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Wednesday, April 30, 2025

Category: News
March 24, 2025
News
UK

Here’s the Country With the Highest Property Taxes.

A new analysis shows that the highest property taxes of any developed country can be found in the United Kingdom, as it struggles to meet housing demand due to unprecedented levels of mass migration. Analysis by tax and software firm Ryan indicates that British property taxes, including council tax, business rates, and stamp duty, constitute 3.7 percent of its gross domestic product (GDP) for the 2023/24 tax year.

This surpasses Luxembourg and France, both at 3.5 percent and Canada, at 3.4 percent. Despite a 0.3 percentage point decrease from the previous year, the British property tax burden remains higher than the 2.7 percent average within the G7.

With the new tax year commencing in April, property taxes are set to rise again. Council tax bills, which fund municipal governments, will increase by five percent for a third consecutive year.

Additionally, first-time homebuyers in England and Northern Ireland will face less generous stamp duty relief next month, as exemptions will only apply to properties below $388k. Businesses in retail, leisure, and hospitality will contend with reduced business rate discounts, shifting from 75 percent to 40 percent, following last year’s budget adjustments by the leftist Labour Party government.

The high costs come as the United Kingdom struggles to build enough homes for its growing population, which has been almost entirely driven by mass migration in recent years. Labour has also scrapped plans to prioritize native Britons for public housing, which is heavily subsidized by taxpayers.

Image by Ratesh Ramasamy.

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A new analysis shows that the highest property taxes of any developed country can be found in the United Kingdom, as it struggles to meet housing demand due to unprecedented levels of mass migration. Analysis by tax and software firm Ryan indicates that British property taxes, including council tax, business rates, and stamp duty, constitute 3.7 percent of its gross domestic product (GDP) for the 2023/24 tax year. show more
March 24, 2025
William Upton
Lawfare

Obama Judge Refuses to Lift Order Blocking Trump’s Deportation of Tren de Aragua Gangsters.

Federal District Court Judge James Boasberg is refusing to lift a temporary restraining order (TRO) against President Donald J. Trump’s administration that bars it from using the Alien Enemies Act to deport members of the violent Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua to El Salvador. In an order issued Monday, Judge Boasberg rejected a motion by the Trump White House to vacate the TRO, asserting that the plaintiffs in the case have shown “a high likelihood of suffering significant harm” under the deportation orders.

At the heart of the issue is whether President Trump has the power to deport illegal immigrants believed to be members of Tren de Aragua to the country of El Salvador, where they are being detained in a prison facility built to house violent criminals and organized crime elements.

“There may well also be independent restrictions on the Government’s ability to deport class members—at least to Salvadoran prisons—even if they do fall within the Proclamation’s terms,” Judge Boasberg writes, noting it is his belief that the plaintiffs have a high likelihood of succeeding in their appeal, which justifies keeping the TRO which bars their deportation in place.

Boasberg—appointed to the bench by former President Barack Obama—has previously warned the Trump administration of “consequences” should it ignore his restraining order on the deportations. Earlier this month, the judge attempted to order several plans carrying Tren de Aragua members to turn around and return to the U.S. However, the flights had already departed and were over international waters at the time Boasberg’s order was filed.

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Federal District Court Judge James Boasberg is refusing to lift a temporary restraining order (TRO) against President Donald J. Trump's administration that bars it from using the Alien Enemies Act to deport members of the violent Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua to El Salvador. In an order issued Monday, Judge Boasberg rejected a motion by the Trump White House to vacate the TRO, asserting that the plaintiffs in the case have shown "a high likelihood of suffering significant harm" under the deportation orders. show more
March 24, 2025
Crime
News

Kash Patel to Reassign 1,000 ATF Agents to the FBI.

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Kash Patel—also acting director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF)—intends to reassign approximately 1,000 ATF agents to the FBI. This restructuring would reduce the ATF’s workforce by roughly one-third of its current 2,600 agents.

The ATF has around 5,000 total employees and has seen its staffing levels remain stable over recent years. However, the agency has become a focal point of debate, particularly among gun rights advocates who argue that its operations infringe upon Second Amendment freedoms.

Director Patel‘s move to reassign ATF agents is drawing criticism from gun control groups who have pushed for more aggressive restrictions on the Second Amendment rights of Americans. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the anti-gun rights group Giffords—founded by former Congresswoman Gabby Giffords (D-AZ)—expressed opposition to the move. “This decision would increase crime and hurt law enforcement,” the group claimed, adding: “The ATF is the only federal law enforcement agency stopping gun traffickers from flooding communities across the country with illegal guns. Weakening the ATF will make all us [sic] less safe.”

As head of the FBI, Patel has emphasized a return to the basics for the nation’s top law enforcement agency. This includes dispersing agents from Washington, D.C., into the field across the United States.

During his Senate confirmation hearing, Patel stressed the need for the FBI to better coordinate and work with local and state law enforcement agencies to facilitate investigations and reduce violent crime.

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Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Kash Patel—also acting director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF)—intends to reassign approximately 1,000 ATF agents to the FBI. This restructuring would reduce the ATF's workforce by roughly one-third of its current 2,600 agents. show more
March 24, 2025
Immigration

Venezuela Bends to Trump, Deportation Flights Restart.

The Trump administration has resumed deportation flights carrying returning Venezuelan illegal immigrants back to their country of origin. Venezuela consented to the resumption of deportation flights over the weekend, according to the U.S. State Department’s Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs.

“Today, deportation flights of Venezuelan illegal aliens to their homeland resumed via Honduras. These individuals had no legal basis to remain in the United States,” the Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs wrote in a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday. “We expect to see a consistent flow of deportation flights to Venezuela going forward. Thank you to Honduran President [Xiomara] Castro and her government for partnering to combat illegal immigration.”

At least one flight operated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) carrying Venezuelan nationals who illegally immigrated to the U.S. landed at Soto Cano Air Base in Honduras on Sunday. The U.S. has previously used this location as a transfer point for deportees. Simultaneously, a flight from the Venezuelan national airline, Conviasa, was also expected at Soto Cano. This suggested a coordinated transfer effort between the two countries.

Honduras’s Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Enrique Reina, confirmed on social media that Honduras is cooperating with both the U.S. and Venezuela in this effort. He stated that 199 Venezuelan nationals were transferred from a U.S.-flagged aircraft to a Venezuelan one at the base. Meanwhile, the President of Venezuela’s National Assembly, Jorge Rodríguez, also publicly confirmed the agreement with the U.S. government to resume the repatriation process.

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The Trump administration has resumed deportation flights carrying returning Venezuelan illegal immigrants back to their country of origin. Venezuela consented to the resumption of deportation flights over the weekend, according to the U.S. State Department’s Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs. show more
March 24, 2025
Wake Up Right
News

All Eyes on Wisconsin.

A local Wisconsin Supreme Court election has garnered national attention—as the result will determine the political balance of the court and could affect Democrats’ hopes of retaking the House in 2026.

The details: On April 1, Wisconsin residents will head to the polls to choose the balance of the state Supreme Court, which is currently divided between three conservatives and three liberals.

The choices are:

  • Conservative: Brad Schimel, the former Wisconsin Attorney General
  • Liberal: Susan Crawford, a former prosecutor and current Circuit Court judge

Why it matters: Two words: congressional redistricting. In 2022, the liberal court approved Democrat governor Tony Ever’s new congressional map, which redrew congressional districts in a way that helped Democrats win an extra House seat in 2024. If liberals retain control of the court, it’s possible Democrats flip more seats in 2026.

  • If conservatives control the court, it will likely throw out the 2022 map and endorse one drawn by the Wisconsin legislature—which is controlled by Republicans. This could lead to Republican wins in 2026.

The money: The race has shattered spending records, with contributions exceeding $76 million. Both sides have big backing:

  • Elon Musk: His PACs have invested over $12 million to support Schimel and offered $100 to voters who sign a petition against “activist judges.”
  • George Soros: The far-left Democrat donor has given $1 million to back Susan Crawford.
  • Illinois Gov.JB Pritzker: The wealthy Democrat governor donated at least $500,000 to Crawford.
  • Reid Hoffman: The LinkedIn founder donated at least $250,000 to Crawford.

…Musk amplified claims that the three Democrats above donated millions more than these figures, but I have not been able to verify those numbers.

Zoom out: Trump won Wisconsin in 2024 by an extremely slim <1% margin.

The last word goes to NFL legend Brett Favre, who recorded an ad for Schimel, telling voters:

  • “This is as important as the November election. And that was for the soul of America. This is for the soul of Wisconsin.” Your vote for Brad Schimel will keep Wisconsin and America winning.”

Wisconsin, please make plans to vote on April 1. The fate of your state—and country—depends on it.

Be sure to subscribe to the Wake Up Right newsletter! 

Image by Gary Todd.

 

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A local Wisconsin Supreme Court election has garnered national attention—as the result will determine the political balance of the court and could affect Democrats’ hopes of retaking the House in 2026. show more
March 24, 2025
News

1st Black Republican Woman in Congress, Mia Love, Dead at 49.

Mia Love, a former Republican congresswoman representing Utah’s 4th district, died Sunday at 49 after battling brain cancer for several years. Her family announced her passing through her X account, stating she died peacefully at home, surrounded by family members.

The announcement expressed gratitude for Love’s influence, noting the celebration of her life and the memories she left behind. The family promised to provide details on funeral services and a public celebration soon. Love’s last communication on social media, posted 12 hours before her passing, thanked her family, especially her father and husband, Jason. She emphasized the importance of character and leadership for future generations.

Love’s political career included serving as mayor of Saratoga Springs from 2010 to 2014, followed by a term in the U.S. Congress from 2015 through 2019. During her political career, she lost her congressional seat to Democrat Ben McAdams. Despite expressing opposition to Donald Trump during his first term, she supported his agenda 96 percent of the time.

Following her death, social media was flooded with tributes. Utah Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson described Love as a fearless leader and history-maker, stating that Utah and the nation are better for her contributions. Vance Patrick from the Oakland County Republican Party in Michigan also acknowledged her as an inspirational leader and trailblazer.

Love leaves behind her husband and their three children.

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Mia Love, a former Republican congresswoman representing Utah's 4th district, died Sunday at 49 after battling brain cancer for several years. Her family announced her passing through her X account, stating she died peacefully at home, surrounded by family members. show more
March 23, 2025
William Upton
News

AI, Crypto Data Could Soon Use Over 10% of All U.S. Electricity.

The increasing power demands required for advanced artificial intelligence (AI) systems and cryptocurrency could see United States-based data centers consume upwards of 12 percent of all total domestic electricity by 2028, according to a Department of Energy (DOE) report. This would be a significant increase from the estimated 4.4 percent of total electricity supply consumption attributed to data centers in 2023.

“The report finds that data centers consumed about 4.4% of total U.S. electricity in 2023 and are expected to consume approximately 6.7 to 12% of total U.S. electricity by 2028. The report indicates that total data center electricity usage climbed from 58 TWh in 2014 to 176 TWh in 2023 and estimates an increase between 325 to 580 TWh by 2028,” the DOE report states.

Notably, DOE officials say policies such as adding greater flexibility for data centers to engage in on-site power generation could ease increasing burdens on electrical grids. Additionally, President Donald J. Trump announced his administration is aiming to bring back online a number of coal-fired power plants—ostensibly to boost U.S. electricity capacity and counter China’s advantage from the use of coal-fired power.

Both artificial intelligence and cryptocurrencies are power-intensive in technology industries, and companies in those sectors have pushed for greater electrical grid capacity and relief on power consumption costs. Some regions of the United States saw significant jumps in electricity prices under former President Joe Biden—especially industrial price rates. The National Pulse reported last year that Minnesota—under Governor Tim Walz (D-MN), the failed Democratic Party vice presidential candidate—has seen industrial electric rates soar—reaching 30 percent higher than the national average.

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The increasing power demands required for advanced artificial intelligence (AI) systems and cryptocurrency could see United States-based data centers consume upwards of 12 percent of all total domestic electricity by 2028, according to a Department of Energy (DOE) report. This would be a significant increase from the estimated 4.4 percent of total electricity supply consumption attributed to data centers in 2023. show more
March 22, 2025
Culture
Religion

Satanic Group Will Attempt ‘Black Mass’ in State Capitol.

A group of Satanists plans to conduct a “black mass” at the Kansas State Capitol on March 28, despite efforts by Governor Laura Kelly and bipartisan lawmakers to prevent the event. The Satanic Grotto and its leader, Michael Stewart, said the event gained attention following allegations that he stole a consecrated host from a local Catholic church.

Governor Kelly issued an order on March 12 prohibiting The Satanic Grotto from accessing the State House. This move was supported by changes in building and grounds policies initiated by bipartisan legislators. Kelly stated that there are more respectful means to express dissent than offending religious symbols.

In certain Satanist practices, a “black mass” involves desecrating the consecrated Eucharist, deemed a distortion of the Catholic Mass. A lawsuit by Bishop Joseph Naumann accused Stewart of admitting to stealing the Eucharist on social media and sending threatening letters to lawmakers.

Stewart, while acknowledging rude correspondence, denied accusations of theft and threats. The lawsuit was dismissed after Stewart’s hearing, although he pledged to continue with the demonstration, anticipating a possible arrest.

Earlier this month, the American Society for the Defense of Tradition, Family, and Property (TFP), a national Catholic group, launched a petition to have the black mass banned from the capitol. The petition amassed tens of thousands of signatures.

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A group of Satanists plans to conduct a "black mass" at the Kansas State Capitol on March 28, despite efforts by Governor Laura Kelly and bipartisan lawmakers to prevent the event. The Satanic Grotto and its leader, Michael Stewart, said the event gained attention following allegations that he stole a consecrated host from a local Catholic church. show more
March 21, 2025
Crime
News
UK

Islamist Sentenced for Attempting to Bomb Hospital.

An Islamist who attempted a bombing at a British hospital has been sentenced to a minimum of 37 years in prison. Mohammad Farooq, 29, was convicted after bringing an explosive device to St James’s Hospital in the city of Leeds, England, in January. The device, a pressure cooker bomb, contained double the explosives of those used in the Boston Marathon bombing of 2013.

Farooq’s plan was thwarted when he was dissuaded by patient Nathan Newby, whom he encountered at the hospital. Farooq initially aimed to attack an American military in North Yorkshire but was deterred by security measures. He then targeted St James’s Hospital, intending to detonate the bomb in a café during a shift change, and also attack people with knives and incite police to shoot him by brandishing an imitation firearm.

Prosecutors described Farooq as self-radicalized, seeking martyrdom. The court heard he wished to “kill as many nurses as possible.”

In handing down the life sentence, Judge Mrs. Cheema-Grubb commended Nathan Newby for his courage in “talking down” Farooq. She described Newby as an “extraordinary, ordinary man,” highlighting his intervention on January 20, 2023, as key in preventing a potential atrocity.

The sentencing took place at Sheffield Crown Court, where it was determined Farooq must serve at least 37 years before being eligible for release.

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An Islamist who attempted a bombing at a British hospital has been sentenced to a minimum of 37 years in prison. Mohammad Farooq, 29, was convicted after bringing an explosive device to St James’s Hospital in the city of Leeds, England, in January. The device, a pressure cooker bomb, contained double the explosives of those used in the Boston Marathon bombing of 2013. show more
March 21, 2025
Media
NatSec

Trump Denies NYT Claims of Musk Being Briefed on China War Plans: ‘Fake News.’

President Donald J. Trump is publicly dismissing a report from The New York Times suggesting that Elon Musk will be briefed at the Pentagon on Friday concerning U.S. military strategies in the event of a conflict with China. Trump labeled the report as “fake news” on his social media platform, Truth Social, asserting that such a briefing would not occur. He emphasized that China would not be a topic of discussion during Musk’s scheduled visit to the Pentagon.

“The Fake News is at it again, this time the Failing New York Times. They said, incorrectly, that Elon Musk is going to the Pentagon tomorrow to be briefed on any potential ‘war with China.’ How ridiculous?” Trump wrote late Thursday evening. “China will not even be mentioned or discussed. How disgraceful it is that the discredited media can make up such lies. Anyway, the story is completely untrue!!!”

PENTAGON: ‘FAKE NEWS.’

Meanwhile, Trump’s Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth, also refuted the claims on social media, stating that Musk’s visit is intended for discussions on innovation and efficiency, not secret military strategies concerning China. “We look forward to welcoming [Elon Musk] to the Pentagon tomorrow,” Hegseth wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “But the fake news delivers again — this is NOT a meeting about ‘top secret China war plans.’ It’s an informal meeting about innovation, efficiencies & smarter production. Gonna be great!”

The controversy has sparked concern among some Democratic lawmakers about potential conflicts of interest due to Musk’s involvement with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and his extensive government contracts. Musk, who owns Tesla—which does business with China—and SpaceX, is leading efforts to streamline government functions under the Trump administration.

The White House previously classified Musk is a “special government employee” who acts solely as an unpaid advisor. They assured Musk that he would avoid involvement in matters where personal financial interests could conflict with his governmental role.

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President Donald J. Trump is publicly dismissing a report from The New York Times suggesting that Elon Musk will be briefed at the Pentagon on Friday concerning U.S. military strategies in the event of a conflict with China. Trump labeled the report as "fake news" on his social media platform, Truth Social, asserting that such a briefing would not occur. He emphasized that China would not be a topic of discussion during Musk's scheduled visit to the Pentagon. show more