Moody’s chief economist Mark Zandi suggests that Donald Trump’s new immigration policies, particularly the rate of deportations, are contributing to rising inflation, potentially reaching nearly 4% early next year. According to Zandi, the decline in the foreign-born labor force is creating tightness in the labor market, driving up costs and inflation, as evidenced by the recent increase in the Producer Price Index. While the White House frames the policies as aimed at protecting the domestic workforce, Zandi and other economists argue that restrictive immigration is a significant factor in rising prices, especially in sectors relying on immigrant labor. This economic shift may force the Federal Reserve to hold steady on interest rates, unable to solve the supply-side issue.
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New Zealand’s population exodus hits a 13-year high as the economy worsens. It’s a bit of a head-scratcher, isn’t it? You hear about “paradise on Earth,” and then you find out that a record number of Kiwis are packing their bags and heading to places like Australia. Seems a bit counterintuitive, doesn’t it?
The main drivers are pretty clear. A tough economic climate, with a sluggish job market, inflation biting into household budgets, and all of that coupled with the lure of higher wages and lower costs of living in places like Australia. It’s a potent combination, and it’s causing a real brain drain.… Continue reading
Hodges, a former Virginia National Guard member, criticized the deployment of National Guardsmen and federal agents to patrol Washington D.C., arguing that they are not properly trained for law enforcement duties. He believes that the troops and federal agents are not specialized for these roles, with many of the federal officers being investigators who typically work behind a desk. Hodges noted that if the president truly wants to help local law enforcement, he should allow D.C. to manage its own budget and restore funding cuts from FEMA.
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In a significant reversal, Donald Trump rescinded a 2021 executive order issued by President Biden, which aimed to promote competition across various sectors of the US economy. This decision was welcomed by the Justice Department, which is now pursuing an “America first antitrust” approach that prioritizes free markets. Biden’s original order sought to combat anti-competitive practices and corporate abuses, including those related to excessive fees and mergers, with a focus on areas like labor and healthcare. The revoked initiative had previously been popular with Americans and had been implemented to counteract patterns of corporate abuses.
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Mayor Bowser expressed confidence in the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) under Chief Smith’s leadership, emphasizing the importance of maintaining community trust to prevent a breakdown in crime-solving efforts. She highlighted the potential for disaster if residents lose faith in the police, hindering communication and cooperation. Despite downplaying the extent of the federal government’s influence, the mayor acknowledged the president’s authority in declaring an emergency while affirming that the MPD would continue to operate under local and federal laws.
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Trump’s BLS nominee suggests suspending jobs report, and the implications are pretty striking. The idea, apparently, is to simply stop reporting the jobs numbers altogether. It’s like a magician making a problem disappear, but instead of a rabbit, you get… well, the truth. The basic logic seems to be: if you don’t test for COVID, there’s no more COVID; likewise, if you stop publishing job reports, there are no more job losses. Simple, right?
The potential motivation behind this move is pretty clear: to obscure the reality of the economic situation. Some see it as a way to cover up the administration’s failures, much like a shell game.… Continue reading
This comprehensive list enumerates all the states, territories, and affiliated areas of the United States, along with a selection of Canadian provinces and territories. The included regions encompass the United States of America, its outlying territories, and various international military zones, extending the geographic scope to the Armed Forces Americas, Pacific, and Europe. Also present are multiple commonwealths and territories of the U.S. Lastly, the listing includes all of the provinces and territories of Canada.
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Spain’s population has reached a record high of 49.3 million as of July 1, 2025, fueled by a surge in immigration. This growth, totaling 119,811 residents in the second quarter, is largely attributed to the arrival of 95,277 foreigners, primarily from Colombia, Morocco, and Venezuela. This influx of migrants is offsetting Spain’s low birth rates and contributing to its economic growth, with leading publications highlighting their role in filling service-based jobs. While immigration sparks debate, especially regarding its impact on social systems, it remains a crucial factor for sustaining Spain’s economy and social security in the face of an aging population.
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Ukraine wins historic $5 billion award against Russia—and Europe starts making Moscow pay it. This headline, a beacon of positive news in a sea of often grim reports, is certainly something to discuss. It’s a significant victory for Ukraine, and it seems like Europe is finally gearing up to make Russia feel the economic sting of its actions. This award, this financial smackdown, is a strong message.
The core idea here is that Russia faces potential economic collapse. Even a transition to a wartime economy may not be enough, as the West, especially Europe, is focused on isolating them. Ukraine has sacrificed so much, and the support they are receiving will hopefully make a real difference.… Continue reading
New retaliatory tariffs went into effect, as announced by the former president on Truth Social, claiming billions would flow into the United States. However, the Treasury Secretary admitted that American importers, and ultimately consumers, are the ones who pay the tariffs. While the administration may attempt to deflect responsibility, the economic reality is that the tariffs primarily burden American businesses and consumers, leading to slowed economic growth and rising prices. Despite warnings from some advisors, the former president has continued his controversial tariff policy and has fired the Commissioner of Labor Statistics.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood