finance
Money talks; reviewing the global economy, government spending, taxes, and economic policy that affect our social and political future.
6.7 Million and Counting: Albany, New York's School-Zone Speed Cameras Raise Questions
This article was co-created with the assistance of AI, together with editorial input from DJ for Change. When the City of Albany, New York installed speed cameras in school zones, officials promised two things: safer streets for children and a modest but reliable stream of municipal revenue. The latest numbers—over $6.7 million in fines issued since the program began—have sparked heated debate.
By DJ for Change6 months ago in The Swamp
States Where You Can Still Get a COVID-19 Vaccine at CVS After RFK Jr. Policy Changes
**States where CVS still sells the COVID-19 vaccine after JFK Policy Changes** As of late August 2025, changes in U.S. federal vaccine policy have significantly impacted the way COVID-19 vaccines are distributed, particularly at retail locations like CVS. Under Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the U.S. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued stricter guidelines regarding eligibility for the COVID-19 vaccine, restricting access to individuals over the age of 75 or those with specific high-risk medical conditions. Consequently, CVS has modified its vaccine availability policies to provide varying levels of access based on state regulations. ### Overview of the Policy Changes
By GLOBAL NEWS6 months ago in The Swamp
Shock Ruling: U.S. Court Declares Trump’s Global Tariffs Illegal
For years, tariffs have been at the center of Donald Trump’s economic playbook. Branded as tools to “protect American jobs” and “punish unfair trade,” the former U.S. president slapped tariffs on hundreds of billions worth of goods from China, Europe, and beyond. Supporters hailed them as a tough stand against globalization; critics slammed them as reckless taxes on U.S. consumers.
By Waqar Khan6 months ago in The Swamp
Why Do American Citizens Keep Paying for Israel's Wars?
This article was written with the assistance of AI to help present information in a clear and accessible way. Every year, U.S. taxpayers send billions of dollars overseas—not just for weapons in general, but specifically to fund Israel’s military. While politicians in Washington frame this as “supporting an ally,” the reality is that ordinary American citizens are paying for bombs to be dropped thousands of miles away, in conflicts that rarely benefit them directly.
By DJ for Change6 months ago in The Swamp
When Trump Met Putin in Alaska: Power, Peace, and Political Theater
The icy landscapes of Alaska witnessed a rare spectacle this week—Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin meeting face-to-face once again. Arriving separately on their own aircrafts, both leaders walked down the red carpet and shook hands in front of cameras flashing from every angle. Symbolically, the choice of Alaska carried weight: a territory that historically linked Russia and America, now serving as a backdrop for renewed dialogue.
By Leah Brooke6 months ago in The Swamp
NEWS: California Supreme Court Green Lights Democratic Redistricting Effort
The gavel struck in Sacramento, and with it, a new chapter in California politics began. In a ruling that could shift the balance of power for years to come, the California Supreme Court has officially greenlit the Democratic Party’s push for redistricting—a move hailed as a victory by some and condemned as a dangerous precedent by others.
By Fazal Ur Rahman6 months ago in The Swamp
Amazon now sells used Hertz rental cars
Amazon has once again expanded its vast marketplace in a way that surprises industry analysts and excites consumers. The company that began as an online bookseller and grew into a retail and logistics empire is now selling used Hertz rental cars directly on its platform. This move demonstrates how Amazon continues to blur the lines between traditional commerce and digital convenience while further cementing its influence across multiple industries.
By GLOBAL NEWS6 months ago in The Swamp
Rates of West Nile Virus Increasing Throughout Philadelphia Region
West Nile Virus cases are rising throughout the Philadelphia region. As the number of cases of West Nile Virus (WNV) continues to rise throughout the summer, health officials in the Philadelphia area are raising the alarm. The mosquito-borne illness, which has been present in Pennsylvania since the beginning of the 2000s, is experiencing a significant resurgence, with an increase in the number of human cases and positive mosquito pools. In Philadelphia, Montgomery, Delaware, Bucks, and Chester Counties, the presence of the virus-carrying mosquitoes has been confirmed to be higher than usual. According to data from environmental surveillance, the primary disease-carrying Culex species of mosquito have found ideal breeding conditions thanks to warmer temperatures, recent heavy rainfall, and persistent humidity. Officials say that although the rise isn't yet considered an outbreak, the pattern is troubling enough to warrant increased mosquito control efforts. In particular in areas where mosquito samples have tested positive, crews are spraying insecticides in targeted neighborhoods. Local governments are urging residents to take preventative measures seriously and keeping a daily eye on traps. The bite of an infected mosquito is how West Nile Virus gets into people. One in five people who contract the virus will experience fever, headaches, body aches, nausea, and fatigue. The majority of people who contract the virus will not experience any symptoms. The virus can cause neurological problems like meningitis or encephalitis in severe cases, especially in older people or those with weaker immune systems. These conditions, which can be fatal, necessitate immediate medical attention. The Philadelphia region has not seen such widespread positive mosquito pools since 2018, when dozens of human cases and several fatalities were reported across Pennsylvania. This year's increase has sparked concern because of this. Climate change may be contributing to the rise, experts warn. Mosquito populations are able to survive in greater numbers thanks to warmer winters, and wet springs and summers increase the amount of standing water in which the insects can breed. Dr. Philadelphia's Health Commissioner, Cheryl Bettigole, emphasized that vigilance is essential despite the low overall risk to any individual. Bettigole offered this explanation: "We are seeing higher mosquito activity carrying West Nile Virus than we typically expect at this point in the season." “We want residents to protect themselves by using insect repellent, wearing long sleeves and pants during peak mosquito hours, and eliminating standing water around their homes.”
By GLOBAL NEWS6 months ago in The Swamp
Military recruitment is impressive.
Introduction: The new front line is online. The U.S. military has always adapted to the cultural tides of American life — from the iconic Uncle Sam “I want you” posters of World War I to the cinematic Super Bowl commercials that tug at patriotic hearts. But now, a different battleground has emerged: social media. With Gen-Z spending an estimated 5-7 hours a day on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube, the military’s recruitment efforts are going where the eye can see.
By Echoes of Life6 months ago in The Swamp
The Hidden Economic Force No Politician Wants to Talk About
Let’s cut through the noise. The pundits on the cable news scream until they’re red in the face. One side chants, “It’s the economy, stupid!” The other side retorts, “No, it’s about values!” They frame it as a binary choice, a zero-sum game where we must choose between putting food on the table and having a moral compass. We’re told that “kitchen-table issues” are the real ones, and that discussions about ethics, virtue, and character are a distracting smokescreen for the elite.
By The Colson Lens6 months ago in The Swamp
Trump Family's Financial Windfall: A $3.4 Billion Surge
When Donald Trump secured his second term as President, the world’s attention turned not only to his policies but also to his personal and family finances. A recent report reveals that the Trump family has amassed an extraordinary $3.4 billion in new wealth since the start of his second administration. This unprecedented financial growth has reignited debates about ethics, political influence, and the thin line between governance and personal profit.
By Echoes of Life6 months ago in The Swamp
Project 2025: The Blueprint for a Second Trump Term
The political landscape of the United States is witnessing an unprecedented transformation with the unveiling of Project 2025, a comprehensive blueprint designed to reshape the federal government in anticipation of a potential second term for former President Donald Trump. Developed by a coalition of former Trump administration officials in collaboration with conservative think tanks like the Heritage Foundation, Project 2025 has generated significant attention in political circles, media outlets, and among grassroots activists. Its implications could redefine the structure, priorities, and governance style of the federal government for years to come.
By Echoes of Life6 months ago in The Swamp
