The Trump administration will restart SNAP benefits, but only at half the normal payment amount, using funds from the Agriculture Department’s contingency fund. This decision follows rulings from two federal judges who deemed the previous freeze on SNAP payments unlawful. The administration also warns that there could be delays in delivering these reduced benefits, as state agencies must recode their systems. Anti-hunger advocates express concerns that food banks will not be able to cover the difference, highlighting the potential for increased food insecurity.
Read More
Uruapan Mayor Carlos Manzo, known for his strong stance against drug cartels, was fatally shot at a Day of the Dead celebration. Manzo had been critical of President Claudia Sheinbaum’s approach to combating cartel violence and vowed not to back down. Following his death, Mexican Security Minister Omar García Harfuch announced an investigation, vowing there would be no impunity for those responsible. Manzo’s security detail was comprised of handpicked officers and National Guard members, and he was known as the “Mexican Bukele” for his tough-on-crime approach.
Read More
Grocery prices are, in fact, not down, despite claims to the contrary. Recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that grocery prices are up 2.7 percent compared to the previous September, and 1.4 percent higher than when Trump returned to office. Overall, grocery prices have increased almost 30 percent in the last five years. These false statements are particularly egregious, as the president campaigned on lowering prices, and his policies have demonstrably impacted consumers.
Read More
Two men, Mohmed Ali and Majed Mahmoud, face federal charges for planning a terror attack over Halloween weekend in Michigan. The suspects are accused of conspiring to commit a federal crime of terrorism, as revealed in a 73-page criminal complaint. Evidence includes the purchase of firearms, ammunition, and tactical gear, along with communication, in which the suspects allegedly discussed an attack on behalf of the Islamic State terrorist group. Law enforcement seized multiple firearms, over 1,600 rounds of ammunition, tactical vests, and other materials during raids on the suspects’ homes and a storage unit.
Read More
CBS omitted a section of Donald Trump’s “60 Minutes” interview where he boasted about receiving a multi-million dollar payout from Paramount, the network’s parent company, potentially to avoid embarrassment. This omission followed a settlement where CBS paid Trump $16 million to settle a suit alleging deceptive editing of a previous interview. The merger of Paramount-Skydance, now led by the son of a Trump ally, was approved shortly after the settlement, sparking criticism of CBS’s actions. The network has since undergone restructuring, including the appointment of conservative figures and an ombudsman, raising concerns about potential bias and a shift in editorial direction.
Read More
The former top lawyer in the Israeli military, Maj Gen Yifat Tomer-Yerushalmi, has been arrested following her resignation and admission of responsibility for leaking a video allegedly depicting severe abuse of a Palestinian detainee. The video, which surfaced in August 2024, allegedly shows reserve soldiers at the Sde Teiman military base in southern Israel physically assaulting a detainee. The detainee was later released to Gaza as part of an exchange. Tomer-Yerushalmi’s arrest, along with the former chief military prosecutor, is part of a deepening political conflict surrounding the incident and its handling.
Read More
President Trump suggested that New York City’s federal funding could be jeopardized if Zohran Mamdani, a democratic socialist, wins the mayoral election. Trump labeled Mamdani a “communist” during a 60 Minutes interview, implying he would be hesitant to provide funding to a city led by someone with those political views. Trump also stated he would prefer the disgraced former governor Andrew Cuomo over Mamdani and indicated he may deploy troops to the city, echoing previous actions in other Democrat-led cities. Federal grants are a major source of revenue for New York City, which supports a number of essential services.
Read More
Fearing fraud, Canada rejects most Indian study permit applicants. This situation, unfortunately, boils down to a significant rise in fraudulent applications, primarily originating from India, leading to a tightening of the reins on study permits. The Canadian government’s immigration department has been dealing with a surge of phony acceptance letters, and it’s clear the system is being exploited.
The heart of the matter lies in the staggering numbers. In 2023 alone, authorities discovered nearly 1,550 fraudulent study permit applications tied to fake acceptance letters. Beyond that, a beefed-up verification system identified over 14,000 potentially fraudulent letters across all applicants. This kind of widespread deception necessitates a response, and Canada’s chosen course is a more cautious approach, especially towards applications from India.… Continue reading
Speculation is growing among Democrats regarding Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi’s potential retirement following Tuesday’s elections. Many sources believe the 85-year-old California Democrat may not seek re-election in 2026, ending her nearly four-decade tenure. Pelosi has made no outward moves to discourage potential primary challengers, fueling further speculation. While the former Speaker has not made any announcements, her focus remains on the upcoming Prop 50 vote, a ballot measure crucial for redrawing congressional lines, which she strongly supports. If she does retire, her departure would mark the end of an era in Congress.
Read More
The Ukrainian conflict is undeniably a tragedy, a brutal reality unfolding in the 21st century. Yet, amidst the horrors of war, a fascinating application of game theory and data science has emerged, sparking both interest and controversy. This isn’t necessarily “gamifying” the war, but rather a sophisticated attempt to quantify the abstract value of inflicted damage and incentivize efficiency.
The core of this system revolves around assigning point values to various combat actions and targets. Destroying a tank earns a regiment 40 points, while eliminating a soldier nets 12. Capturing a Russian soldier alive, a challenging feat, is rewarded with a substantial 120 points.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood