Explore the S&P 500's market-cap vs. equal-weighted indices, mega-cap influence, and the importance of diversification for balanced portfolios and retirement savings. Financial advisor and risk management.
The Trump administration pushes deregulation via expedited reviews and waivers, sparking debate over cost-benefit analyses and potential legal challenges. Public participation concerns arise.
The government shutdown brings unique challenges for overseas government workers, including missing pay, housing allowances, and limited options for unemployment or side jobs. Financial hardships & uncertainty.
USDA contingency fund use questioned amid government shutdown, potentially delaying SNAP (Breeze) benefits for millions. States warned to halt processing. Multi-year backup funds exist but aren't being used.
The EU Ombudsman investigates the European Commission for potential secret dealings with industry lobbyists regarding business-friendly campaigns and deregulation, raising transparency concerns. Lobbying scrutiny increases.
Top Air Force legal role remains vacant after JAG's departure, raising concerns over military readiness and legal leadership stability. Key decisions impacted. Vernon replaced Plummer.
EU addresses airspace incursions, hybrid threats from Belarus (balloons, smuggling). Lithuania closes border, seeks stronger EU sanctions, NATO action against Belarusian actions & Russian war support.
Trump admin. threatened layoffs due to funding bill impasse. Shutdown impacted federal workers, SNAP, and housing programs. Political divide evident in perceived impacts across states.
Edward Forst outlines GSA priorities: real estate, procurement, local business engagement, and innovation. He addresses AI concerns and pledges efficiency improvements.
House Democrats urge energy firms to waive late fees & prevent service termination for federal workers impacted by the government shutdown. The 2019 Public Servant Fair Therapy Act guarantees backpay.
FEMA faces staffing shortages with 9.5% workforce reduction under Trump. Leadership changes and policy shifts raise concerns about disaster response effectiveness. Katrina Declaration signed by employees.
Martin Selmayr's potential return to Brussels sparks controversy. A new role in EEAS triggers power struggle fears with von der Leyen and member states amid concerns over his influence and past.
Ursula von der Leyen unveils EU's 2026 legislative program, prioritizing housing affordability. A new Construction Act and Affordable Housing Plan aim to combat rising costs and financialization, addressing a key concern fueling far-right movements.
The Interior Department faces potential layoffs impacting numerous employees across agencies like BLM, USGS, and NPS, following a court order regarding the administration's cuts. TRO limits.
FAR 22.8 is removed following Trump's anti-DEI order, eliminating affirmative action plan requirements for federal contractors. Discrimination laws like Title VII still apply. Public comment is open.
Children can remain on their parent's health insurance until 26. TCC enrollment after age 26 requires timely action and premium payments. Conversion options exist for continuous coverage.
Trump administration faces legal challenges over layoffs (RIFs) during government shutdown. Court order halts new RIFs temporarily. OMB accused of illegal routing and exploiting the closure.
Union sues Trump admin over stripping collective bargaining rights from NASA workers, alleging retaliation for opposing anti-union actions. Claims NASA not related to national security.
Court orders release of Elon Musk's security clearance info, citing his public disclosures. Ruling balances privacy, national security, and public's right to know. Impacts security clearance accountability.
Federal workers face delayed paychecks and financial uncertainty during the government shutdown. Many are working without pay, impacting personal finances and essential government services. Shutdown affects 700,000+ furloughed employees.
UK net migration surged to 431,000 in 2024. Post-Brexit immigration policies and small boat crossings impact public perception, with many favoring a pre-Brexit or Australian-style system. Current policies face strong disapproval.
FAA faces air traffic controller shortage exacerbated by shutdowns. Sickouts, training gaps, and financial stress impact air safety & cause flight delays. Command center manages capacity amid staffing issues.
IRS retracts advice on furlough back pay, aligning with Trump administration's stance. Democrats and Republicans reject the new legal argument. The 2019 Civil Servant Fair Therapy Act is at the center of the controversy.
Neo's Narva factory in Estonia is producing rare earth magnets for EVs and wind turbines, defying Russian hostility and reducing reliance on China. It boosts Europe's green transition and industrial competitiveness.
Macron faces political turmoil after Lecornu's reappointment and government's brief resignation. Socialists threaten no-confidence vote, raising risk of new elections amid rising populism. France's economy also faces scrutiny.
Democrats push for immediate pay for military and federal workers during the government shutdown, proposing actions to alleviate its effects and targeting billionaires with a new tax. The Senate continues to reject funding bills.
The Shutdown Advice Act seeks to protect individuals/businesses during government shutdowns. It advises financial institutions to offer loan modifications & credit, preventing negative reporting to credit agencies. Congressman Suhas Subramanyam is sponsoring.
US Government shutdown impacts farmers due to tariffs, jeopardizes law enforcement, and threatens nuclear security funding. Officials seek to minimize the impact on Americans.
Senate to vote on House-backed bill to avert government shutdown. Agencies navigate funding gap with carryover funds, facing potential furloughs and service disruptions. Employee uncertainty rises.
Proposed removal of Senate confirmation for CIA & ODNI counsels sparks debate. Critics warn of compromised transparency & oversight in the intelligence community. Civil rights groups voice concerns.
DHS Intelligence and Analysis (I&A) renews efforts to reduce workforce via deferred resignation program (DRP). Aiming for 500 employees after earlier cuts faced pushback. Restructuring underway.
Bisignano's dual role at IRS & SSA raises privacy fears amid data consolidation efforts by the Trump administration. Concerns over data access and potential conflicts of interest arise.
Bill allows essential federal workers to seek unemployment benefits during shutdowns, repayable upon receiving back pay. VA OIG report reveals disability claim errors, costing millions. Controversy over claim processing speed.
Federal workers protest Trump's budget proposal and potential government shutdown, fearing job losses and agency overhauls. They urge Congress to reject the budget and defend civil liberties.
Growing antisemitism in Britain creates fear among Jewish communities. Pro-Palestinian protests normalize intimidation, blurring the line between protest and harassment. A rethink on free speech and safety is needed.
TSP updates for 2025, including the Second hand Cost Savings Strategy, Lifecycle Funds performance, and webinars. DC retirement trends, 401(k) plans, and IRA data are also discussed.
Democracy Forward sues 4 federal agencies for failing to disclose details on their use of AI systems in policy enforcement, highlighting concerns about transparency and accountability. FOIA requests filed.
White House is defunding CIGIE, causing at least 15 government oversight websites to go down, restricting access to reports and whistleblower links. Critics worry about government integrity.
A looming shutdown threatens a historic power shift. OMB aims to bypass Congress, potentially gutting programs and RIFing employees, altering the separation of powers. Major implications ahead. Under the Antideficiency Act, significant changes are expected.
