Following a pause due to the pandemic and the invasion of Ukraine, Russia plans to resume major public sector layoffs in 2024. This initiative, aiming to cut 10% of staff in territorial branches of federal agencies by 2025, seeks to free up funds to increase salaries for remaining employees. The goal is to reduce the workforce in these branches by approximately 40,000 people, or 0.5% of the country’s overall workforce. While some agencies may achieve this through unfilled positions, the move could result in higher salaries for those remaining, reaching up to 80,000 rubles per month. Notably, employees in Russia-installed administrations in occupied Ukrainian territories will be exempt from these layoffs.
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Superintendent Walters has issued a memo outlining his plan to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education. This move has sparked widespread criticism, with many arguing that it will lead to a decline in the quality of education across the country.
Walters’ memo cites several reasons for dismantling the Department of Education, including the need to “champion parents’ rights,” “end social indoctrination,” and “protect patriotism.” He claims that the department has been overstepping its bounds and has been “ruining education” for decades.
However, critics argue that Walters’ proposals are thinly veiled attempts to restrict access to quality education and to promote a narrow, conservative ideology.… Continue reading
Ksenia Karelina, a US-Russian citizen, has been sentenced to 12 years in a penal colony for “high treason” after donating $51.80 to a pro-Ukraine charity. Her appeal against the sentence, issued in August and condemned by the US as “vindictive cruelty,” was rejected by a Russian court on Monday. The 32-year-old ballet dancer and spa worker was arrested in January 2024 during a visit to her family in Russia. Karelina is one of several US citizens and dual citizens imprisoned in Russia, prompting accusations from Washington that Moscow is holding them for potential exchange with Russians convicted abroad.
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Following Kamala Harris’s election defeat, progressive Democrats are aiming to reshape the Democratic Party leadership. Led by figures like Pramila Jayapal and Bernie Sanders, they are advocating for a more left-wing agenda and are pushing for the installation of Ben Wikler, a successful Wisconsin Democratic chairman, as the next DNC chair. Wikler’s potential leadership is seen as a means to shift the party away from its current centrist course and re-energize the party ahead of the 2026 midterms. This push comes amidst internal party disputes and a recognition that the Democrats need to reevaluate their strategy to appeal to a broader electorate, particularly working-class voters.
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A major storm is brewing in the central United States, bringing with it the threat of flash flooding and heavy snowfall. The unexpected weather pattern has sparked conversations about climate change and its potential impact on the region.
While some parts of the country are experiencing near-summer temperatures, others are facing record-breaking dryness. In Ohio, for example, the dry spell has lasted for months, leading to wildfires and unusual warmth. In contrast, the Midwest is experiencing a sudden shift in weather, with significant rainfall and even snowfall in some areas.
The unusual warmth in Ohio, coupled with the heavy rainfall in the Midwest, has fueled concerns about climate change.… Continue reading
Reports emerged that President Trump spoke with President Putin on Thursday, requesting he de-escalate in Ukraine and reminding him of U.S. troop presence in the region. While Ukrainian officials were allegedly aware of the call, Zelenskyy’s office was not informed and expressed doubt about its occurrence. The Kremlin has vehemently denied the call ever took place, labeling the reports “completely false.” Ukraine has repeatedly stated its opposition to any negotiations without their involvement and has proactively engaged with the U.S. on strategic matters, offering resources and troops to secure Europe post-conflict.
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Last Week Tonight host John Oliver criticized President-elect Donald Trump’s potential cabinet picks, calling them “a deep bench of idiots, freaks and wannabe tough guys.” Oliver mocked specific individuals like Robert F. Kennedy Jr., an anti-vaccine conspiracy theorist, and Elon Musk, whose proposed government efficiency plan included “temporary hardship” for the public. Oliver also expressed concern over the potential appointment of Kash Patel, a staunch Trump supporter who has threatened to target the media, to the position of CIA Director. He concluded by warning that the new administration could quickly lead to a negative situation, with unqualified and potentially dangerous individuals in key positions.
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Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has launched a comprehensive housing initiative aimed at tackling the country’s housing deficit. The program, built on a partnership between the federal government and housing institutions, will construct a million homes, including 500,000 built specifically for those ineligible for traditional public housing. A key feature is a zero-interest mortgage scheme, offering low-income families a path to homeownership with favorable terms, reflecting a commitment to equitable development and contrasting with previous right-wing administrations that focused on profit-driven projects. The initiative also prioritizes building accessible, functional housing near workplaces and public services, representing a significant departure from past projects that often placed homes in remote areas.
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Following last week’s election, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez engaged in a social media Q&A with supporters, seeking to understand the reasoning behind voters who supported both her and Donald Trump. Responses highlighted themes of both candidates being perceived as “outsiders” and prioritizing working-class interests. While some found the responses perplexing, Ocasio-Cortez emphasized the importance of direct communication and community engagement, noting that online spaces often present a distorted view of public opinion. She acknowledged the challenges ahead, but urged continued activism and a refusal to give up in the face of difficult times.
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The Trump administration has announced that it will conduct workplace immigration raids, a move that has been met with widespread criticism. The administration claims that these raids are necessary to enforce immigration laws and crack down on undocumented workers. However, critics argue that these raids will have a devastating impact on the economy, businesses, and the lives of undocumented immigrants.
The administration has stated that it will target workplaces that are not under its protection, suggesting that businesses with ties to the private prison industry may be spared. This raises concerns about the potential for corruption and abuse, as the private prison industry stands to profit from an increase in the number of undocumented immigrants detained.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood