The United States is entering one of its most volatile political moments in decades, defined by two high-profile acts of political violence: the July assassination attempt on Donald Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania, and the killing of Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University. Both cases have ignited national debate, fueled distrust in institutions, and amplified concerns about political rhetoric ahead of the 2026 midterms. The attempted assassination of Trump by 20-year-old Thomas Crooks remains clouded in controversy. Tucker Carlson alleges the FBI is concealing Crooks’ digital history — including violent threats, assassination fantasies, and ideological shifts — while the FBI asserts it conducted an exhaustive investigation involving thousands of interviews, digital forensics, and review of 25 social media accounts. The White House says Americans “deserve answers,” and a New York Post investigation claims Crooks had online activity across 17 accounts dating back five years. Senator Ron Johnson accuses the FBI of stonewalling. The assassination of Charlie Kirk has magnified these tensions. Suspect Tyler Robinson faces deep public skepticism about whether he acted alone. Kirk’s security chief, Brian Harpole, publicly released messages showing he warned UVU police about rooftop vulnerabilities days before the shooting — warnings he says went unheeded. The speaker wonders whether the timing of these disclosures is organic or engineered to shift blame. A new poll reveals 61% of Americans believe political rhetoric contributed to Kirk’s killing, with bipartisan agreement not seen since the Gabby Giffords shooting. The speaker expresses personal exhaustion, distrust of the FBI and CIA, and concern over possible AI-generated misinformation. With midterms approaching and threats against public figures rising, fear, confusion, and institutional distrust are reshaping civic life. The speaker ultimately calls for stepping back from the noise, focusing on family, and awaiting clear information — while acknowledging the seriousness of the moment.

The United States is entering a historic demographic and economic turning point. With fertility rates plunging across the developed world, labor shortages are reshaping public policy, immigration debates, and political campaigns. At a November 18 event at “the Kiva,” speakers argued that America’s declining birthrate—down 55% since 1957—combined with an aging population, makes immigrant labor increasingly essential for economic stability. Countries like Italy, Germany, Japan, South Korea (at a record-low 0.73), and the U.S. are far below replacement levels. Meanwhile, parts of Africa and the Middle East continue to experience rapid population growth, placing additional pressure on global migration. Economically, shrinking native workforces strain pension systems, healthcare, and service-sector staffing. As one example, the rhetorical question “Would you be able to get your McDonald’s?” illustrated the reliance on immigrant workers in fast food, agriculture, childcare, and hospitality. Simultaneously, immigration enforcement is sweeping across cities such as Charlotte and Raleigh, where more than 130 arrests triggered widespread fear. Businesses have shut down temporarily, workers are staying home, and entire shopping centers have emptied. Surveys show 82% of undocumented immigrants feel fear, 57% of Hispanics express concern, yet most say they intend to stay and adapt regardless of enforcement cycles. Many view raids as temporary political spectacles tied to election seasons. Politically, the immigration divide is stark. Democrats are characterized as permissive, while Trump’s camp emphasizes strict enforcement. Spanish-language media are said to amplify fear, influencing Hispanic support. Employers—Republican and Democrat—are criticized for quietly relying on undocumented labor while publicly calling for crackdowns. A proposed integration framework centers on civics knowledge, English proficiency, GED completion, and trade training as requirements for legal presence. With birthrates falling, the argument concludes that immigrants will be essential to sustaining America’s workforce—yet only under clear legal, economic, and civic standards.

Affordability has emerged as the defining political theme heading into the next election cycle. Democrats successfully used it in recent municipal races, and now Donald Trump is embracing the message, framing Republicans as the true champions of economic well-being. Yet the narrative is complicated by soaring tech profits, widening inequality, and a cultural shift in which elites increasingly downplay displays of wealth. Even New York City’s Flatiron Building residents reportedly resisted the arrival of high-end retail, signaling the desire to appear “with the people.” Trump’s strategy mirrors this trend. He has leaned heavily into imagery of populist relatability — hosting a “McDonald’s impact summit,” repeatedly highlighting his fast-food habits, and joking that he is the nation’s “first McDonald’s fry cook president.” He blames President Biden for inflation and an affordability crisis rooted in shutdown policies. Trump cites certain falling prices — breakfast items down 14% at McDonald’s, egg prices down 86% — to argue conditions are improving. Eddy identifies the administration’s three major affordability proposals and critiques each. First, the 50-year mortgage aims to reduce monthly payments, but Eddy argues it merely traps borrowers in massive long-term debt while ignoring the real problem — a housing shortage. The solution is to build 3–4 million new homes, not to extend loan terms. Second, tariff-funded $2,000 checks are meant to boost disposable income. Eddy contends the idea is unrealistic: the funds should go toward national debt, Congress won’t approve it, and the government cannot afford such payments. Third, healthcare reform centered on direct payments is labeled a political loser. The ACA’s true issue, Eddy argues, is fraud, not subsidies, and meaningful reform requires reducing waste and adding work requirements. The broader message: affordability matters, but poorly designed policies won’t fix structural problems in housing, healthcare, and income. Real solutions require supply increases, fraud reduction, and stricter qualification standards — not gimmicks.

A convergence of financial, geopolitical, and media indicators suggests rapidly rising global instability heading into 2026. Markets are flashing warning signs across multiple dimensions: volatility metrics such as the VIX and VVIX are elevated, credit spreads are widening, and traders are aggressively hedging with near-term crash protection. Investment-grade spreads widening faster than high-yield is a rarity not seen since 2012 and signals deepening credit stress inside the AI boom, including strain in AI-linked credit default swaps. Media imagery is shaping expectations as well. The Economist’s “World Ahead 2026” cover — featuring tanks, missiles, medical syringes, collapsing currency charts, protest symbolism, and the faces of Zelensky, Netanyahu, Trump, and Putin — is interpreted by Zero Hedge and others as a predictive signal of war escalation, economic breakdown, civil unrest, and global polarization. Themes include worsening Ukraine conflict, rising Israel–Iran tensions, African virus outbreaks, and intensifying anti-Trump mobilization. Geopolitical pressure points continue under the current administration: U.S. friction with Venezuela, Colombia, and Mexico is rising, while the Middle East and Eastern Europe appear poised for further instability. The backdrop of this geopolitical tightening corresponds with synchronized asset movements across markets — a hallmark of systemic stress. The AI sector faces its own cracks. Enormous expansion ambitions collide with tightening liquidity and cautious institutional repositioning. Investors — including high-profile figures like Larry Summers in the Oracle universe — are watching their AI bets closely. Many analysts now warn that an AI bubble burst could arrive early next year, driven by widening credit spreads and shrinking risk appetite. Information diversification is critical. Tools like Bloomberg’s “Orange Board,” CBS News, the New York Times, and the Wall Street Journal provide essential real-time visibility across markets, volatility, CEO commentary, and geopolitical flashpoints. The guidance is clear: monitor volatility, watch credit spreads, track CDS activity, stay informed, and maintain defensive positioning as global signals point toward a turbulent 2026.

The Epstein Files Transparency Act passed the U.S. House of Representatives with a staggering 427–1 vote, signaling rare bipartisan agreement on the need to publicly release every Department of Justice document related to Jeffrey Epstein. The bill now moves to the Senate under Majority Leader John Thune. While a Senate rewrite is possible, passage is widely expected — and public backlash will be swift if it isn’t overwhelming. Former President Donald Trump has already said he would sign the bill as written. Political dynamics surrounding the vote have been intense. Trump’s reversal on releasing the files triggered a dramatic GOP shift: only four Republicans initially opposed transparency, but his support opened the floodgates. Marjorie Taylor Greene, Thomas Massie, Nancy Mace, and Lauren Boebert are credited with pushing hardest for full disclosure. Commentators criticize Trump for simultaneously threatening primaries against some of these same allies, calling it an irresponsible use of political power. Democrats are also under scrutiny. Senator John Fetterman acknowledged that Democrats had full access to Epstein’s files during Biden’s term and did not act. Chris Cuomo added fuel by pointing out that Ghislaine Maxwell’s litigation had no bearing on the ability to investigate or disclose associated individuals. The pending release could expose emails, photos, visitor logs, and travel records tied to Little Saint James and Zorro Ranch, with global attention focused on figures such as Prince Andrew, Bill Clinton, Larry Summers, and Bill Richardson. Being mentioned in documents — including more than 1,600 references to Trump — does not imply guilt, but confirms proximity within Epstein’s network. Survivor advocates including Virginia Giuffre, Annie Farmer, and Lisa Jones are expected to become highly visible voices as the files emerge. Ghislaine Maxwell, serving a 20-year sentence, may be called to testify, though a pardon is considered politically impossible. Observers anticipate intense drama as long-suppressed information finally comes to light.

A major Cloudflare outage early this morning sent shockwaves through the digital ecosystem, beginning at 4:30 AM local time (6:30 AM in New York) and lasting roughly 3.5 hours. The disruption stemmed from an overloaded configuration file meant to manage threat traffic. When it grew too large, it inadvertently triggered a denial-of-service–like event against Cloudflare’s own infrastructure, generating widespread “internal service error” pages across the web. The scope was massive. ChatGPT, OpenAI services, X (formerly Twitter), New Jersey Transit, New York City Emergency Management systems, Bet365, and League of Legends all experienced disruptions. Down Detector logged 2.1 million automated outage reports, marking one of the largest incident footprints in recent years. The failure highlighted the increasing dependence of global infrastructure—including airlines, transit systems, emergency operations, and financial markets—on AI-driven cloud networks. Even the FAA now relies heavily on AI, with planes effectively flying themselves for most of their routes. This technological fragility comes at a time of growing market instability. The VIX volatility index jumped 13%, reaching levels reminiscent of the dot-com bubble and signaling significant investor anxiety. Cryptocurrency markets also wobbled. Bitcoin briefly fell below $90,000—its first dip under that threshold in seven months—after previously touching $93,000 earlier in the day and far below its October peak of $126,000. Crypto-exposed stocks like MicroStrategy, Riot Platforms, Marathon Digital, and Coinbase tumbled. Standard Chartered now warns that if Bitcoin remains under $90K, roughly half of publicly traded Bitcoin-holding companies may be underwater. AI markets show similar signs of overheating. Major investors are cashing out: Peter Thiel dumped his NVIDIA holdings, and SoftBank sold $5.8 billion worth of shares to bankroll its OpenAI investments. Google CEO Sundar Pichai openly warns that AI markets are moving into “irrational” territory, echoing Alan Greenspan’s famous caution during the dot-com bubble. With valuations 10–15× above fundamentals and AI consuming 1.5% of global electricity, analysts fear the bubble is swelling—fast.

Albuquerque continues to face escalating challenges across public safety, homelessness, drug trafficking, and citywide infrastructure. Since Mayor Tim Keller took office, the city has recorded 784 homicides, validating Darren White’s claim that more than 750 people have been murdered during Keller’s tenure. Violent crime continues to weigh heavily on public perception and political debate. Homelessness has also surged. The 2025 Point-in-Time (PIT) Count reported an 8% increase, rising from 2,740 to 2,960 individuals. However, recent encampment sweeps and a high refusal rate of 41.4% make the data unreliable. Eddy argues the real homeless population in Albuquerque is closer to 5,000, citing systemic barriers such as lack of documentation, unaffordable rents, and issues with voucher programs. Domestic violence drives more than a third of statewide homelessness, and Diné (Navajo) individuals make up nearly half of Albuquerque’s unsheltered population. Student homelessness is especially alarming: 10,533 New Mexico students were identified as homeless for the 2024–2025 school year. Youth violence is another crisis point. Darren White has proposed a new initiative after the current administration failed to address juvenile crime for eight years meaningfully. The case of 12-year-old Messiah Hayes, transferred to an out-of-state treatment facility after participating in a deliberate murder, underscores the severity of the issue. Drug trafficking remains deeply entrenched. A major bust at Isleta Pueblo uncovered 37,000 fentanyl pills, $38,000 in cash, and a $1.5 million street value supply — raising fears about how much remains on Albuquerque’s streets. Overdose deaths are estimated at 250–500 annually. Meanwhile, the city is expanding surveillance under its “Smart Cities” program — from Chinese opera loudspeakers to deter loitering, to a dramatically upgraded Rail Runner security system with real-time monitored cameras. These technologies reflect both innovation and desperation as Albuquerque attempts to manage mounting urban pressures.

Albuquerque is heading into a high-stakes December mayoral runoff after neither incumbent Tim Keller nor challenger Darren White secured the 50% majority required under the city charter. Keller led the first round with 36%, while White received 31%—meaning 64% of voters cast ballots against the incumbent, a clear sign of dissatisfaction despite his plurality lead. The 2013 charter amendment mandates a majority winner, forcing a runoff that now places both campaigns—and taxpayers—under new financial pressures. The runoff is expected to cost the city nearly $2 million, and that figure does not include the additional public financing Keller qualified for under Albuquerque’s campaign rules. Keller has used public funding successfully in all three of his mayoral bids, including the upcoming runoff. When combined with the runoff’s operational costs, the total price tag for this election cycle approaches $3 million. White, who did not qualify for public funding, faces a significant financial disadvantage—one that Eddy argues could effectively determine the outcome before a single additional vote is cast. This local contest also highlights broader problems in New Mexico’s election landscape. Due to constitutional changes in the early 2000s and the 2018 Local Election Act, municipalities can design their own systems, resulting in a fragmented “patchwork.” Some cities use plurality (Roswell), others use runoffs (Albuquerque, Rio Rancho, Gallup), and others use ranked-choice voting (RCV) (Santa Fe, Las Cruces). Rules around voter ID and campaign financing vary as well. Although Eddy is not usually a supporter of RCV, he argues it would have produced a clearer reflection of voter sentiment in this election. Because 64% voted against Keller, an RCV system may have delivered a majority winner on election night, possibly Darren White. Supporters believe RCV ensures majority legitimacy and minimizes the impact of spoiler candidates, though critics cite its complexity and unpredictability.

New York Jets cornerback Chris Boyd, age 29, was shot in the abdomen early Sunday morning outside the Say Less Eatery on West 38th Street in Midtown Manhattan. The shooting occurred around 2:00 AM after Boyd reportedly left the restaurant because he sensed “the vibe was off.” He told police there was tension inside and he wanted to avoid trouble. A suspect—described in all-black clothing with multicolored sneakers—fled the scene and remains at large. Boyd was found drifting in and out of consciousness and was transported to the hospital in critical but stable condition. Complicating the investigation, the restaurant allegedly refused to turn over its security footage. Boyd’s NFL career contains several chapters: four seasons with the Minnesota Vikings, a stint with the Houston Texans, a short run with the Arizona Cardinals, and now a one-year $1.6 million contract with the New York Jets—though he was on injured reserve at the time of the shooting. Eddy highlights a past sideline altercation in which Boyd “violently attacked his own coach,” Frank Ross, suggesting a violent streak that may reflect his wider character. Eddy even speculates that Boyd’s past behavior may have contributed to the circumstances surrounding the shooting. The incident is placed within a broader pattern of violence involving NFL players, both as victims and as perpetrators. Numerous players—from Tank Dell and Josh Reynolds to Sean Taylor and Steve McNair—have been shot in recent decades. Others, including Phillip Adams, Aaron Hernandez, Rae Carruth, and Anthony Smith, committed high-profile violent crimes. Eddy asserts that many NFL players come from unstable backgrounds, remain prone to conflict despite lucrative contracts, and exist in a league that he believes is “fixed” and driven by manufactured drama. The shooting, he argues, is another reminder of the NFL’s long-standing crisis around violence, culture, and accountability.

Political power is won—not given—and the ability to wield it depends entirely on winning elections. Eddy’s analysis begins with this foundation: candidates like Darren White have no political influence unless they first secure victory, and victory is heavily determined by perception. Voters don’t just evaluate policy; they respond to tone, composure, and how a candidate presents themselves. As Eddy puts it, politics is not about friendship but objectives: “If you want friends in politics, get a dog.” Ultimately, a voter must select the candidate closest to their principles, even if imperfect, rather than empowering an ideological opponent. This framework informs Eddy’s critique of New York Republicans, including John Catsimatidis and Donald Trump, who agreed to meet with newly elected mayor Zorhan Mamdami—a politician Eddy characterizes as a “communist” advocating wealth redistribution. Compromising immediately after a loss signals weakness and forfeits the little leverage the losing side retains. Mamdami’s agenda, centered on housing, childcare, and affordability, relies on new taxes on the wealthy and corporations—policies Eddy warns could accelerate business flight from the city. Collaborating with such an agenda, he argues, abandons core conservative principles and confuses the voter base. Eddy then applies these lessons to Albuquerque’s mayoral race. In the latest debate, Darren White may have “won the arguments.” Still, he lost the crucial perception battle by appearing agitated and overly focused on Tim Keller instead of speaking directly to voters. To win, White must become more composed, statesmanlike, and concentrate on framing Keller—not himself—as the extremist. Clear, calm articulation of principles is essential. Finally, Eddy warns that infighting within the GOP only weakens their influence. He also predicts an upcoming AI-driven stock market downturn, making affordability a rising political issue. Unity, discipline, and message control will matter more than ever heading into the next election cycle.

The unfolding release of the Jeffrey Epstein files has triggered a political shockwave across Washington, reshaping alliances, narratives, and party strategies. For Donald Trump, the long-awaited disclosure is being framed as vindication, reinforcing his claim that he had no involvement in Epstein’s operations. While Trump and his allies—such as Pam Bondi and Kash Patel—initially appeared reluctant to publicly back complete transparency, he has now pivoted, urging House Republicans to release the files ahead of a scheduled vote. Eddy notes a vital nuance: Trump’s association with Epstein occurred during the period when Trump was still a Democrat. The controversy has also drawn in Marjorie Taylor Greene (MTG), who previously pressured GOP leadership—and Trump himself—to release the documents. Reports indicate Trump will not support MTG in her next run, a move Eddy considers politically dangerous. He argues that Trump requires every Republican seat to maintain congressional control; alienating MTG risks a primary fight, potential Democratic gains, and even impeachment if Democrats retake the House. MTG, despite receiving security threats (some allegedly from Trump supporters), has publicly committed to reducing internal conflict and working with Trump. Eddy suggests she has a much longer political runway than Trump, now in his late 70s. Democrats are also facing fallout. Sen. Elizabeth Warren is calling for Harvard to sever ties with Larry Summers over his ties to Epstein. Newly surfaced documents hint Epstein may have wielded leverage over Rep. Stacey Plaskett during the Michael Cohen hearings. Eddy further highlights notable Democratic connections, including Jeff Bingaman, Bill Richardson, and former New Mexico Governor Bruce King. Even Alan Dershowitz, who represented both Trump and Epstein, is positioned as untrustworthy. With a unified Republican vote expected, the political strategy centers on transparency—and the belief that Democrats now face the most significant reputational damage from the Epstein revelations.

Diego Pavia, a proud Albuquerque native and graduate of Volcano Vista High School, is rapidly becoming one of college football’s most compelling stories. After leading both New Mexico Military Institute and New Mexico State University to historic success, Pavia has now taken Vanderbilt University to its best season in two decades. At just 23, the Hispanic quarterback’s journey from the deserts of New Mexico to the SEC spotlight is redefining what determination, talent, and hometown pride can achieve. Pavia’s football résumé is remarkable. He guided New Mexico Military Institute to a national junior college championship in 2021, posting over 2,600 passing yards, 1,100 rushing yards, 21 touchdowns, and just one interception. At New Mexico State, he led the Aggies to their biggest win in school history—a 31–10 upset over Auburn in 2023. After transferring to Vanderbilt, Pavia shattered school records with 489 total yards in a single game, becoming the first Commodore since at least 1996 to throw for over 300 yards and rush for 100 more in one outing. His leadership helped Vanderbilt pull off a dramatic overtime victory, keeping the team’s playoff hopes alive and earning him Senior Bowl Player of the Week honors. Beyond the stats, Pavia’s story carries cultural and community weight. As one of the few Hispanic quarterbacks leading a Power Five program, he represents both New Mexico and the broader Hispanic community with pride. Despite limited local media coverage, national outlets such as USA Today and the Associated Press have begun spotlighting his achievements, while fans and platforms like Rock of Talk on TikTok celebrate his rise. With Vanderbilt sitting at 7–1 and major games ahead, Diego Pavia has not only become a symbol of athletic excellence but also an ambassador for New Mexico’s talent, resilience, and spirit on the national stage.

In a sweeping act of executive power, President Donald Trump issued 77 presidential pardons to individuals tied to efforts challenging the 2020 election, including Rudy Giuliani, John Eastman, Jenna Ellis, Sidney Powell, Mark Meadows, and Boris Epstein. The pardons, personally signed by Trump and announced through Justice Department attorney Ed Martin, were presented as an effort to “end a grave national injustice” and promote “national reconciliation.” Eddy Aragon, however, views the move as part of a broader “revenge tour,” meant to vindicate Trump’s allies rather than unite the nation. Eddy strongly supports Giuliani’s pardon, praising him as a patriot and a symbol of American resilience for his leadership during 9/11. He also defends others pardoned for what he sees as political persecution rather than criminal wrongdoing. At the same time, Eddy criticizes both past administrations and the media—calling Joe and Michelle Obama “ideological criminals” and expressing fatigue with conservative outlets’ repetitive narratives about race and terrorism. He insists the focus should instead be on restoring election integrity, arguing the 2020 vote was manipulated through Democrat-controlled systems. Legally, the pardons shield recipients from future federal prosecution but leave open the possibility of state-level charges, particularly in Georgia, Arizona, Wisconsin, and Nevada. Eddy supports maintaining this separation of powers and cautions against federal overreach. Media reactions have been sharply divided: conservative outlets praise Trump’s actions as courageous, while mainstream networks frame them as political payback. Eddy believes Trump’s 2024 victory reinforces the legitimacy of these pardons. Looking forward, he celebrates Trump’s collaboration with Elon Musk to streamline government through AI and warns against infighting among supporters. He predicts continued partisan battles and potential impeachment efforts should power in Congress shift, underscoring the enduring volatility of post-election American politics.

The ongoing government shutdown remains unresolved despite misleading reports of a completed deal. What took place last night was a “shadow vote,” a procedural move that advanced the framework of a potential agreement but did not reopen the government. The vote passed 60–40, with eight moderate Democrats breaking from their party to join Republicans in supporting the motion. The tentative deal includes a promise to revisit and extend existing healthcare subsidies in December, but negotiations remain fluid and final approval could take up to five days. Meanwhile, the shutdown continues to disrupt key agencies—most notably the FAA—just weeks before the Thanksgiving travel rush. Politically, the standoff has deepened divisions within both parties. Progressive Democrats such as Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren oppose compromise, preferring to hold out for larger concessions, while moderates—including Democrat John Fetterman and Republican Rand Paul—have urged pragmatic solutions to restore government operations. Fetterman’s decision to vote with Republicans underscores growing bipartisan frustration with prolonged gridlock. Roughly 42 million Americans relying on SNAP benefits now face growing uncertainty as the impasse drags on. Strategically, both parties are at risk. Democrats’ leftward drift alienates centrists, while Republicans struggle to present constructive leadership amid right-wing hardliners. Public sentiment increasingly favors moderation and compromise, rewarding those seen as working to reopen the government. With Nancy Pelosi stepping away from Congress and Chuck Schumer under pressure from progressives, party leadership faces renewed strain. Broader economic concerns compound the urgency: small businesses are suffering, federal funding has stalled, and a potential market correction looms despite recent stock gains. As moderates like Gavin Newsom and Gretchen Whitmer pivot toward pragmatic governance, Washington’s stalemate underscores a deeper national fatigue with partisan brinkmanship—leaving both parties scrambling to redefine responsibility and competence before voters lose patience entirely.

Tomorrow’s Albuquerque mayoral debate at 5 p.m. on Channel 4 will mark a pivotal moment in the city’s political landscape, offering voters a clear contrast between incumbent Mayor Tim Keller and challenger, former Sheriff Darren White. The debate is expected to highlight two fundamentally different approaches to leadership and accountability in Albuquerque. Eddy Aragon, host of The Rock of Talk, has endorsed Darren White as the candidate for change, praising his campaign for its focus, rhythm, and clarity. White earned 31% of the vote in the initial round—slightly exceeding expectations—and has differentiated himself from past Republican candidates by avoiding rigid partisan ties. He has openly criticized Donald Trump and positioned himself as a pragmatic reformer intent on restoring safety, efficiency, and pride in Albuquerque. Mayor Tim Keller, meanwhile, enters the debate seeking a third term but facing widespread dissatisfaction. Though personally well-liked, Keller is accused of presiding over stagnation—particularly within the Albuquerque Police Department, described as “in shambles.” Critics argue he has waited too long to deliver on major initiatives such as the Gateway Center and Albuquerque Community Safety (ACS) program. An op-ed by Milan Semenich in The Santa Fe New Mexican questions Keller’s commitment to finishing his work in Albuquerque, portraying him as a career politician with his eye on higher office. With 64% of voters choosing other candidates in the first round, Keller’s path to victory relies on re-engaging a skeptical electorate. The choice before voters is clear: continue Keller’s steady but unremarkable leadership or embrace White’s message of renewal and reform. Aragon hopes for a competitive race—avoiding another landslide like the 2017 Keller–Lewis matchup—and believes voter frustration could give Darren White a genuine chance to reshape Albuquerque’s future.

The recent Albuquerque Public Schools (APS) Board of Education election marked a decisive power shift, as the Albuquerque Teachers Federation (ATF) regained control from business-backed reformers. The return of long-time union leader Ellen Bernstein—often described as ruling with an “iron fist”—signals a renewed era of union dominance within APS governance. Under the new board, priorities are expected to tilt toward improving teachers’ working conditions, pay, and autonomy rather than addressing student performance. Bernstein’s philosophy, critics argue, places educators’ interests above student outcomes. This shift reverses four years of what observers describe as “significant gains” under business-supported members who focused on accountability and performance metrics. Eddy Aragon notes that non-union teachers may again feel marginalized as the board realigns with union demands, including calls for higher pay and lighter workloads. Superintendent Gabriella Blakey’s evaluation criteria are also expected to change, emphasizing classroom environment and teacher satisfaction instead of academic results. The union remains skeptical of technology use and standardized testing, viewing both as distractions from “authentic teaching.” Despite APS spending nearly $16,000 per student, academic results remain dismal. Data from nationsreportcard.gov reveal APS ranks among the nation’s lowest-performing urban districts—surpassing only Detroit, Cleveland, Milwaukee, Baltimore, and Philadelphia. In fourth-grade math, only 26% of students reach proficiency, dropping to 17% by eighth grade. Reading scores show similar stagnation, with fewer than one in four students proficient. Union endorsements proved powerful during the election, overshadowing fundraising advantages by business-aligned candidates. The closure of Taft Middle School and the loss of reform-minded board members like Danielle Garcia further reinforced union momentum. Aragon warns that this political realignment—mirroring patterns seen in the Albuquerque Police Department—may prioritize labour comfort over public results, leaving both classrooms and city governance struggling for accountability.

As New York City considers implementing a universal free bus system under incoming mayor Zoran Mamdani, cities like Albuquerque, Kansas City, and Portland provide cautionary evidence that “zero-fare” transit programs come with significant social, financial, and safety costs. Albuquerque’s experience with free fares—initiated by Mayor Tim Keller during COVID-19 and extended indefinitely—has led to widespread public concern. Once envisioned as a tool for equity and mobility, the policy is now linked to increased homelessness, panhandling, and public safety issues along major corridors such as Central Avenue and Downtown. The city’s earlier ART (Albuquerque Rapid Transit) project under Mayor Richard Berry compounded these challenges, costing over $125 million while reducing roadway capacity and damaging local businesses. Combined with abandoned scooters and deteriorating infrastructure, the city’s transit system has become emblematic of failed urban mobility planning. Kansas City’s “Zero-Fare Transit” program, launched in 2020 and later discontinued, mirrors these struggles. Bus operators there reported a sharp rise in assaults, intoxication, and unsanitary conditions—including public defecation and vandalism. Security costs soared as route cuts and losses mounted, prompting the city council to reinstate fares to restore order and accountability. Surveys of drivers overwhelmingly supported the return of paid fares as a means of improving safety and rider behavior. For New York, Mamdani’s proposed fare-free system carries a projected annual price tag of $800 million—a cost comparable to large infrastructure projects. Critics, including the Amalgamated Transit Union, warn that it could attract crime, strain taxpayers, and divert funds from targeted programs like “Fair Fares” that assist low-income commuters. As past examples show, free transit may sound equitable but often undermines both fiscal sustainability and public safety—transforming buses into shelters and city corridors into unintended zones of disorder.

The U.S. Supreme Court is set to rule Wednesday on the legality of President Trump’s unilateral global tariffs, a decision that could reshape American trade policy and the balance of power between the executive and legislative branches. If the Court deems the tariffs illegal, businesses could theoretically seek refunds on roughly $90 billion collected so far—though analysts view such a mass refund as impractical. More consequentially, an adverse ruling could restrict Trump’s ability to use tariffs as a negotiation tool in future trade disputes, potentially curbing executive trade authority long utilized in foreign policy. Despite controversy, the tariffs have yielded significant revenue projections—up to $1 trillion by next June—and a manageable inflationary impact. Early forecasts of runaway inflation and recession proved inaccurate; tariff-linked inflation has been limited to around 2.7% on affected goods. The effective average tariff rate paid by companies stands near 12.5%, with consumers absorbing roughly 50–70% of costs. Prices for imports like toys and shoes may rise this holiday season, but many firms have delayed further increases or absorbed costs amid post-pandemic profit margins. Strategically, tariffs have aimed to re-shore manufacturing, rebalance trade with China, and reduce import dependency. Recent adjustments capped Chinese tariffs at 12.5%, signaling continued negotiation. While critics warn tariffs could strain the labor market, current data shows continued economic growth relative to global peers. Eddy Aragon and other commentators credit tariffs with reviving U.S. manufacturing, generating federal revenue, and strengthening economic sovereignty. They argue economists overstated risks while underestimating structural gains. The ruling, therefore, carries enormous policy weight—its outcome could define whether tariffs remain a cornerstone of Trump’s “America First” trade strategy or become a historical experiment in executive overreach. Either way, the Court’s decision will mark a defining moment in modern economic governance.

The federal government shutdown has now reached 35 days, marking the longest and most damaging in U.S. history. While Democrats appear to be gaining politically, Republicans are losing control of the narrative amid Congress’s seven-week recess, which has stalled any progress on appropriations. The prolonged impasse is straining both social programs and the federal workforce, amplifying public frustration. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) has become the flashpoint of the crisis. Payments remain suspended nationwide, creating widespread uncertainty for millions of low-income Americans. The administration briefly signaled willingness to fund SNAP but reversed course, insisting it lacks legal authority to redirect existing funds without congressional approval. Two federal judges have since ordered the administration to use emergency funds—approximately $4.65 billion, covering only half of the program’s monthly needs. However, operational delays mean that some recipients could wait up to two weeks for assistance. Federal law prevents “robbing Peter to pay Paul” by shifting funds from Education or Health budgets, leaving few viable options while Congress remains adjourned. Experts warn of rising crime, looting, and shoplifting linked to growing food insecurity. Simultaneously, a federal injunction has halted planned layoffs across all cabinet departments and independent agencies. The court found the administration’s proposed cuts “arbitrary and politically motivated,” siding with major labor unions, including the AFGE, which claim the shutdown was being weaponized to purge employees for political reasons. The ruling effectively freezes all terminations in education, health, and other sectors. Meanwhile, the federal deficit has ballooned to nearly $38 trillion, growing by $1 trillion every 100 days, with projections to hit $41 trillion by year’s end. Analysts warn that while markets remain complacent, the interest burden is unsustainable. Critics argue that blanket shutdowns weaken the case for fiscal reform by undermining efficiency rather than restoring it.

The University of New Mexico (UNM) athletic program is undergoing one of its most turbulent yet promising transitions in recent years. Following an exodus of key leaders—including Athletic Director Eddie Nunez, Football Coach Bronco Mendenhall, and Men’s Basketball Coach Richard Pitino—the Lobos have faced extensive roster turnover. Over 100 football players have transferred in two years, leaving just 15 from the 2023 team. Meanwhile, basketball lost its Mountain West Player of the Year, Donovan Dent, to UCLA under a $3 million NIL deal, and standout True Washington to Miami. Despite this upheaval, the football program has shown remarkable resilience under new Coach Jason Eck. With a 6–3 record, the Lobos have already qualified for a bowl game—Eck’s nine wins surpassing Mendenhall’s total in twelve games. Notable victories include wins over Utah State, UNLV, and UCLA, with a competitive showing at Michigan (34–17). The team aims for eight wins and a spot in the Mountain West Championship. New Athletic Director Fernando Lobo has emphasized transparency, fan engagement, and community outreach, helping sustain attendance at 22,000–23,000 per game. Financially, UNM faces significant constraints: a $47 million athletic budget versus Power 4 competitors like UCLA ($180 million) and Utah ($130 million). NIL disparities and limited state funding remain structural challenges. Still, optimism surrounds new Basketball Coach Eric Olen, expected to lead a similar turnaround to football’s resurgence. Politically, Albuquerque’s mayoral race parallels the sense of stagnation. Voter turnout is projected to fall below 100,000, with only incumbent Tim Keller qualifying for public financing. The speaker predicts Keller will win a third term (“three-term Timmy”), citing divided Republican support and lackluster campaigns by challengers Darren White, Louis Sanchez, and Alex Uballez. Like UNM’s rebuilding effort, local politics reflects a city searching for leadership and unity.