Leaked audio recordings from late 2022 reveal Brazilian military officials plotting to pressure Jair Bolsonaro into staging a coup to prevent Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s inauguration. These recordings, obtained by the Federal Police, detail discussions among high-ranking officers expressing a desire for a civil war to maintain Bolsonaro’s power. The conversations, some referencing a need for immediate action before Lula’s electoral victory was certified, contributed to the arrest of several individuals involved in a plot to assassinate Lula and overthrow his government. While Bolsonaro himself is not heard in the recordings, they provide crucial evidence in ongoing investigations into the alleged coup attempt.
Read More
Approximately 60 British troops, including counter-drone specialists, have been deployed to three US Air Force bases in the UK following a series of unusual drone sightings. These deployments aim to protect the bases and identify the drone operators, amid concerns of a coordinated operation. Civilian and Ministry of Defence police are investigating the incidents, which involved multiple drones observed over several nights. While the drones haven’t been deemed hostile, the US Air Force and RAF continue to monitor airspace and maintain a robust security posture.
Read More
President Biden announced a US-brokered ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon, declaring it designed to be a permanent end to hostilities. This announcement naturally sparks a range of reactions, from cautious optimism to deep skepticism. The very notion of a “permanent” ceasefire in this region, steeped in decades of conflict, seems almost paradoxical.
The inherent challenges associated with achieving lasting peace in the region are considerable. Concerns abound regarding Hezbollah’s potential to rearm and reignite the conflict. The devil, as they say, is in the details. The specifics of the agreement, the mechanisms for monitoring compliance, and the consequences of violations will be crucial in determining the ceasefire’s longevity.… Continue reading
In short, the proposed tariffs on imports from Canada, Mexico, and China—the U.S.’s three largest trading partners—threaten to significantly harm the American economy. This action would likely trigger retaliatory tariffs, leading to increased prices for consumers and impacting numerous U.S. industries, from agriculture to manufacturing. The move also violates existing trade agreements and could spark a damaging North American trade war. Economists widely condemn this plan as economically devastating.
Read More
Russia’s escalating inflation, reaching 7.4% year-to-date, is causing a ruble devaluation and impacting food prices dramatically; potato prices are up 350% since December. This has led to numerous cancelled fruit and vegetable import contracts from Turkey, Egypt, and Iran, as exporters demand price adjustments to offset currency risks. The Central Bank’s attempts to control inflation through interest rate hikes have proven largely ineffective, further jeopardizing the Russian economy. The combination of inflation and currency instability represents a critical economic challenge.
Read More
A mother in Cheshire was sentenced to seven and a half years in prison for extreme child neglect after keeping her three-year-old daughter hidden in a drawer for most of her life. The child, who suffered severe malnutrition and developmental issues, was discovered only when a visitor heard her crying. The court heard the child had never experienced daylight or fresh air and was fed through a syringe. This horrific case, described by the judge as one of the worst he’d seen in his career, has resulted in the child being placed in foster care.
Read More
Despite Donald Trump’s claim of an “unprecedented mandate,” his victory was narrow, with a popular vote margin smaller than Hillary Clinton’s 2016 margin and falling short of a majority. His Electoral College win, while significant, was also less substantial than previous victories by Obama and Bush. Furthermore, Republican control of Congress is tenuous, potentially hindering his agenda. Therefore, the assertion of a powerful mandate is unsubstantiated by the election results.
Read More
“I can’t pay my bills,” Rudy Giuliani’s courtroom outburst has sparked a firestorm of reactions, ranging from outrage to schadenfreude. The sheer audacity of the statement, delivered by a man once hailed as “America’s Mayor,” is striking. It’s a stark contrast to the image of a powerful figure, and forces a reconsideration of his past pronouncements on authority and freedom.
The irony isn’t lost on many. Giuliani’s past rhetoric often emphasized the importance of adhering to lawful authority, yet here he is, facing financial consequences for his actions, seemingly unable or unwilling to accept the repercussions. This jarring disconnect between his words and his current predicament fuels much of the public response.… Continue reading
Despite Florida law prohibiting raw milk sales for human consumption, a thriving underground market exists, with vendors selling raw dairy products labeled “not for human consumption.” Driven by online influencers and a growing anti-establishment sentiment, this trend attracts diverse consumers, many citing health benefits and a connection to traditional food practices. Florida’s strict stance contrasts with most other states and numerous countries where raw milk is legally accessible, fueling a debate over regulation and public health concerns. While proponents emphasize potential health benefits and the importance of proper sourcing and handling, scientists highlight significant health risks associated with consuming unpasteurized milk, including potential outbreaks of foodborne illnesses.
Read More
Drake’s company, Frozen Moments LLC, filed petitions in New York and Texas alleging that Universal Music Group (UMG) employed deceptive practices to artificially inflate the popularity of Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us,” a diss track targeting Drake. The petitions claim UMG used bots, paid for radio play (payola), and manipulated Spotify’s algorithms to boost the song’s streams, all while charging below-market licensing rates. These actions, Drake alleges, caused him significant financial harm and violated the RICO Act. UMG denies the allegations, stating their marketing practices are ethical and that fan preference drives music popularity.
Read More
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood