McConnell: ‘There’s certain similarities right now to the ‘30s’ — that’s what he’s saying, and it’s a pretty loaded statement. He’s drawing a comparison to the pre-World War II era, a time of global instability and rising authoritarianism. He’s pointing to things like the Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act of 1930, which is widely seen as having worsened the Great Depression by hindering international trade. But, the underlying feeling here is, the world is at a precipice.
He’s also highlighting what he sees as a resurgence of isolationist sentiment, referencing the “America First” movement, which, in the context of the 1930s, was hesitant to engage in European affairs.… Continue reading
According to former Senate leader Mitch McConnell, the current global climate under a second Trump presidency mirrors the dangerous period of the 1930s, primarily due to trade tariffs and foreign affairs. McConnell criticized the Trump administration’s “Make America Great Again” trade policies and lack of preparedness in confronting authoritarian regimes. Referencing the Smoot-Hawley tariff bill and the “America First” isolationist movement, McConnell expressed concern over the rising influence of nations like China, Russia, and North Korea, which he believes share a common antagonism towards the United States. Despite these criticisms, McConnell did not address the Trump administration’s potential moves towards authoritarianism, nor his own role in empowering Trump’s actions.
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Infectious disease expert Michael Osterholm warned of potential negative consequences stemming from Florida’s decision to eliminate vaccine mandates, particularly for schoolchildren. He suggested the state might transform into a hub for disease transmission due to this policy change. Osterholm expressed concerns about safety, stating he wouldn’t want his children visiting Florida, specifically mentioning places like Walt Disney World. This assessment came amid broader public health concerns, further complicated by the stance of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and the recent turmoil within the CDC.
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Giorgio Armani, the renowned Italian fashion designer and founder of the Armani Group, has died at the age of 91. His company announced his passing, noting that he was surrounded by loved ones. Armani, who launched his fashion house in 1975 and was known for dressing the stars, was a leading figure in the industry until his death. A private funeral will be held, but a funeral chamber will be open for public condolences.
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In August, U.S. private sector hiring saw a smaller-than-expected increase, with only 54,000 jobs added, a significant drop from the previous month. This slowdown was attributed to factors such as consumer worries, labor shortages, and AI-related disruptions, particularly impacting trade, transportation, utilities, and education/health services. The leisure and hospitality industry showed gains, but overall, the ADP report contributes to an already concerning labor market picture, further evidenced by rising jobless claims and a decline in job openings. Consequently, market observers are now more convinced that the Federal Reserve will cut rates at its upcoming meeting.
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Portugal’s President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa has accused the former U.S. President, Donald Trump, of operating as a Russian asset, a serious allegation supported by circumstantial evidence. This claim is substantiated by Trump’s actions, including his alignment with Vladimir Putin during press conferences in Helsinki and Anchorage, where he prioritized Putin’s statements over American intelligence and betrayed agreements with European allies, respectively. These incidents, characterized as treason and betrayal, coupled with Trump’s actions undermining American democracy, strongly suggest his allegiance. The article concludes by emphasizing the need to recognize Trump as a Russian asset, as his actions have significantly aided Russia’s aggression and weakened democratic values globally.
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The alcohol industry, with allies in Congress and the Trump administration, has sought to bury a government study revealing the link between alcohol consumption and various health risks, including cancer. The industry’s efforts have apparently succeeded, as the Trump administration is not publishing the study, which found negative health effects starting at low levels of drinking. Simultaneously, the National Academies of Sciences published a controversial report potentially downplaying these risks, potentially paving the way for less restrictive dietary guidelines regarding alcohol consumption. This decision, seemingly in favor of the industry, could leave Americans less informed about the dangers of alcohol.
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On Wednesday, September 3rd, several victims of Jeffrey Epstein were scheduled to speak at a Capitol press conference organized by Representatives Ro Khanna and Thomas Massie. The press conference, which featured ten women, aimed to demand the release of all Epstein files for full closure. This event followed the House Oversight Committee’s release of 33,000 Epstein documents, though some members claim crucial information is still being withheld by the Department of Justice. The press conference was set to begin at 10:30 a.m. ET at the House Triangle just outside of the House wing of the Capitol building.
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Tarrant County Sheriff Bill Waybourn announced he would no longer participate in briefings about jail deaths called by County Commissioner Alisa Simmons, citing the commissioner’s “hostile and unprofessional” treatment of county staff. Waybourn’s decision came after multiple missed briefings and followed public criticism of his handling of over 70 in-custody deaths since 2017, including cases that have led to lawsuits and criminal charges. The sheriff’s office maintains it already releases information via press releases and public records requests, while Commissioner Simmons argued the briefings are for the public and that the sheriff should be present to answer questions. Recent events such as the starvation and dehydration death of Kimberly Phillips and the suicide of Charles Stephen Johnson, have fueled the call for more action.
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Epstein survivors may release unofficial client list if Justice Department stalls – this is a really complex and charged situation, isn’t it? The idea that survivors of Jeffrey Epstein’s abuse are contemplating releasing their own list of alleged clients, if the Justice Department doesn’t act, is generating a lot of strong reactions. It’s understandable why people are saying that if the victims themselves compile the list, it’s about as “official” as it gets, which highlights a fundamental distrust in the existing legal and governmental processes. There’s a palpable sense that the Justice Department is dragging its feet, and the survivors feel compelled to take matters into their own hands to seek transparency.… Continue reading
Matt Underwood 
John Q. Hosedrinker