The European Union has proposed new sanctions on Chinese companies purchasing Russian oil to curb Russia's war funding. This package includes enforcing a price cap on Russian oil, blacklisting vessels, and accelerating the phase-out of Russian LNG imports by 2026. As Russia's provocative posture in relation to the West is increasingly frightening to European powers, it makes sense that they would attempt to undermine the Russian economy by trying to bully Chinese companies.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has designated the advancement of AI-integrated military drones as a paramount objective to upgrade the nation's weaponry. During inspections at a drone facility, he stressed the urgency of boosting serial production following recent missile engine tests. This serves as an important reminder not simply about North Korean military strategy but also of the norms of modern warfare. We've entered the era where you're unequipped to engage in war if you don't have AI drones.

An Israeli airstrike in Yemen resulted in the deaths of 31 journalists, marking the deadliest incident for media personnel in the Middle East per the Committee to Protect Journalists. The victims, affiliated with Houthi military media, were mourned in funerals held in Sanaa. Israel does itself no favors as it kills journalists all throughout the region as the death toll and humanitarian tragedies in Gaza continue to mount.

President Donald Trump is set to impose a $100,000 fee per H-1B visa as part of his immigration reforms, potentially via a proclamation signed soon. This measure aims to limit the program's use, which primarily benefits tech sectors employing skilled foreign workers. The move provides strong incentives for U.S.-based companies to hire and train American professionals, which we see here as a needed corrective on the efforts to exploit foreign labor and undermine the negotiating power of the American worker.

The Congressional Black Caucus criticized a House resolution honoring Charlie Kirk, labeling it as legitimizing his allegedly racist views despite condemning violence against him. Analysis shows that 42 CBC members voted against it, representing most Democratic opposition. They say it creates a trap of sorts as in their refusal to mourn they can be painted by their political opposition as crass and insensitive or worse, as part of the problem. Usually we break with the CBC, but today, we see their point.

The Trump administration seeks Supreme Court intervention to enforce requiring passport applicants to use their birth-assigned sex, challenging a lower court's injunction protecting transgender rights. This is the 28th such emergency appeal in Trump's first eight months. This is another great example of how the culture wars have policy implications as it seems the federal government's position on the matter has to be congruent across all federal bodies and activities.

Denver Mayor Mike Johnston's proposed 2026 budget addresses a $200 million deficit with significant cuts, including layoffs and reduced spending, aiming to balance without depleting reserves. City Auditor Tim O'Brien opposes cuts to his office, arguing the mayor lacks authority and that it impairs essential audit functions. The auditor clearly doesn't understand the gravity of the situation as without a serious effort to be fiscally sound cities like Denver will find themselves in unrecoverable territory. We've seen this before with cities like Detroit; the problem now is these fiscal problems are widespread.

Despite unanimous rejection by the Tucson City Council, Project Blue data center will proceed in Pima County with revised air cooling to minimize water use. The project promises substantial economic benefits, including jobs and no additional strain on local energy grids. As promised we will keep tabs over the struggles regarding these data centers as they will truly present some of the most pressing local problems of our time. Here we see that the people were unable to use their political power via their representatives to reject the interests of capital. Perhaps that will be the case everywhere.

Oregon Governor Tina Kotek has instructed state agencies to cease non-essential travel and brace for budget reductions amid a shift from surplus to a $373 million shortfall influenced by federal policy changes. Measures include delaying hires, cutting supplies, and potential tax code adjustments to mitigate impacts on essential programs. Many states which have undergone progressive reforms over the last several decades find themselves in serious financial peril. These problems can't be solved quickly and will necessitate sustained cutbacks over several administrations in order to create meaningful change.

Billionaire George Soros has contributed $10 million to aid Democratic redistricting initiatives in California. This donation occurs amid escalating threats from President Trump against Soros and increasing public concern about the role Soros has long played in the American political scene. Much like the boogeyman, many see George Soros' influence around every corner and examples like this are what people are often complaining about.