Trump Drives Population into Poverty - Then Denies Federal Aswistance!

US: More Federal Employees Turn to Food Stamps as Government Shutdown Enters 6th Week! (8.11.2025)

Analysis by the U.S. think tank Center on Budget and Policy Priorities indicates that about 1.2 million households, or nearly 5 million people — roughly 1 in nine SNAP recipients — will receive zero benefits because their normal benefit amounts fall below the planned benefit reduction.

Apryl told Xinhua that, as a single mother, she is eligible for the SNAP, but she is concerned that her payments may not arrive on time as usual. “That would be more money that I have to put out into the grocery store, which is very expensive; that takes money from bills that I already have or something else I have to do for my kid,” she said.

“I think this current episode of punishing or abusing the poor … is yet another example of what has been a long-term truth about this country: how the poor have frequently been injured or deprived because of the contempt of those who are either wealthier and/or in power,” said Greg Cusack, a former member of the Iowa House of Representatives.

U.S. Library of Congress closes on Oct. 1, 2025. (Photo/China News Service)

US: Warning as Government Shutdown Deepens Impact on Travel & Livelihoods! (8.11.2025)

Baker noted that the U.S. has experienced shutdowns in the past decades, during which both parties had real differences but they also recognized the need for compromise. However, in this case, “that recognition does not seem to be there with the Trump administration and the Republicans.”

In his view, the Republicans “are mostly to blame in that they have not approached the deadlock in good faith”.

In order to streamline government and expand its own executive power, the U.S. administration wanted to use the “government shutdown” to advance large-scale layoffs of federal employees and closure of agencies related to the Democrats, according to U.S. media.

The Democrats also have their own calculations. The Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) noted the standoff has become a messaging battle, with each party betting the public will blame the other.

Life Expectancy Raises to 79!

China: Average Life Expectancy Rises to 79-Years! (12.9.2025)

It marked “a notable improvement” for a developing country, said Lei Haichao, head of the National Health Commission.
Lei, speaking on the country’s progress in the health sector during the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-25), stated that infant and maternal mortality rates have continued to decline over the past five years, and the overall health level of residents has steadily improved.

Hedgehog Eating & Drinking!

Sutton: Hedgehog Asks for Water During Heat-Wave! (14.7.2025)

When I lived in Devon during my youth – hedgehogs used to be everywhere. We used to see them all the time and most gardens possessed at least one resident hedgehog. I know some lived very long and grew to surprising sizes. The last time I saw a hedgehog in Sutton was probably around 2008 in the back garden of the then house (in Westfield Road) I lived-in – but I have not seen one in the wild since then. The only time we have seen hedgehogs locally – has been in special areas of nature conservation but in a sense – these are not truly wild in the unmanaged sense. I am not sure why we do not see so many wild hedgehog in the Sutton area – perhaps their populations are low – or they choose to hide for some reason. We hope their numbers improve and remember to give them water and cat-food – or similar!

Poison Dispensed from Vending Machines!

Chinese Embassy Issues Safety Advisory After Indiscriminate [Food] Killings in Japan! (21.4.2025)

There has been a rising trend of violent crimes in Japan, the Embassy cited Japanese media reports as saying.

Indiscriminate killings have occurred in multiple locations across Japan since December 2024, including Kitakyushu City in Fukuoka Prefecture, Nagano City in Nagano Prefecture, and Gifu City in Gifu Prefecture, resulting in casualties among innocent citizens.

In the past two weeks, murders targeting young women have taken place in Ichinomiya City in Aichi Prefecture, Shinjuku Ward in Tokyo, and Saitama City in Saitama Prefecture. Additionally, cases of theft, robbery, stalking, and telecom fraud have been frequently reported, with several Chinese citizens falling victim.

Socialist Outbreak in Barking!

London: Barking Opens First Permanent Showers for Homeless! (2.4.2025)

The idea for the permanent facility came about after a number of pop-up events at Barking Learning Centre, where guests could see a doctor without an appointment and could also get haircuts, showers, clothes and food.

According to the council, most people who were surveyed at the events said they attended for free food and showers, as well as to see a doctor.

ShowerBox Barking is currently open on Fridays but Maureen Worby, the council’s cabinet member for adult social care, said she hoped to recruit volunteers to have a women-only day.

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