Russia’s economy is sharply declining, evidenced by plummeting industrial production and widespread layoffs across various sectors. Record-high interest rates (21%) and the ongoing war in Ukraine are exacerbating the situation, pushing the nation towards a severe economic slowdown. Major corporations, including VK and Gazprom, are implementing significant job cuts, particularly impacting IT and white-collar workers in both large and medium-sized companies. The human cost of the war, with substantial military casualties and a resulting labor shortage, further intensifies this economic crisis, potentially leading to a broader economic collapse.
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The Trump administration’s drastic cuts to USAID funding have severely jeopardized global tuberculosis control efforts, potentially leading to a massive surge in cases and deaths. The cuts, impacting approximately $250 million in annual funding, have disrupted drug supply chains, laboratory services, and surveillance systems in numerous countries, particularly impacting 18 high-burden nations. This has resulted in understaffing of crucial community health workers and halted research trials, with projections indicating thousands of preventable deaths and infections. The consequences extend beyond affected nations; the decreased global control efforts could lead to increased tuberculosis cases within the United States, mirroring past trends.
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Despite a federal judge’s order halting their deportation, over 200 Venezuelans, allegedly members of the Tren de Aragua gang, were flown from the US to El Salvador’s maximum-security Cecot prison. The US government, citing the Alien Enemies Act of 1798, maintained the deportations were lawful as they occurred before the order was issued. This action has drawn criticism from rights groups who allege a violation of due process and racist targeting, while Venezuela condemned the invocation of the historic law. The Department of Justice has appealed the judge’s ruling.
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Dmitry Medvedev, deputy chairman of Russia’s Security Council, issued a stark warning against NATO involvement in Ukraine. He denounced proposals by French and British leaders for NATO peacekeeping forces, asserting that such deployment would constitute a declaration of war against Russia. Medvedev’s threat follows a pattern of escalating rhetoric since the start of the Ukraine conflict, including previous pronouncements regarding nuclear weapons. He specifically targeted UK Prime Minister Starmer’s suggestion of a coalition to secure a ceasefire, framing the proposal as support for “neo-Nazis” in Kyiv. This latest threat underscores the heightened tensions surrounding the conflict.
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Elon Musk’s immense influence across various sectors, particularly technology and space exploration, raises serious concerns about his potential to pose a national security threat. His control over SpaceX, Starlink, and Tesla, coupled with his outspoken political views and unpredictable behavior, creates a complex and potentially dangerous situation.
The sheer scale of Musk’s technological reach is alarming. Starlink, his satellite internet constellation, provides global connectivity, potentially giving him access to sensitive information and infrastructure across numerous countries. This access, if misused or compromised, could severely compromise national security interests, not only for the U.S. but also for other nations reliant on Starlink.… Continue reading
Newly inaugurated Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney embarked on a European trip, meeting with French President Macron and British Prime Minister Starmer to strengthen trade, defense, and security ties, underpinned by the Canada-EU trade agreement and a review of Canada’s F-35 fighter jet purchase. His itinerary also includes an audience with King Charles III. Following his European engagements, Carney will travel to Nunavut to address Arctic security and economic development. This international outreach comes amid strained Canada-U.S. relations due to U.S. tariffs, though discussions with President Trump are anticipated.
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President Trump’s executive order dismantling US government-funded media outlets like Voice of America and Radio Free Asia was met with glee by Chinese nationalists and state media. These organizations, frequently criticized by China for their coverage of human rights and other issues, were deemed “lie factories” by Chinese state media. The move, celebrated on Chinese social media, effectively silences institutions Beijing long sought to undermine, coinciding with China’s own expansion of its global media presence. This action has been defended by the White House as eliminating taxpayer funding of “radical propaganda,” while critics see it as a gift to authoritarian regimes.
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The upcoming four years represent a pivotal moment for America, demanding unwavering commitment to unbiased news coverage. HuffPost, facing this critical juncture, is launching an ad-free experience for contributing supporters. This initiative aims to sustain its mission of providing free, fair journalism. Continued support is crucial to ensuring HuffPost can fulfill its vital role in informing the public.
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The photograph depicts Aluminerie de Bécancour Inc. (ABI), an aluminum supplier, located in Bécancour, Quebec. The image, taken on March 5, 2025, by Christinne Muschi for The Canadian Press, showcases the company’s facilities. No further details about the context or purpose of the photograph are provided.
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Putin’s actions are undeniably prolonging the war in Ukraine, a point underscored by President Zelenskyy’s recent comments. This drawn-out conflict raises serious questions about Putin’s motivations and strategies. The sheer duration of the fighting suggests a calculated approach, far beyond a simple, swift invasion.
The suggestion that this is a deliberate strategy to wear down Ukraine and its allies seems increasingly plausible. Putin’s tactics appear focused on attrition, allowing him time to regroup, resupply, and ultimately, dictate terms that would be far more advantageous than if a swift resolution had been achieved. This isn’t just about military gains; it’s about leveraging the war’s economic and political consequences against the West.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood