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Federal judge issues temporary injunction stopping Biden’s Title IX rules | National

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www.thecentersquare.com – By Steve Wilson | The Center Square – 2024-06-13 17:00:00

(The Center Square) — A federal judge issued an injunction on Thursday that put a temporary hold on new Title IX rules issued by the Biden administration.

U.S. District Court Judge Terry Doughty issued the order in a lawsuit brought by the states of Louisiana, Mississippi, Montana and Idaho. The injunction keeps the final rules from going into effect pending a review by the U.S. District Court of the Western District of Louisiana. 

The new rules finalized by the Department of Education and which are supposed to go into effect Aug. 1 expand the definition of sex discrimination to include gender identity and pregnancy, but the agency didn’t issue any rules relating to transgender athletes. Among the changes include a prohibition on single-sex bathroom and locker rooms and requirements that a school use pronouns based on a student’s preferred gender identity.

Doughty said in the order that the new rule violated the free speech and free exercise clauses of the First Amendment along with the spending clause and “is arbitrary and capricious.”

The judge also said in his ruling that for one of these injunctions to be issued, the plaintiffs must show a substantial chance of success on the merits of their case, a threat of irreparable harm that must outweigh any that would result if the injunction weren’t issued and it must be in the public interest. Doughty said the plaintiffs did so successfully. 

Doughty also said that the plaintiffs were able to prove that the harassment standard created by the rule is contrary to Title IX and he said they “made compelling arguments for how it can violate the free speech right of the First Amendment.”

Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill, who brought the Title IX lawsuit, praised the ruling. 

“This a victory for women and girls,” Murrill said in a statement. “When Joe Biden forced his illegal and radical gender ideology on America, Louisiana said NO! Along with Idaho, Mississippi, and Montana, states are fighting back in defense of the law, the safety and prosperity of women and girls, and basic American values.”

Title IX prohibits educational institutions that receive federal funds from discriminating on the basis of sex in both educational programs and activities.

Federal courts have already acted against the Biden administration’s rules. 

On Tuesday, U.S. District Court Judge Reed O’Connor granted the state’s motion for summary judgement in a case over a mandate issued by two federal agencies before the administration amended Title IX to redefine biological sex to include “sexual orientation” and “gender identity.” 

He also denied the Biden administration’s request to dismiss and vacated the guidance nationwide and issued a permanent injunction against its enforcement in Texas.

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The Center Square

Siegel: Brutal time in captivity; Trump can get hostages home | North Carolina

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www.thecentersquare.com – Alan Wooten – (The Center Square – ) 2025-07-09 09:02:00


Chapel Hill native Keith Siegel, released from Hamas captivity after 484 days, detailed his torture and urged leaders like President Trump and Israeli PM Netanyahu to secure the return of remaining hostages and end the Israel-Hamas conflict. Since the conflict’s start on October 7, 2023, about 1,200 Israelis were killed, with ongoing hostilities causing massive civilian casualties. Of 50 hostages, around 28 are believed dead; negotiations continue. Trump’s influence helped Siegel’s release, and US-Senator Ted Budd demands release of two American hostages or consequences for Hamas. Meanwhile, North Carolina Democrats formally oppose US military aid to Israel amid accusations of apartheid and genocide.

(The Center Square) – Five months after his release from Hamas, Chapel Hill native Keith Siegel has shared details of his time in captivity and said President Donald Trump is powerful enough to get other hostages home.

The Middle East war between Hamas and Israel started Oct. 7, 2023, when the militant organization killed about 1,200 in Israel and took 251 hostage. Published reports say 57,000 have lost their lives since, the latest five Israeli Defense Forces soldiers on Monday in an explosion in northern Gaza.

The majority of fatalities, however, have been civilians caught in the crossfire. 

Twenty-eight of 50 hostages still held by Hamas are believed dead, Israeli Defense Forces says. Isreal believes 20, and possibly the remaining 22, are still alive. Negotiations are ongoing involving length of time for a ceasefire, and number of hostages both living and dead to be returned.

Trump has sought to broker deals for peace since before his inauguration, in part leading to Siegel’s release on Feb. 1 after 484 days. His wife, Aviva, was released after 51 days.

“I believe he has a lot of strength, power and ability to put pressure on those that need to be pressured, on both sides in order to get the agreement, get the deal signed, and get all of the hostages back and bring an end to the war,” Siegel told the BBC on the cusp of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visiting the White House this week.

On Tuesday, Siegel – he has dual citizenship in Israel and America – testified before the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, a panel in Israel’s parliament. He described torture tactics against others and himself by Hamas, abuse and violence. It happened to men and women hostages, he said.

Siegel told the committee those alive and dead “could disappear” if not returned soon.

“I call on Netanyahu and Trump to do everything they can and bring everyone home,” he said.

U.S. Sen. Ted Budd, R-N.C., said Monday two American hostages must be released or Hamas should “face swift consequences.”

The United States has long been an ally of Israel in the Middle East, including being the first to recognize it as an independent state in 1948 under President Harry Truman. Back in Siegel’s native homeland last month, the North Carolina Democratic Party’s executive committee formally resolved ending American support of Israel to include all military aid, weapons shipments and military logistical support.

It boldly stated Israel is guilty of apartheid against Palestinians; genocide in Gaza; and using American weapons in “self defense” against hospitals, schools, homes, refugee camps, mosques, churches, journalists and humanitarian aid workers.

First-term Democratic Gov. Josh Stein, since the resolution was announced, has not publicly issued a press release or made a social media statement about his party’s position. Nor have any of the Democrats in the U.S. House – Reps. Don Davis, Deborah Ross, Valerie Foushee and Alma Adams.

The other four members of the Council of State representing the North Carolina Democratic Party have also been similarly silent – Lt. Gov. Rachel Hunt, Attorney General Jeff Jackson, Secretary of State Elaine Marshall, and Education Superintendent Mo Green.

The post Siegel: Brutal time in captivity; Trump can get hostages home | North Carolina appeared first on www.thecentersquare.com



Note: The following A.I. based commentary is not part of the original article, reproduced above, but is offered in the hopes that it will promote greater media literacy and critical thinking, by making any potential bias more visible to the reader –Staff Editor.

Political Bias Rating: Center-Right

The article reports on the ongoing conflict between Hamas and Israel, focusing on the personal story of Keith Siegel, a former hostage, and featuring supportive comments about former President Donald Trump’s role in brokering peace deals. The coverage of Trump is framed positively, highlighting his strength and ability to negotiate, which suggests a Center-Right leaning, as this tone aligns more closely with conservative or Republican perspectives. Additionally, the article contrasts this with criticism of the North Carolina Democratic Party’s resolution against American support for Israel, characterizing their stance as extreme and noting the absence of public responses from Democratic officials, which may implicitly criticize that position. Overall, the article presents facts about the conflict and political actions but subtly endorses a pro-Israel and pro-Trump viewpoint, thereby suggesting a Center-Right bias rather than strictly neutral reporting.

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News from the South - North Carolina News Feed

Briner: State pension plan makes $8B, outperforms stock market | North Carolina

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www.thecentersquare.com – By David Beasley | The Center Square contributor – (The Center Square – ) 2025-07-09 08:07:00


North Carolina’s $127 billion state pension plan generated $8 billion in investment profits in the first half of the fiscal year, surpassing expectations by $2.5 billion, according to State Treasurer Brad Briner. Despite this success, the plan has historically underperformed and faces a $16 billion annual deficit due to growing pension obligations and fewer contributors. The state’s contribution has increased from zero to 17% of employee salaries over 25 years, prompting calls to curb further increases. Recent legislation established a five-member North Carolina Investment Authority to modernize pension fund management, replacing the previous sole-investor model overseen by the treasurer.

(The Center Square) – In the first six months of this fiscal year, the North Carolina state pension plan investments made $8 billion and outperformed the stock market, the state’s treasurer said Tuesday.

“That number is we think the largest profit in the six-month history of our state pension system,” first-term Republican Brad Briner said at a meeting of state leaders. “But moreover, it is $2.5 billion more than we expected.”



Brad Briner, state treasurer of North Carolina




North Carolina’s $127 billion pension plan has “underperformed for years,” according to Briner.

The plan has been running a $16 billion annual deficit based on the gains it needed to sustain pension payments without raising state contributions to the plan, Briner said.

Gains in the pension plan investments can reduce the need to increase the state contribution which has grown from zero 25 years ago to the current 17% of employee salary, Briner said.

“We can’t keep letting it go up.” Briner said told other state leaders Tuesday.

The North Carolina Retirement System serves more than 1 million people, from teachers to state employees, local governments, firefighters, police officers and other public workers. It operates at a deficit similar to Social Security, with fewer people paying in than are eligible for benefits.

Estimated market value was $89 billion when former Treasurer Dale Folwell took office in January 2017 and $127 billion on Dec. 27, 2024, in his final days of office.

This fall, the treasurer’s office will conduct studies to determine how to possibly reduce the employer match.

“All of that is getting to what we can do on the employer match side to relieve some of the pressure on our agencies and on the state budget,” the treasurer said.

Also, the Legislature this year passed and the governor signed the Investment Modernization Act which according to Briner “fundamentally” changes the way the state manages pension fund investments.

It creates a five-member North Carolina Investment Authority, chaired by the treasurer, which includes financial professionals appointed by the governor, treasure and leaders of the legislature.

The state has been one of only three in the country to give one person – the treasurer- sole power for administering pension plan investments, Briner said.

The post Briner: State pension plan makes $8B, outperforms stock market | North Carolina appeared first on www.thecentersquare.com



Note: The following A.I. based commentary is not part of the original article, reproduced above, but is offered in the hopes that it will promote greater media literacy and critical thinking, by making any potential bias more visible to the reader –Staff Editor.

Political Bias Rating: Center-Right

This article largely reports factual information about North Carolina’s state pension plan performance and related administrative changes, quoting Republican state treasurer Brad Briner extensively. While it focuses on the treasurer’s perspective—who emphasizes financial discipline and reform—there is no overt editorializing or partisan framing beyond the presentation of his statements. The positive framing of investment gains and calls to reduce state contributions align with fiscally conservative principles, suggesting a moderate right-leaning viewpoint. However, the reporting remains largely neutral and informative, primarily conveying the actions and positions of officials rather than endorsing a specific ideological stance.

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News from the South - Texas News Feed

Personnel from 20 Texas agencies involved in recovery efforts | Texas

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www.thecentersquare.com – By Bethany Blankley | The Center Square contributor – (The Center Square – ) 2025-07-08 17:34:00


Thousands of personnel and volunteers from across Texas are aiding recovery and debris removal in Kerr County after the Guadalupe River surged 26 feet in 45 minutes on July 4, causing massive flooding. Over 1,500 personnel and 925 vehicles from 20 state agencies responded quickly, rescuing more than 850 people, many by airlift. Texas Game Wardens and the Department of Public Safety are heavily involved in search, rescue, and recovery operations, with hundreds of missing persons reported. Texas A\&M System teams assist with flood rescues, infrastructure, and animal care. Governor Abbott vowed to continue efforts until all bodies are recovered and communities are restored.

(The Center Square) – Thousands of personnel and volunteers from across Texas have come to assist with recovery efforts and debris removal in Kerr County and surrounding areas in response to the historic July 4 flood.

After a torrential downpour caused the Guadeloupe River to rise 26 feet in 45 minutes early Friday morning, a tidal wave of destruction crashed through Kerr and surrounding counties.

Before that happened, the state was monitoring weather patterns and Gov. Greg Abbott and the Texas Division of Emergency Management moved assets into Central Texas on Wednesday. Additional resources were surged on Thursday; weather warnings were issued both days.

By Friday, more than 1,500 personnel and more than 925 vehicles and equipment assets across 20 state agencies were in emergency response mode.

TDEM deployed an incident management team to support deployed emergency response resources, including multiple task forces, and continues to oversee recovery efforts.

More than 850 people were rescued in the initial hours of operations, the majority by the Texas Military Department. Texas National Guard rescued 525 people, 366 by air evacuations conducted by UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter pilots and crew, and 159 by ground. Another 20 were rescued in San Sabo County and five in Burnet County, Texas Military Department Adjutant General Major General Thomas Suelzer said Tuesday.

Lt. Col. Ben Baker with Texas Game Wardens said 300 game wardens have been involved in recovery efforts. They’ve searched 26 river miles, made 440 rescues and recovered 30 dead bodies.

Texas Department of Public Safety’s Special Operations Group “continues to work alongside local and state partners with ongoing rescue and recovery efforts in the Texas Hill Country, including searching through debris and storm damaged areas. Our teams will be in Kerr County to assist as long as we are needed,” Texas DPS said.

Texas DPS Colonel Director Freeman Martin said 258 DPS troopers were assigned in Kerrville alone, including highway patrol, a tactical marine unit, criminal investigators, Texas Rangers, SWAT, victim’s services, among others.

After members of the public were given a number to call to report missing people, hundreds of calls came in, he said at a news conference on Tuesday. Through painstaking work, DPS troopers working with others in law enforcement, cross checked names with trailer parks, RV camps, hotels and other rental properties, with the calls that came in and arrived at a total of 161 missing in Kerr County alone, he said.

“A lot of work is being done,” Martin said. Most of what they were able to do is because DPS was fulling funded by the Texas legislature, he said. Funding enabled DPS to acquire six replacement helicopters, which are being used for recovery efforts, he said.

“We have a lot of resources,” he said, in addition to the assistance they are receiving from the FBI, DEA, Border Patrol, Coast Guard, Department of Homeland Security and others. “Everyone is working together, unified,” he said.

Search and rescue efforts are ongoing in Burnet, Kendall and Travis counties, he said. All three missing in Williamson County were recovered, deceased. Ten are confirmed missing in Travis County.

Multiple teams from several Texas A&M System agencies are also actively involved in recovery efforts as part of the 20-state agency effort.

“As we struggle to grasp the magnitude of the loss felt by so many of our fellow Texans – and even as we all offer up our prayers for the victims and their families and the parents, friends and loved ones of those still missing – the brave men and women from across the Texas A&M University System were risking their lives to save others caught in dangerous flooding across Central Texas and the Hill Country,” the Texas A&M University System said.

They include Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service task forces using swiftwater rescue boats to assist with flood rescues and evacuations and a Public Works Response Team assessing and assisting with public works infrastructure needs in Kerrville.

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service agents are supporting agricultural and livestock needs; a Veterinary Emergency Team is providing veterinary medical support for animals impacted by flooding.

More than 75 Texas A&M Forest Service personnel and 153 Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System members are on the ground. Saw teams are clearing debris and restoring access in impacted areas; overhead personnel are working alongside local officials on damage assessments and incident coordination.

Abbott said on Tuesday, “Texas will not stop until we finish the job. We will not stop until we identify, recover every single body. Will not stop until every road is rebuilt, every inch of debris is removed.

“We will not stop because we are a state that cares about our people, cares about our communities, and we’ll be with them every step of the way.”

The post Personnel from 20 Texas agencies involved in recovery efforts | Texas appeared first on www.thecentersquare.com



Note: The following A.I. based commentary is not part of the original article, reproduced above, but is offered in the hopes that it will promote greater media literacy and critical thinking, by making any potential bias more visible to the reader –Staff Editor.

Political Bias Rating: Centrist

The article presents a factual and straightforward report on the emergency response efforts following a major flood in Texas. It focuses on detailing the actions taken by state agencies, personnel, and volunteers, including statements from officials such as Gov. Greg Abbott, without using charged or persuasive language that favors a particular ideological viewpoint. The content neither critiques nor praises political policies or actors in a way that suggests advocacy; instead, it objectively covers the mobilization and collaboration of various agencies and the challenges faced. Thus, the article adheres to neutral reporting by describing the events and responses without inserting an identifiable ideological stance.

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