Europe Wants to Get the Word Out: Russia Is to Blame for Sabotage
It’s been a long time coming, but it seems like Europe is finally ready to publicly acknowledge something that many have suspected for years: Russia is actively sabotaging European infrastructure. It’s a bit like seeing a slow-motion car crash finally reach its inevitable conclusion. We’ve seen the warning signs, the near misses, the subtle nudges, and now, finally, the realization that this isn’t just a series of unfortunate events but a deliberate campaign.
This revelation, though belated, could be a turning point. Recognizing the pattern of sabotage as a coordinated hybrid war is a crucial first step.… Continue reading
In Fiscal Year 2025, Amtrak achieved record-breaking ridership and revenue, marking the second consecutive year of substantial growth. The company saw 34.5 million customer trips and $2.7 billion in adjusted ticket revenue, demonstrating strong demand for quality service and a focus on customer experience. Investments in infrastructure and fleet modernization, including the launch of new services like the Amtrak Mardi Gras and NextGen Acela, further contributed to the year’s success. These achievements set the stage for continued expansion, with a focus on achieving operational profitability by Fiscal Year 2028.
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The Shopping Trends team has observed a shift in consumer behavior, likely influencing purchasing patterns. The team may earn commissions when links are used to make purchases. The shopping trends team is separate from the journalists who work for CTV News. Further details about the team are available.
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The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is halting over $11 billion in lower-priority projects, including infrastructure in New York and the Cape Cod Bridges Program in Massachusetts, due to the government shutdown. The White House Office of Management and Budget director indicated these projects are also being considered for potential cancellation. The Corps cited an inability to oversee all projects, while an OMB spokesperson revealed impacted projects include $7 billion in New York water and wastewater infrastructure and $600 million for the Massachusetts bridge program. The pause also extends to projects in several other states.
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AWS experienced a major outage impacting a wide range of websites and applications globally. The US-EAST-1 region was primarily affected, leading to increased error rates and latencies for numerous services. AI startup Perplexity and Coinbase confirmed AWS as the source of their service disruptions. Amazon.com, PrimeVideo, Alexa, and Venmo were among the services also impacted by the outage.
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The Trump administration is withholding approximately $18 billion in federal funds earmarked for major infrastructure projects in New York City, citing concerns over diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) confirmed the pause on the Second Avenue Subway extension and the Hudson Tunnel project while it reviews whether the projects have implemented “race- and sex-based contracting requirements”. The department stated that funding would be held back pending these administrative reviews, which they say are unconstitutional. The federal government attributes these delays to the federal government shutdown, placing blame on Democratic officials and thus causing these delays.
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Fire engulfs Russia’s fifth-largest oil refinery in Yaroslavl, authorities deny drone attack, and it really does make you wonder, doesn’t it? When a massive industrial facility goes up in flames, the immediate response is usually an investigation. But in this instance, the official line seems to be a swift and emphatic denial of any external involvement, specifically, any drone attack. Now, consider for a moment the optics of this. A vital piece of infrastructure, critical to the country’s energy supply, is ablaze. And yet, the authorities are so keen to dismiss any suggestion of sabotage. It’s a bit of a head-scratcher, to be honest.… Continue reading
The Trump administration has paused approximately $18 billion in funding for a new rail tunnel under the Hudson River and the Second Avenue subway project, citing concerns over unconstitutional diversity, equity, and inclusion principles. The U.S. Transportation Department confirmed the review was halted due to the government shutdown, a situation the administration attributed to “radical Democrats.” This move appears to target Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer, who had previously expressed enthusiasm for the rail tunnel project. New York officials have criticized the decision, with Governor Kathy Hochul stating it prioritizes cultural interpretations over national needs.
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Reports indicate that the Trump administration is replacing signs acknowledging projects funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law with signs solely crediting Donald Trump for rebuilding America’s infrastructure. This is occurring across various projects, including bridges and rail improvements, despite Trump’s prior opposition to the bill. Furthermore, shortly after his inauguration, Trump issued an executive order pausing funds from the 2021 infrastructure law. Despite this, Republicans like Rep. Joe Courtney and others are taking credit for projects funded by the infrastructure legislation they previously opposed.
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Parts of Russia face gasoline shortages after Ukraine struck refineries. This situation, unfolding amidst a backdrop of ongoing conflict, paints a picture of significant disruption within Russia. The strikes on refineries, a direct consequence of the war with Ukraine, have created a tangible problem for ordinary citizens, and perhaps, for the broader functioning of the country. The empty gas stations are a visible manifestation of a more profound issue, one that suggests a weakening of critical infrastructure and a disruption in the supply chain. It’s a stark reminder of the real-world consequences of military actions, felt not just on the battlefield but also in the daily lives of people far from the front lines.… Continue reading
Matt Underwood 
John Q. Hosedrinker