A recent Federal Reserve Bank of New York report indicates that American consumers and companies bore the vast majority of the cost of President Donald Trump’s tariffs through late 2025. Contrary to the President’s assertions that foreign countries paid the tariffs, the study found that U.S. entities absorbed nearly 90% of the financial burden. This translated to a significant tax increase for American households, with the tariffs acting as a de facto tax on domestic businesses and individuals rather than foreign entities.
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This groundbreaking study provides the first clear evidence of a transgenerational link for DNA damage caused by ionizing radiation, specifically linking Chernobyl disaster exposure to genetic changes in offspring. Researchers identified a significant increase in clustered de novo mutations (cDNMs) – multiple mutations in close proximity – in children of irradiated parents compared to control groups. While a higher parental radiation dose correlated with more cDNMs in offspring, the study concludes that the health risk to these children is minimal, largely due to mutations occurring in non-coding DNA and the relatively small overall increase. This research underscores the potential for prolonged radiation exposure to leave subtle, heritable traces in the genome, reinforcing the importance of safety measures for those at risk.
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Canada is increasingly signaling a shift in its defense procurement strategy, with a significant emphasis on bolstering its domestic defense industry. The intention is for a substantial portion, around 70%, of future defense spending to be directed towards Canadian companies and contractors. This move represents a notable increase from the current level of 50% and is rooted in a desire to foster job creation, stimulate the growth of the Canadian defense sector, and create a more diverse and resilient military supply chain.
While this prioritization of domestic production is a key focus, it doesn’t mean Canada is entirely cutting ties with its major international partners, particularly the United States.… Continue reading
Wendy’s will close 5% to 6% of its underperforming restaurants, a process that began in late 2025 and will continue through the first half of 2026. This strategic move aims to optimize performance across the U.S. system by enabling franchise partners to concentrate on locations with higher growth potential. The company will maintain its value-oriented Biggie Bag offerings, which provide customers with reliable daily deals at $4, $6, and $8 price points. While Wendy’s remains committed to the breakfast market, it will grant restaurants flexibility to adjust opening hours to better align with local customer demand, acknowledging that not all locations may thrive during breakfast.
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Businessman Don Huffines, a Republican candidate for Texas comptroller, has purchased Jeffrey Epstein’s former Zorro Ranch in New Mexico. The property, where multiple survivors allege they were abused by the late financier, was acquired by San Rafael Ranch LLC, an entity tied to Huffines. His campaign stated the purchase was made at a public auction four years after Epstein’s death, with proceeds benefiting victims, and that the family had not previously visited the property. Huffines, a former state senator, positions himself as a “courageous MAGA Republican” with endorsements from prominent conservative figures.
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President Zelenskyy has stated that proposals for Ukraine to withdraw from Donetsk Oblast without a fight are dangerous, believing Russia’s ambitions extend beyond this region. He argues that Russia is attempting to persuade the United States that a Ukrainian withdrawal from Donbas would lead to immediate peace. Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine cannot abandon its territory, as Russia’s primary goal remains the occupation of Ukraine, and yielding to this demand could embolden further aggression.
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The observation that Democrats might be struggling partly because their leadership is simply too old, as suggested by former President Obama, resonates deeply when considering the party’s recent electoral performance and the disconnect many feel from its current figureheads. It’s not just about the chronological age of politicians, but rather the perceived gulf in understanding and lived experience that this age can represent. This idea that clinging to power indefinitely can become a liability rather than a service is a stark reminder of the human tendency to resist change, even when it’s necessary. We’ve seen this play out with prominent figures, where the desire to remain in public service seems to overshadow the wisdom of knowing when to pass the torch.… Continue reading
To address increasing bedspace needs and expedite detention and removal, ICE is developing a plan that includes acquiring and renovating eight large-scale detention centers and sixteen processing sites, alongside ten existing facilities. These “mega-centers” are designed to hold 7,000 to 10,000 detainees for an average of less than 60 days, facilitating international removals. This initiative contrasts with current facilities, such as Camp East Montana, which has already faced numerous federal code violations for failing to provide basic necessities and health screenings.
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The United States remains committed to diplomatic solutions and a negotiated settlement with Iran, despite the complexities of dealing with radical Shiite clerics whose geopolitical decisions are driven by theology. While acknowledging past difficulties in reaching successful agreements, the administration intends to pursue these negotiations as the immediate priority. Concurrently, the U.S. maintains a military posture in the region to protect its forces from potential threats, ensuring readiness should defensive action become necessary. Any future actions will adhere to U.S. law and congressional mandates.
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Widespread social media posts incorrectly linking the photography giant Lifetouch to billionaire investor Leon Black, who had ties to Jeffrey Epstein, have caused some school districts to cancel class picture days. Lifetouch and its parent company, Apollo Global Management, have vehemently denied these claims, stating that Black and Apollo have no access to student photos or involvement in daily operations. Despite no evidence emerging from the Epstein investigation files to support these connections, parental concerns have led to disruptions in school photography schedules.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood