Fox News AI Newsletter: Hegseth Aims to Transform American Warfare

December 13, 2025 Staff ReporterTechnology, USA 0

The Pentagon has launched GenAI.mil, a military-focused AI platform powered by Google Gemini, aimed at transforming U.S. warfighting capabilities, according to Secretary of War Pete Hegseth.

The Fox News AI Newsletter provides readers with the latest advancements in artificial intelligence technology, highlighting both the challenges and opportunities that AI presents in various sectors, including defense.

In a significant development, the Pentagon has announced the launch of GenAI.mil, a military-focused AI platform powered by Google Gemini. In a video obtained by FOX Business, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth emphasized that the platform is designed to provide U.S. military personnel with direct access to AI tools, aiming to “revolutioniz[e] the way we win.”

In other news, Disney CEO Bob Iger defended the company’s recent $1 billion equity investment in OpenAI, assuring creators that their jobs would not be threatened by the integration of AI into the entertainment industry.

President Donald Trump responded to a report regarding the global artificial intelligence arms race, which claimed that China possesses more than double the electrical power-generation capacity of the United States. Trump asserted that every AI plant being built in the U.S. will be self-sustaining, equipped with its own electricity.

U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright recently stated that America’s top scientific priority is AI. While there is ongoing debate about how to regulate artificial intelligence and what safeguards should be in place, there is broad bipartisan agreement on the potential of this technology to transform global operations.

On a lighter note, panelists on the show ‘Outnumbered’ reacted to OpenAI CEO Sam Altman’s candid admission that he “cannot imagine” raising his newborn son without assistance from ChatGPT.

Former Senator Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona has warned that the U.S. risks losing its global leadership in artificial intelligence to China. She emphasized that the AI race is a matter of national security that the nation must “win.”

In a notable recognition, Time magazine announced “Architects of AI” as its 2025 Person of the Year, opting for a collective acknowledgment rather than selecting a single individual for the honor.

In a legal development, the heirs of an 83-year-old woman who was killed by her son in Connecticut have filed a wrongful death lawsuit against OpenAI and its business partner Microsoft. They claim that the AI chatbot amplified the son’s “paranoid delusions.”

California Governor Gavin Newsom took a jab at President Trump’s administration by sharing an AI-generated video that depicted Trump, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, and White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller in handcuffs.

In legislative news, a bipartisan group of House lawmakers introduced a bill requiring federal agencies and officials to label any AI-generated content shared through official government channels.

The U.S. Navy has issued a warning that the country must treat shipbuilding and weapons production with the urgency of a nation preparing for conflict. Navy Secretary John Phelan stated that the service “cannot afford to stay comfortable” amid challenges such as submarine delays and supply-chain failures.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer accused President Trump of “selling out America” following the announcement that the U.S. will permit Nvidia to export its artificial intelligence chips to China and other countries.

White House science and technology advisor Michael Kratsios urged G7 tech ministers to eliminate regulatory obstacles to AI adoption. He cautioned that outdated oversight frameworks could hinder the innovation necessary to unlock AI-driven productivity.

JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon offered an optimistic perspective on artificial intelligence, predicting that the technology will not “dramatically reduce” jobs over the next year, provided it is effectively regulated.

As artificial intelligence continues to evolve, it is becoming increasingly powerful. However, there are concerns about AI models sometimes finding shortcuts to achieve success, a behavior known as reward hacking. This occurs when an AI exploits flaws in its training goals to achieve high scores without genuinely addressing the intended objectives.

Stay informed about the latest advancements in AI technology and explore the challenges and opportunities it presents for the future with Fox News.

According to Fox News.

Year-End Obamacare Challenges Highlight Political Failures in Washington

December 13, 2025 Staff ReporterPolitics, USA 0

As Congress heads into the holiday recess, millions of Americans face a potential healthcare crisis due to political gridlock over Affordable Care Act subsidies.

Millions of Americans are once again paying the price for Washington’s dysfunction. As Congress prepares to adjourn for the holidays, lawmakers appear set to leave without resolving a looming healthcare crisis that could cause Affordable Care Act (ACA) premiums to double or worse for millions of families in the coming year. For households already stretched thin, the result will be painful choices—cutting essentials, taking on debt, or dropping health insurance entirely.

With enhanced Covid-era ACA subsidies scheduled to expire on December 31, political paralysis has taken center stage. What unfolded this week was a familiar spectacle of finger-pointing, stalled legislation, and a notable absence of urgency—while the president showed little engagement as the clock ran down.

At the heart of the crisis is a widening partisan divide. Republicans, long hostile to Obamacare, say they want to rein in costs and reduce insurer profits. Democrats insist on extending subsidies but largely refuse to discuss reforms to the law itself.

This impasse played out in the Senate, where two competing bills were brought to the floor despite near-universal recognition that neither would pass. Republicans proposed redirecting subsidies into health savings accounts (HSAs) for some ACA enrollees over two years, a plan backed rhetorically by Donald Trump. Critics argue the approach offers no guarantee that patients could cover full medical costs—particularly in emergencies—leaving families exposed to large bills.

Democrats countered with a proposal to extend the enhanced subsidies for three more years, preserving $0 or near-$0 premiums for many low-income Americans and continuing expanded eligibility for middle-class families. Four Republicans crossed party lines, but the bill fell short of the 60 votes needed to advance.

The stakes extend far beyond Obamacare exchanges. Healthcare costs are climbing across the board, affecting Americans with employer-sponsored coverage as well. This broader affordability crisis is shaping the political landscape ahead of next year’s midterm elections.

The GOP’s razor-thin House majority further complicates matters, making it difficult to pass legislation on virtually any issue. Democrats, for their part, are reluctant to reopen the ACA for reforms, viewing it as the crown jewel of former President Barack Obama’s legacy. Republicans, meanwhile, fear primary challenges if they are seen as “saving” Obamacare.

Yet political reality cuts both ways: millions of Republican voters rely on ACA coverage. Failure to act would directly harm their own base—particularly in swing states, where moderate GOP lawmakers are increasingly alarmed.

Some lawmakers argue that heated rhetoric may eventually create space for compromise. Several proposals are still circulating, including a bipartisan plan from Senators Susan Collins and Bernie Moreno that would extend subsidies for two years while closing income loopholes and requiring modest premium contributions.

Ohio Senator Jon Husted said Congress must act quickly, citing constituents facing soaring premiums. “I don’t want people to suffer,” he said, while also criticizing what he described as systemic fraud within the ACA.

Democrats remain skeptical, viewing Republican reform efforts as thinly veiled attempts to weaken or dismantle Obamacare—a suspicion rooted in years of failed repeal efforts. Still, Democrats are not without blame. Critics note they could have made the subsidies permanent when they previously controlled both Congress and the White House.

Attention now turns to House Speaker Mike Johnson, who has promised a forthcoming plan to reduce premiums “for all Americans.” However, deep divisions within his party threaten to derail any proposal. Conservative lawmakers reject subsidy extensions outright, while moderates warn there is no time to design a new healthcare framework before the deadline.

One last-ditch option involves discharge petitions, which would allow rank-and-file lawmakers to force a vote over leadership objections. Representative Mike Lawler of New York urged Democratic leaders to cooperate, warning that delay would deepen public frustration.

“This is a moment to show the American people that Washington can function,” Lawler said.

Whether Congress rises to that challenge remains uncertain. What is clear is that millions of Americans’ healthcare security now hangs in the balance—a stark reminder of how political stalemate can quickly become a personal crisis, according to Global Net News.

Zohran Mamdani’s Volunteer Efforts Propel His NYC Mayoral Campaign

December 13, 2025 Staff ReporterNation, Politics 0

Zohran Mamdani’s election as New York City mayor showcases the power of grassroots activism, driven by a dedicated volunteer army that continues to mobilize for change.

Since November 5th, when Zohran Mamdani was elected as the new mayor of New York City, the buzz among volunteers has been palpable. Their phones have not stopped ringing, serving as a reminder that the movement is far from over and that there is much work to be done.

Volunteers from all corners of the city, from Astoria in Queens to Harlem and Hell’s Kitchen, have come together to support Mamdani’s vision. Parents, students, and workers have dedicated their time—sometimes even leaving their jobs—to engage in door-to-door canvassing and connect with residents of all ages. This effort transcends traditional political campaigns, evolving into a community movement that resonates deeply with those involved.

“Hi, is Jonathan available?” Lydia asks confidently as she presses the buzzer for an apartment in Chelsea, Manhattan. “I’m Lydia, a volunteer for the Democratic nominee for mayor, Zohran Mamdani,” she introduces herself with a warm smile.

Mamdani’s campaign has become a significant chapter in New York’s political history. Just weeks ago, he emerged as an outsider with a radical platform and an unprecedented volunteer base, ultimately securing the mayoral seat. The key to his success? A passionate group of volunteers who are deeply invested in his vision.

These volunteers go above and beyond, baking birthday cakes for Mamdani, attending debates, wearing his campaign colors of yellow and blue, and participating in online chats like “Gabbers for Zohran” and “Pets for Zohran.” Their enthusiasm and commitment have created a vibrant community around his candidacy.

The impact of Mamdani’s election extends beyond the borders of the United States, resonating in Europe and around the world. His victory has been interpreted as a beacon of hope, inspiring many to engage in grassroots activism. To understand this phenomenon, one must look at the dedicated volunteers—individuals like Lydia, Vivian, Balthazar, Milo, Katie, Bronislaw, Gianna, Sanjana, Diana, and Matt—who have collectively formed a movement that continues to thrive.

Over 100,000 volunteers have participated in daily canvassing and phone banking, breathing life into a campaign that has not waned since election day. Last October, Senator Bernie Sanders praised this grassroots movement during a rally in Queens, calling it a powerful force for American democracy that could inspire change worldwide. A month later, his words ring even truer.

Mamdani’s volunteers knocked on over one million doors, presenting residents with a straightforward yet impactful platform. They engaged with the community, addressing concerns and answering questions without imposing their views. This diverse group of volunteers—young and old, from various racial and ethnic backgrounds—has fostered a sense of solidarity while gathering insights into the economic challenges, hopes, and urgent priorities of New Yorkers.

The foundation of Mamdani’s campaign lies in the dedication of his volunteers, many of whom remain actively involved in shaping his administration. Lydia, a Political Science major from the Upper West Side, first supported Bernie Sanders but found a new passion in volunteering for Mamdani after the primaries. Matt, a 37-year-old software engineer from Queens, recalls the unexpected turnout at Mamdani’s campaign launch in Brooklyn, which motivated him to dedicate his free time to the cause.

Milo, a young man of Russian descent living in Harlem, has been involved with the Democratic Party’s youth committees for years. He was drawn to Mamdani’s charisma and energy, noting that it had been a long time since he encountered such an engaging politician. Bronislaw, a retired professor and political asylee, shares his belief in Mamdani’s platform and his hope for a better New York under his leadership.

Gianna, a Public Health student at Columbia University, utilized an app called MiniVAN to identify eligible voters during the campaign. Her enthusiasm was evident as she knocked on doors, often greeted with warmth and openness. John, a 22-year-old freelance director from Los Angeles, found renewed hope in Mamdani’s campaign after feeling disillusioned by previous elections.

Josh, a 26-year-old law student, and Kevin, a 28-year-old teacher, both express admiration for Mamdani’s progressive ideas and willingness to explore alternative solutions. Vivian, a former software engineer who left her job to volunteer full-time, emphasizes the importance of youth involvement in shaping the future. Katie, who also left a corporate job, felt empowered by Mamdani’s message and the potential for change.

As the movement evolves, Diana Moreno, who is campaigning to succeed Mamdani in his Assembly seat, describes it as “the solidarity that beats fascism.” She emphasizes that this movement is not solely about political office but about building a better world for the community.

On November 21st, Mamdani met with former President Donald Trump in the Oval Office, a surprising encounter that yielded positive remarks from Trump about Mamdani’s potential as mayor. This moment reinforced the belief among Mamdani’s volunteers that they have backed a candidate who genuinely believes in his vision for the city. Jessica from Astoria, who canvassed for Mamdani and is now supporting Moreno, echoes this sentiment, expressing her commitment to sustaining the movement they have built.

The grassroots efforts that propelled Zohran Mamdani to the mayoralty of New York City continue to thrive, driven by a dedicated volunteer army that is committed to enacting meaningful change.

According to India Currents.

New Report Highlights Impact of Trump’s Deportation Agenda on Childcare Crisis

December 12, 2025December 12, 2025 Staff ReporterElection, Immigration, Politics 0

A new report reveals that President Trump’s mass deportation agenda could exacerbate the already critical U.S. childcare crisis, threatening families’ access to essential services and the broader economy.

Washington, D.C., Dec. 11, 2025 — A report released by the American Immigration Council highlights the precarious state of the U.S. childcare system, which is already strained by rising costs, staffing shortages, and high demand. The report warns that President Donald Trump’s mass deportation agenda could lead to catastrophic disruptions in this vital sector.

The report, titled Immigrant Workers and the Childcare Crisis: What’s at Stake for Families and the Economy, reveals that immigrant workers constitute one in five childcare workers across the nation. This percentage is even higher in major metropolitan areas such as Miami and San Jose. Notably, more than half of these workers are non-citizens, and nearly a third are undocumented, placing them at risk of deportation or loss of work authorization.

In addition to statistical analysis, the report includes personal stories from ten childcare providers and parents whose lives have already been affected by enforcement crackdowns and visa uncertainties. Jeremy Robbins, executive director of the American Immigration Council, emphasized the critical role immigrants play in the childcare system. “Working parents already feel the strain of a childcare system that’s barely holding together,” he said. “Parents can’t clock in if they don’t have safe, stable childcare, and immigrants play a key role in providing that. Mass deportation pulls that foundation out from under families and jeopardizes parents’ ability to stay in the labor force.”

The report documents how increased enforcement has already led to significant disruptions in childcare availability in various communities. For instance, a daycare center in south Philadelphia, which primarily serves low-income immigrant families, saw its enrollment drop from 158 children to 97 following enforcement actions. This decline forced the center to lay off staff and close classrooms. Similarly, a preschool in Washington, D.C., experienced teacher resignations due to new barriers to maintaining work authorization.

Some of the report’s key findings include:

Approximately 20.1 percent of childcare workers are immigrants, amounting to over 282,000 individuals, predominantly women.

In cities like San Jose and Miami, immigrants represent over two-thirds of childcare workers. In Los Angeles, New York, and San Francisco, they account for nearly half of the workforce.

Staffing shortages in the childcare sector are already acute. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that 160,200 childcare jobs will open each year over the next decade due to turnover.

Immigrant childcare workers are more likely to be self-employed and work full-time, filling roles that have proven difficult to staff with U.S.-born workers.

Aggressive immigration enforcement has already led to daycare center closures, empty classrooms, and increased absenteeism in some communities.

The report also features testimonies from individuals, including childcare providers and parents, who express concern about the potential tightening of the childcare system due to mass raids and increased visa restrictions. One mother, identified as ‘Jen’ from New York City, shared her anxiety: “I want to be productive. I want to be part of the workforce. As things ratchet up, there’s always a little voice in my head, ‘Please, please don’t revoke visas.’ But if my au pair goes, then I would have to quit my job.”

Disruptions to the U.S. childcare system resulting from Trump’s immigration policies are poised to impact not only individual households but also the broader labor market. According to U.S. census data analyzed in the report, in 2025, 12.8 million households with children under the age of 14—41.9 percent of such households—had at least one adult whose job was affected due to losing access to childcare.

This situation includes 2.5 million households that resorted to unpaid leave, 2 million that reduced work hours, 1.3 million that had adults who stopped seeking employment, and over 600,000 households where adults quit their jobs.

“From hospitals to retail to tech, U.S. employers depend on parents being able to work,” stated Nan Wu, director of research at the American Immigration Council. “Removing the workers who make childcare possible would choke off workforce participation and weaken our economy at a time when it’s already struggling.”

For further insights, the full report is available through the American Immigration Council.

California Congressman Dave Min Endorses Indian-American Dr. Tina Shah for NJ’s 7th District

December 12, 2025 Staff ReporterElection, Politics, USA 0

California Congressman Dave Min has endorsed Dr. Tina Shah in her campaign for New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District, emphasizing the need for healthcare reform and accessible care.

California Congressman Dave Min (CA-47) publicly endorsed Dr. Tina Shah on December 11 as she campaigns for New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District. Dr. Shah, a practicing physician, announced her candidacy in July 2025, citing the urgent need to address the broken healthcare system in the United States.

“I’m running for Congress because America is in critical condition and enough is enough,” Dr. Shah stated. “As a physician, I took an oath to first do no harm, but when I go to work in the Intensive Care Unit, I’m up against a system that is designed to make patients broke and sicker, prioritize insurance companies’ profits above all else, and burn out a workforce trying to save lives.”

Dr. Shah, who is triple board-certified in internal medicine, pulmonary medicine, and critical care medicine, grew up in New Jersey. She is challenging Republican incumbent Tom Kean Jr., who has been criticized for casting the deciding vote in Congress for significant cuts to Medicaid.

“Career politicians like Tom Kean Jr. have done nothing to lower healthcare costs or expand access to care,” Dr. Shah remarked. “Instead, he’s dodging his constituents while casting the deciding vote to gut Medicaid and attacking access to essential care, including abortion, in New Jersey.”

The Center for Politics has identified New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District as one of the few “toss-up” races in the country. The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee has also included Kean Jr. in their 2026 “Districts in Play” list, highlighting the competitive nature of this election.

“I am excited to endorse Dr. Tina Shah for Congress in New Jersey’s 7th District,” Congressman Min said. “Tina’s experience taking care of patients on the frontlines in the ICU and working to deliver affordable and accessible healthcare will serve New Jersey and our whole country well. Like me, she is the child of Asian immigrants, and so she knows firsthand the importance of standing up for our core values and building the economic opportunity that defines the American Dream. She is exactly the kind of fighter we need in Congress right now.”

Dr. Shah expressed her gratitude for Congressman Min’s support, acknowledging his track record of winning tough races and delivering for his community. “I’m excited to flip this seat with his support and join in the work to ensure the American Dream is accessible to all,” she said.

She also voiced concerns regarding the influence of public figures like Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and the Trump administration, stating, “They are actively gutting lifesaving medical research and putting vaccine deniers in charge of our vaccine system. If we keep going down this road, there’s only one outcome: people will get hurt. What we do next is critical. I’m running for Congress to fix what is fundamentally broken and stand up for my patients, my neighbors, my community, and New Jersey.”

Dr. Shah’s campaign is gaining momentum as she seeks to address the pressing healthcare issues facing her constituents and the nation.

According to India Currents, the endorsement from Congressman Min underscores the significance of Dr. Shah’s candidacy in the upcoming election.

Sharanjit Thind Announces Congressional Bid for New York’s 18th District

December 11, 2025 Staff ReporterElection, Politics, USA 0

Sharanjit Singh Thind has announced his candidacy for the U.S. House of Representatives, aiming to represent New York’s 18th District in the 2026 elections.

Sharanjit Singh Thind officially filed his candidacy in September 2025 for the U.S. House of Representatives, seeking to represent New York’s 18th District in the Hudson Valley. A lifelong Republican and Sikh originally from Punjab, India, Thind is confident that this Democrat-held seat is primed for a change. With extensive experience in both the private and public sectors, his campaign emphasizes promoting business, creating jobs that are resilient to automation, defending family values, and enhancing community safety.

Thind claims to have the backing of the Republican establishment. Prior to submitting his nomination papers, he met with Ed Cox, Chairman of the New York Republican State Committee, to discuss support for his campaign. Thind was informed that there were no other Republican candidates in the race, making the 18th Congressional District a promising opportunity for him. “Even with the best intentions and backing of the party leadership, primaries are unavoidable and even healthy,” he noted.

Describing his familiarity with CD-18, Thind emphasized his close connections with local party leadership, facilitated by Chairman Cox. “I am receiving a very enthusiastic response when I interact with constituents from all backgrounds,” he added.

While acknowledging that the incumbent, Patrick Ryan, defeated Alison Esposito (R) by 14 points in the 2024 election, Thind believes the political landscape has shifted in his favor. He cites growing discontent among voters regarding the handling of illegal immigration, particularly under President Biden and Mayor Adams. “People are fed up seeing hotels and motels teeming with illegal migrants housed in the Hudson Valley. Under President Trump, that threat to law and order has been cleared,” he stated.

Thind expressed concern over the recent election of Zohran Mamdani as Mayor of New York City, contrasting it with Trump’s America First, pro-business policies. He argues that these policies have contributed to making America the world’s largest economy and a destination for global talent. “By putting business first, you have to know about business, which I do, having run media and real estate businesses,” he said.

Thind’s campaign platform addresses several key issues. He identifies the rise of artificial intelligence as a significant challenge, stating, “Many jobs will evaporate under the AI heat. I am not against AI or automation, but I will hold AI companies accountable to ensure they reinvest some of their profits into retraining displaced workers.” He also emphasizes the need for accountability among banks regarding financial scams that adversely affect seniors.

In addition to job creation, Thind plans to promote tourism in the scenic Hudson Valley. “I will give tourism full attention to attract high-paying visitors and create jobs,” he stated, referencing a recent Netflix series, ‘Four Seasons,’ filmed in the area and featuring stars like Steve Carell and Tina Fey. With his business expertise and the region’s appeal, he is optimistic about attracting more entertainment projects.

Thind arrived in the United States equipped with an MBA and a journalism degree. He resides on Long Island with his wife and two sons. Over the years, he has worked for various reputable companies, founded his own advertising agency in Manhattan, and served as the Editor-Publisher of ‘The South Asian Insider’ for nearly two decades. Recently, he authored “The Beginning – Mad Men of Nu Way Advertising,” which highlights his experiences in the advertising industry on Madison Avenue.

His campaign promises include creating more jobs, protecting those jobs from the impacts of AI, boosting tourism in the Hudson Valley, expanding healthcare benefits, upholding family values, and enacting laws to safeguard seniors from scams.

Thind also brings a wealth of experience in government and politics. Since 2012, he has served as a Commissioner on the Nassau County Human Rights Commission until 2018 and has worked with the Receiver of Taxes office in the Town of Hempstead, the largest township in America.

Having been actively involved in electoral politics, Thind has helped various candidates run for office, from local council members to congressional races. “I have been very closely involved, spending long hours strategizing policy. I have helped raise and personally contributed to the campaigns of quite a few races,” he explained. He has also received the Congressional Excellence Award for his contributions.

Thind plans to leverage his editorial experience to inform his approach to governance and address the issues he believes need fixing in his campaign for Congress.

According to India Currents, Thind’s candidacy marks a significant step in his political journey as he seeks to represent the interests of the Hudson Valley community.

Jay Vaingankar Raises $126,000 on First Day of Congressional Campaign

December 11, 2025 Staff ReporterElection, Politics, USA 0

Democratic congressional candidate Jay Vaingankar raised over $126,000 within the first 24 hours of his campaign launch for New Jersey’s 12th Congressional District, with significant support from young voters.

WEST WINDSOR, NJ – On December 9, Democratic congressional candidate Jay Vaingankar announced that he had raised more than $126,000 in the first 24 hours following the launch of his campaign for Congress in New Jersey’s 12th Congressional District.

The impressive fundraising total came from over 200 individual donors, with more than half of the contributions originating from individuals under the age of 30. Vaingankar noted that donations were received from every county within the district, showcasing a broad base of support.

“I’m grateful for the backing of so many grassroots supporters, especially young people,” Vaingankar stated. “Their enthusiasm allows our campaign to focus on the voters of Central Jersey – and not special interests.”

Vaingankar, who was born and raised in the district, emphasized his commitment to the community, stating, “I took the train home to Jersey every other weekend while serving in the federal government. I’m ready to fight for our community to tackle rising costs, create jobs, and stand up to the Trump Administration.”

His background in Mercer County instilled in him a strong work ethic and a deep respect for diversity. Vaingankar previously worked in the Biden administration’s Department of Energy, where he played a key role in implementing millions of dollars in federal clean energy tax credits for New Jersey. He is the only candidate in the race with federal experience.

Campaign manager Devontae Freeland expressed optimism about the campaign’s early success, stating, “This early momentum gives us the resources we need to organize in every corner of the district and make sure Jay’s message reaches every voter.”

As the campaign progresses, Vaingankar’s ability to connect with younger voters and leverage his federal experience may prove crucial in the competitive landscape of New Jersey’s 12th Congressional District.

According to India-West, the strong initial fundraising effort reflects a growing enthusiasm for Vaingankar’s candidacy and his vision for the future of the community.

Democrats Focus on Vulnerable Republican Senators Before Health Care Vote

December 11, 2025 Staff ReporterElection, Health, Politics 0

The Democratic National Committee is launching an ad campaign targeting four vulnerable Republican senators ahead of crucial Senate votes on Affordable Care Act tax credits that impact over 20 million Americans.

As the Senate prepares for critical votes on competing health care tax credit measures, the Democratic National Committee (DNC) is rolling out a new advertising campaign aimed at four Republican senators deemed vulnerable in their re-election bids next year.

The campaign, which was first shared with Fox News Digital, specifically targets Senators Susan Collins of Maine, John Cornyn of Texas, Jon Husted of Ohio, and Dan Sullivan of Alaska. The DNC criticizes these senators for their repeated votes against extending enhanced Affordable Care Act (ACA) premium tax credits, which could lead to significant increases in health care premiums for millions of Americans.

To reach voters, the DNC is employing digital takeovers of local newspapers in the states represented by these senators, along with additional digital advertisements. The campaign also highlights Republican Senators Ted Cruz of Texas, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, and Bernie Moreno of Ohio.

Currently, over 20 million Americans depend on these tax credits to make their health insurance more affordable under the ACA, commonly referred to as Obamacare. The Democratic Party has consistently emphasized the importance of health care costs and the impending expiration of these tax credits as part of their broader strategy to advocate for affordability. This messaging has proven effective, contributing to significant victories in recent elections.

DNC Chair Ken Martin emphasized the stakes involved in the Senate vote, stating, “Today’s Senate vote to extend the ACA tax credits could be the difference between life and death for many Americans. Over 20 million Americans will see their health care premiums skyrocket next year if Susan Collins, John Cornyn, Jon Husted, and Dan Sullivan do not stand with working families and vote to extend these lifesaving credits.”

Despite the urgency, neither of the competing proposals regarding Obamacare is expected to pass. Senate Democrats, led by Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York, argue that their plan to extend the enhanced ACA premium credit subsidies is the most effective way to prevent a surge in health care premiums on the exchange.

On the other hand, Senate Republicans are resistant to extending these subsidies without reforms. They argue that the current program primarily benefits insurance companies rather than individuals utilizing the marketplace and that the enhanced credits are susceptible to fraud and abuse.

Earlier this week, Senate Republicans reached a consensus on a proposal from Senators Bill Cassidy of Louisiana and Mike Crapo of Idaho, who chair the Senate health and finance panels. This plan suggests completely abandoning the enhanced credits in favor of health savings accounts (HSAs), which would be seeded with amounts ranging from $1,000 to $1,500 based on age, among other adjustments favored by the GOP.

However, the Cassidy and Crapo proposal is just one of several options being considered by Republicans. Collins has also put forth a plan, in collaboration with Moreno, that has garnered interest from some Senate Democrats. This proposal would extend the subsidies for an additional two years while implementing income caps at $200,000 per household and eliminating zero-cost premiums to prevent fraud.

Husted has proposed a similar extension of the subsidies for two years, which also includes income caps and the elimination of zero-cost premiums. However, his plan incorporates stricter enforcement of the Hyde Amendment, which prohibits taxpayer funding for abortions, a stipulation that Senate Democrats are unlikely to accept.

The likelihood of any proposals being acted upon in the Senate before the deadline remains uncertain, particularly as next week will be dominated by the annual defense bill and the consideration of President Donald Trump’s nominees.

The DNC’s digital ad campaign is making its presence felt in several key local publications, including the Bangor Daily News in Maine, the San Antonio Express-News and San Antonio Current in Texas, the Cleveland Plain Dealer and Medina Gazette in Ohio, and the Anchorage Daily News in Alaska, aiming to sway public opinion ahead of the Senate votes.

According to Fox News, the DNC’s targeted approach reflects the party’s commitment to addressing health care affordability and its potential impact on millions of Americans.

Venezuelan Opposition Leader Machado Resurfaces in Norway After Months of Hiding

December 11, 2025 Staff ReporterConflict, Politics, USA 0

Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado made her first public appearance in Norway after 11 months in hiding, as her daughter accepted the Nobel Peace Prize on her behalf.

María Corina Machado, a prominent Venezuelan opposition leader, re-emerged in public on Thursday in Oslo, Norway, after spending 11 months in hiding. Her appearance coincided with her daughter accepting the Nobel Peace Prize on her behalf, a significant recognition for Machado’s efforts against the government of President Nicolás Maduro.

Machado had been in hiding since January 9, when she was briefly detained after participating in a demonstration in Caracas, the capital of Venezuela. Her public recognition comes as a result of her peaceful challenge to Maduro’s regime, which has faced widespread criticism for its authoritarian practices.

As Machado stepped onto the balcony of a hotel in Oslo, she was greeted by a crowd chanting “Freedom!” She waved to her supporters and joined them in singing the national anthem of Venezuela. In an audio recording shared on the Nobel website, Machado expressed her gratitude for the efforts made to bring her to the ceremony, acknowledging that many had “risked their lives” for her cause.

“I am very grateful to them, and this is a measure of what this recognition means to the Venezuelan people,” she stated.

In her absence, Machado’s daughter, Ana Corina Sosa, accepted the Nobel Prize, emphasizing her mother’s unwavering desire for a free Venezuela. “She will never give up on that purpose,” Sosa declared, adding, “That is why we all know, and I know, that she will be back in Venezuela very soon.”

Outside the hotel, Machado interacted with supporters, embracing them as they took photographs and chanted “President! President!” She responded to the crowd, saying, “I want you all back in Venezuela.”

Machado’s appearance in Norway came shortly after U.S. President Donald Trump announced that the United States had seized a Venezuelan oil tanker. This action is likely to exacerbate tensions between the U.S. and Maduro’s government, which is already facing extensive sanctions targeting its oil sector.

Since September, U.S. military operations have reportedly targeted alleged narcotraffickers near Venezuela, with at least 22 strikes resulting in the deaths of 87 individuals. Trump has also indicated that Maduro’s “days are numbered” and has not ruled out the possibility of a ground operation in Venezuela.

Steve Yates, a senior research fellow for China and national security policy at The Heritage Foundation, commented on “Fox News @ Night” that Machado’s visit to Norway presents an opportunity to garner “greater international support” for her cause. He noted that Trump might benefit from having more European allies endorse a “non-invasion” approach to the situation in Venezuela.

Machado has been a vocal supporter of the Trump administration’s actions against Maduro’s regime and the narcotrafficking network in the country. Following the announcement of her Nobel Peace Prize win in October, she dedicated the award to both Trump and the “suffering people of Venezuela.”

In a recent interview on “Fox & Friends Weekend,” Machado described Venezuela as being on the “threshold of freedom,” highlighting her new “freedom manifesto,” which envisions a future without the Maduro regime.

Her reappearance in Norway marks a pivotal moment for Machado and the Venezuelan opposition, as they continue to seek international support in their struggle for democracy and human rights in Venezuela, according to Fox News.

Trump’s Gold Card: A Million-Dollar Ticket to the American Dream

December 11, 2025 Staff ReporterImmigration, Politics 0

President Trump has introduced a new immigration pathway, the Gold Card, which allows wealthy individuals to fast-track their residency in the U.S. for a $1 million investment.

In a bold move aimed at reshaping the immigration landscape, President Trump has unveiled the Gold Card, a new pay-to-immigrate pathway that promises legal status and a potential route to citizenship for those willing to invest $1 million. This announcement comes at a time when many qualified visa applicants feel that their dreams of American residency are increasingly out of reach.

On Wednesday, Trump introduced the Gold Card during a White House roundtable, launching a dedicated website, trumpcard.gov, where prospective applicants can begin the process. The program requires individuals to pay a non-refundable application fee of $15,000 to the federal government, in addition to the $1 million investment. Corporations seeking to sponsor foreign employees will need to invest $2 million per employee.

The Gold Card is intended to replace the existing EB-5 investor visa program, which has been in place since 1990. Under the EB-5 rules, applicants must invest approximately $1 million and create at least ten American jobs. In contrast, the Gold Card offers a more streamlined approach, though it remains to be seen how it will coexist with the EB-5 program.

Trump has positioned the Gold Card as a means to generate revenue for the federal treasury while attracting top talent from around the globe. He described the Gold Card as “basically, it’s a green card but much better,” emphasizing that it provides a “much stronger path” to residency.

Victor A. Espinosa, Vice President of Global Business Development at the Peachtree Group, a real estate investment firm based in San Francisco, noted that the Gold Card has sparked significant interest among investors. “As global families evaluate U.S. immigration strategies, the proposed Trump Gold Card has naturally sparked conversation among many of the EB-5 investors I advise,” he said. “While it is still only a proposal—not a formal policy—the curiosity around how it might coexist with EB-5 is understandable. It has created a new layer of complexity.”

As of now, critical details regarding the Gold Card, such as job generation requirements, corporate criteria, and potential annual caps, have yet to be disclosed. The official website states, “For a $15,000 DHS processing fee and, after background approval, a contribution of $1 million, receive U.S. residency in record time with the Trump Gold Card.” It also mentions that the application process will take “weeks” and will include an interview, with additional fees to the State Department possibly applying based on the applicant’s circumstances.

Espinosa advises investors to carefully consider their options. “My role is to help clients evaluate every potential option. If the Gold Card were ever enacted, it would likely serve as a complementary pathway, not a replacement. Investors may ultimately choose a dual-track evaluation—assessing EB-5 for permanent residency while monitoring any developments around the proposed Gold Card for shorter-term or specialized benefits,” he explained.

The website also hints at an even more exclusive opportunity with the forthcoming Trump Platinum Card, which will allow foreign nationals to spend up to 270 days in the U.S. without being subject to U.S. taxes on non-U.S. income, provided they make a $5 million contribution along with the $15,000 processing fee.

As the landscape of U.S. immigration continues to evolve, the question remains: will the Gold Card pave a smoother path to the American dream for those with the financial means? Espinosa emphasizes the importance of informed decision-making. “The key is to make informed, strategic decisions. Advisors like me will commit to guiding investors through whichever route best aligns with their goals as more details emerge,” he concluded.

This new initiative reflects the ongoing debate over immigration policy in the United States, particularly regarding the balance between attracting foreign investment and ensuring equitable access to residency for all potential immigrants.

As the Gold Card proposal unfolds, it will be crucial for prospective investors to stay informed and evaluate their options carefully, particularly as more details about the program are released.

According to Victor A. Espinosa, the Gold Card could represent a significant shift in how wealthy individuals approach U.S. residency.

Trump Introduces ‘Gold Card’ Program for U.S. Residency at $1 Million

December 11, 2025 Staff ReporterElection, Immigration, Visa 0

The new Gold Card program, launched by President Trump, offers U.S. residency for $1 million, replacing the EB-5 visa with no job-creation requirements or annual caps on applicants.

President Donald Trump has officially launched the much-anticipated Gold Card program, which aims to provide U.S. permanent residency and a pathway to citizenship for foreign investors. The initiative was unveiled on Wednesday and is designed to attract global talent by allowing individuals to secure residency through a $1 million investment. Corporations can obtain residency for foreign-born employees at a cost of $2 million per employee.

The Gold Card program replaces the EB-5 visa, a long-established investor visa introduced by Congress in 1990. Under the EB-5 program, individuals could qualify for U.S. residency by investing approximately $1 million in a business that created at least 10 American jobs. However, the new Gold Card initiative eliminates the job-creation requirement and appears to lack an annual cap on the number of applicants, distinguishing it from its predecessor.

In his announcement, Trump described the Gold Card as “basically, it’s a green card but much better. Much more powerful, a much stronger path.” He emphasized that the program is designed not only to attract foreign investment but also to retain top global talent, which he believes is essential for the growth of American companies.

The launch of the Gold Card program comes after months of promotion by the president, who initially proposed a $5 million price tag for the residency card before settling on the current structure. Trump expressed enthusiasm for the program on social media, stating, “A direct path to Citizenship for all qualified and vetted people. SO EXCITING! Our Great American Companies can finally keep their invaluable Talent.”

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick provided additional details about the program, noting that there will be a $15,000 vetting fee for each applicant. He assured the public that rigorous background checks would be conducted to ensure that applicants meet the necessary qualifications to reside in the United States. Companies will have the option to apply for multiple Gold Cards; however, each card will be limited to one individual.

The introduction of the Gold Card program marks a significant shift in U.S. immigration policy, aiming to streamline the process for wealthy investors while potentially increasing federal revenue. As the application website goes live, it remains to be seen how this initiative will impact the landscape of U.S. immigration and foreign investment.

For further information on the Gold Card program and its implications, please refer to The American Bazaar.

Birthright Citizenship: Legal Precedent and Limits of Executive Action

December 10, 2025 Staff ReporterPolitics, USA 0

The Supreme Court is set to review the Trump administration’s Executive Order 14160, which challenges the longstanding constitutional principle of birthright citizenship in the United States.

The Supreme Court’s decision to review the Trump administration’s effort to revive Executive Order 14160 has thrust the issue of birthright citizenship into the national spotlight. This constitutional protection, enshrined in the Fourteenth Amendment, has been a cornerstone of American law since its ratification in 1868.

Supporters of the executive order argue that it represents a necessary correction to what they perceive as an overly lenient citizenship system. However, a thorough examination of constitutional and historical precedents reveals a clear truth: no president possesses the authority to alter the Fourteenth Amendment through executive action.

The Constitution explicitly outlines the process for amending its text, and presidential action is not included in that framework. Justice Samuel Chase articulated this principle as far back as 1798, stating, “the President has nothing to do with the proposition, or adoption, of amendments to the Constitution.” This foundational concept remains pivotal in the current debate surrounding birthright citizenship.

The Citizenship Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment states: “All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States.” The language is intentionally broad, crafted to counteract the effects of the notorious 1857 Dred Scott decision, which denied citizenship to Black Americans. The Amendment was designed to ensure that no group residing on American soil could be relegated to a permanent underclass.

The principle of birthright citizenship, known as jus soli (citizenship by birthplace), has deep roots in English common law and was adopted by early American states. Congress further solidified the Amendment’s guarantees through legislation in 1940 and 1952. For over 150 years, administrations from both major political parties have treated birthright citizenship as a constitutional rule rather than a policy subject to presidential discretion.

The administration’s argument relies on a narrow interpretation of the phrase “subject to the jurisdiction.” However, the Supreme Court has already decisively rejected this interpretation. In the landmark case United States v. Wong Kim Ark (1898), the Court affirmed that the Fourteenth Amendment enshrined the common-law principle of jus soli. The only exceptions to automatic citizenship are limited to children of foreign diplomats, children born to occupying enemy forces, and certain individuals not subject to American law.

Importantly, immigration status—whether undocumented or on a temporary visa—has never been included among these exceptions. Undocumented immigrants are indeed subject to U.S. law; they can be taxed, arrested, prosecuted, and deported. Harvard Law scholar Gerald Neuman has characterized the administration’s interpretation as “either a crazy theory or a dishonest interpretation of the Constitution.”

Executive Order 14160 is constitutionally flawed because it attempts to condition birthright citizenship on the legal status of a child’s parents—an alteration that could only be achieved through a constitutional amendment. Even if the order were to apply solely to future births, the fundamental issue remains unchanged: the executive branch lacks the authority to redefine constitutional membership.

The Amendment was specifically designed to prevent citizenship from becoming a political tool manipulated by changing administrations. Allowing a president to unilaterally modify it would undermine the separation of powers and destabilize the constitutional guarantees that have endured for over a century.

Federal courts recognized the order’s constitutional conflicts almost immediately. A district court blocked the order shortly after its announcement, citing its clear contradiction with established constitutional text and precedent.

The Supreme Court’s upcoming review will not only clarify who qualifies as an American citizen but will also address the critical question of whether a president can rewrite a constitutional promise that has stood firm for generations. The implications of this case extend far beyond the immediate issue of citizenship, touching on the very foundations of American democracy and the rule of law.

As the nation awaits the Court’s decision, the future of birthright citizenship hangs in the balance, reminding us of the enduring importance of constitutional protections in safeguarding the rights of all individuals within the United States, according to Global Net News.

Florida CAIR Considers Lawsuit Against DeSantis Over Terrorist Label

December 10, 2025 Staff ReporterElection, Politics, USA 0

CAIR Florida plans to sue Governor Ron DeSantis after he labeled the organization a “foreign terrorist group” in an executive order, igniting a legal and political controversy.

The Florida chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) has announced its intention to file a lawsuit against Governor Ron DeSantis following his recent executive order that designates the Muslim civil rights organization as a “foreign terrorist organization.”

During a news conference, Hiba Rahim, the deputy executive director of CAIR Florida, described the governor’s order as an attack rooted in conspiracy theories. She drew parallels to historical efforts that targeted various immigrant communities in the United States, including Jewish, Irish, and Italian Americans.

“We are very proud to defend the founding principles of our Constitution, to defend free speech,” Rahim stated. “We are proud to defend democracy, and we are proud to be America first.”

Rahim further asserted that DeSantis’s support for Israel influenced the decision to label CAIR as a terrorist organization, claiming that the group’s activism had caused “discomfort” for the U.S. ally. She emphasized that CAIR does not intend to back down in the face of this designation.

In response, Governor DeSantis defended his executive order, asserting that his administration had sufficient grounds for the designation. He welcomed CAIR’s legal challenge, describing the action as “a long time coming.”

Alongside CAIR, DeSantis’s order also identifies the Muslim Brotherhood as a “foreign terrorist organization.” This move follows a recent executive order from former President Donald Trump, which initiated a federal process to consider designating certain chapters of the Muslim Brotherhood in a similar manner.

DeSantis indicated that he anticipates Florida lawmakers will pursue related legislation when the legislature reconvenes in January, calling the executive order “the beginning” of a broader initiative.

Under DeSantis’s directive, state agencies are prohibited from awarding contracts, employment, or funds to CAIR, the Muslim Brotherhood, or any organizations deemed to have materially supported them.

During the Tampa news conference, attorney Miranda Margolis criticized the executive order, arguing that DeSantis had overstepped his authority by unilaterally designating a nonprofit organization as a terrorist group.

“This designation is without legal or factual basis and constitutes a dangerous escalation of anti-Muslim political rhetoric,” Margolis stated.

Florida’s decision follows a similar proclamation made by Texas Governor Greg Abbott, which has also faced legal challenges from CAIR. The organization argues that Abbott’s designation violates both the U.S. Constitution and Texas law. Muslim and interfaith organizations in Texas have urged Abbott to rescind his order.

It is important to note that state-level designations do not carry the same legal weight as federal Foreign Terrorist Organization classifications, which can only be issued by the U.S. State Department.

CAIR contends that the Florida executive order infringes upon its First Amendment rights and due-process protections, asserting that terrorism designations should fall under federal jurisdiction rather than state power.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

US Deploys Fighter Jets to Gulf of Venezuela Amid Rising Tensions

December 10, 2025 Staff ReporterConflict, Politics, USA 0

Two U.S. fighter jets conducted a training flight over the Gulf of Venezuela, marking a significant increase in military activity in the region amid rising tensions.

On Tuesday, the United States deployed two fighter jets over the Gulf of Venezuela, marking what is believed to be the closest known approach of U.S. military aircraft to Venezuelan airspace to date. The F/A-18 jets were tracked on Flightradar24 as they conducted a 30-minute flight over waters north of Venezuela, according to reports from the Associated Press.

A U.S. defense official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, described the mission as a “routine training flight” aimed at showcasing the operational reach of the aircraft. The official did not disclose whether the jets were armed but emphasized that the operation was conducted entirely within international airspace.

This dual flight comes amid a backdrop of increased U.S. military activity in the region over the past several months. While the U.S. has previously deployed B-52 Stratofortress and B-1 Lancer bombers along Venezuela’s coastline, the recent F/A-18 mission represents a closer approach than those earlier operations.

The uptick in military activity began following U.S. strikes on vessels suspected of drug smuggling in both the Caribbean Sea and the eastern Pacific. The first reported U.S. military strike on a vessel allegedly departing from Venezuela with drugs occurred in September. The Trump administration characterized these operations as crucial for combating illicit drug trafficking, a claim that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has consistently denied.

In November, tensions surrounding Venezuelan airspace escalated when President Trump instructed airlines to treat the region as effectively closed, aligning with warnings from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to civilian carriers.

Retired Rear Admiral Mark Montgomery, senior director at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies’ Center on Cyber and Technology Innovation, previously stated that Venezuela’s most significant military threats stem from its own air and naval systems. This includes fighter jets, limited surface vessels, and Russian-made surface-to-air missiles.

“Reasonably speaking, in the first day or two of a campaign plan, we can eliminate the air and maritime threat to U.S. forces,” Montgomery noted.

Isaias Medina, an international lawyer and former Venezuelan diplomat, echoed this sentiment, suggesting that Venezuela’s military capabilities appear more formidable on paper than they are in practice.

The recent military maneuvers by the U.S. reflect ongoing concerns about the security dynamics in the region, particularly as tensions between the two nations continue to rise.

According to Fox News Digital, the situation remains fluid, with both military and diplomatic developments likely to influence future interactions in the Gulf of Venezuela.

U.S. Supreme Court to Review Limits on Election Spending

December 10, 2025 Staff ReporterElection, Politics 0

The U.S. Supreme Court is set to reconsider longstanding limits on election spending, potentially reshaping the landscape of campaign finance in the wake of a Republican-led challenge.

Caps on election spending may soon become a relic of the past as the U.S. Supreme Court prepares to hear a case that could overturn a quarter-century-old decision. This challenge, spearheaded by a Republican initiative and supported by the Trump administration, seeks to eliminate restrictions on how much political parties can spend in coordination with candidates for Congress and the presidency.

In 2001, the Supreme Court upheld a provision of the Federal Election Campaign Act (FECA) that limited coordinated spending by political parties. In the case of Federal Election Commission v. Colorado Republican Federal Campaign Committee, the Court ruled that these limits were constitutional, arguing that unrestricted coordinated expenditures could bypass contribution limits and jeopardize the integrity of federal elections.

This ruling was grounded in the longstanding authority of Congress to regulate campaign finance, aiming to strike a balance between First Amendment rights and the need to prevent corruption or its appearance in federal elections.

As of 2025, the Supreme Court is revisiting this precedent in the case of National Republican Senatorial Committee v. Federal Election Commission (NRSC v. FEC). The plaintiffs contend that the campaign finance landscape has undergone significant changes since 2001, rendering previous limits on coordinated spending overly restrictive of political speech and party activities.

They argue that subsequent rulings, particularly Citizens United v. FEC (2010), which expanded the ability of independent groups to spend on elections, have altered the dynamics of campaign finance. The Court has agreed to hear this case during the 2025–2026 term, indicating a potential reevaluation of the constitutional framework governing party-coordinated expenditures.

Following the Trump administration’s collaboration with Republicans to challenge the campaign finance law, the justices appointed a lawyer to defend the existing limits. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for the future of campaign finance in the United States.

If the Court decides to strike down or substantially weaken the limits on coordinated spending, political parties may gain the ability to invest significantly more in support of their candidates. This shift could dramatically alter campaign strategies, fundraising efforts, and the overall dynamics of federal elections.

Conversely, if the Court upholds the limits, it would reaffirm Congress’s authority to regulate coordinated spending and maintain a clear distinction between independent and coordinated expenditures. However, the actual impact of any new ruling on campaign finance behavior remains uncertain, as both political strategies and legal interpretations continue to evolve.

Roman Martinez, a seasoned Supreme Court advocate, has proposed a potential resolution for the justices that would allow them to avoid making a definitive ruling. He suggests that the case should be deemed moot, given that the Federal Election Commission (FEC) now aligns with Republicans in asserting that the law is unconstitutional and that there is “no credible risk” of enforcement.

This case before the Supreme Court marks a critical juncture in the ongoing evolution of U.S. campaign finance law. At its heart, the dispute encapsulates a fundamental tension between two principles: the need to protect the integrity of federal elections by preventing corruption or its appearance, and the imperative to safeguard political speech, a core First Amendment right.

The 2001 precedent upheld limits on coordinated spending by political parties, emphasizing Congress’s role in regulating elections and maintaining clear boundaries between independent expenditures and party-directed spending. However, the plaintiffs in the current case argue that developments in campaign finance over the past two decades, particularly following landmark rulings like Citizens United, have rendered these limits outdated and unnecessarily restrictive.

The Supreme Court’s decision in this case could redefine the landscape of campaign finance, influencing how elections are funded and conducted in the years to come, according to The American Bazaar.

Metaview CTO Responds to Proposed H-1B Fee Hike with Viral Comment

December 9, 2025 Staff ReporterImmigration, Politics 0

Metaview CTO Shahriar Tajbakhsh has sparked a viral conversation by expressing his willingness to pay a proposed $100,000 annual H-1B visa fee “per day” to secure top talent for his company.

Shahriar Tajbakhsh, co-founder and Chief Technology Officer of Metaview AI, has made headlines with his bold response to the proposed $100,000 annual fee for H-1B visas. The London-based company, which is actively hiring in India, is navigating a complex landscape of rising anti-H-1B sentiment in the United States.

In a recent exchange on X, Tajbakhsh addressed a post advocating for the H-1B visa fee to be set at $100,000 per year instead of a one-time charge. He responded with, “Make it per day. I’ll set up a recurring payment,” emphasizing that the cost is insignificant compared to the value that skilled talent brings to his organization.

Metaview has also launched a campaign in India featuring posters that read, “Yes, we still sponsor H-1Bs” and “No, AI won’t build itself.” This initiative has gained traction on social media, setting the company apart in an environment where many firms view visa sponsorship as an increasing burden.

Tajbakhsh, who has Iranian roots, has long been an advocate for the importance of talent in driving innovation. In a previous interview with Business Insider, he stated, “When you sum up the value created by people’s hard work, $100,000 just doesn’t matter. The only way to build anything meaningful that changes people’s lives is to have a world-class team — there’s no shortcut around that. Trying to save money on talent is the most irresponsible thing a founder could possibly do.”

For Tajbakhsh, the focus on visa costs misses the larger picture. He has confirmed that Metaview plans to file additional H-1B petitions in the upcoming lottery, despite the tightening of visa regulations under President Donald Trump’s executive order. “An organization’s success or failure is a function of its people,” he remarked.

Tajbakhsh’s perspective reflects a broader trend in the tech industry. Companies aiming to develop cutting-edge products cannot afford to overlook skilled workers, regardless of political shifts or rising costs. As Metaview continues to expand its hiring efforts, the message is clear: for many founders, the pursuit of talent will always take precedence over the noise surrounding immigration debates.

According to Moneycontrol, Tajbakhsh’s comments and Metaview’s proactive approach highlight the ongoing challenges and opportunities in the tech sector as it grapples with the complexities of immigration policy.

NYC Mayor-Elect Offers Guidance on Resisting ICE Agents at Home

December 8, 2025 Staff ReporterImmigration, Politics, USA 0

New York City mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani has released a video guide on immigrant rights during encounters with ICE, emphasizing his commitment to protect the city’s immigrant communities.

New York City mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani has taken a significant step in advocating for immigrant rights by releasing a comprehensive video guide aimed at informing residents about their rights during encounters with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This initiative follows a recent attempted ICE raid in Manhattan, highlighting the urgency of the situation as immigration enforcement practices come under renewed scrutiny.

In the video, Mamdani pledges to protect the rights of the city’s more than 3 million immigrants, asserting that his administration will stand firm against federal actions that threaten these communities. He emphasizes the importance of being prepared, informed, and confident when asserting legal rights during interactions with ICE.

Opening the video, Mamdani recalls the recent ICE raid, stating, “As mayor, I’ll protect the rights of every single New Yorker, and that includes the more than 3 million immigrants who call this city their home. But we can all stand up to ICE if you know your rights.”

He provides essential guidance for immigrants who may find themselves facing ICE agents. Mamdani clarifies that ICE cannot enter private spaces, such as homes, schools, or workplaces, without a judicial warrant signed by a judge. “If ICE does not have a judicial warrant signed by a judge, you have the right to say, ‘I do not consent to entry’ and the right to keep your door closed,” he advises.

Addressing the tactics used by ICE, Mamdani warns that agents may present paperwork claiming authority to make an arrest, but he stresses that such claims can be misleading. “ICE is legally allowed to lie to you, but you have the right to remain silent,” he states. He encourages individuals to ask repeatedly, “Am I free to go?” if they are being detained.

Additionally, Mamdani informs viewers that they are legally permitted to film ICE agents as long as they do not interfere with an arrest. He underscores the importance of remaining calm during any interaction with law enforcement, advising against impeding investigations, resisting arrest, or fleeing the scene.

Concluding the video, Mamdani reaffirms New Yorkers’ constitutional right to protest. “New Yorkers have a constitutional right to protest, and when I’m mayor, we will protect that right,” he declares. “New York will always welcome immigrants, and I will fight each and every day to protect, support, and celebrate our immigrant brothers and sisters.”

This video release comes shortly after Mamdani’s meeting with President Donald Trump, where they found common ground on issues related to affordability and improving conditions in New York. Despite this dialogue, Mamdani has reiterated New York’s status as a sanctuary city, emphasizing the city’s commitment to its policies that limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.

During a speech at a church in the Bronx, Mamdani stated, “I shared with the president directly that New Yorkers want to follow the laws of our city, and the laws of our city say that, in our sanctuary city policies, city government can be in touch with the federal government on around 170 serious crimes.” He expressed concern over the broader implications of immigration enforcement, particularly regarding individuals being arrested or deported for minor infractions, such as attending a court appearance.

As he prepares to take office, Mamdani remains focused on ensuring the safety and rights of immigrants in New York City, vowing to protect those who call the city home.

According to Fox News, Mamdani’s proactive approach reflects a commitment to uphold the rights of immigrants amidst ongoing challenges in immigration policy.

Thailand Conducts Airstrikes Near Cambodia Border Amid Rising Tensions

December 8, 2025 Staff ReporterConflict, Politics, USA 0

Thailand has launched airstrikes along its border with Cambodia amid escalating tensions and mutual accusations of aggression, raising concerns about the stability of a ceasefire brokered by former President Trump.

Thailand conducted airstrikes along its disputed border with Cambodia late Monday, escalating tensions between the two nations as both sides accused each other of initiating violence. This development raises significant doubts about the sustainability of a ceasefire that was negotiated by former President Donald Trump.

Thai military officials reported that Cambodian troops opened fire in several locations along the frontier, resulting in the death of one Thai soldier and injuries to others. In response, the Thai army evacuated civilians from nearby communities as the situation intensified. Major General Winthai Suvaree stated that Cambodian forces fired first into Thai territory, prompting the airstrikes aimed at “military targets in several areas to suppress Cambodian supporting fire attacks.”

However, Cambodia rejected this narrative. Maly Socheata, a spokesperson for the Cambodian Defense Ministry, claimed that Thai forces were the aggressors and stated that Cambodia did not retaliate during the initial exchange. The ministry has called for Thailand to cease its military actions.

Footage released by Cambodia’s Education Ministry depicted students leaving schools near the border, as families hurried to retrieve their children amid the escalating conflict.

This latest escalation follows a smaller exchange of fire that occurred on Sunday, during which Thailand reported that two of its soldiers were wounded. Thai troops responded for approximately 20 minutes, while Cambodia maintained that Thailand initiated that encounter and did not return fire.

Tensions have persisted despite a ceasefire agreement reached in October, which aimed to end five days of fighting in July that resulted in numerous casualties among soldiers and civilians. The ceasefire has shown signs of strain, particularly last month when several Thai soldiers were injured by land mines in contested areas. Following this incident, the Thai government announced a suspension of certain aspects of the ceasefire agreement.

Both Thailand and Cambodia have continued to blame each other for violations of the ceasefire, even as the agreement called for cooperation on mine removal and measures to stabilize the border region.

The historical context of the conflict between Thailand and Cambodia dates back centuries, rooted in rival kingdoms that vied for influence. In contemporary times, disputes have primarily revolved around French colonial-era border maps, which Thailand contends are inaccurate.

Despite the October ceasefire, neither country has achieved a resolution to the underlying territorial dispute. Regional observers have expressed concerns that renewed clashes could lead the two nations closer to a broader conflict unless diplomatic efforts are revitalized.

According to The Associated Press, the situation remains fluid as both nations navigate the complexities of their long-standing territorial issues.

Trump’s Recent Pardons and Power Moves Amid Peace Prize Discussion

December 8, 2025 Staff ReporterElection, Politics, USA 0

Donald Trump recently made headlines with a series of controversial pardons, a cabinet meeting filled with provocative statements, and the acceptance of a FIFA peace prize tailored for him.

Donald Trump has been restless lately. With no executive orders to sign for over a week, the former president, known for his penchant for ruling by decree, took to social media to announce the termination of pardons issued by his predecessor, Joe Biden. Trump claimed these pardons were signed using an “AUTOPEN,” a mechanical device traditionally used by presidents of both parties.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump declared, “Anyone receiving ‘Pardons,’ ‘Commutations,’ or any other Legal Document so signed, please be advised that said Document has been fully and completely terminated, and is of no Legal effect.” This unprecedented move left legal experts questioning its validity and raised eyebrows across the political spectrum.

While waiting for more official duties, Trump engaged in a five-hour social media blitz, posting 116 times on various topics from 7:09 PM until nearly midnight, averaging a post every two minutes. The following morning, during a two-hour cabinet meeting, Trump was seen nodding off, prompting speculation about his engagement level.

During the meeting, Secretary of State Marco Rubio praised Trump’s “transformational” leadership, while Trump made controversial remarks about “fourth world war countries” and referred to Somali immigrants in derogatory terms. He also dismissed concerns about the rising cost of living, labeling affordability as a “con job” and a “Democrat scam,” while boasting about “unprecedented deals” to drastically reduce drug prices.

Despite criticism regarding his public demeanor, the White House defended Trump, asserting he was “listening attentively” throughout the cabinet meeting. They cited his comments on Somali immigrants as evidence of his engagement.

Trump also announced plans to escalate military operations against drug traffickers in South America, including missile strikes on land, which he described as “taking those son of a bitches out.” This announcement came amid ongoing scrutiny regarding the legality of previous military actions against smugglers in the Caribbean.

In a surprising move, Trump pardoned former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernández, who is serving a 45-year prison sentence for drug trafficking. He also pardoned Democratic Representative Henry Cuellar, who is facing trial for alleged bribery. Trump criticized Biden for targeting Cuellar, claiming it was a result of a “weaponized Justice Department.”

In another political development, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of Trump, allowing Texas lawmakers to utilize newly redrawn congressional maps that favor Republicans in the upcoming 2026 midterm elections. This decision came amidst a nationwide debate over gerrymandering, with both Republican and Democratic states engaged in redrawing electoral maps.

While Trump remained silent on Russian President Vladimir Putin’s recent visit to India, where Putin offered “uninterrupted fuel supplies,” he did question U.S. pressure on India regarding oil purchases from Russia. Putin even suggested discussing the matter with Trump directly.

Despite not receiving a Nobel Peace Prize, Trump accepted a FIFA peace prize during the World Cup draw in Washington, D.C. The award, presented by FIFA President Gianni Infantino, was described as tailored for Trump, who accepted it at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Infantino stated, “This is your prize, this is your peace prize,” as he handed Trump a trophy, medal, and certificate.

In his acceptance speech, Trump called the award “one of the great honours of my life,” claiming to have “saved millions and millions of lives” in various global conflicts. He cited examples such as the Congo and tensions between India and Pakistan, despite the latter’s lack of acknowledgment of U.S. involvement.

As Trump donned the medal, social media erupted with jokes and memes, with one user quipping, “I paid a lot of money for this fake PEACE prize.” Regardless of the mixed reactions, the award was undoubtedly a significant moment for the former president.

Trump’s recent actions, including his controversial pardons, provocative cabinet meeting, and acceptance of the FIFA peace prize, have reignited discussions about his leadership style and political strategies. As the political landscape continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how these developments will impact his standing within the Republican Party and among the electorate.

According to The American Bazaar, Trump’s latest moves have sparked both intrigue and criticism, reflecting the ongoing complexities of his presidency.

New Platform Reveals Insights into Family Separation Challenges

December 7, 2025December 7, 2025 Staff ReporterElection, Immigration, Politics 0

New records reveal the chaotic implementation of family separations during the Trump administration, highlighting systemic failures and the importance of transparency in immigration policy.

On October 30, 2025, the American Immigration Council launched a new platform that provides critical insights into the tumultuous execution of family separations during the Trump administration’s zero-tolerance policy. This transparency project aims to shed light on one of the most controversial immigration policies in recent history.

The initiative draws from thousands of internal government emails, memos, and previously undisclosed datasets obtained through Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests and litigation. It reveals how the zero-tolerance policy was not merely a reactionary measure but a calculated strategy intended to deter migration by punishing families and obscuring accountability.

“Thanks to these records, we can more clearly see the inner workings of how this atrocity was carried out and the public’s struggle to obtain transparency and accountability,” said Raul Pinto, deputy legal director for transparency at the American Immigration Council. He emphasized that the same disregard for oversight and human consequences that enabled family separations is resurfacing in current mass detention and deportation efforts.

The family separation project features interactive visualizations and declassified documents that illustrate how families were effectively erased from government databases. It also highlights how officials misled the public and how congressional oversight and media scrutiny played pivotal roles in bringing an end to the policy. Notably, the project includes audio recordings of actor Corey Stoll reading key internal emails that expose the confusion and callousness surrounding the policy’s implementation.

Among the key findings from the archive are alarming admissions from officials regarding the integrity of their data on separated families. Internal emails reveal that leaders at the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) had “not very much” confidence in their own records, even while publicly denying any wrongdoing.

The project underscores the significant role that oversight from Congress, the press, and regulatory agencies played in halting family separations. However, Pinto pointed out that as of 2025, key oversight bodies such as the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Inspector General and the Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties have faced sidelining or defunding, raising concerns about the future of accountability in immigration policy.

Furthermore, the records illustrate that the family separation policy was built around intentional chaos. Confusion was weaponized to create significant delays in the reunification of children with their parents, exacerbating the trauma experienced by affected families.

<p“The records don’t just show government officials’ egregiousness and cruelty. They serve as a warning for our current moment of mass detention and deportation that is still seeing families separated,” Pinto stated. He cautioned that the manipulation of data and secrecy enabled systemic human rights violations during the Trump administration, and without transparency and oversight, history is likely to repeat itself.

The newly launched portal, a result of years of FOIA litigation by the American Immigration Council and its partners, allows journalists, researchers, and policymakers to delve into key documents and data that expose the inner workings of family separation and the failures that ensued.

Despite public assertions that the family separation policy ended in June 2018, many children remained separated from their parents for years, with some still not reunited. Pinto remarked, “Family separation was a national shame made possible by bureaucratic indifference to human suffering. The lesson here is clear: a collapse of oversight allows for cruelty to fill the vacuum.”

For more information and to explore the data, visit the American Immigration Council’s new platform.

According to American Immigration Council.

Putin and Modi Reinforce Economic Ties During New Delhi Discussions

December 7, 2025 Staff ReporterBusiness, Nation, Politics 0

Russian President Vladimir Putin’s recent visit to New Delhi marked a significant reaffirmation of India-Russia ties, emphasizing economic collaboration amid geopolitical tensions.

Russian President Vladimir Putin was warmly welcomed in New Delhi during his two-day visit, his first since the invasion of Ukraine nearly four years ago. Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeted him personally at the airport, followed by a limousine ride, hugs, and a ceremonial welcome throughout the capital. An evening prayer event along the Ganges featured devotional lamps that spelled out “Welcome Putin,” a gesture that quickly gained traction on social media.

This visit not only reaffirmed India’s long-standing relationship with Russia but also served as a strategic message to Washington. The Trump administration has recently imposed steep tariffs and publicly criticized India for continuing to purchase discounted Russian oil.

Chietigj Bajpaee of Chatham House noted that India’s red-carpet treatment of Putin underscores a significant point: “India has options.” Despite increasing Western pressure to reduce ties with Moscow, New Delhi is signaling its unwillingness to abandon a relationship that has endured for decades, dating back to the Cold War when India aligned more closely with the Soviet Union amid tensions with Pakistan, the United States, and China.

Putin’s visit carries symbolic weight for Russia as well. Following an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court in March 2023, his international travel has been limited. Visiting “the world’s largest democracy,” as experts describe India, provides him with considerable global visibility.

Following bilateral talks, both leaders announced several new agreements, including a program aimed at increasing the number of Indian workers employed in Russia. Putin emphasized Moscow’s commitment to India’s energy needs, stating through a translator, “Russia is ready to continue uninterrupted fuel shipments to support India’s fast-growing economy.”

India has become one of the world’s largest buyers of Russian oil, significantly increasing its purchases after the Ukraine invasion. However, recent U.S. sanctions and tariff hikes have forced Indian refiners to scale back their purchases. The Trump administration doubled tariffs on India to 50%, imposing penalties on Kremlin-linked producers.

Reliance Industries, India’s largest buyer of Russian crude, halted imports in November to comply with a new European Union ban on refined products made from Russian oil. Despite these challenges, experts note that Russian oil continues to arrive in India through a network of sanctions-evading “shadow fleet” vessels that operate under false flags and disguises.

India has consistently argued that U.S. pressure is “unreasonable,” pointing out that both the EU and the U.S. continue to purchase certain Russian energy products themselves.

India is carefully navigating its diplomatic relationships, increasing purchases of American oil and natural gas to ease tensions with Washington while simultaneously deepening ties with Russia. Bajpaee remarked, “India is navigating a difficult path — keeping close ties with Moscow while strengthening engagement with the West.”

Modi referred to the Ukraine conflict delicately as “the situation in Ukraine,” reiterating India’s support for a peaceful resolution without directly condemning Russia. Meanwhile, U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner recently held a five-hour meeting with Putin, although the Russian leader dismissed key American proposals.

During the summit, India and Russia finalized a plan to boost bilateral trade to $100 billion by 2030, announced more opportunities for Indian workers in Russia, and reaffirmed defense cooperation, including future joint production of advanced weapon platforms. Although Russia remains India’s largest arms supplier, its share has declined as India diversifies its sources with Western, Israeli, and domestic systems.

Bajpaee argues that despite India’s growing partnership with the U.S., which includes more joint military exercises than with any other country, the India-Russia relationship is still viewed as dependable in many respects. From New Delhi’s perspective, recent developments suggest that Russia may be more reliable than the U.S., whose behavior can sometimes be unpredictable, according to Bajpaee.

As the geopolitical landscape continues to evolve, the strengthening of India-Russia ties during Putin’s visit underscores the complexities of international relations in a multipolar world.

According to Chatham House.

Russia Launches Major Drone and Missile Attack on Ukraine

December 7, 2025 Staff ReporterConflict, Diplomacy, World 0

Russia launched a significant drone and missile attack on Ukraine, injuring eight, as diplomatic talks between U.S. and Ukrainian officials continue in Florida.

Russia executed a substantial assault on Ukraine overnight, deploying 653 drones and 51 missiles, which resulted in eight injuries, according to Ukrainian officials. This escalation comes as diplomatic discussions between Ukraine and the United States are ongoing in Florida this week.

French President Emmanuel Macron condemned the attacks, emphasizing the need for continued pressure on Russia to seek peace. He announced plans to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, along with British and German leaders, in London on Monday.

Zelenskyy reported having a “substantive phone call” with U.S. officials involved in the talks with the Ukrainian delegation in Miami. U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff provided a readout of the discussions, which also included Jared Kushner, former President Donald Trump’s son-in-law.

The readout described the talks as “constructive discussions on advancing a credible pathway toward a durable and just peace in Ukraine.” It highlighted the mutual understanding between American and Ukrainian representatives that a resolution to the war, along with credible steps toward a ceasefire and de-escalation, is essential to prevent renewed aggression. This is also crucial for enabling Ukraine’s comprehensive redevelopment plan aimed at strengthening the nation post-conflict.

Following the barrage on Friday night, Ukraine’s air force reported that 29 locations were struck. However, Ukrainian military forces successfully intercepted 585 drones and 30 missiles during the attack. Among the injured, three individuals were reported hurt in the Kyiv region, according to local officials.

The extensive attack targeted various infrastructure, including power stations across the country. Notably, the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant temporarily lost power during the assault, as reported by the International Atomic Energy Agency. Although the plant is under Russian control and not currently operational, it requires power to cool its shutdown reactors to avert a potential catastrophic incident.

Zelenskyy also noted that a drone strike resulted in the destruction of the train station in Fastiv, a city near Kyiv. In response to the ongoing conflict, the general staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces stated that Ukrainian forces successfully targeted Russia’s Ryazan Oil Refinery.

The situation remains fluid as diplomatic efforts continue alongside military confrontations. The international community is closely monitoring developments as both sides navigate the complexities of peace negotiations amidst ongoing hostilities.

According to Fox News, the implications of these attacks and the diplomatic talks will be significant for the future of Ukraine and its relations with global powers.

Fox News AI Newsletter Declares ‘Code Red’ for ChatGPT

December 6, 2025 Staff ReporterElection, Politics, Technology 0

The Fox News AI Newsletter highlights significant developments in artificial intelligence, including OpenAI’s urgent efforts to enhance ChatGPT and the evolving cybersecurity landscape.

The Fox News AI Newsletter keeps readers informed about the latest advancements in artificial intelligence technology, focusing on both the challenges and opportunities that AI presents.

In a recent update, OpenAI’s CEO Sam Altman declared a “code red” initiative aimed at improving the quality of ChatGPT, as reported by The Wall Street Journal. This internal memo indicates a pressing need for enhancements to the AI tool, which has become increasingly popular.

Meanwhile, the cybersecurity landscape is rapidly evolving due to the rise of advanced AI tools. Recent incidents have underscored how quickly the threat environment is changing, with Chinese hackers reportedly transforming AI technologies into automated attack machines.

In a different application of AI, First Lady Melania Trump is set to launch a Spanish-language edition of the audiobook of her memoir. Utilizing AI audio technology, she aims to share her story with millions of Spanish-speaking listeners, as confirmed by Fox News Digital.

In another development, FoloToy has paused sales of its AI-powered teddy bear, Kumma, after a safety group discovered that the toy provided risky and inappropriate responses during testing. Following a week of intense review, the company has resumed sales, claiming to have implemented improved safeguards to ensure children’s safety.

Elon Musk has also weighed in on the potential of AI, stating in a recent interview that robotics powered by artificial intelligence are essential for driving productivity gains and addressing the national debt, which exceeds $38 trillion.

In a shift of focus, Meta has announced a reduction in its metaverse ambitions, redirecting resources toward the development of AI-powered glasses and wearable technology. This decision reflects a broader trend within the tech industry to prioritize AI advancements.

On the robotics front, Xpeng recently unveiled its Next Gen Iron humanoid, which captivated audiences with its remarkably fluid movements. Many spectators initially mistook the robot for a human actor, highlighting the increasing lifelikeness of robotic technology.

In a more critical vein, concerns have been raised about the influence of Big Tech in legislative matters. Following a significant defeat in the Senate earlier this year, industry leaders are reportedly attempting to insert a substantial corporate giveaway into must-pass legislation, such as the National Defense Authorization Act, which is crucial for military and national security.

Additionally, Sam Altman is reportedly exploring opportunities to build, fund, or acquire a rocket company, potentially positioning OpenAI to compete in the space race against Elon Musk’s ventures.

Stay updated on the latest advancements in AI technology and explore the challenges and opportunities it presents for the future with Fox News.

Democrats Weigh Importance of U.S. Citizens Versus Drug Traffickers

December 6, 2025 Staff ReporterElection, Politics, USA 0

Lawmakers on Capitol Hill express differing views on prioritizing U.S. citizens versus drug traffickers amid scrutiny of the Trump administration’s military actions against drug cartels in the Caribbean.

As scrutiny intensifies regarding the Trump administration’s military actions targeting suspected cartel members in the Caribbean, lawmakers on Capitol Hill have been asked to weigh the importance of U.S. citizen victims against that of drug traffickers.

Republican lawmakers, such as Senator Tim Sheehy of Montana, expressed a clear stance. “I can’t speak for anybody else, but my top concern is American citizens, their lives, their health. So, for me, it’s an easy choice. Kill drug dealers, save Americans,” Sheehy stated.

In contrast, Democratic lawmakers offered more nuanced perspectives on the issue. Representative Johnny Olszewski from Maryland emphasized the need to combat drug trafficking while adhering to legal standards. “Look, I fully support doing whatever we can within the legal means to make sure that we’re stopping drug trafficking,” Olszewski said. He acknowledged the importance of addressing the victims of drug violence, stating, “We should absolutely be concerned about the victims of drug trafficking and people who have lost their lives to drug violence.”

Olszewski further elaborated on the need for transparency regarding military actions. “We support all efforts to interdict, arrest, and hold accountable those attempting to smuggle drugs into this country. However, we have a rule of law, and we have rules of engagement for a reason. And so, we need to make sure that we have full transparency in terms of how these strikes are happening,” he said. He also raised concerns about the legality of the administration’s drug boat strikes, suggesting they could potentially violate laws and even constitute a war crime. “So, it merits full investigation; it merits the details being released,” he added.

Representative Adam Smith from Washington pushed back against the framing of the question, questioning the effectiveness of such military actions. “Is this going to do anything to truly help them?” he asked. “Cocaine’s still flowing, the demand is still there.” Smith pointed out the complexities of addressing drug trafficking, emphasizing the need for due process. “You see a drug dealer on the street, that’s a bad person. That person is selling drugs. Let’s say they’re selling actual fentanyl, not the cocaine that we’re hitting here. Would you support allowing anyone to execute that person who wants to on the spot?” he queried. “I care about selling drugs. I don’t want a fascist regime that gets to decide who they can kill when they want to kill them without any check on that power.”

Senator Jack Reed of Rhode Island highlighted the need for a balanced approach to tackling drug distribution. “We have to do our best to disrupt drug distribution. Also, we have to invest in drug health care and drug education, et cetera. We have to do all the things. The real question is, how do you do it right?” When asked if the government should prioritize drug victims over traffickers, Reed responded, “I’ve commented and thank you for asking,” before departing.

In contrast, Republican lawmakers maintained a more unified stance in favor of aggressive actions against drug traffickers. Senator Shelley Moore Capito of West Virginia stated, “If it disrupts the flow of one drug coming into West Virginia, I’m all for it.” She emphasized the severe impact of drug-related issues in her state, noting, “A lot of deaths from fentanyl, from overdoses. So, I’m supportive of whatever the president can do to end the flow of fentanyl.” Capito also expressed confidence in the intelligence supporting these military strikes.

Representative Glenn Grothman echoed this sentiment, asserting that the administration’s actions are necessary. “For too long, politicians have been satisfied to have a hundred thousand Americans die every year of drug overdoses. Finally, President Trump has stepped up to the plate and said, ‘No more,’” Grothman stated. He added, “If you’re going to attack our country, and these people know full well Americans are dying because of what they’re doing. If you’re going to attack our country, we’re going to fight back; about time.”

The debate among lawmakers reflects broader concerns about the balance between addressing drug trafficking and ensuring adherence to legal and ethical standards in military operations. As the situation evolves, the implications of these discussions will likely continue to resonate in both political and public spheres, shaping future policies and actions.

According to Fox News, the differing views among lawmakers highlight the complexities of addressing drug trafficking while prioritizing the safety and rights of U.S. citizens.

Trump Aims to Expand Travel Ban to Over 30 Countries

December 6, 2025 Staff ReporterElection, Immigration, USA 0

The U.S. government plans to expand its travel ban to over 30 countries, as confirmed by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem amid ongoing immigration policy changes.

The U.S. government is preparing to broaden its travel restrictions, with Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announcing that more than 30 countries could be added to the existing travel ban.

In an interview on Fox News’ “The Ingraham Angle,” Noem stated, “I won’t be specific on the number, but it’s over 30, and the president is continuing to evaluate countries.” When pressed about the possibility of expanding the ban to 32 countries, she reiterated her earlier comments without providing additional details.

In June, President Trump issued a proclamation that barred citizens from 12 countries from entering the United States and imposed restrictions on travelers from seven others. The administration cited the need to protect against “foreign terrorists” and other security risks. The current travel ban affects both immigrants and non-immigrants, including tourists, students, and business visitors.

Noem did not disclose which additional countries might be included in the expanded ban, which currently encompasses 19 nations. She emphasized the administration’s focus on national security, stating, “If they don’t have a stable government there, if they don’t have a country that can sustain itself and tell us who those individuals are and help us vet them, why should we allow people from that country to come here to the United States?”

Earlier reports from Reuters indicated that the administration was considering restrictions on travelers from 36 more countries, as outlined in an internal State Department cable. An expansion of the travel ban would represent a further tightening of the administration’s immigration policies, particularly in light of a recent incident in Washington, D.C., where two National Guard members were fatally shot. The shooter was identified as an Afghan national who arrived in the U.S. in 2021 through a resettlement program, which critics of the Trump administration argue lacked adequate vetting.

In the aftermath of the shooting, President Trump pledged to “permanently pause” migration from all “Third World Countries,” although he did not specify which nations he was referring to or clarify his definition of the term.

Prior to this announcement, officials from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) had confirmed that Trump had directed a comprehensive review of asylum approvals granted during Joe Biden’s presidency, as well as green cards issued to citizens from 19 countries.

This latest development underscores the administration’s ongoing efforts to reshape U.S. immigration policy amid heightened security concerns and political pressures.

According to Reuters, the potential expansion of the travel ban reflects the administration’s commitment to a stricter immigration stance.

Trump Appoints New Architect Amid $300 Million White House Ballroom Project

December 5, 2025 Staff ReporterElection, Nation, Politics 0

President Donald Trump has appointed a new architect to lead the $300 million renovation of the White House ballroom, marking a significant phase in the project’s development.

President Donald Trump has enlisted a new architectural firm to spearhead the next stage of the ambitious White House ballroom project, which is set to reshape the East Wing and has seen its estimated cost rise to $300 million.

On Thursday, the Trump administration announced the hiring of Shalom Baranes Associates, a prominent architectural firm based in Washington, D.C. The firm will oversee the design and development of the ballroom, which the administration describes as a vital addition to the White House.

“As we begin to transition into the next stage of development on the White House Ballroom, the Administration is excited to share that the highly talented Shalom Baranes has joined the team of experts to carry out President Trump’s vision on building what will be the greatest addition to the White House since the Oval Office — the White House Ballroom,” said White House Spokesperson Davis Ingle in a statement.

Ingle praised Baranes, noting his extensive experience and contributions to the architectural landscape of the nation’s capital over the years. “Shalom is an accomplished architect whose work has shaped the architectural identity of our nation’s capital for decades, and his experience will be a great asset to the completion of this project,” he added.

Initially, Trump had selected McCrery Architects to design the ballroom, but the firm will now serve as a consultant for the project, according to a White House official.

Construction on the ballroom commenced in October, which included the demolition of the historic East Wing of the White House. The project is being privately funded, with costs escalating from an initial estimate of $200 million announced in July.

During a cabinet meeting on Tuesday, Trump provided an update on the construction progress, humorously noting, “I wouldn’t say my wife is thrilled.” He explained that the constant noise from pile drivers has been a source of frustration for First Lady Melania Trump.

Trump emphasized the need for the renovation, stating, “This has been needed for 150 years,” and expressed confidence that the ballroom will be “the finest ballroom ever built.” The White House has indicated that the new addition will be designed to accommodate large gatherings and state visits, with plans for completion before the end of Trump’s term.

The ballroom project reflects the administration’s commitment to enhancing the White House’s functionality and aesthetic appeal, aiming to create a space that honors the building’s historical significance while catering to modern needs.

According to Fox News, the ballroom is expected to serve as a venue for significant events, further solidifying the White House’s role as a central hub for national and international gatherings.

NYC Mayor-Elect Zohran Mamdani Supports Immigrants During ICE Crackdown

December 5, 2025 Staff ReporterImmigration, Politics, USA 0

A recent immigration raid in New York City has sparked significant outrage, prompting Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani to express strong support for the city’s immigrant communities.

A recent immigration raid by federal authorities in New York City has ignited widespread anger among local residents. This operation, part of a series of similar actions occurring nationwide, prompted an immediate backlash as nearly 200 protesters gathered to obstruct the agents. Clashes with police resulted in several demonstrators being taken into custody, according to The Guardian.

In response to the escalating situation, New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani voiced his unwavering support for the city’s immigrant communities, emphasizing his commitment to stand with those affected by the crackdown. “My responsibility is to be the mayor to each and every person that calls this city their home. That includes millions of immigrants, of which I am one,” Mamdani stated on X.

During a recent meeting with President Donald Trump, Mamdani raised concerns about the immigration raids directly, urging the administration to reconsider its approach. “When I met the President, I made it very clear that these kinds of raids are cruel and inhumane, that they do nothing to public safety,” he remarked.

Following his election victory, Mamdani reiterated his commitment to New York’s immigrant population in his victory speech, declaring, “New York will remain a city of immigrants: a city built by immigrants, powered by immigrants and, as of tonight, led by an immigrant.” He further asserted, “So, hear me, President Trump, when I say this: to get to any of us, you will have to get through all of us.”

Mamdani, a naturalized American citizen born in Uganda to Indian parents, has consistently emphasized the importance of protecting the city’s large immigrant population throughout his campaign. This message became a cornerstone of his run for office.

During the raid, demonstrators filled the streets chanting “ICE out of New York.” They formed human chains and even threw roadside planters at federal vehicles in a desperate attempt to prevent the agents from leaving a garage during the enforcement sweep.

As tensions escalated, police deployed pepper spray to disperse the crowd, leading to what officials later described as a violent clash, according to The Associated Press.

Murad Awawdeh, an immigrant rights advocate who now serves on Mamdani’s transition team, commended the demonstrators for their resilience. He characterized their actions as a powerful display of community solidarity against what he termed a “rogue, lawless” agency. “New York City is unlike any other place in this country or even the world, and what you have seen yesterday and time and again is that New Yorkers of all stripes, across all creeds, are not going to allow a rogue, lawless, violent and horrific agency to continue to mess with their neighbors,” he told TIME.

The recent events underscore the ongoing tensions surrounding immigration enforcement in the United States and the strong opposition from local communities, particularly in cities like New York that are home to diverse immigrant populations. Mamdani’s election and his vocal support for immigrants signal a potential shift in the city’s approach to immigration policy, as he prepares to take office.

As the situation continues to unfold, the response from both local leaders and community members will play a crucial role in shaping the future of immigration policy in New York City and beyond, according to The Guardian.

Dell Technologies Founder Commits $6.25 Billion for Children’s Trump Accounts

December 4, 2025 Staff ReporterBusiness, Health, Politics 0

Dell Technologies founder Michael Dell has pledged $6.25 billion to establish investment accounts for 25 million American children, aiming to enhance financial inclusion and educational outcomes.

Dell Technologies founder Michael Dell is making headlines with a significant philanthropic commitment aimed at supporting American children. In a recent announcement, Michael and Susan Dell revealed their pledge of $6.25 billion to fund investment accounts for approximately 25 million children across the United States, an initiative linked to the name of former President Donald Trump.

In an interview with CNBC, Michael Dell explained the purpose of this initiative, stating, “It’s designed to help families feel supported from the start and encourage them to keep saving as their children grow.” He emphasized the long-term benefits of such accounts, noting that children with access to savings are statistically more likely to graduate from high school and college, purchase homes, start businesses, and are less likely to face incarceration.

This pledge is reportedly the largest ever made for American children, according to Invest America, a nonprofit advocacy organization collaborating with the Dells on this initiative. The Dells’ commitment aligns with a new federal program that enables parents to open tax-advantaged investment accounts for children under 18 who possess Social Security numbers.

Under this federal initiative, children born between 2025 and 2028 will receive a federal grant of $1,000 to initiate these so-called “Trump accounts.” Parents will have the opportunity to open and contribute to these accounts starting July 4, 2026, although specific guidance from the IRS is still pending.

Michael Dell expressed a desire to extend support beyond the federal program, stating, “We want to help the children that weren’t part of the government program.” This approach aims to ensure that children who may not have access to the federal seed money can still benefit from structured savings and investment opportunities.

The Dells’ initiative reflects a broader vision of financial inclusion, where access to savings accounts can foster educational achievement, homeownership, entrepreneurship, and ultimately reduce social risks over time. By contributing to this new federal investment account program, the Dells are not only providing immediate financial support but also highlighting the role of private philanthropy in complementing public programs.

While the program is still in its early stages, the potential impact will depend on participation rates and the performance of investments. Nevertheless, the Dells’ substantial donation sets a significant precedent for large-scale private support aimed at enhancing the lives of children, showcasing how strategic philanthropy can influence social and economic outcomes for future generations.

Michael Dell remarked on the importance of the federal program, saying, “It would have been impractical, or maybe even impossible, to impact this many kids in this way without such a program.” His comments underscore the critical role that both public and private efforts can play in addressing the financial needs of children and their families.

As the initiative unfolds, it will be closely watched by advocates for children’s welfare and financial education, marking a potentially transformative step in how investment accounts can be leveraged to promote long-term success for young Americans.

Source: Original article

US Institute of Peace Renamed for Trump Amid Agency Dismantling

December 4, 2025 Staff ReporterPolitics, USA 0

The U.S. Institute of Peace has been officially renamed the Donald J. Trump Institute of Peace, reflecting the Trump administration’s ongoing efforts to dismantle the agency.

The U.S. Institute of Peace has undergone a significant rebranding, now officially known as the Donald J. Trump Institute of Peace. This change marks a pivotal moment in the Trump administration’s ongoing efforts to dismantle the congressionally established agency.

The name change follows a tumultuous year for the institute, which the Trump administration has targeted for closure while transferring its responsibilities to the newly formed Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). The agency has been embroiled in legal battles over the administration’s plans, with layoffs proceeding after an appeals court stayed a lower-court ruling that had temporarily blocked the shutdown.

On Wednesday morning, the agency’s website briefly went offline before returning with promotional material for an upcoming peace agreement ceremony between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda. This event is part of the administration’s broader narrative of achieving peace through diplomatic efforts.

White House spokesperson Anna Kelly defended the renaming, stating that the former institute was “a bloated, useless entity that blew $50 million per year while delivering no peace.” She emphasized that the newly named Donald J. Trump Institute of Peace serves as a testament to what she described as Trump’s successful leadership in global affairs.

“Now, the Donald J. Trump Institute of Peace, which is both beautifully and aptly named after a President who ended eight wars in less than a year, will stand as a powerful reminder of what strong leadership can accomplish for global stability,” Kelly remarked. She framed the renaming as a recognition of Trump’s “peace through strength” approach, concluding with a celebratory “Congratulations, world!”

Secretary of State Marco Rubio echoed Kelly’s sentiments in a post responding to the announcement. He stated, “President Trump will be remembered by history as the President of Peace. It’s time our State Department display that.” This statement underscores the administration’s intention to reshape the narrative surrounding Trump’s foreign policy legacy.

The U.S. Institute of Peace was established by Congress in 1984 as a nonpartisan organization dedicated to supporting conflict prevention and peace-building efforts globally. The rebranding and dismantling of the agency represent one of the most extensive overhauls of a federal agency during Trump’s second term.

Earlier this year, U.S. District Judge Beryl Howell ruled that the administration’s efforts to shut down the institute were unlawful. However, this ruling was stayed on appeal, allowing the administration to proceed with layoffs and restructuring as it continued to transfer functions to other entities.

The institute did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding the rebranding or the status of its ongoing legal challenges. Similarly, the State Department has yet to provide a response to inquiries about the implications of the name change.

The renaming of the U.S. Institute of Peace to the Donald J. Trump Institute of Peace is a clear indication of the administration’s commitment to reshaping federal agencies in line with its political agenda, while also attempting to solidify Trump’s legacy as a peacemaker.

Source: Original article

Macron Advocates for Europe’s Role in Ukraine Peace Negotiations

December 4, 2025 Staff ReporterConflict, Diplomacy, Politics 0

French President Emmanuel Macron and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met in Paris to discuss Europe’s role in Ukraine peace talks amid ongoing conflict and international diplomatic efforts.

French President Emmanuel Macron hosted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Paris on Monday, marking a significant moment in the ongoing diplomatic efforts surrounding the war in Ukraine. Macron characterized this juncture as potentially decisive for both European security and the future of the conflict, which has persisted for nearly four years.

The high-level meeting comes as international stakeholders intensify their efforts to establish a framework for a possible ceasefire in the war between Ukraine and Russia. Zelensky’s visit followed constructive discussions between Ukrainian and American officials in Florida, where revisions to a U.S.-drafted proposal were reviewed. This proposal had previously faced criticism for favoring Russia too heavily in its terms.

European governments have expressed strong reservations about the draft, emphasizing the necessity of fully respecting Ukraine’s sovereignty. Macron underscored that negotiations remain in the preliminary stages and reiterated that only Ukraine has the authority to make decisions regarding its territorial integrity.

“Ukraine alone can speak for its territory as a sovereign nation,” Macron stated, while also acknowledging the ongoing peace efforts led by Washington.

Macron further asserted that Europe must play a direct role in shaping any final agreement regarding Ukraine’s future. He highlighted the importance of upcoming discussions between U.S. officials and Western partners, which he believes will clarify Washington’s role in post-war security arrangements.

“Questions related to frozen assets, security guarantees, future sanctions, and European Union accession cannot be resolved without Europeans at the table,” he emphasized.

During the meeting, Macron condemned Russia’s ongoing military actions, noting that Moscow has escalated its attacks even as peace negotiations are being discussed. “At a moment when peace is being talked about, Russia continues to attack and destroy,” he remarked.

Zelensky echoed these sentiments, pointing out that Russia has recently intensified missile and drone strikes in an effort to undermine public morale in Ukraine.

In terms of sanctions, Macron predicted that pressure on Russia’s energy sector would reach unprecedented levels in the coming weeks. “The pressure on Russia’s oil and gas industry will soon be the strongest since the start of the invasion. This will significantly affect the Russian economy,” he stated.

Earlier in the day, Macron and Zelensky held consultations with several European leaders, including representatives from Britain, Germany, Poland, Italy, Norway, Finland, Denmark, and the Netherlands. Officials from the European Union, such as Ursula von der Leyen and Antonio Costa, along with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, also participated in the discussions. Following their meeting, Macron and Zelensky spoke by phone with U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff to further discuss the situation.

Meanwhile, U.S. and Russian diplomatic efforts continue. Former President Donald Trump has recently downplayed a previously proposed 28-point U.S. peace framework, which included restrictions on Ukraine’s military, blocked NATO membership, and demanded territorial concessions. Trump described the proposal as a draft concept that remains open to modification.

In a related development, the Kremlin confirmed that Russian President Vladimir Putin is scheduled to meet with Witkoff this week. The role of the U.S. envoy has sparked controversy, particularly following reports suggesting he may have advised Moscow on how to present its position to Washington.

As diplomatic efforts evolve, the focus remains on ensuring that European voices are integral to any resolution regarding the conflict in Ukraine, underscoring the complexity and urgency of the situation.

Source: Original article

Nayna Gupta Testifies on Deportation’s Impact on Families and Communities

December 3, 2025 Staff ReporterImmigration, Politics 0

Nayna Gupta, Policy Director of the American Immigration Council, testified at a Shadow Hearing on September 18, 2025, addressing the impact of deportation on families and communities.

On September 18, 2025, Nayna Gupta, the Policy Director of the American Immigration Council, provided critical testimony at a Shadow Hearing organized by U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal (WA-07). Jayapal, who serves as the Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Immigration, Integrity, Security, and Enforcement, hosted the hearing titled “Kidnapped and Disappeared: Trump’s Assault Destroys U.S. Families and Communities.” This event marks the third in a series led by Rep. Jayapal that seeks to illuminate the profound human costs associated with deportation policies.

During her testimony, Gupta emphasized the far-reaching consequences of current deportation practices. She articulated how these policies not only tear families apart but also destabilize entire communities. Gupta pointed out that the emotional and psychological toll on families affected by deportation is immense, often leading to long-lasting trauma.

Gupta further criticized the erosion of due process and fairness within the U.S. immigration system. She argued that the existing policies undermine the foundational values of justice and dignity that should characterize America. Gupta’s remarks reflect a growing concern among advocates about the implications of deportation on civil liberties and human rights.

At the American Immigration Council, Gupta and her colleagues are dedicated to fostering an immigration system that prioritizes family unity, upholds due process, and embodies the principles of justice and dignity. The Council’s mission is to advocate for reforms that protect vulnerable populations and ensure that the immigration system operates fairly and equitably.

As the discussion surrounding immigration continues to evolve, Gupta’s testimony serves as a poignant reminder of the real-life impacts of policy decisions on families and communities across the nation. The Shadow Hearing not only sheds light on the challenges faced by those affected by deportation but also calls for a reevaluation of the values that guide U.S. immigration policy.

According to American Immigration Council, Gupta’s insights resonate with a broader movement advocating for humane immigration reform that recognizes the dignity of all individuals.

Source: Original article

Trump’s Tariffs Impact U.S. Manufacturing Growth Across Industries

December 3, 2025 Staff ReporterBusiness, Economy, Politics 0

The U.S. manufacturing sector continues to struggle under the weight of President Trump’s tariffs, with only four industries reporting growth as uncertainty looms.

The U.S. manufacturing sector is grappling with the ongoing uncertainty stemming from President Donald Trump’s tariffs. In November, manufacturing activity contracted for the ninth consecutive month, as factories faced declining orders and rising input costs due to the persistent impact of import tariffs.

“The manufacturing sector continues to be weighed down by the unpredictable tariffs landscape,” stated Stephen Stanley, chief U.S. economist at Santander U.S. Capital Markets.

Since his return to office in January, President Trump has pursued an aggressive tariff agenda aimed at reshoring production, protecting domestic industries, and reducing reliance on foreign-made industrial inputs. A significant aspect of this agenda has been the substantial increase in tariffs on steel and aluminum, among other goods.

These tariffs were introduced under the pretext of national security and “economic sovereignty,” reviving and expanding the tariff framework first established during Trump’s earlier presidency. By mid-2025, tariffs on imported steel and aluminum had soared to approximately 50%.

The administration contends that these tariff hikes are essential for leveling the playing field for U.S. manufacturers and addressing what it describes as unfair foreign subsidies, dumping practices, and dependency risks. Proponents argue that the elevated tariffs have bolstered competitiveness for certain domestic producers of raw materials, particularly in the steel and aluminum sectors.

Historically viewed as foundational for national defense and large-scale infrastructure projects, these industries have experienced modest improvements in pricing power and investment sentiment. The White House asserts that these measures will foster long-term reshoring, enhance factory investment, and secure American supply chains against geopolitical shocks.

However, the Institute for Supply Management (ISM) survey released recently revealed that some manufacturers in the transportation equipment sector are linking layoffs to Trump’s sweeping tariffs. They reported, “We are starting to institute more permanent changes due to the tariff environment,” which includes staff reductions, new guidance to shareholders, and the development of additional offshore manufacturing that would have otherwise been intended for U.S. export.

The ongoing uncertainty generated by President Trump’s tariffs has left the U.S. manufacturing landscape fraught with challenges. While certain sectors, such as steel and aluminum, have seen slight gains in pricing power, the overall sentiment remains cautious. The administration frames these tariffs as necessary for protecting domestic industries, bolstering investment, and encouraging reshoring.

Despite the administration’s defense of the tariffs as vital for safeguarding domestic manufacturing, economists argue that restoring the industry to its former strength is unlikely due to underlying structural issues, including a shortage of skilled workers.

“We can see no sign in this report of a surge in manufacturing in the United States since the tariff regime was unveiled last spring,” remarked Carl Weinberg, chief economist at High Frequency Economics. “The manufacturing sector is sick.”

According to the ISM survey, only four industries, including computer and electronic products and machinery, reported growth amid the prevailing challenges.

Source: Original article

High-Stakes U.S. Efforts for Ukraine Peace Face Challenges in Moscow

December 2, 2025 Staff ReporterConflict, Politics, USA 0

White House envoy Steve Witkoff is in Moscow for critical talks with President Putin, following negotiations with Ukraine aimed at securing a peace deal amid ongoing territorial disputes.

White House envoy Steve Witkoff arrived in Moscow on Tuesday for crucial discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin. This visit follows a weekend of negotiations with Ukrainian officials focused on a 19-point proposal aimed at achieving a peace deal.

Witkoff, alongside Jared Kushner, President Donald Trump’s son-in-law and occasional foreign policy advisor, is exploring whether Putin will show flexibility regarding the proposal finalized with Ukrainian counterparts. This latest round of diplomacy marks the most significant effort toward a potential settlement since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

Despite the momentum, significant obstacles remain. Core issues regarding territorial disputes, Ukraine’s long-term security arrangements, and the conditions for any ceasefire have yet to be resolved. Negotiators emphasize that progress will hinge on Putin’s willingness to compromise during this week’s meetings.

After an initial 28-point plan, which was perceived by Kyiv as overly favorable to Moscow, U.S. and Ukrainian officials returned to the drawing board. They convened in Geneva at the end of November to refine the plan and again met over the weekend in Florida to finalize additional details.

Both sides described the talks as productive but refrained from providing specifics on the unresolved issues. Secretary of State Marco Rubio remarked, “So much work remains. But today was again a very productive and useful session where I think additional progress was made.” Trump expressed optimism, stating, “There’s a good chance we can make a deal.”

However, despite the apparent progress, the two sides remain far apart on several sensitive topics. Russia continues to assert that Ukraine cannot join the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), despite Ukraine’s constitutional amendment designating NATO membership as a national objective. The original 28-point plan also included a demand for Ukraine to reduce its peacetime armed forces to 600,000, while European and Ukrainian officials proposed an 800,000 cap. Currently, Ukraine fields approximately 880,000 troops, a significant increase from around 209,000 before the invasion in 2022.

The most significant impasse lies in territorial concessions. Earlier drafts suggested recognizing Crimea and substantial portions of the Luhansk, Donetsk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia regions as de facto Russian territory. This issue has become even more complicated with the recent resignation of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s chief of staff and chief negotiator, Andriy Yermak, following a corruption investigation that led to a raid on his home. Yermak had previously stated that Ukraine would not concede land for peace, asserting, “Not a single sane person today would sign a document to give up territory.”

At the end of November, Putin indicated a willingness for “serious” talks but maintained that Russia holds the upper hand in the conflict. He asserted that Russia would only cease hostilities if Ukrainian forces withdrew from territories they had recaptured. “If they don’t withdraw, we will achieve this by force,” he stated.

Analysts suggest that Washington still possesses leverage should negotiations falter, including tightening sanctions and increasing military support for Ukraine. However, many of the most impactful economic measures, such as sanctions on major Russian energy and financial entities, are already in effect. The U.S. has also provided Ukraine with tens of billions of dollars in military aid since the onset of the conflict, leaving a narrower range of options if talks stall.

Trump has expressed frustration over the slow pace of diplomacy, suggesting that a resolution “should have happened a long time ago.” Nonetheless, officials have not indicated that Washington is preparing to abandon the negotiations.

Source: Original article

Layoffs Amid Growth: Understanding Job Cuts at Tech Giants

December 1, 2025 Staff ReporterBusiness, Economy, Politics 0

Amid a seemingly healthy economy, major U.S. tech companies are implementing significant layoffs driven by overcapacity, the rise of artificial intelligence, and economic uncertainty.

As Americans gathered to celebrate Thanksgiving last week, the U.S. tech industry faced mounting challenges. Major companies, including Microsoft, Amazon, Meta, Intel, Google, Salesforce, UPS, Target, and IBM, have announced job cuts totaling tens of thousands.

A report from the career transition firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas revealed a staggering 175% increase in tech job cuts in October compared to the previous year, marking one of the sharpest spikes since the early pandemic years. This trend raises a critical question: What is driving this wave of layoffs when the broader economy appears to be in decent health?

The first factor contributing to these layoffs is a familiar narrative: the correction that follows periods of excess. In the wake of COVID-19, technology companies embarked on an unprecedented hiring spree, anticipating a permanent shift of human activity online. Billions were invested in cloud infrastructure, logistics, and digital platforms, leading to overcapacity across nearly every sector of the digital economy.

As demand returned to normal levels, however, payrolls did not adjust accordingly. Since 2022, tech giants have been working to shed the excess capacity built during the pandemic, trimming teams in marketing, recruiting, and even software engineering. This over-hiring has resulted in lingering consequences, much like the inflation caused by the fiscal surge during the pandemic.

The second significant driver of layoffs is the rapid rise of artificial intelligence, which is fundamentally altering corporate priorities and job structures. As AI tools increasingly automate tasks once performed by humans—ranging from content generation and data analysis to coding—companies are aggressively restructuring their workforces to align with these new technological capabilities.

Jobs that were once deemed essential are now becoming redundant. Companies are not merely laying off employees to cut costs; they are redesigning their operations around automation.

The third factor contributing to the current wave of layoffs is economic uncertainty, exacerbated by unpredictable policymaking from the Trump administration. President Donald Trump, who campaigned on promises of restoring economic stability, has instead introduced tariffs, trade turbulence, and unpredictability into the marketplace.

Tariffs on key imports from China, Mexico, and India have increased costs for U.S. manufacturers and tech companies, further straining already tight profit margins. Additionally, the administration’s new $100,000 H-1B visa fee, aimed at discouraging foreign hiring, has created further uncertainty for both employers and workers.

Many companies, wary of unclear trade rules and regulatory challenges, have quietly instituted unofficial hiring freezes as they await policy clarity. Meanwhile, inflation continues to linger, with the Federal Reserve maintaining high interest rates to combat rising prices, making capital more expensive and discouraging corporate investment and hiring.

While the current wave of layoffs is painful, it does not compare to the devastation of the Great Recession of 2008, which resulted in nearly 9 million job losses, or the COVID-19 job market collapse of 2020, which saw 22 million jobs vanish. Instead, it resembles the dot-com crash of the early 2000s, during which approximately 400,000 tech jobs disappeared as overvalued internet startups failed. Although the current correction has not reached that scale, the structural parallels are noteworthy.

What is particularly striking about this moment is the paradox it presents: a relatively strong economy coupled with weak hiring. Unemployment remains near historic lows, and GDP growth is steady. Yet, job creation has slowed, and layoffs persist. In previous economic cycles, laid-off tech workers could typically find new employment within weeks. Today, however, even highly skilled professionals are facing months of unemployment.

Among the most vulnerable are H-1B visa holders, who have only 60 days to secure a new job after losing their current position, or risk deportation. For many, particularly those with families and children in U.S. schools, the anxiety is overwhelming.

Adding to their distress is a resurgence of anti-immigrant sentiment fueled by political rhetoric. Supporters of the administration have propagated the false narrative that companies are dismissing American workers to hire cheaper labor from India on H-1B visas. This has led to renewed legislative efforts on Capitol Hill and in several states to further restrict visa programs. Combined with the already high fees and compliance burdens, the environment for foreign professionals has become increasingly hostile.

The American job market is at a critical juncture, not due to a formal recession, but because of a structural transformation. The post-pandemic hiring frenzy, the accelerating influence of artificial intelligence, and policy uncertainty under the Trump administration have converged to reshape the nature of work itself.

For now, the labor market remains resilient. However, beneath the surface, significant churn is occurring, and the adjustments are painful. As history has shown, each technological revolution brings both winners and losers. The pressing question for America is not whether it can adapt, but how humanely and intelligently it will manage that adaptation.

Source: Original article

Trump Proposes Revoking Citizenship from Naturalized Criminals if Authorized

December 1, 2025 Staff ReporterImmigration, Politics 0

President Trump announced a potential long-term halt on asylum processing and discussed revoking citizenship from naturalized immigrants with criminal records during a recent press conference aboard Air Force One.

President Donald Trump stated on Sunday that his administration’s freeze on asylum processing could extend for an indefinite period. This announcement follows a tragic incident involving the shooting of two National Guard members in Washington, D.C. Trump also suggested he might pursue the authority to revoke citizenship from certain naturalized immigrants who have criminal histories.

While the administration has characterized the asylum freeze as an emergency response to the recent shooting, Trump’s remarks indicate that these restrictions could become a more permanent fixture of his immigration policy. He linked the pause in asylum processing to a tougher stance against 19 nations he described as “crime-ridden.”

During his comments, Trump asserted that he would “absolutely” seek to de-naturalize immigrants convicted of crimes, contingent upon whether he possesses the presidential authority to do so. “We have enough problems. We don’t want those people,” he stated, emphasizing that there is no set time limit for the moratorium on asylum processing.

“We have criminals that came into our country and they were naturalized,” Trump continued. “If I have the power to do it – I’m not sure that I do, but if I do – I would de-naturalize. Absolutely.”

Trump also clarified his recent mention of “reverse migration,” explaining that it refers to the removal of individuals already residing in the United States. “Get people out that are in our country – get them out of here,” he said.

The comments come in the wake of a shooting incident involving Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national, who has been charged with the shooting of two West Virginia National Guard members near the White House. U.S. Army Spc. Sarah Beckstrom, 20, was killed in the attack, while her colleague, U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, 24, remains in critical condition. Both service members were deployed to D.C. as part of Trump’s initiative to combat crime, which included federalizing local police forces.

In light of the incident, Trump stated that he has invited the families of both Guard members to the White House. “I said, ‘When you’re ready, because that’s a tough thing, come to the White House. We’re going to honor Sarah,” he told reporters. “And likewise with Andrew, recover or not.”

Lakanwal faces serious charges, including first-degree murder and two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed. These charges have prompted the Trump administration to halt all asylum decisions and pause the issuance of visas for individuals traveling on Afghan passports.

As the situation develops, the implications of Trump’s comments on immigration policy and the administration’s approach to asylum seekers remain to be seen.

Source: Original article

Sharanjit Thind Announces Candidacy for Congress in New York’s 18th District

December 1, 2025December 4, 2025 Staff ReporterElection, Politics, USA 0

Sharanjit Singh Thind, a lifelong Republican, is campaigning for the U.S. House of Representatives in New York’s 18th District, aiming to flip the seat currently held by Democrats.

NEW YORK, NY – Sharanjit Singh Thind is officially running for the U.S. House of Representatives, representing New York’s 18th District in the Hudson Valley. A lifelong Republican originally from Punjab, Thind is optimistic about his chances to flip this Democrat-held seat.

Thind’s campaign is centered around several key issues, including promoting business growth, making jobs resilient to automation, defending family values, and prioritizing community safety. He believes these priorities resonate with the constituents of the district.

Before filing his nomination papers in September, Thind sought the backing of the Republican establishment. He met with Ed Cox, the New York Republican State Committee Chairman and son-in-law of former President Nixon, to discuss support for his candidacy. During this meeting, Thind was informed that no other Republican candidates were in the race, reinforcing his belief that the 18th Congressional District is a strong opportunity for him.

Despite acknowledging that the current incumbent, Patrick Ryan, defeated his GOP opponent by a notable 14 points in the 2024 election, Thind argues that the political landscape has shifted. He cites growing frustration among voters regarding the presence of illegal migrants in local hotels and motels, a situation he attributes to the policies of President Biden and Mayor Adams. Thind contrasts this with the law and order he claims was restored under President Trump.

Thind’s journey to the United States began at the turn of the century, and he has since built a career with several reputable companies. He also serves as the editor and publisher of ‘The South Asian Insider,’ a platform that highlights issues pertinent to the South Asian community.

In addition to his professional endeavors, Thind has a history of public service. He served as a Commissioner on the Nassau County Human Rights Commission until 2018 and has experience working with the Receiver of Taxes office in the Town of Hempstead, the largest township in America.

To launch his campaign effectively, Thind plans to invest his own funds while also seeking support from small donors. He resides on Long Island with his wife and two sons, emphasizing his commitment to the community he aims to represent.

As Thind embarks on this political journey, he is determined to connect with voters and address the pressing issues they face, hoping to secure a seat in Congress.

Source: Original article

New Bill Aims to Double H-1B Visa Cap in Immigration Debate

November 30, 2025 Staff ReporterElection, Immigration, Politics 0

A bill to double the annual H-1B visa cap has been reintroduced in Congress, reigniting discussions on high-skilled immigration amid ongoing political tensions and enforcement changes.

A new bill aiming to double the annual quota of H-1B work visas has been reintroduced in the U.S. Congress, sparking renewed debate over high-skilled immigration during a period marked by increased enforcement and political strife.

Illinois Democratic Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi has reintroduced the High-Skilled Immigration Reform for Employment (HIRE) Act. This legislation seeks to enhance America’s long-term economic and technological capabilities by expanding access to global talent. Specifically, the proposal would raise the yearly cap on new H-1B visas from 65,000 to 130,000.

This renewed initiative comes in the wake of stricter oversight of the H-1B program implemented during the Trump administration, which introduced more rigorous compliance rules and imposed a significant $100,000 application fee for new visas. This fee is currently facing legal challenges from various business groups.

The implications of the HIRE Act could significantly alter hiring practices across vital sectors such as technology, healthcare, engineering, and scientific research. Proponents argue that U.S. companies are grappling with persistent labor shortages in specialized fields and may fall behind global competitors if access to skilled foreign professionals remains restricted.

The bill’s reintroduction coincides with President Trump’s announcement of a new immigration crackdown following a tragic shooting incident involving two National Guard members near the White House. Trump pledged to “permanently pause” migration from certain developing nations, a statement that could directly impact future H-1B applicants, although formal policy details are still unclear.

The HIRE Act includes several key provisions aimed at addressing workforce needs:

The annual H-1B cap would be doubled from 65,000 to 130,000, along with increased federal funding for STEM education in U.S. elementary and secondary schools. The bill also aims to expand the domestic talent pipeline while supporting industries facing critical workforce gaps.

Advocates believe that combining foreign talent recruitment with domestic STEM investment will create a balanced long-term solution to workforce challenges.

Recent trends in H-1B visa approvals indicate a shift away from large outsourcing firms toward U.S.-based technology companies. Currently, most H-1B visas are granted to companies hiring fewer than 15 workers annually, reflecting heightened scrutiny and changes in hiring practices.

In addition, federal agencies have ramped up audits under a new enforcement initiative known as Project Firewall, which adds further compliance pressure on employers.

Supporters of the bill assert that America’s innovation economy relies heavily on access to global talent. Raja Krishnamoorthi, the bill’s sponsor, emphasized that the legislation is crucial for “building the workforce of tomorrow while keeping the U.S. at the forefront of innovation.”

Leaders from ITServe Alliance described the HIRE Act as a vital reform necessary to modernize the high-skilled immigration system, enhancing transparency and fairness. Economic policy experts point out that H-1B visas serve as the primary long-term pathway for hiring high-skilled foreign graduates, who constitute a significant portion of U.S. science and engineering programs.

However, critics from conservative policy groups argue that the current system enables abuse, suppresses American wages, and disadvantages U.S. graduates. The White House has reiterated that while temporary foreign workers may be necessary for launching large projects, companies are ultimately expected to prioritize hiring and training American workers.

As the bill moves forward, it will undergo the standard legislative process, which includes committee review, potential amendments, and debates in both the House and Senate. Given that immigration is already one of the most contentious issues in Washington, the future of the HIRE Act remains uncertain.

With mounting political pressure from business associations, labor groups, and advocacy organizations, the ongoing struggle between expanding high-skilled immigration and restricting foreign labor is expected to dominate discussions in the upcoming congressional session.

Source: Original article

Mold Growth in Homes: A Hidden Health Crisis After Disasters

November 30, 2025 Staff ReporterEnvironment, Health, USA 0

Severe natural disasters are leading to widespread mold growth in homes, creating a hidden public health crisis that affects millions across the United States.

After returning from what she described as the best internship of her life, Danae Daniels was eager to unwind and prepare for a new semester at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University. However, upon entering her off-campus apartment, she was confronted with an overwhelming odor and a grim reality.

“There was mold in my bedroom, on my bed, mold in my expensive purse,” Daniels recalled. “Mold in my closet, my bathroom — literally everywhere.”

During her absence, a series of severe natural disasters had swept through the Tallahassee area, causing extensive damage. According to the National Centers for Environmental Information, storms in the summer of 2024 inflicted billions of dollars in destruction, displacing families and leaving businesses in ruins.

The aftermath of these disasters extended beyond property damage. As the community struggled to recover, mold proliferated in homes and buildings throughout the city, transforming what began as a natural disaster into a prolonged public health crisis.

“If any part of a home is exposed to flooding or leaks and is not fully dried within 24 to 48 hours, mold growth is almost certain,” said Parham Azimi, a research associate at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. Azimi studies the connection between mold exposure and respiratory health, particularly following natural disasters. “After major storms, we often see spikes in respiratory illnesses, especially in homes affected by flooding.”

In the United States, an estimated 47% of residential buildings harbor mold or dampness. As the latest hurricane season comes to a close, the threat of mold-related health risks remains significant.

With 29% of the U.S. population residing in flood-prone coastal counties, the risk of exposure to mold spores and allergens that can trigger respiratory illnesses is substantial, leaving approximately 95 million people vulnerable when extreme weather strikes. This figure does not account for individuals in inland areas that experience flooding, such as those in North Carolina and Tennessee, which faced severe flooding from Hurricane Helene last year, or residents affected by the Hill Country flooding in Texas this summer.

The health consequences of mold exposure can range from mild allergic reactions to severe respiratory conditions. Common symptoms include congestion, asthma flare-ups, and skin irritation, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Prolonged exposure can lead to more serious complications, such as hypersensitivity pneumonitis — a rare lung inflammation — and mycotoxin-related illnesses, which can result in neurological damage, liver disease, and kidney dysfunction.

Amid these challenges, a key federal program designed to assist with housing repairs after disasters, along with aid from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), faces uncertainty due to budget cuts and policy changes under the Trump administration.

One of the most concerning aspects of mold is that it often goes undetected for months or even years, leaving individuals unknowingly exposed.

Lauren Lowenstein, a resident of Houston, experienced this firsthand. “For five years, my family’s health kept declining, and we had no idea why,” she said.

After conducting an Environmental Relative Moldiness Index test, Lowenstein discovered that toxic mold spores had been growing inside the walls of her home due to excessive condensation in the HVAC system. She and her family had to vacate immediately and start anew.

“The mold wasn’t visible, and we had no indication that it was growing,” Lowenstein explained.

Even when mold is detected, remediation can be prohibitively expensive. According to the home service clearinghouse Angi, the average cost of mold remediation ranges from $1,223 to $3,751, with severe cases potentially exceeding $30,000. Even when home insurance covers mold, homeowners may still face significant out-of-pocket expenses.

Daniels, for instance, was compelled to leave her Tallahassee apartment and stay in a hotel for a month while awaiting relocation to a newly renovated unit. She also had to replace all of her belongings.

Azimi noted that the cost of remediation is often out of reach for many households, and affordable alternative housing can be difficult to find, resulting in continued exposure to mold.

“For low-income and marginalized communities, the risks are even greater,” Azimi said.

For those seeking government assistance, the wait times can be extensive. Rev. Mac Legerton, founder of the Robeson County Disaster Survival and Resiliency School in North Carolina, highlighted the dire situation. “In many cases, families are left to choose between living in unsafe conditions or homelessness,” he stated.

A 2019 review funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development of 88 disaster grants found that the Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery program began distributing funds to applicants an average of 20 months after the initial disaster, with disbursements often taking two years or longer.

“When it comes to our disaster response system, mold remediation is one of the most neglected areas at the local, state, and national levels,” Legerton remarked.

Legerton’s organization operates a “mold busters” program, which provides hands-on training and education to equip residents in Robeson County with the knowledge and tools needed to safely remove mold from homes, churches, and businesses following natural disasters. The program also offers free mold remediation services to vulnerable communities, created in response to the lack of timely aid in the area.

Tanya Locklear faced a similar struggle after Hurricanes Matthew and Florence severely damaged her home in Pembroke, North Carolina, in 2016 and 2018, respectively, ultimately leaving it contaminated with mold.

Locklear applied for assistance through North Carolina’s ReBuild NC program in August 2021 but did not receive approval until November 2023. Repairs finally began in February 2024, more than two years after her application.

Local advocacy efforts, including pressure from community leaders and Legerton’s organization, helped advance her case. However, Locklear noted that the initial delays had already impacted her family’s health and well-being. While waiting for aid, she and her children remained in hazardous mold-infested conditions, suffering from health complications such as headaches, nosebleeds, and difficulty breathing.

Even today, Locklear continues to experience various respiratory issues, highlighting the long-term risks associated with prolonged exposure to mold.

Legerton believes that lawmakers and policymakers must prioritize streamlining disaster relief programs to ensure effective and timely aid distribution for affected families and communities nationwide. He also advocates for increased funding for mold remediation to prevent displacement and long-term health consequences, as well as the implementation of stronger building codes and flood-resistant housing designs in disaster-prone areas.

As Azimi warns, without proactive policies, millions more will face prolonged exposure to unhealthy living conditions. “As climate change intensifies, hurricanes and severe storms will become more frequent and destructive, increasing the risk of mold-related illnesses,” he said.

Source: Original article

Schumer Claims Trump Is Leading U.S. Toward Conflict with Venezuela

November 30, 2025 Staff ReporterConflict, Politics, USA 0

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer warns that President Trump’s actions regarding Venezuela risk pushing the U.S. toward military conflict without congressional approval.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, a Democrat from New York, issued a stark warning on Saturday regarding President Donald Trump’s approach to Venezuela. Schumer accused the president of bringing the United States “closer and closer to another costly foreign war” without the necessary congressional approval.

In a forceful statement, Schumer criticized Trump’s recent escalations concerning Venezuela, asserting that the president has undermined the Constitution. “President Trump’s reckless actions towards Venezuela are pushing America closer and closer to another costly foreign war,” Schumer stated. He emphasized that under the U.S. Constitution, Congress holds the exclusive power to declare war, a power that has not been authorized for military action against Venezuela.

The minority leader urged Trump to refrain from entering another overseas conflict, noting that “Americans are tired of endless foreign wars that cost the lives of countless American service members and drain precious resources.” He further remarked, “This is not an America First policy.”

Schumer called for a bipartisan effort among his colleagues in Congress to “come together to return the power to declare war back to the people.” His comments came in response to a post by Trump on Truth Social, where the president declared that Venezuela’s airspace should be considered “closed in its entirety.”

In his post, Trump addressed various stakeholders, including airlines and drug traffickers, urging them to recognize the closure of Venezuelan airspace. This statement followed a warning from the Federal Aviation Administration about a “worsening security situation” in the region.

During a Thanksgiving address to U.S. service members, Trump indicated that the U.S. would “very soon” begin efforts to stop suspected Venezuelan drug traffickers “by land.” He remarked, “In recent weeks, you’ve been working to deter Venezuelan drug traffickers, of which there are many,” adding that there are fewer traffickers coming in by sea.

Trump highlighted the severe impact of drug trafficking on American lives, stating that traffickers kill “hundreds of thousands of people a year” in the U.S. through the “poisons” they bring into the country. He has not ruled out the possibility of deploying American troops to Venezuela, stating on November 17 that he has not eliminated that option.

When asked if he would rule out troop deployments, Trump responded, “No, I don’t rule out that, I don’t rule out anything.”

On Friday, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth defended the Trump administration’s military strikes on alleged drug vessels in the Caribbean Sea. Hegseth stated, “As we’ve said from the beginning, and in every statement, these highly effective strikes are specifically intended to be ‘lethal, kinetic strikes.” He emphasized that the goal is to stop lethal drugs, destroy narco-boats, and eliminate the narco-terrorists responsible for poisoning the American populace.

Hegseth’s comments followed reports from various news outlets, including The Washington Post and CNN, regarding a second military strike on a suspected drug vessel in the Caribbean. This strike occurred after an initial attack left two survivors.

In response to the reports, Hegseth criticized the media, stating, “As usual, the fake news is delivering more fabricated, inflammatory, and derogatory reporting to discredit our incredible warriors fighting to protect the homeland.”

House Armed Services Committee Chair Mike Rogers, a Republican from Alabama, and Ranking Member Adam Smith, a Democrat from Washington, issued a joint statement on Saturday. They reaffirmed the committee’s commitment to providing rigorous oversight of the Department of Defense’s military operations in the Caribbean. They expressed concern over reports of follow-on strikes on boats alleged to be transporting narcotics in the SOUTHCOM region and announced bipartisan efforts to gather a complete account of the operations in question.

Fox News Digital has reached out to the White House for comment regarding these developments.

Source: Original article

Trump’s Thanksgiving Message: A Blend of Humor and Controversy

November 30, 2025 Staff ReporterPolitics, USA 0

Donald Trump pardoned two Thanksgiving turkeys while launching a tirade against his political adversaries, reflecting his ongoing grievances and legal battles.

In a traditional White House ceremony, Donald Trump, often referred to as “the merciful,” granted “unconditional” pardons to two Thanksgiving turkeys named Gobble and Waddle. However, the event quickly turned into a platform for Trump to roast his political opponents, particularly those of the Democratic Party.

Upon first seeing the turkeys, Trump humorously suggested they should be named after Democratic leaders Chuck Schumer and Nancy Pelosi. He remarked, “I would never pardon those people,” dismissing a plea from First Lady Melania Trump to maintain a more gracious tone.

Trump took the opportunity to criticize last year’s turkey pardons issued by President Joe Biden, claiming they were invalid because Biden used an autopen. He provocatively asked, “Where’s Hunter?” referring to Biden’s son, implying potential legal troubles for him once again.

In a characteristic display of his combative rhetoric, Trump joked about sending the pardoned turkeys to a notorious prison in El Salvador, known for housing migrants deported from the United States. He also announced plans to cancel “all Executive Orders, and anything else that was not directly signed by Crooked Joe Biden,” declaring that any document signed by Biden with an autopen would be nullified.

Trump alleged that “the Radical Left Lunatics” surrounding Biden had effectively taken the presidency from him by using the autopen, a device that has been utilized by various U.S. presidents, including Trump himself. He warned that if Biden claimed involvement in the autopen process, he could face charges of perjury, although the feasibility of nullifying Biden’s pardons and executive orders remains unclear.

During the ceremony, Trump refrained from mentioning two other figures he would never pardon: former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James. A federal judge recently dismissed cases against them, citing the illegal appointment of the prosecuting attorney. Despite this setback, the Justice Department plans to appeal, as Comey and James have argued that the prosecutions are politically motivated, pointing to Trump’s public calls for retribution against his perceived enemies.

Despite ongoing legal challenges, Trump celebrated a significant victory when a judge in Georgia dismissed the last pending criminal prosecution against him. This effectively ended efforts to hold him accountable for attempts to overturn the 2020 election results. The Georgia case was considered one of the most serious threats to Trump, as state criminal convictions are not subject to presidential pardons.

Following the dismissal, Trump labeled the prosecution as an “Illegal, Unconstitutional, and unAmerican Hoax,” claiming it was orchestrated by Biden and his “Handlers” in a relentless pursuit to “GET TRUMP.” He accused “The Deranged Democrats” of weaponizing law enforcement against “HONEST AND LOVING Americans.”

Trump also took aim at the media, specifically targeting “The Creeps at the Failing New York Times,” which he claimed had published a piece suggesting he was losing stamina. He dismissed the article as a “hit piece” and referred to the publication as a “cheap RAG” and an “ENEMY OF THE PEOPLE.”

In a recent press interaction, Trump lashed out at a female reporter who questioned him about an Afghan man suspected of shooting two National Guard troops near the White House. The reporter noted that the shooter had been granted asylum by the Trump administration after thorough vetting. Trump responded sharply, asking, “Are you stupid?” and attributing blame to the Biden administration for allowing the shooter into the country.

The White House’s official RapidResponse account later shared the exchange on social media, branding it as “FAKE NEWS.” This incident followed another confrontation earlier in the month, where Trump dismissed a Bloomberg reporter’s inquiry about the Epstein files with a derisive comment.

In light of the shooting incident in Washington, Trump ordered a reexamination of all green cards issued to individuals from 19 countries deemed “of concern.” He declared a permanent pause on migration from “all Third World Countries” to allow the U.S. system to recover, asserting that “Only REVERSE MIGRATION can fully cure this situation.”

Trump also shared several posts from his followers on Truth Social, depicting him as a warrior against the “Deep State,” including one image portraying him as a king in armor with a warning that “NONE shall escape his justice!”

As the Thanksgiving holiday approached, Trump’s remarks and actions underscored his continued focus on political grievances and his ongoing legal battles, demonstrating that even in moments of tradition, his combative spirit remains at the forefront.

Source: Original article

USCIS Suspends Asylum Decisions Following Shooting of National Guard Members

November 29, 2025 Staff ReporterElection, Immigration, Politics 0

USCIS has suspended all asylum decisions following a shooting incident involving an Afghan national that resulted in the death of a National Guard member in Washington, D.C.

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced a halt to all asylum decisions after an Afghan national was accused of shooting two National Guard members in Washington, D.C., resulting in the death of one service member.

On Friday, USCIS Director Joseph B. Edlow stated that the suspension of asylum decisions would remain in effect “until we can ensure that every alien is vetted and screened to the maximum degree possible.” He emphasized the priority of American safety in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter.

This pause in asylum decisions aligns with a broader immigration crackdown initiated by President Donald Trump. On Thursday, Trump pledged to halt migration from “Third World countries” and to reverse the admissions policies established during the Biden administration.

In a related development, Edlow indicated that officials would be reexamining green cards issued to immigrants from countries deemed concerning, including Afghanistan. USCIS has also introduced new national security measures to enhance the vetting process for immigrants from high-risk nations.

“I have directed a full-scale, rigorous reexamination of every Green Card for every alien from every country of concern,” Edlow stated.

Additionally, the Department of Homeland Security confirmed that it has suspended all immigration requests from Afghanistan and is reviewing all asylum cases that were approved under the Biden administration.

The Department of State has also acted swiftly, pausing all visa issuances for individuals traveling on Afghan passports in response to the shooting incident involving the National Guard members. “The Department is taking all necessary steps to protect U.S. national security and public safety,” the agency stated.

The shooting occurred on Wednesday, resulting in the death of National Guard member Sarah Beckstrom, 20, from West Virginia. Another service member, Andrew Wolfe, 24, remains in critical condition following the attack.

The alleged shooter, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, 29, has been charged with multiple offenses, including first-degree murder and two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed. Attorney General Pam Bondi announced that the Justice Department would seek the death penalty against Lakanwal.

Lakanwal entered the United States legally in 2021 under humanitarian parole as part of the Biden administration’s Operation Allies Welcome, which was established following the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. He had been vetted by the CIA in Afghanistan due to his work with the agency and underwent additional vetting for his asylum application in the U.S. A senior U.S. official informed Fox News that Lakanwal was “clean on all checks” in his background investigation.

Notably, Lakanwal’s asylum application was approved by the Trump administration earlier this year. A report from the Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General released in June indicated that there were “no systemic failures” in the vetting process for Afghan refugees or subsequent immigration pathways.

The recent shooting has raised significant concerns regarding the vetting processes for immigrants and asylum seekers, prompting federal agencies to reevaluate their procedures to ensure national security.

Source: Original article

Israel Releases Body-Cam Footage of Syria Raid on Terrorists

November 29, 2025 Staff ReporterConflict, Politics, Travel 0

Israel’s military released body-camera footage of a gun battle in Syria that resulted in injuries to six soldiers during an operation targeting members of the al-Jama’a al-Islamiyya terrorist group.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) released body-camera footage on Friday from a rare confrontation in southern Syria, where troops from the 55th Brigade engaged in a gun battle while attempting to arrest members of al-Jama’a al-Islamiyya, a Sunni terrorist organization linked to the broader Muslim Brotherhood network. This cross-border incident coincides with heightened tensions between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Syria’s interim president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, as the Trump administration intensifies its focus on targeting affiliates of the Brotherhood.

The overnight operation occurred in the Beit Jann area, located approximately 10 kilometers inside Syrian territory, under the command of the 210th Division. According to the IDF, troops entered the region to detain suspects involved in planting improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and planning future attacks against Israel, including potential rocket fire. During the operation, two suspects were arrested before an exchange of gunfire erupted.

Six IDF soldiers sustained injuries in the clash, with three reported to be in serious condition. The IDF confirmed that several terrorists were killed during the encounter, and the arrested suspects were subsequently transferred to Israel for interrogation.

Al-Jama’a al-Islamiyya, which originated as the Lebanese branch of the Muslim Brotherhood, has collaborated with Hamas and Hezbollah, maintaining operational infrastructure in southern Lebanon and along the Syria-Lebanon border. The IDF has targeted the organization’s sites in both Syria and Lebanon multiple times during the ongoing conflict.

Political correspondent Amit Segal of Channel 12 noted that this incident marks the first time since December 2024, when Israeli forces took control of the Syrian side of Mount Hermon, that Israeli troops have been wounded in a firefight within Syria. Segal posed a critical question regarding the implications of this incident: “Could Syria become the IDF’s new Lebanon? With six soldiers wounded overnight, the big question is whether this is a one-off event, or if it signals the beginning of a long, uncomfortable Israeli presence in Syria.”

The tensions between Netanyahu and al-Sharaa have escalated following the latter’s unprecedented visit to Washington earlier this month. Al-Sharaa met with President Donald Trump at the White House to discuss sanctions relief and counterterrorism coordination, marking the first visit by a Syrian leader to Washington since the onset of the Syrian war. Netanyahu publicly criticized the visit, asserting that al-Sharaa “returned inflated with a sense of international legitimacy,” and cautioned that any discussions between the U.S. and Syria should not come at Israel’s expense.

Additional reports from the Jerusalem Post and Channel 12 indicated that security arrangements concerning Israel’s northern front were discussed in broad terms between U.S. and Syrian officials, although no formal agreements were reached. Washington emphasized that consultations with Israel were ongoing.

This clash occurred during a week in which the Trump administration launched a comprehensive initiative to designate Muslim Brotherhood affiliates as terrorist organizations. The White House directive instructs federal agencies to evaluate and impose sanctions on Brotherhood entities in various countries, including Egypt, Jordan, and Lebanon, citing their global financial, political, and operational connections.

The White House statement described the Brotherhood as an organization that “fuels terrorism and destabilization campaigns against U.S. interests and allies.” Senator Ted Cruz, R-Texas, praised the administration’s actions during his podcast, stating that the designation represents the culmination of a decade of legislative efforts. Cruz remarked, “This is literally 10 years of hard work, and it will make America safer because the Muslim Brotherhood is funding terrorists that want to murder you and want to murder me.”

He highlighted that many U.S. allies in the Middle East, including Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and the UAE, have already outlawed the organization, expressing that these nations desire the United States to take similar actions.

As the U.S. ramps up pressure on movements linked to the Brotherhood, Israel finds itself increasingly confronting armed groups associated with the organization across its northern borders—from Hamas in Gaza to al-Jama’a al-Islamiyya in Syria and Lebanon. With Beit Jann emerging as a focal point for cross-border operations and American policy tightening, analysts suggest that regional confrontations involving Brotherhood-connected groups may be entering a new phase.

Source: Original article

NASA Finalizes Strategy for Sustaining Human Presence in Space

November 29, 2025 Staff ReporterScience, Technology, World 0

NASA has finalized its strategy for maintaining a human presence in space, focusing on the transition from the International Space Station to new commercial platforms by 2030.

This week, NASA officially finalized its strategy for sustaining a human presence in space, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the capability for extended stays in orbit following the planned de-orbiting of the International Space Station (ISS) in 2030.

The document detailing NASA’s Low Earth Orbit Microgravity Strategy outlines the agency’s vision for the next generation of continuous human presence in orbit. It aims to foster economic growth and uphold international partnerships in the space sector.

As the agency looks ahead, concerns have arisen regarding the readiness of new space stations to take over once the ISS is retired. The potential for budget cuts under the incoming administration has further fueled these worries. NASA Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy noted, “Just like everybody has to make hard decisions when the budget is tight, we’ve made some choices over the last year to cut back programs or cancel them altogether to ensure that we’re focused on our highest priorities.”

Among the companies working on new space stations is Voyager, which has expressed support for NASA’s commitment to maintaining a human presence in space. Jeffrey Manber, Voyager’s president of international and space stations, emphasized the importance of this commitment for attracting investment, stating, “We need that commitment because we have our investors saying, ‘Is the United States committed?’”

The initiative to establish a permanent human presence in space dates back to President Reagan, who highlighted the need for private partnerships in his 1984 State of the Union address. He remarked, “America has always been greatest when we dared to be great. We can reach for greatness,” while also noting the potential for the space transportation market to exceed the nation’s capacity to develop it.

The ISS has been a cornerstone of human spaceflight since its first module was launched in 1998, hosting over 28 astronauts from 23 countries and maintaining continuous human occupation for 24 years. The Trump administration’s national space policy, released in 2020, called for a “continuous human presence in Earth orbit” and emphasized the transition to commercial platforms, a policy that the Biden administration has continued.

NASA Administrator Bill Nelson addressed the potential challenges of transitioning from the ISS, stating, “Let’s say we didn’t have commercial stations that are ready to go. Technically, we could keep the space station going, but the idea was to fly it through 2030 and de-orbit it in 2031.”

Recent discussions have raised questions about the definition of “continuous human presence.” Melroy acknowledged the ongoing conversations about what this entails, stating, “I just want to talk about the elephant in the room for a moment, continuous human presence. What does that mean? Is it continuous heartbeat or continuous capability?”

NASA’s finalized strategy has taken into account the concerns of commercial and international partners regarding the implications of losing the ISS without a commercial station ready to take its place. Melroy stated, “Almost all of our industry partners agreed. Continuous presence is continuous heartbeat. And so that’s where we stand.” She emphasized that the U.S. currently leads in human spaceflight and that the only other space station in orbit after the ISS de-orbits will be the Chinese space station, underscoring the importance of maintaining U.S. leadership in this domain.

Three companies, including Voyager, are collaborating with NASA to develop commercial space stations. Axiom signed an agreement with NASA in 2020, while contracts were awarded to Nanoracks, now part of Voyager Space, and Blue Origin in 2021.

Melroy acknowledged the challenges posed by budget caps resulting from negotiations between the White House and Congress for fiscal years 2024 and 2025, which have limited investment. However, she remains optimistic, stating, “I think we’re still able to make it happen before the end of 2030, though, to get a commercial space station up and running so that we have a continuous heartbeat of American astronauts on orbit.”

Voyager has assured stakeholders that it is on track with its development timeline, planning to launch its starship space station in 2028. Manber stated, “We’re not asking for more money. We’re going ahead. We’re ready to replace the International Space Station.” He highlighted the importance of maintaining a permanent presence in space, noting that losing it would disrupt the supply chain that supports the burgeoning space economy.

Additional funding has been allocated to the three companies since the initial space station contracts, and a second round of funding could be crucial for advancing certain projects. NASA may also consider new proposals for space stations, including concepts from Vast Space, a company based in Long Beach, California, which recently unveiled plans for its Haven modules and aims to launch Haven-1 as early as next year.

Melroy emphasized the importance of competition in the development of commercial space stations, stating, “This is a development project. It’s challenging. It was hard to build the space station. We’re asking our commercial partners to step up and do this themselves with some help from us. We think it’s really important that we carry as many options going forward to see which one really pans out when we actually get there.”

Source: Original article

Common Sleep Problem Linked to Serious Brain Disorder

November 29, 2025 Staff ReporterHealth and Lifestyle, Medicine 0

Common sleep problems may be linked to serious neurological disorders, highlighting the importance of awareness and early detection.

The Fox News Health Newsletter provides readers with trending and significant stories concerning healthcare, drug developments, mental health issues, and inspiring accounts of individuals overcoming medical challenges.

Recent discussions have highlighted a common sleep problem that may be associated with serious neurological disorders. This connection underscores the importance of recognizing and addressing sleep issues early on.

In addition to sleep-related concerns, the newsletter also covers various health topics, including warning signs to watch for following high-profile cancer diagnoses, such as that of JFK’s granddaughter.

As the holiday season approaches, individuals on GLP-1 medications are advised on how to navigate festive meals without compromising their health goals. This guidance is particularly relevant as many seek to maintain their well-being during a time of indulgence.

Moreover, a new weight-loss injection has shown promise in clinical trials. However, experts are urging caution, emphasizing the need for thorough research and understanding of potential side effects before widespread adoption.

In a concerning trend, healthcare professionals are warning about a deadly cancer that may be lurking undetected in many individuals. Awareness of this “invisible risk” is crucial for early intervention and treatment.

On a lighter note, Ivanka Trump has taken up a new fitness hobby that could contribute to healthy aging. This shift in focus on physical activity serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining an active lifestyle.

Interestingly, recent studies suggest that hearing loss might be reversible with the use of a popular erectile dysfunction drug. This unexpected finding opens new avenues for treatment and highlights the interconnectedness of various health issues.

Lastly, doctors are sounding the alarm about a significant rise in adult-onset food allergies, describing it as a “perfect storm” of factors contributing to this alarming trend. Awareness and education are key in managing and understanding these allergies.

For those interested in staying informed about health news and developments, signing up for the Fox News Health Newsletter can provide valuable insights and updates.

As we navigate these various health challenges and advancements, it is essential to remain vigilant and proactive in our health journeys.

Source: Original article

Trump Proposes ‘Reverse Migration’ Plan to Address Immigration Issues

November 28, 2025 Staff ReporterElection, Immigration, Politics 0

Former President Donald Trump unveiled a “reverse migration” plan aimed at halting immigration from certain countries and rolling back Biden-era policies in a recent Truth Social post.

Former President Donald Trump took to Truth Social late on Thanksgiving to announce his “reverse migration” plan, which he claims would permanently stop immigration from what he refers to as “Third World Countries.” He also proposed a comprehensive rollback of immigration policies established during President Biden’s administration.

In his post, Trump asserted that his administration would impose a pause on all migration from nations he categorizes as “Third World.” He claimed that this plan would revoke what he described as “millions” of admissions granted under Biden, including those he alleges were signed by “Sleepy Joe Biden’s Autopen.” Furthermore, Trump indicated that he would seek to remove foreign nationals whom he considers public charges, security threats, or those he believes are “non-compatible with Western Civilization.”

Trump contended that the current U.S. immigration system is overwhelmed and that his proposed approach would allow it to “fully recover.” Among his promises, he vowed to eliminate federal benefits for noncitizens, denaturalize migrants accused of undermining “domestic tranquility,” and expand deportation efforts.

Trump’s announcement comes in the wake of a violent incident near the White House, where two National Guard members were shot in what officials described as a “targeted” attack. One of the guardsmen, 20-year-old Sarah Beckstrom from West Virginia, was reported dead, while the second service member, 24-year-old Andrew Wolfe, is currently “fighting for his life,” according to Trump.

The suspected shooter, 29-year-old Rahmanullah Lakanwal, is also in serious condition. Lakanwal entered the United States legally in 2021 under humanitarian parole as part of the Biden administration’s Operation Allies Welcome, which was initiated following the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan.

In closing, Trump issued a stern warning in his social media post: “Other than that, HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL, except those that hate, steal, murder, and destroy everything that America stands for — You won’t be here for long!”

Source: Original article

Putin Describes Trump’s Peace Plan as ‘Starting Point’ for Ukraine

November 28, 2025 Staff ReporterElection, Politics, USA 0

Vladimir Putin has expressed interest in discussing President Trump’s Ukraine peace proposal as tensions escalate, warning Ukraine to withdraw or face military action.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has indicated a willingness to consider President Donald Trump’s peace proposal as a potential starting point for negotiations aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia. Speaking to reporters at the conclusion of a three-day visit to Kyrgyzstan, Putin emphasized the importance of serious dialogue regarding the proposal, stating, “We need to sit down and discuss this seriously.” He noted that “every word matters” in the context of the discussions.

Putin characterized Trump’s plan as “a set of issues put forward for discussion” rather than a formal draft agreement. His comments come as U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff is set to visit Moscow, underscoring the urgency of the situation.

In a stark warning, Putin stated, “If Ukrainian troops withdraw from the territories they occupy, hostilities will cease. If they don’t withdraw, we will achieve this by force.” This declaration raises concerns about the potential for increased military action should Ukraine fail to comply with Russia’s demands.

Andy Barr, a Republican member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, commented on the situation, asserting that it highlights the necessity for strong American leadership. “Russia invaded Ukraine because Joe Biden was the weakest president in American history,” Barr claimed. He further stated, “President Trump’s peace-through-strength leadership kept Putin fully contained. This war never would have happened under his watch. Trump is the peace president… the only leader who can end this war and bring stability back to Europe.”

However, critics of Putin argue that he may be attempting to manipulate the U.S. and the European Union. Garry Kasparov, the former world chess champion and a vocal critic of the Russian leader, expressed skepticism about the prospects for peace. He told the Polish international news network TVP, “Peace under Putin is unachievable for one simple reason: Putin is war — and Russia is gearing up for even more.” Kasparov has also criticized NATO, Trump, and the EU for their perceived failures in adequately supporting Ukraine and expelling Russian forces from its territory.

As discussions about a potential peace agreement continue, Kremlin officials have remained largely silent regarding Trump’s recent proposal. Historically, Putin has been reluctant to accept previous peace plans put forth by Trump.

Putin has insisted that Ukraine must completely withdraw from the Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhia regions before any peace negotiations can commence. This demand notably includes areas within these regions that are not currently under Russian occupation. Additionally, Putin seeks to prevent Ukraine from joining NATO and hosting any Western military forces, aiming to reestablish Russian influence over the country.

Recent assessments from the Institute for the Study of War have cast doubt on Russian claims of an unstoppable invasion, noting that Russian forces are still struggling to capture key cities in the eastern Donetsk region. The think tank stated, “Data on Russian forces’ rate of advance indicates that a Russian military victory in Ukraine is not inevitable, and a rapid Russian seizure of the rest of Donetsk Oblast is not imminent.” They further observed that recent Russian advances have been largely opportunistic and dependent on favorable seasonal weather conditions.

As diplomatic efforts continue, U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff is scheduled to visit Moscow next week. Meanwhile, U.S. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll, who has played a prominent role in recent peace initiatives, may also be heading to Kyiv to engage in discussions.

The initial U.S. peace proposal faced criticism for being overly favorable to Russian demands. However, an amended version emerged from talks in Geneva between American and Ukrainian officials, reflecting a more balanced approach. European leaders, concerned about their own security in light of Russian aggression, are also seeking a more active role in the peace process.

As the situation evolves, the international community remains watchful, hoping for a resolution that can bring an end to the conflict and restore stability to the region.

Source: Original article

Kevin Roberts Advocates for Major Reforms to H-1B Visa Program

November 27, 2025 Staff ReporterImmigration, Visa 0

The Heritage Foundation’s president, Kevin Roberts, has called for significant reforms to the H-1B visa program, emphasizing the need to prioritize American workers and address systemic issues within the immigration system.

The Heritage Foundation has entered the ongoing debate surrounding the H-1B visa program, advocating for comprehensive reforms to the United States’ skilled immigration system. In a recent post on X, the think tank’s president, Kevin Roberts, urged lawmakers and the administration to tighten and overhaul existing visa policies.

Roberts highlighted the issues plaguing the H-1B visa process, stating, “Fraud, nepotism, and corruption affect every stage of the H-1B visa process. The program cannot go on in its current form. Putting American workers first is necessary to make the American Dream attainable again.”

The Heritage Foundation’s initial statement pointed out that the H-1B visa was established over 30 years ago to address a perceived temporary labor shortage. However, the organization argues that the program has expanded beyond its original intent and now requires urgent reform to prioritize American workers.

Adding to the discourse, Indian American scholar Ron Hira, a professor at Howard University and a vocal critic of the H-1B system, participated in a panel discussion titled “How the H-1B Visa Led to Importing Mass Cheap Labor,” hosted by The Heritage Foundation. Hira remarked on the historical context of the program, noting, “Back then, 20 years ago, it was obvious that H-1B visa abuse was critical in speeding up the offshoring of these jobs. Yet for the past 20 years, Washington has turned a blind eye to this abuse.”

The conversation around H-1B visas gained renewed attention following an interview in November with former President Donald Trump on Fox News. During the discussion with host Laura Ingraham, Trump reiterated the necessity of attracting highly skilled professionals from abroad, arguing that the U.S. cannot solely rely on domestic workers to fill specialized roles in sectors such as technology, engineering, and research.

Simon Hankinson, a senior research fellow at The Heritage Foundation’s Border and Immigration Center, contributed to the dialogue with a policy paper outlining proposed changes to the H-1B system. He recommended that lawmakers eliminate current exemptions for universities and nonprofit research institutions, replace the existing lottery-based selection process with a system that prioritizes higher wage offers, and clarify that spouses on H-4 visas should not receive work authorization.

“Rather than this regulatory back and forth swing between administrations, it’s past time for Congress to end not only the numerous types of H-1B abuses, but also the administrative state creations that developed the student-to-H-1B-green-card pipeline that adversely affects American students and employees,” Hankinson stated in his report.

The Heritage Foundation has also provided guidance on potential changes that could be implemented by the Trump administration regarding the H-1B program. The report suggests that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) should limit the number of H-1B applicants that each company can petition for annually and impose a permanent ban on any company, individual, or entity that knowingly violates immigration law from participating in the H-1B process.

The call for reform reflects a growing concern among some policymakers and scholars about the impact of the H-1B visa program on the American labor market. As discussions continue, the Heritage Foundation’s proposals may shape future legislative efforts aimed at reforming the skilled immigration system.

Source: Original article

Trump Administration Faces Lawsuit Over Permanent Housing Funding

November 27, 2025 Staff ReporterElection, Nation, Politics 0

The Trump administration faces a lawsuit from a coalition of 19 attorneys general and two governors over significant funding cuts for permanent housing aimed at individuals experiencing homelessness.

The Trump administration is once again embroiled in legal challenges, as a coalition of 19 attorneys general and two governors filed a lawsuit on Tuesday. The suit targets recent policy changes that impose new conditions and drastically reduce funding for permanent housing for individuals experiencing homelessness.

The lawsuit claims that the administration has unlawfully decreased the percentage of federal grant funding allocated to permanent housing from approximately 90% to as low as 30%. Additionally, it introduces new eligibility requirements that could further complicate access to these essential resources.

Leading the coalition is New York Attorney General Letitia James, who is seeking a court order to block what she describes as the “administration’s cuts and illegal new conditions” affecting the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Continuum of Care program funding.

“Communities across the country depend on Continuum of Care funds to provide housing and other resources to our most vulnerable neighbors,” James stated in a press release. “These funds help keep tens of thousands of people from sleeping on the streets every night. I will not allow this administration to cut off these funds and put vital housing and support services at risk.”

According to reports, more than half of the 2026 funding for HUD’s Continuum of Care program, which collaborates with local organizations to connect people experiencing homelessness to housing and resources, will be redirected from permanent housing assistance to temporary transitional housing assistance. This shift will come with new work or service requirements for recipients.

A spokesperson for HUD expressed disappointment over the lawsuit, stating, “HUD stands by its FY2025 Continuum of Care reforms.” The spokesperson further criticized the plaintiffs for what they termed a misuse of the courts, suggesting that the lawsuit serves a political agenda at the expense of homeless individuals, youth, and families currently living on the streets.

“Their use of the courts for political means seeks to prevent nearly $4 billion of aid from flowing nationwide to assist those in need,” the spokesperson added. “HUD intends to mount a vigorous defense to this meritless legal action.”

Permanent housing programs are designed to offer long-term stability without requiring participation in work programs or other services. This approach allows residents to focus on maintaining their housing and rebuilding their lives. Critics of the administration’s new policy argue that reallocating funds to transitional housing or imposing service requirements could destabilize current residents, potentially forcing them back into homelessness or reliance on emergency shelters.

Supporters of the policy, however, argue that linking funding to services or work expectations can promote self-sufficiency and ensure that resources are utilized efficiently. This situation highlights the ongoing tension between immediate stability and longer-term social outcomes.

The outcome of this lawsuit could have significant implications for how federal housing funds are allocated and regulated at the national level. It underscores the critical roles that courts, state governments, and federal agencies play in shaping policy priorities and protecting vulnerable populations.

Beyond the legal ramifications, this dispute brings attention to the persistent challenges in addressing homelessness, emphasizing the importance of stable housing for social and economic well-being. It also reflects the complexities involved in implementing programs that cater to diverse communities with varying needs.

Source: Original article

Alleged National Guard Shooter Previously Worked with U.S. Government in Afghanistan

November 27, 2025 Staff ReporterConflict, Politics, USA 0

The Afghan national accused of shooting two National Guard members near the White House previously worked with U.S. government entities, including the CIA, during his time in Afghanistan.

An Afghan national has been accused of shooting two National Guard members in Washington, D.C., just blocks from the White House. The suspect, identified as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, 29, reportedly worked with various U.S. government entities, including the CIA, while serving as a member of a partner force in Afghanistan.

Lakanwal entered the United States shortly after the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan in August 2021, arriving a month later under “Operation Allies Welcome.” This program was initiated to assist Afghan allies who had worked with U.S. forces during the two-decade-long conflict.

Intelligence sources informed Fox News Digital that Lakanwal had established a relationship with U.S. government entities due to his involvement with a partner force in Kandahar. CIA Director John Ratcliffe emphasized that the Biden administration justified Lakanwal’s entry into the U.S. based on his previous work with the CIA and other government agencies.

“In the wake of the disastrous Biden withdrawal from Afghanistan, the Biden administration justified bringing the alleged shooter to the United States in September 2021 due to his prior work with the U.S. government, including the CIA,” Ratcliffe stated. “The individual—and so many others—should have never been allowed to come here.” He further expressed concern over the ongoing repercussions of the administration’s actions, stating, “Our citizens and service members deserve far better than to endure the ongoing fallout from the Biden administration’s catastrophic failures.”

The FBI is currently leading the investigation into the shooting, which is being examined as a potential act of international terrorism. Officials confirmed that the two West Virginia National Guardsmen involved in the incident remain in critical condition.

In a national address following the shooting, former President Donald Trump condemned the attack, labeling it a “savage attack.” He described the incident as a “monstrous ambush-style attack” that occurred just steps away from the White House. Trump characterized the shooting as a “heinous assault,” an “act of evil,” and a “crime against our entire nation.” He expressed his condolences to the families of the injured Guardsmen, stating, “The hearts of all Americans tonight are with those two members of the West Virginia National Guard and their families.” He also conveyed a sense of righteous anger and determination to ensure that the perpetrator faces severe consequences.

D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser addressed the media shortly after the incident, confirming that the shooting was a targeted attack. “One individual appeared to target these guardsmen. That individual has been taken into custody,” she explained during a news conference.

The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are working to uncover further details surrounding the shooting and the suspect’s background.

Source: Original article

Canada Accelerates Efforts to Resume Trade Talks with India

November 26, 2025 Staff ReporterNation, Politics 0

Canada is accelerating efforts to revive a long-stalled trade agreement with India, following a period of diplomatic tensions and shifting foreign policy priorities.

TORONTO — Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand announced on Monday that Ottawa is working diligently to revive a long-delayed trade agreement with India, following two years of diplomatic tensions. This renewed push aligns with Canada’s updated foreign policy approach, particularly in response to the ongoing trade war initiated by former U.S. President Donald Trump.

Anand’s remarks followed a meeting between Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the recent G20 summit in South Africa. Both leaders agreed to reopen negotiations that have been stalled for over a year.

A Relationship Recovering After Tension

Diplomatic relations between Canada and India deteriorated sharply in 2023 when Canadian authorities accused the Indian government of being involved in the assassination of Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia.

The leaders emphasized the need for a swift progression in negotiations. “The leaders were clear that the process must move forward as quickly as possible,” Anand told The Associated Press, underscoring Canada’s commitment to advancing talks without delay.

Prime Minister Carney is expected to travel to India early next year, further signaling the commitment to revitalizing bilateral relations.

Anand also highlighted Carney’s ambitious goal of doubling Canada’s non-U.S. trade within the next decade. Currently, over 75% of Canadian exports are directed to the United States, most of which are covered under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which is set for review in 2026. This situation has prompted Canada to seek diversification in its trading partners.

“This represents a major shift in foreign policy, shaped by a more protectionist global economy,” Anand stated. “We have a new government, a new foreign policy direction, and a new world order emerging.”

Canada Also Rebuilding Ties With China

In addition to its efforts with India, Ottawa is simultaneously working to mend relations with China. Carney and Chinese President Xi Jinping held a constructive meeting at the Asia-Pacific summit last month, indicating progress in repairing long-strained ties between the two nations.

Background on the Nijjar Case

Trade talks with India were suspended in 2023 after Canada publicly accused New Delhi of orchestrating the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a prominent Sikh leader and Canadian citizen. Nijjar, 45, was shot dead in his truck outside the gurdwara where he served as president in Surrey, British Columbia. Four Indian nationals residing in Canada have since been charged and are awaiting trial.

Relations began to improve in mid-2024 when Carney invited Modi to the G7 summit in Alberta. Diplomatic ties strengthened further when both countries reinstated their high commissioners in August.

“This is a step-by-step journey, and the last six months have seen meaningful progress,” Anand remarked.

Ambitious Trade Goals

Anand stated that both governments aim to double bilateral trade to US$50 billion by 2030. Canada already ranks among India’s largest foreign investors and is India’s seventh-largest trade partner for goods and services.

Canada’s Position on U.S. Trade Relations

Tensions between Canada and the U.S. persist, particularly after Trump halted trade discussions with Carney over an anti-tariff advertisement released by the Ontario government. This disagreement followed months of friction, including Trump’s controversial suggestion that Canada should become the 51st U.S. state—a dispute that has since cooled.

Despite these tensions, Anand stated that Canada is prepared to restart talks with Washington whenever the opportunity arises. “The United States has fundamentally reshaped all of its trade relationships,” she said. “We’re ready to return to the negotiating table.”

Source: Original article

Russia May Reject US-Ukraine Peace Plan Over Alaska Summit Concerns

November 26, 2025 Staff ReporterConflict, Politics, USA 0

Russia has warned it may reject the U.S.-Ukraine peace plan if it does not adhere to key agreements made during the Alaska summit between President Trump and President Putin.

Russia is threatening to reject President Donald Trump’s proposed peace plan for Ukraine unless it upholds certain “key understandings” established during the Alaska summit with President Vladimir Putin.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov made this assertion during a news conference on Tuesday, emphasizing that Moscow is awaiting an updated version of the peace plan aimed at resolving the nearly four-year conflict in Ukraine.

Lavrov warned that if the terms of the “key understandings” from the August summit are not honored, the situation would shift dramatically. He reiterated Russia’s unwavering demands in the negotiations, which include barring Ukraine from joining NATO and requiring the country to relinquish control over the remainder of the Donbas region as part of any peace agreement.

As the situation evolves, the conflict has escalated, with reports of Russian bombardments in Kyiv resulting in casualties. This comes as the Trump administration moves forward with its peace plan.

John Hardie, deputy director of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies’ Russia Program, commented on the challenges facing the U.S. diplomatic efforts. He noted that Russia’s intransigence over the past ten months has been a significant obstacle to achieving peace.

Hardie stated, “The United States has really shot itself in the foot by kind of flip-flopping between strategies. One month you’re trying to pressure the Russians and saying they’re the obstacle to peace. The next minute you’re trying to force their terms on Kyiv.” He emphasized the need for sustained military support for Ukraine and economic pressure on Russia, asserting that both the Ukrainian military and Western resolve must remain steadfast.

Former CIA station chief Dan Hoffman expressed skepticism about the potential for a resolution to the conflict. He argued that the United States currently lacks the leverage necessary to compel Moscow to cease its invasion.

“Vladimir Putin’s strategic objective has always been to overthrow the democratically elected government of Ukraine. He’ll engage in negotiations, but he does it to ensure that he’s asserting the primacy of Russia in his self-designated sphere of influence,” Hoffman said. He added, “I just don’t see any evidence that Russia is going to pause in their relentless attacks on Ukraine.”

Despite the ongoing tensions, Ukraine has reportedly agreed to a peace deal aimed at ending the war with Russia, although some details remain to be finalized. A U.S. official confirmed that U.S. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll met with Russian officials in Abu Dhabi on Monday and Tuesday to discuss the framework for the peace deal.

The U.S. official also noted that a Ukrainian delegation was present in Abu Dhabi and was in communication with Driscoll and his team regarding the negotiations.

Source: Original article

H-1B Challenges Drive Indian Professionals Towards EB-1A Visa Options

November 26, 2025 Staff ReporterImmigration, Visa 0

As uncertainty surrounding H-1B visas increases, many skilled Indian professionals are turning to the EB-1A visa as a more viable path to U.S. residency.

As the path to securing an H-1B visa becomes increasingly uncertain, a growing number of highly skilled Indian professionals are exploring alternative routes to the United States. Immigration attorneys report a notable shift towards the EB-1A category, which is an employment-based visa designated for individuals of extraordinary ability. This option is gaining traction as a means to achieve long-term residency and career stability.

The EB-1A visa is tailored for professionals who can demonstrate significant achievements in fields such as science, technology, education, business, or the arts. Unlike other employment-based green card categories, such as EB-2 and EB-3, the EB-1A offers greater flexibility. Candidates are not required to have a job offer or employer sponsorship, which can be a significant barrier in the H-1B process.

To qualify for the EB-1A visa, applicants must provide evidence that they meet at least three of the ten eligibility criteria established by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). These criteria include recognition through awards, published work, contributions to the industry, or leadership roles.

Another significant advantage of the EB-1A category is that applicants, including researchers and multinational executives, are exempt from the labor certification process. This requirement is often time-consuming and burdensome for H-1B holders and most other employment-linked green cards. The processing timeline for EB-1A petitions is generally faster, and unlike other visa categories that can experience lengthy wait times due to country-based quotas, EB-1A applications often progress with fewer delays.

Recent data from USCIS indicates a substantial increase in EB-1A filings. Approximately 7,300 EB-1A applications were submitted in the first quarter of 2025, marking a surge of over 50% compared to the previous quarter. Overall, EB-1A applications in 2025 are tracking nearly 50% higher than the previous year. This spike is largely attributed to Indian professionals seeking a more reliable alternative to the H-1B route, particularly in light of recent policy changes under the Trump administration, according to Frederick Ng, co-founder of the immigration platform Beyond Border.

The proposed increase in H-1B filing fees, potentially reaching as high as $100,000, has added another layer of complexity for U.S. employers considering foreign hires. This makes the H-1B program increasingly cost-intensive and less accessible. As companies navigate these financial challenges, many Indian professionals are seeking immigration options that provide greater autonomy, especially those that do not rely on employer sponsorship for entry into the U.S. or for securing permanent residency.

The shift towards the EB-1A category is particularly pronounced among Indian H-1B holders. Indians represent over 70% of approved H-1B beneficiaries, meaning any tightening of policies or downturns in the tech sector disproportionately affect them. Sukanya Raman, an immigration attorney and country head at Davies & Associates, notes that the increasing backlogs in the EB-2 and EB-3 categories for Indian applicants are fueling this trend. The EB-1A pathway is becoming more appealing as it allows qualified individuals to self-petition, offering more control and often significantly shorter wait times. “Extraordinary ability is really about measurable impact, not global fame,” Raman explained.

More Indian engineers, researchers, and product leaders are now turning to the EB-1A route, leveraging their professional accomplishments to bolster their applications. Many are emphasizing patents, high-profile publications, industry recognitions, and leadership positions to meet the criteria for “extraordinary ability.” This strategy positions them for a faster and more independent path to U.S. residency.

“Indian professionals are realizing they already meet the standard,” Raman stated. “Their work is driving innovation globally, and the EB-1A category acknowledges that.”

Source: Original article

Trump Plans New Healthcare Proposal as ACA Subsidies Expire

November 25, 2025 Staff ReporterElection, Health, Politics 0

President Donald Trump is set to unveil a new healthcare cost proposal aimed at addressing rising premiums as key Affordable Care Act subsidies are set to expire.

Following the dismantling of the Department of Education, President Donald Trump is shifting his focus to healthcare. He plans to announce a new proposal for managing healthcare costs as early as Monday, as his administration seeks to prevent a surge in premiums due to the expiration of critical Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies, according to sources familiar with the situation.

A key element of the forthcoming plan is a renewed emphasis on price transparency. The proposal will require hospitals, clinics, and insurers to disclose the actual prices of services, procedures, and negotiated insurance rates. The administration contends that enabling patients to compare costs will create market pressure that ultimately reduces overall medical spending.

In a related development, Senate Republicans have agreed to hold a mid-December vote on extending the enhanced subsidies, which are set to expire at the end of the year. This decision is part of a broader negotiation to extend government funding through January, prompting Trump and his aides to formulate their own competing proposal.

Another significant aspect of the plan focuses on making prescription drugs more affordable, particularly for high-demand treatments such as obesity and chronic disease medications. Trump has highlighted potential agreements with major pharmaceutical companies aimed at lowering prices for certain weight-loss drugs and ensuring that future pill-based versions are significantly more affordable for uninsured and cash-paying patients.

While the Trump administration has remained tight-lipped about the specifics of their plans, a White House official stated, “Until President Trump makes an announcement himself, any reporting about the Administration’s healthcare positions is mere speculation.”

Reports suggest that the framework under discussion may include a temporary extension of ACA subsidies in some form, coupled with a series of guardrails designed to limit their scope. These could potentially involve new income limits and a requirement that all enrollees contribute some form of premium.

Taken together, the proposal reflects Trump’s strategy of merging market-driven reforms with targeted agreements between the federal government and pharmaceutical companies. This initiative represents one of the administration’s most ambitious efforts to reshape healthcare affordability in 2025.

Additionally, the proposal may offer an option for certain enrollees who select lower-tier insurance plans on the exchanges to redirect some federal aid into health savings accounts, according to sources familiar with the discussions.

Trump’s emerging healthcare proposal indicates a broader shift in the administration’s approach to tackling the challenges of rising medical costs and the instability of the insurance market. By integrating price transparency measures, negotiations with pharmaceutical companies, and potential adjustments to ACA subsidies, the administration aims to balance cost-cutting with consumer choice.

Although many details remain undisclosed, the framework under consideration suggests an effort to reform the healthcare system through a combination of market incentives and targeted federal intervention. If implemented, this plan could significantly alter how millions of Americans access insurance, compare medical prices, and afford high-demand medications, including weight-loss and chronic-disease drugs.

Source: Original article

Maduro Pursues Peace Initiatives Amid U.S. Military Presence in Caribbean

November 25, 2025 Staff ReporterConflict, Politics, USA 0

Nicolás Maduro showcased his defiance by dancing to a remix of his peace speeches as U.S. military presence escalates near Venezuela amid rising tensions.

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro recently demonstrated his defiance by dancing to an electronic remix of his own peace slogans during a student rally in Caracas. This event marks the latest in a series of performances by Maduro, who previously sang John Lennon’s iconic song “Imagine” while U.S. warships patrolled the waters near Venezuela’s coast.

Video footage from the National University Student Day celebration captured Maduro swaying to the beat, mimicking President Donald Trump’s signature dance moves, albeit with a noticeably looser style. The electronic track, identified by Reuters as “Peace, yes. War, no,” featured phrases recycled from Maduro’s speeches that promote peace and reject war, all while tensions with the United States continue to escalate.

During the rally, Maduro punctuated the music with playful finger pistols, a gesture that was captured on camera and added a lighthearted element to the serious backdrop of U.S. military maneuvers in the region.

This video surfaced about a week after Maduro’s performance of “Imagine,” where he urged for peace while the Trump administration ramped up its military presence near Venezuela, aiming to combat drug trafficking. In his remarks, Maduro invoked Lennon, referring to him as a poet and musician who left a “gift to humanity.” He encouraged young people to explore the song’s lyrics, describing it as an anthem for every generation.

In the video, Maduro paused mid-speech to reflect on the meaning of Lennon’s song, singing a few lines before elaborating on its significance. “What a beautiful song. The lyrics – young people, look up the lyrics,” he said, according to a translation. “It’s an inspiration for all time. It’s an anthem for all eras and generations that John Lennon left as a gift to humanity. Long live the eternal memory of that great poet and musician, John Lennon.”

While Maduro promotes a message of peace, the U.S. has significantly increased its military presence across the Caribbean. This includes the deployment of bombers, warships, and Marines as part of a broader campaign targeting drug trafficking operations in the region, which has involved airstrikes on suspected smuggling vessels.

On Monday, the U.S. State Department formally designated the Cartel de los Soles as a foreign terrorist organization. This cartel refers to a network of Venezuelan government and military officials involved in drug trafficking. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated last week that the Cartel de los Soles and other Venezuelan cartels are “responsible for terrorist violence throughout our hemisphere as well as for trafficking drugs into the United States and Europe.”

As the diplomatic standoff between the U.S. and Venezuela continues, Maduro’s performances serve as a stark contrast to the military actions being taken in the region. His dance to the remix of his peace speeches highlights the ongoing tensions and the complex interplay of politics and culture in Venezuela.

Source: Original article

Bondi Pursues Legal Action Against Comey and James for Unlawful Conduct

November 25, 2025 Staff ReporterElection, Law/Legal, Politics 0

U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi announced plans for legal action against James Comey and Letitia James following the dismissal of their criminal cases by a federal judge.

U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi has called for legal action against former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James. Her remarks came during an event in Memphis, where she was highlighting the efforts of the city’s “Safe Task Force.”

Bondi’s comments followed a ruling by U.S. District Judge Cameron Currie, who dismissed the criminal indictments against both Comey and James. The judge determined that the prosecutor responsible for the cases, Lindsey Halligan, had not been lawfully appointed. This ruling aligned with Comey’s defense, which argued that Halligan’s appointment as interim U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia was invalid, thereby rendering the indictments defective.

“We’ll be taking all available legal action, including an immediate appeal, to hold Letitia James and James Comey accountable for their unlawful conduct,” Bondi stated to reporters. “I’m not worried about someone who has been charged with a very serious crime,” she continued, referring to Comey. “His alleged actions were a betrayal of public trust,” Bondi added.

Comey was indicted in September 2025 on charges of making false statements to Congress and obstructing a congressional inquiry. These charges stemmed from his testimony in 2018 regarding the origins of the FBI’s Crossfire Hurricane investigation, which looked into potential ties between the 2016 Trump campaign and Russia.

In response to the indictment, Comey has denied any wrongdoing, asserting that his statements were “truthful to the best of my recollection” and labeling the case as “a political hit job, not a pursuit of justice.”

Letitia James faced separate legal troubles, having been indicted in October 2025 on charges related to mortgage and bank fraud. She is accused of misrepresenting a Virginia home purchase as a secondary residence in 2020 to secure more favorable loan terms, allegedly benefiting by nearly $19,000 over the life of the loan.

Defense teams for both Comey and James have argued that the prosecutions were flawed, citing procedural irregularities and questioning Halligan’s appointment. Halligan, who previously served as a legal aide under former President Trump, was the sole federal prosecutor to sign Comey’s indictment, acting as the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia.

During her remarks in Memphis, Bondi defended Halligan’s credentials and her role in the case. “We have made Lindsay Halligan a special U.S. attorney so she is in court, she can fight in court just like she was, and we believe we will be successful on appeal,” Bondi stated. “And I’ll tell you, Lindsay Halligan, I talked to all of our U.S. attorneys, the majority of them around the country, and Lindsay Halligan is an excellent U.S. attorney. And shame on them for not wanting her in office,” she concluded.

Source: Original article

Trump to Unveil New Initiative Aimed at Reducing Health Care Costs

November 25, 2025 Staff ReporterElection, Health, Politics 0

Former President Donald Trump is set to unveil a new proposal aimed at reducing health care costs, coinciding with the expiration of enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidies.

Former President Donald Trump is preparing to announce a new proposal designed to address the rising costs of health care as early as Monday. This initiative comes as the administration seeks to mitigate the steep premium increases anticipated from the expiration of enhanced Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies.

The forthcoming framework aims to fulfill Trump’s commitment to provide an alternative to the boosted ACA subsidies that currently assist nearly 22 million Americans. However, the proposal emerges amid a backdrop of congressional gridlock, as Democrats have refused to reopen the government without a straightforward extension of these subsidies.

In a recent agreement to keep the government funded through January, Senate Republicans have committed to holding a vote in mid-December regarding the extension of the enhanced subsidies, which are set to expire this year. This political maneuvering has prompted Trump and his team to develop a competing vision for health care.

The expanded subsidies, first introduced in the 2021 Biden COVID-19 relief package, significantly reduced marketplace premiums. If these subsidies expire, premiums could potentially double in 2025, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF). The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates that an additional 2 million Americans could become uninsured as a result.

Democrats are already signaling their intention to leverage the potential fallout from these changes as a political strategy in the upcoming midterm elections. This tactic mirrors their successful approach in 2018, when Republican efforts to repeal the ACA contributed to the GOP losing control of the House.

The White House has clarified that Trump has not yet finalized his proposal. “Until President Trump makes an announcement himself, any reporting about the administration’s health care positions is mere speculation,” a spokesperson stated.

While the details of the developing GOP plan are still being finalized, it is expected to include a temporary extension of ACA subsidies, albeit with stricter controls. Proposed changes may involve restoring income caps for eligibility, requiring all enrollees to pay some premium—thereby eliminating $0 plans—and potentially redirecting federal aid into Health Savings Accounts (HSAs).

These proposed adjustments aim to address two long-standing criticisms from the GOP. First, the existence of zero-premium plans has led to reports of fraudulent enrollments. Second, middle-income Americans have disproportionately benefited from the enhanced subsidies due to the removal of income caps.

Restoring the income ceiling to 400% of the poverty level, which was in place prior to 2021, would limit assistance for the middle class, a demographic that stands to be significantly impacted if the enhanced subsidies are allowed to lapse.

The proposal to require even low-income consumers to pay a minimum monthly premium is intended to combat widespread reports of brokers enrolling or switching individuals into plans without their consent, often to earn commissions.

Another significant element under consideration is the potential shift toward Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), which would grant consumers greater control over federal assistance. Trump has consistently advocated for subsidies to be paid directly to individuals rather than funneled through insurance companies. This approach aligns with proposals from GOP Senators such as Rick Scott, who suggests allowing individuals to deposit all federal aid into HSAs and purchase non-ACA plans, and Bill Cassidy, who proposes shifting only the enhanced subsidies into HSAs to cover services like prescriptions, doctor visits, and eyewear.

A related proposal from the Paragon Health Institute would enable lower-income consumers to deposit cost-sharing assistance—subsidies that alleviate deductibles and out-of-pocket expenses—into HSAs. The institute also recommends that Congress reinstate federal funding for these payments, which would help lower premiums for specific ACA plans.

In addition to these proposals, other conservative health policy ideas, including expanding access to non-ACA insurance options, may also be featured in Trump’s framework.

As part of the new health care package, Trump is expected to advocate for the implementation of his “Most Favored Nation” prescription drug policy, which ties U.S. prices to lower rates paid in comparable countries. This policy was instrumental in securing voluntary pricing agreements with pharmaceutical companies during his presidency.

Once unveiled, the new health care proposal is likely to reignite a central political debate surrounding the ACA—an issue that has defined U.S. health policy discussions for over a decade.

Source: Original article

Federal Judge Overturns USCIS EB-5 Fee Increase, Impacting H-1B Lawsuits

November 24, 2025 Staff ReporterElection, Immigration, Visa 0

A recent federal court ruling in Colorado has invalidated significant fee increases for the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program, raising hopes for challenges to a controversial H-1B visa fee imposed by the Trump administration.

A federal judge in Colorado has struck down the steep fee increases announced by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program. This ruling, issued on November 12, has been celebrated as a significant victory for investors and has implications for ongoing legal challenges to the Trump administration’s $100,000 H-1B visa fee.

The court’s decision mandates that USCIS revert the EB-5 fees to their pre-2024 levels, a move that many in the immigration community view as a crucial win for those looking to invest in the United States.

Legal experts are also interpreting the ruling as a potential precedent for lawsuits aimed at overturning the controversial H-1B visa fee. Prominent immigration attorney Greg Siskind, who is involved in the case “Global Nurse Force v. Trump,” stated that while the EB-5 ruling may not directly impact the H-1B fee case, it signals that judges are scrutinizing immigration policies that may not comply with established legal requirements.

The crux of the EB-5 ruling lies in whether USCIS adhered to the legal framework established by Congress. Under the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act, the agency is obligated to conduct a comprehensive fee study before implementing any increases. Critics argue that USCIS bypassed this requirement, leading to some of the most substantial fee hikes across various visa categories.

According to the judge, the fee increases were “contrary to law,” violating both the statutory framework and the Administrative Procedure Act. Jihan Merlin, head of immigration strategy at the legal tech firm Alma, explained that the ruling reinforces the principle that USCIS must follow the rules set by Congress before raising fees. This principle could play a significant role in the H-1B lawsuits, where the legality of the $100,000 fee is being questioned.

As a result of the ruling, the 2024 fee schedule has been effectively halted, allowing investors to file at the previous, lower rates. This development has opened a new window for potential investors who were considering submitting petitions, now able to do so at significantly reduced costs.

The implications of this ruling extend to the ongoing H-1B lawsuits. Charles H. Kuck, co-counsel in “Global Nurse Force v. Trump,” emphasized that the President exceeded his legal authority by imposing an unlawful fee as a barrier for certain H-1B visa holders. He expressed confidence that the court would ultimately strike down this fee.

However, while the EB-5 ruling provides some optimism for those challenging the H-1B fee, legal experts caution that the two cases are not entirely comparable. Merlin noted that the EB-5 case dealt with a regulation from USCIS, whereas the H-1B fee stems from a presidential proclamation. Courts may exhibit more deference to the President’s broad powers under the Immigration and Nationality Act regarding the entry of noncitizens.

The $100,000 H-1B fee has been one of the most contentious issues affecting work-based visa holders since its announcement. It has faced immediate legal challenges from employers, universities, and immigrant rights groups, all arguing that the fee is not authorized by Congress and functions more as a punitive measure to deter skilled immigration.

While the Colorado ruling does not directly resolve the H-1B issue, it underscores the willingness of courts to examine whether the government has adhered to the legal boundaries set by Congress. Legal experts suggest that when a fee deviates from traditional cost-based visa charges, judges may be inclined to scrutinize its legitimacy.

In conclusion, while the EB-5 ruling does not guarantee a victory for H-1B plaintiffs, it serves as an important indicator that courts are attentive to issues of fee authority and statutory compliance. As Merlin stated, “While it’s not a crystal ball for the H-1B cases, the EB-5 decision is encouraging, because it shows courts are paying attention to whether the Executive Branch stayed within the limits Congress set.”

Source: Original article

Indian-American Ron Hira Defines H-1B as Guest Worker Program

November 24, 2025 Staff ReporterElection, Immigration, Politics 0

Indian American scholar Ron Hira critiques the H-1B visa program, highlighting its role in worker exploitation and the displacement of American employees during a recent panel discussion.

Indian American scholar Ron Hira, a professor at Howard University and a noted critic of the H-1B visa system, recently shared his insights on the program’s impact on American workers. Speaking at a panel discussion titled “How the H-1B Visa Led to Importing Mass Cheap Labor,” hosted by The Heritage Foundation, Hira outlined the reasons many U.S. employers favor hiring foreign visa holders over American workers.

Hira is well-known for his research on offshoring, high-skilled immigration, and the effects of these practices on employment relations and the middle class. During the panel, he discussed the effectiveness of executive actions taken during the Trump administration aimed at reforming the H-1B program. He remarked, “Back then, 20 years ago, it was obvious that H-1B visa abuse was critical in speeding up the offshoring of these jobs. Yet for the past 20 years, Washington has turned a blind eye to this abuse.”

Hira referenced a 2017 segment from “60 Minutes” that profiled American workers forced to train their H-1B replacements. He highlighted a particularly troubling case involving the University of California, which receives significant state and federal funding to train scientists and engineers. “Now they’re forcing their own tech workers to train their H-1B replacements. Imagine the workers’ humiliation and sense of betrayal,” he said.

He posed a rhetorical question to the audience: “Does anybody really think that that’s how the program is supposed to operate?” He answered his own question, stating, “It’s certainly not sold that way. But it persists today. People are training their replacements today.”

Hira explained that the H-1B program is fundamentally a guest worker program, which he argues is more about labor policy than immigration policy. “All guest worker programs leave workers vulnerable to exploitation, whether it’s high-skilled H-1B or lower-skilled H-2A and H-2B,” he noted. “We need labor policies that protect both American and foreign workers.”

He criticized the current labor protections and regulations surrounding the H-1B program as inadequate, stating, “The H-1B labor protections and regulations and rules are a complete fiasco.” Hira emphasized the need for a redesign of these labor regulations to ensure that the H-1B program does not depress wages, protects workers, and fulfills its intended purpose of addressing genuine labor shortages without displacing American workers.

To illustrate his points, Hira provided real-world examples of how employers exploit the system. He described a situation involving Deloitte Consulting, a top H-1B employer, which claimed that a senior consultant position was actually an entry-level role for the purpose of determining the prevailing wage for H-1B workers. “Now is a senior consultant entry level? Probably not,” he remarked.

Hira expressed further concerns about the H-1B program, stating, “You have thousands of H-1B eligible workers who are just sitting overseas waiting for billable jobs to show up. That’s against the law. Nobody’s enforcing it.” He called for limitations on the types of organizations eligible for H-1B cap exemptions, arguing that these have been expanded too broadly. He also urged the Department of Homeland Security to overhaul the L-1 visa and optional practical training programs, which he noted have even fewer protections than the H-1B program.

He suggested that the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the Department of Justice should investigate employment discrimination by auditing all mass H-1B employers and intervening in whistleblower lawsuits related to guest worker abuse.

Hira concluded by urging Congress to consider a broader transformation of the skilled immigration system in the U.S. “Our U.S. skilled immigration system has almost no immigration in it. It’s almost entirely guest worker programs,” he stated. He highlighted the disparity between the number of skilled guest workers and available green card slots, noting that there are about 1.5 million skilled guest workers competing for approximately 60,000 green card slots.

As discussions around immigration policy continue, Hira’s insights shed light on the complexities and challenges associated with the H-1B visa program, emphasizing the need for reform to protect both American and foreign workers.

Source: Original article

Top Military Leaders Visit Puerto Rico to Thank Troops Supporting Missions

November 24, 2025 Staff ReporterConflict, Politics, USA 0

Top U.S. military leaders are set to visit Puerto Rico to thank troops for their contributions to ongoing Caribbean operations targeting drug networks and enhancing regional security.

Two of the U.S. military’s highest-ranking officials will travel to Puerto Rico on Monday to meet with service members and express appreciation for their efforts in supporting missions throughout the Caribbean and Latin America.

The Pentagon announced the visit in a memo on Sunday, detailing that the trip will include engagements with troops stationed in Puerto Rico and sailors operating in the Caribbean region.

“Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine and SEAC David L. Isom are visiting Puerto Rico on November 24, 2025, for the second time to engage with service members and thank them for their outstanding support to regional missions,” the media advisory stated. “They will also visit and thank Sailors operating at sea for their dedicated, unwavering service in the SOUTHCOM area of responsibility.”

This visit follows a previous trip in September, during which Caine and Secretary of War Pete Hegseth visited to show support for troops training on the island. The earlier meeting took place at Muñiz Air Base in Carolina, just outside San Juan, and included senior military figures such as Puerto Rico National Guard Adjutant General Carlos José Rivera-Román and Public Safety Secretary Brig. Gen. Arthur Garffer.

During the September visit, Hegseth addressed nearly 300 soldiers at the base, praising their commitment and referring to them as “American warriors.” He emphasized that those serving in the Armed Forces would be the best equipped and prepared in the world.

The upcoming visit comes at a time of heightened tensions in the Caribbean Sea, as the U.S. military expands its naval presence near Venezuela. This expansion is part of President Donald Trump’s strategy to disrupt drug trafficking from Latin America.

Earlier this month, Hegseth announced the initiation of Operation Southern Spear, a mission aimed at dismantling narco-terror networks across Latin America. He stated on social media platform X that U.S. Southern Command and Joint Task Force Southern Spear would lead the operation to protect the homeland and eliminate narco-terrorist networks in the Western Hemisphere.

“This mission defends our Homeland, removes narco-terrorists from our Hemisphere, and secures our Homeland from the drugs that are killing our people,” Hegseth remarked.

Since early September, U.S. military forces have conducted multiple lethal strikes against narcotics vessels operated by designated terrorist organizations in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific. These operations have resulted in the destruction of dozens of ships linked to Venezuela’s Tren de Aragua gang and Colombia’s Ejército de Liberación Nacional (ELN), with an estimated 82 suspected narco-terrorists killed and three survivors.

The campaign commenced on September 2, with a strike that killed 11 alleged members of Tren de Aragua. It continued through October and November with a series of targeted operations that eliminated numerous threats along known trafficking routes.

U.S. forces have targeted submersibles, fishing boats, and high-speed vessels, including one ELN-affiliated craft that drew criticism from Colombia’s president after three men were killed during the operation.

Several of these strikes occurred near the coast of Venezuela, while others have been concentrated in the eastern Pacific, where recent operations have been focused.

As military leaders prepare to visit Puerto Rico, their engagement underscores the ongoing commitment of the U.S. military to combat drug trafficking and enhance regional security in the Caribbean and Latin America.

Source: Original article

G20 Summit Adopts Declaration Amid U.S. Boycott and Opposition

November 24, 2025 Staff ReporterDiplomacy, Politics, USA 0

The G20 summit in South Africa adopted its final declaration on Saturday, despite a U.S. boycott and objections, highlighting escalating tensions between Pretoria and Washington.

JOHANNESBURG / WASHINGTON, Nov 22 — The G20 summit in South Africa concluded with the adoption of its final declaration on Saturday, despite explicit objections from the United States and a full boycott by the Trump administration. This decision has sparked a diplomatic clash between South Africa and the U.S.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa’s spokesperson confirmed that the declaration, which was drafted without American participation, is final and “cannot be renegotiated.” This statement underscores the growing tensions between the two governments.

Vincent Magwenya, the spokesperson, noted, “We have spent the entire year preparing for this adoption, and the past week has been extremely intense.”

In response, the White House accused South Africa of “weaponizing” its G20 presidency and failing to ensure a smooth transition of leadership. White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly stated that Ramaphosa had threatened to pass the G20 gavel to “an empty chair,” a move Washington deemed provocative. She added that President Donald Trump looks forward to “restoring legitimacy” when the U.S. assumes the rotating presidency next year.

As Ramaphosa opened the summit, he declared that there was “overwhelming consensus” among member nations regarding the declaration. However, just as the document was set for adoption, Argentina unexpectedly withdrew from negotiations. South African officials indicated that Argentine President Javier Milei, a vocal ally of Trump, pulled out at the last moment.

Argentina’s foreign minister, Pablo Quirno, stated that while the country could not endorse the declaration, it remains committed to the G20’s longstanding spirit of cooperation. He cited concerns over language referencing geopolitical conflicts, particularly the ongoing Israel-Palestine crisis. The final document includes a single mention, calling for “a just, comprehensive and lasting peace in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.”

Notably, the declaration emphasized issues that the Trump administration opposes, including the urgent threat of climate change, the importance of adapting to global warming, support for expanding renewable energy, and concerns about the crippling debt burdens faced by poorer nations. A senior U.S. official criticized South Africa for breaking the G20’s tradition of issuing only consensus documents, as Trump has repeatedly dismissed the scientific consensus on human-driven climate change.

Ramaphosa defended South Africa’s leadership, asserting that the first African G20 presidency should not be undermined. His assertive tone contrasted sharply with his diplomatic approach during a May visit to Washington, where he faced Trump’s unfounded claims about white farmers in South Africa being victims of “genocide.”

The White House cited its boycott of the summit due to unfounded allegations that South Africa’s Black-majority government discriminates against its white minority.

The summit took place amid heightened global tensions, including Russia’s war in Ukraine, sensitive climate negotiations leading up to COP30 in Brazil, and deepening divisions among global powers.

South African Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola countered U.S. criticism by stating that the G20 belongs to all member nations equally, not to any single country. “Those who are here have taken the decision on where the world must go,” he asserted.

EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen cautioned against the “weaponization of dependencies,” a veiled warning aimed at China amid ongoing disputes over rare earth export controls that are critical to global energy, technology, and defense industries.

Meanwhile, China’s Premier Li Qiang urged the G20 to overcome differences and restore unity, emphasizing that lack of cooperation remains a significant barrier to global progress.

Another dispute arose over protocol, as South Africa rejected a U.S. proposal to send only a chargé d’affaires for the G20 presidency handover. Magwenya stated that Ramaphosa would not transfer the presidency to a junior diplomat. Lamola later clarified that South Africa would assign an official of comparable rank to facilitate the transition.

Source: Original article

Trump and Indian-American Leaders: Key Meetings and Their Impact

November 23, 2025 Staff ReporterElection, Politics, USA 0

No sparks flew during the meeting between New York’s mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani and Donald Trump, despite their past insults, as they found common ground in a surprising conversation.

In a meeting that surprised many, New York’s mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani and former President Donald Trump set aside their past insults to engage in a surprisingly amicable conversation. Mamdani, who has previously labeled Trump a “Fascist despot,” was met with a warm reception from the Queens-born real estate mogul.

During their encounter, Trump praised Mamdani for running an “incredible race” against formidable opponents. He expressed his willingness to live in New York City under a Mayor Mamdani, a statement that seemed to resonate with the newly elected official.

As reporters pressed Mamdani on whether he would retract his previous comments about Trump being a “despot” and an “authoritarian,” Trump interjected, suggesting that he had been called worse. “I’ve been called much worse than a despot, and so it’s not that insulting,” he said, predicting that Mamdani might reconsider his stance after they began working together.

When Mamdani hesitated to affirm his view of Trump as a “fascist,” Trump jovially encouraged him to simply say yes, which Mamdani did, albeit with a blush. Following the meeting, Trump described their discussion as “very productive,” noting that they agreed on more issues than he had anticipated.

Later, Trump took to Truth Social to share his thoughts on the meeting, stating, “It was a Great Honor meeting Zohran Mamdani, the new Mayor of New York City!” He accompanied his post with nine photographs of the two together, showcasing a moment of camaraderie.

In contrast to the warmth of his meeting with Mamdani, Trump was less than pleased with questions from the press regarding sensitive topics. As he prepared to welcome Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Trump confronted a Bloomberg News correspondent who inquired about his reluctance to release files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. “Quiet. Quiet, piggy,” he admonished, dismissing her question about the potential incriminating nature of the files.

Four days later, Trump again clashed with the media, this time with an ABC News reporter who questioned the crown prince about the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Trump defended the prince, stating, “A lot of people didn’t like that gentleman that you’re talking about. Whether you like him or didn’t like him, things happen. But he knew nothing about it, and we can leave it at that.”

As the Society of Professional Journalists condemned Trump’s remarks, the White House defended him, asserting that he was simply being frank. His press secretary claimed that Trump was known for calling out “fake news” and expressed frustration with reporters who spread misinformation, though she did not specify what that misinformation was.

Amidst the controversy, Trump rolled out the red carpet for the crown prince, hosting a lavish quasi-state dinner that included a military flyover and appearances by soccer stars and billionaires from the tech and finance sectors. Trump claimed that Saudi Arabia would invest up to $1 trillion in the United States, promising “jobs, lots of jobs” as a result.

Critics argued that the visit benefited Saudi Arabia more than the U.S., with reports indicating that the crown prince secured advanced military technology and enhanced legitimacy in exchange for promised investments.

Trump continued his trend of targeting Democrats, calling for the arrest of six Democratic lawmakers who had urged military and intelligence personnel to disobey illegal orders. He labeled their actions as “SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR AT THE HIGHEST LEVEL,” suggesting that they should be “ARRESTED AND PUT ON TRIAL.” He further escalated his rhetoric by claiming that such behavior was “punishable by DEATH!” and shared a post that proclaimed, “HANG THEM. GEORGE WASHINGTON WOULD!!”

As outrage grew among Democrats, the White House countered that Trump had never issued an illegal order and insisted that he was not threatening death.

Despite criticisms suggesting that Trump was losing support among his base, he sought to connect with voters at a McDonald’s summit, branding himself as “the VERY FIRST former McDonald’s fry cook ever to become President of the United States.” He reminisced about his brief stint at the fast-food chain during his presidential campaign.

In a lighter moment, Trump met with Portuguese football star Cristiano Ronaldo, sharing an AI-generated video of their interaction in the Oval Office. Trump described Ronaldo as a “GREAT GUY” and expressed his enjoyment of their meeting, showcasing his ability to blend politics with celebrity culture.

As the former president continues to navigate a complex political landscape, his interactions with figures like Mamdani and the crown prince reveal a blend of camaraderie and controversy that characterizes his approach to leadership.

Source: Original article

President Comments on Chicago Riot After 8 Shot, 1 Dead

November 23, 2025 Staff ReporterElection, Politics, USA 0

President Trump claims Chicago residents are calling for federal assistance following a violent riot in the city that left eight injured and one dead over the weekend.

President Donald Trump stated on Saturday that residents of Chicago are urging him to “bring in Trump” as the city grapples with a surge in crime. This statement follows a violent riot that erupted in the downtown area, resulting in multiple injuries to police officers and several children being shot.

During the unrest, which occurred in the Chicago Loop, at least eight teenagers were shot, one of whom later died from their injuries. The riot began around 10 p.m. on Friday, shortly after a Christmas tree lighting ceremony near State and Randolph streets, according to reports from FOX 32 Chicago.

Trump took to Truth Social to express his concerns, writing, “Massive crime and rioting in the Chicago Loop area. Multiple Police Officers attacked and badly injured. 300 people rioting, 6 victims shot, one critical and one DEAD.” He criticized Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson for refusing federal assistance, claiming, “The people are chanting, BRING IN TRUMP!!!”

City Alderman Brian Hopkins, representing Chicago’s 2nd Ward, reported that approximately 300 juveniles participated in the riot, during which they attacked officers with mace and stun guns. At least one officer was hospitalized due to injuries sustained during the chaos.

Among the shooting victims were a 13-year-old, two 14-year-olds, a 15-year-old, a 16-year-old, and a 17-year-old. Tragically, a 14-year-old boy later succumbed to his injuries at a hospital. An 18-year-old man was also reported to have been wounded in the incident.

The violence in Chicago comes on the heels of another alarming incident involving a man with a lengthy criminal history. Lawrence Reed, 50, has been accused of setting a woman on fire while on a Chicago train. Officials described Reed as someone who “had no business being on the streets,” and he faces charges related to terrorism and violence against a mass transportation system.

Despite a history of arrests—at least a dozen since 2017, including charges of felony aggravated arson and multiple instances of battery—a judge released Reed back into the community with an ankle monitor, following prosecutors’ requests to keep him detained.

Mayor Johnson characterized the train attack as an “isolated incident,” but the recent events have raised serious concerns about public safety in the city. Local business owners have voiced frustration over the leadership’s handling of crime, with some calling for a return to law and order.

As the situation continues to unfold, the calls for federal intervention in Chicago’s crime crisis grow louder, with residents expressing their desire for a change in leadership and strategy to address the escalating violence.

According to FOX News, the unrest and subsequent calls for help highlight the ongoing challenges faced by city officials in managing crime and ensuring the safety of their constituents.

Source: Original article

Nigeria Experiences Severe Mass Kidnapping of Over 300 Schoolchildren

November 23, 2025 Staff ReporterConflict, Nation, Politics 0

Nigeria is grappling with one of its most severe mass kidnappings, as armed men abduct over 300 schoolchildren in Niger State, raising alarms about the deteriorating security situation in the country.

Nigeria is facing a crisis following one of the deadliest mass abductions in recent years. Armed men kidnapped more than 300 schoolchildren in Niger State on Friday, amplifying concerns about the worsening security landscape across the nation.

Initial reports indicated that approximately 227 students had been taken. However, on Saturday, the Christian Association of Nigeria revealed that the actual number was significantly higher. According to the association, 315 individuals were abducted from St. Mary’s Co-Education Catholic School, comprising 303 students and 12 teachers.

The association further disclosed that a verification exercise uncovered an additional 88 students who were captured while attempting to flee from the attackers. As of now, no group has claimed responsibility for the abduction.

This incident marks a second abduction in just a few days. Earlier, gunmen targeted a secondary school in Kebbi State, seizing 25 girls. Both kidnappings come in the wake of U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent threats of military action in response to the killing of Christians by extremist groups in Nigeria. While the connection between these events remains unclear, the timing has heightened political and security anxieties.

The Nigerian government has yet to publicly confirm the total number of individuals abducted. Niger State Governor Mohammed Umar Bago stated that security agencies were still conducting a headcount and would release the final figures later in the day. In light of the escalating threat, Bago had previously ordered several schools to shut down due to security risks and has now mandated the closure of all schools in the state.

In response to the growing danger, Nigeria’s national education ministry has directed 47 boarding schools across the country to suspend operations until further notice. This decision reflects the urgent need to address the increasing violence targeting educational institutions.

As the crisis unfolds, President Bola Tinubu has cancelled upcoming international engagements, including his planned trip to the G20 Summit in Johannesburg, in order to manage the emergency situation. The U.S. Pentagon has also weighed in, following discussions between U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Nigerian National Security Advisor Nuhu Ribadu. The U.S. has urged Nigeria to take both urgent and lasting action to combat violence against Christians.

This latest kidnapping has revived painful memories of the infamous Chibok abductions in 2014, when Boko Haram militants kidnapped nearly 300 schoolgirls from Borno State. Many of those victims remain missing more than a decade later, underscoring the long-lasting impact of such tragedies.

Security analysts are warning that the recent surge in school kidnappings indicates a dangerous resurgence of armed criminal networks and extremist groups across northern and central Nigeria. As rescue efforts intensify, many Nigerians are left fearing that the country may be entering yet another prolonged cycle of violence targeting schools.

Source: Original article

Access to Lawyers Critical During Trump’s Mass Deportation Campaign

November 22, 2025November 22, 2025 Staff ReporterElection, Immigration, Politics 0

As the Trump administration escalates its deportation efforts, a new report underscores the crucial role of legal representation in immigration court proceedings.

Washington, D.C., Nov. 20 — A recent report from the American Immigration Council reveals that legal representation is vital for ensuring fairness in immigration court, particularly as the Trump administration intensifies its mass deportation and detention efforts.

The analysis, which examines over 2.28 million immigration court cases from fiscal years 2019 to 2024, indicates that having a lawyer significantly decreases the likelihood of deportation. The findings also highlight how case outcomes are influenced by factors such as detention status and the geographical location of the court, which are increasingly undermining the fairness of the immigration court system.

The report, titled Where Can You Win in Immigration Court? The Impact of Lawyers, Detention, Geography, and Policy, arrives at a critical time when the Trump administration is ramping up its deportation targets while simultaneously restricting access to due process.

“The Trump administration’s enforcement surge is exposing just how vulnerable people are when they go into immigration court without a lawyer,” said Adriel Orozco, the report’s author and senior policy counsel at the American Immigration Council. “Americans expect that every single person should get a fair hearing before a judge. While in the current moment of mass arrests and rapid removals that is increasingly difficult, having a lawyer is often critical in protecting a person’s right to argue their case.”

The report’s findings are striking:

Access to legal representation is a transformative safeguard in immigration court. From FY 2019 to FY 2024, 62 percent of immigrants without legal counsel were ordered deported, compared to just 27 percent of those who had legal representation.

The situation is even more dire for those in detention. In courts with the highest deportation rates, over 90 percent of cases involving detained individuals resulted in removal orders.

Geographical disparities in access to legal representation are pronounced. For example, non-detained immigrants in Honolulu had a legal representation rate of 70 percent, while in Harlingen, Texas, that rate plummeted to just 25 percent.

Moreover, the report highlights a significant shift in case outcomes between the Trump and Biden administrations. In FY 2019, nearly 80 percent of cases under Trump ended in removal orders, while that figure dropped to 40 percent under Biden in FY 2024.

The disparities outlined in the report are likely to worsen due to current policies under the Trump administration. Immigration courts are already grappling with unprecedented backlogs, and the ongoing mass deportation and detention campaign is exacerbating the chaos. This includes the reassignment and firing of immigration judges, the expansion of “fast-track” deportation processes, and other policies that limit individuals’ opportunities to present evidence or secure legal counsel. These developments raise serious concerns about access to justice for those in immigration court and the integrity of the judicial system itself.

“This report makes one thing clear: ensuring access to a qualified lawyer is a powerful way of protecting someone against unjust or erroneous deportation,” Orozco emphasized. “However, whether someone gets a lawyer depends far too much on their location, whether they are detained, and the prevailing policies. With detentions expected to surge due to record funding approved by Congress, having a lawyer is critical in a system that this administration is deliberately breaking down.”

The full report and an interactive data tool, which includes a court-by-court breakdown, are available for those interested in exploring outcomes based on location, detention status, and representation. This resource offers one of the most detailed insights into immigration court trends to date.

Source: Original article

Underdog Nations Impacting the 2026 World Cup Landscape

November 22, 2025November 22, 2025 Staff ReporterSports, Travel 0

Several smaller nations, including Curaçao, Haiti, and Cape Verde, are set to make their mark at the 2026 World Cup, showcasing the tournament’s expanding diversity.

As anticipation builds for the 2026 World Cup, Scotland may not be the biggest underdog on the roster. Instead, several smaller and often overlooked nations, such as Curaçao, Haiti, and Cape Verde, are poised to become the tournament’s surprise packages. They will be joined by newcomers Jordan, Qatar, Panama, and Uzbekistan, all of whom have made headlines with their historic qualifications.

The expansion of the World Cup from 32 to 48 teams by FIFA has opened the door for these footballing underdogs to showcase their talents on the global stage.

Curaçao Makes History

Curaçao, a Caribbean island with a population of approximately 155,000, will become the smallest nation ever to compete in the World Cup. Winger Kenji Gorre, 31, formerly of Northampton Town, expressed the sentiment of many when he said, “It’s an impossibility that became possible.”

Part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Curaçao gained autonomy in 2010 and is located just 42 miles from crisis-hit Venezuela. The island currently hosts around 17,000 refugees, despite its modest size of 275 square miles. The national team, coached by Dutch veteran Dick Advocaat, secured their qualification with a goalless draw against Jamaica.

Haiti: A Team Forced to Play Abroad

Ranked 84th in the world, Haiti faces significant challenges. The capital, Port-au-Prince, remains under the control of violent gangs, making it impossible for the national team to play home matches. The security situation is so dire that their French manager, Sebastien Migne, has never visited the country, and flights to the capital are suspended.

More than 1.3 million Haitians have fled the violence, and the country continues to rebuild from the devastation of the 2010 earthquake and recent storms. Despite these obstacles, Haiti’s qualification has ignited hope across the nation. The squad includes Premier League player Jean-Ricner Bellegarde and will play their home fixtures in Curaçao. Haiti’s only previous World Cup appearance was in 1974, where they lost all their matches.

Cape Verde: The Miracle from the Atlantic

Ranked 68th, Cape Verde is a group of volcanic islands located 500 miles off the coast of West Africa. The nation lacks a professional football league due to the vast distances between its islands, and they even skipped the World Cup qualifiers in 2002 due to financial constraints.

However, thanks to a strong diaspora talent pool, the Blue Sharks topped a qualifying group that included Cameroon. Key player Pico Lopes of Shamrock Rovers stated, “We’ll play anyone — Brazil, Portugal, England. It doesn’t matter.” Cape Verde, home to just 540,000 people, attracts nearly 250,000 UK tourists annually but also faces challenges from South American drug cartels using its islands as smuggling routes.

Uzbekistan: A Growing Asian Power

Uzbekistan, ranked 50th, will make its World Cup debut after decades of near misses. The former Soviet nation gained independence in 1991 and features standout players such as Manchester City defender Abdukodir Khusanov. Following their qualification, the Uzbek Football Association appointed Italian legend Fabio Cannavaro to lead the team into North America.

FA Vice President Ravshan Irmatov remarked, “Thirty-eight million people have waited 34 years for this moment.” However, human rights concerns persist in Uzbekistan, where political opposition remains heavily restricted.

Jordan: A Football Fairy Tale

Jordan, ranked 66th, qualified for its first-ever World Cup thanks to a stunning hat-trick from Ali Olwan in a 3–0 victory over Oman. Unlike many underdog nations, most of Jordan’s squad plays domestically, with star winger Musa Al-Tamari representing French club Rennes.

The country, home to 11 million people, has close historical ties to the UK and one of the world’s highest refugee populations per capita. Despite bordering Syria and the West Bank, Jordan maintains a relatively stable political climate.

Panama Returns to the Global Stage

Ranked 30th, Panama is known for its canal and distinctive hats. The nation qualified for its second World Cup after making its debut in 2018, where they lost all their matches. Most players compete in South America, with defender Michael Murillo currently at Marseille. Panama hopes for a better showing in 2026.

Their participation may stir political controversy, as U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to “take back control” of Panama in 2024 if canal fees were not lowered, a reminder of America’s 1989 invasion.

Qatar: Back Again After Hosting 2022

Ranked 51st, Qatar returns to the World Cup after hosting the tournament in 2022. They secured their place by winning their qualifying group, sealing their spot with a 2–1 victory over rivals UAE in front of a packed Doha stadium, a match that was followed by fan clashes.

The team, coached by former West Ham boss Julen Lopetegui, consists entirely of players from Qatar’s domestic league. The country has faced criticism for offering financial incentives to foreign-born players to switch national allegiance.

As the 2026 World Cup approaches, these underdog nations are ready to make their mark, showcasing the rich diversity and resilience of football around the globe.

Source: Original article

Top House Democrat Commits to Ongoing Focus on High Prices

November 22, 2025 Staff ReporterElection, Politics, USA 0

Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee chair Suzan DelBene emphasizes affordability as a key strategy for flipping three GOP seats to regain House majority in the 2026 midterms.

As the 2026 midterm elections approach, the chair of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC), Suzan DelBene, has made it clear that the party’s focus will remain on affordability. In an exclusive interview with Fox News Digital, DelBene outlined the Democrats’ strategy to reclaim the House majority by flipping three Republican-held seats.

DelBene, who is leading the DCCC for a second consecutive election cycle, stated, “We’re going to hold Republicans accountable for their policies that are hurting American families.” The Democrats need to secure just three additional seats to regain control of the House for the first time in four years.

High prices and the rising cost of living were pivotal issues that contributed to the Republican victories in the 2024 elections, which saw Donald Trump reclaim the White House and the GOP maintain control of the Senate and House. However, the political landscape has shifted since then.

In the recent 2025 elections, Democrats experienced significant success, particularly in gubernatorial races in traditionally blue states like New Jersey and Virginia. They also achieved notable victories in battleground states such as Georgia and Pennsylvania, as well as in liberal strongholds like New York City and California.

DelBene pointed to these results as evidence that voters are increasingly concerned about affordability. “It was clear that when folks are talking about the biggest issues affecting their communities, affordability is at the forefront,” she said. “The rising costs people have seen as a result of the policies put in place by this administration and Republicans in Congress have been rejected by voters.”

A recent Fox News national poll revealed that three-quarters of respondents viewed the economy negatively, with many voters, including Republicans, reporting increased costs for essentials such as groceries, utilities, healthcare, and housing. The poll also indicated that voters largely blame the current economic situation on Trump, with nearly twice as many respondents attributing responsibility to him compared to President Biden.

Only 38% of those surveyed approved of Biden’s handling of the economy, while Trump’s approval rating stood at 41%, the lowest of his second term according to Fox News polling.

DelBene emphasized that affordability remains the top concern for families, citing rising costs in housing, food, healthcare, childcare, and energy. She criticized Republican promises to lower costs, labeling them as “big broken promises” that have left many feeling the impact of unfulfilled commitments.

In response, Republican Rep. Richard Hudson of North Carolina, chair of the National Republican Congressional Committee, acknowledged the economic challenges but attributed them to Biden’s policies. He stated, “House Republicans, working with President Trump, are going to fix it, and we’re working very hard to do that.” Hudson also expressed confidence that families would see increased take-home pay come tax season, crediting Trump and House Republicans for this outcome.

The DCCC has strategically linked vulnerable House Republicans to Trump, with DelBene arguing that Republican policies are detrimental to American families. She pointed to tariffs imposed by Trump that have raised costs and accused Republicans of prioritizing tax breaks for the wealthy while neglecting working families.

On the other hand, the NRCC has attempted to associate Democrats with the far-left policies of New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani, suggesting that the entire Democratic Party has shifted leftward. Hudson asserted that every House Democrat must clarify their stance regarding Mamdani’s policies.

DelBene countered this narrative, asserting that Republicans lack a coherent message and are attempting to distract voters. “The folks in Iowa and Arizona aren’t focused on who the mayor of New York is,” she said. “They’re focused on who’s running for office, who’s going to stand up for them.”

As new national polls indicate a favorable outlook for Democrats in the 2026 House majority battle, DelBene remains cautious yet optimistic. “We take nothing for granted,” she stated, but expressed confidence that Democrats will successfully reclaim the House. “Our number one goal is making sure that we take back those gavels,” she emphasized, envisioning a Congress that works for the American people and serves as a check on the current administration.

Source: Original article

Eli Lilly Achieves Milestone as First Healthcare Company Worth $1 Trillion

November 22, 2025 Staff ReporterBusiness, Economy, Medicine 0

Eli Lilly has made history as the first healthcare company to achieve a $1 trillion market value, joining an elite group of companies primarily composed of tech giants.

Eli Lilly has become the first healthcare company to reach a market value of $1 trillion, marking a significant milestone in the pharmaceutical industry. This achievement places Lilly in an exclusive club that has been predominantly occupied by technology companies.

The company briefly surpassed the $1 trillion mark during morning trading before experiencing a slight retreat, with shares last trading around $1,048. Eli Lilly is only the second non-technology company in the United States to reach this coveted valuation, following Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway.

A remarkable rally of over 35% in Eli Lilly’s stock this year has been largely driven by the explosive growth of the weight loss market. The introduction of highly effective obesity treatments over the past two years has transformed this sector into one of the most lucrative areas within healthcare.

Sales of Lilly’s tirzepatide, marketed as Mounjaro for Type 2 diabetes and Zepbound for obesity, have now surpassed Merck’s Keytruda, making it the world’s best-selling drug. Although Novo Nordisk initially led the market, Mounjaro and Zepbound have since gained significant popularity.

In its latest quarterly report, Eli Lilly announced combined revenue exceeding $10.09 billion from its obesity and diabetes portfolio, which accounted for more than half of its total revenue of $17.6 billion.

“The current valuation points to investor confidence in the longer-term durability of the company’s metabolic health franchise. It also suggests that investors prefer Lilly over Novo in the obesity arms race,” stated Evan Seigerman, an analyst at BMO Capital Markets.

In October, Eli Lilly raised its annual revenue forecast by more than $2 billion at the midpoint, driven by surging global demand for its obesity and diabetes drugs. According to Wall Street estimates, the weight loss drug market is projected to reach a value of $150 billion by 2030, with Lilly and Novo together expected to control a significant portion of global sales.

Investors are now closely monitoring Lilly’s oral obesity drug, orforglipron, which is anticipated to receive approval early next year. Analysts at Citi noted that the latest generation of GLP-1 drugs has already proven to be a “sales phenomenon,” and orforglipron is well-positioned to capitalize on the groundwork laid by its injectable predecessors.

Eli Lilly is also set to benefit from a partnership with the Trump administration, which includes planned investments to enhance U.S. production capabilities. Analysts have suggested that while the pricing agreement with the White House may impact near-term revenue, it significantly broadens access to treatment, potentially adding as many as 40 million candidates for obesity treatment in the U.S.

In September, Eli Lilly announced a major investment in Houston, with CEO David Ricks joining Texas Governor Greg Abbott to reveal plans for a $6.5 billion manufacturing plant in the Generation Park development.

This historic achievement underscores Eli Lilly’s pivotal role in the healthcare sector and its potential for continued growth as it navigates the evolving landscape of obesity and diabetes treatments.

Source: Original article

Nalin Haley Advocates Against Naturalized Citizens Holding Public Office

November 21, 2025 Staff ReporterConflict, Immigration, Politics 0

Nalin Haley sparked controversy by asserting that naturalized U.S. citizens should be barred from holding public office, igniting discussions on immigration and citizenship.

Nalin Haley, the son of former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations and 2024 Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley, has ignited controversy with his recent comments regarding naturalized citizens in the United States. The 24-year-old stated that individuals who are not born in the U.S. should not be eligible for public office, claiming that growing up in America is essential for understanding the country.

Haley made these remarks during a conversation with conservative commentator Tucker Carlson, where he emphasized his belief that only those born in the United States should hold elected positions. This stance has drawn significant attention, particularly in light of his previous strong opposition to the H-1B visa program, which has predominantly benefited skilled workers from India.

In a separate interview, Haley expressed his frustration with the current job market, noting that many of his peers, despite graduating from prestigious institutions, have struggled to find employment. “We are seeing kids graduate with six figures in debt and not having a job to show for it,” he lamented during a discussion with Fox News. He highlighted that none of his friends, who graduated a year and a half ago, have secured jobs, and pointed to statistics indicating that 58% of recent college graduates are unemployed. Of those who are employed, he noted that half hold temporary positions or jobs that do not require a degree.

Haley’s comments have not gone unchallenged. He previously engaged in a heated exchange with journalist Mehdi Hasan, who reminded him of his family’s immigrant background. Hasan suggested that Haley’s anti-immigration rhetoric was hypocritical, considering that his grandfather, Ajit Singh Randhawa, immigrated to the United States from India in 1969. Randhawa, a Sikh immigrant from Punjab, faced similar anti-immigrant sentiments during his time in the U.S. and went on to have a distinguished academic career.

The irony of Haley’s remarks is underscored by the fact that his grandfather overcame significant challenges as an immigrant. After earning a master’s degree in biology and completing a PhD at the University of British Columbia, Randhawa joined the faculty at Voorhees College in South Carolina, contributing to the academic community for decades.

This debate comes at a time when the H-1B visa program is under scrutiny, with varying opinions within the Republican Party. Former President Donald Trump has recently softened his stance on immigration, leading to divisions within the MAGA base regarding the future of such visa programs.

As discussions around immigration and citizenship continue to evolve, Nalin Haley’s comments have reignited conversations about the role of naturalized citizens in American politics and the complexities of the immigration debate.

Source: Original article

Pramila Jayapal Introduces Bill to Curb Corporate Lobbying Influence

November 21, 2025 Staff ReporterElection, Politics, USA 0

Rep. Pramila Jayapal and Senator Elizabeth Warren have introduced the EXPERTS Act to combat corporate lobbying and restore transparency in federal rulemaking.

WASHINGTON, DC – On November 20, Representative Pramila Jayapal (D-WA) and Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) unveiled new legislation aimed at addressing the growing concerns surrounding corporate influence in government and the erosion of federal regulatory frameworks. The proposed bill, known as the Experts Protect Effective Rules, Transparency, and Stability Act, or EXPERTS Act, seeks to enhance transparency, rebuild public trust, and reinforce expert authority in the federal rulemaking process.

The lawmakers contend that the bill is a necessary response to what they describe as the ongoing dismantling of regulatory safeguards initiated during the Trump administration. These safeguards are intended to ensure that regulations serve the public interest rather than corporate interests.

“Many Americans are taught in civics classes that Congress passes a law and that’s it, but the reality is that any major legislation enacted must also be implemented and enforced by the executive branch to become a reality,” Jayapal stated. She emphasized the importance of protecting public safety, warning that systems designed for this purpose are being compromised. “At a time when corporations and CEOs have outsized power, it is critical that we ensure that public interest is protected. This bill will level the playing field to ensure that laws passed actually work for the American people.”

Warren echoed Jayapal’s sentiments, asserting that the regulatory process has increasingly favored corporate interests over those of the general public. “Giant corporations and their armies of lobbyists shouldn’t get to manipulate how our laws are implemented,” she remarked. “While Donald Trump keeps selling away influence over our government, we’re fighting to ensure the rules are being written to help working Americans, not corporate interests.”

The introduction of the EXPERTS Act follows the Supreme Court’s decision in Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo, which overturned the long-standing Chevron deference doctrine. This doctrine had previously instructed courts to defer to federal agencies’ reasonable interpretations of ambiguous laws. The lawmakers argue that the reversal of this doctrine grants courts broader authority to invalidate expert-driven regulations, thereby undermining essential protections related to worker safety, financial fairness, and environmental standards.

According to Jayapal and Warren, the current rulemaking process disproportionately favors industry lobbyists, who can exert significant influence over regulatory outcomes. They point out that companies often engage in private lobbying of regulators, fund studies that may appear scientific, and distort the anticipated impacts of stronger oversight. In contrast, the general public has limited opportunities to influence these processes.

The EXPERTS Act aims to reverse this trend through a series of comprehensive reforms. Key provisions of the bill include restoring Chevron-style deference, ensuring full transparency regarding the funding of studies submitted during the rulemaking process, and requiring public explanations when agencies withdraw proposed rules. Additionally, the legislation seeks to expedite rulemaking by eliminating private parties from the negotiated rulemaking process, reinstating a six-year limit for challenging agency actions in court, and creating new mechanisms to empower ordinary citizens. This includes imposing fines on corporations that submit misleading claims and establishing an Office of the Public Advocate.

By introducing the EXPERTS Act, Jayapal and Warren hope to create a regulatory environment that prioritizes the needs of the public over corporate interests, ultimately fostering a more equitable and transparent governance framework.

Source: Original article

New Arrivals of Indian Students in the U.S. Drop by 44%

November 21, 2025 Staff ReporterEducation, Immigration, USA 0

The number of new Indian students arriving in the U.S. has dropped by 44%, reflecting broader trends in international student enrollment and immigration policy changes.

New data reveals a significant decline in the number of international students arriving in the United States this fall, with a particular emphasis on students from India. According to a recent analysis by the New York Times, the overall number of international students has decreased by 19% compared to last year, with Indian student arrivals falling by an alarming 44% this August.

This decline follows a trend that began last year, exacerbated by prolonged delays in student visa processing and increased scrutiny of applicants. Nearly one in three international students in the U.S. is Indian, making this drop particularly noteworthy for educational institutions and policymakers alike.

The implications of this decline extend beyond just numbers. Data from the Pew Research Center indicates that there are currently approximately 5.2 million Indian Americans in the United States. Over the past several years, South Asian Americans have emerged as the fastest-growing demographic within the broader Asian American community, which is itself the fastest-growing racial or ethnic population in the country.

As the flow of new international students diminishes, coupled with stricter guidelines for H-1B visas affecting skilled workers, the future trajectory of the Indian and South Asian populations in the U.S. may be significantly impacted. This trend raises questions about the long-term effects on the cultural and economic landscape of the nation.

In addition to these immigration challenges, there are growing concerns about America’s global cultural influence. Canadian author Stephen Marche recently argued in a New York Times op-ed that the United States may be losing its appeal as a cultural leader. He suggests that the narrative surrounding America has become disjointed, leading to a perception of the country as less attractive to foreign observers.

Marche succinctly states, “If you have to say you’re hot, you’re not,” highlighting the need for the U.S. to reassess its global standing and the factors contributing to its diminishing allure.

Recent polling data from AAPI Data’s latest AP-NORC Survey indicates that dissatisfaction with immigration policies is rising among Asian Americans. The survey shows that a greater percentage of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) adults disapprove of the current administration’s handling of immigration, with disapproval rates increasing from 58% to 71% over the past six months.

In light of these trends, there are indications that some political leaders may reconsider their stances on immigration. In a recent television interview, former President Donald Trump discussed the importance of attracting foreign talent while also addressing concerns about American workers. During the exchange with Fox News’ Laura Ingraham, Trump acknowledged the need for skilled workers, stating, “You also do have to bring in talent.”

This conversation underscores the ongoing debate surrounding immigration policy and its implications for the U.S. economy and workforce. As the nation grapples with these complex issues, the decline in new international student arrivals, particularly from India, serves as a critical indicator of broader shifts in immigration and cultural dynamics.

As the landscape of international education and immigration continues to evolve, stakeholders will need to pay close attention to these trends and their potential long-term effects on the Indian American community and the U.S. as a whole.

Source: Original article

Ami Bera and Joe Wilson Strengthen U.S.-India Relations with Bipartisan Resolution

November 20, 2025 Staff ReporterPolitics, USA 0

U.S. Representatives Ami Bera and Joe Wilson have introduced a bipartisan resolution to strengthen the strategic partnership between the United States and India, emphasizing cooperation across various sectors.

U.S. Representatives Ami Bera, M.D. (D-CA), the longest-serving Indian American Member of Congress, and Joe Wilson (R-SC) have introduced a bipartisan resolution that recognizes the strategic value of the historical partnership between the United States and India.

This resolution highlights decades of deepening cooperation between two of the world’s largest democracies across critical sectors, including defense, technology, trade, counterterrorism, and education. It also emphasizes India’s essential role in promoting regional stability, economic growth, and a free and open Indo-Pacific.

According to the resolution, “For more than three decades, it has been the policy of the United States under administrations of Presidents Clinton, Bush, Obama, Trump, and Biden to strengthen the strategic partnership with India, recognizing its importance to regional stability, democratic governance, economic growth, and shared regional priorities.”

The measure calls for continued collaboration between the United States and India to address 21st-century challenges, ranging from counterterrorism and cyber threats to emerging technologies. It also acknowledges the enduring people-to-people ties between the two nations, which are further strengthened by the Indian American diaspora.

The resolution has received robust bipartisan support, with a total of 24 original cosponsors. Notable supporters include Representatives Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-CA), Rich McCormick (R-GA), Deborah Ross (D-NC), Rob Wittman (R-VA), Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ), James Moylan (R-GU), Brad Schneider (D-IL), Young Kim (R-CA), Sanford Bishop (D-GA), Buddy Carter (R-GA), Shri Thanedar (D-MI), David Schweikert (R-AZ), Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), Michael Baumgartner (R-WA), Suhas Subramanyam (D-VA), Bill Huizenga (R-MI), Brad Sherman (D-CA), Don Bacon (R-NE), Marc Veasey (D-TX), Andy Barr (R-KY), Ed Case (D-HI), and Jay Obernolte (R-CA).

The full text of the resolution is available for those interested in exploring its details further.

Source: Original article

Trump Advocates for Unified Federal Oversight of AI Regulation

November 20, 2025 Staff ReporterElection, Politics, Technology 0

Former President Donald Trump advocates for a unified federal standard for regulating artificial intelligence to prevent over-regulation by individual states.

Former President Donald Trump expressed concerns on Tuesday regarding the regulation of artificial intelligence (AI) in the United States. He emphasized the necessity for a single federal standard to govern AI, warning that a fragmented approach could stifle innovation.

“Overregulation by the States is threatening to undermine this Growth Engine,” Trump stated in a social media post. He urged the need for a cohesive federal framework rather than a “patchwork of 50 State Regulatory Regimes.”

The current regulatory landscape in the United States has been characterized by a cautious, sector-focused approach aimed at balancing innovation with risk management. Various federal agencies, including the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), have issued guidelines to promote transparency, safety, and non-discrimination in AI systems.

In contrast to the European Union, which has implemented a comprehensive AI regulatory framework through the EU AI Act, the U.S. lacks a sweeping federal law governing AI as of 2025. While the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) has released guidance on ethical AI and risk assessment, these standards are not universally enforced across all sectors.

Congress has held hearings to address the risks associated with AI technologies, such as deepfakes, bias, and autonomous systems. However, no significant federal legislation regarding liability or safety has been enacted thus far. Consequently, the U.S. regulatory approach heavily relies on state-level regulations and public-private partnerships to ensure AI safety and transparency.

The collaboration between federal agencies, private industry, and academic institutions is a cornerstone of the U.S. approach to AI regulation. This strategy aims to foster innovation while addressing the risks associated with advanced technologies. States like California have taken the lead in implementing regulations that mandate transparency in AI models, safety incident reporting, and protections for whistleblowers.

Despite these advancements at the state level, the timeline and scope of future federal legislation remain uncertain. Ongoing debates focus on whether to introduce mandatory federal standards or liability frameworks for AI technologies.

In his recent social media post, Trump called on lawmakers to consider incorporating the federal standard into a separate bill or including it in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), a key piece of defense policy legislation.

As AI technologies become increasingly integrated into daily life, the demand for clear and consistent regulatory frameworks is more critical than ever. Ensuring that AI systems operate safely, transparently, and without bias is essential for maintaining public trust, particularly in high-stakes sectors such as healthcare, finance, and national security.

State-level innovations, including mandatory reporting of AI-related safety incidents and whistleblower protections, serve as practical examples of how effective oversight can be achieved without hindering innovation.

However, the ongoing discussions surrounding a unified federal AI standard underscore the tension between the need for uniformity and the desire for flexibility. While a national framework could simplify compliance and reduce conflicting regulations across states, the specifics of such legislation and its potential impact on innovation remain unclear.

As the regulatory landscape continues to evolve, the balance between technological leadership and public safety will be crucial in guiding the responsible deployment of AI technologies.

Source: Original article

Trump Criticizes ABC Reporter and Network License During White House Exchange

November 20, 2025 Staff ReporterElection, Politics, USA 0

President Donald Trump criticized ABC News correspondent Mary Bruce during a White House exchange, calling her a “terrible reporter” and questioning the network’s broadcast license.

President Donald Trump took aim at ABC News correspondent Mary Bruce on Tuesday, labeling her a “terrible reporter” during a contentious exchange at the White House. His comments came in response to Bruce’s probing questions regarding the appropriateness of the president’s family engaging in business dealings in Saudi Arabia while he remains in office.

Bruce, who serves as ABC’s chief White House correspondent, was one of the select reporters permitted into the Oval Office for a meeting between Trump and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. During the session, she confronted the crown prince about U.S. intelligence assessments that implicated him in the 2018 murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, a Saudi national and Virginia resident known for his critical stance toward the Saudi government.

“Your Royal Highness, the U.S. intelligence concluded that you orchestrated the brutal murder of a journalist. 9/11 families are furious that you are here in the Oval Office. Why should Americans trust you? And the same to you, Mr. President,” Bruce asked, directing her questions to both leaders.

As Bruce continued to press for answers, Trump interjected, asking which outlet she represented before dismissing ABC as “fake news.” He defended his family’s business ties in Saudi Arabia and downplayed the intelligence community’s conclusions regarding the crown prince’s involvement in Khashoggi’s death, stating that “a lot of people didn’t like” Khashoggi.

In response to Bruce’s inquiries, Prince Mohammed admitted that Khashoggi’s killing was a painful incident and described it as “a huge mistake.” However, Trump’s frustration with Bruce escalated as she continued to challenge him. After her third question, which focused on why the White House was waiting for Congress to act before releasing information related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein’s correspondence, Trump expressed his discontent.

“It’s not the question that I mind,” Trump stated. “It’s your attitude. I think you are a terrible reporter. It’s the way you ask these questions.”

After briefly addressing the Epstein question, Trump returned to his criticism of Bruce, claiming that “people are wise to your hoax.” He further suggested that ABC’s broadcast license should be reconsidered, asserting, “I think the license should be taken away from ABC because your news is so fake and it’s so wrong.”

Trump referenced FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, whose agency is responsible for overseeing licensing for local broadcast stations, implying that the chairman should investigate the network’s credibility. He added, “When you’re 97% negative to Trump, and then Trump wins the election in a landslide, that means, obviously, your news is not credible. And you’re not credible as a reporter.”

ABC News did not respond to Trump’s remarks on that day. In contrast, Bloomberg News reacted after Trump referred to one of its reporters, Catherine Lucey, as “piggy” during a recent question-and-answer session aboard Air Force One. Reuters also shared a video clip of Trump calling Lucey “quiet piggy” on its Instagram account.

As the exchange between Trump and Bruce unfolded, it underscored the ongoing tensions between the president and the media, particularly regarding the coverage of his administration and its dealings with foreign leaders.

Source: Original article

Honda Resumes Regular Production at North American Plants After Chip Shortages

November 19, 2025 Staff ReporterBusiness, Economy, Politics 0

Honda Motor plans to gradually resume normal operations at its North American assembly plants, signaling an easing of production disruptions caused by a chip shortage.

Honda Motor Co. announced that it will begin gradually resuming normal operations at its North American assembly plants starting Monday. This decision comes as production disruptions linked to a shortage of Nexperia chips appear to be easing, according to a report by Reuters.

The company had previously halted output at its plant in Mexico and adjusted production schedules at its facilities in the United States and Canada due to the ongoing chip shortage. A spokesperson for Honda indicated on Tuesday that the company has secured a certain level of chip supply, including sourcing alternative components. However, the spokesperson cautioned that the planned return to regular operations could change, as the situation remains fluid.

The automotive industry has been grappling with supply chain challenges since 2020, but the latest shortage has been exacerbated by geopolitical tensions between the U.S. and China. Nexperia, a chip manufacturer, is owned by the Chinese company Wingtech Technology Co. but was taken over by the Dutch government amid rising pressure from the U.S. government. On October 4, the Chinese commerce ministry issued an export control notice that prohibited Nexperia China and its subcontractors from exporting specific finished components and sub-assemblies produced in China.

Honda was notably the first automaker to reduce its supply in response to this issue. In a significant development, China has since lifted its export controls on computer chips that are essential for automobile production. The Chinese commerce ministry announced that it has granted exemptions for exports made by Chinese-owned Nexperia for civilian use.

Additionally, China has paused an export ban on certain materials critical to the semiconductor industry destined for the U.S. and has suspended port fees for American ships. These actions represent a thawing of trade tensions between the U.S. and China, following an agreement in October between President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Donald Trump to reduce tariffs and pause other trade measures for one year.

Volkswagen’s chief in China, Ralf Brandstaetter, confirmed that the supply of Nexperia chips has resumed, stating, “There have already been initial exports.” He noted that following the agreement with the United States, the Chinese Ministry of Commerce reacted quickly, announcing that it would grant short-term special permits for exports.

Brandstaetter also highlighted that the sustainability of this supply chain will depend largely on the ongoing relations between the United States and China. While production in China remains unaffected, the overall situation continues to be uncertain.

As Honda prepares to ramp up production, the automotive industry watches closely to see how these developments will impact supply chains and production capabilities in the coming months.

Source: Original article

Pope Leo XIV Backs US Bishops’ Criticism of Trump Immigration Raids

November 19, 2025 Staff ReporterImmigration, Politics, Religion 0

Pope Leo XIV has expressed strong support for U.S. bishops condemning the Trump administration’s immigration raids, urging compassion and dignity for migrants.

Pope Leo XIV has firmly backed the U.S. Catholic bishops in their condemnation of the Trump administration’s immigration sweeps, calling for Americans to treat migrants with respect and dignity. His comments came during a press conference on Tuesday, where he was asked about a “special message” adopted by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops during their recent general assembly in Baltimore.

The bishops criticized President Donald Trump’s mass deportation agenda and the “vilification” of migrants, highlighting the fear and anxiety that immigration raids have instilled in communities across the nation. They expressed concern over the conditions in detention centers and the lack of pastoral care available to migrants held there.

“We are disturbed when we see among our people a climate of fear and anxiety around questions of profiling and immigration enforcement,” the bishops’ statement read. “We are saddened by the state of contemporary debate and the vilification of immigrants. We are concerned about the conditions in detention centers and the lack of access to pastoral care,” they added, opposing “the indiscriminate mass deportation of people.”

Pope Leo, the first American pope, commended the bishops’ message and encouraged both Catholics and all people of goodwill to listen to migrants and treat them humanely, regardless of their legal status in the United States. “I think we have to look for ways of treating people humanely, treating people with the dignity that they have,” he stated. “If people are in the United States illegally, there are ways to treat that. There are courts, there’s a system of justice.”

The pope has a history of urging local bishops to address social justice issues, and Catholic leaders have been vocal in their criticism of Trump’s mass deportation policies. The fear of immigration raids has reportedly led to a decline in Mass attendance at some parishes.

Earlier this year, the federal government reversed a directive from the Biden administration that had prohibited immigration agents from conducting raids in sensitive locations such as churches, schools, and hospitals. This change has further intensified the concerns voiced by the bishops and the pope.

Pope Leo acknowledged the challenges within the U.S. immigration system but emphasized that no one is advocating for open borders. He affirmed that every country has the right to determine who can enter and the methods by which they do so. However, he expressed dismay at the treatment of long-term residents who have lived in the U.S. for many years. “But when people are living good lives, and many of them for 10, 15, 20 years, to treat them in a way that is extremely disrespectful to say the least — and there’s been some violence unfortunately — I think that the bishops have been very clear in what they said,” he remarked as he left the papal country house south of Rome.

In closing, Pope Leo invited all people in the United States to listen to the concerns of migrants, reinforcing the bishops’ call for compassion and understanding.

Source: Original article

Texas Investigates USTA for Alleged Violation of Women’s Sports Law

November 19, 2025 Staff ReporterPolitics, Women 0

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has initiated an investigation into the U.S. Tennis Association Texas League for potential violations of a law prohibiting biological males from competing in women’s sports.

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has launched an investigation into the U.S. Tennis Association (USTA) Texas League concerning possible violations of state law that bans biological males from participating in women’s sports. This inquiry aligns with a broader Republican movement across the nation aimed at restricting transgender participation in female athletics, with proponents arguing that such measures are essential for maintaining fairness and safety in competition.

In a statement, Paxton expressed his commitment to defending the rights of female athletes, stating, “We will defeat the radical left, which is obsessed with crushing the dreams of so many girls by allowing men to compete against women in sports.”

As part of the investigation, Paxton’s office has issued a Civil Investigative Demand (CID) to the USTA Texas League. This demand seeks documentation and policies related to the participation of transgender athletes in women’s matches. The attorney general’s office aims to ascertain whether the USTA’s practices contravene the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act or other consumer protection laws.

“If USTA is allowing biological males in women’s matches and misleading players about who they are competing against, my office will take all necessary action within our power to defend Texas women and girls,” Paxton added.

The CID specifically requests information on how players are informed about “delusional men competing under the guise of calling themselves ‘transgender’ competitors.” In response to the investigation, the USTA has filed a lawsuit against Paxton’s office, challenging the CID and the claims it is based upon.

This investigation is not Paxton’s first foray into the contentious issue of transgender participation in sports. Earlier this year, he filed a lawsuit against the NCAA over its transgender eligibility policy, which permitted biological males to practice with women’s teams but barred them from competing. Paxton accused the NCAA of failing to comply with a previous executive order issued by former President Donald Trump that prohibited biological men from competing in women’s sports.

Paxton’s legal actions against transgender inclusion in women’s athletics have also extended to U.S. Masters Swimming and various local school boards. This is part of a larger Republican initiative to enforce Texas’ gender-based athletic laws more stringently.

The ongoing investigation and legal battles highlight the contentious debate surrounding transgender athletes’ participation in sports, reflecting broader societal divisions on the issue. As this situation develops, it remains to be seen how it will impact the landscape of women’s sports in Texas and beyond.

Source: Original article

Ajay Bhutoria Addresses ‘Go Back to India’ Abuse Against Indian-Americans

November 19, 2025 Staff ReporterConflict, Politics, USA 0

Ajay Jain Bhutoria has condemned the rise of anti-Indian American hate, attributing it to MAGA extremists and inflammatory remarks from public figures like Eric Trump.

Ajay Jain Bhutoria has issued a strong condemnation of the increasing wave of anti-Indian American hate, which he attributes to MAGA extremists and the reckless statements made by figures such as Eric Trump.

“I am personally bombarded with hundreds of racist comments on almost every single post I make on X — ‘Go back to India,’ slurs, threats, and worse — all from MAGA accounts,” Bhutoria stated. He emphasized that this hostility is a direct result of ongoing anti-immigrant scapegoating. “The very same week CNN exposed how MAGA’s rhetoric has turned Indian Americans into the latest target of surging hate crimes, Eric Trump smeared New York Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani by claiming he ‘hates the Indian population.’ The hypocrisy is staggering. Your family’s rhetoric is literally endangering Indian Americans, Eric — spare us the fake concern.”

Bhutoria highlighted the contributions of Indian Americans to the United States, stating, “While we are told to ‘go back home,’ Indian Americans are busy running America forward. We lead Google, Microsoft, Adobe, IBM, and dozens of Fortune 500 companies. We are the doctors saving your lives, the engineers building your future, the entrepreneurs creating millions of American jobs, and the highest tax-paying community in the nation.”

He continued, “We gave America Vice President Kamala Harris, NASA astronauts, Nobel laureates, and countless small-business owners who keep Main Street alive. Yet this is the thanks we get — coordinated online hate mobs and real-world threats.”

Bhutoria further criticized the notion that such behavior falls under the umbrella of free speech, stating, “This is not ‘free speech.’ This is stochastic terrorism dressed up as politics. Indian Americans will not be intimidated or silenced.”

He called for leaders from both political parties to denounce this bigotry unequivocally and to take meaningful action to protect the communities that contribute to the nation’s greatness. “We demand that leaders on both sides of the aisle denounce this bigotry in the strongest terms and take real action to protect the communities that make America the greatest nation on Earth,” he asserted.

Ajay Jain Bhutoria is a former National Finance Committee Member and an advisor to President Biden on the President’s Advisory Commission on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders.

Source: Original article

Supreme Court to Review Ninth Circuit Ruling on Asylum Seeker Turnbacks

November 18, 2025 Staff ReporterElection, Immigration, Politics 0

The Supreme Court has agreed to review a Ninth Circuit ruling that deemed the Trump administration’s turnback policy for asylum seekers unlawful.

Washington (November 17, 2025) – The Supreme Court has granted the Trump administration’s request to review a Ninth Circuit decision that declared the government’s prior turnback policy, known as “metering,” unlawful. This policy allowed border officers to physically block individuals from seeking asylum at ports of entry along the southern border, effectively turning them back to Mexico.

In response to the Supreme Court’s decision, attorneys representing the asylum seekers, along with Al Otro Lado, an organization dedicated to supporting them, issued a statement emphasizing the legal rights of noncitizens. They argued that individuals seeking safety at U.S. ports of entry have a legal right to apply for asylum. The Ninth Circuit’s ruling, they noted, correctly concluded that U.S. immigration laws mandate the government to inspect and process asylum seekers at these ports, allowing them to pursue their legal claims within the United States.

The statement further criticized the government’s turnback policy as an illegal maneuver to bypass these legal requirements. It highlighted the dire consequences faced by vulnerable families, children, and adults fleeing persecution, who were left stranded in dangerous conditions where they encountered threats of violence, kidnapping, and even death. The attorneys expressed their eagerness to present their case before the Court.

Co-counsel for the case includes the American Immigration Council, the Center for Gender & Refugee Studies (CGRS), the Center for Constitutional Rights, Democracy Forward, and the Institute for Constitutional Advocacy and Protection.

Al Otro Lado provides comprehensive legal and humanitarian support to refugees, deportees, and other migrants in both the U.S. and Tijuana. Their approach is multidisciplinary and client-centered, focusing on harm reduction. They engage in individual representation, human rights monitoring, medical-legal partnerships, and impact litigation to safeguard the rights of immigrants and asylum seekers.

The American Immigration Council aims to strengthen America by influencing public perceptions and actions regarding immigrants and immigration. They advocate for a fair and just immigration system that welcomes those in need of protection while harnessing the skills and energy that immigrants contribute to society. Their strategies include litigation, research, legislative and administrative advocacy, and communications.

The Center for Gender & Refugee Studies is dedicated to defending the human rights of refugees seeking asylum in the United States. With a strategic focus and extensive legal expertise, CGRS champions complex cases, advocates for due process, and promotes policies that ensure safety and justice for refugees.

The Center for Constitutional Rights has been fighting for justice and liberation since 1966, working with communities facing threats from oppressive systems of power, including structural racism and governmental overreach. Their efforts include litigation, advocacy, and strategic communications.

The Democracy Forward Foundation is a national legal organization that promotes democracy and social progress through litigation, policy initiatives, public education, and regulatory engagement.

The Institute for Constitutional Advocacy and Protection, a non-partisan public interest organization within Georgetown Law, focuses on defending constitutional rights and protecting democratic processes through litigation, policy work, and public education.

As the case progresses, it will be closely watched for its implications on the rights of asylum seekers and the broader immigration landscape in the United States.

Source: Original article

Trump Administration Files Lawsuit Against California Law Restricting ICE Face Masks

November 18, 2025 Staff ReporterConflict, Politics, USA 0

The Trump administration has filed a lawsuit against California over a law that prohibits federal immigration agents from wearing masks to conceal their identities, claiming it violates constitutional authority.

The Trump administration has initiated legal action against California, contesting a new law that bans federal immigration agents from wearing masks to hide their identities. The lawsuit, filed on Monday, asserts that the state lacks the authority to impose such restrictions on federal agents, deeming the measure unconstitutional.

California Governor Gavin Newsom signed the No Secret Police Act and the No Vigilantes Act into law in September. These laws prohibit most law enforcement officers, including federal agents, from wearing masks while on duty. Additionally, non-uniformed officers are required to display their identification visibly during their operations. However, exceptions are made for undercover agents, those wearing medical masks like N95 respirators, and individuals using masks as part of tactical gear.

In a statement regarding the legislation, Newsom emphasized that federal immigration officers would no longer be “hidden from accountability” during their operations in California. “That’s not the America we’ve grown up in. And so we are pushing back,” he stated ahead of the bill signings.

Federal immigration agents have conducted raids in Southern California since June, targeting migrant workers at local businesses. These operations have sparked protests and led to the federal deployment of the National Guard and Marines. During these raids, some federal agents wore masks to conceal their identities.

The Trump administration is urging the court to rule that the California laws violate the Supremacy Clause of the U.S. Constitution, which establishes that federal law is the “supreme Law of the Land,” taking precedence over state law. The lawsuit also contends that the California laws infringe upon Article 5, Section 301 of the U.S. Code, which grants agency heads the authority to prescribe regulations governing their departments and the conduct of their employees.

Attorney General Pam Bondi expressed concerns on Monday, stating that the California laws “discriminate against the federal government and are designed to create risk for our agents.” Following Newsom’s signing of the measures, administration officials instructed ICE agents to disregard the California laws. The Department of Homeland Security announced on September 22 that it would “NOT comply with Gavin Newsom’s unconstitutional mask ban,” citing an increase in threats against ICE officers.

The lawsuit further argues that the California laws “would recklessly endanger the lives of federal agents and their family members and compromise the operational effectiveness of federal law enforcement activities.” However, supporters of the mask ban for immigration agents contend that the use of face coverings instills fear in the public and must be addressed.

In response to the lawsuit, Newsom’s office stated that California officials “will see the [Department of Justice] in court.” Spokesperson Diana Crofts-Pelayo criticized the Trump administration, suggesting that if it prioritized public safety as much as it does other issues, communities would be safer. She referred to President Donald Trump’s pardoning of individuals involved in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riots as an example of misplaced priorities.

As the legal battle unfolds, the implications of this case could have significant effects on the operations of federal immigration agents in California and the broader relationship between state and federal authorities.

Source: Original article

Trump Purchases $82 Million in Bonds Since Taking Office

November 18, 2025 Staff ReporterBusiness, Politics 0

President Donald Trump has reportedly invested at least $82 million in corporate and municipal bonds since taking office, raising questions about potential conflicts of interest.

President Donald Trump has made a series of notable financial investments during his time in office, with recent disclosures revealing that he purchased at least $82 million in corporate and municipal bonds between late August and early October 2025. These investments include sectors that may directly benefit from his administration’s policies.

The information was released by the U.S. Office of Government Ethics, detailing over 175 financial transactions conducted by Trump from August 28 to October 2. The disclosures, mandated by the Ethics in Government Act of 1978, do not specify the exact amounts for each transaction but provide broad ranges. This lack of specificity means that the total value of his bond purchases could potentially reach as high as $337 million.

Among the bonds purchased are municipal securities issued by various state and local governments, including those from counties, school districts, and public utilities. These bonds are typically considered lower-risk investments, as they are used to fund local projects and are often tax-exempt at the federal level, and sometimes at the state and local levels if purchased in the investor’s home state. However, certain municipal bonds, such as private activity bonds, are taxable, and the tax-exempt status of these bonds has been a topic of political debate in 2025.

In contrast, corporate bonds, which are also part of Trump’s portfolio, are issued by companies to raise capital for various purposes, including expansion and operations. These bonds generally offer higher interest rates compared to municipal bonds, compensating for the increased credit risk associated with corporate debt. Interest income from corporate bonds is subject to taxation at both federal and state levels.

Notably, some of the corporate bonds acquired by Trump include offerings from well-known companies such as Broadcom and Qualcomm in the technology sector, as well as Meta Platforms, Home Depot, CVS Health, and major Wall Street banks like Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley. The selection of these investments has raised eyebrows among analysts and ethics observers, as some of these companies could potentially benefit from federal policies enacted during Trump’s presidency.

The scale and timing of these transactions have attracted scrutiny, as they are unusual for a sitting president. Observers have expressed concerns regarding the implications of such a significant fixed-income portfolio, which combines both municipal and corporate holdings. The potential for conflicts of interest, given the nature of the investments and their alignment with Trump’s policy initiatives, has become a focal point of discussion.

As the details of these financial activities continue to unfold, the intersection of Trump’s investments and his presidential duties remains a subject of interest and concern among the public and ethics watchdogs alike.

Source: Original article

SNAP Benefits Freeze Affects Immigrant Families Amid Ongoing Food Insecurity

November 17, 2025 Staff ReporterConflict, Immigration, Politics 0

As the government nears a potential reopening, millions of Americans face a continued freeze on SNAP payments while the Trump Administration intensifies funding for immigration enforcement efforts.

As millions of Americans grapple with the ongoing freeze on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) payments, the Trump Administration is simultaneously ramping up funding for its immigration enforcement initiatives. This development comes as the government appears poised to reopen after a prolonged shutdown.

Recent documentation reveals that the administration has allocated millions in new federal contracts to Palantir Technologies, a software company that plays a crucial role in the government’s efforts to target, detain, and deport immigrants. On September 19, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) exercised a $19 million option to expand its existing contract with Palantir, aimed at enhancing its Investigative Case Management System. Just a week later, ICE announced a supplemental agreement totaling $30 million to improve the prototype of its ImmigrationOS system, designed to better track and detain immigrants. The following day, ICE awarded Palantir an additional $2 million to further support its ongoing contract.

Despite the government shutdown, ICE is ensuring that its deportation operations continue unabated. While some of the software enhancements will assist ICE’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Unit in combating drug and human trafficking, it is evident that the enhanced capabilities of ImmigrationOS and the Investigative Case Management System will also be used to target immigrants who are not involved in criminal activities, including those who voice dissent against government policies.

Austin Kocher, a geographer at Syracuse University and a leading expert in immigration enforcement trends, reported a significant increase in ICE arrests, rising from 12,000 per month in January 2025, at the end of the Biden administration, to 30,000 per month by September. Alarmingly, nearly half of those detained were non-criminals.

The non-criminal detainees include many individuals who are lawfully present in the U.S., such as backlogged applicants for U visas—designated for victims or witnesses of crimes who have assisted law enforcement—T visa applicants (victims of human trafficking), backlogged asylum seekers, and DACA recipients. There is currently no comprehensive record of how Palantir’s technology has been employed to target specific individuals, but reports indicate that ICE has utilized the software to monitor individual air travel, scan driver’s licenses, and access cell phone records, among other data points.

Among the vulnerable immigrant populations are those living and working legally in the U.S. under Temporary Protected Status (TPS). These individuals face precarious circumstances, as their legal status can be revoked at any time due to arbitrary decisions made by the government. For instance, in July, nearly 9,000 Afghans had their TPS status revoked after the Department of Homeland Security determined that conditions in Afghanistan had improved, despite reports indicating that over half of the country’s population requires food aid and that rights for women and minorities are deteriorating.

Many of these Afghan TPS recipients fled their home country in 2021 amid the U.S. withdrawal, having worked with U.S. and international agencies to promote democracy or served as translators during military operations against the Taliban.

By leveraging data from various sources and utilizing Palantir’s artificial intelligence technology, ICE can more effectively target and track these vulnerable groups, including Afghans, Haitians, Venezuelans, South Sudanese, and others who have been criminalized by sudden revocations of their legal status.

It remains uncertain what specific enhancements Palantir will implement with the new influx of federal funding, and what additional personal information—including Medicaid, SNAP, IRS, and Social Security Administration data—will become accessible to the Department of Homeland Security. However, it is likely that these developments will lead to an expansion of state and commercial databases that can be used to target and monitor individuals, regardless of their immigration status.

One concerning example is the Department of Labor’s recent attempt to access individual records from the federal-state unemployment insurance system. “This should be ringing alarm bells,” said Quinn Anex-Ries, a senior policy analyst at the Center for Democracy and Technology. He noted that this effort occurs against the backdrop of the Trump administration’s extensive initiatives to collect vast amounts of information about everyday Americans, often under the pretense of preventing fraud, waste, and abuse. However, as evidenced by past actions, this data has frequently been repurposed for surveillance and immigration enforcement.

The ultimate consequences of these initiatives to access confidential personal data, authorized by executive orders aimed at eliminating waste and protecting the American populace, remain uncertain. Many of these efforts have faced legal challenges, often being rebuffed by federal judges. Nevertheless, litigation continues, and the Supreme Court has generally supported assertions of executive authority.

As the Senate reaches a tentative agreement to reopen the government following the longest shutdown in U.S. history, the focus now shifts to the House of Representatives. Meanwhile, the Trump Administration persists in its campaign to freeze some or all SNAP payments while simultaneously increasing its investments in targeting immigrants.

Source: Original article

Trump Urges House Republicans to Release Epstein Files for Transparency

November 17, 2025 Staff ReporterElection, Politics, USA 0

President Trump is urging House Republicans to vote for the release of documents related to Jeffrey Epstein, calling the controversy a “Democrat hoax” and asserting he has “nothing to hide.”

President Donald Trump is calling on House Republicans to support the release of files associated with disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein. He insists he has “nothing to hide” and accuses Democrats of leveraging the Epstein case to distract from Republican achievements.

In a post on Truth Social on Sunday, Trump encouraged GOP lawmakers to vote in favor of making the documents public, labeling the ongoing controversy a “Democrat hoax perpetrated by radical left lunatics.” He emphasized the need to move past the issue, claiming it serves as a diversion from the successes of the Republican Party.

“As I said on Friday night aboard Air Force One to the Fake News Media, House Republicans should vote to release the Epstein files, because we have nothing to hide,” Trump wrote. “It’s time to move on from this Democrat Hoax perpetrated by Radical Left Lunatics in order to deflect from the Great Success of the Republican Party, including our recent Victory on the Democrat ‘Shutdown.'”

Trump referenced the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) earlier release of thousands of pages of Epstein-related documents. He also pointed out that the DOJ is investigating potential connections between Epstein and various “Democrat operatives,” including former President Bill Clinton, LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman, and former Treasury Secretary Larry Summers.

“The House Oversight Committee can have whatever they are legally entitled to, I DON’T CARE!” Trump stated. He further expressed his desire for Republicans to focus on key issues such as the economy, affordability, and recent successes in reducing inflation. “All I do care about is that Republicans get BACK ON POINT,” he added.

Trump highlighted several Republican achievements, including historic tax cuts, significant investments in America, military rebuilding, border security, and efforts to address issues related to transgender participation in sports.

He also suggested that if Democrats had any incriminating evidence against him, it would have emerged before the last presidential election. “Nobody cared about Jeffrey Epstein when he was alive, and if the Democrats had anything, they would have released it before our Landslide Election Victory,” Trump remarked.

Trump cautioned that some members of the Republican Party are being “used” and urged them to focus on the party’s accomplishments rather than falling into what he termed the Epstein “TRAP.” He concluded with a rallying cry, “MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!”

In related news, Attorney General Pam Bondi announced on Friday that the DOJ would investigate prominent Democrats following the revelation of new emails indicating ties to Epstein. In a post on X, Bondi stated that Jay Clayton, the U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York, would lead the investigation. “Clayton is one of the most capable and trusted prosecutors in the country,” Bondi wrote, assuring that the Department would pursue the matter with urgency and integrity to provide answers to the American public.

Fox News Digital has reached out to the White House, Bill Clinton, Reid Hoffman, and Larry Summers for comments regarding these developments.

Source: Original article

Golden Toilet Scandal Puts Zelenskyy in Deepest Crisis Yet

November 17, 2025 Staff ReporterConflict, Politics 0

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy faces a significant crisis as a corruption scandal involving his associates threatens his leadership amid ongoing war efforts against Russia.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is confronting one of the most challenging moments of his presidency following a corruption investigation that implicates members of his inner circle. This investigation has reportedly uncovered a scheme involving the embezzlement of approximately $100 million from Ukraine’s energy sector during the ongoing conflict with Russia.

According to a former government official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, the scandal has raised serious concerns about the morale of Ukrainians in their fight against Russian aggression. “Ukrainians don’t have any motivation to fight now because of enormous human rights violations and also because of this corruption now exposed,” the official stated.

The investigation, dubbed “Operation Midas” by the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU), has revealed allegations that associates of Zelenskyy have been involved in a scheme to siphon funds meant for energy projects designed to protect critical infrastructure during wartime. The former official claimed, “People inside the country are already seeing this corruption, and this is just part of the corrupt swamp. Zelenskyy is part of the problem.”

Since Russia’s invasion in 2022, scrutiny of Ukraine’s financial systems has intensified, with accusations that some individuals have been taking kickbacks from energy contracts. This situation has sparked public outrage and eroded trust in the government. The former official remarked, “This money laundering appeared to have been going on since 2022, and there were a lot of people who tried to stop this.” They further alleged that some believe Zelenskyy was aware of these schemes and may have even approved them.

In one prominent case, businessman Tymur Mindich, who co-owned the entertainment company Kvartal 95 with Zelenskyy, has been identified as a key figure in the alleged corruption. Reports indicate that investigators discovered bags of cash and a gold-plated toilet in one of Mindich’s apartments. The former official noted, “Tymur had an apartment with golden toilets that was in the same building as Zelenskyy’s, and in 2021, Zelenskyy celebrated his birthday in Tymur’s apartment.”

Another individual under investigation is Oleksiy Chernyshov, a former deputy prime minister with close ties to Zelenskyy’s family. Allegations against Chernyshov include abuse of office and the construction of several luxury homes in Kyiv. The former official claimed, “Chernyshov started building big, three or four huge houses in their most luxury place in Kyiv.”

In response to the unfolding scandal, Zelenskyy has publicly emphasized the need for accountability. During a recent address, he stated, “Everyone who put together a corrupt scheme must receive a clear legal response. There must be criminal verdicts.” He underscored the importance of maintaining integrity within the energy sector and pledged to keep Energoatom free from corruption.

Zelenskyy also commended the efforts of the Anti-Corruption Bureau, asserting, “Any effective actions against corruption are very needed. The inevitability of punishment is necessary.” However, the former official expressed skepticism about Zelenskyy’s commitment to accountability, suggesting that he is adept at managing public relations and unlikely to resign amid the investigation. “Zelenskyy is not the kind of person who feels shame even if there’s a corruption probe,” they claimed.

The former official also noted a shift in public sentiment, suggesting that many Ukrainians are increasingly supportive of former President Donald Trump, who they believe has influenced the narrative surrounding the war. “If not [for] Donald Trump, we would not be talking about peace today at all, and every day of war is destroying Ukraine,” they stated.

As the investigation continues, Zelenskyy’s administration faces mounting pressure to address the allegations and restore public trust in the government during a time of crisis.

Source: Original article

Missouri Senator Advocates Overhaul or End of OPT Work Program

November 17, 2025 Staff ReporterImmigration, Politics 0

Senator Eric Schmitt of Missouri is advocating for a comprehensive review of the Optional Practical Training program, calling it a “cheap-labor pipeline” that disadvantages American workers.

Senator Eric Schmitt, a Republican from Missouri, has formally requested a thorough review of the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program, which permits international students graduating from U.S. universities to work in the country. In a letter addressed to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem, Schmitt expressed his support for the agency’s reported plans to either reform or terminate the program.

The OPT program allows international graduates to work in the United States for up to twelve months after completing their degree, with those in STEM fields eligible for an additional twenty-four-month extension. However, the program has come under increasing scrutiny, particularly in the context of the Trump administration’s hardline stance on illegal immigration and employment-based visas like the H-1B. Once viewed as a relatively uncontroversial benefit for international students, OPT is now facing calls for reevaluation from policymakers who argue that any pathway allowing foreign graduates to work in the U.S. should be reconsidered under the “America First” immigration framework.

Schmitt, who was elected to the Senate in November 2022, highlighted that the OPT program was established administratively and lacks explicit congressional authorization. He contended that the program primarily serves the interests of large corporations and academic institutions while placing American workers at a disadvantage.

In his letter, Schmitt stated, “In light of your administration’s continued commitment to America First immigration policy, I write to you in strong support of ongoing discussions surrounding reforms to the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program.” He further noted that recent reports indicate DHS plans to overhaul or eliminate OPT, which he views as a necessary correction to a program he describes as one of the most abused in the U.S. immigration system.

The senator criticized the current state of the OPT program, asserting that it has deviated from its original purpose. He remarked, “Today, however, the program functions as a cheap-labor pipeline for big business—and a backdoor into the U.S. job market for foreign workers.” Schmitt emphasized that the OPT program serves the financial interests of large corporations and academic institutions at the expense of young American workers and students.

He elaborated on the negative impact of the program, stating, “This system boxes young Americans out of the workforce, discriminates against American workers in favor of foreign labor, and suppresses wages and job opportunities for U.S. graduates.” Schmitt also expressed concerns that the program distorts the higher education landscape, incentivizing colleges to operate as “visa mills” and posing threats to national security and economic prosperity.

Schmitt pointed out that the OPT program was created and expanded by unelected bureaucrats in the executive branch, circumventing the legislative process. He argued that this lack of congressional oversight means that the program could potentially be reformed or terminated through executive action.

The senator also highlighted the financial motivations for universities to promote work permits for foreign students, noting that these students often pay significantly higher tuition fees than their American counterparts. He stated, “As a result, many would argue that young Americans are being boxed out of both the workforce and the university system in their own country.”

Schmitt provided statistics to support his claims, noting that foreign students now make up 20 to 30 percent of total enrollment at many elite and public universities, with even higher percentages in graduate programs. For instance, he cited that last year, 39 percent of Columbia University’s student body was international, while nearly 44 percent of New York University’s enrollment fell into this category, representing a 244 percent increase since 2013.

In addition to his concerns about the OPT program, Schmitt has also voiced criticism regarding H-1B visas. He alleged that some U.S. companies are misusing these visas to staff diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) offices. He remarked on social media, “The H-1B visa was sold as a way to keep America ‘competitive.’ Instead, it imported millions of foreign nationals to replace American workers—and transferred entire industries into the hands of foreign lobbies.”

Schmitt’s advocacy for a review of the OPT program reflects a broader trend among lawmakers who are increasingly scrutinizing immigration policies and their implications for the American workforce.

Source: Original article

Racist Slur ‘Pajeet’ Gains Traction Online Among Indian-Americans

November 17, 2025 Staff ReporterImmigration, Politics, USA 0

“Pajeet,” a derogatory term targeting Indians, has gained popularity among far-right groups, reflecting rising hostility toward Indian immigrants and H-1B visa workers in the U.S.

The term “Pajeet” has emerged as a slur within far-right online communities, gaining traction amid the backlash against H-1B visa holders and increasing political animosity toward Indian immigrants in the United States. This trend has been particularly notable since September, following President Trump’s announcement of a significant $100,000 fee for new H-1B visa applicants.

Shortly after the fee announcement, a disturbing campaign surfaced on 4Chan, an anonymous imageboard known for its minimal moderation. Some users encouraged Americans to prevent Indian H-1B workers traveling abroad from returning to the U.S. before the fee deadline by launching a “Clog the Toilet” initiative, which involved flooding airlines with fake bookings. Throughout these discussions, far-right commenters frequently referred to Indians using the term “Pajeet,” a word that many were encountering for the first time.

Although the term originated in the United States, it has since spread to right-wing groups in Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia. Harmeet Gugni, a resident of Toronto, found the term particularly unsettling during a visit with family earlier this year. She recalls her relatives advising her to remain calm if anyone used the slur in public. “I was disturbed,” she said. “A casual walk in Brampton suddenly felt like something I had to prepare for. Thankfully, nothing happened, but it stayed with me.”

The term “Pajeet” evokes painful memories for many South Asians, reminiscent of the slur “Paki,” which has been used in the UK against Indians, Pakistanis, and Bangladeshis. As political rhetoric targeting immigrants, especially Indian H-1B workers, intensifies, the use of “Pajeet” has surged across various online platforms, including Reddit, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram.

Sangay Mishra, a professor at Drew University specializing in immigrant political incorporation and racial politics, notes that the slur has circulated in far-right circles in the U.S. for several years. “I’ve been hearing about it for a while,” he remarked. “It doesn’t make logical sense, but racial slurs rarely do. People have tried to trace its origins, but there’s no single definitive answer.”

According to Know Your Meme, a digital encyclopedia documenting internet culture, the term “Pajeet” first appeared on 4Chan’s international board around 2015. It describes the term as a fabricated Indian name used to mock Indian men, particularly those who are Hindu or Sikh. A female variant, “Pajeeta,” emerged later, with both terms spreading beyond 4Chan in the early 2020s. Variations such as “Pajeet Kumar” are also commonly used.

Some theories regarding the term’s origin delve into internet folklore. One suggestion links it to the Turkish meme “Mehmet My Son,” proposing that “Pajeet” evolved as a parody name meant to mock Indians through exaggerated stereotypes, including outdated images of open defecation. Another explanation highlights the suffix “–jeet,” which is common in Sikh names, while “Kumar” is widely used among Hindus, making the slur an indiscriminate catch-all for Indians, regardless of their community. As one internet theorist pointed out, “White racists coined the term without understanding cultural differences; they lumped Sikh and Hindu names together and used it against all Indians.”

The association with open defecation has further fueled the creation of memes. A notorious 4Chan thread from July 2015 mocked an Indian user defending the country against “India smells bad” jokes, claiming that people only defecate on “designated shitting streets.” This phrase became a viral shorthand that led to numerous compilations and racist parodies.

A quick search on Instagram today reveals a plethora of far-right accounts employing “Pajeet” alongside images of cow dung, toilets, and degrading caricatures of Indians. Variations such as “Smelly Pajeets” are also prevalent, appearing in AI-generated videos and memes. The overarching theme is dehumanizing, reducing Indians, particularly immigrants, to a single, monolithic stereotype.

What makes the term “Pajeet” particularly insidious is its broad application. Many Americans unfamiliar with South Asian cultures tend to conflate different religions, languages, and regions under this single slur. As political hostility toward immigrants escalates, especially against Indian tech workers, the term has migrated from fringe forums into more mainstream corners of the internet.

As the discourse surrounding immigration and cultural identity continues to evolve, the spread of terms like “Pajeet” serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by immigrant communities in the U.S. and beyond.

Source: Original article

Lawmakers Push for End to H-1B Visas Amid Concerns

November 17, 2025 Staff ReporterImmigration, Law/Legal 0

A growing number of lawmakers are advocating for the termination of the H-1B visa program, citing concerns over its impact on American workers and the job market.

The backlash against the H-1B visa program is gaining momentum, particularly among Republican lawmakers. Recent political statements, stricter enforcement measures, and rising online hostility are reshaping the environment for H-1B visa holders.

On Thursday, Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, a Republican from Georgia, introduced a bill aimed at abolishing the H-1B program. In her social media announcement, she stated, “I am introducing a bill to end the mass replacement of American workers by aggressively phasing out the H-1B program. Big Tech, AI giants, hospitals, and industries across the board have abused the H-1B system to cut out our own people.”

Greene emphasized her commitment to prioritizing American workers, asserting, “My bill eliminates the corrupt H-1B program and puts Americans First again in tech, healthcare, engineering, manufacturing, and every industry that keeps this country running! If we want the next generation to have the American Dream, we must stop replacing them and start investing in them.”

Adding to the chorus of criticism, Oklahoma State Senator Dusty Deevers, who has been in office since 2023, took to X (formerly Twitter) to express his opposition. In a video, he declared, “Oklahomans, it’s time to end the H-1B visa scam. Companies exploit it to skip American workers for cheap, captive foreign labor. Congress must abolish it, but Oklahoma can lead like Florida: Ban H-1B for state jobs.”

The post garnered a wide range of reactions online. While some supporters of the H-1B program acknowledged the need for reform, they cautioned that outright abolition could have detrimental effects on the U.S. economy. One user responded to Deevers’ video, stating, “H-1B visas need reforms — that’s 100% true. But if you abolish them, most companies will offshore tech jobs overseas. America will lose by abolishing H-1B visas, not because it lacks an understanding of what needs to be reformed to address some core issues.”

On the same day, Representative Andy Ogles, who represents Tennessee’s 5th Congressional District, also voiced his opposition to the H-1B program, stating, “No more H-1Bs is a no-brainer. Let’s get it done.”

As political rhetoric continues to shift public perception of H-1B visa holders, new policies and agency actions are tightening regulations around the program in unprecedented ways. Immigration attorney Poonam Gupta of Summit Legal PLLC noted, “The H-1B crackdown is quietly shifting the U.S. job market. A new policy push by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), dubbed Project Firewall, is marking a turning point in how high-skill employment visa programs are enforced. For employers and visa candidates alike, the ripple effects are already showing.”

Gupta explained that Project Firewall empowers the DOL to initiate investigations into the H-1B visa program without requiring a worker complaint. “Penalties for violations can include up to $51,500 per violation, multi-year bans on sponsoring H-1Bs, and recovery of back wages. Firms that rely heavily on foreign-skill hiring, especially in IT outsourcing and staffing models, are under the most scrutiny,” she added.

Last week, Representative Chip Roy, a Republican from Texas, announced plans to introduce legislation known as the Pause Act, which would freeze all immigration, including the H-1B program. “I’ve got a bill that I’m going to be introducing that is a freeze on all immigration,” he said. “Freeze it until we achieve certain objectives — reforming chain migration, ending H-1B visas, getting birthright citizenship dealt with, and vetting people for their adherence to Sharia law.”

In a related development, the Young Republicans of Texas, an official youth auxiliary of the Texas GOP, issued a statement declaring that they would not endorse any candidate seeking national office unless that candidate supported ending the H-1B visa program.

While the rhetoric against the H-1B program intensifies, President Trump’s recent comments have raised eyebrows among some far-right supporters. In an interview with Fox News anchor Laura Ingraham, Trump suggested that the United States lacks enough domestic talent to fill certain specialized jobs, a stance that contradicts the calls from some in his base to abolish the visa program entirely.

The ongoing debate surrounding the H-1B visa program highlights a significant shift in political attitudes and policies, with potential implications for the future of high-skill employment in the United States.

Source: Original article

Indian Americans on H-1B Visas Face Changing Public Perceptions

November 16, 2025 Staff ReporterConflict, Immigration 0

Amid rising anti-immigrant sentiment, Indian Americans and H-1B visa holders are facing shifting public perceptions in the United States, particularly in the wake of Donald Trump’s presidency.

A recent encounter in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, highlights the growing tensions faced by Indian professionals in the United States. An Indian IT worker on an H-1B visa was confronted by a man who blocked his path and demanded to know, “What are you doing, and where are you from?” The worker, who is employed by an Indian American-owned IT firm, initially resisted the inquiry, stating, “It’s none of your business who I am or where I’m from.” However, the man insisted, “It is my business. I want to know who is here in my country and what they are doing.” This unsettling confrontation left the IT professional shaken, prompting him to express a desire to return to India later that evening.

This incident is not an isolated case; it reflects a broader trend of increasing hostility toward Indian Americans and those on H-1B visas. Since Donald Trump resumed his presidency in January, public sentiment has shifted dramatically, particularly among right-wing groups. Following Trump’s announcement of a $100,000 fee on new H-1B petitions in September, claims that Indians are “job stealers” have proliferated on social media, alongside calls to abolish the visa program altogether.

The political landscape has also changed, with figures such as Florida Governor Ron DeSantis taking a stand against H-1B visas. DeSantis recently declared that public universities in Florida would cease to utilize H-1B visas, asserting that they are hiring foreign workers instead of qualified Americans. This move is expected to have a significant impact on the more than 400 foreign workers employed at Florida’s state universities, further fueling anti-immigrant rhetoric across the nation.

According to fwd.us, an advocacy group that supports the H-1B program, there are approximately 730,000 H-1B visa holders in the United States, along with around 550,000 dependents, totaling nearly 1.3 million individuals. Notably, over 70 percent of H-1B recipients are Indian nationals. The majority of these visas—65 percent in 2023—were issued for computer-related occupations, with nearly half of all H-1B-sponsoring employers falling within the professional, scientific, and technical services sector, according to data from USCIS.

The H-1B visa program, which has long faced criticism, has become a political flashpoint. The current climate is marked by a notable shift, as some of Trump’s closest advisors, including White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, have emerged as vocal opponents of the program. Their views are echoed by a growing chorus of right-wing voices on social media, creating a ripple effect that is reshaping the fabric of American society.

Amar Gupta, a long-time resident of New Jersey, observes the changes in public perception of Indian culture. He notes that this year’s Diwali celebrations were marred by multiple incidents of white neighbors calling the police on Indian families celebrating with fireworks. What was once an enjoyable festival for many has now become a source of contention.

Heightened scrutiny has also been directed at Indian Americans in professional and social settings. Many individuals within the community report feeling increased racism, exacerbated by the ongoing reinforcement of immigration controls and stricter visa regulations. The rise of Trump’s “Make America Great Again” movement has left many immigrant groups, including Indian Americans, grappling with a rapidly changing public image.

Today, six Indian Americans serve in the U.S. Congress, a significant increase from a generation ago when there were none. Prominent companies such as Google, Microsoft, and IBM are led by Indian American CEOs. However, this visibility may also render the community a target for immigration hardliners, as economic anxiety and political polarization grow.

Sanjeev Joshipura, executive director of Indiaspora, a leading Indian American organization, notes that the rise in anti-immigrant sentiment has been brewing for some time. He attributes this to the widening gap between affluent individuals and those who are less well-off, which has been exacerbated by recent political developments.

Joshipura emphasizes that issues such as tariffs, visas, and immigration policies, along with inflammatory rhetoric from influential figures, have contributed to the anti-India sentiment observed online and in real life. This sentiment is increasingly reflected in how Indian cultural celebrations, like Diwali, are perceived in the U.S.

Some community members argue that an overemphasis on cultural identity may also be contributing to the backlash. Instances of Indian nationals or Indian Americans involved in high-profile legal cases have drawn public attention, further complicating perceptions of the community. For example, a recent case involving an Indian national accused of orchestrating a visa fraud scheme prompted a stern warning from USCIS about immigration fraud.

In another notable incident, BlackRock was reportedly defrauded of over $500 million by an Indian-origin executive. Such cases have emerged alongside international policy shifts, including Canada’s recent tightening of controls on Indian students, aimed at curbing temporary migration and addressing student visa-related fraud.

In light of these developments, some community voices are calling for introspection. Dan Mayur, a researcher based in Sugar Land, Texas, reflects on the evolving perception of Indian identity in the U.S. He acknowledges that while most Indians are hardworking and honest, a small number of individuals engaging in fraudulent activities can tarnish the community’s reputation.

Rajat Gupta, who runs the Instagram account ouramericandream.vlogs, highlights instances of Indians clashing with civic norms, such as shoplifting and public disturbances. He believes that acknowledging these issues is crucial for the community to address and resolve them.

Mayur concurs, suggesting that while pride in cultural heritage is important, it should not come at the expense of public convenience. He notes that the differing cultural expectations between Indian and American societies can lead to misunderstandings, particularly regarding large gatherings and celebrations.

Joshipura advocates for active participation in civic and philanthropic sectors as a means for the Indian community to combat negative perceptions. He emphasizes the importance of demonstrating that Indian Americans are a valuable asset to the nation.

As the landscape of public perception continues to evolve, the Indian American community finds itself at a crossroads, navigating the complexities of identity, success, and the challenges posed by a shifting political climate.

Source: Original article

Immigration Agencies Expand Workforce Amid Government Downsizing

November 16, 2025 Staff ReporterImmigration, Politics, USA 0

The Trump administration has hired approximately 50,000 federal employees, primarily in immigration and national security, while planning to cut 300,000 positions across other government sectors.

The Trump administration has made significant changes to the federal workforce, adding roughly 50,000 employees since Inauguration Day. This hiring surge, primarily focused on national security roles, reflects the administration’s current priorities, particularly in immigration enforcement.

According to the government’s top personnel official, most of the new hires have been directed towards Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This rapid expansion of ICE has emerged as a clear indicator of the administration’s enforcement-driven approach to immigration policy.

This hiring initiative occurs alongside a broader strategy to reshape the federal workforce, even as the administration implements cuts in other departments. “It’s about reshaping the workforce to focus on the priorities that we think are most important,” the official stated.

Despite a hiring freeze and job cuts affecting various sectors of the federal bureaucracy, including the Internal Revenue Service and the Department of Health and Human Services, the administration continues to bolster positions in immigration enforcement.

In August, the administration indicated plans to trim approximately 300,000 federal positions by the end of the year. This downsizing initiative has been spearheaded by billionaire Elon Musk, who was appointed by President Trump to lead efforts aimed at reforming the 2.4-million-person civilian workforce.

Musk has argued that federal agencies have become bloated and inefficient, necessitating a dramatic overhaul to enhance functionality. This restructuring has led to cuts across agencies responsible for civil rights enforcement, tax collection, and federal clean-energy initiatives, as resources are redirected towards the administration’s priorities.

As these cuts have intensified, around 154,000 federal workers have opted for buyouts offered by the administration. Departures have occurred across various agencies, impacting areas such as weather forecasting, food safety, public health programs, and space operations, according to former officials and union representatives.

The combination of targeted hiring in security agencies and substantial cuts in civilian departments has set the stage for a significant transformation of the federal workforce. While the administration argues that reallocating personnel towards border enforcement and defense will enhance national strength, the extensive reductions in public services have raised concerns among former officials and labor groups about potential disruptions.

With tens of thousands of employees taking buyouts and many more expected to leave by the year’s end, the government is undergoing an unusually rapid overhaul. Supporters of the changes view them as long-overdue reforms, while critics warn that they could undermine essential operations.

Ultimately, the ability of federal agencies to adapt to these swift changes, along with the realization of the promised efficiencies, will be crucial in determining how effectively the government can address the needs of the country in the coming years.

Source: Original article

Michelle Obama Suggests America Is Not Ready for Woman President

November 16, 2025 Staff ReporterElection, Politics, Women 0

Former First Lady Michelle Obama expressed her belief that America is not ready to elect a woman president, citing the recent election as evidence.

Former First Lady Michelle Obama has stated that Americans are “not ready” to elect a woman to the presidency. She pointed to the recent presidential election, where former Vice President Kamala Harris lost to President Donald Trump, as a clear indication of this sentiment.

Obama made her remarks during an event at the Brooklyn Academy of Music while promoting her new book, “The Look.” Speaking to a crowd of women, she reflected on the challenges women face in politics. “As we saw in this past election, sadly, we ain’t ready,” she said on Friday.

She further emphasized her point, saying, “That’s why I’m like, don’t even look at me about running, because you all are lying. You’re not ready for a woman. You are not.” This candid statement underscores her belief that societal attitudes towards female leadership remain a significant barrier.

Obama elaborated on her perspective, suggesting that many men in America are uncomfortable with the idea of being led by a woman. “You know, we’ve got a lot of growing up to do, and there’s still, sadly, a lot of men who do not feel like they can be led by a woman, and we saw it,” she noted.

In her recently released book, which came out on November 4, Obama discusses her experiences with fashion, beauty, and her time in the White House as the first Black woman to serve as First Lady. She highlights the scrutiny women in politics often face regarding their physical appearance rather than their leadership abilities.

Reflecting on her time in the White House, Obama wrote, “During our family’s time in the White House, the way I looked was constantly being dissected — what I wore, how my hair was styled.” She expressed a desire to reclaim her narrative and share her story on her own terms.

In a post on Facebook promoting her book ahead of its release, she stated, “I’m thankful to be at a stage in life where I feel comfortable expressing myself freely — wearing what I love and doing what feels true to me.” She emphasized that “The Look” is about more than just fashion; it encompasses themes of confidence, identity, and the power of authenticity.

Obama concluded her message with the hope that her book would inspire conversations about self-perception and societal definitions of beauty. “My hope is that this book sparks conversation and reflection about the ways we see ourselves — and the way our society defines beauty,” she added.

As discussions around gender and leadership continue to evolve, Obama’s insights resonate with many who advocate for greater representation of women in positions of power.

Source: Original article

Kristi Noem Reports Faster Green Card and Visa Processing Under Trump

November 16, 2025 Staff ReporterElection, Immigration, Visa 0

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced that the Trump administration is making progress in expediting green card and visa processing, despite a significant backlog of applications.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem recently stated that the Trump administration has made significant strides in accelerating the processing of green card and visa applications. Speaking in November, Noem emphasized that the number of individuals becoming U.S. citizens has reached unprecedented levels during this administration, reflecting both faster processing times and an increase in naturalizations.

However, these optimistic remarks come amid a challenging backdrop. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is currently grappling with an unprecedented backlog, with over 11 million pending applications. This surge in demand encompasses various immigration categories, including green cards, work permits, and popular admissions like the H-1B visa. As a result, processing times for many applications remain lengthy, leading to frustration among applicants awaiting decisions.

Noem underscored the administration’s commitment to enhancing the integrity of the visa and green card systems. She highlighted improvements in vetting procedures, aimed at ensuring that only qualified individuals seeking legitimate entry into the United States are approved. Furthermore, she noted a strong commitment to balancing enforcement with the facilitation of legal immigration.

Despite these efforts, experts point out that while premium processing fees can offer a slight reduction in wait times for some applicants, the average processing time for employment-based green cards still extends to several years. This reality raises concerns among stakeholders who argue that reforming and streamlining immigration procedures is essential for maintaining the United States’ competitiveness in attracting global talent.

The administration’s broader immigration agenda continues to focus on security, efficiency, and legal compliance as it navigates these challenges. As the landscape of immigration evolves, the emphasis remains on improving processes while ensuring that the integrity of the system is upheld.

Source: Original article

Russian Robot Experiences Humiliating Fall During Debut Performance

November 15, 2025 Staff ReporterScience, Technology 0

Russia’s first humanoid robot faced a dramatic mishap during its debut, while George Clooney expresses concerns over AI’s implications and OpenAI clashes with The New York Times over privacy issues.

In a striking display of technological ambition, Russia unveiled its first humanoid robot on Wednesday. However, the event took an unexpected turn when the robot faceplanted shortly after stepping onto the stage in Moscow, cutting the demonstration short.

Meanwhile, actor George Clooney has voiced his apprehension regarding the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence. In a recent interview with Variety’s Marc Malkin, the star of “Ocean’s Eleven” shared that the Hollywood community is increasingly alarmed by the realism of AI-generated content, particularly with the latest advancements in audio and video generation technologies.

In a separate development, OpenAI has issued a strong statement accusing The New York Times of attempting to invade user privacy amid the newspaper’s ongoing lawsuit against the tech giant. This legal battle has raised significant concerns about the balance between innovation and privacy rights in the digital age.

In the realm of AI development, Dr. Lisa Su, chair and CEO of Advanced Micro Devices, recently appeared on “The Claman Countdown.” During her segment, she expressed gratitude to the Trump administration for its support of artificial intelligence initiatives and emphasized the necessity of maintaining American leadership in the global AI landscape.

As children increasingly spend more time online, experts warn that this early exposure to the internet presents new dangers. AI has amplified online scams, creating personalized and convincing traps that can ensnare even adults. A recent poll by Bitwarden, conducted for “Cybersecurity Awareness Month 2025,” indicates that while parents are aware of these risks, many have yet to engage in serious discussions with their children about online safety.

In a related initiative, OpenAI announced a new program aimed at assisting service members and veterans in transitioning to civilian life. This initiative seeks to facilitate the use of AI tools for veterans as they navigate their new roles in the workforce.

Elon Musk is also making headlines with his investment in a digital renaissance of archaeology, focusing on reimagining life in ancient Rome. This ambitious project has the potential to reshape historical narratives and enhance our understanding of the past.

Amid these developments, a report from a conservative think tank has described artificial intelligence as the new “cold war” between the United States and China, highlighting the geopolitical implications of AI technology.

As the landscape of artificial intelligence continues to evolve, it brings both opportunities and challenges. The discussions surrounding privacy, safety, and the ethical implications of AI are becoming increasingly pertinent as society navigates this complex technological frontier.

Source: Original article

BBC Issues Apology to Donald Trump for Panorama Editing Error

November 15, 2025 Staff ReporterElection, Politics, USA 0

The BBC has issued an apology to Donald Trump for misleading edits in a Panorama episode, which suggested he incited violence during his January 6, 2021, speech, but rejected his demand for damages.

The BBC has formally apologized to former U.S. President Donald Trump regarding the editing of his speech from January 6, 2021, in a 2024 episode of Panorama. The edits unintentionally created the misleading impression that Trump directly incited violence during the Capitol riots. Despite this apology, the BBC has declined Trump’s request for $1 billion in damages, citing a lack of legal grounds for a defamation claim.

Following an internal review, the BBC acknowledged that the edited segment made it appear as though Trump’s remarks were a continuous excerpt, rather than a compilation of different parts of his speech. This misrepresentation led viewers to believe he was calling for violent action. In light of this, the broadcaster confirmed it would not rebroadcast the controversial program.

The situation escalated when it was discovered that a previous broadcast of Newsnight in 2022 had similarly edited the same speech in a misleading manner, prompting further criticism of the BBC’s editorial standards. This series of events ultimately resulted in the resignation of BBC Director General Tim Davie and Head of News Deborah Turness.

In response to demands from Trump’s legal team, the BBC’s lawyers outlined five key defenses in a letter. They argued that the program was broadcast only in the U.K. and did not reach U.S. audiences, that the clip did not harm Trump’s reputation as he was re-elected shortly after the events, and that the editing was intended to condense a lengthy speech without malice. Additionally, they noted that the contested clip represented only a small portion of an hour-long program that included multiple viewpoints, some of which were favorable to Trump. The lawyers also pointed out that political commentary is afforded strong protection under U.S. defamation laws.

BBC Chair Samir Shah personally apologized to the White House, expressing regret over the editing error while maintaining that no defamation had occurred. A spokesperson for the BBC emphasized the organization’s commitment to high editorial standards and indicated that the matter remains under review.

In an interview with Fox News, Trump characterized the edit as a “butchering” of his remarks and accused the BBC of misleading the public. His legal team has set a deadline for the BBC to retract the documentary, issue a full apology, and provide compensation. However, as of now, no formal lawsuit has been filed.

This incident has also sparked discussions about BBC board appointments and the corporation’s editorial independence. Critics have raised concerns regarding potential political influences on the BBC. Ed Davey, leader of the Liberal Democrats, has called for government intervention to safeguard the BBC’s impartiality amid the legal threats it faces.

The BBC’s misstep regarding the January 6 speech highlights the delicate balance that media organizations must maintain between editorial judgment and accuracy, particularly when covering politically charged events. While the BBC has apologized for the error and has ceased airing the program, the ongoing dispute underscores persistent challenges related to public trust and media accountability.

Source: Original article

Trump Withdraws Endorsement of Marjorie Taylor Greene, Criticizes Her Behavior

November 15, 2025 Staff ReporterElection, Politics, USA 0

Former President Donald Trump has withdrawn his endorsement of Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, labeling her a “ranting lunatic” and suggesting support for a primary challenger ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.

Former President Donald Trump announced on Friday night via Truth Social that he is rescinding his support for Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, referring to her as a “ranting lunatic” and “Wacky Marjorie.” This marks a significant shift in their relationship, as Greene has been one of Trump’s staunchest allies since she entered Congress in 2021.

In his lengthy post, Trump accused the Georgia Republican of focusing on complaints rather than celebrating what he characterized as his administration’s “record achievements.” He claimed that Greene had expressed frustration over his lack of communication, stating, “She has told many people that she is upset that I don’t return her phone calls anymore.”

Trump’s comments come in the context of the upcoming 2026 midterm elections, where he vowed to provide “Complete and Unyielding Support” to any conservative primary challenger who may emerge against Greene. He suggested that Greene had shifted “Far Left,” citing her recent appearance on the daytime talk show, *The View*.

In his post, Trump reflected on a poll he had sent to Greene, indicating that her chances of winning a Senate or gubernatorial race were slim without his endorsement. “It seemed to all begin when I sent her a Poll stating that she should not run for Senator, or Governor, she was at 12%, and didn’t have a chance (unless, of course, she had my Endorsement — which she wasn’t about to get!),” he wrote.

Greene quickly responded to Trump’s remarks on social media, asserting that he had attacked her and lied about their interactions. “I haven’t called him at all, but I did send these text messages today,” she stated on X, sharing screenshots of her messages. She suggested that her recent communications regarding the Epstein files may have triggered Trump’s outburst, claiming, “It’s astonishing really how hard he’s fighting to stop the Epstein files from coming out that he actually goes to this level.”

In her response, Greene appeared to distance herself from Trump, emphasizing her commitment to her constituents and her faith. “I have supported President Trump with too much of my precious time, too much of my own money, and fought harder for him even when almost all other Republicans turned their back and denounced him,” she wrote. “But I don’t worship or serve Donald Trump. I worship God, Jesus is my savior, and I serve my district GA14 and the American people.”

Trump concluded his post by touting his administration’s accomplishments since the beginning of his second term in January, asserting that he had transformed the nation from a “DEAD Country” to the “HOTTEST” in the world within a year. He criticized Greene for her perceived negativity, stating, “all I see ‘Wacky’ Marjorie do is COMPLAIN, COMPLAIN, COMPLAIN!”

This development could pave the way for potential challengers within Georgia’s Republican Party to consider running against Greene in her solidly Republican district. The White House did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding this situation.

Source: Original article

US Transportation Department Proposes Limiting Flight Reductions to 6%

November 15, 2025 Staff ReporterNation, Politics, USA 0

The U.S. Transportation Department has implemented a freeze on flight reductions at 6% to stabilize air travel operations following disruptions caused by the recent government shutdown.

In the wake of the recent U.S. government shutdown, the Department of Transportation is taking steps to mitigate the impact on air travel. On Wednesday, the department announced a freeze on flight reductions at 6%, a measure that was put into effect earlier this week. This decision comes after significant cuts to flight schedules during the shutdown resulted in thousands of delays and cancellations.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Administrator Bryan Bedford issued a joint statement prior to President Donald Trump signing a funding bill to reopen the government. They indicated that the freeze would remain in place while the FAA assesses the situation to determine if the air travel system can gradually return to normal operations.

Airlines have expressed support for the decision, although they caution that some delays and disruptions may still occur as operations normalize. The freeze is intended as a temporary measure while the FAA continues to monitor staffing levels and overall system performance. By limiting flight reductions to 6%, the Transportation Department aims to balance the needs of passengers, airline logistics, and safety requirements, facilitating a smoother recovery for domestic air travel.

“If the FAA safety team determines the trend lines are moving in the right direction, we’ll put forward a path to resume normal operations,” Duffy stated.

The 6% reduction in flights at 40 of the nation’s busiest airports was initially implemented on Tuesday, following an emergency order issued by the Transportation Department last week. Staffing shortages among air traffic controllers had been a significant factor contributing to widespread delays and cancellations. However, improved attendance and stabilization of the system have enabled the FAA to maintain flight reductions at a manageable level.

The cuts were originally aimed at alleviating pressure on the aviation system, starting with a 4% reduction on November 7. The plan had called for increases to 8% on Thursday and 10% on Friday, but the freeze at 6% now reflects the need for a careful balance between operational efficiency and safety oversight.

By holding reductions at this level, the FAA can ensure that flights are adequately staffed with trained controllers, thereby minimizing the risk of accidents or procedural errors. Simultaneously, airlines can provide a more predictable schedule for passengers, which is crucial for restoring confidence in air travel following the disruptions caused by the shutdown.

Senate Republican leaders have announced plans to hold a hearing to examine the impact of the shutdown on aviation safety, travel, and the economy. “As we work to reopen the government, it’s critical that we address the damage done and look at the long-term effects of the shutdown,” said Sen. Jerry Moran (R-Kansas), chair of the aviation, space, and innovation subcommittee. He expressed eagerness to discuss with industry stakeholders how Congress can alleviate the strain on air traffic controllers and TSA agents while ensuring safety for passengers and sustainable operations for airlines and general aviation.

These discussions highlight the broader need for sustainable staffing policies and contingency planning in critical infrastructure sectors. The freeze on flight reductions, combined with ongoing oversight efforts, represents a coordinated approach to both immediate recovery and long-term resilience in the U.S. aviation system.

Source: Original article

US Eases Tariff Restrictions for Select Countries, Impacting Trade Relations

November 15, 2025 Staff ReporterBusiness, Economy 0

The U.S. is set to ease tariffs on select imports from Latin American countries, aiming to lower consumer prices and enhance regional trade partnerships.

The United States has announced plans to ease tariff restrictions on certain imports from Latin America, specifically targeting Argentina, Ecuador, Guatemala, and El Salvador. This decision, revealed on Thursday, is part of a broader strategy to lower consumer prices and strengthen trade relationships in the region.

Under the new framework agreements, the U.S. will eliminate or reduce tariffs on specific qualifying exports from these four countries. The focus is primarily on goods that the U.S. cannot produce in sufficient quantities. Notably, Ecuadorian products such as bananas, coffee, and cocoa are expected to benefit immediately from these changes.

In addition to Ecuador, Argentina, Guatemala, and El Salvador are anticipated to gain expanded access for their agricultural and food products. However, the complete list of products affected by these tariff reductions has not yet been made public. It is important to note that these reductions apply only to select categories; baseline tariffs of 10% for Argentina, Guatemala, and El Salvador, and 15% for Ecuador will remain in place for most goods.

In exchange for these tariff reductions, the partner countries have agreed to lower regulatory barriers for U.S. exports. This includes expediting product approvals and eliminating restrictions such as digital service taxes and import licensing rules. For instance, Argentina has committed to improving market access for U.S. medicines, chemicals, machinery, and agricultural products. These provisions aim to create a more predictable and transparent regulatory environment that is favorable to U.S. interests.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent indicated on Wednesday that substantial announcements would be forthcoming, which are expected to lead to lower prices on essential items like coffee, bananas, and other fruits. This initiative is part of the Trump administration’s broader effort to reduce the cost of living for American consumers.

The timing of these agreements comes amid rising consumer prices in the U.S., particularly for imported food staples. By reducing costs on high-demand items, the administration seeks to alleviate inflationary pressures while simultaneously integrating regional supply chains and strengthening political alliances. This strategic move is also seen as a counterbalance to global competitors.

As these are framework agreements, final details, including comprehensive product lists and implementation timelines, are still pending. The overall impact of these agreements will largely depend on how effectively they are executed and the extent of the finalized tariff exemptions.

In related discussions, Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Brazil’s Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira this week to explore a framework for a U.S.-Brazil trade relationship. This meeting suggests that the U.S. may be laying the groundwork for a more extensive regional trade strategy aimed at enhancing economic integration and bolstering U.S. influence in Latin America.

While the tariff relief is currently limited to specific categories, the agreements signal a stronger push for regulatory alignment and deeper cooperation among the nations involved. By balancing the reduction of costs on key imported goods with expanded U.S. access to regional markets, the agreements aim to address domestic economic pressures while advancing broader geopolitical interests.

As the U.S. moves forward with these initiatives, the focus remains on creating a stable and cooperative trade environment that benefits both American consumers and its Latin American partners.

Source: Original article

Trump Proposes $2,000 Tariff Dividends for American Families

November 14, 2025 Staff ReporterBusiness, Politics 0

President Trump is committed to distributing $2,000 dividend checks to Americans funded by tariff revenue, although the proposal faces significant legislative and economic hurdles.

President Donald Trump has expressed a strong commitment to distributing $2,000 dividend checks to every American, a plan he intends to fund through tariff revenue. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed this initiative during a press briefing on Wednesday.

Leavitt stated, “The president made it clear he wants to make it happen. So his team of economic advisers are looking into it.” This announcement has sparked discussions about the potential implications and logistics of such a proposal.

During an appearance on ABC News’ “This Week,” Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent noted that the tariff dividend could take various forms. He emphasized that he had not yet discussed the specifics of the proposal with Trump. Bessent mentioned that the dividend could align with the tax reductions included in the president’s agenda, which aim to eliminate taxes on tips, overtime, and Social Security, as well as provide deductions for auto loans.

Trump initially shared his proposal via social media on Sunday morning, highlighting the benefits of tariffs. He stated, “People that are against Tariffs are FOOLS! We are now the Richest, Most Respected Country In the World, With Almost No Inflation, and A Record Stock Market Price. 401k’s are Highest EVER.” He further asserted that a dividend of at least $2,000 would be paid to every individual, excluding high-income earners.

If the dividend were to be made available to individuals earning $100,000 or less, it could potentially reach around 150 million Americans, resulting in an estimated total cost of $300 billion in dividends, according to Erica York, a policy expert at the Tax Foundation.

As of now, no legislation has been enacted to authorize this program, and specific eligibility criteria, such as income thresholds or dependent status, have yet to be defined. Experts have raised concerns regarding the sustainability of funding such payments solely through tariff revenue, as tariffs represent only a minor portion of federal income and are subject to fluctuations based on trade activities.

The proposal reflects a policy approach that seeks to utilize revenue generated from trade for direct benefits to citizens. However, significant uncertainties remain regarding its implementation. Factors such as budgetary constraints, legislative approval, and economic conditions could all influence the feasibility of the plan.

As it stands, the tariff dividend should be viewed as a proposed policy rather than a definitive program. It underscores the ongoing interest in direct financial measures as a means of economic stimulus, while also highlighting the challenges associated with ensuring such measures are fiscally sustainable, legally authorized, and administratively practical within the framework of U.S. governance.

Source: Original article

Trump’s H-1B Visa Comments Divide Conservatives and MAGA Supporters

November 14, 2025 Staff ReporterConflict, Immigration, Politics 0

Donald Trump’s recent comments on the H-1B visa program have sparked intense debate among conservatives and MAGA supporters, highlighting divisions over immigration and labor policies.

President Donald Trump’s recent remarks regarding the H-1B visa program have reignited discussions across social media platforms. Many users are expressing the belief that the United States possesses sufficient talent to rely on its own workforce, rather than depending on foreign professionals. This debate raises questions about whether easing visa restrictions aligns with Trump’s long-standing “America First” philosophy.

One user on X stated, “America landed on the moon 20 years before the H-1B program even existed. Don’t give me this nonsense about America not having enough ‘talent.’ Abolish the H-1B program and invest in American youth, not foreigners.” This sentiment was echoed by another user who shared data emphasizing the contributions of foreign talent to American achievements, stating, “You mean the Moon landing was designed by a German, guided by Australians & Spaniards, & coded by Indians & immigrant engineers? America’s been powered by foreign talent long before H-1Bs existed.”

The user went on to list notable figures who contributed to the Apollo program, including Joe Mehta, an Indian engineer who worked on SIMCOM code, and Wernher von Braun, a German engineer who played a key role in developing the Saturn V rocket. This exchange quickly garnered thousands of reactions, revealing a significant divide over the United States’ reliance on global talent.

While some users argued for a focus on nurturing domestic skilled professionals, others pointed out that many of the country’s landmark achievements, from space exploration to the tech boom in Silicon Valley, have been built through international collaboration. The debate highlights how Trump’s comments have reignited broader questions about the balance between protecting domestic jobs and maintaining America’s status as a destination for global expertise.

In the midst of this debate, conservative commentator Ben Shapiro defended the H-1B visa program, arguing that it is essential for maintaining America’s technological edge. In a post on X, he pointed to gaps in U.S. education, particularly in STEM fields, and cited figures like Elon Musk, Sundar Pichai, and Satya Nadella as examples of how immigrant talent drives innovation and keeps high-tech jobs within the country.

Shapiro’s remarks, however, drew sharp backlash from the MAGA wing of the conservative movement, which accused him of prioritizing corporate interests over American workers. Supporters of the H-1B program contended that such initiatives are crucial for economic growth and global competitiveness. This division reflects a growing rift within conservative circles as Trump signals potential reforms to skilled immigration.

One user countered Shapiro’s defense, questioning the high-skilled nature of immigration by asking, “If the immigration is so high-skilled, why are their nations of origin (India and China) not desperate to retain it? Wouldn’t they surpass America as the global superpower if they were such a reservoir of entrepreneurship and expertise?”

Another user, Daniel Di Martino, shared data indicating that Indians in the U.S. have one of the lowest crime rates of any demographic group, far below that of non-Hispanic whites. This statistic was part of a broader discussion about the contributions of immigrants to American society.

Reflecting on the backlash against Shapiro, one user remarked, “All the H-1B Visa program does is circumvent the desperate need for educational reform in America.” Some users defended the program, arguing that Shapiro’s points about H-1B visas are valid, but suggested that many people simply do not understand the complexities involved.

The ongoing back-and-forth has laid bare a growing divide within conservative ranks regarding the future of America’s immigration and labor policies. On one side are those who view the H-1B program as detrimental to U.S. workers by suppressing wages and outsourcing opportunities. On the other side are conservatives who argue that restricting skilled immigration could stifle innovation, drive companies overseas, and weaken America’s leadership in technology.

This widening rift reflects a deeper ideological struggle between economic nationalism and global competitiveness, an issue that is likely to intensify as Trump’s stance on H-1B visas continues to evolve.

Source: Original article

Transgender Air Force Members File Lawsuit Over Lost Retirement Benefits

November 14, 2025 Staff ReporterPolitics, USA 0

Seventeen transgender Air Force members have filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration after losing promised retirement benefits due to a ban on their military service.

Seventeen transgender Air Force members have initiated legal action against the federal government, claiming they were unjustly deprived of up to $2 million in retirement benefits following their discharge under the Trump administration’s transgender ban.

The plaintiffs, who served in the Air Force for periods ranging from 15 to 18 years, are seeking the retirement benefits that were previously guaranteed to them. The lawsuit was filed on Monday, following an announcement from the Air Force in August that transgender service members with 15 to 18 years of service would no longer be eligible for early retirement and associated benefits. This decision marked a significant reversal from earlier policies.

According to GLAD Law, one of the advocacy organizations involved in the lawsuit, the affected service members now face a substantial financial loss, which includes not only the potential loss of retirement benefits but also the elimination of health insurance coverage. The total financial impact could reach up to $2 million over the course of their lifetimes.

Michael Haley, a staff attorney with GLAD Law, described the revocation of early retirement benefits as indicative of “the general cruelty in attacking transgender people.” He noted that several plaintiffs had already received orders permitting their retirements, and some had begun the process of transitioning to civilian life.

Logan Ireland, a master sergeant in the Air Force with 15 years of service, including a deployment to Afghanistan, expressed his dismay at the situation. After his early retirement request was denied, he stated, “The military taught me to lead and fight, not retreat.” He emphasized that the removal of his retirement benefits sends a troubling message, suggesting that the values instilled in service members apply only in combat situations and not when they are in need of support.

This lawsuit is the latest in a series of legal challenges against policies implemented by the Trump administration that aim to exclude transgender individuals from military service. In May, the U.S. Supreme Court allowed the enforcement of the transgender ban to proceed while legal challenges continue to unfold.

President Donald Trump and Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth have targeted transgender service members as part of broader efforts to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives within the military. In addition to revoking retirement benefits, the Air Force announced in August that transgender members would no longer have the opportunity to present their cases before a board of peers regarding their right to continue serving. The Pentagon has also indicated that a similar policy will be applied across the military.

The implications of these policies extend beyond financial losses, affecting the lives and careers of those who have dedicated years of service to their country. As the legal battles continue, the future of transgender individuals in the military remains uncertain.

Source: Original article

Trump Signs Funding Bill to End 43-Day Government Shutdown

November 14, 2025 Staff ReporterNation, Politics 0

President Trump signed a significant funding bill on November 12, 2025, concluding a historic 43-day government shutdown that affected nearly three million federal workers and disrupted essential services nationwide.

On November 12, 2025, President Donald Trump signed a landmark government funding bill, officially ending the longest government shutdown in U.S. history, which lasted for 43 days. This political standoff left nearly 900,000 federal employees furloughed and forced an additional two million workers to operate without pay. The shutdown had widespread ramifications, affecting air travel, food assistance, and social services across the country. Food banks reported longer lines, while essential programs struggled to provide vital resources as many agencies reduced operations or were completely suspended.

The shutdown stemmed from Congress’s failure to pass appropriations legislation for the 2026 fiscal year, which began on October 1, 2025. A deep partisan divide emerged as members of the Senate and House struggled to reach consensus. Central to the impasse were disputes over extending enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidies, which are crucial for lowering health care premiums for millions of Americans. Democrats refused to support any short-term spending measure unless these subsidies were protected, while Republicans maintained that health care funding should be addressed in separate policy discussions. Speaker of the House Mike Johnson accused Democrats of leveraging the American people in a high-stakes political game, further intensifying the partisan tensions surrounding the crisis.

Continuous discussions filled the halls of Congress, with lawmakers fiercely debating funding measures. The deadlock was eventually broken when eight senators crossed party lines to reach a compromise. This bipartisan agreement allowed the funding bill to pass first in the Senate and then in the House of Representatives by a narrow 222-209 vote margin. President Trump signed the bill into law in the Oval Office, marking the restoration of government operations.

The funding bill included critical provisions aimed at mitigating the damage caused by the shutdown. It rescinded the Trump administration’s decision to fire federal employees during the shutdown and guaranteed back pay as operations resumed. Additionally, protections against future layoffs were established through January, providing stability for federal workers and contractors. Key food assistance and agricultural programs received renewed funding, ensuring uninterrupted support for families reliant on these benefits until the end of the budget year.

Security measures were also addressed in the legislation, with $203.5 million allocated for lawmaker protection and an additional $28 million designated for the safety of Supreme Court justices. However, a controversial provision was added that allowed senators to pursue damages up to $500,000 if government investigators accessed electronic records without prior notification. This last-minute addition drew bipartisan criticism, including from Speaker Johnson, who expressed frustration over its inclusion.

The legislative stalemate primarily revolved around the fate of the expiring enhanced tax credits. Without congressional action, premiums for Affordable Care Act marketplace plans were projected to double, potentially leaving over two million Americans without health coverage. Republicans argued that pandemic-era enhancements should not continue, pointing to the expiration date set when the subsidies were enacted. Conversely, Democrats vowed to continue fighting for the extension, asserting that the debate was “just getting started.” While the passage of the funding bill provided immediate relief, it did not resolve the ongoing dispute over health care subsidies, with a further Senate vote promised by mid-December, though its success remained uncertain.

In the immediate aftermath of the shutdown, lawmakers expressed frustration over how the situation was handled and the hardships it inflicted on federal employees and everyday Americans. The interruption highlighted the deep ideological rifts within Washington, complicating the governing process. President Trump seized the opportunity to emphasize Republican priorities, urging voters to remember the shutdown in future elections. Meanwhile, Democratic leaders such as Hakeem Jeffries and Nancy Pelosi reaffirmed their commitment to expanding health care access, focusing on the affordability crisis that arose as premiums surged.

Despite the shutdown’s conclusion, uncertainty persists as Congress braces for future budget battles and health care negotiations. The compromise measure funds most government operations through January 30, 2026, but lasting solutions remain elusive. The events of the past 43 days serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges in balancing legislative priorities, political interests, and the well-being of millions of Americans.

Source: Original article

Trump Signs Legislation to End Historic Government Shutdown

November 13, 2025 Staff ReporterElection, Politics, USA 0

President Trump has signed legislation to end the longest government shutdown in U.S. history, providing funding through January 30 and addressing critical issues affecting federal workers and programs.

President Donald Trump has officially signed legislation that brings an end to the longest government shutdown in U.S. history, which lasted more than 40 days. The new funding measure will keep the government operational through January 30, 2025.

On Monday, Trump indicated that the government would soon reopen, as the effects of the shutdown became increasingly severe. Federal workers faced missed paychecks, and air travel was disrupted due to staffing shortages among air traffic controllers.

The legislation maintains government funding at the same levels for the fiscal year 2025, allowing additional time for lawmakers to negotiate a more comprehensive appropriations bill for fiscal year 2026. Importantly, the measure also secures funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which supports over 42 million Americans in purchasing groceries through a debit card system. This funding will continue through September.

In addition to reopening the government, the new measure reverses layoffs that the Trump administration had initiated earlier in October and ensures that employees will receive compensation for their time away from work.

The resolution comes after a prolonged stalemate between Senate Republicans and Democrats over a stopgap spending bill intended to fund the government through November 21. Following a funding lapse that began on October 1, the Senate passed the new legislation late Monday night with a 60-40 vote. Eight Democrats joined their Republican colleagues in supporting the measure.

The House of Representatives subsequently approved its version of the bill on Wednesday, facilitating the government’s reopening.

The shutdown’s fallout had reached critical levels, particularly at U.S. airports where air traffic controllers and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers were required to work without pay. Many of these workers began calling in sick or seeking additional employment, leading to further staffing shortages and flight delays.

The impasse between Republicans and Democrats stemmed from disagreements over healthcare provisions included in the funding measure. Trump and Republican leaders accused Democrats of attempting to extend healthcare benefits to illegal immigrants, citing a provision that would repeal parts of Trump’s tax and domestic policy bill, which had reduced Medicaid eligibility for non-U.S. citizens.

Democrats countered these claims, asserting that their goal was to permanently extend certain Affordable Care Act subsidies set to expire at the end of 2025. Although the stopgap spending bill signed by Trump does not extend these subsidies, Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., has agreed to hold a vote in December on legislation to continue these credits.

However, Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, R-La., has not yet committed to supporting this arrangement in the House, leaving the future of healthcare funding uncertain.

As the government reopens, the focus will shift to addressing the underlying issues that led to the shutdown and ensuring that federal workers and essential services can operate without further disruptions.

Source: Original article

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