The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), formerly led by Elon Musk, has been disbanded after only ten months, despite initially claiming it would save trillions. DOGE’s work, which included deregulation and workforce reshaping, is now carried out through the Office of Personnel Management. The agency’s actions, including firing roughly 300,000 federal workers, significantly impacted the LGBTQ+ community and other vulnerable populations. The elimination of USAID, for example, is estimated to have resulted in the loss of hundreds of thousands of lives and cut off access to vital medication and legal support.
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The documentary “Rovina’s Choice” highlights the impact of dwindling international aid, specifically the US’s decreased funding for USAID. This aid cuts have devastating consequences, with hundreds of thousands of deaths already linked to these changes, and millions more projected by 2030. Studies reveal the vital role of international assistance in reducing mortality rates from diseases like HIV/AIDS and malaria. Despite progress in combating famine and improving global health, the reduction in funding is reversing these gains, potentially leading to a manufactured crisis of widespread death and suffering.
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A recent report by the U.S. Office of Inspector General reveals that nearly half of the Starlink terminals supplied to Ukraine, primarily by USAID and SpaceX, ended up in Russian-occupied territories, raising concerns about potential misuse. The report highlights that USAID failed to implement adequate safeguards for the distributed terminals, which were essential for restoring internet access and power during the conflict. The lack of tracking and usage restrictions, coupled with the omission of military-use prohibitions in the transfer agreements, increased the risk of the terminals being used for military or intelligence operations. USAID has agreed to work with Ukrainian authorities and SpaceX to address the issue, but only for the terminals it directly financed, despite the larger number provided by various international partners.
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The French government is closely monitoring the US plan to destroy nearly $10 million worth of contraceptives, primarily long-acting methods like IUDs and implants, originally intended for women in Africa through USAID programs. The US State Department confirmed a preliminary decision to destroy these contraceptives, purchased under Biden-era contracts, with incineration possibly occurring in France. French officials and rights groups are expressing strong opposition, with petitions and calls for presidential intervention to prevent what is perceived as a violation of women’s rights and a waste of resources. Belgium is also seeking a solution, and offers from organizations like MSI Reproductive Choices and IPPF to repurpose the contraceptives were rejected.
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The Trump administration has initiated plans to destroy $9.7 million worth of U.S.-purchased contraceptives, a decision stemming from the dismantling of foreign assistance programs. These contraceptives, stored in a Belgium warehouse, are primarily long-lasting types with expiration dates as far out as 2029. Despite offers to redirect the supplies, including paying for shipping, the U.S. government has rejected them, citing the “Mexico City policy.” This policy prevents organizations that provide or promote abortion from receiving U.S. funding. The destruction of these contraceptives has led to concerns from organizations like Doctors Without Borders, which rely on the supplies for women’s health initiatives.
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USAID analysis found no evidence of massive Hamas theft of Gaza aid, which might seem like a straightforward conclusion, but the reality, as usual, is much more nuanced. The core of the report, as indicated by the input content, is that while there have been numerous incidents of aid loss or theft in Gaza, the US Agency for International Development (USAID) analysis didn’t definitively attribute the bulk of those incidents to Hamas specifically.
This lack of definitive attribution doesn’t mean theft isn’t happening. The report actually detailed that out of 156 reported incidents, 63 involved unknown perpetrators and 35 were linked to armed actors.… Continue reading
The Trump administration is planning to destroy $9.7 million worth of contraceptives, primarily IUDs and implants, rather than distribute them to women in need, despite the cost of $167,000 to taxpayers. This decision stems from US laws that prohibit aid to organizations providing abortion services, impacting potential buyers and leading to the destruction of supplies intended for Africa. This action is part of a broader effort to dismantle the Agency for International Development (USAID) and cut foreign aid, potentially leading to millions of additional deaths. Organizations like MSI Reproductive Choices, which attempted to purchase the contraceptives, were turned down and are now facing critical shortages in several countries, including many in Africa. This destruction of aid and the cuts in funding represents a significant decline in support for women’s health programs globally, with potentially devastating consequences.
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Lovehoney is hosting a “Black Friday in July” sale, offering up to 70 percent off sex toys, lingerie, and accessories. The sale features a variety of products, including the Lovehoney Hot Shot Male Masturbator, designed to mimic oral sex sensations. For couples, the Up All Night Couple’s Sex Toy Kit provides multiple toys for diverse stimulation. To help navigate the sale, Lovehoney provides a comprehensive guide with expert advice on selecting the right toys.
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USAID shutdown could lead to 14 million deaths by 2030, a study finds, and that number is truly staggering. It’s a chilling prospect, isn’t it? When you break it down, that’s less than five years away, and suddenly, it doesn’t feel so abstract anymore. It’s a stark reminder of the potential consequences when critical aid programs are cut. The core of the issue, it seems, is the potential loss of funding for essential health services, particularly those focused on maternal and child health, as well as disease surveillance, primarily in places like Nigeria and Uganda.
The study highlights the significant reliance of these countries on U.S.… Continue reading
In a farewell video, former US Presidents Barack Obama and George W. Bush criticized the Trump administration’s decision to dismantle USAID, calling it a “colossal mistake.” Monday marked the final day of USAID’s operation as an independent agency, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio ordering its absorption into the State Department. The former presidents, joined by U2 singer Bono, expressed their appreciation for the agency’s work, particularly its efforts in humanitarian aid, disease prevention, and promoting economic development. Obama emphasized USAID’s crucial role in global economic growth and saving lives, while Bush highlighted the importance of the PEPFAR program, which saved millions of lives.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood