Minnesota Man Pleads Guilty in Immigration Enforcement Fraud Case A man in Minnesota has pleaded guilty to charges of submitting fraudulent immigration enforcement records to a federal agency, in what prosecutors described as a scheme to mislead authorities and secure unauthorized documents. The case highlights persistent vulnerabilities in government oversight

Poll Finds Declining Trust in U.S. Among Key Allies A new Politico-Public First poll shows that large shares of the United States’ closest allies now view America as a “negative force” in global affairs, reflecting growing dissatisfaction with U.S. foreign policy under President Donald Trump. The survey — covering

Japan Reports Record Low Births as Demographic Decline Deepens Japan’s national statistics show that births have dropped to their lowest level on record, continuing a multi-year decline in fertility that has pushed the country into one of the world’s most rapidly aging populations. The trend reflects deep structural

401(k) Millionaires Hit a Record High A growing number of Americans are now crossing the $1 million mark in their 401(k) retirement accounts, with Fidelity reporting about 654,000 such “401(k) millionaires” as of the third quarter of 2025 — the highest count on record. This surge comes

Sam Altman: True Wealth Comes From Ownership In his widely read blog, startup veteran and investor Sam Altman makes a key point about wealth creation: true wealth doesn’t come from high salaries — it comes from owning things that increase rapidly in value. In his list of principles for achieving

Housing Costs Have Far Outpaced Income Growth Over the past five years, U.S. housing costs have climbed dramatically faster than household incomes, raising serious questions about affordability and financial stress among homeowners and would-be buyers. Estimates from industry research show that the typical mortgage payment has jumped roughly 82

FT Says U.S. Economy Is at the Mercy of Crony Capitalism A Financial Times column warns that “crony capitalism” — in which political connections and transactional policy decisions tilt economic rewards toward insiders — has become a defining feature of the U.S. economy under the current administration. The piece argues

China Keeps Rare-Earth Curbs Despite Trade Deal With U.S. U.S. rare-earth buyers report that China is still restricting exports of key rare earth elements, even after President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping struck a deal in October that was meant to ease supply constraints. Market participants,

Weak Job Market Is Pushing 40-Somethings Back to School In the current labor environment, individuals in their early 40s and beyond are increasingly returning to school or pursuing additional credentials amid tougher job prospects and slower hiring. Rather than matching the traditional career progression many expected, the job market’s

U.S. Q3 2025 GDP Initial Estimate Signals Slower Growth The initial estimate of U.S. gross domestic product (GDP) for the third quarter of 2025 showed weaker-than-expected economic growth, indicating that the pace of expansion in the world’s largest economy has cooled more than markets anticipated. Economists had

Housing Affordability Strains Generational Wealth Creation A recent housing affordability analysis indicates that the sustained rise in home prices — outpacing incomes in many regions — is increasingly limiting the ability of younger generations to build wealth through homeownership. As affordability gaps widen, traditional pathways to household equity and intergenerational wealth transfer

Pentagon Report: China Likely Loaded 100+ ICBMs in New Silo Fields A draft Pentagon report suggests that China has likely loaded more than 100 intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) into recently constructed silo fields near its northern border, marking a significant expansion of its long-range nuclear capabilities. The report also indicates

DHS Explores “Self-Deportation” Stipends for Holiday Travel The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is evaluating a proposal that would offer travel stipends to noncitizens who choose to leave the country voluntarily over the holiday season. The initiative — framed by some as “self-deportation” support — is intended to encourage voluntary

U.S. Pauses Major Offshore Wind Projects Amid “National Security” Claims The U.S. government has suspended leases and paused construction on five major offshore wind energy projects being built off the East Coast, citing national security concerns — including potential radar interference with defense systems — in a decision that marks

Elon Musk Says SpaceX Could Eventually Be Worth $100 Trillion Elon Musk signaled that SpaceX — his space exploration and launch company — could one day reach a $100 trillion valuation, putting it in an entirely new category if such growth were ever realized. The comments come amid preparations for a potential

South Korea Proposes Facial Recognition Requirements for Phones South Korean regulators are preparing a policy that would require facial recognition technology to be integrated into smartphones as a standard form of authentication. The move aims to streamline secure access to mobile services, digital payments, and government platforms, while raising privacy

Russia Warns Strategic Stability Is “Near the Edge of the Abyss” Russia has publicly warned that global strategic stability — the balance of military deterrence and diplomatic equilibrium — is approaching a dangerous tipping point. Simultaneously, Moscow denied any plans to attack NATO or escalate direct military conflict with alliance members. The

FCC Advances Moves That Could Limit DJI Drones Over Security Concerns The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is advancing regulatory action that could lead to bans or restrictions on DJI drones in the United States, citing national security and concerns over foreign-manufactured technology in critical infrastructure and sensitive operations. Officials have

Trump Criticizes Release of Photos Tied to Epstein Showing Him and Clinton Former President Donald Trump sharply criticized the release of photographs showing him and former President Bill Clinton in the company of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Trump labeled the disclosures as politically motivated and inappropriate, asserting that the

Trump Highlights Greenland’s Strategic Role in National Security Former President Donald Trump has once again emphasized the strategic importance of Greenland for U.S. national security, describing the Arctic island as a critical asset in defense planning and geopolitical posture. Trump’s comments reflect longstanding concerns among U.S.

Rent vs. Buy Affordability Study Highlights Shifting Housing Costs A recent housing affordability study shows that buying a home has become less economical relative to renting in many parts of the United States. Rising mortgage rates, elevated home prices, and expanding cost differentials mean that monthly ownership expenses now exceed

Gen Z Finds Work Less Meaningful and More Depressing Than Unemployment A recent New York Times opinion argues that for many members of Generation Z, the experience of work has become “tortured,” and in some cases, is viewed as worse than being unemployed. The article highlights that young workers face

Trump Praises Economy, But Supporters Say It’s Not Working for Them President Donald Trump declared that his economic record merits an “A+++++,” yet many of his own voters reject that assessment, telling pollsters and commentators that the cost of living is squeezing their budgets and everyday expenses remain high.

U.S. and U.K. Issue Joint Warning on Space Weapons Testing The United States and United Kingdom have issued a coordinated warning to Russia and China, urging against the testing or deployment of weapons in space. The alert follows concerns over activities that could destabilize long-term norms around space

U.S. Intercepts Another Vessel Near Venezuela in Sanctions Enforcement U.S. authorities intercepted yet another vessel near Venezuelan waters as part of ongoing enforcement actions tied to sanctions on the country’s energy exports. The move reflects continued pressure on Venezuelan oil flows and broader geopolitical tensions involving sanctions