The world’s 500 richest individuals, including prominent figures like Jeff Bezos and Elon Musk, saw their combined wealth surge by a record $2.2 trillion in 2025. This increase, fueled by the political climate, brought their total net worth to $11.9 trillion. A small group of eight ultra-wealthy individuals, including Trump and Musk, were responsible for a significant portion of these gains. Concerns about the rising inequality prompted discussions about solutions like a global wealth tax, with estimates suggesting substantial revenue could be generated from taxing the wealthiest individuals.
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In a move that immediately shifted the political landscape, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani revoked several executive orders put in place by his predecessor, Eric Adams, including directives concerning antisemitism and the city’s relationship with Israel. These actions, signed on Thursday, were implemented just hours after Mamdani’s inauguration and occurred after Adams was indicted. The revoked orders specifically addressed the definition of antisemitism and barred city employees from boycotting Israel. While some Jewish leaders criticized the move, civil liberties groups supported the changes.
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The Trump administration has implemented a freeze on federal childcare funding to all states, following an initial suspension for Minnesota, citing alleged widespread fraud. This decision was justified by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) based on evidence that included a social media video. States now face new requirements, including providing justification and evidence to receive future funding, with heightened scrutiny for childcare centers suspected of fraud. Minnesota’s Democratic officials, including the Attorney General and Governor, have condemned the move, accusing the administration of political motivations and an attack on essential services.
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According to a report in La Verdad, a Spanish investigation suggests the Russian cargo ship Ursa Major, which sank in December 2024, was carrying undeclared components for two nuclear reactors destined for North Korea. The investigation purportedly found the ship had suffered damage consistent with a torpedo strike, including a hull breach. Spanish authorities reportedly discovered two undeclared containers linked to the reactors and believed the cargo’s destination to be Rason, North Korea. Following the sinking, Russia took control of the investigation, citing international maritime law and attempting to impede Spanish involvement.
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According to Ukraine’s foreign intelligence service, the Kremlin is likely planning a false flag operation to disrupt potential peace talks mediated by U.S. President Donald Trump. Kyiv believes Moscow will stage a high-casualty attack, potentially before Russian Orthodox Christmas, to escalate tensions. The intelligence service suggests the Kremlin intends to blame Ukraine for the attack. The warning is based on observations of a heightened disinformation campaign being prepared by the Kremlin.
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Zohran Mamdani was sworn in as the new mayor of New York City in a historic ceremony, becoming the first Muslim to hold the office and the youngest mayor in over a century. Mamdani, a democratic socialist, campaigned on promises to make the city more affordable for the working class, including rent freezes and free childcare. The inauguration was a momentous occasion, as highlighted by speakers such as Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, celebrating the election of an immigrant as mayor after a century. Mamdani’s agenda faces scrutiny, but he expressed determination to transform the city, drawing inspiration from past progressive leaders and a commitment to serving the city’s workers.
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Trump says US will intervene if Iran violently suppresses peaceful protests, and it’s a statement that immediately sparks a wave of, shall we say, complex reactions. The idea itself, on the surface, seems straightforward enough – a powerful nation potentially stepping in to protect the rights of protesters in another country. However, when you unpack the baggage this particular statement carries, the layers of irony and the questions it raises are almost overwhelming. It’s like a political onion, and peeling it back just makes your eyes water.
Trump says US will intervene if Iran violently suppresses peaceful protests, and the first thought that springs to mind is, where was this concern when similar situations unfolded on American soil?… Continue reading
Newly released transcripts reveal that former special counsel Jack Smith was largely prevented from discussing his Mar-a-Lago classified documents investigation due to an injunction from U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon. Smith, despite his willingness, avoided delving into the specifics of his final report, even declining to review it before his closed-door testimony before the House Judiciary Committee. He cited the fear of violating Cannon’s order as the primary reason for his reticence, emphasizing his commitment to upholding the court’s directives. Smith’s reluctance underscores the constraints imposed upon him by the ongoing legal challenges, even as the cases against Trump’s co-defendants have been dismissed.
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Mayor Zohran Mamdani, during his inaugural address, emphatically declared his commitment to progressive ideals and democratic socialism, signaling a clear shift away from the political center. He presented an unapologetically progressive agenda, emphasizing his dedication to working-class New Yorkers and criticizing the mainstream Democratic party for a lack of ambition. Mamdani’s plans include taxing the city’s wealthiest residents and raising corporate taxes to fund initiatives like universal childcare, free buses, and a rent freeze. Inaugural events also included nods to labor movements and a direct address to skeptics, solidifying his commitment to his constituents.
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Jack Smith, the former special counsel, testified before the House Judiciary Committee, defending the investigations into Donald Trump and rejecting accusations of political motivations. Smith asserted that Trump was the “most culpable and most responsible person” for the January 6th Capitol riot, emphasizing that the event would not have occurred without Trump’s actions. The deposition revealed that Smith’s case relied heavily on evidence from Republican allies and supporters, highlighting Trump’s role in inciting the riot and his subsequent refusal to quell the violence. Smith also defended the acquisition of phone records of GOP lawmakers, arguing that accountability should lie with Trump.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood