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 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.

Mark Carney has officially taken over as Canada’s Prime Minister, following Justin Trudeau’s resignation, after nearly a decade in office. The Liberal leadership race concluded with Carney winning by a landslide, securing over 85% of the party vote. His appointment comes at a critical time as Canada faces economic instability and rising trade tensions with the U.S.

Carney, a former Governor of the Bank of Canada and Bank of England, is expected to prioritize economic policies, with a strong focus on inflation control, international trade, and job creation. The New York Times noted that his background in financial markets gives him an edge in addressing Canada’s cost-of-living crisis, which has been a major concern for citizens.

Tensions with the United States under President Donald Trump are expected to be a key challenge for Carney. Reuters reported that Trump’s administration recently imposed new tariffs on Canadian exports, affecting steel, aluminum, and dairy industries. Carney has vowed to stand firm against trade restrictions and seek alternative global trade partners beyond North America.

Beyond trade, Carney’s policy agenda includes tackling housing affordability, climate change, and healthcare system improvements. His leadership is seen as a strategic move by the Liberal Party to regain public trust ahead of the 2025 general election, as reported by BBC News. Political analysts predict that Carney may call for an early election to solidify his position and counter rising support for the Conservative Party’s Pierre Poilievre.

Trudeau’s departure marks the end of an era, with mixed reactions from political observers. CNN highlighted that while Trudeau’s leadership was marked by progressive policies and strong climate initiatives, his government faced backlash over rising inflation and a housing crisis. Many voters believe that Carney, with his financial expertise, is better positioned to tackle Canada’s economic challenges.

With global economic uncertainty and shifting political dynamics, Carney’s first months in office will be closely watched, especially regarding his handling of U.S.-Canada relations and domestic economic reforms.