A gold lapel pin bearing Donald Trump’s likeness, worn by FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, has ignited controversy. Critics likened the pin to authoritarian loyalty symbols, sparking online speculation of a mandated “loyalty test” within the Trump administration. While the White House denied mandating the pin, its public availability doesn’t negate the perception of it as a symbol of personal allegiance to Trump. Carr’s silence on the matter further fuels debate regarding its significance.
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New Mexico’s groundbreaking initiative to provide free childcare to most families, funded by a combination of pandemic relief, the Early Childhood Trust Fund, and a portion of the Land Grant Permanent Fund, has dramatically impacted families and early childhood educators. This program, expanding eligibility to families earning up to 400% of the federal poverty level, has significantly reduced poverty rates and improved child wellbeing, even amidst historically low median household incomes. Simultaneously increasing wages for childcare workers has lifted many out of poverty, creating a positive ripple effect across the state’s economy. While long-term impacts are still unfolding, early results indicate a substantial return on investment in human capital.
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President Trump’s policies have undermined the U.S. dollar’s reliability as the global reserve currency, leading to significant consequences. Traders are selling off Treasury bonds, indicating a loss of confidence in the U.S. economy, and yields on 10- and 30-year bonds have reached alarming levels. This decline in confidence is further evidenced by international investors reducing their holdings of U.S. dollar assets and exploring alternative investment options. The potential collapse of the dollar’s dominance would trigger a global financial crisis of unprecedented scale, impacting the U.S. economy severely.
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This executive order mandates a “zero-based regulating” approach to energy production regulations, aiming to stimulate innovation and economic growth. Specific agencies are directed to incorporate sunset provisions into existing and new regulations, requiring periodic review and potential rescission by a certain date unless extended. This process will subject regulations to public comment on costs and benefits, ensuring their continued relevance. The order excludes regulatory permitting regimes and clarifies that regulatory expirations will not count towards existing deregulation requirements.
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In a recent address, President Zelenskyy announced a new package of Ukrainian sanctions targeting individuals and entities supporting the Russian war effort. These sanctions specifically focus on those supplying Russia with Shahed drones and facilitating the transportation of Russian oil, thus aiming to cripple Russia’s logistical capabilities and financial resources. While the full list remains undisclosed, the action underscores Ukraine’s commitment to holding accountable all those involved in the aggression. This measure represents a continued effort to pressure Russia and its enablers.
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Seventeen-year-old Victor Perez, who has cerebral palsy and autism, will be taken off life support at 10 a.m. Saturday after being declared clinically braindead following a police shooting. The shooting, which left Perez with a lost leg and nine gunshot wounds, has sparked community outrage and protests against the Pocatello Police Department. A candlelight vigil will precede the removal of life support, followed by an afternoon protest in front of City Hall. The incident remains under investigation by the Eastern Idaho Critical Incident Task Force.
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A new U.S. Department of Homeland Security mandate requires all foreign nationals, including Canadians, staying 30 days or more to register online. This has prompted many Canadian snowbirds to reconsider their winter travel plans due to potential fines or imprisonment for non-compliance. While the administration claims the requirement pre-exists, its renewed enforcement has caused confusion and anxiety, particularly among those entering via land borders. Canadians are currently exempt from fingerprinting, but must carry proof of registration. The heightened scrutiny at ports of entry reflects increasing tensions between the U.S. and Canada.
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During a 40-minute address to FDA staff, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. used a disability slur, promoted “deep state” conspiracy theories, and accused the agency of being controlled by the industries it regulates. His remarks, which included invoking the Milgram experiment and downplaying the severity of the measles outbreak, shocked employees, with some reportedly walking out. An HHS spokesperson defended Kennedy’s statements, claiming he was advocating for transparency and accountability within the FDA. This incident follows recent mass firings at the FDA and adds to the ongoing controversy surrounding Kennedy’s tenure.
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Approximately 300 US abattoirs lack renewed export licenses, halting most US beef exports to China, a key market previously valued at $US1.6 billion. This disruption, exacerbated by retaliatory tariffs reaching 116%, has created a significant opportunity for Australian grain-fed beef exports, which have substantially increased to fill the demand. However, the broader trade war between the US and China poses a risk to global economic growth and, consequently, future demand for Australian agricultural exports.
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John Q. Hosedrinker