Wednesday, September 30, 2026

Inside the Plan to Build ‘Trans Schools’ and Spread Their Lessons Nationwide

 A New York education group, Trans Formative Schools, is planning to establish a trans middle school and aims to expand its educational approach to other parts of the country. The group recently received funding from a philanthropic initiative associated with MacKenzie Scott, the ex-wife of Jeff Bezos.

Goals and Vision: The organization aspires to support the creation of trans schools nationwide, training trans teachers and providing resources for their efforts. They plan to integrate traditional academics with sex education and activism.

Current Program: Trans Formative Schools runs an afterschool program for students aged 9 to 15, focusing on "Activism/Transing School." This program serves as a stepping stone toward establishing the proposed middle school.

Curricular Approach: The envisioned curriculum includes teaching "transformational resistance" to combat racism, ableism, and transphobia. It intends to challenge traditional gender norms and support gender-expansive understanding.

Outreach Strategy: The organization aims to distribute educational materials for free online and conduct workshops to train teachers in various educational areas, including gender identity.

Leadership Experience: The group’s leaders have extensive backgrounds in established schools and teacher training programs, enhancing their capability to implement their vision.

Trans Formative Schools plans to foster an educational revolution by launching a trans middle school and disseminating their curriculum and training nationwide. Their mission aims to reshape education by promoting understanding and activism surrounding gender and identity issues. 

https://nataliegwinters.substack.com/p/revealed-inside-the-plan-to-build?utm_source=post-email-title&publication_id=3382126&post_id=216464424&utm_campaign=email-post-title&isFreemail=true&r=6dl2nb&triedRedirect=true&utm_medium=email

The ABCs of Kratom A mysterious substance many Americans are hearing about for the first time

 Kratom is a substance many Americans are recently becoming aware of, especially following the tragic deaths of two college students. The substance has both stimulating and sedative properties, depending on the dose. This summary will outline what kratom is, its regulation, and the recent incidents associated with it.

Recent Deaths: Two University of Mississippi students, Aidan Hamilton and Robert Strang, were found dead on September 21, 2023. Both deaths are linked to products described as kratom-like. They were reportedly purchased from local stores shortly before the students' deaths.

Circumstances of Investigation: Although products were found with the students, authorities have yet to confirm a direct connection between the deaths and kratom. Two employees from a store where kratom was sold have been arrested, but officials state their arrests may not be related to the student deaths.

What is Kratom?: Kratom is derived from the leaves of the Mitragyna speciosa tree found in Southeast Asia. It can act as a stimulant at lower doses and mimic opioids at higher doses due to its main alkaloids—mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH).

Use and Regulation: Kratom is sold in various forms (powder, capsules, gummies) in convenience stores and online. While natural kratom is legal in most states, some have outright bans or regulations on its sale. The FDA does not approve kratom for any medical uses and warns of its potential dangers, including seizures and dependence.

Kratom Products: There is a distinction between natural kratom and its synthetic versions, which can be much more potent and have been implicated in dangerous side effects. The products linked to the recent deaths are allegedly synthetic variants like “Pseudo-DHM,” which have higher potency and can have opioid-like effects.

Legal Landscape: The legality of kratom is complex and varies by state. While most states allow natural kratom, around 10 outright ban it, and some cities have local regulations. Synthetic forms such as MGM-15 are being targeted for stricter control by federal agencies.

Cultural Context: Historically, kratom has been used for both energy and pain relief in Southeast Asia. Its popularity surged in the U.S. in recent years, leading to widespread use, with an estimated 1.7 million Americans having used kratom in 2021.

Kratom is a substance with varying legal status and significant health risks, especially in its synthetic forms. The recent deaths of two college students have highlighted the potential dangers of kratom, prompting investigations and discussions about its regulation. As authorities continue to look into these cases and the nature of kratom, understanding its properties and differences between its natural and synthetic forms becomes crucial for public safety. 

https://sharylattkisson.substack.com/p/the-abcs-of-kratom?utm_source=post-email-title&publication_id=2579146&post_id=218110602&utm_campaign=email-post-title&isFreemail=true&r=6dl2nb&triedRedirect=true&utm_medium=email

Replace the Tax Code, Don’t Repair It

 John H. Cochrane argues in his recent commentary that the current U.S. tax system is too complicated and ineffective. He believes instead of trying to fix it through small adjustments, a complete replacement is necessary to achieve a simpler and fairer tax structure.

1. Complexity of Current Tax Code: Cochrane expresses that the current tax code is riddled with deductions, exclusions, and credits that lead to high marginal tax rates and economic distortions. This complexity encourages tax avoidance and makes it difficult for individuals and businesses to make sound economic choices.

2. Proposal for a Consumption Tax: He proposes replacing the existing income tax with a broad consumption tax applied uniformly, such as a value-added tax or national sales tax. This would simplify the tax system and require everyone, including nonprofits and other tax-exempt entities, to pay the same tax rates.

3. Hidden Subsidies and Deductions: Cochrane points out that many provisions in the tax code act as hidden subsidies, benefiting specific industries and wealthy individuals. For instance, tax deductions for healthcare, home mortgages, and charitable donations are disproportionately beneficial to high-income earners, suggesting a regressive aspect of these deductions.

4. Ineffectiveness of Incremental Reforms: He criticizes the idea of reforming taxes incrementally, arguing that special interests will always lobby to maintain their benefits. Instead, a clean break from the current system is necessary to eliminate all deductions and special deals at once.

5. Transparency in Government Spending: Cochrane advocates that instead of hiding subsidies in the tax code, they should be clearly stated as government spending. This would increase transparency and allow voters to evaluate subsidizing decisions more directly.

6. Relief from High Investment Taxes: He notes that the current taxation on savings and investments is counterproductive and leads to excessive complexity with numerous tax shelters and exemptions. Reducing such taxation will encourage more productive economic activities.

Cochrane emphasizes that to achieve genuine tax reform, the United States must overhaul the tax code entirely, moving towards a consumption-based model. This approach would not only simplify the tax system but also make fiscal subsidies clear and visible, leading to greater accountability and a potential boost in economic growth. He encourages readers to consider these bold changes to enhance the efficiency and fairness of the tax system. 

https://www.thefreedomfrequency.org/p/replace-the-tax-code-dont-repair

The Contempt Case that Won’t Die

 The legal issues related to Judge Jeb Boasberg's pursuit of contempt charges against the Trump administration. The situation involves immigration policy and criminal activities linked to a gang called Tren de Aragua.

1. Background on the Case: Five Venezuelan migrants, associated with the Tren de Aragua gang, were arrested for an armed robbery in Indiana. They were protected from immediate deportation due to a legal ruling regarding President Trump's Alien Enemies Act (AEA) proclamation aimed at deporting illegals tied to the gang.

2. Judicial Actions: After Trump signed the AEA to expedite the deportation of such individuals, Judge Boasberg issued a restraining order blocking this action. The case has been in the courts for 18 months, with the Supreme Court previously ruling the AEA did not guarantee due process rights for those affected.

3. Contempt Proceedings: Boasberg initiated contempt proceedings against the Trump administration, claiming officials did not comply with his orders concerning the removal of gang members. His insistence has faced pushback, including two appellate court rulings dismissing his contempt findings due to overstepping judicial boundaries.

4. Current Status: The full D.C. appellate court is set to hear the contempt case again. Legal experts have criticized Boasberg for pursuing a quasi-judicial inquiry that interferes with executive powers.

The contempt case initiated by Judge Boasberg remains unresolved, highlighting tensions between the Judicial and Executive branches. The ongoing legal battle raises concerns about judicial overreach and the impact on immigration enforcement policies. Further updates will follow after the hearing. 

https://www.declassified.live/p/the-contempt-case-that-wont-die

Sanctuary Democrats are putting Americans last

 A recent report by the House Judiciary Committee reveals troubling trends in how certain jurisdictions handle law enforcement regarding immigrants. The report, focusing on Arlington County, Virginia, suggests a two-tiered justice system where immigrants may receive lighter punishments than U.S. citizens.

Two-Tiered Justice System: The House Judiciary Committee conducted a study that indicates some jurisdictions allow individuals to escape equal punishment for crimes based on immigration status.

Arlington County Findings: The county's policy instructs police to not cooperate with federal immigration authorities, leading to the release of 42 convicted criminals rather than turning them over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Discriminatory Practices: Parisa Dehghani-Tafti, the Arlington Commonwealth’s Attorney, admitted that her office considers defendants' immigration statuses, resulting in lighter sentences for immigrants to avoid deportation consequences. For example, a citizen convicted of driving under the influence (DUI) may face significant penalties, while a DACA recipient might only receive a minor ticket.

Fairfax County Similarities: A similar approach is noted in Fairfax County, where the Commonwealth’s Attorney has indicated a tendency to lessen charges against immigrants to evade immigration repercussions.

Nationwide Trends: While a comprehensive database of such policies is lacking, research shows that many jurisdictions with large immigrant populations have lenient prosecutorial practices.

The report raises serious concerns about equality before the law under the Fourteenth Amendment, as it suggests that American citizens are disproportionately punished compared to immigrants in some areas. It calls for an investigation into such discriminatory practices to ensure fair treatment and protection of American citizens. 

https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/opinion/editorials/4745391/sanctuary-democrats-putting-americans-last/

Foreign influence, ideological networks, and institutional capture.

 The article "Fifth Columns in America, Part One" by Stu Cvrk explores the concept of "fifth column"—originally meaning secret supporters of an enemy inside a nation. It discusses modern interpretations of the term, which reflect domestic networks opposing the U.S. constitutional order. Cvrk identifies several groups that could fit this broader definition and analyzes their potential risks to American democracy.

1. Definition of Fifth Column:

Traditionally, a "fifth column" refers to a group engaging in espionage or sabotage for enemy interests within a nation.

This article adopts a broader meaning, focusing on domestic networks aligned with foreign adversaries.

2. Types of Claims:

Subversive Claims: Target vulnerable minorities or immigrants.

Collusive Claims: Accuse elites of aligning with foreign powers.

3. Identified Clusters:

The article analyzes five groups that may exhibit fifth-column behaviors based on varying levels of evidence:

Proto-fifth columns:

Associations linked to the Muslim Brotherhood and CAIR.

Leftist organizations connected with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), including Antifa and other groups.

Advocacy for open borders and illegal immigration.

Parallel authority from transnational cartels in U.S. border regions.

4. Evidentiary Tiers:

The claims made in this analysis are categorized into three tiers:

Documented: Claims confirmed by official records or testimony.

Credible/Contested: Claims reported but debated or unresolved.

Speculative/Analogical: Inferences drawn without established facts.

5. Historical Background:

The term "fifth column" has roots in the Spanish Civil War, where it described covert sympathizers waiting to support an invasion from within the city.

The article emphasizes that modern uses of the term often reflect anxiety and can sometimes exaggerate actual threats.

6. Detailed Examination of Categories:

Category 1: Foreign influence operations show concrete evidence of foreign states coordinating activities against the U.S. which match the original definition.

Category 2: Commentary linking immigration and NGO activities to domestic subversion lacks proof of coordination but reflects a modern analytical perspective.

Category 3: Islamist networks associated with the Muslim Brotherhood are documented as trying to exert influence in the U.S., raising concerns about long-term strategies for organizational capture.

This article emphasizes the complexity of identifying fifth-column activities within the U.S. It suggests that various groups exhibit behaviors that could threaten American foundational principles, even without direct foreign command. The exploration will continue in Part II, which will address additional categories of concern and offer recommendations for future monitoring. 

https://amgreatness.com/2026/09/30/fifth-columns-in-america-part-one/

Review Flags More Than 1,200 Potential Duplicate Voter Registrations in North Carolina

On September 30, 2026, a conservative group, the Public Interest Legal Foundation, reported over 1,200 potentially duplicate voter registrations in North Carolina. This finding has raised concerns ahead of the upcoming November election.

The foundation analyzed voter rolls in the state's ten most populous counties, flagging registrations that share the same birth year and address.

Research director Logan Churchwell noted that these duplicates may arise from name variations, typographical errors, or marital name changes.

Half of the flagged records were in Guilford and Cumberland counties.

The foundation has requested that the North Carolina State Board of Elections investigate these records and implement a pollbook verification process to confirm voter identities at polling places.

They have asked for a response by October 13, warning of a potential complaint under the Help America Vote Act if issues remain unaddressed.

The foundation acknowledged that North Carolina officials have made improvements in maintaining voter roll accuracy since a previous letter was sent last year.

The concerns regarding duplicate registrations highlight ongoing election integrity efforts in North Carolina, with hopes for further improvements to ensure fair voting practices. 

https://amgreatness.com/2026/09/30/review-flags-more-than-1200-potential-duplicate-voter-registrations-in-north-carolina/ 

Inside the Plan to Build ‘Trans Schools’ and Spread Their Lessons Nationwide

 A New York education group, Trans Formative Schools, is planning to establish a trans middle school and aims to expand its educational appr...