 2016-2020

    President Priscilla Slade (Early 2000s): The former TSU president was accused of misusing hundreds of thousands of dollars of university money. This money was allegedly spent on personal luxury items like expensive home furnishings, landscaping for her house, and designer clothes. She was eventually fired and agreed to repay a portion of the funds. The university’s Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at the time was sentenced to prison.

    President Austin Lane (2020): TSU’s president at the time was forced out after a scandal involving the law school. Allegations of bribery and kickbacks surfaced, where officials admitted unqualified students and improperly gave them over $430,000 in scholarships. Cashier’s checks and money orders were even found hidden in an admissions official’s office. spending are questionable, it raises concerns about financial health and whether all funds are going where they are supposed to. State auditors are expected to meet with TSU leaders soon to continue working toward a full resolution and better financial future for the university.

    These past issues show that the struggle with financial oversight at TSU is a recurring problem that affects students and taxpayer funds.

    What TSU Says & Why This Matters

    TSU leaders know the current findings are serious and have promised to work with the state to fix the problems.

    • The university says it is cooperating fully with the auditors and the criminal investigation.
    • TSU has already started making changes, including putting a new purchasing system in place.

    The investigations—past and present—are important because they protect the public funds used to run the university. Texas officials and citizens want to make sure that state tax dollars and tuition fees are spent correctly on education, not wasted due to poor procedures or bad decisions by leaders.

    My only question is CAN YALL PLEASE HIRE SOMEONE WHO WON’T STEAL? Maybe the application and interview process should include a credit check and maybe a mental evaluation.🤔

  • Say His Name: K-Coree Warren

    K-Coree Warren was a devoted father in Ferguson, Missouri, known by his neighbors as a kind soul and a dedicated parent. He tended to his home, he cared for his children, and when the unthinkable happened to his 15-year-old daughter, he did what any loving father should: he protected her. After his daughter was sexually assaulted, K-Coree went straight to the police, ensuring the alleged perpetrator, Lavor Harmon, would face the law. For K-Coree, there was no acceptable alternative to seeking justice.

    His resolve was soon tested. Associates of the accused approached him with a proposition: they offered $12,000 in cash for him to drop the charges and close the case. This was a direct, cynical attempt to buy his silence and erase the suffering of his child. K-Coree Warren, guided by his moral compass, refused the bribe. He understood the true cost of silence was far greater than any amount of money, and he remained committed to testifying against the man who harmed his daughter.

    For making this brave, necessary choice, K-Coree Warren became a target. Weeks after he rejected the payoff, the forces of injustice came to his home on Bayview Drive. On July 8th, K-Coree was shot and killed through the glass door of his own residence, an execution intended to silence the key witness and end the pursuit of justice for his daughter. Neighbors recalled the harrowing sound of gunshots and the devastating sight of his children crying outside their home after the attack.

    The killing of K-Coree Warren was not a random act of violence; it was the deliberate murder of a truth-teller and a loving father. Investigators later concluded that the men involved conspired to kill K-Coree to prevent him from testifying. Ultimately, Lavor Harmon (who faced rape charges), Anthony L. Young, and Anthony D. Young were all indicted on charges including first-degree murder and armed criminal action in connection with his death.

    K-Coree Warren paid the ultimate price for his integrity. His story is a devastating reminder of the dangers Black fathers face when they stand up to protect their families and challenge powerful interests. His refusal to back down saved his daughter from being overlooked, and it led to charges against those responsible. We must not let his sacrifice be forgotten.

    Say his name: K-Coree Warren. Justice for his daughter, and justice for K-Coree.

  • Houston’s Special Election: The Fight for Congressional District 18

    A major election in Houston just wrapped up, but the job isn’t done yet! The special election for the city’s 18th Congressional District (CD-18) seat is officially heading to a runoff.

    This election is a big deal because the person who wins will represent a huge part of Houston in the U.S. Congress, helping to make laws and bring resources back home.

    Why Was There a Special Election?

    Left: Sheila Jackson Lee; Right: Sylvester Turner

    This special election was necessary to fill a vacant seat in Washington, D.C. This seat previously belonged to the late U.S. Rep. Sylvester Turner, who filled the seat when late U.S Rep Sheila Jackson Lee passed.

    When a member of Congress leaves office suddenly—whether through retirement, resignation, or death—a special election is held to make sure the district doesn’t go too long without representation.

    The CD-18 district is historically a very Democratic area, anchored in downtown Houston. The race featured a large number of candidates, but because no one managed to secure more than 50% of the vote, the top two moved on to a second round of voting: a runoff.

    The Two Candidates Headed to a Runoff

    Texas 18th congressional district candidates Christian Menefee (left) and Amanda Edwards (right).
    Credit: Houston Chronicle via Getty Images

    The special election results from November 4, 2025, showed a clear frontrunner and a close second-place finisher. These two individuals will now face each other one-on-one in the upcoming runoff election.

    1. Christian Menefee

    Christian Menefee, who currently serves as the Harris County Attorney, led the race with about 29% of the total votes. At 37 years old, he is seen as a prominent figure in the next generation of Houston’s Democratic leaders.

    2. Amanda Edwards

    Coming in a close second was Amanda Edwards, a former Houston City Councilmember, who received nearly 26% of the vote. She is also a Democrat and has experience in city government and previous campaigns.

    Since both candidates who advanced are Democrats, this guarantees that the 18th Congressional District seat will remain under Democratic control once the winner is seated in Congress.

    What Happens Next in the District 18 Race?

    The runoff election will happen early next year. If you live in the 18th Congressional District in Houston, this next vote is the most important one!

    🗳️ What is a Runoff?

    Simply put, a runoff is a second election between the two candidates who got the most votes in the first round, because neither of them reached the needed majority (50% plus one vote) to win outright.

    🗓️ A Short-Term Seat, Big Future Decisions

    The winner of the upcoming runoff will only serve for the remainder of the current term, which ends in January 2027.

    However, the real political action doesn’t stop there. The person who wins this special election runoff will immediately need to start preparing to run for the full two-year term in the 2026 primary and general elections. This means the new representative will be campaigning almost as soon as they get sworn into office!

    Stay Informed and Ready to Vote!

    This race has already seen a lot of movement, and the runoff will be a crucial chance for voters in the 18th Congressional District to pick their next representative. Make sure you know your polling place and the exact date of the runoff election so your voice can be heard.

  • First Woman Mayor of Detroit: A New Era Begins

    On Tuesday, November 5, 2025, City Council President Mary Sheffield delivered a powerful victory speech, marking a monumental moment in Detroit’s history. Projected as the city’s next mayor, Sheffield’s win is significant, as she is set to become both the first woman and the first woman of color to lead the city in its 324-year history.

    The mood was electric as supporters gathered to celebrate a victory that, as Sheffield noted, “belongs to all of us”.

    The Power of a Movement

    The victory, Sheffield declared, was the culmination of a movement built over 330 days. Throughout the speech, she underscored the resilience and heritage of Detroit, reminding residents of their rich history:

    • A City of Firsts: Detroit is home to the Motown Sound, the birthplace of America’s middle class, and the city that “put the world on wheels”.
    • The Legacy of Justice: Sheffield drew a direct line from the civil rights struggle to her campaign, referencing her grandfather, Horace Sheffield Jr., who nearly 60 years ago stood on the front lines during the Walk to Freedom demanding dignity and justice.
    • A Personal Journey: The Mayor-elect shared a touching story about the origins of her ambition, recalling her third-grade teacher, Mrs. Pappas, who wrote on her evaluation that she saw in the young girl “a gift for leading others”.

    A Bold Vision for a United Detroit

    Sheffield made it clear that her administration’s focus will be on ensuring “a Detroit that works for everyone”. She committed to serving all Detroiters, regardless of their vote, and outlined an ambitious platform centered on reinvestment and community upliftment.

    Investing in People and Places

    The core of her message was a promise to reinvest in every area of the city, echoing the campaign’s repeated commitment: “Don’t forget about the neighborhoods”. Her key policy points include:

    • Neighborhood Renewal: Rebuilding neighborhoods and investing in commercial corridors in every corner of the city.
    • Safety as a Public Health Crisis: Working tirelessly to ensure safety block by block, focusing on prevention, strengthening community and police relations, and treating gun violence as the public health crisis that it is.
    • Housing and Homeownership: Guaranteeing safe and affordable housing by increasing access to home repairs, creating opportunities for homeownership, and achieving real property tax reforms.
    • Economic Opportunity: Championing small businesses to make Detroit the best place in America to grow and start a business.
    • Empowering Youth: Creating a more involved educational system with coordinated transportation, after-school programs, and wraparound services, because “when our youth rise, Detroit rises”.

    Looking to the Future

    The Mayor-elect acknowledged that she stands on the shoulders of “warrior women who have prayed [and] sacrificed” for this moment. She ended her speech with a powerful dedication to the next generation, promising to ensure that she will “not be the last” woman to hold the office.

    To every child watching, she offered a message of profound belief: “Never doubt yourself. You are gifted, you are powerful, you are fearfully and wonderfully made… No dream is too big for you to realize”.

    With history made, Sheffield concluded by shifting focus from celebration to action: “Tonight we will celebrate this historic and monumental victory, but tomorrow we know we go to work”. The next great chapter for Detroit begins now.

    You can watch the full victory speech below.

  • GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN ALERT: It’s the Longest Ever!

    How Many Days Are We In The US Government Shutdown?

    As of today, Wednesday, November 5, 2025, the US federal government has been in a shutdown for 36 days.

    This closure, which began on October 1, 2025, has broken the record to become the longest government shutdown in United States history.

    A Grim Milestone: Longest on Record

    This shutdown officially surpassed the previous record of 35 days, which occurred from December 2018 to January 2019. This means the political impasse has now created the most prolonged interruption of government services the nation has ever faced.

    🛑 Why Is the Government Shut Down? The Core Conflict

    A government shutdown occurs when Congress fails to pass the necessary appropriations (spending) bills or a temporary Continuing Resolution (CR) to fund federal agencies for the new fiscal year, which begins on October 1st.

    The current, record-breaking standoff is rooted in a fundamental disagreement over healthcare spending:

    • The Democratic Stance: Democrats in the Senate are demanding that any funding bill includes an extension of enhanced subsidies for the Affordable Care Act (ACA). These subsidies were expanded during the COVID-19 relief efforts and help millions of Americans afford health insurance. They are set to expire soon.
    • The Republican Stance: Republicans, who control the House and are in a slim majority in the Senate, have refused to include the ACA subsidy extension, insisting that a “clean” Continuing Resolution—one without policy changes—must pass first to reopen the government.

    Because neither side has conceded, funding lapsed, and all non-essential government operations ceased, leading to the current closure.

    📉 What Has Changed Among Americans? The Economic and Social Toll

    A protracted shutdown affects far more than just Washington politics. It creates significant disruption and economic damage across the country.

    Economy and Jobs

    Impact AreaChange/Effect During Shutdown
    Federal WorkersApproximately 900,000 federal employees have been either furloughed (sent home without pay) or deemed “excepted” (required to work without a paycheck). This includes TSA agents, air traffic controllers, and FBI staff.
    Economic Output (GDP)The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates the shutdown is already costing the U.S. economy billions of dollars in lost Gross Domestic Product (GDP) that may never be recovered.
    Data BlackoutThe release of critical federal economic statistics—including major reports on employment, trade, and GDP—has been delayed. This data vacuum makes it harder for businesses and investors to make informed decisions.
    Small BusinessesFederal contract work is paused, putting billions of dollars in payments at risk for private-sector contractors, particularly small businesses that rely on government checks.

    Social Services and Public Health

    • Food Assistance (SNAP): Millions of low-income Americans who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), commonly known as food stamps, have faced major uncertainty. Although some emergency funds have been released, the timely delivery and full funding for this essential program remain in jeopardy.
    • Healthcare Costs: The political fight centers on the Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies. If they expire, millions of Americans using the federal marketplace could see their health insurance premiums spike by an average of 26%—a massive financial burden.
    • Air Travel Safety: Staffing shortages and financial stress on essential but unpaid workers like air traffic controllers and TSA officers have led to warnings of mass flight delays, potential safety risks, and operational reductions at major U.S. airports.
    • Childcare and Education: Over 65,000 children across multiple states and territories risk losing access to Head Start early education programs, disrupting childcare for low-income families and forcing parents out of the workforce.

    Conclusion: A Costly Political Deadlock

    The current 36-day government shutdown is not a result of a financial crisis or external emergency; it is a self-imposed political stalemate. The cost of this deadlock is being paid by hundreds of thousands of public servants who are missing paychecks and by millions of vulnerable Americans whose essential services—from food aid to affordable healthcare—are being disrupted. The longer this record-breaking closure continues, the deeper the economic and social consequences will be.

  • Understanding #Texas Propositions for November 2025 Election

    Ever looked at a ballot and seen a long list of “constitutional amendments” or “propositions” and thought, “What even are these?” You’re not alone! It can feel like reading a legal textbook, but these propositions are where some of the biggest decisions about your state’s future—like how we fund schools, protect our water, and even manage public safety—are made.

    The upcoming election for November 4, 2025 in Texas featured 17 proposed amendments to the state constitution. Think of these as major, long-term updates to the state’s operating system. They cover everything from billion-dollar funds to who gets a tax break.

    We’ve broken down the most important (and sometimes confusing) of these propositions into clear, easy-to-understand points, inspired by the deep dive from FOX 26 Houston.

    💰 Money & Taxes: How Your Wallet is Affected

    A huge chunk of the propositions dealt with how Texas handles its money, either by creating new funds or banning certain kinds of taxes.

    1. Investing in Future Careers (Prop 1)

    • The Big Idea: This proposition is a major investment in vocational and technical education.
    • The Details: It creates a one-time $850 million endowment to support the Texas State Technical Colleges. This money would be used to buy land, buildings, and equipment for the 11 campuses across the state.
    • Why it Matters: The goal is to prepare skilled workers (like welders, mechanics, and technicians) in Texas to keep up with industry demand.

    2. Locking the Door on Capital Gains Taxes (Prop 2)

    • The Big Idea: This amendment makes a permanent, constitutional statement about taxes on investments.
    • The Details: It prohibits the state from ever implementing a capital gains tax. A capital gains tax is a tax on the profit you make from selling an asset, like a stock or real estate. Texas currently doesn’t have one, but this amendment would ensure one can’t be created in the future.
    • The Debate: Supporters argue it incentivizes businesses and investors to move to Texas, while opponents worry it eliminates a potential source of future state revenue.

    3. Property Tax Relief for Homeowners (Prop 13)

    • The Big Idea: Lowering property taxes for everyone who owns a home.
    • The Details: It raises the homestead exemption for all homeowners from $100,000 to $140,000 [13:13]. The homestead exemption reduces the taxable value of your primary residence, meaning you pay less in property taxes.
    • Why it Matters: This is a direct measure to ease the financial burden of owning a home, especially as property values rise.

    💧 Safety & Infrastructure: Building a Better Texas

    These propositions focused on securing vital resources and ensuring community safety.

    4. Securing Our Water Future (Prop 4)

    • The Big Idea: Funding massive, long-term repairs for the state’s water systems.
    • The Details: This amendment allocates $1 billion of state tax revenue annually through 2047 to the Texas Water Fund [04:28]. This money is specifically for water projects, such as repairing infrastructure leaks and extending water delivery systems.
    • Why it Matters: With Texas’s population growing rapidly, updating water infrastructure is crucial to meet the rising demand.

    5. Reforming the Bail System (Prop 3)

    • The Big Idea: Making it harder for those accused of certain violent crimes to be released on bail.
    • The Details: The amendment would require judges to deny bail to people accused of certain serious felonies, such as murder and aggravated assault [02:41].
    • The Debate: Supporters believe it adds a layer of public protection by keeping dangerous individuals off the streets, while opponents worry it undermines the fundamental principle that a defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty [03:45].

    💡 Beyond the Ballot: Other Key Proposals

    The remaining propositions touched on niche but important areas of governance and rights:

    • Dementia Research (Prop 14): Creates and funds a Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas, allocating an initial $3 billion for studying diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s [16:02].
    • Parental Rights (Prop 15): The amendment aims to officially codify the principle that parents are the primary decision-makers for their children [16:48].
    • Voter Citizenship (Prop 16): This adds a specific statement to the Texas Constitution that non-U.S. citizens are ineligible to vote, though existing state and federal laws already require citizenship [18:14].

    What’s the Takeaway?

    Constitutional amendments are critical because they change the rules of the game—the fundamental laws that govern the state. Once they pass, they are hard to undo. These propositions show a clear focus on:

    1. Lowering the Tax Burden for homeowners and businesses.
    2. Investing in Essential Infrastructure (water, technical education).
    3. Making Bold Policy Statements on public safety and fundamental rights.

    Whether you agree with a proposition or not, the most important thing is to read, research, and understand what you are voting on. Every single “Yes” or “No” vote on these amendments helps shape the Texas of tomorrow.

    To see the full breakdown and listen to the detailed explanations for all 17 propositions, check out the original video here: All 17 Texas propositions EXPLAINED for Nov. 4, 2025 election.