First Chinese Tanker Attacked Near Hormuz As Beijing Urges Waterway Reopened

Tensions have risen in the Strait of Hormuz due to Iranian attacks on commercial ships. Amid these conflicts, a key incident involving a Chinese tanker has increased concerns about maritime security.

• Iranian attacks on ships escalated following a U. S. military effort to escort vessels through the Strait of Hormuz.

• A Chinese tanker was attacked near Al Jeer port, marking the first attack on a Chinese vessel in this conflict.

• China’s Foreign Minister stressed the need to reopen the Strait for safe maritime passage following the incident.

• President Trump indicated that negotiations with Iran are progressing well, and Iran is currently reviewing a U. S. proposal to help end the conflict.

• The situation has led to rising fuel shortages and increased oil prices in Asia due to disrupted tanker flows.

• The upcoming meeting between President Trump and President Xi Jinping may influence the potential for a peace deal involving Iran.

The recent attack on a Chinese tanker highlights the ongoing tensions in the Strait of Hormuz and raises questions about international cooperation to restore security and peace in the region. 

https://www.zerohedge.com/geopolitical/first-chinese-tanker-attacked-near-hormuz-beijing-urges-waterway-reopened

Government Spending In America Is Completely Out Of Control

The issues surrounding government spending and debt in the United States, particularly focusing on federal and state levels. It warns that the current financial situation could threaten the American economy and citizens' futures.

• As of March 31, the U. S. national debt surpassed 100% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for the second time since World War II, joining other nations with high debt levels like Greece and Italy.

• High debt creates risks for investments and limits government policy options, which can lead to public conflict over finances.

• Young Americans are particularly affected as high debt hampers their ability to achieve goals in education, housing, and family.

• State debts are also significant, with ten states running major deficit budgets. Some of these states, all led by Democrats, include:

• California: $520 billion

• New Jersey: $240 billion

• New York: $410 billion

• These states are criticized for their lack of fiscal restraint and for using high taxes and debt to maintain political power.

• The Debt-to-State-GDP ratio indicates high risk for states like Illinois and New Jersey, with pension liabilities exacerbating financial concerns.

• Average debt per citizen varies significantly: for example, Connecticut has $26,400 while Florida's is around $2,500.

• The article lists the highest tax burden states, with Hawaii leading at 13.3%, contrasting with lower-tax states like Alaska at 5.06%.

• The perception of debt has shifted over time, with increasing acceptance of debt by both individuals and governments. This change has allowed politicians to expand services without immediately raising taxes.

• Government programs like Medicare are growing faster than anticipated, leading to concerns about long-term sustainability and potential bankruptcy.

The article expresses urgency regarding irresponsible spending and borrowing practices at both federal and state levels, suggesting that both citizens and politicians must confront these issues before a financial crisis occurs. It emphasizes the need for awareness and accountability to safeguard America's economic future. 

https://www.americanthinker.com/articles/2026/05/government_spending_in_america_is_completely_out_of_control.html

The American Medical Establishment Didn’t Discover A Mental Health Crisis, It Created One

The American medical establishment has contributed to a perceived mental health crisis over the last century. It suggests that this has led to overdiagnosis and excessive use of psychiatric medications, often resulting in negative outcomes for patients.

• Creation of a Mental Health Crisis: The article argues that over the past 100 years, the medical establishment has worked to define ordinary human emotions and behaviors, such as sadness or hyperactivity, as mental health issues. This has resulted in a significant increase in the diagnosis of mental disorders.

• Medicalization of Human Experience: David Cohen, a professor, emphasizes that every natural human struggle is being treated as a mental health problem, which he refers to as “medicalizing” human existence.

• Psychiatric Diagnosis Increases: The introduction of the DSM-3 in 1968 played a pivotal role in expanding mental health diagnoses. Since then, about half of Americans meet the criteria for some mental disorder, but no disorders have transitioned to general medical conditions.

• Chemical Imbalance Theory: There has been a popular belief that mental disorders stem from chemical imbalances in the brain. However, many experts argue that this theory lacks scientific backing and has contributed to widespread misconceptions about mental health.

• Screening Children: Schools are identified as a significant factor in the medicalization of children, with universal mental health screenings now taking place in about a third of schools. Some argue that these screenings can instill anxiety in children by asking them leading questions about suicidal thoughts.

• ADHD – The Gateway Diagnosis: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is highlighted as a core diagnosis that has led to increased medical intervention for children. The article mentions a location in Virginia where a high percentage of children diagnosed with ADHD were heavily medicated, often with negative educational outcomes.

• Dependence on Medications: Long-term use of psychiatric drugs is common, and many patients experience withdrawal symptoms that are misinterpreted as a re-emergence of mental health issues. This cycle encourages ongoing drug prescriptions rather than addressing underlying problems.

• Potential Harm in Drug Use: The article suggests that psychiatric medications can suppress certain behaviors but that their long-term effectiveness is questionable. There is concern that reliance on these drugs can lead to further mental health crises.

The ongoing issues related to mental health in America, including substantial overdiagnosis and reliance on medications, appear to have stemmed from a long-term cultural and medical shift toward viewing normal human behavior through a pathological lens. The article raises questions about the efficacy and side effects of psychiatric treatments, particularly in children, and indicates that the current approach to mental health may require reevaluation.

https://thefederalist.com/2026/05/06/the-american-medical-establishment-didnt-discover-a-mental-health-crisis-it-created-one/ 

Federal judge rules that DOJ can keep 2020 election ballots seized from Georgia's Fulton County

A federal judge has ruled that the U. S. government can retain control over the 2020 election ballots seized from Fulton County, Georgia, during an investigation into potential irregularities.

• The ballots were seized by the FBI on January 28 as part of a Justice Department investigation focused on election misconduct in Fulton County.

• District Judge J. P. Boulee dismissed the county's request for the return of the ballots, electronic copies, and other election-related materials, rejecting claims of improper and unconstitutional seizure.

• The Justice Department identified two possible legal violations linked to the management of election records and the casting of fraudulent ballots.

• Joe Biden won the state of Georgia, securing its 16 electoral votes.

The ruling means the federal government will continue to hold the 2020 election ballots while the investigation into potential election irregularities unfolds further. This decision highlights the ongoing scrutiny of the election process in Georgia. 

https://justthenews.com/government/courts-law/federal-judge-rules-doj-can-keep-2020-election-ballots-seized-georgias-fulton

Get Ready for the AI Crash

The potential for an economic crash driven by the artificial intelligence (AI) industry is a growing concern. Recent reports indicate that major AI companies are facing financial struggles due to overinvestment and risky financial practices. This summary outlines key points from an interview with Asad Ramzanali, a policy expert from Vanderbilt University, regarding the looming threats to the AI sector and the broader economy.

1. AI Industry Financial Struggles:

• OpenAI recently reported falling short of user and revenue targets, raising alarms about an AI bubble and potential crash.

• AI investments are projected to exceed levels seen in significant historical infrastructure projects in the U. S., creating worries about sustainability.

2. Overinvestment and Financial Practices:

• Ramzanali emphasizes that the current investment in AI does not align with incoming revenue—an unsustainable situation.

• The financial patterns echo those leading to the 2008 financial crisis, including practices like circular equity investing, where companies invest in unprofitable firms to inflate revenues.

3. Predicted Scenarios for a Crash:

• Two scenarios: a contained crash primarily affecting the AI sector (bubble), or an expansive economic crash similar to 2008, potentially affecting job security and stock values.

4. Financial Interconnectedness:

• The tech sector's significant stake in the stock market and banks' investments in tech companies create further risks, increasing the potential for widespread economic damage.

5. Circular Equity Investing:

• This term refers to companies financially supporting each other, risking a domino effect if one firm falters.

• The interconnected nature of funding makes it hard to predict or control potential fallout.

6. Private Credit:

• Companies are increasingly using private credit, which lacks regulation and transparency, increasing vulnerability in the financial system.

• Investments from institutional funds (such as pension funds) are intertwined with unregulated credit, amplifying risk exposure.

7. Policy Recommendations:

• To mitigate risks, Ramzanali advises Congress to increase transparency in AI investments and eliminate practices like circular equity investing.

• He suggests a "Glass-Steagall Act for AI" to separate risky financial activities from essential services.

8. Addressing Human Impact:

• Any resulting economic fallout could lead to high unemployment, necessitating an expansion of unemployment insurance as a quicker response compared to universal basic income (UBI).

• He proposes establishing a "Digital Works Progress Administration" to employ workers in public service roles during economic downturns.

9. Urgency to Act:

• While a crash may not be immediate, Ramzanali underscores the importance of preparing for potential consequences. Awareness among policymakers is crucial for protective measures.

The forecast of an AI crash poses a serious risk to the economy, driven by overinvestment and precarious financial practices. Key interventions by policymakers, including enhanced regulations and support for affected workers, are imperative to safeguard the economy against potential fallout. Ramzanali's insights advocate for proactive measures to mitigate risks and prepare for challenges posed by the evolving AI landscape. 

https://washingtonmonthly.com/2026/05/06/get-ready-for-the-ai-crash/

The Democratic Party Is Dead, Long Live the Jacobins!

Victor Davis Hanson discusses the radical shift in the Democratic Party from its traditional working-class roots to a more extreme Jacobin ideology that embraces division and political aggression.

1. Historical Context:

• The Democratic Party historically supported labor rights and social safety nets, including unemployment insurance and Social Security.

• Past Democratic leaders upheld values such as military strength and civil rights, distancing from segregationists by the 1970s.

2. Current Ideology:

• The modern Democratic Party is characterized by extremism, resembling the radical Jacobin faction of the French Revolution.

• Core principles from the party's past, such as supporting Israel and standing against antisemitism, have become politically risky.

3. Racial and Social Divisions:

• The current party focuses on racial identity over individual character, promoting divisive policies like racially segregated college environments.

• The party has shifted towards accommodating illegal immigration, often at odds with past Democratic leaders' views on border security.

4. Controversial Policies:

• Contemporary issues include allowing biological males in women's sports, critical legal theories that support cashless bail, and extreme abortion rights.

• The radical stance has led to public protests and aggressive actions against those who oppose these views.

5. Wealth and Hypocrisy:

• Many Jacobin leaders come from privileged backgrounds while advocating for policies that target the wealthy.

• Prominent figures within the party, such as Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Bernie Sanders, have been criticized for their lifestyles contrary to their political messages.

6. Escalating Violence:

• There is a growing acceptance of violence and radical rhetoric among party members, with calls for extreme measures against political opponents.

• This shift is evident in the rise of movements that use extreme tactics to push their agendas, undermining free speech and promoting ‘social murder. ’

The Democratic Party's evolution reflects a significant ideological transformation, moving away from its foundational principles towards radicalism and division. This shift is reshaping the party's identity and is marked by extreme rhetoric and violent actions, drawing parallels to the Jacobins of the French Revolution. The current trajectory raises concerns about the future of the party and its impact on American society. 

https://amgreatness.com/2026/05/07/the-democratic-party-is-dead-long-live-the-jacobins/

Justice Department Finds UCLA Medical School Discriminated Based on Race in Wake of Explosive Free Beacon Reports

The Department of Justice (DOJ) has found that UCLA's medical school discriminated against applicants based on race. This conclusion comes after a year-long investigation, which was initiated by whistleblower reports.

• The DOJ's investigation revealed that UCLA's admissions process unlawfully considered race, going against the Supreme Court's 2023 ruling on affirmative action.

• Whistleblowers indicated that admissions staff prioritized racial diversity over merit, which they claimed harmed the quality of medical education.

• Evidence included emails where administrators discussed bypassing legal restrictions to achieve diversity goals.

• The admissions process reportedly favored racial demographics at the cost of academic excellence, contributing to poor performance among students.

• A significant portion of the class of 2025 had struggled with standardized tests, raising concerns about their competencies in medical training.

• The DOJ cited a 2025 document from UCLA listing race and other personal factors in admissions considerations.

• UCLA defended its admissions process as merit-based while reviewing the DOJ's findings.

• The investigation also led to an inquiry from the Department of Health and Human Services and a lawsuit by Students for Fair Admissions.

The DOJ's findings highlight serious concerns about racial discrimination in UCLA's medical school admissions. While UCLA maintains that its process is fair, the evidence suggests that the institution may have engaged in unlawful practices that undermine both its educational standards and the principles of equal opportunity. 

https://freebeacon.com/campus/justice-department-finds-ucla-medical-school-discriminated-based-on-race-in-wake-of-explosive-free-beacon-reports/