Ray Dalio, founder of Bridgewater Associates, warns that Donald Trump’s actions are pushing the U.S. toward a 1930s-style autocracy. Dalio’s concerns stem from government intervention in business, like Trump’s acquisition of a stake in Intel, echoing historical strong autocratic leadership. He highlights growing societal divisions, a decline in trust, and the weakening of democratic processes as factors contributing to this shift. Dalio suggests that many in Wall Street are hesitant to speak out against Trump due to fear of retaliation, and he also criticizes the administration’s efforts to undermine the Federal Reserve’s independence.
Read More
In 2019, during a classified mission approved by President Trump, US Navy SEALs attempted to plant a listening device in North Korea amidst nuclear negotiations. The operation, conducted by SEAL Team 6, went awry when the team encountered a North Korean fishing boat and opened fire, resulting in the deaths of all on board. Following the incident, the SEALs disposed of the bodies, and the mission was aborted. Despite internal reviews, the operation remained undisclosed and was deemed justifiable, with no notification given to key members of Congress.
Read More
Governors from several states are expressing deep concerns about President Trump’s potential use of military assets to disrupt upcoming elections. They believe Trump may attempt to influence or even take control of elections by deploying the National Guard and federal agents to key cities. These governors warn that such actions could be a tactic to suppress voter turnout and undermine democratic processes, possibly by falsely claiming issues with elections. They further highlight his public criticism of mail-in voting and his past efforts to subvert election results, emphasizing the urgency to address these actions, which are reminiscent of historical authoritarian strategies.
Read More
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney stated that Russian President Vladimir Putin will not dictate peace terms in Ukraine, citing him as the cause of the war and the ongoing killing. Putin has threatened that foreign troops on Ukrainian soil would be targeted, but allies are discussing security guarantees for Kyiv. Carney added that allies will maintain sanctions on Russia and support Ukraine until hostilities cease. Meetings, including one in Paris with 39 countries, focused on potential security guarantees and support for Ukraine.
Read More
According to the Ukrainian ambassador to India, Ukraine understands India’s need to defend its national interests regarding Russian oil purchases and is not pressuring New Delhi. He stated any issues arising from this can be discussed bilaterally, highlighting the regular communication between leaders. Despite tensions, discussions on the matter are seen as akin to family matters, solvable through negotiation. Additionally, the ambassador confirmed ongoing efforts to schedule a visit by President Zelenskyy to India and noted the lack of clarity on potential peace negotiations between Zelenskyy and Putin.
Read More
The Trump administration is considering military strikes against drug cartels in Venezuela, including potential targets within the country, as part of a broader strategy to weaken Nicolas Maduro. This comes after a deadly strike on a Venezuelan drug boat, which the administration has framed as the beginning of a larger effort to dismantle drug trafficking and potentially remove Maduro from power. The US has increased its military presence in the Caribbean, deploying warships, aircraft, and personnel near Venezuela, while also labeling Maduro a “narco-terrorist” and increasing the bounty for his arrest. Questions remain about the legal basis for these actions and the ultimate goals of the administration’s approach to Venezuela.
Read More
MSNBC’s Lawrence O’Donnell heavily criticized Robert F. Kennedy Jr., calling him unqualified and a “crime against humanity.” O’Donnell, a former classmate, accused Kennedy of being a heroin addict throughout his college years and lacking any serious academic pursuits. Furthermore, O’Donnell questioned Kennedy’s appointment as U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary, attributing it to his family name and Donald Trump’s admiration for the Kennedy legacy. O’Donnell also critiqued Trump’s choice, alleging his disdain for scientific expertise and Kennedy’s anti-vaccine stance as dangerous.
Read More
Pentagon officials fume over Trump’s Department of War rebrand: The reaction from within the Pentagon to the suggestion of renaming the Department of Defense to the Department of War has been, unsurprisingly, one of widespread frustration, anger, and confusion. Many in the military establishment view this proposed change as a costly, unnecessary, and even counterproductive move. The potential price tag, running into billions of dollars, is seen as particularly galling, especially when the military is facing genuinely pressing challenges like the rise of aggressive authoritarian alliances.
This sentiment stems, in part, from a belief that the rebrand is purely for political theater, designed to appeal to a specific segment of the electorate.… Continue reading
Federal health officials are alerting consumers to potential H5N1 bird flu contamination in specific lots of RAWR Raw Cat Food Chicken Eats after a cat in San Francisco became infected and was euthanized. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration confirmed the presence of the virus in two affected lots, CCS 25 077 and CCS 250 093, with sell-by dates in September and October 2026, respectively. Genetic sequencing confirmed the virus strain in both the food and the cat was also found in U.S. dairy cattle. While the company has removed the implicated lots from circulation, consumers are advised to be aware of the potential risk, as H5N1 can cause illness and death in various animals, including cats.
Read More
This publication is deeply committed to delivering fact-based journalism and holding power accountable. Readers’ past support has been invaluable in building the newsroom’s strength, particularly during challenging periods. As they continue their work, ongoing support is crucial. Therefore, readers are encouraged to become members and contribute to sustaining this vital reporting.
Read More
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood