Serbia: Novi Sad Tragedy Anniversary & Protests
Serbians commemorate the Novi Sad train station roof collapse anniversary, triggering renewed protests against government. EU accession urged amid public unrest and calls for accountability.
SNAP Benefits Under Threat: USDA Reserve Dispute
Democrats and advocates protest the Trump admin's refusal to use USDA reserves for SNAP, amidst concerns about food security and potential benefit disruptions for millions. Food costs are rising.
S&P 500: Market-Cap vs. Equal-Weighted Indices & Diversification
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.
Trump Admin’s Deregulation Push: Expedited Reviews & Legal Challenges
The Trump administration pushes deregulation via expedited reviews and waivers, sparking debate over cost-benefit analyses and potential legal challenges. Public participation concerns arise.
Government Shutdown: Overseas Workers Face Unique Hardships
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.
SNAP Benefit Delays Loom Amid Shutdown: USDA Contingency Funds Questioned
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.
EU Transparency Inquiry: Commission’s Industry Dealings Probed
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.
Air Force JAG Vacancy: Concerns Over Legal Leadership
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 Airspace Incursions: Belarus Hybrid Threats & Sanctions
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.
Government Shutdown: Impact on Federal Workers and States
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: GSA Priorities, Procurement, and Innovation
Edward Forst outlines GSA priorities: real estate, procurement, local business engagement, and innovation. He addresses AI concerns and pledges efficiency improvements.
Government Shutdown: Democrats Urge Utility Relief for Federal Workers
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 Staffing Cuts & Leadership Changes Under Trump
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.
Selmayr’s Brussels Return: EU Power Struggle?
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.
EU Tackles Housing Crisis: New Construction Act & Affordability Plan
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.
Interior Department Layoffs: Impact and Controversy
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 Removed: Trump’s Anti-DEI Order & Discrimination Policies
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.