President Trump’s assertion that tariffs could have prevented the Great Depression sparked widespread online ridicule. He incorrectly claimed that a lack of tariffs caused the Depression, directly contradicting the established understanding that the Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act, enacted during the Depression, worsened the economic crisis through trade wars. His new tariff announcement immediately triggered a stock market downturn, further fueling criticism. Experts, including former Labor Secretary Robert Reich, condemned the tariffs as unjustly transferring wealth from working people to the wealthy.
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Beginning July 1st, all Russian state employees in the U.K. must publicly declare their activities under a new Foreign Influence Registration Scheme (FIRS). This measure, expanding the scheme initially launched in 2023, follows the uncovering of suspected Russian and Belarusian spy networks and aims to counter threats to national security. Russia joins Iran as the second country subject to FIRS, enabling stronger action against covert activities and potential criminal prosecution for non-compliance. The scheme mandates registration of all political influence activities undertaken on behalf of a foreign state, enhancing transparency and informing parliamentary interactions.
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China’s recent restrictions on its companies investing in the United States are escalating tensions between the two global powers. This move is a significant development with far-reaching consequences, and it seems to be a direct response to existing trade conflicts and rising geopolitical anxieties. The impact on both economies will likely be complex and multifaceted.
The stated goal of previous trade tariffs was to encourage American companies to return jobs to the US. However, restricting Chinese investment in the US directly undermines this objective. It creates a paradoxical situation where the intended outcome is hampered by the very actions taken to achieve it.… Continue reading
Minot, North Dakota Mayor Tom Ross resigned after an investigation revealed he mistakenly sent a sexually explicit video to City Attorney Stefanie Stalheim. The video, intended for his romantic partner, was sent following a call discussing a police officer’s suicide. An investigative report concluded Ross’s actions created a hostile work environment for Stalheim, who was his supervisor. The city council will appoint a new mayor within 15 days, unless a special election is petitioned for.
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President Trump’s announcement of sweeping tariffs triggered a significant sell-off in US and Asian stock markets. Dow futures plummeted over 1,100 points, while major Asian indexes experienced substantial drops exceeding 2%. Tech giants like Apple and Tesla led the decline in after-hours trading, reflecting concerns about disrupted supply chains and increased costs. Analysts described the tariffs as “worse than the worst-case scenario,” anticipating negative economic consequences including inflation and slower growth.
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The United States imposed a 29 percent tariff on Norfolk Island, a small Australian territory, while the rest of Australia received a 10 percent tariff. This disparity, unexplained by the White House, left Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese perplexed, given Norfolk Island’s negligible trade with the US. The tariffs, announced by President Trump, also affect Heard and McDonald Islands (uninhabited) and Christmas Island (10 percent). Despite the tariffs, Australia’s trade minister expressed confidence in continued trade with the US, while suggesting renewed free trade agreement negotiations with the European Union may be possible.
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Republicans are increasingly anxious about a potential midterm wipeout, fueled by a perfect storm of economic woes and self-inflicted political wounds. The party’s current trajectory suggests a significant electoral setback is not only possible, but increasingly probable. This anxiety is palpable, with whispers of a need to return to “pocketbook issues” replacing the overt culture war rhetoric that has defined recent years. However, actions taken so far contradict this professed shift, indicating a deeper, more intractable problem.
The economic landscape is shaping up to be particularly brutal for Republicans. Stagflation, coupled with rising unemployment and a potential deep recession, paint a grim picture for the party that once claimed to be the champions of economic prosperity.… Continue reading
President Trump launched a scathing attack on Senators McConnell, Paul, Collins, and Murkowski for opposing his proposed tariffs on Canadian imports, accusing them of disloyalty and siding with Democrats. The senators’ opposition to the tariffs, which aim to combat the fentanyl crisis, is part of a Senate resolution that would block the levies. Trump characterized the resolution as a Democratic ploy to expose Republican weakness, while the senators cited potential economic harm to both countries. A Senate vote is anticipated, with the President vowing a veto if necessary.
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European tourists are increasingly viewing the United States as an unpredictable and even dangerous destination, leading to a significant decline in travel plans. The perception of the US as an “unknown territory,” fraught with potential risks, is driving many to seek alternative vacation spots.
This shift in travel preferences is not based on a single incident but rather a culmination of various factors contributing to a sense of unease and uncertainty. The fear of arbitrary detention and deportation, particularly for those who are not US citizens, is a major concern. Stories of individuals, including those from allied nations, being detained without just cause, or for seemingly trivial reasons, are circulating widely and fueling anxieties.… Continue reading
House Democrats are planning to force a vote on repealing the Trump-era tariffs, a move that’s generating considerable buzz and diverse reactions. This decisive action aims to directly confront the economic consequences of these tariffs, which many believe are detrimental to the American economy.
The potential ramifications of this vote are significant, and the debate is far from settled. The plan to force a vote suggests a concerted effort by House Democrats to make this a central issue, highlighting the potential negative impacts on consumers and businesses. The sheer act of forcing a vote puts pressure on Republicans to publicly state their position, potentially leading to internal party divisions and exposing vulnerabilities.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood