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Saturday, April 5, 2025

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Republicans weigh using the power of Congress to rein in Trump on tariffs; Stocks tumble again after China fires back in trade war; Mississippi urged to invest in jobs, not jails, to cut prison costs; Studies highlight gut health benefits of plant-forward diets in MI.

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The administration stands behind its tariffs, despite declines in markets. Advocates nationwide push back against federal rollbacks affecting military families, and the environment and big budget plans advance in Congress.

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The proposed dismantling of the Depart. of Education has rural schools scared, postal carriers say USPS changes will hurt rural communities most, fiber networks to improve internet may be supplanted by Musk's satellites, and it's time to PLAY BALL!

DOGE, OPM demands shake up federal workers in OH and beyond

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Wednesday, February 26, 2025   

The federal workforce in Ohio numbers more than 83,000 and many say they're reeling after weeks of job cuts and a demand from Elon Musk, his Department of Government Efficiency and the Office of Personnel Management for workers to justify their jobs.

Over the weekend, many federal workers received an email asking for "five bullet points" on what they accomplished last week. SpaceX and Tesla CEO Elon Musk, who has been given the unofficial power to oversee government cuts, said on social media failure to respond would be taken as a resignation. President Donald Trump reiterated the point at a news conference Monday.

Dave, a Department of Veterans Affairs employee who asked not to use his real name, said it has been a stressful time.

"There's definitely a fear, wondering if our work ethics are good enough to remain on staff," Dave observed. "Many of us have responded to the email, so we have followed directions, but it's still that sense of micromanagement that is making us feel very insecure."

Musk and his advisory group have claimed, without sharing evidence, they have uncovered hundreds of billions of dollars in federal employee fraud, including paychecks issued to nonexistent workers. The effort faces legal challenges from unions, businesses and advocacy groups. And several agency managers appointed by President Trump advised their workers not to comply with the email, citing privacy and security concerns.

Dave explained as a person of color who joined the civil service after serving in the military, he is also concerned diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives are being terminated.

"If two people walk into an office, one person was of color and the other person was not, they probably both have similar qualifications," Dave noted. "But that person of color worked just a slight bit harder. There have been statistics that have proved in the past that they tend to favor the white candidate."

Trump has claimed DEI initiatives intended to help people in less favored groups succeed are themselves a form of discrimination.


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In addition to gut health benefits, many researchers say reducing meat consumption and increasing plant-based foods can help lower greenhouse gas emissions, conserve water and reduce the environmental footprint of food production. (NDABCREATIVITY/Adobe Stock)

Health and Wellness

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By Dawn Attride for Sentient.Broadcast version by Chrystal Blair for Michigan News Connection reporting for the Sentient-Public News Service Collabora…


Social Issues

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As Mississippi grapples with one of the nation's highest incarceration rates, a new national campaign highlights the economic and social toll of …

Social Issues

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Nearly 22,000 Florida college students could lose critical tuition help under a state House budget proposal. The plan would cut $3,500 annual grants …


Marches, rallies and protests will take place at state capitals, federal buildings, congressional offices and city centers. (Hands Off!)

Social Issues

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Pro-worker and pro-democracy organizers and activists in Nevada are coming together to oppose some of the policies of President Donald Trump…

Environment

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Minnesota bird enthusiasts should keep their binoculars handy. April is a good month to spot various species migrating back to the region. Experts …

The U.S. Senate voted 52-48 to end the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's overdraft-fee protection regulation. (Adobe Stock)

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As President Donald Trump dismantles the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, advocates of the agency warn that veterans and military service …

Social Issues

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Arizona lawmakers are considering a bill to prevent cryptocurrency scams and regulate what are known as "crypto kiosks." Brendon Blake, AARP …

Social Issues

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UPDATE: A statement about the arrest from the University of Cincinnati has been added. (8:10 a.m. MDT, Apr. 3, 2025) A recent arrest on the …

 

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