Ukrainian long-range strikes on Russian ammunition depots have significantly reduced their daily artillery shell expenditure from approximately 40,000 to 27,000-28,000 rounds. This success, exceeding 1700 kilometers in range, is attributed to increased Ukrainian deep strike capabilities utilizing unmanned systems. While the reduction is substantial, a slight increase in Russian shelling suggests potential resupply from allies or increased domestic production. These developments occur against a backdrop of ongoing Russian offensives in eastern Ukraine and previous ammunition supply shortfalls for Ukrainian forces.
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The USDA plans to close its D.C. headquarters, resulting in thousands of layoffs and the relocation of remaining staff to three yet-to-be-determined national hubs. This restructuring also targets numerous field office leases. The stated rationale is to better serve farmers and ranchers, although critics argue that centralization near other agencies would be more effective. Concerns are rising among farmers, particularly given the current planting season and previous, albeit temporarily reversed, job cuts.
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Ocasio-Cortez’s recent comments highlight a critical issue within the current political climate: the lack of transparency surrounding stock trading by elected officials. She believes her colleagues should proactively disclose their recent stock purchases. This isn’t merely about optics; it’s about addressing the inherent conflict of interest when individuals with access to non-public information can profit from it. The public’s trust in the integrity of government processes is severely undermined when such activities occur.
The suggestion isn’t simply to disclose purchases after a legally mandated timeframe. Instead, immediate disclosure is advocated for, reflecting a need for a more robust system of accountability.… Continue reading
Following a significant market surge Wednesday, spurred by President Trump’s partial tariff suspension, U.S. stocks experienced substantial losses Thursday. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 4.3%, while the S&P 500 and Nasdaq each dropped over 5%, reflecting lingering uncertainty surrounding the future of trade policies. This uncertainty, coupled with the persistence of some tariffs, including a 145% levy on Chinese goods, continues to weigh heavily on investor sentiment and fuels concerns about inflation and economic growth. Global markets, which initially mirrored Wednesday’s U.S. gains, also saw varied reactions, with some Asian nations welcoming the temporary reprieve while others, notably China, remained prepared for continued trade disputes.
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Britain’s unwavering support for Nuremberg-style trials targeting Russian leadership for their role in the Ukraine invasion stands in stark contrast to Donald Trump’s opposition. This decision, to pursue accountability for the “crimes of aggression” committed during the invasion, highlights a significant rift in the international response to the conflict. The proposed military tribunal, mirroring the post-World War II trials of Nazi officials, aims to prosecute key Russian figures for initiating the war, not just for subsequent war crimes committed on Ukrainian soil.
This focus on the crime of aggression is crucial because the International Criminal Court (ICC), while capable of prosecuting other war crimes, lacks the jurisdiction to address this specific charge.… Continue reading
Bestselling author Jillian Lauren Shriner, wife of Weezer bassist Scott Shriner, was shot by Los Angeles police officers responding to a hit-and-run incident. Police claim Shriner, found armed with a handgun in her backyard, refused repeated commands to drop the weapon before being shot. The shooting, currently under investigation, is unclear from bodycam footage, with authorities unsure if Shriner fired upon officers. Shriner, who was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries, has been charged with attempted murder.
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The U.S. has slapped a 145% tariff on select Chinese goods, marking a dramatic escalation in the ongoing trade war. This unprecedented move follows previous tariff increases, leaving importers in a state of utter confusion. The rapid and unpredictable changes make it nearly impossible for businesses to accurately plan for costs and manage inventory. One might as well just arbitrarily set the tariff at 500%, given the current volatility.
This latest action has sent U.S. markets into a tailspin, erasing recent gains and pushing indices below their levels from just a week prior. The previously celebrated market surge is now relegated to a mere historical footnote.… Continue reading
Despite a temporary reprieve from some tariffs, the US stock market experienced significant losses following a brief surge, with the Dow falling over 1300 points. Economists warn that the economic damage from President Trump’s tariffs is substantial and the risk of a US and global recession remains high, despite the 90-day pause on certain levies. While the EU also paused retaliatory tariffs, the ongoing trade war with China, including increased tariffs on both sides, continues to escalate and fuels economic uncertainty. This uncertainty, coupled with existing tariffs, is impacting various markets, including bonds, oil, and the US dollar.
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President Trump temporarily paused most of his newly implemented global tariffs, leaving a 10 percent baseline tariff in place. However, tariffs on Canadian goods remained unchanged, despite pleas from over 75 countries for negotiation. Trump cited market reactions as the reason for the partial reversal, while simultaneously increasing tariffs on Chinese goods to 125 percent. This action followed days of market turmoil caused by the president’s initial tariff increases, and Canada responded with retaliatory tariffs on U.S. vehicles.
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Ukraine received its third €1 billion payment from the EU’s Extraordinary Revenue Acceleration (ERA) initiative, funded by interest from frozen Russian assets. This tranche will cover essential government spending. The EU also requested a second tranche of windfall profits (€2.1 billion) from the same assets, allocating funds to Ukrainian and EU defense procurement and recovery efforts. The ERA initiative aims to utilize profits from frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine without incurring debt, holding Russia accountable for its invasion.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood