March 12, 2025, 02:26 AM PDT – The USDA has axed two programs totaling over $1 billion, halting funding that enabled schools and USDA food banks to buy fresh produce from local farmers. The decision, announced Friday, terminates the Local Food for Schools Cooperative Agreement Program (LFS) and the Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement Program (LFPA), affecting communities nationwide as food insecurity rises.

The USDA cancels local food purchasing move wipes out $660 million earmarked for schools in 2025, a blow to districts relying on the USDA cancels local food for schools initiative to source affordable, nutritious meals, per CBS News. The LFPA, which supported food banks with roughly $500 million, is also gone, leaving organizations scrambling, as reported by Politico. A USDA spokesperson justified the cuts, stating the Biden-era programs “no longer effectuate agency goals,” prioritizing “fiscally responsible” initiatives instead, per Reuters.

Launched in 2021 to bolster local supply chains post-COVID, these programs used the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC)—a New Deal-era fund—to inject $1.13 billion last December, per the USDA’s own announcement. Over 40 states participated, with Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey slamming the cuts as a $12 million loss for her state’s schools, per The Guardian. “Trump and Musk have declared feeding children isn’t a priority,” she said, tying the decision to broader federal spending slashes under the Trump administration and Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).

Critics, including the School Nutrition Association (SNA), warn that schools face a double hit—rising food costs and stagnant federal reimbursements—making healthy meals harder to provide. Food banks, already stretched by inflation-driven demand, lose a lifeline. Yet, the USDA insists existing agreements will run their course, offering temporary relief. Analysts question if this reflects a shift away from small-farm support toward industrial food systems, a debate intensified by looming SNAP cuts in Congress, per The Hill.

Will local farmers and vulnerable families bear the brunt? The USDA cancels local food purchasing decision tests the balance between fiscal austerity and food security.

March 12, 2025, 02:00 AM PDT – Southwest Airlines has officially grounded its iconic “bags fly free” slogan, announcing that Southwest checked bags will no longer be free for most passengers starting May 28, 2025. The decision marks a seismic shift for the budget carrier, which has touted its Southwest free bags policy as a key differentiator for over 50 years, ending a perk that set it apart from rivals like Delta and United.

According to a statement reported by Reuters, Southwest Airlines checked baggage fees will apply to the first and second checked bags for most travelers, though elite A-List Preferred members and Business Select fare passengers will retain two free bags. A-List members and Southwest credit card holders get one free bag, while all others face new charges. CEO Bob Jordan called the move a bid to “meet customer needs and return to profitability,” projecting an additional $800 million in earnings this year, per CNN. Exact Southwest baggage fees remain undisclosed, but the airline’s stock (LUV stock) soared over 9% Tuesday, reflecting Wall Street’s approval.

The change follows pressure from activist investor Elliott Investment Management, which secured a $1.9 billion stake and five board seats last year, pushing for revenue boosts amid lackluster earnings, as noted by Business Insider. Southwest’s Southwest baggage policy overhaul also includes a new basic economy fare and dynamic pricing for Rapid Rewards points, signaling a broader transformation. Historically, Southwest resisted Southwest charging for bags, estimating in September that fees could yield $1.5 billion annually but cost $1.8 billion in lost customers, per NPR.

Critics, including analyst Henry Harteveldt, warn that Southwest ending free bags could erode customer loyalty, a concern echoed by CBS News. Delta’s CEO Ed Bastian suggested competitors might snag Southwest’s bag-conscious flyers. Operationally, Jordan noted that free bags doubled the airline’s load compared to peers, slowing boarding—a cost now offset by fees.

Will Southwest bags still define the brand? This pivot risks alienating fans of the Southwest free checked bag tradition, but it may attract price-sensitive travelers with its new fare options. Only time—and passenger reactions—will tell.

March 11, 2025, 02:43 AM PDT – Jamie White, a prominent InfoWars reporter, was brutally murdered outside his Austin, Texas, apartment late Sunday night, marking the city’s eighth homicide of 2025. Alex Jones, founder of InfoWars, confirmed the tragic death of the Jamie White reporter in an emotional statement, blaming local policies and vowing to seek justice for his colleague.

The incident occurred around midnight in the 2300 block of Douglas Street in South Austin, a residential area, as reported by Fox News. Austin Police Department (APD) officers responded to a 911 call, finding an adult male—later identified by InfoWars as Jamie White—with “obvious signs of trauma.” Despite being rushed to a hospital, he succumbed to his injuries. APD is investigating the case as a homicide, but no suspects have been identified yet.

Alex Jones, known for his controversial stance, took to the InfoWars platform to express his grief, stating, “We are deeply saddened to inform you that InfoWars Reporter Jamie White was brutally murdered around midnight Sunday night due, in part, to the policies of the Soros Austin, TX D.A. Jose Garza.” He accused the district attorney and progressive policies of enabling the crime, a claim echoed in The Independent, though APD has not commented on political links.

Jamie White, a dedicated journalist at InfoWars, covered contentious topics ranging from politics to international affairs, as noted by Newsweek. Jones praised him as a “great American” and a “man of conviction,” suggesting the murder might be linked to his work. The InfoWars community pledged to continue his legacy, stating, “Jamie’s important work will be carried on through InfoWars, our readers, and our cherished listeners.”

Austin has seen a rise in violent crime, with residents expressing fear, as highlighted by The Tribune. In 2023, APD faced criticism for advising residents to call 311 during robberies due to staffing shortages, and recent accounts from Montopolis residents underscore ongoing safety concerns. Jones’ narrative ties this trend to Garza’s leadership, backed by George Soros’ funding, though these claims remain unverified by official sources.

Critically, while Jones’ accusations against Garza and Soros fuel debate, the lack of suspect details from APD leaves the motive unclear. Was this a targeted attack due to Jamie White’s reporting, or a random act amid rising crime? The investigation will be key to separating fact from speculation.