pop culture
The headline rundown: Modern popular culture topics in the realm of politics, legislation and activism.
Hands Off!" Protests Erupt Nationwide Against President Trump and Elon Musk
On April 5, 2025, the streets of America pulsed with a renewed energy. From the towering skyscrapers of New York City to the sun-washed streets of small towns like St. Augustine, Florida, millions of Americans raised their voices in defiance during the unprecedented "Hands Off!" protests. Billed as a collective cry to protect democracy and social justice, this protest marked one of the largest synchronized demonstrations in United States history.
By Saqib Ullah11 months ago in The Swamp
The Gristle – Issue 3
EXCLUSIVE: BBC Whistleblower Confirms Corporation's Government Bias LONDON — A BBC insider has told The Gristle that Senior News Editors rate stories with a colour-coded 'Threat Level Matrix' based on the likely level of government embarassment.
By Addison Alder11 months ago in The Swamp
Trump Warns of 50% Tariffs on China: Trade War Tensions Rise in 2025.
Trump Warns of 50% Tariffs on China: Trade War Tensions Rise in 2025. In a bold and provocative statement former U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened to impose a massive 50% tariff on Chinese goods if Beijing does not drop its own retaliatory tariffs. The warning has sent shockwaves through global markets and reignited fears of a renewed trade war between the world’s two largest economies.
By Adnan Rasheed11 months ago in The Swamp
Japan Stock Market Crash 2025 Nikkei 225 Plunges Into Bear Market After Worst Fall Since COVID-19
Japan Stock Market Crash 2025 Nikkei 225 Plunges Into Bear Market After Worst Fall Since COVID-19 In a dramatic turn of events global stock markets especially across Asia have witnessed one of their worst downtrends since the COVID-19 crisis. The Tokyo Nikkei 225 Index has taken center stage with an alarming plunge of 7.83% on Monday alone. This latest decline caps a brutal three day rout that has slashed 12.85% off the index and dragged Japan's premier stock index into bear market territory down a staggering 22.32% from its 2025 high set in July 2024. The Nikkei’s steep decline has sent shockwaves through global financial communities with market analysts scrambling to decipher the causes behind such a dramatic fall. While a bear market is typically defined as a decline of 20% or more from recent highs the Nikkei has exceeded that threshold confirming the worst fears of investors who had already been wary amid persistent global uncertainties. Year to date the index has lost 21.95% of its value marking one of the worst performances not seen since the market upheaval caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. This drop is not just a statistical blip it's a reflection of deeper economic anxieties ranging from sluggish domestic demand slowing exports and concerns over the central bank’s tightening monetary policies.
By Adnan Rasheed11 months ago in The Swamp
Trump Launches $5 Million ‘Trump Card’ Visa Program for Wealthy Immigrants | EB-5 Fast Track Explained.
Trump Launches $5 Million ‘Trump Card’ Visa Program for Wealthy Immigrants | EB-5 Fast Track Explained In a striking and controversial announcement, former President Donald Trump revealed what he called the Trump Card a $5 million gold colored identification card for individuals seeking U.S. residency through the immigrant investor program. Trump showcased the card during an impromptu press conference aboard Air Force One marking yet another instance of his signature blend of political spectacle and branding. The card which Trump held up for reporters is a dazzling piece of design and symbolism. Featuring a prominent photo of Trump himself with golden beams radiating from his head the card also includes patriotic imagery the Statue of Liberty rises over Trump’s left shoulder while the majestic head of a bald eagle rests beneath his right. On the right side of the card nine stars arc partially around the bold words The Trump Card with Trump's signature scrawled in the bottom right corner. The numbers 5M and 5,000,000 in the corners clearly mark the price of entry. Five million. For $5 million this could be yours Trump said smiling as he held the card aloft for cameras. That’s right. It’s the golden key to America the best investment you’ll ever make.
By Adnan Rasheed11 months ago in The Swamp
Neil Young Joan Baez & Maggie Rogers Join Bernie Sanders & AOC in Major Los Angeles Rally Against Billionaire Oligarchy.
Neil Young Joan Baez & Maggie Rogers Join Bernie Sanders & AOC in Major Los Angeles Rally Against Billionaire Oligarchy In a powerful demonstration of unity between politics and the arts legendary musicians Neil Young Joan Baez and Maggie Rogers are joining forces with Senator Bernie Sanders and Representative Alexandria Ocasio Cortez (AOC) for a high profile rally in Los Angeles. The event part of the national Fighting Oligarchy tour aims to mobilize grassroots energy and confront the growing influence of billionaires and corporate elites on American democracy. The Fighting Oligarchy tour is a bold effort spearheaded by Senator Sanders and AOC to highlight the increasing wealth gap in the United States and to call out the power wielded by a small, ultra-rich elite. According to Sanders, the event is not just about protest it's about building a movement that champions the rights of working people and holds the wealthiest accountable. In America today we are moving rapidly toward an oligarchic form of society where a small number of billionaires control the economic and political life of the country Sanders said in a recent statement. This tour is about saying: Enough is enough.
By Adnan Rasheed11 months ago in The Swamp
How Trump’s Tariffs on China Disrupted Apple’s iPhone Supply Chain and Global Strategy.
How Trump’s Tariffs on China Disrupted Apple’s iPhone Supply Chain and Global Strategy. In an ever globalizing economy where tech giants like Apple have mastered the art of supply chain optimization, political and economic decisions on tariffs can have far-reaching consequences. One such decision former President Donald Trump’s aggressive tariff policies on China has significantly shaken the foundations of Apple’s iPhone empire. These tariffs, aimed at reducing the U.S. trade deficit and bringing manufacturing back to American soil have disrupted not only the tech industry but also the delicate ecosystem on which Apple relies to produce its flagship product the iPhone.
By Adnan Rasheed11 months ago in The Swamp
"Trump's New Tariffs Target Australian Territory – Even Penguins Aren't Spared!"
Trump's Tariffs Target Heard Island and McDonald Islands Australian Territory Inhabited by Penguins. In a surprising turn of events former U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposed tariff policies have reportedly targeted Heard Island and McDonald Islands a remote Australian territory inhabited primarily by penguins and other wildlife. The move has left economists environmentalists and policy experts scratching their heads as these isolated islands have virtually no trade relationship with the United States.
By Adnan Rasheed11 months ago in The Swamp
Val Kilmer, Film Star Who Played Batman and Jim Morrison, Dies at 65.
Val Kilmer, Film Star Who Played Batman and Jim Morrison, Dies at 65 Val Kilmer, the versatile and charismatic actor renowned for his roles in "Top Gun" "The Doors" and "Batman Forever" passed away on April 1, 2025 in Los Angeles at the age of 65. The cause was pneumonia as confirmed by his daughter Mercedes Kilmer.
By Adnan Rasheed11 months ago in The Swamp
