legislation
The bills that Congress reject are as informative as the ones it does. Reviews of all the legislation that meet their fate in government halls.
Gold futures trade off highs as White House to issue clarification on bullion tariffs
After the White House indicated that it would issue a formal clarification regarding the tariffs that are affecting imported bullion, gold futures saw a decline from their record intraday highs on Friday. The move followed a volatile morning in which U.S. gold futures briefly surged past three thousand five hundred thirty dollars per ounce, driven by confusion over whether certain gold bars would be subject to new import duties.
By GLOBAL NEWS5 months ago in The Swamp
Junk Food Bans Miss the Point
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. recently floated the idea of banning “junk food” from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), better known as food stamps. On paper, the move is pitched as a way to improve the health of low-income Americans. In reality, it’s a sound bite that ignores the structural problems baked into the SNAP system itself.
By Michael Phillips5 months ago in The Swamp
Rachel Reeves’ New HMRC Crackdown: Why Your Savings Could Soon Cost You More Than You Think
In a bold and controversial move aimed at tightening tax enforcement, UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves has approved new regulations that could drastically reshape how your savings are monitored — and taxed. Starting in April 2027, banks will be legally required to collect and share customers’ National Insurance numbers with HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC). This sweeping change, part of a broader government strategy, is meant to clamp down on individuals who exceed their Personal Savings Allowance (PSA) — potentially exposing millions to unexpected tax bills.
By Waqar Khan5 months ago in The Swamp
Intel’s CEO, Under Attack From Trump, Is Already at Odds With His Board
**The Trump-attacked CEO of Intel Already Disagrees With His Board** Trump's attacks on Intel's CEO have already put him at odds with his board. Intel’s CEO, under attack from Trump, is already at odds with his board. Trump's attacks on Intel's CEO have already put him at odds with his board. Intel’s CEO, under attack from Trump, is already at odds with his board. Intel’s CEO, under attack from Trump, is already at odds with his board. Intel’s CEO, under attack from Trump, is already at odds with his board. Intel’s CEO, under attack from Trump, is already at odds with his board. Intel’s CEO, under attack from Trump, is already at odds with his board. Intel’s CEO, under attack from Trump, is already at odds with his board. Intel’s CEO, under attack from Trump, is already at odds with his board.
By GLOBAL NEWS5 months ago in The Swamp
Wednesday Season 2’s Surprising Rotten Tomatoes Score
Wednesday Season 2 has arrived on Netflix and the reaction from critics has been unexpectedly positive with a Rotten Tomatoes score that surprised both fans and industry insiders alike Early reviews have given the season a fresh rating in the low 80s surpassing Season 1’s score of 73 percent and signaling that the show is finding stronger footing with critics The season began with Part 1 of its new story arc released on August 6 2025 consisting of the first four episodes of the season With just over 50 reviews counted the critical consensus places Wednesday Season 2 between 79 and 84 percent depending on the source Some publications report an 81 percent score while others cite 82 or even 84 giving the season a Certified Fresh label on Rotten Tomatoes This improvement may not seem dramatic at first glance but in the world of streaming television where sequels often struggle to retain freshness and originality a jump of 8 to 11 percent is considered a notable achievement For fans of the series the news confirms what they have long believed Wednesday is not just a viral sensation but a show capable of critical growth and narrative depth Jenna Ortega once again anchors the show with a performance that critics are calling darker sharper and more emotionally nuanced than her breakout in Season 1 Her portrayal of Wednesday Addams continues to be the soul of the series with many reviews praising her command of dry wit combined with increasingly complex emotional stakes The second season leans more heavily into horror elements and expands its world with more Addams family involvement which reviewers have described as bold creative and sometimes even gothic in scope Despite the acclaim not all reviews are glowing Some critics argue that the pacing remains uneven and that the show occasionally buckles under the weight of its multiple plotlines One review called the story formulaic another said the tone sometimes shifts too quickly from quirky to grim But these critiques are currently outweighed by the praise as evidenced by the overall Rotten Tomatoes score which suggests broad approval across a diverse group of outlets Compared to Season 1 which debuted in late 2022 with 105 critic reviews and a 73 percent score the early momentum for Season 2 suggests it could ultimately finish with a higher overall average especially once Part 2 of the season drops in September The structure of Season 2 split into two parts has also helped build anticipation Netflix confirmed that Part 2 will premiere on September 3 2025 offering viewers the rest of the season and likely prompting another wave of reviews and possibly an updated Rotten Tomatoes rating Interestingly Netflix renewed the show for a third season in July 2025 before Season 2 was even released indicating strong internal confidence in the series The early Rotten Tomatoes performance only reinforces that bet with many outlets already referring to Season 2 as a creative success and a sign of growth not decline The Rotten Tomatoes score has become an increasingly influential benchmark for streaming success and while viewership numbers remain important critical reception can significantly impact the longevity of a series In this case Wednesday has managed to both retain its massive fan base and improve its standing among critics an increasingly rare feat for serialized streaming content where second seasons often falter Wednesday’s Season 2 has proven it can evolve beyond its debut season’s novelty embracing more ambitious storytelling and deeper character development while still delivering the macabre humor and stylistic flair that fans love Jenna Ortega’s performance remains a centerpiece but stronger ensemble work more dynamic writing and more daring creative risks appear to be paying off With only half the season released the critical conversation is likely just beginning but based on the current Rotten Tomatoes score Wednesday Season 2 is off to a better than expected start and could cement the show as one of Netflix’s most valuable original properties in the long term Whether the final episodes sustain or elevate the early praise remains to be seen but for now Wednesday’s return is not just successful it’s surprisingly well received by critics too
By GLOBAL NEWS5 months ago in The Swamp
Denied for lack of funds, not lack of pain!. Content Warning.
This piece was born from a moment too familiar to too many when systems fail, but pain persists. “Denied for lack of funds, not lack of pain” is not just a title; it is a testimony. It speaks to the quiet battles fought in waiting rooms, on hold lines, and inside bodies that carry more than they are allowed to claim.
By Vicki Lawana Trusselli 5 months ago in The Swamp
Understanding Congress: The Heart of American Democracy. AI-Generated.
Congress is a fundamental institution in the United States, serving as the legislative branch of the federal government. It is responsible for making laws, overseeing the executive branch, and representing the interests of the American people. This article delves into the structure, functions, history, and significance of Congress, providing a comprehensive overview of its role in American democracy.
By Trend Vantage6 months ago in The Swamp
SpaceX launches Crew-11 astronauts to the ISS for NASA on milestone Crew Dragon flight (video)
SpaceX launches NASA's Crew-11 astronauts to the International Space Station on a historic Crew Dragon flight. SpaceX successfully launched NASA's Crew-11 mission to the International Space Station (ISS), a significant accomplishment for commercial spaceflight and international cooperation. This mission is yet another milestone in the Commercial Crew Program, a partnership between NASA and SpaceX that has revolutionized American space access since its inception. On a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, the Crew-11 mission took off from Launch Complex 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The Crew Dragon spacecraft, which was given the name "Endurance" and had already completed multiple missions to the ISS, was perched atop the rocket. The reliability of SpaceX's reusable spacecraft and booster systems, which continue to set new standards for cost-effective space travel, was reaffirmed by the successful launch. There are four astronauts aboard this mission, three from NASA and one from an international partner agency. Commander Michael Barratt, a NASA astronaut with two previous space missions under his belt, is in charge of the mission. Pilot Jeanette Epps, who is making her first spaceflight following years of training and delays, and Mission Specialist Matthew Dominick, a member of NASA's 2017 astronaut class, will be traveling with him. Completing the international team is Koichi Wakata of Japan’s space agency, JAXA, a veteran astronaut with several ISS missions to his name.
By GLOBAL NEWS6 months ago in The Swamp
Construction on Trump’s $200 million White House ballroom to begin in September
President Donald Trump has unveiled an ambitious two hundred million dollar plan to build a lavish White House State Ballroom, with construction set to begin in September twenty twenty-five and finish before the end of his term in early twenty twenty-nine.
By GLOBAL NEWS6 months ago in The Swamp
Tsunami Evacuations Ordered in South America, but Worst Risk Passes for U.S. After Huge Quake
Early on Wednesday, a powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 8.8 struck off the Kamchatka Peninsula in Russia, triggering widespread tsunami warnings and mass evacuations across the Pacific Rim. Officials later determined that the greatest tsunami threat to the United States had passed, despite the frantic efforts of countries in South America to evacuate individuals. At a depth of 19 kilometers, the quake, one of the strongest in recent memory, occurred approximately 75 miles offshore from Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky. The quake's shallowness made it particularly capable of moving large volumes of water. From Japan to Chile to Hawaii, tsunami warnings were quickly issued across the Pacific Basin. Response times to emergencies were quick in South America. Chile began evacuating vulnerable coastal areas after raising its tsunami alert level to the highest level. Authorities emphasized the danger of after-waves, reminding citizens that the first wave is rarely the most dangerous. Chilean officials coordinated with local governments to evacuate thousands from low-lying areas.
By GLOBAL NEWS6 months ago in The Swamp
Could Trump Run for a Third Term?
The Joke That Isn’t Funny Anymore When Donald Trump joked that he had already served "three terms," few in the audience laughed. He smiled, as he often does when testing the boundaries between provocation and ambition. In March 2025, he said flatly: “There are methods,” referring to a possible third presidential term. Suddenly, what once sounded like satire started to feel like strategy.
By Alain SUPPINI6 months ago in The Swamp
