The Federal Reserve’s announcement of fewer-than-expected interest rate cuts in 2025 triggered a significant market downturn, with the S&P 500 experiencing one of its worst days of the year, falling 2.9%. This decision, driven by a robust job market and rising inflation, contrasts with earlier projections of more substantial cuts. The resulting increase in Treasury yields negatively impacted stocks, particularly those of smaller companies heavily reliant on borrowing. The shift reflects the Fed’s cautious approach amid economic uncertainties, including those potentially stemming from the incoming administration’s policies.
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Trump and Elon are causing a potential government shutdown shitshow, and Trump isn’t even president yet. This whole situation feels like a dumpster fire, fueled by a potent cocktail of political maneuvering and billionaire egos. The sheer audacity of it all is breathtaking. We’re facing a potential government shutdown, orchestrated in part by individuals who haven’t even been elected to office. It’s a blatant disregard for the democratic process and the wellbeing of the American people.
The current political climate is intensely polarized, and the actions of Trump and Musk are only exacerbating the tensions. Their influence on the Republican party is undeniable, and their opposition to the spending bill is a significant factor in the current crisis.… Continue reading
Sixty-year-old Chen Jinping pleaded guilty to conspiring to act as an agent of the Chinese government, admitting to operating an undeclared police station in New York City. This station, operating under the direction of China’s Ministry of Public Security, facilitated both mundane services and the targeting of pro-democracy activists, violating US sovereignty. Chen faces five years imprisonment, while co-defendant Lu Jianwang awaits trial. This case highlights a broader effort by US authorities to counter China’s transnational repression schemes aimed at suppressing dissent among Chinese diaspora communities.
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Former Trump administration official Keith Kellogg criticized the assassination of Russian Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov in Moscow, arguing that such actions, especially targeting high-ranking officers in their home country, may violate the laws of war and are strategically unwise. Kellogg noted the reported use of a recruited individual in the assassination, deeming the method ill-advised. While acknowledging the action as a regrettable aspect of warfare, he emphasized that it doesn’t inherently impede potential peace talks. The US previously distanced itself from the event.
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An Emerson College poll revealed that while a majority of voters (68%) found the assassination of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson unacceptable, a significant 41% of 18-29 year olds viewed it as acceptable or somewhat acceptable. Across all age groups, 17% found the act acceptable. The alleged killer, Luigi Mangione, faces life imprisonment for the act of terrorism, which sparked national debate about healthcare access and the insurance industry. Mangione’s actions have garnered both condemnation and surprisingly widespread online support.
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Ontario Premier Doug Ford advocates for Canada and the U.S. to collaborate against China’s economic influence, particularly its use of Mexico as a backdoor for circumventing trade rules. He prefers this collaborative approach to a damaging trade war, despite acknowledging energy export restrictions as a potential retaliatory measure against U.S. tariffs. Ford urges Mexico to choose sides, aligning with the U.S. and Canada rather than China, emphasizing the detrimental impact of cheap Chinese goods entering North America via Mexico. He highlights the potential for significantly increased gas prices should tariffs be imposed on Canadian energy exports.
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Twenty-year-old Tiki, a blind cat, was rescued from Nabnasset Lake in Westford after being spotted floating on a piece of ice. Two contractors, Nate and Kris, bravely used a rowboat and shovel to reach Tiki, pulling him from the frigid water just before hypothermia set in. Upon arrival, animal control found Tiki shivering and lethargic, requiring immediate veterinary care due to dangerously low body temperature. While the cat’s escape from home and potential pursuit by a predator remain under investigation, Tiki is now recovering comfortably at home.
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Nathan Joseph Mahoney faces attempted murder charges following a stabbing incident at Anderson Express in Fruitport Township. The attack occurred during a company meeting where Mahoney allegedly stabbed his boss. Multiple employees witnessed the assault. Court records detail the events leading to the charges against Mahoney.
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Following a recent decisive victory, Syrian rebel leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, head of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), appealed for the lifting of sanctions against Syria, arguing the country poses no threat. He denied HTS’s designation as a terrorist organization, claiming they do not target civilians and have striven for a society including women’s education. Al-Sharaa emphasized that a future Syrian constitution, drafted by legal experts, will dictate governance, not HTS alone. The coming months will reveal whether Syria’s new leadership fulfills its promises of a reformed nation.
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Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s loss in her bid to lead the House Oversight Committee highlights the Democratic Party’s resistance to generational change. Despite Ocasio-Cortez’s progressive platform and the party’s recent electoral setbacks, 74-year-old Gerry Connolly secured the position, partly due to support from party elders and a perceived entitlement based on seniority. This decision, mirroring past instances where loyalty and longevity prioritized over potential, underscores a gerontocratic tendency within the party that may hinder its future success. The consequences of prioritizing established figures over emerging leaders, as seen in past instances with key appointments, risk further alienating younger voters and undermining the party’s ability to adapt.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood