Two New York Air National Guardsmen, Capt. Quinn Tilley and Staff Sgt. Garrett Reilley, have been honored with annual awards from the Continental United States North American Aerospace Defense Command Region (CONR) for their exceptional contributions to the Eastern Air Defense Sector. Tilley was named Company Grade Officer of the Year for his work in air surveillance and troubleshooting, while Reilley received the Non-commissioned Officer of the Year award for his extensive training and mission planning efforts. Their achievements underscore the collective excellence and mission success of the Eastern Air Defense Sector.

Patrick L Young, founder of Exchange Invest, discusses various topics in the financial markets, including the establishment of the Shanghai Stock Exchange, the #Bitcarnage story, and the Exchange Invest newsletter. The weekly edition covers broader macro topics and includes a free podcast reviewing market structure highlights. The text also mentions an IPO-VID Livestream event, a discussion with ICE Financial Derivatives Vice President Caterina Caramaschi, and insights from Taki Theodoracopulos, a columnist known for his extreme opinions. Additionally, Young promotes his book 'Victory Or Death' and offers a subscription to Exchange Invest.

The Trump administration has terminated the Central American Minor (CAM) program, a humanitarian initiative allowing children from El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras to temporarily enter the U.S. to escape gang violence if they had a parent with legal status in the U.S. The program, which vetted children through national security agencies, aimed to provide a legal alternative to dangerous journeys north. The decision to end the program is criticized as part of a broader assault on legal immigration, potentially increasing the number of children taking perilous routes to the U.S.

A resurfaced clip from Robert Downey Jr's documentary 'The Last Party' has sparked discussions about its setting, with many mistakenly attributing it to the NYSE floor. The article clarifies that the video was likely shot near the NYMEX, not Wall Street, and explores the cultural and political atmosphere of the NYMEX during the 1990s. It highlights the importance of accurate media reporting and debunks the myth surrounding the video's location.

The Berlin Wall, erected on August 13, 1961, symbolized the stark ideological divide between the Communist East and the capitalist West during the Cold War. Constructed by the East German government, it was intended to prevent citizens from fleeing to the West. The wall became a powerful representation of the failures of communism and the repression within the Soviet-controlled Eastern Bloc. The fall of the Berlin Wall marked a significant victory for freedom and democracy, highlighting the inefficacy of government-controlled economies. Today, Berlin thrives as a unified city, reflecting the positive changes since the wall's dismantling.

Christopher Prior-Willeard, a former junior naval officer and passionate advocate for financial markets, has passed away after battling ALS and other health issues. Despite his illness, he remained active in market development, contributing to various projects including a new issuer-based CSD. He was involved in numerous initiatives such as the internationalization of the London Stock Exchange and the creation of regional stock markets. His dedication to improving market structures and his insatiable curiosity were widely recognized and appreciated. This tribute, originally published in Exchange Invest Issue 2340, commemorates his enduring legacy.

Brian Taylor, a prominent figure in the financial industry known for his passion for improving markets worldwide, has passed away. He was recognized for his work in building market infrastructures in numerous countries and for his professional and honest approach to solving complex problems. Taylor's career included significant roles such as running Plus Markets in London and consulting for multinational banks. His legacy is honored in this obituary, which extends condolences to his wife, Helen.

Valereum PLC has received approval from the GFSC to acquire the Gibraltar Stock Exchange (GSX). The incoming board, including Chairman Richard Poulden and CFO Jack Sun, has been approved. The announcement highlights the significant potential for SME funding in regions like Southern Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. The article expresses excitement and gratitude towards various stakeholders involved in the process.

The Russian invasion of Ukraine is at a critical juncture with recent Ukrainian military successes casting doubt on Russia's campaign and the stability of Putin's regime. Open dissent is emerging in Russia, and the possibility of a Russian defeat could lead to a change in leadership and a shift in the geopolitical and economic landscape. Sanctions have significantly impacted Russia, and a new pragmatic leader could end the invasion, resume gas sales to Europe, and address internal separatist threats. This could upend current assumptions about inflation, the energy crisis, and economic stability, potentially leading to a more optimistic outlook than the prevailing media narrative.

The article mourns the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, highlighting her 70-year reign as the longest-serving British monarch. It reflects on her remarkable service and devotion to the UK and the Commonwealth, mentioning key figures like Winston Churchill, Margaret Thatcher, and Liz Truss. The tribute underscores her significant impact on world history and her enduring legacy.

The article discusses the significant fines and scandals surrounding the National Stock Exchange (NSE) in India, particularly focusing on the co-location fiasco. It highlights the vast amounts of cryptocurrency theft compared to traditional bank robberies and the subsequent fines imposed on former NSE executives, including Chitra Ramkrishna, Anand Subramanian, and Ravi Narain. The article criticizes the NSE's management and the impact on India's exchange reputation, mentioning the involvement of regulatory body Sebi and the lingering issues from the NSEL scandal.

The article discusses the significant layoffs in the cryptocurrency exchange sector during Q2 2022, highlighting the shift from a 'go go' recruitment mentality to substantial staff reductions. It notes that while companies like Binance and FTX are still hiring, many other exchanges are cutting double figures or more of their headcount due to the crypto market downturn. The piece reflects on the high costs associated with crypto transactions compared to traditional markets and questions whether these layoffs are pre-emptive or too late.

The article examines the compensation of CEOs in the financial exchange sector, focusing on those earning over $1 million annually. It highlights the disparity in pay relative to market capitalization among various CEOs, including David Schwimmer of LSEG, Theodor Weimer of DB1, and Leila Fourie of JSE. The analysis also touches on the performance and perceived value of these executives, with some, like Stéphane Boujnah of Euronext, being seen as value for money, while others, like Nicolas Breteau of TP ICAP, are criticized for high pay despite poor company performance.

Prosecutors are seeking to dismiss hate crimes charges against Maxwell Friedman, also known as Malaika, who was accused of assaulting an Israeli student at Columbia University following Hamas' invasion of Israel on October 7. The charges include four counts of assault and other offenses.

On December 7, ShutDownDC plans to take bold direct action in Washington, DC, demanding Congress and the administration pass promised programs on healthcare, racial justice, workers rights, climate justice, and voting rights. The group criticizes the current political inaction and calls for disruptive action to create space for new politics. An organizing meeting is scheduled for today at 2:30pm at Petworth United Methodist Church.

The article calls for direct action in Washington, D.C., to protest the construction of the Line 3 tar sands oil pipeline, which is seen as a significant environmental and human rights threat. It highlights the pipeline's potential to emit massive amounts of CO2, violate Indigenous treaty rights, and endanger freshwater resources. The text criticizes President Biden and his administration for not taking decisive action to halt the pipeline's construction and urges people to join the protest on August 23rd to demand immediate action.

Final Fantasy 7 Remake and its Intergrade version have inspired impressive cosplays of fan-favorite characters Tifa Lockhart and Aerith Gainsborough by @meggiicosplay and @gelnythecosplays. The cosplays are noted for their accuracy and the loving relationship between the characters. The article highlights the resurgence of interest in FF7 within the gaming and cosplay communities, emphasizing the game's beautiful character depictions and the dedication of its fans.

Sony Interactive Entertainment announced a PlayStation 5 software beta testing program, allowing selected participants to test new features and provide feedback. The program is open to users in the United States, Canada, Japan, United Kingdom, France, and Germany, who are at least 18 years old. The announcement, made by Hideaki Nishino, highlights the ongoing efforts to improve the PS5 experience, despite the console's limited availability. The beta program aims to address user-desired features, such as home screen customization, which were not available at launch.

White nationalists are expected to return to Washington, D.C., on January 17th and 20th, prompting calls for hotels to close from January 15 to 21 and pay workers to stay home. Mayor Muriel Bowser has announced an emergency lockdown starting Wednesday, but activists urge further action to ensure public safety. The text provides contact information for various hotels and the Mayor's office, encouraging residents to demand closures to prevent potential violence.

Louisa May Alcott, known for her work 'Little Women', also contributed to periodicals and openly expressed her prejudices against Irish immigrants. In an 1874 article, she detailed her discriminatory hiring practices, proudly adopting a 'No Irish Need Apply' policy. Alcott's article reflects the widespread bigotry of the time, as she advised readers on how to maintain an Irish-free work environment. Despite her efforts to hire native-born women, she found them unwilling to work, ironically leading her to hire an Irish woman for certain tasks. The article serves as a historical example of the discrimination Irish immigrants faced and the societal norms that allowed such views to be publicly shared.

The text discusses the suffering of African Americans during the Civil War and Reconstruction, highlighting the lack of foresight and support from abolitionists and the Union administration. It criticizes the optimism for a quick Union victory, which led to inadequate preparations for freed slaves, resulting in significant suffering and death. The text also draws parallels to the later treatment of Native Americans, emphasizing the repeated failures of federal efforts.

A massive fire and explosion at the Philadelphia Energy Solutions refinery in South Philadelphia highlighted the complex tensions in the climate change debate. Emergency responders bravely contained the fire without casualties, despite the intense danger. Jim Savage, a union activist, praised their courage and professionalism.

An explosion and fire at the Philadelphia Energy Solutions refinery in South Philadelphia highlighted the complex tensions in the climate change debate. Emergency responders displayed remarkable courage in containing the blaze, with no casualties reported. Jim Savage, a union activist and refinery operator, commended their bravery and professionalism.

The New York State Appellate Division Court ruled that local and state police in Nassau and Suffolk counties illegally held immigrants on ICE detainers and non-judicial immigration orders. The New York Civil Liberties Union brought the habeas corpus action against Suffolk County, arguing that local law enforcement is only authorized to arrest for state criminal violations. The court found that once there is no state criminal reason for detention, any further detention is a new arrest, which is unlawful. The ruling emphasized that ICE detainers are civil, not criminal, and local police are not authorized to enforce non-judicial warrants. Suffolk County Sheriff Toulon and Nassau County Executive Curran have been implicated in maintaining these illegal policies.

Population health, a strategy that groups patients with similar illnesses to track and analyze treatment outcomes, is emerging as a critical approach to healthcare. This method allows for pattern identification, improved disease trajectory understanding, and more effective prevention and intervention, leading to better outcomes and cost containment. Examples include a heart failure patient who avoided hospital visits by using an iPad for vitals monitoring, and a diabetic patient who received timely care on Christmas Eve. The U.S. faces health inequities and chronic illness challenges, with population health offering a way to address these issues. Success stories from Hackensack Meridian Health's Medicare ACO, which achieved a high quality score and significant savings, illustrate the potential of population health to improve lives and create a sustainable healthcare system.

The article highlights the formation of the first permanent women's labor union in the United States by teenage Irish immigrants in Troy, New York, during the Civil War. Led by Kate Mullany, the Collar Laundry Union negotiated with businessmen and organized strikes to combat the exploitation of women workers. The union's efforts are credited with significant advancements in women's labor rights, leading to Mullany's induction into the National Women’s Hall of Fame and the preservation of her home by the National Park Service. The article also discusses the broader labor movement in Troy, the role of Irish immigrants, and the economic and social dynamics of the time.

Rallies were held across Long Island on June 30 in response to the Trump Administration's 'Zero Tolerance' policy, which separates immigrant families at the border. The protests, attended by hundreds, called for an end to family separation and criticized local law enforcement's cooperation with ICE. Key locations included Rockville Centre, East Setauket, Westbury, and Huntington, with significant participation from diverse communities. The final rally at Nassau County Jail urged County Executive Laura Curran to cease the detention of immigrants on non-judicial detainers.

Three teenage brothers from Guatemala, now living in Long Island, are still being terrorized by the MS-13 gang they fled. Despite escaping to the U.S., they face threats from the gang and suspicion from authorities. The brothers' story highlights the challenges faced by unaccompanied migrant children, including gang violence and accusations of gang affiliation. The Suffolk County Police Department is actively targeting suspected gang members, while organizations like CARECEN-NY and the New York Civil Liberties Union provide support to the affected families. The White House and local authorities emphasize the need to dismantle MS-13, but the brothers' situation underscores the complex reality of immigration and gang violence in the U.S.

The article discusses the historical context of anti-Chinese sentiment in the United States during the 19th century, highlighting the arrival of Chinese immigrants and the subsequent backlash. It focuses on Frederick Douglass's 1867 speech in Boston, where he argued against a ban on Chinese immigration and advocated for a diverse and inclusive America. Douglass emphasized the contributions of various immigrant groups to the nation's development and warned against the isolationist policies proposed by conservatives. The article underscores Douglass's belief in universal human rights and the positive impact of immigration on American society.

Almost 100 years ago, the US elected Warren G. Harding, widely remembered as the worst US president in history. As the country grapples with Donald Trump's unexpected victory in the 2016 presidential election, fear and fatalistic rhetoric have emerged in public discourse. The article criticizes Trump's brand of racism, authoritarianism, and unfettered capitalism, drawing parallels to past presidential failures.

The Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL) is a $3.8 billion project under construction, crossing sacred sites and endangering water sources for the Standing Rock Sioux and millions downstream. The pipeline is financed by major banks like Citibank, TD Bank, Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi, and Mizuho Bank, and driven by Energy Transfer Partners, led by Kelcy Warren. The project faces strong opposition from indigenous groups and environmental activists, who call for direct action to halt its progress. The text criticizes the financial and corporate entities involved, highlighting the need to cut off funding to stop the pipeline.

The climate movement is advocating for more urgent action to prevent crossing the 2 degree Celsius 'red line' and is focusing on the mantra 'keep it in the ground' regarding fossil fuel extraction. The article discusses the challenges of transitioning away from fossil fuels, particularly the impact on workers and communities dependent on the industry. It highlights the inadequacy of current 'just transition' plans and the need for a more comprehensive approach that addresses job losses, community impacts, and the potential for increased carbon emissions if production is simply shifted abroad. Proposals for just transition programs are mentioned, including Senator Sanders' Clean Energy Worker Just Transition Act, but the article stresses the need for a serious conversation about the economic implications of such a transition.

The article discusses the controversy surrounding Uber and its impact on traditional taxi services, politicians' reactions, and the broader implications for the future of transportation. It highlights the myopic arguments in the Uber versus taxi debate and points out the inevitability of technological change leading to 'creative destruction' in the industry. The author argues that the real game-changer will be driverless car technology, particularly Google's advancements in this area. The piece also touches on the potential consequences for government revenue, as driverless cars are expected to reduce the number of traffic violations and, consequently, the fines collected by the government. The article suggests that by 2030, the freedom to drive may be significantly curtailed, and the role of government in transportation and taxation could be drastically altered.

The article discusses the dire economic situation in Greece, criticizing the European Union's handling of the crisis. It argues that the euro has become a toxic influence on the Greek economy, preventing a meaningful recovery from its depression. The author suggests that the EU's political class is in denial about the economic realities, choosing to ignore the unsustainable spending and insufficient tax revenue. The article also touches on the recent appointment of EU Commissioners and the lack of economic literacy among EU stakeholders. It describes the eurozone as a fragile economic construct, likening it to a 'Potemkin village' of currency. The author contends that Greece is trapped in the euro, which has led to a severe depression and high unemployment, and that the country needs to break away from the euro to rebuild its economy and escape the 'fiscal barbarianism' of the EU's policies.

The article provides a critical analysis of the Polish general election, suggesting that the Western media's portrayal of the event was biased. It argues that Poland, in need of economic growth, has grown tired of the ineffective government of the PO 'Civic Platform'. The article describes the rise to power of the PiS party, which is Euroskeptic and economically populist, and has recently won both the presidency and the executive arm of the government. The author criticizes the outgoing government for its lack of achievements and corruption scandals, while expressing concern over PiS's economic policies and their potential impact on Poland's growth. The article also touches on the broader theme of populist movements gaining ground in Europe and the EU's response to these shifts.

A high school student, Rebecca A. Fried, debunked University of Illinois Professor Richard Jensen's thesis that 'No Irish Need Apply' (NINA) signs were a myth. Fried's research, published in the Oxford Journal of Social History, found numerous instances of NINA ads in American newspapers, contradicting Jensen's claims. Jensen's original article argued that the signs were a figment of Irish American imagination, but Fried's findings, supported by various newspaper archives, demonstrated the historical reality of such discrimination. The article highlights the significance of Fried's work in challenging established academic views and underscores the persistence of anti-Irish sentiment in American history.

A high school student, Rebecca A. Fried, debunked University of Illinois Professor Richard Jensen's thesis that 'No Irish Need Apply' (NINA) signs were a myth. Jensen's 2002 article claimed that such signs were a figment of the Irish American imagination, but Fried found numerous instances of NINA ads in American newspapers, challenging his conclusions. The article highlights the historical debate and the significance of Fried's findings in correcting the historical record on discrimination against Irish immigrants in America.

A three-judge panel of the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit is deliberating on whether to lift an injunction that halts President Barack Obama's administrative relief program on immigration. The primary issue is whether the 26 states that filed the lawsuit have the legal standing to sue. The judges expressed doubts about the states' standing, questioning the claimed harm of issuing driver's licenses to immigrants. The conservative states challenging the policy had more success arguing the merits of the Department of Homeland Security's new policy. The panel's decision will determine if administrative relief can commence before summer.

On the morning of April 3, 1865, Major General Godfrey Weitzel was alerted to fires in Richmond, signaling the Confederate army's retreat. The city was heavily fortified and as the Confederates withdrew, they set fire to supplies, leading to widespread destruction. Weitzel's troops, including black soldiers from the United States Colored Troops, entered the chaotic city, where freed slaves, deserters, and looters roamed the streets. The black troops played a crucial role in extinguishing the fires and restoring order, impressing the citizens and marking a symbolic end to the old racial order. Days later, President Abraham Lincoln arrived in Richmond, greeted by newly freed slaves and a population in shock. The article recounts the events through Weitzel's perspective, highlighting the irony of black Union soldiers saving the Confederate capital and the transformative impact of their actions.

Abraham Lincoln was falsely accused of being a member of the anti-immigrant Know Nothing Party during his 1860 presidential campaign. Despite his early association with the Whig Party, which had a conservative anti-immigrant faction, Lincoln aligned with liberal anti-slavery advocates. He consistently opposed nativism, viewing it as contrary to the principles of the Declaration of Independence. Lincoln's stance on immigration was both ideological and practical, rejecting exclusionary policies and advocating for the rights of immigrants. His position on immigration, though potentially costly in terms of votes, was rooted in his commitment to democratic principles and equality.