Domestic Affairs
Introduction In a landmark achievement that highlights both its economic power and global influence, California has officially surpassed Japan to become the world’s fourth-largest economy. With a nominal gross domestic product (GDP) of $4.1 trillion in 2024, California now trails only the United States, China, and Germany. This
Global Affairs
Executive Summary A new U.S. intelligence assessment has upended the narrative that the Venezuelan government is orchestrating the activities of the Tren de Aragua gang in the United States. This finding directly contradicts claims previously used to justify mass deportations and the invocation of the Alien Enemies Act against
Domestic Affairs
Introduction Former New York Congressman George Santos, whose meteoric rise and spectacular fall captivated the nation, was sentenced Friday to just over seven years in federal prison for a sweeping fraud scheme that involved lying about campaign fundraising, stealing from political donors, and fabricating much of his personal history. The
Domestic Affairs
Introduction In a dramatic escalation of tensions between federal immigration authorities and local officials, federal agents on Friday arrested Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Hannah Dugan. She is accused of intentionally helping an undocumented immigrant, Eduardo Flores Ruiz, evade arrest by federal agents at the courthouse. The arrest, which took
Global Affairs
Introduction The global economic landscape has been rocked by a renewed escalation in the U.S.-China trade war, with President Donald Trump’s administration imposing a 145% tariff on Chinese imports earlier this month. China has responded in kind, raising its own tariffs on U.S. goods to 125%
Global Affairs
Introduction On April 24, 2025, Russia launched its deadliest aerial assault on Kyiv in nearly a year, killing 12 civilians and injuring over 90, including six children and a pregnant woman. The attack, involving a coordinated barrage of drones, cruise missiles, and ballistic weapons, reduced residential buildings to rubble, ignited
Domestic Affairs
Introduction The U.S. labor market continues to show resilience in the face of mounting economic headwinds, as evidenced by the latest unemployment claims data. For the week ending April 19, 2025, initial jobless claims rose by 6,000 to a seasonally adjusted 222,000. Despite this modest increase, the
Domestic Affairs
Introduction President Donald Trump has publicly and decisively rejected the idea of raising taxes on millionaires, a proposal that has recently gained traction among some Republican lawmakers as they search for ways to finance the administration’s ambitious policy agenda. The president’s comments, delivered during a press briefing in
Domestic Affairs
Introduction The U.S. housing market, long a bellwether for the broader economy, experienced a significant setback in March 2025. Sales of existing homes plummeted 5.9% from the previous month, marking the sharpest monthly decline in more than two years and bringing activity to its slowest pace since 2009.
Domestic Affairs
Introduction In a dramatic turn for global markets, the technology sector has experienced a powerful rally following signals from the Trump administration that U.S.-China trade tensions may soon ease. President Donald Trump’s remarks that current tariffs on Chinese imports are “too high” and will “come down substantially”
Domestic Affairs
Introduction Senator Dick Durbin, the second-ranking Democrat in the United States Senate and a towering figure in Illinois and national politics, announced on April 23, 2025, that he will not seek reelection in 2026. This decision marks the conclusion of a congressional career that has spanned over four decades, including
Domestic Affairs
Introduction In a landmark decision with far-reaching implications for press freedom, federal oversight, and the boundaries of executive power, a U.S. District Court has ordered the Trump administration to immediately reinstate employees and contractors to Voice of America (VOA) and restore its programming and funding. The ruling, issued by