Day: April 15, 2026
LABOR SEC CHAVEZ-DeREMER: Trump tax cuts deliver bigger refunds and a big boost for working families
The Labor Secretary says President Trump’s Working Families Tax Cuts are driving historic savings with average refunds topping $3,400 this tax season.
LABOR SEC CHAVEZ-DeREMER: Trump tax cuts deliver bigger refunds and a big boost for working families
The Labor Secretary says President Trump’s Working Families Tax Cuts are driving historic savings with average refunds topping $3,400 this tax season.
Sara Gonzales exposes CAIR’s latest ploy to turn Texas students into ‘little soldiers’ for Islam
BlazeTV host and investigative journalist Sara Gonzales has been extensively reporting on what she describes as the “Islamification of Texas” — the deliberate spread of Islamic influence in the state through mosques, schools distributing Qurans, hijabs, and other Sharia materials, taxpayer-funded Islamic institutions, “Sharia compounds,” halal practices, and cultural accommodations at the expense of traditional Texas and American values.
On this episode of “Come and Take It,” Sara exposes the Council on American-Islamic Relations — which Texas has designated as a foreign terrorist organization — for pushing whitewashed lessons about Islam to be included in Texas curriculum.
“Islamists have come to conquer. They can’t conquer without brainwashing the youth. … When you do that, you can indoctrinate little soldiers one generation at a time,” says Sara.
One way they accomplish this, she explains, is by changing the curriculum so that Islam is presented as “beautiful and flowery and tolerant and diverse,” while “the beatings, the honor killings, the terror, the Islamic slave trade … the third-world mentality” are intentionally omitted.
Last week, the Texas State Board of Education held its key April 2026 meeting for first reading/approval of the new social studies and reading curriculum changes set to take place in 2030.
CAIR representatives made an unexpected appearance and testified, urging the board to reject what they called “biased” revisions to the social studies TEKS that they argued unfairly link Islam to terrorism and downplay Muslim contributions to history.
According to Texas-based news outlet Texas Scorecard, “One of [CAIR’s] arguments was that the standards ‘lack a definition of terrorism and falsely associate it with one religion by using the controversial phrase ‘radical Islam.'”
Sara agrees that “radical Islam” is a controversial phrase but not for the same reason CAIR thinks it is. “It is a little redundant to say radical Islam because the entirety of Islam is inherently radical,” she says.
During the meeting, CAIR-Austin Operations Manager Shaimaa Zayan argued, “When terrorism is not clearly defined and used only in association with Muslims, we ignite hate and prejudice against the Texas Muslim community. Definitions and labels matter, and our students deserve standards that help them objectively and critically evaluate both historical and current events.”
But Sara says it doesn’t ignite hate and prejudice but rather rightful “fear and trepidation” based on Islam’s long history of terrorism.
“Your entire ideology essentially calls for terrorism, and you guys have your [feelings] hurt because we give you credit for that?” she counters. “It’s in your books. It’s in your teachings. If you don’t like it, I don’t know … go consult Allah or whatever.”
To hear more, watch the video above.
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Catastrophic new iPhone threat leaked to hackers — are you safe?
Apple can’t catch a break. With another week comes another major exploit capable of infecting millions of iPhones worldwide.
The latest threat, dubbed DarkSword, leverages “multiple zero-day vulnerabilities to fully compromise devices,” according to the Google Threat Intelligence Group. Here’s how to know if your iPhone is at risk.
Cyber threats are becoming quite common within Apple’s walled garden — a major shift from iOS’ “unhackable” reputation of yesteryear.
Approximately 244 million iPhones are vulnerable right now to targeted hacking campaigns through DarkSword.
The thing that makes this latest exploit so dangerous is that the code behind the vulnerability was leaked on GitHub, one of the largest developer social media websites on the planet.
On one hand, having the code available to the public will make it easier for Apple to pinpoint the flaws in its software, leading to a faster solution. On the other hand, DarkSword is now broadly accessible to hackers and cybercriminals both foreign and domestic, giving bad actors the tools they need to hack into any iPhone that fits the criteria.
Through GitHub, hackers essentially have a shortcut to attack iPhone users at scale.
How does DarkSword work?
DarkSword functions similarly to the Coruna exploit we covered last month in that it strings multiple zero-day vulnerabilities together into one exploit chain that can be used to breach the security of a targeted device. Based on findings from the Google Threat Intelligence Group, DarkSword has already been used on phones in Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Malaysia, and Ukraine as early as November 2025.
Now that the code is available on GitHub, however, the exploit chain could be picked up and executed on devices anywhere in the world, including the United States.
RELATED: New hack poses biggest iPhone threat in 19 years: What you can do
Xaume Olleros/Bloomberg/Getty Images
Is your iPhone at risk?
The good news is that DarkSword can only breach a very specific subset of iOS-powered devices, namely iPhones on iOS 18.4 through 18.7. You are safe from this particular threat if you have already installed iOS 26 on your phone or if you run a version prior to iOS 18.
The bad news is that 16.09% of active iPhones in the market still run on iOS 18. That means approximately 244 million iPhones are vulnerable right now to targeted hacking campaigns through DarkSword.
Many millions still run their iPhones on vulnerable operating systems.Chart via iOS 18 Marketshare 2026/TelemetryDECK
How to protect your devices from DarkSword
There are two ways to protect your phone from the DarkSword exploit:
- Update your phone to iOS 26 immediately. This will mitigate any threats from DarkSword.
- If your phone is still on iOS 18, Apple released an update on April 1 that effectively fixed the vulnerability. Download and install iOS 18.7.7 as soon as possible.
Although DarkSword poses the biggest threat to iPhone users, iPads on iPadOS 18 are also at risk. Follow these same steps to patch the software on your iPad, as well.
Due to the widespread nature of this threat, it’s a good idea to share this information with your family and friends. Let the people in your life know that their iPhone (or iPad) may be vulnerable to attacks unless they update accordingly.
Add an extra layer of protection to your iPhone
DarkSword is part of a growing string of threats plaguing iPhone lately, including Coruna and CVE-2026-20700. As someone who has followed Apple closely since the dawn of iPhone, the state of iOS security is uncharacteristically fragile these days, with new vulnerabilities popping up practically every month. We’ll continue to watch this space for new developments leading into the summer season when Apple shows off the next generation of iOS. In the meantime, you can keep your devices safe by updating to the latest version of iOS the moment it’s available.
Screenshots by Zach Laidlaw/iOS 26.4.1 on iPhone 17 Pro Max
In addition to major operating system releases, Apple has started to issue smaller “Background Security Improvements” for its major mobile platforms. These updates are meant to provide faster solutions to potential threats between larger software versions. To ensure that your device receives Background Security Improvements, open the “Settings” app, tap “Privacy & Security,” select “Background Security Improvements” at the bottom, and check the toggle beside “Automatically Install.”
But note: Background Security Improvements are only available for devices on iOS 26.1 or higher. If you’re still on iOS 18 or lower, you cannot take advantage of this extra security feature.
Who’s to blame for the un-American ban on tailgating at the World Cup?
Parking lots may be a no-go zone for fans in World Cup host cities in the U.S. this summer.
The FIFA 2026 World Cup will see 11 U.S. cities host games, utilizing the plethora of professional-tier stadiums across the country. Several of these stadiums, however, will have a ban on the American tradition of tailgating.
‘Site-specific restrictions may be imposed.’
Of the 11 cities, four are reportedly banning the pregame festivities that often enhance the fan experience ahead of events. Boston’s host city committee has announced a ban at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, and a ban at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium was confirmed by local outlets.
Philadelphia’s Lincoln Financial Field and Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri, will enforce bans, too, according to Bleacher Report and the Big Lead.
In response to the bans, a FIFA spokesman told Blaze News that the soccer organization has no formal prohibition on tailgating.
“FIFA does not have a formal policy that restricts tailgating (eating and drinking around parked cars in stadium areas),” the spokesman said.
“However, site-specific restrictions may be imposed in alignment with host city public safety authorities in certain venues based on local regulations,” he added. “Additional fan information for all FIFA World Cup 2026 matches will be communicated in advance of the tournament.”
Jim McIsaac/Getty Images
With seven other U.S. venues up in the air, FIFA did not respond to requests for an exhaustive list of which stadiums are enforcing a tailgate ban.
At the same time, the White House provided the following response when asked about the bans on the American tradition:
“The FIFA 2026 World Cup will no doubt be one of the greatest and most spectacular events in the history of mankind, attracting millions of fans from around the world to 11 host cities across America,” White House spokesman Davis Ingle told Blaze News.
“This will be a monumental event that requires close coordination between the Trump administration, FIFA, and all of our great federal, state, and local partners. President Trump is focused on ensuring that this is not only an incredible experience for all fans and visitors, but also the safest and most secure in history.”
Parking restrictions
Not only has tailgating been banned at Gillette Stadium, dubbed “Boston Stadium” for the purpose of the tournament, but parking will be severely limited. Radio station WRKO reported that stadium parking will be reduced to just 25% capacity at 5,000, while WBZ radio noted that round-trip train tickets to Foxborough will be $80, four times the typical $20 for NFL games.
The story is the same for MetLife Stadium, where the New Jersey hosting committee says parking will be prohibited. According to NJ.com, nearby parking is already sold out at $225 per space.
Understanding the parking restrictions appears to be a case of reading between the lines.
When asked about tailgating and parking enforcement around BC Place in Vancouver, Canada — one of two Canadian World Cup venues — a committee spokesman revealed that typical stadium parking will be taken up by FIFA.
“Many parking lots immediately adjacent to BC Place Vancouver will be occupied by FIFA for stadium-specific activities for the duration of the tournament,” communications manager David Harrison told Blaze News.
Similarly, a New Jersey host committee spokeswoman told NJ.com that parking would be limited at MetLife because the lots will be in use for other functions, like enhanced security and portions “dedicated to fan engagement.”
RELATED: Unpaid bill has Foxboro refusing to grant license for World Cup games at Gillette Stadium
Barry Chin/The Boston Globe/Getty Images
Tailgating policy remains up in the air for the following U.S. venues: Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta; AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas; NRG Stadium in Houston; SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles; Hard Rock Stadium in Miami; Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California; and Lumen Field in Seattle.
Vancouver police told Blaze News that tailgating is not typical for their stadium, as it exists in their downtown area, but there is no designated place for fans to do so either.
Estadio Azteca, a host venue in Mexico City, did not respond to requests for comment.
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Mayor stands firm despite backlash after he mocked androgynous lesbian ‘creature’
A Long Island mayor is standing firm despite calls for his resignation after he ridiculed a local activist online.
The Sag Harbor Board of Trustees voted unanimously on Tuesday to formally request that Tom Gardella resign as mayor of his Long Island village. Gardella said he would participate in social media and anti-harassment training but that he wouldn’t think of resigning.
‘Church man. He’s a Christian.’
“I will not resign from the office of mayor,” said Gardella, reported the Sag Harbor Express. “That is not going to happen. You have me confused with somebody else. I’m not the guy that runs from a crisis. I’m the guy that runs into it.”
While the board members provided other justifications for Gardella’s ouster, their ire centers on a comment the mayor left on an Instagram post last month.
Animal rights activist Rebecca Chavez shared a video on March 6 in which she grooves to a song with a dog in her lap while her masculine lesbian lover dances in the background.
Gardella — a Sag Harbor resident for over 30 years who runs a plumbing company, served as chief of the local fire department, and served in military intelligence during the Cold War — reportedly commented, “What’s that thing in the background? A guy? A girl? Some creature?”
ENGIN GUNEYSU/AFP/Getty Images
Chavez wasted no time tracking down Gardella and making a stink, noting in a video, “Church man. He’s a Christian. And a mayor?!”
Chavez’s characterization of Gardella as a “church man” may be the result of her superficial reading of an event posting advertising a talk the mayor gave at “The Church,” a creative center on Long Island.
The Texas-based lesbian, committed to giving a “Master Class in pettiness and accountability,” stated, “I would expect an elected official and Christian man like yourself to behave better.”
Chavez then directed her followers to “send him a few emails to remind him that his behavior is unbecoming of a public servant.”
Deputy Mayor Edward Haye noted during a village board meeting last month, “We were made aware on March 9, yesterday, of a social media comment attributed to Mayor Gardella that disparaged members of the LGBT community.”
“Sag Harbor has long prided itself being a welcoming and a tolerant village, and those values deeply matter to us both as members of the village board and as residents,” continued Haye. “While the comment appears to have been made on a personal social media account, it has understandably caused concern and hurt within our community.”
Gardella apologized, but that evidently wasn’t enough for the activist.
“They always make an apology after the fact. So for me, his apology is not genuine,” Chavez told News 12 Westchester, revealing an apparent confusion about how apologies work.
The mayor’s thin-skinned peers had the village launch an investigation into his comment.
The investigation culminated in a report that accused the mayor of violating the village government’s social media policy and anti-harassment policy and claimed that his 12-word comment was “disruptive to operations, negatively impacted members of the community, and created the false impression that village leadership does not support or tolerate diversity,” reported the Express.
On the basis of the report, the board voted to censure the mayor.
“I’m not going to resign as mayor of this village,” Gardella, who was first elected in 2023, reiterated on Tuesday. “I would also say that I never sought to be mayor of this village. The residents of this village came to me and asked me to lead them. And I hope I can lead us out of this mess and at some point be able to work together with the board.”
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Female slashes face of 3-year-old boy she kidnapped at Walmart — and officers open fire: Police
A female slashed the face of a 3-year-old boy she kidnapped at a Walmart in Omaha, Nebraska, on Tuesday morning — and officers opened fire on her, police said.
Officers responded to the Walmart in the 1600 block of South 72nd Street after receiving 911 calls — one caller indicated a woman was armed with a “large kitchen knife” and was with a young child, police said.
‘The responding officers acted with professionalism and direct action to intervene and save a child’s life.’
A two-officer patrol unit arrived at the location where officers approached the armed woman — later identified as 31-year-old Noemi Guzman — who was standing by a shopping cart with a 3-year-old boy in the cart, police said.
Guzman was making multiple threats with the knife, police said, and officers gave multiple verbal commands for Guzman to drop the knife.
Police said she refused to drop the weapon and cut the boy.
With that, the patrol officers fired their service weapons striking Guzman.
The child’s guardian, along with a bystander, immediately removed the child from the cart and rendered aid to him, police said.
Officers began lifesaving measures on Guzman, but police said she was pronounced dead at the scene.
Omaha Fire Department medics took the boy to Children’s Hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries, police said.
The child’s parents identified the boy as Cyler Hillman, KETV-TV reported. Deputy Police Chief Scott Gray added to the station that Cyler suffered a cut on the left side of his face and on his hand.
Investigators later determined through store surveillance video that Guzman had shoplifted the knife from inside the store, police said. She then approached the child and guardian in a shopping aisle, brandished the knife, and forced the guardian to walk ahead of the cart while the child remained inside, police said.
Gray told KETV that Guzman kidnapped the child.
Guzman then directed them through the store and into the parking lot, and soon officers intervened, police said.
“The responding officers acted with professionalism and direct action to intervene and save a child’s life,” Omaha Police Chief Todd Schmaderer said.
Police told KETV that Guzman and the child’s caretaker did not know each other.
The investigation remains ongoing, police said.
Various aspects of this incident were captured on officers’ body-worn cameras and other available surveillance, police said.
The involved officers have been placed on paid critical incident leave, per department policy, police said, adding that they will be interviewed at a later date.
Police said they’re asking witnesses who may have observed or recorded Guzman’s actions during the incident to contact the department at 402-444-4877 and reference report number AA31063.
Police said Guzman in 2024 was accused of dousing her father with a flammable liquid and stabbing him — and then breaking into St. Francis Cabrini Church in Omaha and destroying property in the rectory.
According to a separate KETV story, Guzman was later found not responsible by reason of insanity.
The above KETV news video indicates that a judge ordered Guzman to undergo evaluation but in an outpatient capacity. A month later, a court ruling indicated Guzman was suffering from mental illness, including schizophrenia, the station said.
The court ruling stated that Guzman “remains a danger to herself or others, and should remain under the jurisdiction of the court” and that she can “continue to reside in the community with family support unless otherwise recommended by her community treatment team,” KETV said in the video. A one-year review was scheduled to take place less than a month prior to Tuesday’s incident, the station said.
Douglas County Sheriff Aaron Hanson told KETV in 2024 that the state lacks the infrastructure to help patients like Guzman.
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