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Off topic posts removed. Please do not attempt to hijack the thread which is, another tragic attack in Germany Munich Car Ramming: 24 Year old Afghan Isylum Seeker. 28 Injured Some Critical

Munich Car Ramming Investigated as Suspected Attack, 24-Year-Old Afghan Driver Identified. Authorities in Munich are treating a car ramming incident as a suspected attack after a vehicle plowed into a crowd, injuring at least 28 people, including children. Police have identified the driver as a 24-year-old Afghan national, who was already known to law enforcement for previous theft and drug-related offenses. The crash occurred in the German city on Friday, with witnesses reporting that a Mini Cooper drove into a trade union demonstration. Some reports indicate that two men were inside the car at the time. According to eyewitness accounts shared with German newspaper Bild, police shot one of the men before taking him away from the scene. The BBC has not yet verified this claim, but police confirmed that at least two of the victims sustained serious injuries. Munich's mayor, Dieter Reiter, expressed his shock over the incident, saying, “I am deeply shocked. My thoughts are with the injured.” Images from the scene show debris scattered around the damaged vehicle, underscoring the force of the impact. The attack took place just hours before U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky were scheduled to arrive in Munich for a security conference, raising further concerns about the timing and potential motives behind the incident. Bavaria's Prime Minister, Markus Söder, confirmed during a press conference that officials were treating the crash as a suspected attack. “The attack shows that I have to change something in Germany – and quickly,” he stated, signaling potential policy shifts in response to the incident. As investigations continue, authorities are working to determine whether the ramming was an isolated event or part of a broader threat. The situation remains under close watch, with officials vowing to take swift action in light of the tragedy. Based on a report by BBC 2025-02-14

Number of trolling and abusive posts removed @Harrisfan responses also removed

UPDATE: Major update after Bankstown Hospital nurses recorded in anti-Semitic rant Two nurses whose shocking anti-Semitic rant was caught on camera and shared online have now been banned from practising anywhere in Australia. A nurse who vowed to “kill” Israeli patients and another who claimed he had already sent Israeli patients to the afterlife have now been banned from practising “anywhere in Australia, in any context”. Ahmad “Rashad” Nadir and Sarah Abu Lebdeh were deregistered by the Nursing and Midwiferey Council of NSW, effective from February 13, federal Health Minister Mark Butler said on Thursday “As a result, the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency has automatically updated their record on the public register of practitioners,” Mr Butler said. “As a result this means the two nurses are unable to practise nursing anywhere in Australia, in any context. “Australians have a right to feel safe wherever they go and nowhere should be safer than a hospital. “Their sickening comments – and the hatred that underpins them – have no place in our health system and no place anywhere in Australia.” NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb on Wednesday said a Strike Force Pearl investigation was “well underway”, while NSW Health Minister Ryan Park said it was “one of the most vile, shocking and appalling videos” he had “ever seen”. “Those people subject to that investigation will not ever be working for NSW Health again,” he said. “There is no place in our hospital and health system for this sort of view to ever, ever take place. There is no place for this sort of perspective in our society.” Based on a report by News.com.au 2025-02-13

UPDATE: Israel said to tell Hamas ceasefire can continue if three hostages freed on Saturday ‘We’re working hard with mediators to get the deal back on track,’ senior Israeli official tells news site; report says talks between Egypt and Hamas ‘headed toward a breakthrough’ Israel has reportedly sent a message to Hamas through mediators Egypt and Qatar that the hostage release-ceasefire deal will continue if the terror group releases three more hostages on Saturday. The message, which was first reported Wednesday by the Walla news site. A report by Qatari-owned outlet Al-Araby Al Jadeed quoted Egyptian sources saying that “things headed toward a breakthrough,” after a meeting between Egyptian intelligence chief Hassan Rashad and a Hamas delegation in Cairo. The Hamas delegation is headed by deputy politburo chief Khalil al-Hayya. Efforts by Qatar and Egypt, as well as US special envoy Steve Witkoff, have resolved some of the outstanding issues, said the Al Araby Al Jadeed. Based on a report by TOI 2025-02-13

Some off topic posts from usual suspects removed deflecting from the actual topic which is. Trump: ‘we’re going to lose our patience’ hostages ‘looked like Holocaust survivors’ If it too much to actaully discuss that then don't bother or have your post removed.

US President Donald Trump has stated that he expects to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin, likely in Saudi Arabia, following a phone call between the two leaders regarding the war in Ukraine. Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump described the conversation as positive, lasting over an hour, and reiterated his belief that Ukraine’s NATO membership was not practical. Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022. Trump emphasized that he did not see NATO membership for Ukraine as a viable option, saying, "It would not be practical," and adding that he was "okay" with that assessment. He also expressed confidence that Putin "wants peace" and is eager to see an end to the conflict. Trump referenced recent comments from US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who suggested that NATO membership for Ukraine was unlikely, and said he believed that assessment was "probably true." While confirming that the US would continue providing aid to Ukraine, he insisted that it must be "secured" and reiterated his desire to bring the war to an end. "We want to end that war, that war is a disaster," Trump said. Regarding a potential meeting with Putin, Trump stated that it would likely take place in Saudi Arabia in the near future, though he did not provide a specific date. He also mentioned that he currently has no plans to visit Ukraine but did not rule out the possibility of doing so in the future. The road to what Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has termed a "just peace" remains uncertain. The Biden administration had been firm in its support for Ukraine, but under the current leadership, the US stance appears to have shifted. Statements from the defense secretary, as well as Trump's remarks, have suggested a more pragmatic approach that may align with Moscow’s interests. Zelensky has long maintained that "there can be no talks on Ukraine, without Ukraine." However, the direct communication between Trump and Putin indicates that major discussions are happening without Kyiv at the table. Western military aid has been instrumental in preventing Ukraine’s collapse in the early days of the invasion, but despite these efforts, the country is not in control of the negotiations shaping its future. The fact that the leaders of the two most heavily armed nuclear powers have engaged in what appeared to be a constructive 90-minute conversation could be seen as a step toward peace. Trump and Putin share a notably different rapport compared to Putin’s strained relationship with Trump's predecessor, Joe Biden. For now, tensions appear to have cooled, but the long-term impact remains uncertain. While the US has taken steps toward negotiations, these developments may ultimately come at Ukraine’s expense. Defense Secretary Hegseth was explicit in outlining Washington’s stance, which largely aligns with Moscow’s interests. There will be no deployment of US troops in Ukraine as part of any future security arrangement, no expectation of Ukraine reclaiming its pre-2014 borders—including Crimea and parts of the Donbas— and no realistic path for Ukraine to join NATO. These conditions stand in stark contrast to Zelensky’s objectives, further complicating Ukraine’s position. Meanwhile, Russia continues to gain ground on the battlefield, leveraging its numerical superiority to advance deeper into Ukrainian territory. As diplomatic efforts gain momentum, Ukraine finds itself increasingly sidelined in discussions about its own future. Based on a report by BBC News 2025-02-13

The website operated by Ye, formerly known as Kanye West, went offline Tuesday morning after Shopify, the ecommerce platform hosting the site, determined that it had violated its terms of service. The platform confirmed its decision in a statement, saying: "This merchant did not engage in authentic commerce practices and violated our terms so we removed them from Shopify." The site had been selling white T-shirts featuring a black swastika, a symbol associated with Nazi Germany and widely recognized as a symbol of antisemitic hatred. When attempting to access the website, visitors were met with a message stating, "This store is not available." Shopify, which serves as a widely used ecommerce platform for numerous businesses, did not specify which of its rules had been broken but pointed to its terms of service, which allow the company to "restrict products or activities that we deem unsafe, inappropriate, or offensive." Ye had drawn attention to his website through a Super Bowl commercial on Sunday night, driving traffic to the online store just before the controversial shirts went on sale. This latest incident follows a string of antisemitic statements made by Ye, including recent posts on X in which he declared himself a Nazi. His X account was deactivated on Monday, and when NBC News sought a comment from his representatives regarding Shopify’s decision, no response was received. Milo Yiannopoulos, a spokesperson for Ye, defended the artist in a statement, saying: "Ye is an intergenerational artist and icon who continues to redefine the limits of creativity and free expression. He has deactivated his X account for the time being." Meanwhile, the backlash against Ye has continued to mount. Music agent Daniel McCartney of talent agency 33 & West announced via an Instagram story on Monday that he would no longer represent Ye, stating: “Due to his recent harmful and hateful remarks that myself nor 33 & West can stand for.” Ye, once a dominant figure in both music and fashion, saw his lucrative partnership with Adidas come to an end in 2022 after making antisemitic remarks. The German sportswear giant, which had previously collaborated with him on his Yeezy brand, severed ties amid the controversy. Cloudflare, the company responsible for hosting Ye’s website, and GoDaddy, the domain registry company linked to the site, have not yet commented on the matter. Based on a report by NBC News 2025-02-13

The FBI has discovered approximately 2,400 previously unknown files related to the assassination of John F. Kennedy, following an executive order from former President Donald Trump. The documents, which remain classified, surfaced as part of a review of 14,000 pages of FBI records prompted by Trump’s directive in January, according to Axios. The revelation comes 61 years after Kennedy was shot in Dallas, a case that has fueled decades of speculation and conspiracy theories. Many federal agencies have resisted the full disclosure of records linked to the assassination, furthering suspicions about the events of November 22, 1963. Trump’s order demanded the release of all JFK-related records, as well as those connected to the assassinations of his brother, Robert F. Kennedy, in 1968, and civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. The decision has reignited enthusiasm among conspiracy theorists and historians who have long questioned the official narrative. Many believe that U.S. intelligence agencies played a role in the three assassinations and reject the Warren Commission’s conclusion that Lee Harvey Oswald acted alone. Over the years, former members of the Chicago mafia have claimed they were hired by the CIA to eliminate Kennedy, and some of the newly discovered files may be linked to those confessions. A 2023 poll conducted ahead of the 60th anniversary of JFK’s assassination found that two-thirds of Americans do not believe Oswald was the lone gunman. Adding to the controversy, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the late president’s nephew and a nominee for a cabinet position in Trump’s administration, has publicly accused the CIA of orchestrating his uncle’s murder. The discovery of these documents was first disclosed to the White House when the Office of the Director of National Intelligence submitted its plan to release the remaining JFK files. Trump’s order required a proposal for publication to be presented to the president by March 9. “This is huge. It shows the FBI is taking this seriously,” Jefferson Morley, a JFK assassination expert at the Mary Ferrell Foundation, told Axios. “The FBI is finally saying, ‘Let’s respond to the president’s order,’ instead of keeping the secrecy going.” According to the 1992 JFK Records Act, all assassination-related documents were supposed to be turned over to a review board and then transferred to the National Archives. However, the FBI, CIA, and other agencies have repeatedly delayed full disclosure under multiple administrations. During his first term, Trump postponed the release of certain records based on recommendations from the CIA. His successor, Joe Biden, later authorized a partial release of JFK files, which led to legal action from the Mary Ferrell Foundation. Despite Trump’s order, intelligence agencies are still reportedly pushing for redactions in the final batch of secret files, causing friction with the White House. A Trump administration official expressed frustration, telling Axios, “This is total deep state bullshit.” Based on a report by The Times News 2025-02-13

Republican-led states are moving swiftly to establish their own versions of the controversial federal Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), an agency created by President Donald Trump on his first day in office. With billionaire Elon Musk at the helm, the federal DOGE operates outside of government oversight, focusing on cutting federal funding for DEI programs, dismantling agencies, and halting digital modernization projects. Since its inception, several state leaders have followed suit, launching their own departments aimed at streamlining state budgets and reducing government spending. Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt recently announced the formation of the Division of Government Efficiency, or DOGE-OK. Similarly, New Hampshire introduced its own offshoot, known as the Commission on Government Efficiency (COGE). "We are going to have to look to find better ways to do things with fewer dollars," New Hampshire Governor Kelly Ayotte declared during her inaugural address last month. "Because I know nothing is harder than getting politicians to not spend money, today I am announcing the creation of the Commission on Government Efficiency, or as I like to call it – the ‘COGE.’" Georgia is also jumping on board, with Senate Majority Leader Steve Gooch backing a bill that mandates agencies review cost-cutting measures every four years. "What we’re seeing with the Trump administration doing right with Elon Musk is exactly what we need to do at every level of government around the country," Gooch told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Texas lawmakers are working on forming a 13-member Delivery of Government Efficiency team to identify and eliminate inefficiencies in state agencies, according to Fox7 Austin. Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick has made passing the DOGE bill a top legislative priority. In South Carolina, legislators have introduced plans for a Commission on Fiscal Restraint and Government Efficiency. “We don’t have an Elon Musk in South Carolina, but it’ll be similar to what’s going on in Washington,” said Majority Leader Davey Hiott in an interview with the South Carolina Daily Gazette. Missouri has taken a proactive approach by establishing the Government Efficiency Committee, tasked with identifying areas where state spending can be reduced. The committee’s chair has even launched a public portal for residents to report cases of government waste, duplication, or inefficiencies. However, not everyone is on board with these efforts. Democratic Minority Leader Rep. Ashley Aune cautioned against potential partisan motives, telling KFVS12, “I think that what we’re going to likely see are folks identifying and targeting programs they simply don’t agree with politically.” Meanwhile, Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds has touted her state’s long-standing commitment to fiscal responsibility. During a Congressional panel, she highlighted Iowa’s efficiency initiatives, stating that her state had been “doing DOGE before DOGE was a thing,” as reported by the Des Moines Register. As more states consider establishing their own versions of DOGE, the movement to trim government spending appears to be gaining momentum nationwide. Whether these agencies will deliver real efficiencies or become politically charged battlegrounds remains to be seen. Based on a report by The Independent News 2025-02-13

A new Gallup poll reveals that President Joe Biden is the least popular living U.S. president, while his predecessor and likely 2024 opponent, Donald Trump, is enjoying a near-record-high favorability rating. According to the survey, conducted last month, 57% of Americans have an unfavorable view of Biden, 82, compared to just 39% who see him in a positive light. His declining popularity extends across party lines, with over 60% of independents and even 20% of Democrats disapproving of his leadership. Meanwhile, Trump, 78, fares significantly better in the public eye. Nearly half of Americans (48%) have a favorable opinion of him, while 50% view him negatively. Among Democrats, just 7% see Trump positively, but 47% of independents share a favorable view of the former president. “Trump’s and Biden’s ratings are essentially unchanged from those from a survey after the 2024 election, indicating neither has gotten an image boost from the news surrounding the presidential transition,” Gallup reported. Biden’s highest recorded favorability rating was 61% in January 2017, when he was leaving office as vice president. However, his numbers have steadily declined since his 2021 inauguration, with Gallup noting a month-over-month drop in approval. For Trump, this latest poll marks one of his highest favorability ratings since Gallup began tracking public perceptions of him in 1999. His previous highs came in 2005, when he was a reality TV star on NBC’s *The Apprentice* and had a 50% favorability rating, and in April 2020, during the early response to the COVID-19 pandemic, when he briefly hit 48%. Former President Bill Clinton, with whom Trump is now tied in favorability, has a lower negative rating (41%) but also lacks a significant popularity boost, earning just 48% in favorability. By contrast, Barack Obama and George W. Bush remain the most well-regarded of the living former presidents. Obama enjoys a 59% favorability rating, with only 36% viewing him unfavorably. Bush is also viewed positively by more than half of Americans (52%), while 34% disapprove of him. Recent events have also put the former presidents in the spotlight. At the state funeral for former President Jimmy Carter last month, video footage of ex-presidents interacting went viral, with Trump and Obama appearing to have a private discussion on foreign policy matters. A forensic lip reader shared an analysis of their exchange with *The Post*, suggesting the conversation was of significant importance. The poll also comes amid speculation about the upcoming 2024 election and the political landscape. Gallup conducted the survey between January 21-27, interviewing 1,001 U.S. adults by telephone. The margin of error is plus or minus four percentage points. Based on a report by NYP 2025-02-13

A Tennessee pastor has ignited controversy after delivering a sermon in which he called for violence against billionaire Elon Musk while condemning government actions. Rev. Steve Caudle, speaking to his congregation at Greater Second Missionary Baptist Church in Chattanooga, warned of a violent world and hinted that the United States could soon face its own turmoil. The pastor then shifted his focus to the domestic situation, expressing his concern that the U.S. could soon experience similar chaos. "In this nation, I'm worried that we are on the verge of bloodshed. This is an attempt to take us back to a day that we do not want to go and we will not go. Therefore, there will be conflict," he warned. Turning his attention to Elon Musk, Caudle accused the billionaire, whom he described as acting as a special government employee, of attempting to manipulate the U.S. Treasury through DOGE. He alleged that Musk was seeking to "force" his way into federal financial institutions to steal personal data and Social Security benefits from American citizens. "No one likes violence, but sometimes violence is necessary. When Elon Musk forces his way into the U.S. Treasury and threatens to steal your personal information and your Social Security check, there is a possibility of violence," Caudle asserted. "Sometimes the devil will act so ugly that you have no other choice but to get violent and fight." Musk, known for his outspoken nature on social media, quickly responded to Caudle’s comments. In a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Monday, the billionaire wrote, "This tells me that he is trying to hide MASSIVE fraud." The pastor’s remarks sparked a wave of backlash online, with many criticizing his call to violence. One social media user condemned Caudle, writing, "This is all a lie and he claims to be a pastor. Shame on him and anyone who believes these lies without taking the time to learn the truth. I’m suspicious he’s getting money." Another user echoed similar sentiments, stating, "A ‘pastor’ calling for conflict and violence from the pulpit is absolutely non-Christian behavior." As the controversy continues to unfold, Caudle’s statements have fueled debate over the role of religious leaders in political discourse and the potential consequences of incendiary rhetoric. Based on a report by Daily Mail 2025-02-13

The Chinese surveillance balloon that caused alarm as it drifted across the United States two years ago was indeed designed to spy on Americans—but with an unexpected twist. According to a new report, the high-tech airship was equipped with advanced surveillance technology sourced from American companies. Moment the Chinese Spy Balloon was shot down off the Coast of South Carolina. The recovered equipment closely aligned with a patent granted in 2022 to researchers at the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) Aerospace Information Innovation Research Institute in Beijing—a group with known ties to China’s military. The patent, titled *“A High-Altitude Balloon Safety Control and Positioning Recovery Device and Method,”* described a short-burst messaging module known as the Iridium 9602, which was also found on the balloon, *Newsweek* reported. The spy balloon was further equipped with communications systems produced by Iridium, as well as technology from four other American firms: Texas Instruments, Omega Engineering, Amphenol All Sensors Corporation, and onsemi. Additionally, at least one Swiss company contributed components to the craft. The sheer size of the aircraft—approximately 200 feet tall and weighing thousands of pounds—made it one of the most advanced aerial surveillance platforms of its kind. Even more concerning, U.S. military officials previously suggested that the balloon may have carried explosives intended for self-destruction, possibly to prevent recovery of its technology if compromised. Despite mounting evidence, Chinese officials have continued to insist that the airship was merely a civilian weather balloon that had been blown off course. However, with the newly revealed intelligence, it appears increasingly clear that the balloon was a sophisticated surveillance device operating under the guise of meteorological research. Based on a report by NYP News 2025-02-13

Teachers in non-academised sixth form colleges across England are preparing for potential strike action after members of the NASUWT teaching union voted in favor of industrial action over a pay dispute. This decision could see students facing disruption as teachers push for a fairer pay increase. The dispute arises from the Government's announcement that school teachers across England would receive a fully-funded 5.5% pay rise from September 2024. However, the Sixth Form Colleges Association (SFCA) has offered teachers in non-academised sixth form colleges a lower increase of 3.5% for the period between September 2024 and March, with the full 5.5% only being implemented from April. Meanwhile, their counterparts in academised sixth form colleges have been granted the full 5.5% pay rise from September 2024, putting teachers in non-academised institutions at a financial disadvantage. NASUWT general secretary Patrick Roach strongly criticized this disparity, stating: “Whilst we welcome the decision of sixth form college academy employers to pay in full a 5.5% pay award backdated to September 2024, it is simply unacceptable to expect teachers working in non-academy colleges to be paid less for doing the same job." He added, "NASUWT members across England are sending a clear message to their employers that they expect to be treated fairly and equally." According to Roach, all sixth form college employers have the financial flexibility to meet this demand, using existing funds, reserves, and additional funding allocations set to arrive in April. "There is simply no excuse and no justification for any teacher to be denied a fair and equitable pay award," he said. He further warned that industrial action could be avoided if college employers agreed to provide the full 5.5% backdated pay award. The move follows previous action taken by members of the National Education Union (NEU), who have already staged eight days of strikes in 32 non-academised sixth form colleges since November. The NEU recently suspended two further planned walkouts while consulting its members on a pay offer from the SFCA. The NASUWT began its ballot in January, calling on over 1,800 members across both academised and non-academised sixth form colleges to vote on potential action. In the 23 non-academised colleges where the vote took place, turnout reached 56%, surpassing the required threshold. The union has made it clear that unless non-academised sixth form colleges commit to backdating the full 5.5% award to September 2024, its members will take industrial action. However, once the backdated pay award is granted to teachers in sixth form college academies, NASUWT has confirmed that its dispute with those institutions will be considered resolved. As tensions rise and the potential for walkouts looms, the pressure is mounting on sixth form college employers to meet the demands of teachers and prevent further disruption to students' education. Based on a report by The Independent 2025-02-13

Before the 2024 presidential election, many Democrats were baffled by the disconnect between government economic data and the public’s overwhelmingly negative perception of the economy. Some believed misinformation was to blame, arguing that right-wing media had convinced voters that the country was in decline. But what if the real issue wasn’t perception, but rather the accuracy of the government’s economic indicators? What if the statistics used to showcase economic strength were fundamentally flawed, presenting an overly optimistic view of reality? Having spent years analyzing the intersection of public perception and economic data—first as comptroller of the currency and later as an adviser to financial institutions—I have grown increasingly skeptical of the numbers that Washington relies on. Many officials I’ve worked with believe in the infallibility of government statistics, treating them as hard facts. Yet my experiences outside of Washington have revealed something different: a widening gap between what the numbers say and what people are actually experiencing. Official statistics suggest low unemployment, steady wage growth, and overall economic expansion. But when traveling the country, I’ve seen something else—deteriorating cities, struggling communities, and even a homeless encampment right outside the Federal Reserve building. This disconnect has become more pronounced along partisan lines: Democrats, in general, seem more willing to trust government data, while Republicans rely more on their personal observations. For decades, federal agencies have relied on the same methodologies to report key economic indicators, rarely questioning whether these measurements truly reflect reality. To investigate, I assembled a team of researchers under the Ludwig Institute for Shared Economic Prosperity to take a deeper look. What we found was striking: for over 20 years, and especially in the months leading up to the election, public skepticism about the economy was more accurate than official statistics. Consider the most widely cited economic indicator—unemployment. The official U-3 unemployment rate suggests near-record lows, standing at just 4.2% in November 2024. But this figure is deeply misleading. It counts as “employed” millions of workers who are underemployed—those working only a few hours a week while seeking full-time jobs. It also excludes many people who have stopped job-hunting out of discouragement. Even worse, the measure ignores income levels, meaning that someone doing occasional gig work while living on the streets is still counted as employed. Adjusting for these factors, our research found that true unemployment—including underemployment and poverty wages—was actually 23.7%, meaning nearly one in four American workers was functionally unemployed. Wage statistics are similarly misleading. The government’s reported median wage of $61,900 is calculated using only full-time workers, excluding those in part-time or unstable jobs. When all workers are accounted for, the actual median wage falls to around $52,300—16% lower than the commonly cited figure. Inflation, another major election issue, also appears rosier in official data than in reality. The Consumer Price Index (CPI), which tracks prices for 80,000 goods and services, suggested that inflation had cooled by Election Day, with prices rising 4.1% in 2023. But the CPI tracks a broad range of goods, including luxury items that wealthier households purchase, which tend to have more stable prices. Lower- and middle-income Americans, however, spend a disproportionate share of their income on necessities—housing, groceries, healthcare—where prices have risen far more sharply. Our research found that for working-class households, the real cost of living has increased 35% more than the CPI suggests over the past two decades. In 2023 alone, while the CPI recorded a 4.1% increase in prices, our alternative measure showed a 9.4% rise in the cost of essential goods and services. When adjusted for this more accurate inflation measure, purchasing power at the median actually declined by 4.3% last year. Even GDP, often used as the gold standard for measuring economic growth, fails to tell the full story. While GDP has risen, much of this growth has benefited wealthier Americans, leaving many others behind. Since 2013, those with college degrees have seen notable gains, while Americans without high school diplomas have experienced stagnation. Geographic disparities have also widened, with cities like San Francisco and Boston thriving while places like Youngstown, Ohio, and Port Arthur, Texas, have fallen further behind. Taken together, these discrepancies reveal a troubling reality: the economic indicators that policymakers and media outlets rely on consistently obscure the hardships facing middle- and lower-income Americans. This isn’t to say that official statistics are without value, but they fail to capture the full picture. If policymakers in Washington are working from flawed data, their economic strategies will inevitably miss the mark. This should not be a partisan issue. Leaders from both parties would benefit from gaining a clearer, more accurate understanding of economic conditions at ground level. The alternative indicators my team has developed offer a pathway to more precise measurements, and the government should consider adopting similar methodologies to ensure that economic policy reflects reality. In a time when public trust in institutions is declining, it is essential that economic facts reflect the lived experiences of ordinary Americans. If we continue relying on misleading statistics, we will fail to address the real economic challenges facing the country. The question now is whether policymakers will recognize this gap and take steps to correct it. Based on a report by Politico 2025-02-13

President Donald Trump's special envoy for Russia and Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, has temporarily halted work on a proposed peace plan to engage in discussions with European allies. Kellogg intends to hold individual meetings with NATO members to gauge their perspectives on the peace process and understand what they are willing to contribute, as reported by The Telegraph. Kellogg’s discussions with NATO allies are aimed at easing concerns that major global powers could be sidelined in negotiations between Russia and Ukraine. European nations have previously discussed their roles in shaping a resolution to the ongoing three-year war. Notably, the United Kingdom and France have explored the possibility of deploying a peacekeeping force to Ukraine as part of the negotiations. The special envoy confirmed he would be engaging in talks with "prime ministers and presidents" from NATO countries and that elements of the proposed peace plan would be unveiled at the Munich Security Conference in Germany, scheduled for February 14-16. According to The Telegraph, one significant aspect of the plan involves continued U.S. support for Ukraine in exchange for access to Kyiv’s rare earth minerals—an agreement Trump has frequently discussed in recent months. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has previously expressed openness to negotiating a deal with Trump on these resources. Despite earlier reports suggesting Kellogg would present parts of the peace plan at the Munich conference, he has denied such claims. Instead, he stated that Trump himself would reveal the plan, though he did not specify a timeline, according to Radio Free Europe. Meanwhile, European allies who have engaged with Kellogg have reportedly been reassured that the U.S. remains committed to strengthening Ukraine ahead of potential negotiations with Russia. Trump previously asserted that he could bring an end to the Ukraine war "within 24 hours." His special envoy later clarified that the goal was to conclude the conflict within 100 days of Trump’s potential inauguration on January 20. As part of the ongoing diplomatic efforts, Trump spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin by phone on Friday and suggested that he might meet with Ukrainian President Zelensky in Washington next week. Zelensky is also scheduled to meet with Vice President JD Vance and Kellogg at the Munich Security Conference. Additionally, Bloomberg has reported that the peace plan may include freezing the conflict, leaving Russian-occupied territory in an uncertain status, and providing Ukraine with security guarantees. Based on a report by Newsweek 2025-02-13

Vacation packing has never been simpler for those boarding the Big Nude Boat, a unique clothing-optional cruise that promises to take passengers back to "bare-dise." Operated by Bare Necessities, a company specializing in nudist travel experiences, this cruise sets sail aboard Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Pearl, a 2,300-passenger vessel. The latest voyage departed from Miami on February 3 for an 11-day adventure that included stops at Norwegian’s private island in the Bahamas, Great Stirrup Cay, as well as scenic destinations such as St. Lucia and St. Maarten. Bare Necessities has long been dedicated to promoting body confidence, stating that their mission is to "break down the barriers against social nudity and make clothing-optional vacationing a viable and acceptable option." Onboard, passengers can participate in a variety of activities, including a passenger talent show and LED parties. The ship itself boasts numerous entertainment options, including a bowling alley, a rock climbing wall, and an impressive selection of 16 dining options and 14 bars, one of which is a whisky lounge. However, there are a few guidelines that guests must follow. While nudity is permitted in most public areas while at sea or when anchored at a port where it is allowed, passengers must be clothed whenever the ship is docked, including on their private balconies, until an official announcement declares it is acceptable to disrobe once more. In dining rooms, clothing is always mandatory. Additionally, anyone choosing to go nude must always sit on a towel. Certain areas, such as pools and dance venues, are designated as no-photo zones, and behavior such as fondling or inappropriate touching is strictly prohibited. For those eager to join a future voyage, bookings are already open for the 2026 sailing. Set to depart from Miami on February 9, the 11-day roundtrip aboard the Norwegian Pearl will take guests to the ABC islands—Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao—along with Jamaica and Great Stirrup Cay. Prices for the experience start at $2,000 (£1,600) per person. "Whether you’re a naturist veteran or new to nude recreation, this cruise provides an unmatched opportunity to embrace a clothes-free lifestyle in a fun, varied, and accepting environment," Bare Necessities stated. For travelers interested in alternative clothing-optional cruises, Castaways Travel offers similar experiences. Their Bliss Cruise includes sailings on Royal Caribbean’s Wonder of the Seas in both February and November 2026, as well as a voyage on Celebrity Silhouette in April 2026. Based on a report by The Independent 2025-02-13

Two Australian nurses have been suspended after a shocking video surfaced, appearing to show them making antisemitic threats against Israeli patients and boasting about refusing to treat them. The man and woman, both employed at a Sydney hospital, are now the subject of a police investigation, New South Wales (NSW) officials confirmed. The video, which has been widely condemned, was shared on TikTok by Max Veifer, a content creator who identifies as Israeli. His account features interactions with people he meets on Chatruletka, an anonymous video-chat platform that randomly pairs users for conversations. The footage, reviewed by the BBC, appears to have been filmed inside a hospital. In the video, a man claiming to be a doctor initially compliments Mr. Veifer’s appearance, telling him, "You have beautiful eyes," before adding, "I'm sorry you're Israeli." He then makes a reference to sending Israelis to Jahannam, an Islamic concept comparable to hell. The video takes a darker turn when he gestures across his throat in a slitting motion. A woman later joins the conversation, telling Mr. Veifer that "one day" his "time will come" and that he will die. She also states that she refuses to treat Israeli patients, declaring, "I won't treat them, I will kill them." The Australian Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, strongly condemned the footage, calling it "sickening and shameful." Writing on X (formerly Twitter), he stated: "These antisemitic comments, driven by hate, have no place in our health system and no place anywhere in Australia." He further emphasized that "individuals found to have committed criminal antisemitic acts will face the full force of our laws." On Wednesday, NSW Police confirmed they believed they had identified those involved in the video. The health minister stated that both individuals had been immediately suspended and assured the public that they would never work in the NSW healthcare system again. This incident has sparked widespread outrage and intensified concerns about antisemitism in Australia. As authorities continue their investigation, the case serves as a stark reminder of the responsibility healthcare professionals have to uphold ethical standards and provide care without discrimination. Based on a report by BBC News 2025-02-13

Abusive homophobic post reported and removed @OneMoreFarang

Link to a paywall site removed from the same member.

The fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas is at risk after President Donald Trump warned that "all hell is going to break out" if Hamas does not release all remaining hostages by Saturday. The war in Gaza is paused under an agreement for incremental exchanges of hostages and Palestinian prisoners. However, Hamas delayed the next swap, accusing Israel of shooting Palestinians, preventing their return to northern Gaza, and blocking aid. Trump demanded the release of all 76 remaining captives, 44 of whom are believed to be alive. Julia Hartley-Brewer debates the contentious issue with journalist Yvonne Ridley. If you watch 1 video today, this should be it! "Hamas treated the hostages with kindness giving them goodie bags, gifts and palestinian mementos" Watch the full interview below: Based on a report by Talk TV 2025-02-12

The Labour Party has suspended 11 councillors in connection with a controversial WhatsApp group, a development that follows the recent sacking of health minister Andrew Gwynne over messages he reportedly posted in the chat. The councillors, mostly from Tameside Council with two from Stockport Council, now face investigation as Labour enforces its disciplinary measures. Alison Gwynne, the wife of the ousted minister, has also been suspended. This comes after the party had already taken action against Burnley MP Oliver Ryan, who was removed from the Labour whip and will now sit as an independent MP in the Commons. On the suspensions, a Labour Party spokesperson stated: “As part of our WhatsApp group investigation, a group of councillors have been administratively suspended from the Labour Party. As soon as this group was brought to our attention, a thorough investigation was launched in line with the Labour Party’s rules and procedures, and this process is ongoing. Swift action will always be taken where individuals are found to have breached the high standards expected of them as Labour Party members.” The suspended councillors include Claire Reid, Jack Naylor, George Newton, Vincent Ricci, Charlotte Martin, Allison Gwynne, George Jones, Brenda Warrington, Denise Ward, David Sedgwick from Stockport Council, and Holly McCormack from Stockport Council. The suspensions follow reports that three Labour members of Tameside Council, Jack Naylor, Claire Reid, and George Newton, had already stepped away from their executive duties. A spokesperson for Tameside Labour confirmed that “Councillors Reid, Naylor and Newton have decided to step away from their executive duties at Tameside Council whilst an investigation by the Labour Party is underway.” Oliver Ryan, the recently elected Burnley MP, was also suspended after the contents of the WhatsApp group came to light. In response, he expressed deep regret, stating that he “deeply regrets” his comments, which a government source described as “unacceptable and deeply disappointing.” Reports suggest that Mr. Ryan had joked about a fellow Labour MP being gay. In a statement on X, Mr. Ryan apologized for remarks he made in the group between 2019 and early 2022. “Some of the comments made in that group were completely unacceptable, and I fully condemn them,” he said. He also admitted that he regretted not speaking out at the time and acknowledged that failing to do so was wrong. He confirmed that the WhatsApp group had been created by his former employer, Andrew Gwynne. Andrew Gwynne, who had held various frontbench roles in opposition, was dismissed as health minister and suspended from the party for alleged racist and sexist remarks made in the group. Reports suggest that he made racist comments about Labour MP Diane Abbott and sexist remarks about Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner. It is also alleged that he expressed hope that a pensioner would soon die after she inquired about bin collections and joked about a constituent being "mown down" by a truck. Mr. Gwynne has since apologized, stating he deeply regretted his “badly misjudged comments” and any offence caused. His suspension is the latest in a series of Labour disciplinary actions, following the resignations of former treasury minister Tulip Siddiq last month and ex-transport minister Louise Haigh in November. Based on a report by Sky News 2025-02-12

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has issued a firm warning that the ceasefire in Gaza will end, and Israel will resume "intense fighting" if Hamas does not release the hostages by midday Saturday. The statement came after a four-hour security cabinet meeting on Wednesday evening. “If Hamas does not return our hostages by Saturday noon, the ceasefire will end, and the IDF will return to intense fighting until Hamas is finally defeated,” Netanyahu declared in a video message. He also emphasized that the security cabinet supported U.S. President Donald Trump’s demand for the immediate release of hostages by the deadline. The warning follows Hamas’s announcement that it would delay the scheduled hostage release, claiming Israeli violations of the truce. While Trump has explicitly called for all captives to be freed, Netanyahu's statement did not specify whether Israel would only resume fighting if all 76 remaining hostages were not released. However, an Israeli official stated that Jerusalem would not move forward with any ceasefire agreements unless Hamas released “all nine hostages… in the coming days.” Currently, 17 hostages remain set for release in the first phase of the ceasefire, with nine of them believed to be alive. “If there is no progress that gets the deal back on track, decisions must be made,” the official said. “Hamas is being faced with the massive scale of destruction [in Gaza], is counting the dead, and publishing the list of its dead commanders.” The hostage crisis has revealed harrowing details of the captives’ treatment. The mother of hostage Eliya Cohen stated on Sunday that her son had been held in a tunnel, chained for the entire duration of his captivity, and left with an untreated bullet wound. “He gets little food or daylight,” she revealed. One of the three civilian men released on Saturday—Ben Ami, Sharabi, and Levy—described the brutal conditions in which they were kept. “They treated us like animals,” he told Kan, Israel’s public broadcaster. Reports suggest that the three were interrogated separately and tortured. During these sessions, they sustained burns from a white-hot, unidentified object. At one point, one of the hostages collapsed, leading the others to fear he had died. “I was bound in a dark tunnel, without air, without light. I couldn’t stand or walk, and only toward the time of the release did the terrorists remove the chains and I learned to walk again,” one former hostage recounted. The captives were reportedly kept mostly in tunnels, always in dark, unventilated spaces, and had to plead with their captors to allow them to relieve themselves more than once a day. With the deadline fast approaching, tensions remain high as Israel prepares for the possibility of renewed conflict. Based on a report by BBC | TOI 2025-02-12

Newly appointed Health Minister Ashley Dalton has come under scrutiny for her past remarks on gender identity, same-sex bathrooms, and even the concept of people identifying as animals. Dalton, who was elected as MP for West Lancashire in 2023, has previously expressed support for removing gender-specific toilets and has defended individuals who choose to identify outside traditional categories. Keir Starmer’s decision to promote Dalton follows the dismissal of Andrew Gwynne from the role due to his involvement in a controversial WhatsApp group. However, the Prime Minister now faces mounting questions over Dalton’s stance on gender issues. During a discussion on Twitter in 2016, she firmly stated: “Trans women aren’t male. They’re women.” She further argued, “Personally I think we shouldn’t have gendered bathrooms at all.” When questioned on whether this applied to changing rooms, Dalton responded: “Loads of places already do this with cubicles for privacy.” Another resurfaced Twitter exchange from 2016 has fueled further debate, as Dalton was asked whether people should be taken seriously if they identified as a llama. Her response was unequivocal: “Yes. And treat you with dignity and respect.” Before her promotion, Dalton served as Shadow Minister for Women while Labour was in opposition. Her views on gender identity have reignited discussions within political circles, particularly concerning Labour’s stance on gender recognition laws. When questioned about Dalton’s past statements, the Prime Minister’s official spokesperson distanced the government from her remarks, stating, “Comments made by MPs are one for the Labour Party, not for me. But you’ve got the Government’s position on gender more broadly.” Despite Labour’s previous commitment to “modernising” gender recognition laws, the proposed reforms were notably absent from last year’s King’s Speech outlining government priorities. Reports suggest that ministers have shelved these plans amid growing concerns over the polling surge of Reform UK. Dalton’s appointment marks a contentious moment for the Labour government, with critics and supporters alike debating her views and their potential impact on policy decisions in her new role as Health Minister. Based on a report by Daily Mail 2025-02-12

Personal attacks and trolling posts removed @cjinchiangrai