During a Senate hearing, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. stated his agreement that mRNA vaccines, such as those for COVID-19, cause serious harm, including death. Kennedy, a known anti-vaxxer, responded to questions about a new member of the CDC vaccine advisory committee who made a similar claim. He then sparred with several senators over the number of COVID-19 deaths in America and the effectiveness of the vaccines, demonstrating a lack of knowledge and acceptance of established data. This led to strong criticism from the senators present at the hearing.
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Russia’s economic growth has sharply decelerated, entering a phase of “technical stagnation” from April-June 2025, according to Sberbank’s head, German Gref. This slowdown, driven by record defense spending, is hampered by weak private consumption and shrinking civilian investment, with the Central Bank expecting near-zero growth in late 2025. Economy Minister Maxim Reshetnikov noted a concerning trend of underutilized factories and cost optimization, along with a July GDP growth of 0.4%, indicating insufficient demand. High inflation and the Central Bank’s key interest rate are contributing to a challenging economic situation, reflecting the limits of Russia’s war-fueled expansion.
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Following a federal appeals court ruling that deemed his trade tariffs illegal, Donald Trump has appealed to the US Supreme Court. The court’s decision last week centered on the “liberation day” border taxes implemented on most US imports, which the court found overstepped his presidential powers. Trump’s administration has requested an accelerated schedule, aiming for arguments by November and a ruling by year-end, as a defeat could significantly impact the US tariff rate and existing trade deals. The tariffs were implemented under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, though this has been contested, and several companies have already reported negative effects of the tariffs, including a slump in sales.
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Despite ongoing peace talks, Russia is reportedly preparing a new offensive in eastern Ukraine, with a potential breakthrough near Pokrovsk, a city Moscow has struggled to capture. Ukrainian President Zelensky stated Russia has deployed a significant number of troops to the area, which is a key transport hub for Ukrainian forces in Donbas. If captured, Pokrovsk’s fall could allow Russian forces to attack major Ukrainian-held cities in the Donetsk region. As peace talks remain stalled, Ukraine and its allies are working to bolster Kyiv’s defenses through weapons acquisitions and domestic development programs.
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Following pressure from Epstein’s survivors, Republican Representatives Thomas Massie and Marjorie Taylor Greene have indicated a willingness to use constitutional immunity to publicly name individuals allegedly involved in Epstein’s abuse. This comes after survivors announced they were compiling their own list of alleged abusers, fueled by the Trump administration’s assertion that a “client list” did not exist. These representatives are protected under the “speech or debate clause,” allowing them to make such accusations on the House floor without legal repercussions. A discharge petition, initiated by Massie, aims to force a vote on releasing all related files, though it still needs more signatures to be successful.
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According to former Senate leader Mitch McConnell, the current global climate under a second Trump presidency mirrors the dangerous period of the 1930s, primarily due to trade tariffs and foreign affairs. McConnell criticized the Trump administration’s “Make America Great Again” trade policies and lack of preparedness in confronting authoritarian regimes. Referencing the Smoot-Hawley tariff bill and the “America First” isolationist movement, McConnell expressed concern over the rising influence of nations like China, Russia, and North Korea, which he believes share a common antagonism towards the United States. Despite these criticisms, McConnell did not address the Trump administration’s potential moves towards authoritarianism, nor his own role in empowering Trump’s actions.
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Infectious disease expert Michael Osterholm warned of potential negative consequences stemming from Florida’s decision to eliminate vaccine mandates, particularly for schoolchildren. He suggested the state might transform into a hub for disease transmission due to this policy change. Osterholm expressed concerns about safety, stating he wouldn’t want his children visiting Florida, specifically mentioning places like Walt Disney World. This assessment came amid broader public health concerns, further complicated by the stance of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and the recent turmoil within the CDC.
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Giorgio Armani, the renowned Italian fashion designer and founder of the Armani Group, has died at the age of 91. His company announced his passing, noting that he was surrounded by loved ones. Armani, who launched his fashion house in 1975 and was known for dressing the stars, was a leading figure in the industry until his death. A private funeral will be held, but a funeral chamber will be open for public condolences.
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In August, U.S. private sector hiring saw a smaller-than-expected increase, with only 54,000 jobs added, a significant drop from the previous month. This slowdown was attributed to factors such as consumer worries, labor shortages, and AI-related disruptions, particularly impacting trade, transportation, utilities, and education/health services. The leisure and hospitality industry showed gains, but overall, the ADP report contributes to an already concerning labor market picture, further evidenced by rising jobless claims and a decline in job openings. Consequently, market observers are now more convinced that the Federal Reserve will cut rates at its upcoming meeting.
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Portugal’s President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa has accused the former U.S. President, Donald Trump, of operating as a Russian asset, a serious allegation supported by circumstantial evidence. This claim is substantiated by Trump’s actions, including his alignment with Vladimir Putin during press conferences in Helsinki and Anchorage, where he prioritized Putin’s statements over American intelligence and betrayed agreements with European allies, respectively. These incidents, characterized as treason and betrayal, coupled with Trump’s actions undermining American democracy, strongly suggest his allegiance. The article concludes by emphasizing the need to recognize Trump as a Russian asset, as his actions have significantly aided Russia’s aggression and weakened democratic values globally.
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John Q. Hosedrinker