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VIDEO | UN says world must jointly tackle issues of climate change, pollution, biodiversity and land loss

VIDEO | UN says world must jointly tackle issues of climate change, pollution, biodiversity and land loss

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Elon Musk Reveals 'Zombie Payments' Audit Uncovered Billions in Federal Waste

Elon Musk Reveals 'Zombie Payments' Audit Uncovered Billions in Federal Waste

Elon Musk, in a recent podcast interview, disclosed that audits conducted under the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) identified between $100 billion to $200 billion in annual 'zombie payments.' These payments were described as wasteful government expenditures that persisted without oversight. Musk, who briefly led this initiative during the early days of the Trump administration, highlighted the internal resistance faced during the audit process. The podcast, hosted by Katie Miller, covered a range of topics including immigration, artificial intelligence, and Musk's reflections on his tenure with DOGE. Musk emphasized that the department was informally created based on internet suggestions and managed to halt several nonsensical funding streams despite significant pushback.
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Pennsylvania Governor Subpoenaed Over Home Security Upgrades

Pennsylvania Governor Subpoenaed Over Home Security Upgrades

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro is facing subpoenas from a GOP-led state legislative committee regarding security upgrades to his private home. These upgrades, costing approximately $1 million, were implemented following a firebombing incident at his official residence. The committee is seeking records related to these expenditures, as well as information on charter flights arranged for the Governor's Office. The subpoenas have been issued to the Pennsylvania State Police and other relevant parties, with a compliance deadline set for January 16, 2026.
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Pennsylvania Governor Subpoenaed Over Security Upgrades Following Firebombing

Pennsylvania Governor Subpoenaed Over Security Upgrades Following Firebombing

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro is facing scrutiny from a GOP-led committee in the state legislature, which has issued subpoenas for records related to approximately $1 million in security upgrades to his private home. This action follows a firebombing incident at the governor's official residence in Harrisburg earlier this year. The Intergovernmental Operations Committee is also seeking documents concerning charter flights arranged for the Governor's Office. The subpoenas target the Pennsylvania State Police, the local township's open records officer, and the charter flight company, with a compliance deadline set for January 16, 2026. The governor's spokesperson has labeled the move as a 'partisan attack,' asserting that the administration has already provided substantial information regarding the security improvements, which were recommended after a thorough review by security experts.
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President Trump to Ease Environmental Regulations on Agricultural Equipment

President Trump to Ease Environmental Regulations on Agricultural Equipment

President Trump has announced plans to ease environmental regulations on agricultural equipment manufacturers, aiming to reduce costs for farmers. The initiative involves the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) working with the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to roll back certain environmental restrictions that have been blamed for increasing equipment costs. The focus is on reducing the complexity and cost of machinery by targeting regulations such as diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) requirements. The move is part of a broader effort to address economic concerns and support the agricultural sector by lowering input costs for farmers. The announcement has sparked discussions about the balance between environmental protection and economic relief for farmers.
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Nonprofit Leaders Advocate for Land Justice and Community Stewardship

Nonprofit Leaders Advocate for Land Justice and Community Stewardship

Nonprofit leaders are calling for a shift towards land justice, emphasizing the need for community stewardship over private ownership. Representatives from organizations like the BLIS Collective, Partners for Dignity and Rights, and The Greenlining Institute argue for a reimagining of land as a common resource. They highlight the historical injustices faced by Black and Indigenous communities, advocating for policies that return land to these groups and promote equitable access. The movement seeks to address systemic inequities by promoting community land trusts, social housing, and other models that prioritize collective ownership and sustainability.
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President Trump Announces $12 Billion Aid for Farmers Amid Ongoing Trade Challenges

President Trump Announces $12 Billion Aid for Farmers Amid Ongoing Trade Challenges

President Trump Announces $12 Billion Aid for Farmers Amid Ongoing Trade Challenges
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Jersey Deputy Proposes Public Consultation on Fireworks Impact on Animals

Jersey Deputy Proposes Public Consultation on Fireworks Impact on Animals

Deputy Max Andrews has proposed a public consultation regarding the use of fireworks and pyrotechnics in Jersey. The proposal suggests that the Minister for Justice and Home Affairs conduct this consultation by December 2026, with results and recommendations to be presented by June 2028. Andrews expressed concerns about the impact of fireworks on animals and believes that revisions to the Explosives (Jersey) Law are necessary. The current law, registered in 2014, has not been enforced, leaving the 1970 law in effect. The consultation aims to gather public and animal welfare organizations' views on whether current laws need reform, particularly concerning the sale, possession, and private use of fireworks. Potential measures could include permits for private displays and the use of quieter fireworks.
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Trump Administration's Reversal on Renewable Energy Grants Delays U.S. Projects Amid China's Green Surge

Trump Administration's Reversal on Renewable Energy Grants Delays U.S. Projects Amid China's Green Surge

The Trump administration has recently reversed federal support for renewable energy projects, labeling them as risky and unreliable. This decision has led to the cancellation of over $426 million in federal grants for a marine terminal in Eureka, California, intended to assemble offshore wind turbines. The project, which aimed to power over two million American homes, now faces significant delays as it seeks alternative funding sources. Meanwhile, China has emerged as a global leader in renewable energy, constructing more solar capacity than the rest of the world combined in the first half of 2025. China's strategic investments in renewable technologies have positioned it as a dominant force in the sector, contrasting sharply with the U.S.'s current stance.
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House Speaker Mike Johnson Advocates for $901 Billion Military Budget Amid Social Program Cuts

House Speaker Mike Johnson Advocates for $901 Billion Military Budget Amid Social Program Cuts

House Speaker Mike Johnson has introduced a military policy bill that proposes $901 billion in U.S. military spending for the upcoming fiscal year. This proposal follows significant cuts to Medicaid and federal nutrition assistance programs, which were enacted by GOP lawmakers and President Trump. The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) aims to ensure the U.S. military remains highly capable, with the proposed budget exceeding President Trump's request by $8 billion. Despite the increase in military funding, the Pentagon has faced criticism for its financial management, having never passed an independent audit and being identified by the Government Accountability Office as having significant fraud exposure. The NDAA's passage would push total military spending authorized by Congress this year above $1 trillion.
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Federal Judge Overturns Trump Administration's Wind Energy Ban, Impacting Renewable Sector

Federal Judge Overturns Trump Administration's Wind Energy Ban, Impacting Renewable Sector

A federal judge has invalidated the Trump administration's executive order that halted federal permits for wind energy projects. The order, issued by President Trump on his first day back in office, aimed to withdraw federal lands and waters from new or renewed wind-energy leasing, citing potential national security and economic concerns. U.S. District Judge Patti B. Saris ruled the ban as 'arbitrary and capricious,' stating that the administration's justification of 'grave harm' was insufficient. The lawsuit, brought by attorneys general from 17 states, argued that the ban posed an existential threat to the wind industry, risking billions in investments and thousands of jobs. The ruling is seen as a significant victory for the renewable energy sector, which had been stalled by the federal permitting ban.
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Federal Judge Overturns President Trump's Ban on Wind Power Projects, Impacting Energy Industry

Federal Judge Overturns President Trump's Ban on Wind Power Projects, Impacting Energy Industry

A federal judge has overturned President Donald Trump's ban on new wind power projects in the United States. The decision, made by Judge Patti Saris of the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts, declared the ban 'arbitrary and capricious and contrary to law.' This ruling is a significant victory for the wind energy industry, which had been adversely affected by the ban. President Trump had issued a memorandum on January 20, halting permits and leases for both offshore and onshore wind farms, pending a federal review. The judge noted that federal agencies failed to provide a reasoned explanation for this abrupt policy change. The lawsuit against the ban was led by New York Attorney General Letitia James, along with 16 other states, arguing that the ban posed an existential threat to the wind industry.