Former Social Security Commissioner Martin O’Malley warns of an impending system collapse due to deliberate efforts by the Trump administration and figures like Elon Musk to undermine the agency. These actions, including mass staff reductions and the creation of a hostile work environment, have already resulted in website crashes and overwhelmed phone lines, jeopardizing timely benefit distribution for millions of retirees and disabled Americans. This intentional degradation of the system, coupled with the false labeling of thousands of immigrants as deceased to cut off benefits, raises concerns about a potential attempt to privatize Social Security. O’Malley suggests that the goal is to create an “emergency” situation to justify access to the agency’s substantial surplus reserves.
Read More
In response to a challenging economic climate and a projected 50% reduction in volume from its largest customer, Amazon, UPS announced a restructuring plan. This plan includes a workforce reduction of approximately 20,000 employees (4% of its total workforce) and the closure of 73 facilities. These changes, effective by June 2025, aim to enhance the company’s efficiency and cost structure. CEO Carol Tomé expressed gratitude to employees while emphasizing UPS’ commitment to navigating the evolving global logistics landscape.
Read More
The body of Ukrainian journalist Viktoria Roshchyna, returned to Ukraine in February 2025 as part of a prisoner exchange, was found to be missing several internal organs, including her brain and eyeballs. A joint investigation revealed evidence suggesting post-mortem dissection and torture, including a bruised neck consistent with strangulation and a Russian document referencing “СПАС,” potentially masking the true cause of death. The missing organs hampered definitive determination of the cause of death, though ongoing investigations indicate a high probability of torture during her captivity in Russian-occupied territory. Ukrainian authorities are treating her death as a war crime.
Read More
A new NPR/PBS/Marist Poll revealed that 46 percent of registered voters gave President Trump an “F” for his first 100 days, nearly double the next highest grade. This negative assessment, driven largely by Democrats and Independents, surpasses his first-term rating and significantly exceeds those of Obama and Biden. Multiple polls show a decline in Trump’s approval rating, reaching its lowest point since Eisenhower’s presidency. The decrease is attributed to factors such as recently implemented tariffs and growing economic concerns.
Read More
Over 50,000 Los Angeles County workers, represented by SEIU Local 721, initiated a two-day strike due to stalled contract negotiations and alleged labor law violations by the county. The walkout, impacting services like libraries and healthcare clinics, marks the first time all union members have simultaneously struck. The county cites significant budget pressures, including wildfire damage and legal settlements, as reasons for its negotiating stance. The union, however, contends that the county’s actions disregard the essential contributions of its workers and demands fair compensation and respect.
Read More
Following a reported Houthi missile and drone attack, the USS Nimitz executed an evasive maneuver, resulting in an F/A-18E Super Hornet falling overboard while being towed. One sailor sustained a minor injury during the incident. The Navy is investigating the mishap, which occurred while the aircraft was in the hangar bay. Separately, the incident follows reports of Pentagon chief Hegseth’s involvement in controversial communications regarding U.S. military actions in Yemen.
Read More
President Trump signed an executive order bolstering law enforcement, directing increased funding, legal support for officers facing accusations, and the provision of military equipment to local agencies. The order also prioritizes harsher sentences for crimes against law enforcement and targets state and local officials perceived as hindering police work or promoting “diversity, equity, and inclusion” initiatives. This action follows Trump’s previous statements advocating for aggressive policing tactics and builds upon his broader efforts to expand executive power and curb immigration. These actions, coupled with his past rhetoric, have intensified concerns about the erosion of civil liberties and the potential for increased police brutality.
Read More
A black Audi SUV plowed into a Filipino heritage festival in Vancouver, killing eleven and injuring thirty-two. Kai-Ji Adam Lo, 30, has been charged with eight counts of second-degree murder; police state he has a history of mental health issues and prior interactions with law enforcement. The victims, ranging in age from 5 to 65, included family members attending the festival, and several community members. Investigations are ongoing, including a review of security protocols for similar events.
Read More
Preliminary results indicate that Liberal Bruce Fanjoy has defeated Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre in the Carleton riding by approximately 3,800 votes, ending Poilievre’s 19-year winning streak. Fanjoy, who campaigned on a message of unity, secured over 50% of the vote. The unusually high number of candidates (91), a result of targeted efforts by the advocacy group Longest Ballot, contributed to a delayed projection of the results. The Carleton riding’s expanded boundaries, following a 2021 census review, also played a role in the election outcome.
Read More
Russia rejected a US-proposed peace plan due to its failure to recognize Moscow’s control over annexed Ukrainian territories and its insufficient concessions regarding the Ukrainian military and President Zelensky. Simultaneously, Vladimir Putin offered a 72-hour truce, while Ukraine countered with a proposal for a month-long ceasefire to facilitate broader negotiations. These events follow Donald Trump’s reported frustration with both Russian and Ukrainian leaders’ unwillingness to compromise. Russia’s maximalist demands include security guarantees against NATO and the EU, along with the lifting of sanctions.
Read More
John Q. Hosedrinker