_{ECONOMIC NEW}

Can America Defend Itself Without Going Bankrupt?

America’s national debt is projected to reach $40 trillion in two years, and the interest payments alone now exceed the country's defense budget. Major contributors to the debt include wars, the 2008 recession, and the COVID-19 pandemic. While politicians claim the wealthy don’t pay enough in taxes, data shows that the top 1% already pay significantly more than the middle class.

To address the growing debt, both tax reforms and spending cuts are necessary. Without intervention, interest payments could soon exceed $1 trillion annually, threatening America's ability to fund its defense and maintain global leadership. Read More.

_{FINANCIAL NEWS}

Study Reveals U.S. Banking System Is Less Secure Today Than Before 2010 Dodd-Frank Reform

A study by four researchers from the University of Westminster critiques the effectiveness of the 2010 Dodd-Frank financial reform in the U.S. The researchers found that the legislation failed to reduce systemic risk or address the "too-big-to-fail" issue caused by large bank mergers. Their findings suggest that post-Dodd-Frank, larger banks contribute even more to systemic risk.

The study aligns with international data showing that concentrated banking systems lead to financial instability. The U.S. now has four megabanks, including JPMorgan Chase, which has been deemed the riskiest by regulators. Despite this, JPMorgan has continued acquiring failed banks, raising concerns about regulatory oversight and the growing dominance of a few giant banks. Critics, including Senator Elizabeth Warren, argue that regulators are enabling dangerous consolidation in the banking sector. Read More.