Federal Reserve Lowers Interest Rates Amid Economic Uncertainty and Political Pressure
The Federal Reserve cut its benchmark interest rate by a quarter-point to a range of 4% to 4.25% on September 17, 2025, marking its first reduction since December 2024, as it grapples with a weakening labor market and persistent inflation above the 2% target. The decision, driven by concerns over sluggish job growth and rising unemployment risks, was not unanimous, with new Fed Governor Stephen Miran, a Trump appointee, dissenting in favor of a larger half-point cut. Critics argue the Fed’s cautious approach may lag behind economic needs, especially as President Trump’s tariff policies stoke inflationary pressures, complicating the central bank’s dual mandate of price stability and full employment. While the move may offer some relief to borrowers, conservatives remain wary of the Fed’s ability to navigate these challenges without fueling further economic instability.
Sources: Epoch Times, FOX Business, CNBC
Former FBI Director Comey Faces Perjury Probe Over Congressional Testimony
Federal prosecutors have subpoenaed Daniel Richman, a close adviser to former FBI Director James Comey, as part of a criminal investigation into whether Comey lied during congressional testimony, raising serious questions about his conduct while leading the FBI. This development follows earlier scrutiny of Comey’s actions, including a controversial 2017 memo leak and a 2025 Instagram post interpreted by some as a threat against President Trump, which he denied. Critics argue this probe reflects a pattern of questionable behavior from Comey, whose tenure was marked by polarizing decisions like the handling of the Clinton email investigation and his firing by Trump in 2017 amid the Russia probe. The investigation signals a push for accountability among former officials, though Comey’s defenders claim it’s politically motivated.
Sources: NewsMax, Washington Post, BBC News
Report Asserts Soros' Open Society Foundations Fund Pro-Terror Leftist Groups
A recent report from the Capital Research Center has raised alarms about George Soros’ Open Society Foundations, claiming they have funneled significant funds to leftist organizations with alleged ties to pro-terror activities, including groups like the Palestinian Youth Movement and Jewish Voice for Peace. The report details how these organizations, which have been linked to anti-Israel protests and rhetoric, received millions in grants, fueling concerns about the influence of such funding on domestic unrest and radical activism. Critics argue this financial support amplifies divisive narratives, particularly on college campuses, while defenders of the foundations assert their grants promote free speech and human rights. This revelation has sparked renewed debate over the role of wealthy donors in shaping political movements, with conservatives calling for greater scrutiny of such financial networks.
Sources: Washington Examiner, Daily Wire, The Blaze
California Approves Domestic Oil Production Boost to Address Fuel Crisis
In a pragmatic move to stabilize California’s fuel supply amid looming refinery closures and skyrocketing gas prices, state lawmakers have passed a bill allowing up to 2,000 new oil wells annually in Kern County, a hub of the state’s oil industry. This decision, supported by Governor Gavin Newsom, marks a shift from California’s aggressive anti-fossil fuel stance, acknowledging the economic fallout from declining domestic production and overreliance on foreign oil imports, which now account for 63.5% of the state’s supply. Critics, including Chevron, argue the measure is superficial, failing to address deeper regulatory burdens, while supporters see it as a necessary step to prevent fuel shortages and protect jobs in the face of a 15% annual decline in crude oil production. The compromise also tightens offshore drilling regulations, balancing economic needs with environmental concerns.
Sources: Los Angeles Times, OilPrice.com
House Republicans Push Tax Credits for Nuclear Fusion to Bolster US Energy Innovation
House lawmakers, led by Republicans, have introduced the Fusion Advanced Manufacturing Parity Act to expand tax credits for US manufacturers producing components for nuclear fusion energy, aiming to strengthen domestic industry and maintain global leadership in this promising clean energy sector. The bill, which requires components to be made in the US or its territories, seeks to support the burgeoning fusion energy market, projected to be worth trillions, while notably scaling back subsidies for solar and wind energy. Proponents argue this targeted investment will drive job creation and technological advancement, positioning America to compete with nations like China in the race for fusion power. Critics, however, question the prioritization of fusion over other renewables, citing its high costs and long development timeline.
Sources: Reuters, Investing.com, Washington Examiner
Hakeem Jeffries Under Fire from Progressives for Withholding Mamdani Endorsement
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries is facing significant backlash from the progressive wing of the Democrat Party for his reluctance to endorse Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic socialist nominee for New York City mayor. Jeffries' hesitation, shared by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, stems from concerns over Mamdani’s far-left policies, including his proposal to drop the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s definition of anti-Semitism, which has drawn criticism from Jewish organizations. Progressive figures like Sen. Chris Van Hollen and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez have publicly criticized Jeffries, accusing him of weak leadership, while the Democratic Socialists of America threaten primary challenges against him. This internal party strife highlights a growing divide between establishment Democrats and their progressive base, with Jeffries navigating a delicate balance to maintain party unity ahead of the November 2025 election.
Sources: Washington Free Beacon, FOX News, Common Dreams
New Democrat Think Tank Aims to Steer Party Toward Centrism
The Searchlight Institute, launched by former Harry Reid aide Adam Jentleson, seeks to reorient the Democrat Party by prioritizing broadly popular policies over the influence of liberal interest groups, arguing that issues like climate change and LGBTQ rights have alienated key voters. With a $10 million budget and backing from billionaire donors, the institute plans to conduct independent polling and foster innovative policy ideas through a “Shark Tank-style” process, aiming to rebuild a coalition capable of winning elections in 2028. Jentleson’s push for pragmatism reflects a growing conservative sentiment that Democrats must move away from progressive orthodoxy to regain electoral ground, particularly after recent losses attributed to ideological overreach.
Sources: Influence Watch, Daily Caller, Victory Girls
House Bill Targets Overhaul of US Counterintelligence to Counter Chinese Espionage Surge
A new House bill aims to reform the US counterintelligence system, addressing what critics call a fragmented and underperforming network struggling to neutralize growing foreign espionage threats, particularly from China. The legislation, backed by the House intelligence oversight chairman, seeks to replace the National Counterintelligence and Security Center with a more robust entity to better coordinate efforts across agencies like the CIA, FBI, and NSA. With only 10% of high-priority foreign intelligence personnel currently monitored, the bill emphasizes the need for enhanced focus and resources to protect national security against sophisticated spying operations. This move reflects conservative priorities to strengthen America’s defenses and ensure government agencies operate efficiently in safeguarding sensitive information.
Sources: Washington Times, Heritage Foundation, FOX News
Chinese Dissident in NYC Admits to Spying for Beijing, Raising Alarms Over Foreign Influence
Yuanjun Tang, a 68-year-old naturalized US citizen and prominent figure in New York’s Chinese dissident community, pleaded guilty on September 16, 2025, to acting as an unregistered agent for China’s Ministry of State Security, betraying the pro-democracy cause he publicly championed. While leading protests against the Chinese Communist Party and founding a pro-democracy nonprofit in Flushing, Queens, Tang covertly collected information on fellow activists, reportedly to secure permission to visit family in China. This case, part of a broader pattern of China’s transnational repression, highlights the urgent need to safeguard American sovereignty and protect dissidents from foreign intimidation, as federal authorities continue to uncover Beijing’s covert operations on US soil.
Sources: NBC News, ABC News, Epoch Times
Teachers Union Leader Randi Weingarten’s Book Event Stirs Controversy Amid Kirk Assassination
Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers, has sparked outrage by proceeding with a virtual book event promoting her new book, Why Fascists Fear Teachers, just days after the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk on September 11, 2025, at Utah Valley University. Critics argue the timing is insensitive, given the assassination’s reported ties to anti-fascist ideology, and accuse Weingarten of perpetuating divisive rhetoric that labels conservatives as fascists. While Weingarten condemned the violence on X, her event with Emerge, a liberal nonprofit, has drawn scrutiny for its focus on “teachers battling fascist regimes,” with conservatives pointing to her history of politicized statements, including claims that school choice undermines democracy. The controversy highlights ongoing tensions over the role of teachers’ unions in shaping public discourse and education policy.
Sources: Legal Insurrection, FOX News, Daily Wire
Public Confidence in K-12 Education Plummets to Record Low, Gallup Poll Reveals
A recent Gallup poll reveals a troubling decline in public satisfaction with America’s K-12 education system, dropping to a record low of 35%, the lowest since tracking began in 1999. Only 7% of adults are “completely” satisfied, while 38% are somewhat dissatisfied and 24% completely dissatisfied, reflecting growing frustration with curriculum quality and workforce preparation, with just 21% believing schools adequately prepare students for jobs. Political divides are evident, with Democrats (42%) expressing higher satisfaction than Republicans (29%), yet both groups show declining trust. This erosion signals a broader concern about the direction of public education, with many Americans questioning its ability to deliver foundational skills amid cultural and political shifts in schools.
Sources: Gallup.com, Washington Times, The Hill
Waymo and Lyft Join Forces for Nashville Robotaxi Rollout in 2026
In a significant step toward advancing autonomous transportation, Waymo, Alphabet’s self-driving car unit, has partnered with Lyft to launch a robotaxi service in Nashville, Tennessee, starting in 2026. This collaboration leverages Waymo’s cutting-edge autonomous technology, which has already logged over 100 million driverless miles, and Lyft’s fleet management expertise through its Flexdrive subsidiary, ensuring efficient vehicle maintenance and operations. Initially, riders will access Waymo’s fully autonomous Jaguar I-Pace vehicles via the Waymo app, with plans to integrate ride-hailing into Lyft’s platform later in 2026. This move reflects a practical approach to scaling innovative transport solutions, fostering economic growth and consumer choice in Tennessee’s capital, while Waymo continues to diversify partnerships to avoid over-reliance on any single ride-hailing provider.
Sources: Fortune, Waymo, The Tennessean
F-22 Raptor Sets New Record with Longest AMRAAM Shot, Reinforcing U.S. Air Superiority
In a testament to American military ingenuity, the US Air Force’s F-22 Raptor achieved the longest recorded AIM-120 AMRAAM shot during tests in late 2024 at Eglin Air Force Base, surpassing the previous record held by the F-15 Eagle in 2021. This milestone, driven by Raytheon’s form, fit, function refresh (F3R) program, enhances the missile’s range through software upgrades, ensuring the F-22 remains a formidable force against emerging global threats from adversaries like China and Russia. The achievement highlights the Pentagon’s commitment to maintaining unmatched air dominance, with the AMRAAM’s extended capabilities bolstering the lethality of fifth-generation fighters. As nations like Iran and China advance their own missile technologies, this success signals America’s resolve to stay ahead in the race for aerial supremacy.
Sources: Eurarian Times, The Aviantionist
Earth’s Hidden Quasi-Moon 2025 PN7 Discovered After Decades in Orbit
Astronomers have uncovered a small asteroid, dubbed 2025 PN7, which has been quietly trailing Earth as a quasi-moon for roughly 60 years, evading detection due to its dimness and small size, approximately 62 feet wide. Unlike true moons, this near-Earth asteroid orbits the sun but stays in sync with our planet, appearing to orbit Earth from our perspective. First spotted on August 29, 2025, by the Pan-STARRS observatory in Hawaii, archival data suggests it has followed this path since the 1960s and may continue for another 60 years before shifting to a horseshoe orbit. Researchers, including Carlos de la Fuente Marcos from Complutense University of Madrid, note its faint magnitude 26 and limited visibility windows made it hard to detect, but new observatories like the Vera C. Rubin may reveal more such celestial companions. This finding highlights the intricate gravitational dynamics of our solar system and the need for vigilant sky monitoring to better understand our cosmic neighborhood.
Sources: Live Science, Gizmodo, Money Control
UK and US Forge $42 Billion Tech Pact to Strengthen AI and Economic Ties
On September 16, 2025, the United States and United Kingdom signed a $42 billion "Tech Prosperity Deal" to advance cooperation in artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and nuclear energy, aligning with a conservative vision of fostering innovation through free-market principles and minimal regulation. The agreement, announced during President Donald Trump’s state visit to London, includes significant investments from US tech giants like Microsoft, Nvidia, Google, OpenAI, and CoreWeave, aimed at bolstering the UK’s AI infrastructure, creating over 5,000 jobs, and establishing the northeast of England as an AI growth zone. Microsoft’s $30 billion commitment will fund the UK’s largest supercomputer, while Nvidia plans to deploy 120,000 advanced GPU chips. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasized the deal’s potential to drive prosperity and security, reflecting a shared commitment to technological leadership and economic growth over restrictive regulatory frameworks favored by entities like the European Union.
Sources: ZeroHedge, Reuters, Investing.com
Israel Targets Houthi Military Site in Yemen’s Hudaydah Port to Counter Iranian-Backed Threats
On September 16, 2025, the Israeli Air Force conducted precision strikes on a Houthi-controlled military infrastructure site at Yemen’s Hudaydah Port, a critical hub allegedly used by the Iran-backed Houthi regime to transfer weapons for attacks against Israel and its allies. The operation, overseen by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz from Tel Aviv’s Kirya command bunker, aimed to enforce a maritime and air blockade on the terrorist group, which has repeatedly launched missiles and drones at Israel in solidarity with Hamas. The IDF issued evacuation warnings in Arabic prior to the attack to minimize civilian harm, though Houthi-affiliated media claimed 12 strikes hit the port’s docks. This action reflects Israel’s commitment to decisively neutralize threats from Iran’s proxies, ensuring the safety of its citizens and regional stability, despite retaliatory missile launches from Yemen that were intercepted without reported damage.
Sources: JNS.org, Reuters, Al Jazeera
Poland Signals Openness to Hosting French Nuclear Weapons Amid Rising Russian Threats
In a move reflecting growing concerns over Russian aggression, Polish President Karol Nawrocki has expressed Poland's willingness to host French nuclear weapons as part of NATO's nuclear sharing program, following recent incidents involving Russian drones violating Polish airspace. This development aligns with French President Emmanuel Macron’s ongoing discussions to extend France’s nuclear umbrella to European allies, prompted by uncertainties surrounding US commitment to NATO under shifting geopolitical priorities. Nawrocki’s statement, made during a September 16, 2025, interview with France’s LCI Television, underscores Poland’s strategic role on NATO’s eastern flank and its proactive stance in bolstering European security against Moscow’s provocations, including Russia’s deployment of nuclear arms in Belarus. While some view this as a necessary deterrent, critics warn of heightened tensions and the risk of escalation in an already volatile region.
Sources: Epoch Times, Reuters, BBC News
Russia's Forced Re-Education of Ukrainian Children Sparks Outrage
A recent Yale University study has exposed Russia's extensive program to forcibly re-educate and militarize Ukrainian children from occupied territories, identifying over 210 sites where thousands of children, some as young as eight, are subjected to pro-Russian indoctrination and military training, including drone assembly and combat drills. The report, described as evidence of the largest child abduction scheme since World War II, details how Russia is systematically stripping these children of their Ukrainian identity, with some placed in Russian foster care or adoption programs. Ukrainian officials estimate over 19,500 children have been abducted since the 2022 invasion, prompting international condemnation and renewed calls for accountability, including ICC arrest warrants for Russian leaders. This disturbing campaign raises serious questions about the Kremlin's long-term intentions and the moral cost of its aggression in Ukraine.
Sources: Straits Times, CBS News, NBC News