Detroit Public Schools are paying kids up to $1,000 just to attend class — and teaching them an awful lesson

 Detroit public schools are addressing their high absenteeism rates by implementing a controversial program that pays students to attend classes. This initiative, named the "Perfect Attendance Pays" program, offers middle and high school students financial incentives to show up at school.

High Absenteeism Rates: The Detroit school district has a significant problem with chronic absenteeism, with 60.9% of students missing at least 10% of school days.

Incentive Program Details: Students can earn up to $1,000 a year in gift cards for consistent attendance. High school students can receive $100 for perfect attendance over a designated period, while middle schoolers can earn $50 per week for up to ten weeks.

Expansion of the Program: Initially targeted at high schoolers, this program will also include middle school students starting in the 2026 school year. Parents of middle schoolers will receive the financial rewards.

Funding Source: The district claims the program is funded through interest on district funds rather than state or federal revenue, costing around $4 million to implement in the previous school year.

Effectiveness and Concerns: While the district reported a reduction in absenteeism rates by 7% in the program's first year, critics argue it sends the wrong message to students regarding attendance and achievement.

Potential Negative Impact: The initiative may encourage a mindset where showing up is viewed as sufficient for rewards, rather than promoting engagement and learning. Critics highlight the issues of prioritizing attendance quantity over the quality of education.

While Detroit public schools aim to combat absenteeism with financial incentives for attendance, many view this strategy as problematic. It may inadvertently teach students that minimal effort deserves reward, thereby undermining the core values of education. As the program expands to middle schoolers, concerns about its long-term implications and effectiveness continue to grow. 

https://nypost.com/2026/08/31/opinion/detroit-public-schools-are-paying-kids-up-to-1000-just-to-attend-class/

Florida to Take Down Flock Camera on All State Roads

 Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has announced the state's decision to end its partnership with Flock, resulting in the removal of about 700 license plate reader cameras across state roads due to privacy concerns.

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has mandated the removal of Flock cameras following a review highlighting issues of privacy and potential misuse.

The order specifies that all Flock camera permits will be revoked by the end of September, but cameras installed by local city or county agencies will remain unaffected.

Privacy violations have raised significant voter concerns, particularly after a case emerged where a deputy misused the technology to track an ex-partner.

This action by DeSantis aligns with similar measures taken by other Republican officials, including Texas Governor Greg Abbott, who has also halted funding for Flock programs.

The removal of Flock cameras reflects growing concerns about surveillance and data privacy. The initiative emphasizes Florida's commitment to addressing privacy issues tied to technology used by law enforcement. 

https://townhall.com/news/josephchalfant/2026/08/31/florida-to-take-down-flock-camera-on-all-state-roads-n2682207

China Factor Looms Over Collapse of US–Canada Trade Talks

The U.S.-Canada trade negotiations collapsed on August 21 due to differing opinions on critical issues. Both countries expressed mutual concerns about trade relations, particularly regarding China, which remains a pivotal yet unspoken factor in their discussions.

1. Trade Talk Breakdown:

U.S.-Canada trade discussions ended on August 21, with both parties disagreeing on three main issues.

The concerns involved bilateral coordination on Canada's future trade agreements, tariff-rate cuts on sectors like autos and steel, and the requirement for U.S. companies regarding French-language content in streaming.

A prior issue related to French-language content was resolved when the U.S. dropped its demand on August 27.

2. China's Shadow:

Analysts suggest that China's influence is a key but unacknowledged reason behind the stalled negotiations.

Both U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney highlighted issues without explicitly mentioning China, reflecting concerns that Canada might enable Chinese goods to enter the U.S. market through trade loopholes.

3. Canadian Economy and Sovereignty:

Carney emphasized Canada's sovereignty, stating the country wouldn’t compromise key industries during trade talks.

The U.S. has implemented a tariff on $20 billion of Canadian goods, which Canada responded to with its own retaliatory tariffs scheduled to start on September 8.

4. Concerns of Transshipment:

The U.S. is worried about the potential for Canada to become a route for Chinese products, despite protective tariffs on Chinese imports. This issue was categorized as a significant risk in a White House report.

Canada faces pressure to manage its trade policies to avoid becoming a backdoor for Chinese goods entering the U.S. market.

5. Canada-China Relations:

Carney has adopted a stance that could be perceived as more open to China, further complicating U.S.-Canada relations.

A new electric vehicle deal between Canada and China has sparked concerns from the U.S. over potential surveillance threats from these vehicles.

6. Public Support for Hardline Stance:

Carney's decision to suspend trade talks has gained support from a majority of Canadians, reflecting a rise in nationalist sentiments.

However, experts warn that aligning with China for short-term political gain could lead to long-term economic detriment for Canada.

The recent failure of U.S.-Canada trade talks underscores the complex geopolitical influences at play, particularly regarding economic ties with China. While Canada emphasizes its sovereignty and national interests, analysts caution against the potential economic risks involved in pivoting closer to China, which might ultimately affect the Canadian economy and its relationship with the U.S. 

https://www.theepochtimes.com/us/china-factor-looms-over-collapse-of-us-canada-trade-talks-6081067 

Cyber Group Finds Surveillance Backdoors in Chinese Routers Sold in US

 Cybersecurity researchers have discovered hidden surveillance software in routers made by Chinese company Zbtlink, raising concerns about user privacy and security. This summary outlines the findings from VulnCheck, a cybersecurity firm, detailing how these backdoors function and their implications for consumers.

Identified Software: Researchers found two types of malicious software in Zbtlink routers:

Speakingstone: This program can send user data to a remote server and control router functions like redirecting internet traffic and stealing login credentials.

Darklantern: It allows unauthorized access to routers without a password.

Scope of the Issue:

The software was discovered in a router purchased from Amazon, which linked back to a wider deployment across China.

By August 21, 2026, 392 routers had contacted the researchers' servers, with most located in China and linked through China Mobile.

Risks Posed:

The backdoors can provide extensive control over affected routers, including access to other devices on the same home network, posing significant cybersecurity risks.

Over half of the routers identified were in the U.S., raising alarms about foreign surveillance capabilities.

Compliance with Chinese Law: Chinese laws require companies to assist state agencies with surveillance, which complicates the security landscape for devices made in China.

Government Response: The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has restricted approvals for new foreign-made routers due to national security concerns associated with foreign espionage activities.

The discovery of these backdoors in widely sold Chinese-made routers emphasizes critical vulnerabilities for consumers. There is currently no patch available for the identified software, leaving affected users at risk. It underscores the need for heightened awareness when purchasing network equipment from manufacturers linked to countries with lax cybersecurity regulations. 

https://www.theepochtimes.com/china/cyber-group-finds-surveillance-backdoors-in-routers-sold-in-us-6080981

House GOP Whip Puts Senate on Notice Over SAVE America Act

 House Majority Whip Tom Emmer is pressuring the U.S. Senate over the stalled SAVE America Act, which focuses on voter identification and citizenship verification. He is questioning why the Senate has not moved forward with these legislations despite strong public support.

Emmer highlighted that the House has passed various key Republican initiatives, including the SAVE America Act, which is now stuck in the Senate.

He expressed disbelief at claims that the Senate lacks the votes to advance this popular legislation, arguing it is an "80 percent issue" among Americans.

Emmer urged senators to clarify which specific provisions of the legislation they oppose if they claim the votes are insufficient.

He emphasized that the fundamental idea is for voters to prove their citizenship and identity before voting.

As Congress faces upcoming deadlines for funding and appropriations, Emmer stressed the Senate's responsibility to act on the legislation sent from the House.

Emmer's remarks place significant pressure on Senate Republicans to demonstrate action and accountability in legislating matters relating to election integrity and public interest.

https://bigleaguepolitics.substack.com/p/house-gop-whip-puts-senate-on-notice

New York Judge Blocks State of New York’s Unconstitutional Climate Superfund Act

 The U.S. District Court for the Northern District of New York has ruled that the State of New York's Climate Change Superfund Act, which aimed to impose financial penalties on energy companies for their greenhouse gas emissions, is unconstitutional.

New York enacted the Climate Change Superfund Act in 2024 to hold energy companies liable for greenhouse gas emissions.

A coalition of states and trade organizations challenged this Act, arguing it was overridden by the federal Clean Air Act and unconstitutional.

The court sided with the plaintiffs, determining that the New York law violated federal law and was invalid.

The Justice Department supported the lawsuit, claiming the Act could have imposed $75 billion in costs on energy companies during a national energy crisis.

The ruling aligns with President Trump’s Executive Order 14260 aimed at protecting American energy from excessive state regulations.

The government is also challenging similar legislation in Vermont, asserting that both state laws are unconstitutional and should not be enforced.

This ruling signifies a major setback for state efforts to penalize energy companies for climate impacts, reinforcing the federal government's role in energy policy. The Justice Department continues to pursue legal action against similar state laws to protect energy companies and ensure affordable energy for all Americans.

https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/new-york-judge-blocks-state-new-yorks-unconstitutional-climate-superfund-act