Explore

Rapid Read Rapid Read
Mexican Visitors to the U.S. Increase Despite Political Tensions, Boosting Retail and Tourism

Mexican Visitors to the U.S. Increase Despite Political Tensions, Boosting Retail and Tourism

Despite a general decline in international arrivals to the United States, the number of Mexican visitors has continued to rise. According to data from Customs and Border Protection, land-border crossings by car increased by 13% year-over-year, with approximately 3 million Mexican visitors arriving by air through August 2025. This growth occurs amidst stricter visa rules and rising costs, including a significant increase in the tourist visa fee. Mexican visitors, who represent about 22% of all foreign visitors, spend an average of $1,500 per trip on shopping, theme parks, family visits, and entertainment. This influx provides a crucial economic boost to U.S. retailers and tourist destinations, particularly in border states like Texas and California.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Congressional Budget Cuts Threaten EPA's Environmental Enforcement Capabilities

Congressional Budget Cuts Threaten EPA's Environmental Enforcement Capabilities

A recent report by the Environmental Integrity Project highlights significant budget cuts to state environmental agencies across the United States over the past 15 years. These reductions, adjusted for inflation, have led to decreased staffing and resources, impacting the ability of states to enforce environmental protections. The report notes that states with rapidly growing industries, such as Texas and Louisiana, have seen substantial budget decreases, which could lead to weaker enforcement of air and water quality standards. The Trump administration's push to reduce federal oversight and empower states has coincided with these cuts, raising concerns about the effectiveness of environmental protection efforts. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) itself faces potential budget cuts, with the White House proposing a 55% reduction, though the Senate Appropriations Committee has suggested a smaller 5% cut.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Democratic Party Faces Internal Challenges Amid Primary Battles

Democratic Party Faces Internal Challenges Amid Primary Battles

The Democratic Party is experiencing internal challenges as at least a dozen U.S. House Democrats face primary challenges from progressive candidates. These challengers, supported by groups like Justice Democrats, argue for replacing incumbents in safe districts with candidates who can better respond to President Trump and the Republican-controlled Congress. The primary battles are less about policy differences and more about the style and approach of the candidates. Some party members warn that these challenges could distract from the goal of defeating Republicans. The party is also facing contested Senate primaries in several states, including Michigan, Minnesota, Maine, Iowa, and Texas. In Memphis, Justice Democrats have endorsed Justin Pearson, who is running against long-time incumbent Steve Cohen. The debate centers around whether new voices and ideas are needed to change the party's trajectory.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
California-Based Energy Company Plans Underground Nuclear Reactor in Utah

California-Based Energy Company Plans Underground Nuclear Reactor in Utah

Deep Fission, a California-based energy company, has announced plans to develop an underground nuclear reactor in Utah. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to test small modular pressurized water reactors in Utah, Texas, and Kansas. The company has signed letters of intent with partners at each location to pursue joint development projects. The reactor will be housed in a borehole one mile underground, utilizing the surrounding geology for natural shielding and passive containment. This approach is intended to enhance safety, minimize surface footprint, and reduce operational costs. The project aligns with Utah's growing interest in nuclear energy, as highlighted by Governor Spencer Cox's recent announcement of a partnership to build a comprehensive civil nuclear energy ecosystem in the state.
AP News AP News
As gerrymandering battles sweep country, supporters say partisan dominance is 'fair'

As gerrymandering battles sweep country, supporters say partisan dominance is 'fair'

State officials engaged in unusual mid-decade redistricting are pushing a new definition of what it means to have “fair maps” for Congress
Trendline Trendline
Deep Fission Plans Underground Nuclear Reactor in Utah to Meet Energy Demands

Deep Fission Plans Underground Nuclear Reactor in Utah to Meet Energy Demands

Deep Fission Plans Underground Nuclear Reactor in Utah to Meet Energy Demands
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Trump's AI Order Sets Up Potential Clash With Texas Laws

Trump's AI Order Sets Up Potential Clash With Texas Laws

President Donald Trump's executive order on artificial intelligence (AI) aims to override state-level regulations, including those in Texas, that conflict with a federal push for a 'minimally burdensome' national policy. The order challenges laws like the Texas Responsible Artificial Intelligence Governance Act (TRAIGA), which mandates AI transparency and bias evaluation. The U.S. attorney general is directed to establish an AI Litigation Task Force to identify and challenge state laws deemed unconstitutional or conflicting with national policy. The order also involves federal agencies in setting national standards that could preempt state rules.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
President Trump Signs Executive Order to Block State AI Regulations, Aiming to Streamline National AI Strategy

President Trump Signs Executive Order to Block State AI Regulations, Aiming to Streamline National AI Strategy

President Donald Trump has signed an executive order to prevent individual states from implementing their own regulations on artificial intelligence (AI). The order is intended to prevent a fragmented regulatory environment that could hinder the U.S.'s competitive edge against China in AI development. The executive order mandates the Attorney General to form a task force to challenge state laws and directs the Commerce Department to identify problematic regulations. This move comes amid calls from Congress and civil rights groups for more oversight on AI, which is increasingly used in critical decision-making processes. The order also threatens to withhold federal funding from states that impose restrictive AI laws.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
President Trump Signs Executive Order to Block State AI Regulations, Aiming to Streamline Industry

President Trump Signs Executive Order to Block State AI Regulations, Aiming to Streamline Industry

President Donald Trump has signed an executive order designed to prevent individual states from implementing their own regulations on artificial intelligence (AI). The order is intended to prevent a fragmented regulatory environment that could hinder the growth of the AI industry in the United States. Trump emphasized the need for a unified approach to AI regulation to compete effectively with China, which has a centralized system for AI governance. The executive order mandates the Attorney General to establish a task force to challenge state laws and instructs the Commerce Department to identify problematic regulations. Additionally, it threatens to withhold funding from states with restrictive AI laws. This move comes amid calls from Congress and civil rights groups for more oversight of AI technologies, which are increasingly influential in decisions affecting employment, housing, and healthcare.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
President Trump's Executive Order on AI Sparks Criticism from Steve Bannon and Lawmakers

President Trump's Executive Order on AI Sparks Criticism from Steve Bannon and Lawmakers

President Donald Trump has signed an executive order aimed at preventing states from enacting their own regulations on artificial intelligence (AI). This move has been met with criticism from various quarters, including Steve Bannon, a former adviser to Trump, who labeled the order as 'entirely unenforceable.' The executive order directs the attorney general to establish a task force to challenge state AI laws and instructs the Commerce Department to identify 'onerous' regulations. It also threatens to withhold funding from states with AI laws. The order has sparked a debate over federal versus state control of AI regulation, with some states like California, Colorado, Texas, and Utah having already implemented their own AI laws. These laws include measures to limit personal data collection and increase corporate transparency. The executive order has also drawn criticism from Democratic lawmakers who argue that it undermines state efforts to regulate AI and protect citizens.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
House Dismisses Second Impeachment Attempt Against President Trump by Rep. Al Green

House Dismisses Second Impeachment Attempt Against President Trump by Rep. Al Green

The U.S. House of Representatives has dismissed an impeachment resolution against President Donald Trump, brought forward by Democratic Representative Al Green of Texas. This marks the second time this year that Green's efforts to initiate impeachment proceedings have been rejected. The House voted 237-140 to shelve the resolution, with 47 Democratic lawmakers voting present. The resolution accused President Trump of threatening Democratic lawmakers with execution over a social media video. This attempt follows a previous resolution in June, which accused Trump of bypassing Congress and potentially declaring war on Iran. Despite the dismissal, the vote indicates a shift in support among House Democrats, as the margin was narrower compared to the previous attempt.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
U.S. Transportation Secretary Threatens New York with $73M Highway Fund Cut Over Immigrant License Issues

U.S. Transportation Secretary Threatens New York with $73M Highway Fund Cut Over Immigrant License Issues

U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has announced that New York is the eighth state found to have improperly issued commercial driver's licenses to immigrants, which remain valid beyond their legal authorization to stay in the country. This revelation is part of a broader federal audit that has identified similar issues in states like California, Pennsylvania, and Minnesota. Duffy has threatened to withhold $73 million in federal highway funds from New York unless the state revokes these flawed licenses and reforms its licensing system. The audit, which began this summer, gained attention following a fatal crash in Florida involving an unauthorized immigrant truck driver. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has also sent letters to other states, including Texas and South Dakota, highlighting similar concerns.