The IMF’s latest report highlights increasing borrowing driven largely by the United States and China, with significant fiscal pressures stemming from demands for green energy, security, and aging populations. Political factors, particularly in the U.S. where both presidential candidates propose tax cuts, may exacerbate the situation, potentially adding trillions to national debt.

The IMF emphasizes the urgent need for governments to implement stringent fiscal measures to stabilize their borrowing, warning that postponing action could lead to larger corrections in the future. The report also notes that existing debt projections may underestimate actual future outcomes by considerable margins.

Countries are advised to confront these debt risks proactively to avoid adverse market reactions and maintain budgetary flexibility. […]

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In this explainer video, Patrick Bet-David goes deep into what happened with FEMA’s response to Hurricane Helene in North Carolina, investigates where the department’s budget went, and takes a look ahead at what might happen with Hurricane Milton.

FEMA’s failure to allocate sufficient resources and funds is underscored by the agency’s admission that it lacks the necessary funds to handle the ongoing hurricane season. Despite knowing about the impending disaster a week in advance, FEMA’s response was sluggish, leaving many without the basic necessities for days. The issue is compounded by revelations that a significant portion of FEMA’s budget is directed toward non-disaster-related programs, such as the Shelter and Services Program, which allocates funds to assist undocumented immigrants.

Critics have also raised concerns over FEMA’s transparency and allocation of disaster relief funds. According to an August report, $73 billion in unliquidated funds remain open, leaving many questioning where the money is going. Additionally, FEMA’s communication and customer service have been poor, with many unable to reach the agency for help or left without clear answers. […]

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After praising Trump’s resilience following an assassination attempt, Zuckerberg expressed regret over past liberal actions, acknowledging that Meta’s censorship during the COVID-19 pandemic undermined public trust. He has hired Republican strategist Brian Baker to mend ties with the right and is reportedly trying to present Meta as a nonpartisan entity.

Despite Trump’s claims that Zuckerberg indicated he would not vote for a Democrat, a Meta spokesperson clarified that he has not disclosed his voting intentions. Zuckerberg’s evolution reflects a broader rightward shift among tech executives in Silicon Valley. […]

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According to the document, the HBA and the community it represents are invoking private-citizen rights to file charges given the perceived lack of actions by local prosecutors.

“Like those who falsely shout ‘fire!’ in a crowded theater, Trump and Vance do not color within the lines of the First Amendment. They commit criminal acts,” the HBA said.

“HBA filed this criminal charge to hold Trump and Vance accountable for the devastating harm they caused our community in Springfield and has impacted Haitians around the United States,” HBA Executive Director Guerline Jozef continued in a separate statement. “Thirty-three bomb threats have been alleged across Springfield within the last two weeks. Hospitals, schools, universities, and government offices were all evacuated after receiving racially charged threats. Springfield government officials and their families received threats. Trump and Vance’s lies have harmed the Springfield community, and their lies have violated criminal law.” […]

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The small town of Springfield, Ohio has found itself at the center of a heated political controversy in recent weeks following alarming reports about the local immigrant population. According to as-of-yet-unverified claims from concerned citizens, Haitian nationals resettled in Springfield under the Biden Department of Homeland Security’s Temporary Protected Status (TPS) program have been seen killing and eating wildlife in local parks and, in some cases, abducting household pets as well.

These claims were quickly adopted as a Republican Party talking point, with stories of migrants feasting on dogs and cats being used to illustrate the consequences of the Biden administration’s lax border security measures. Former President Donald Trump himself repeated the claim during his September 10 debate against Vice President Kamala Harris, drawing mockery from his opponent and a fact-check from moderator David Muir.

Further investigation into the matter on the ground in Springfield has since suggested that there may be some degree of validity to the claims, but the reports remain unsubstantiated by most major media outlets. […]

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Despite their contentious history, Zuckerberg did express admiration for Trump’s actions post-assassination attempt, calling his iconic fist pump “one of the most badass things I’ve ever seen.”

Mark Zuckerberg said that Donald Trump’s immediate reaction after being shot was “badass” and inspiring — without endorsing the former president.

The Meta CEO spoke exclusively to @emilychangtv on The Circuit https://t.co/Y1s1HmhotX pic.twitter.com/DQI10NHzhq

— Bloomberg (@business) July 19, 2024

However, Zuckerberg has remained neutral regarding political endorsements and has not spoken out on Trump’s behalf since making this remark in July. […]

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The upcoming presidential election has exposed divisions within Silicon Valley, traditionally a stronghold of Democratic support, as some tech leaders express discontent with President Biden’s policies on mergers and data privacy. Notable figures like Reid Hoffman and Mark Cuban are vocal in their support for Harris, advocating for pro-tech policies and workers’ rights.

Campaign finance laws prohibit direct corporate donations to federal campaigns, leading companies to channel contributions through political action committees funded by employee donations. Many corporations are cautious about partisan donations to avoid alienating customers across political lines. […]

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This filing follows a failed attempt last year to move the case to federal court, with Trump citing the need for an unbiased forum free from local hostilities.

The case involves 34 felony counts of falsifying business records related to a hush money payment to Stormy Daniels. The Manhattan District Attorney’s office has not yet responded to these latest legal maneuvers.

Legal experts suggest that while Trump faces up to four years in prison, actual incarceration is unlikely. […]

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While the US has a lower recommended limit of 0.7 milligrams per liter established in 2015, some Americans may still be exposed to higher fluoride levels due to natural sources.

“Since 1945, the use of fluoride has been a successful public health initiative for reducing dental cavities and improving general oral health of adults and children,” the report stated. “There is a concern, however, that some pregnant women and children may be getting more fluoride than they need because they now get fluoride from many sources, including treated public water, water-added foods and beverages, teas, toothpaste, floss, and mouthwash, and the combined total intake of fluoride may exceed safe amounts.”

The report does not quantify the exact IQ loss associated with fluoride exposure but suggests decreases of 2 to 5 points in affected children.

Importantly, there is insufficient evidence to suggest that fluoride negatively impacts adult intelligence. The findings are expected to fuel discussions on the safety and health implications of fluoride in public water supplies. […]

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From 2020 to 2023, the average retail price for electricity in the United States increased from $10.59 per kilowatt hour to $12.72 per kilowatt hour, about a 20 percent rise. According to the Federal Reserve, lower-income households are most affected by increasing energy costs.

According to economic laws of supply and demand, increased demand for electricity puts upward pressure on prices. The demand from AI data centers causes electricity prices to be higher than they otherwise would be. […]

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