A new report from a U.S. congressional committee highlights the negative economic impacts of declining Canadian tourism to the United States. The report indicates that U.S. businesses in border states are experiencing significant losses due to decreased travel, citing factors such as Trump-era tariff policies and strained diplomatic relations. Examples are provided for several states, showcasing reduced border crossings and drops in revenue across various sectors, including hospitality and retail. Business owners report diminished sales, increased vacancies, and the need to reduce staffing due to the decline in Canadian visitors, with some fearing long-term damage to cross-border relationships.
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The House of Representatives recently passed a $900 billion defense spending bill including military aid to Ukraine, specifically reauthorizing the USAI and allocating $400 million annually for fiscal years 2026 and 2027. The legislation also restricts the Pentagon’s ability to reduce troops in Europe below 76,000 for more than 45 days and mandates congressional notification regarding restrictions on intelligence sharing with Ukraine. Despite the bill’s support, the Trump administration is currently using the PURL to sell arms to Ukraine via NATO partners instead of allocating new defense aid. In his push for a peace deal, Trump has emphasized that the U.S. is not directly funding the war but rather profiting from weapons sales to NATO.
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The EU’s decision to indefinitely freeze Russian assets is a significant development, and it’s understandable why it sparks a range of reactions, from relief to frustration. The core of the matter is this: the EU has moved beyond simply freezing these assets and is now effectively seizing them, with the intention of using them to support Ukraine. This is a complex move with a long build-up.
It’s natural to question why this wasn’t done sooner. The initial freezing of Russian assets occurred back in 2022, shortly after the invasion. The primary aim at that point was to use these assets as leverage, a potential incentive for Russia to cease its aggression.… Continue reading
Ukraine and its European allies have submitted revisions to the U.S.-proposed peace framework, adding pressure to ongoing negotiations. Territorial concessions, particularly regarding the Donbas region, remain a significant point of contention, with Zelensky emphasizing that any decisions on territory should be made by Ukrainians. While the U.S. has floated compromise ideas, Russia continues to demand full withdrawal from the Donbas. Despite previous hesitations, Trump has indicated willingness to participate in providing security guarantees to Ukraine, though NATO membership is still not on the table.
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The National Trust for Historic Preservation has filed a lawsuit to halt President Trump’s White House ballroom project, citing violations of federal regulations. The lawsuit argues that the project, which involves demolition of the East Wing, requires comprehensive design reviews, environmental assessments, public comment, and congressional approval before proceeding. The Trust claims Trump bypassed standard government procedures and seeks a court order to stop further construction until proper reviews are completed, as the project has ignored the established process for federal building projects on historic grounds. The lawsuit also names several federal agencies and their leaders as defendants, underscoring the legal challenges to Trump’s plans.
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President Zelensky visited Kupiansk, a frontline city, to commend Ukrainian troops, contradicting recent Russian claims of capturing it. The visit coincided with Ukraine’s National Guard announcing a successful counterattack north of Kupiansk, carried out by the 2nd Khartiia Corps, which reportedly blocked Russian land routes and liberated villages. This success is seen as crucial for Ukraine’s diplomatic leverage, as highlighted by Zelensky. The corps reported significant casualties inflicted on Russian forces during the period of September 22 to December 12.
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Representative Delia Ramirez has called for the resignation or impeachment of DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, citing concerns over alleged misleading statements, misuse of resources, and disregard for court orders. Ramirez requested investigations from House Judiciary chairman Jim Jordan and Ranking Member Jamie Raskin. Noem has defended her department’s actions and enforcement strategy, however, Democrats have criticized her leadership and immigration policies. Despite Ramirez’s demands, impeachment is unlikely due to Republican control of the House and President Trump’s support of Noem.
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The Trump administration is taking steps to end the Biden administration’s SAVE student loan forgiveness program, which provided lower monthly payments for over 7 million borrowers. This follows a settlement with Missouri, a state that sued to halt the plan, effectively eliminating it. The settlement also requires the Department of Education to notify Missouri 30 days before any future broad student debt relief, potentially hindering future forgiveness efforts. Critics argue this move will likely force more borrowers into default, exacerbating financial struggles amid rising living costs.
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The Center for Biological Diversity has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, aiming to remove the former president’s image from the 2026 national park passes. The lawsuit alleges the Interior Department violated the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act by replacing the winning photograph of Glacier National Park with an image of Trump. The group asserts this action disregards the contest’s rules, undermines public participation, and clashes with the program’s intended conservation goals. They are requesting a federal judge to prevent the display of Trump’s image and declare the administration in violation of the law.
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In response to the influx of low-cost imports, EU finance ministers have decided to implement a €3 tax on all small parcels entering the bloc beginning July 1, 2026. This decision follows the earlier agreement to eliminate duty exemptions for packages under €150, primarily from Chinese platforms. The temporary fixed fee aims to address unfair competition faced by European retailers and will remain in effect until a permanent import tax solution is established. With a staggering 4.6 billion small packages entering the EU last year, the majority originating from China, this move is a priority, especially for countries like France.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood