Author: Newyorki

President Donald Trump has indicated that his administration is weighing a decision to reclassify marijuana as a less dangerous substance under federal law, with an announcement possible within the next two weeks. Since 1970, marijuana has been classified as a Schedule I drug — the most restrictive category, reserved for substances deemed highly dangerous, addictive, and without accepted medical use. In 2024, the Drug Enforcement Administration proposed moving marijuana to Schedule III, alongside substances such as ketamine and testosterone, which are recognized as having medical applications and lower abuse potential. Trump described the decision as complex, citing the need to…

Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago President Austan Goolsbee expressed greater concern about the recent rise in underlying inflation than July’s weaker-than-expected jobs report, suggesting a high threshold for supporting an interest rate cut at the Fed’s September meeting. Speaking at the Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce in Illinois on August 13, Goolsbee—often seen as one of the Fed’s more “dovish” policymakers—highlighted that persistent inflation in the services sector was particularly troubling. While overall inflation held steady at 2.7% in July, the core rate, which excludes food and energy, climbed from 2.9% to 3.1%, driven by notable increases in airfares and…

The Trump administration has launched a sweeping review of the Smithsonian Institution, aiming to align its exhibits and materials with the White House’s directive to emphasize “American exceptionalism” and eliminate what it deems “divisive” or “partisan” narratives. Scope and Goals of the Review In an August 12 letter to Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie Bunch III, administration officials outlined plans for a “comprehensive” evaluation of the museum system’s content. The review will assess whether exhibits meet the administration’s standards for “unity, progress, and enduring values” in historical interpretation. The letter sets a 120-day deadline for the Smithsonian to begin “content corrections,” replacing…

President Donald Trump’s national approval ratings remain in negative territory, yet state-level polling reveals a more nuanced picture, with nearly half of U.S. states viewing his job performance favorably. Where Trump Is Most and Least Popular According to an August 12 Morning Consult update, Trump holds a positive approval rating in 27 states. Wyoming ranks as his strongest state, with 66% approval, while Vermont is his weakest, with 64% disapproval. In Texas, 53% approve and 44% disapprove of Trump’s performance, while in California — where Governor Gavin Newsom has threatened to respond to Texas’s redistricting efforts — 41% approve and…

Ivanka Trump, an avid student of Brazilian jiu-jitsu, is set to play a central role in organizing a landmark Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) event on the White House grounds as part of the United States’ 250th birthday celebrations on July 4, 2026. A White House official confirmed that the first daughter will be involved in planning the championship fight, which President Donald Trump first floated last month while discussing nationwide events to mark the anniversary of American independence. The president envisioned a full-scale UFC championship match on the South Lawn, accommodating up to 25,000 spectators. President Trump, a longtime UFC…

With the 2026 midterm elections approaching, Republicans are moving to redraw congressional district maps in several key states, potentially flipping at least nine House seats in their favor. While Democrats in states like New York have pledged to “fight fire with fire,” GOP-controlled states have a clear advantage in reshaping maps before voters head to the polls. Republican Strongholds Lead Redistricting PushThe largest potential gains for Republicans come from Texas, Florida, and Ohio — all high-population states with unified GOP control. Texas: The state legislature is advancing a new congressional map that could add five Republican-leaning districts. Democratic lawmakers left…

The Trump administration has taken a significant step toward allowing American retirement savings to be invested in private equity, cryptocurrencies, and other alternative assets, reversing restrictions introduced under the Biden administration. On Tuesday, the U.S. Department of Labor rescinded 2021 guidance that had discouraged 401(k) plan sponsors from investing in the leveraged buyout sector. The move is part of President Donald Trump’s broader push to give private investment firms access to the vast 401(k) market — a shift that could channel hundreds of billions of dollars into the private equity industry. The 401(k) system, which governs employer-sponsored retirement plans, is…

Donald Trump’s decision to replace the head of the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) with EJ Antoni, an economist at the conservative Heritage Foundation, has triggered widespread concern among economists, investors, and policy experts about the independence and credibility of the nation’s most important economic data. The move follows Trump’s firing of former commissioner Erika McEntarfer earlier this month, after a jobs report painted a weaker-than-expected labor market. Without providing evidence, Trump claimed the report had been “rigged.” Antoni, a vocal supporter of Trump’s tariffs and economic agenda, will need Senate confirmation before taking up the post. Critics argue…

The U.S. State Department has issued an updated travel advisory for Mexico, designating the country at Level 2 – “Exercise Increased Caution” due to risks associated with terrorism, crime, and kidnapping. According to the revised advisory, violent crimes remain a significant concern in Mexico, including homicide, kidnapping, carjacking, and robbery. The update also warns of the potential for terrorist-related violence. Key Safety Guidance for TravelersThe State Department advises U.S. citizens visiting Mexico to: Comply with instructions at road checkpoints. Resisting or attempting to flee may lead to injury or death. Avoid traveling alone or after dark, especially in rural or…

U.S. stocks climbed to fresh record highs on Tuesday, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq leading gains, after a mild inflation reading strengthened expectations for a Federal Reserve interest rate cut in September. The annual inflation rate for July rose 2.7%, in line with June’s figure and below forecasts of 2.8%. Core inflation, which excludes food and energy, increased 3.1%, slightly under the expected 3%. Economists noted some early signs of tariffs feeding into consumer prices, but not yet at levels of concern. “Although core annual inflation is back to its highest level since February, today’s print is not hot…