Social Security’s looming insolvency is fueling anxieties about its privatization, with concerns escalating that influential figures like Elon Musk, through his promotion of Dogecoin, might be subtly guiding the system toward this outcome. The fear isn’t unfounded; the current trajectory suggests a potential shift towards a system where private entities manage the funds, potentially jeopardizing the security of benefits for millions of retirees and future beneficiaries.
The current system’s projected shortfall is primarily attributed to the low income cap on payroll taxes. Removing this cap would likely eliminate the funding problem altogether, ensuring the long-term solvency of Social Security without radical changes.… Continue reading
Hope Ngumezi’s wife died from complications during a miscarriage after Texas’s near-total abortion ban prevented her from receiving necessary medical care, including a D&C procedure. Doctors reportedly hesitated to perform the procedure, fearing legal repercussions under the vaguely defined law. This situation highlights concerns that the law’s ambiguity is contributing to a sharp increase in Texas’s maternal mortality rate, exceeding the national average. While state Senator Bryan Hughes claims most hospitals comply correctly and that removing a miscarriage is not abortion, the law remains unamended, leaving doctors fearing prosecution over providing life-saving care.
Read More
Ukraine’s recent destruction of four Russian helicopters in a single strike underscores a persistent vulnerability in Russia’s military capabilities. Even after months of conflict, Russia hasn’t seemingly developed effective countermeasures to protect its helicopter fleet from these kinds of attacks. This points to a significant strategic failure, highlighting a gap between the volume of equipment and the effectiveness of its deployment.
The successful Ukrainian strike showcases the continued effectiveness of Ukrainian air defense systems. The precision involved in taking down four helicopters simultaneously suggests a high level of training and proficiency in utilizing advanced weaponry. This tactical victory is a significant blow to Russia, not only for the loss of valuable assets, but also for the morale boost it provides to the Ukrainian forces.… Continue reading
Andrys, a 23-year-old Venezuelan gay makeup artist, was deported to El Salvador’s Cecot mega-prison without due process under a Trump-era policy. His lawyer, Lindsay Toczylowski, revealed his identity after government documents disclosed it, highlighting his disappearance following deportation despite lacking a court hearing or deportation order. Andrys, who sought asylum in the U.S., was flagged for gang affiliation based on tattoos his lawyer deemed innocuous. He is now held in a notoriously abusive prison, where his safety is gravely jeopardized.
Read More
Ukrainian special forces, in coordination with intelligence and artillery units, successfully destroyed four Russian helicopters—two Ka-52 attack helicopters and two Mi-8 transport helicopters—in a single HIMARS strike within Russia’s Belgorod Oblast. The attack, targeting a concealed Russian staging area, highlights the effectiveness of long-range precision strikes deep within Russian territory. The destroyed helicopters, including the advanced Ka-52, represent a significant loss in both military capability and financial value, estimated at approximately $40 million. This operation follows a series of successful Ukrainian strikes in occupied Crimea and underscores ongoing Ukrainian efforts to disrupt Russian military operations.
Read More
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith’s office denies claims she urged U.S. interference in Canada’s federal election. Smith, while lobbying against U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods, told Breitbart News she hoped for a pause on tariffs until after the election, suggesting a Conservative government under Pierre Poilievre would better manage trade relations with the U.S. Smith maintains her comments were about trade policy and her preference for a Conservative government, not an attempt at influencing the election’s outcome. Both Poilievre and Liberal leader Mark Carney have commented on the situation, framing it as a matter for Canadian voters to decide.
Read More
Renewable energy sources provided 46.9% of the EU’s net electricity generation in 2024, with significant variation across member states. Denmark led with 88.4% renewable electricity, primarily from wind, while Luxembourg had the lowest share at 5.1%. Wind and hydro dominated renewable generation, comprising over two-thirds of the total, followed by solar power. The remaining renewable electricity came from combustible fuels and geothermal sources.
Read More
Sweden, Norway, and the Netherlands are seeking a combined $15 million refund from USAID for unspent contributions to the Water and Energy for Food (WE4F) project. These funds, intended for low-income countries, remain unallocated due to USAID funding cuts under the Trump administration. The lack of response from the US government has frustrated the European allies, jeopardizing the WE4F program’s impact on millions of vulnerable farmers. These nations are now exploring alternative avenues to continue the vital WE4F initiative.
Read More
The IRS is nearing a deal with DHS to aid in locating undocumented migrants, involving ICE providing names and addresses to the IRS for verification. This agreement, a narrower version of an earlier proposal, would represent a significant change in IRS policy, requiring high-level DHS approval for each request. The IRS would confirm addresses, not proactively provide data to ICE, though this still raises privacy concerns given the strict confidentiality rules surrounding taxpayer information. This development follows a lawsuit from immigrant rights groups challenging the legality of such information sharing.
Read More
Canada’s upcoming election, pitting Liberal Prime Minister Mark Carney against Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre, is dominated by U.S. President Trump’s trade war and annexation threats. Carney frames the election as a choice between a pro-Trump Conservative government and his own, emphasizing the need to defend Canadian sovereignty. Poilievre, while pledging to stand up to Trump, faces accusations of being ideologically aligned with the U.S. president. Trump’s actions, initially predicted to favor the Conservatives, have unexpectedly boosted Liberal support due to a surge in Canadian nationalism.
Read More