Latest news with #Texas-based
Yahoo
4 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Opinion: The Secret Smoking Gun in Trump's ‘Big Beautiful' Budget
Among the multitude of horrors tucked into Trump's 'big beautiful bill' is a measure that lifts a $200 tax on gun silencers, while ending background checks and registration requirements for their purchase. If enacted, the impact of the SHUSH (Silencers Help Us Save Hearing) Act is more sociological than financial—the government might as well hand them out like candy. After all, RFK Jr.'s HHS has an eye on banning real candy soon enough. This follows on the heels of Trump's DOJ reaching a settlement with Rare Breed Triggers, a Texas-based company, to overturn a Biden-era ban on 'forced reset triggers' (FRTs) that turn semiautomatic weapons into rapid-fire machine guns. Unlike President Reagan, whose views on guns evolved after he was the victim of an assassin's bullet—he later supported the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act—Donald Trump's brush with death has seemingly spurred him to make it easier and cheaper for the bad guys to operate. 'Anything that makes guns more lethal or easier to conceal, either visually or audibly, helps criminals,' said Jim Kessler, Executive Vice President for Policy at Third Way, a progressive group founded in 2000 as Americans for Gun Safety to reframe the gun issue around reform. The $200 tax stamp on gun suppressors has been in place since the National Firearms Act of 1934. Ninety years ago, that was a decent chunk of change, and one that served to keep potentially lethal devices in check. Now these accessories are commonplace and gun rights groups jockeying for influence in the marketplace have made easier and cheaper access a cause. Republicans in the House and Senate this year introduced the Hearing Protection Act, arguing it would reduce 'overly burdensome' barriers for law-abiding citizens simply trying to obtain auditory protection they need when firing away at the gun range, on the deer hunt or during the getaway chase after a bank robbery. Wait, not the last one. If it were that innocent, if it were solely for people shooting target practice for recreation, the SHUSH Act would likely get some Democratic votes. But nobody believes that's what this is about. As a stand-alone bill, it could not get 60 votes in the Senate to avoid a filibuster—critics argue the legislation makes it too easy for people with malign intent to carry out gun crimes and even mass shootings without alerting others to the danger. And that's why now it's tucked into a massive piece of legislation that requires only a simple majority, where it can get a free ride. 'I don't think I've ever seen a weaker argument in my life—so that people with hearing issues could still fire weapons,' Gil Kerlikowske, a former commissioner of border control and protection under President Obama, told the Daily Beast. 'That's just not believable.' Kerlikowske is today on the board of the Giffords Center, the gun safety group founded by former Rep. Gabby Giffords after she was shot in the head at an outdoor rally in 2013. Of the measure, he added, 'The thing that troubles me the most is that it puts law enforcement in the crosshairs.' A more apt description than Hearing Protection Act would be Criminal Protection Act because silencers give them cover to evade detection. Law enforcement officers will be much more easily outmatched. 'And this is a president and group of Republicans who say they support law enforcement,' Kerlikowske said. (Police unions are so intertwined with the Trump administration and with the gun lobby, however, that they are largely silent in their acquiescence to such dangerous legislation.) Gun murders declined historically across the U.S. in 2023 and 2024. 2025 could have the lowest murder rate ever recorded. The Bipartisan Safer Communities Act of 2022 was the most significant piece of gun violence legislation in 30 years. It closed loopholes in federal law to increase the number of background checks, enhanced checks for buyers under 21, and allocated billions of dollars for mental-health support in schools. Now these gains are at risk. 'Trump has cut those grants… we're expecting schools to lay off social workers and school counselors by the end of the year,' said Nick Wilson, senior director of Gun Violence Prevention at liberal think-tank The Center for American Progress (CAP). Rare Breed Triggers sold at least 103,000 forced reset triggers—a product favored by mass shooters—in two years before Biden's Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms ruled them illegal in 2022. The company challenged the ban in court; following the settlement reached with Trump's DOJ, it's now back to business as usual. The Trump administration has even established a process for owners to retrieve any seized devices, which cost a few hundred bucks each. 'Second Amendment absolutists have been gaining ground for the last 10 years,' Kessler added. 'It's happening particularly (at) the state level, with a proliferation of laws to make it easier to discharge a firearm if someone feels threatened.' Open carry, concealed carry and stand your ground laws are in place in 25 to 30 mostly red states, where people believe that more guns mean less crime and a safer society. Statistics don't back such claims up, but for gun safety advocates, it's even harder to change perceptions than to change reality. In this broader context, the gun silencer giveaway is just another dangerous piece in an already deadly puzzle. There are other things in the budget reconciliation bill that will have a greater, systemic influence on gun violence, explained CAP's Nick Wilson: People losing employment, losing their insurance, losing their food assistance and feeling angry and disaffected more broadly. 'When people lose their jobs and they're hungry, we know what happens,' he cautioned, leaving the rest to imagine. But you don't want to 'just' imagine—a better approach would be to prepare for the likely negative impacts ahead.
a day ago
- Business
Colorado's governor vetoes landmark ban on rent-setting algorithms
Democratic Gov. Jared Polis has vetoed a bill that would have made Colorado the first state to ban landlords from using rent-setting algorithms, which many advocates have blamed for driving up housing costs across the country. RealPage is the target of a federal lawsuit filed last year that accuses the real estate software company of facilitating an illegal scheme to help landlords coordinate to hike rental prices. Eight other states, including Colorado, have joined the Department of Justice's lawsuit, though RealPage has vehemently denied any claims of collusion and has fought to have the lawsuit dismissed. Critics say RealPage software combines confidential information from each real estate management company in ways that enable landlords to align prices and avoid competition that would otherwise push down rents. RealPage's clients include huge landlords who collectively oversee millions of units across the U.S. The Colorado bill, which recently passed the Democratic-led Legislature along party lines, would have prevented the use of such algorithms. In a veto letter Thursday, Polis said he understands the intent of the bill but that any collusion among landlords would already violate existing law. 'Reducing market friction through legitimate means that do not entail collusion is good for both renters and landlords,' Polis wrote. 'We should not inadvertently take a tool off the table that could identify vacancies and provide consumers with meaningful data to help efficiently manage residential real estate to ensure people can access housing.' In a statement, RealPage applauded Polis' veto, calling it an example of 'courageous leadership.' 'This is the right outcome for all of us who desire a healthy housing ecosystem that benefits Colorado renters and housing providers alike,' said Jennifer Bowcock, a spokesperson for the Texas-based firm. But Polis' decision outraged local housing advocates and the American Economic Liberties Project, a consumer rights advocacy group that has helped lead the fight against RealPage and other companies that use rent-setting algorithms. 'This veto sends the devastating message that corporate landlords can keep using secret price-fixing algorithms to take extra rent from people who have the least,' said Sam Gilman, co-founder and president of the Community Economic Defense Project, a Colorado-based nonprofit. RealPage software provides daily recommendations to help landlords and their employees price their available apartments. The landlords do not have to follow the suggestions, but critics argue that because the software has access to a vast trove of confidential data, it helps RealPage's clients charge the highest possible rent. Although Colorado was the first state to pass a bill targeting rental algorithms, at least six cities have passed similar ordinances over the past year. They include Philadelphia; Minneapolis; San Francisco; Berkeley, California; Jersey City, New Jersey; and Providence, Rhode Island. RealPage has decried those measures and sued over Berkeley's ordinance, saying it violates the company's free speech rights and is the result of an 'intentional campaign of misinformation and often-repeated false claims' about its products. RealPage argues that the real driver of high rents is a lack of housing supply. It also says that its pricing recommendations often encourage landlords to drop rents since landlords are incentivized to maximize revenue and maintain high occupancy. A clause recently added to Republicans' signature ' big, beautiful ' tax bill would ban states and localities from regulating artificial intelligence for a decade. On Tuesday, five Democratic senators sent a letter to RealPage asking if the company was involved in getting that clause inserted.
USA Today
a day ago
- Business
- USA Today
Family Law Attorney in Flower Mound Addresses Increasing Legal Concerns Among Local Residents
A growing number of families in Flower Mound seek a local lawyer near them as they navigate complex family law issues prompted by significant life changes. With divorce rates climbing, financial pressures intensifying, and child custody disputes becoming more frequent, the demand for accessible and trusted family legal services in the community has surged. The Jimenez Law Firm, a long-established Texas-based family law and divorce legal practice, is responding to this trend through its Flower Mound office, where attorneys focus on delivering support tailored to the evolving needs of local families. Family law in Texas encompasses various legal matters that affect household stability and individual futures. Residents confronting the emotional and financial strain of marital dissolution find it increasingly necessary to retain legal counsel who are well-versed in state law's nuances and understand the community's unique dynamics. From establishing parenting plans to resolving disputes over marital assets, individuals are turning to local attorneys for clarity and resolution. 'Family law is more than just legal proceedings—it's about people facing some of the most challenging moments in their lives,' said a spokesperson for the firm. 'The importance of having trusted legal guidance nearby cannot be overstated, especially when the outcomes can affect children, finances, and long-term stability.' In Flower Mound, where the population has grown steadily over the past decade, family law disputes reflect the demographic shifts and lifestyle transitions common in suburban communities. Issues such as modifications to child custody agreements, enforcement of visitation rights, and decisions regarding spousal maintenance are increasingly appearing on court dockets. For many residents, navigating these disputes without legal guidance can result in unfavorable outcomes or prolonged conflict. The Jimenez Law Firm in Flower Mound, Texas aims to bridge this gap by offering experienced legal services rooted in state statutes and a strong understanding of local concerns. Attorneys practicing at the firm's Flower Mound office handle a variety of family law matters, including divorce filings, child custody, support negotiations, enforcement actions, and division of marital property. They also address more nuanced areas such as grandparents' rights, termination of parental rights, and adoption procedures. With court orders often requiring modification due to job relocations, remarriages, or changes in a child's needs, legal professionals play a key role in helping families adjust while staying compliant with Texas family law standards. A spokesperson for the firm noted, 'Whether it's helping someone revise a parenting plan after a relocation or advocating for a fair division of community property, our goal is to provide reliable and compassionate legal representation right here in Flower Mound.' The rise in family law inquiries is not isolated to one specific demographic. Younger families, empty nesters, and individuals in blended households all present different legal challenges that require a tailored approach. For example, some cases involve determining conservatorship in high-conflict divorces. In contrast, others focus on obtaining support for minor children when one parent has experienced a job loss or a change in financial circumstances. In each scenario, access to a knowledgeable family law attorney in Flower Mound allows clients to pursue timely and equitable solutions. Texas law recognizes both community property and separate property, often complicating asset division during divorce. Misclassification of assets can result in prolonged litigation and financial loss. Family law and divorce attorneys in the Flower Mound office have handled property division disputes involving real estate, retirement accounts, small businesses, and other significant holdings. They are also familiar with protective measures available to survivors of domestic violence, including temporary restraining orders and emergency custody petitions. Legal assistance can be vital in understanding obligations and rights for those dealing with child support or spousal maintenance concerns. Texas guidelines provide a formula for calculating child support, but deviations can occur based on a family's specific financial circumstances. Likewise, requests for spousal maintenance—sometimes called alimony—require a careful review of eligibility under state law. Many Flower Mound clients seek legal help in modifying or enforcing existing orders, especially when one party believes the other has not fulfilled their responsibilities. 'Legal representation ensures that both parties are held accountable and that the needs of children remain a priority,' said a spokesperson familiar with the firm's practice areas. 'Flower Mound residents should not have to travel far or feel overwhelmed when addressing these deeply personal legal matters.' The firm has also observed an uptick in collaborative divorces and mediated settlements, where parties agree to resolve their disputes outside of court. This approach, often less adversarial, can lead to more amicable outcomes, particularly in cases involving co-parenting arrangements. Nevertheless, the need for skilled legal representation remains critical in ensuring that the agreements reached are legally sound and enforceable. Attorneys in Flower Mound are helping clients prepare for mediation sessions, draft agreements, and file necessary court documents to finalize settlements. In addition to divorce and custody disputes, the Jimenez Law Firm's Flower Mound office regularly assists clients with legal name changes, paternity cases, and protective orders. Each case presents unique legal considerations and requires a methodical strategy grounded in current Texas statutes and procedural rules. The firm's attorneys monitor legislative changes affecting family law, such as recent updates regarding virtual visitation rights and evolving definitions of parental fitness. While no longer in its emergency phase, the COVID-19 pandemic has left a lasting impact on family dynamics, particularly as more families reevaluate their living arrangements, financial goals, and long-term partnerships. The resulting shift has contributed to a sustained demand for local family law services in Flower Mound. While some residents pursue legal separation or divorce, others enter into prenuptial or postnuptial agreements to safeguard assets and establish financial boundaries. 'Planning is as important as resolving current issues,' a spokesperson added. 'We're seeing more clients take proactive steps to protect their family's interests before a crisis occurs.' Due to perceived stigma, the Jimenez Law Firm's Flower Mound location continues receiving inquiries from individuals who previously lacked legal advice or hesitated to seek help. By offering confidential consultations and flexible appointment options, the firm is helping to lower the barriers that prevent families from securing timely legal counsel. Community outreach and education are also emerging as key components of the firm's presence in Flower Mound. Attorneys participate in informational forums and respond to resident concerns about custody enforcement, co-parenting challenges, and support payment collections. These efforts reflect a broader commitment to equipping residents with the knowledge and tools they need to make informed decisions. Although each local family law case is different, the need for dependable legal guidance remains constant. Residents at a legal crossroads—whether involving children, property, or personal safety—increasingly prioritize access to a qualified family law attorney in Flower Mound. As the town continues to evolve, so do the legal needs of its population, prompting both individuals and institutions to adapt. Those in Flower Mound seeking to address divorce, custody, support, or other family law matters can visit the Jimenez Law Firm's local office or explore more information through the firm's website at Early engagement with legal counsel may help ensure that families are positioned for stability, fairness, and long-term resolution.
Yahoo
a day ago
- General
- Yahoo
Texas Solicitor General Resigns After Sharing Bizarre Fantasy About An Asteroid
Content warning for discussions of sexual violence and harassment. Usually asteroids are distant features of the cosmos, occasionally crashing down to Earth or threatening the planet. Not so for former Texas solicitor general Judd Stone, who's been accused of making the distant space rocks a focal point in violent and bizarre fantasies about a coworker that he regaled to other people. Needless to say, that's wildly inappropriate and unacceptable. As 404 Media reports, Stone has now resigned from his position after a damning letter aired the allegations, which involved — apologies in advance — a phallic asteroid used as a sexual implement, like some sort of grotesque riff on a Chuck Tingle book. According to a letter sent by Texas' first assistant attorney general Brent Webster, Stone — who had at the time taken a leave of absence to defend Texas attorney general Ken Paxton in his impeachment trial — joked during a 2023 lunching with other government employees about a "disturbing sexual fantasy" that involved a "cylindrical asteroid." During the debacle, Stone described using said asteroid to sexually assault Webster while his wife and children watched. That letter, which is five pages long and full of additional allegations of sexual harassment and lies Stone allegedly told, is replete with gory details about this case that we won't regale you with. What's striking to us at Futurism, however, is the "cylindrical asteroid" of it all. Where did Texas's now-former solicitor general get such an idea, and what could it mean about who he is as a person — and, more importantly, how did it affect the people he worked with? While we don't have answers to those first two, it's quite clear from the letter how Stone's gruesome asteroid "joke" affected him and his colleagues. Along with Webster's own concerns about Stone's violent state of mind and his fear that his family could be in danger, the assistant AG added that a female employee who had been present for that stomach-turning lunch discussion had been so upset by the topic that she excused herself — only to return to japes from others at the table who said she "couldn't handle people talking about dicks." That same woman "exhibited emotional distress" when recounting the anecdote to Webster, and also told him, through tears, that she had been sexually harassed on other occasions by Stone and was concerned about the way he treated women. When confronted with the sexual harassment allegations against him, Stone admitted to them all immediately, including the bizarre asteroid fantasy. He was, as 404 notes, given the grace to quit or be fired, and chose the former. More on Texas-based misogyny: In Leaked Text, Elon Musk Harangued Woman to Have as Many of His Babies as Possible
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
'Sad Beige' Influencer Alleges Creator 'Stole Her Likeness.' Lawsuit Gets Major Update 1 Year After Filing
The highly publicized "Sad Beige Lawsuit" is coming to a close, as both plaintiff Sydney Nicole Gifford and defendant Alyssa Sheil asked a judge to dismiss the case over a year after it was filed In April 2024, Gifford brought on eight claims against Sheil, alleging that she "replicated" her "aesthetic" curated with neutral tones like beige and cream Sheil denied all claims in her initial response, and after both parties requested to drop the case entirely, she celebrated setting a precedent to protect future "young influencers" against "bullying"In April 2024, Sydney Nicole Gifford filed a lawsuit alleging fellow influencer Alyssa Sheil "replicated" her "neutral, beige, and cream aesthetic" across various social media platforms. Over a year later, the two creators have asked a judge to dismiss the first-of-its-kind case, which has come to be known as the "Sad Beige Lawsuit." Per the stipulation filed on Wednesday, May 28, both parties agreed to request the release of all Gifford's "claims and potential counterclaims" related to the initial action. Sheil's legal representation at AZA law firm issued a written statement confirming the dismissal of all eight claims brought on by the plaintiff, which included federal copyright infringement, vicarious copyright infringement, Digital Millennium Copyright Act violation, trade dress infringement and misappropriation. According to the firm's statement, Sheil, 22, successfully motioned to dismiss three of Gifford's original claims in December 2024. Because the defendant already responded to the suit, Gifford, 25, needed Sheil's permission to surrender the case, which she obliged. In a quote included by AZA, Sheil celebrated how the lawsuit's outcome might help protect creators from similar situations in the first place. "This was about more than just me. This sets a precedent that young influencers can fight back and not give in to bullying,' said Sheil in the AZA statement. 'Ms. Gifford tried to intimidate me into leaving this industry. But she failed and the truth prevailed.' Gifford's social media content centers around her home, fashion and the "must-have" items she finds on Amazon. Her posts consistently maintain a neutral-toned vibe, with content showcasing shades of brown and tan hues. "I think I feel more calm in neutral spaces,' Gifford told The Verge in late November. 'Now my favorite color is beige," she added, which explains the hashtag she'll occasionally use on her content (#sadbeigehome). "It is a sad beige home, and I like it." Like Gifford, Sheil made her name curating content that aligns with the beige aesthetic, and she regularly posts about her neutral-toned outfits, home decor and makeup routine. "It's definitely very calming,' Sheil said of her decor when speaking with The Verge, who visited the Texas-based influencer for an interview a few days prior to meeting up with Gifford in her Minneapolis home. "I just want it to all be cohesive and plain." According to the original filing from April 2024, which was obtained by PEOPLE, Gifford's lawsuit stated that she had been curating her "brand identity" and "credibility" online for five years. She claimed to have become known for her promotion of Amazon products, like apparel and household goods. She has "grown her business into a multi-thousand dollar operation," her lawsuit states. Gifford and Sheil met in person in December 2022 with the intent to support each other's businesses, per the filing. It continues to state that after they got together in January 2023, Gifford blocked Sheil from viewing her content. In August 2024, four months after Gifford's initial filing, attorneys for Sheil asked the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas to dismiss claims brought forth against her. Per the court documents, Sheil denied "every allegation" in the complaint. "Sheil has never infringed on any work of Gifford's, because Sheil's work is independently developed, does not use anything belonging to Gifford, and is not based on anything posted by Gifford," the court document reads. The response issued by Sheil's attorney claimed that the case stemmed from "jealousy." The documents note that when the two creators first met, Sheil was "younger and more successful on certain social media platforms that Gifford had not yet maximized." The filings allege that "it was Gifford who asked Sheil" content-related questions, but Sheil did not seek out "a meritless lawsuit" claiming that Gifford "stole her likeness," read the court document Sheil's legal team emphasized "the very nature" of the fashion and influencer industries: "Similar influencer content creators collaborate, adopt, and evolve on trends and looks to promote products to their audience and followers." Read the original article on People
