A recent poll reveals a strong preference among UK voters for prioritizing closer trade ties with the EU over a new US economic deal. The research, employing a Max-Diff methodology, indicates that a clear majority see their economic interests as significantly more aligned with the EU. This shift in public opinion is attributed, in part, to recent global economic uncertainty stemming from US trade policies. Even potential Reform UK voters largely favored strengthened EU trade relationships. The study concludes that the government should focus on removing trade barriers with the EU to stimulate economic growth.
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To address France’s substantial debt and achieve a 4.6% GDP deficit in 2026, Economy Minister Eric Lombard proposes making the temporary wealth tax permanent. This measure, impacting high earners exceeding €250,000 annual income (individuals) or €500,000 (couples), aims to generate at least €2 billion annually and improve tax equity. The government plans to secure an additional €40 billion through savings and potential revenue increases to stabilize the national finances. The goal is to combat tax optimization and ensure fairer distribution of financial burdens.
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Cody Balmer, 38, was arrested and charged with attempted murder, terrorism, and arson for allegedly setting fire to Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro’s residence. Authorities believe the attack was targeted, and Balmer acted quickly, using homemade incendiary devices and evading state troopers. The governor and his family were unharmed, though the residence sustained significant damage. A multi-agency investigation is underway, and a reward is offered for information.
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Following a Supreme Court order to “facilitate” the return of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, illegally deported to El Salvador, the Trump administration argues it has no obligation to bring him back to the U.S. The Justice Department claims “facilitate” refers only to removing domestic obstacles to his return, not actively securing his release from El Salvador’s notorious CECOT prison. Simultaneously, the administration refuses to release details of its agreement with El Salvador to hold deported migrants, citing various privileges. Despite the Supreme Court deeming Abrego Garcia’s deportation illegal, the Department of Homeland Security contends his protection from removal is invalid due to alleged MS-13 gang membership.
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Photojournalist Philip Holsinger documented the arrival of Venezuelan migrants deported from the U.S. to El Salvador’s notorious CECOT prison. Despite many lacking criminal records, they were subjected to a brutal intake process involving forceful handling, hair shaving, and a stripping of their identity, culminating in a dehumanizing display of forced submission. This occurred amidst El Salvador’s controversial crackdown on gangs, resulting in a massive prison population increase and human rights concerns. Holsinger’s photographs capture the migrants’ despair and highlight the questionable circumstances of their imprisonment. The jarring contrast between the migrants’ perceived innocence and their harsh treatment underscores the larger issues of human rights violations and due process within El Salvador’s intensified security measures.
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A Wisconsin teenager allegedly murdered his parents as part of an extremist plot to assassinate former President Trump, according to the FBI. The sheer audacity and bizarre nature of the alleged plan are truly shocking. The details that have emerged paint a picture of a young person deeply immersed in extreme ideologies, willing to commit horrific acts to further his goals.
The initial reports of the teen killing his parents were disturbing enough. However, the subsequent revelations regarding his alleged plot to assassinate a former president only amplified the gravity of the situation. It’s almost unbelievable to think that someone so young could be capable of such violence.… Continue reading
Most believe Trump tariffs primarily benefited the wealthy and large corporations, according to widespread opinion reflected in various polls and discussions. This perception isn’t simply a matter of partisan politics; it stems from a fundamental understanding of how such policies tend to disproportionately impact different segments of the population.
The belief that the tariffs benefited a select few, rather than everyone, is a common sentiment. This isn’t to say that every wealthy individual or corporation profited, but that those with the resources and connections to navigate the complexities of the tariff system, or those who could influence policy to benefit their interests, reaped the most rewards.… Continue reading
A new CBS News poll reveals declining approval ratings for President Trump’s handling of the economy and inflation, falling 4% since March 30th to 44% and 40%, respectively. This coincides with a majority (59%) of respondents rating the U.S. economy as bad, and 53% believing it’s worsening. Furthermore, 58% blame Trump’s policies for rising prices, while his overall approval rating dropped to 47%. Despite Trump’s claims of success with his tariff policy, a significant portion of Americans disapprove of his approach, particularly concerning its impact on the economy.
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An initial announcement of tariff exemptions on imported electronics was subsequently retracted by President Trump and administration officials. Trump denied any such exemption, emphasizing that unfair trade practices by other countries, particularly China, would not be tolerated. While the administration aims to shift the focus to reshoring electronics production within the U.S., the ultimate tariff policy remains fluid, with conflicting statements from officials regarding the timing and scope of potential tariffs. This policy uncertainty has drawn criticism from business leaders who deem it confusing and unpredictable.
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The Social Security Administration (SSA) is restructuring, reassigning 700 employees from headquarters and regional offices to field offices to avoid layoffs. This restructuring will drastically reduce regional office staff and centralize communications, relying primarily on X (formerly Twitter) for public updates instead of press releases. Simultaneously, SSA reversed prior plans to limit phone support for beneficiaries, opting instead to implement a new anti-fraud algorithm for telephone claims. These changes aim to improve efficiency and address public service needs, but concerns remain regarding potential disruptions and the impact on expertise.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood