@media (max-width:576px) { .read-more-content { height: 450em; } }

The post S&W M&P M2.0 10mm Performance Center Model Joins M&P Line appeared first on Ballistic Magazine.

If they are actually telling us that a recession is coming this time around, how bad is it going to be?  In 2008, officials kept assuring us over and over again that there wouldn’t be a recession, and then we plunged into the greatest economic downturn since the Great Depression of the 1930s.  But here in 2023, what is coming is so obvious that nobody can deny what is happening.  The economy is already starting to come apart at the seams all around us, and the “experts” at the Federal Reserve openly acknowledge that they are making things even worse by hiking interest rates.  Pretty much everyone agrees that rougher times are ahead of us, and “a probability model from the New York Federal Reserve” is now projecting that there is a 68.2 percent chance that there will be a recession within the next 12 months…

The odds that the United States will fall into a recession at some point over the next 12 months have risen to a 40-year high, according to a probability model from the New York Federal Reserve.

The probability that the country will enter a recession within the next year has risen to 68.2 percent, according to the New York Fed, which is the highest level since 1982.

The Fed’s recession risk indicator is now greater than it was in November 2007, not long before the subprime crisis, when it stood at 40 percent.

This is the highest that figure has been in more than 40 years.

Just think about that for a moment.

The recession of the early 1980s was a real whopper, and if you were alive at that time you probably still have very painful memories of it.

Are we about to experience something similar?

Larry Summers says that he also believes that we probably have about a 70 percent chance of a recession within the next 12 months…

Former Treasury Secretary Larry Summers has also expressed his view that the odds of a downturn are “probably about 70 percent.”

“The chance that a recession will have begun this year in the U.S. over the next 12 months is probably about 70 percent,” Summers said in a recent interview with Foreign Policy. “As I put together the lags associated with monetary policy, the credit crunch risks, the need for continuing action around inflation, the risk of geopolitical or other shocks affecting commodities, 70 percent would be the range that I would be in.”

So many pundits are very negative about the next 12 months, but we certainly don’t have to wait for bad economic news, because it is happening all around us right now.

In fact, the New York Fed’s Empire State business conditions index just fell more than 42 points in a single month…

After an unexpected surge into growth territory in April, the New York Fed’s Empire State business conditions index plunged 42.6 points in May to minus 31.8.

Economists had forecast a milder slump to negative two.

Readings below zero indicate worsening conditions. The May decline is the sharpest on record apart from the initial lockdown months of the pandemic.

Read that last sentence again.

Not even when nearly the entire country was locked down did we see a drop of this magnitude.

And this comes at a time when consumers, small businesses, and large businesses are all struggling.

On Monday, we learned that total consumer debt in the U.S. has just reached a brand new all-time record high…

Total consumer debt hit a fresh new high in the first quarter of 2023, pushing past $17 trillion even amid a sharp pullback in home borrowing.

The total for borrowing across all categories hit $17.05 trillion, an increase of nearly $150 billion, or 0.9% during the January-to-March period, the New York Federal Reserve reported Monday. That took total indebtedness up about $2.9 trillion from the pre-Covid period ended in 2019.

Of course interest rates are moving higher at the same time.

If you can believe it, the average rate of interest on credit card balances is now over 20 percent…

The rise in credit card usage and debt is particularly concerning because interest rates are astronomically high right now. The average credit card annual percentage rate, or APR, hit a new record of 20.33% last week, according to a Bankrate database that goes back to 1985.

Carrying credit card balances in this environment is financial suicide, but many Americans find themselves forced to charge food and other basic supplies these days because they don’t have any other options.

Millions upon millions of people are barely scraping by from month to month, and delinquency rates just continue to move higher…

Delinquency rates for all debt increased, up 0.6 percentage point for credit cards to 6.5% and 0.2 percentage point for auto loans to 6.9%. Total delinquency rates moved up 0.2 percentage point to 3%, the highest since the third quarter of 2020.

Meanwhile, here in the early stages of 2023 small businesses are “filing for bankruptcy at a record pace”…

Small businesses throughout the United States are currently filing for bankruptcy at a record pace, exceeding the levels observed in 2020 at the height of the coronavirus pandemic.

According to a UBS Evidence Lab note reviewed by The Epoch Times, the four-week moving average for private filings was 73 percent higher than it was in June 2020. They also warned the situation may worsen as the repercussions of the recent banking crises start to manifest.

“[We] believe one of the more underappreciated signs of distress in U.S. corporate credit is already emanating from the small- and mid-size enterprises sector,” Matthew Mish, head of credit strategy at UBS, wrote in the recently published research memo. “[The] smallest of firms [are] facing the most severe pressure from rising rates, persistent inflation and slowing growth.”

Things weren’t even this bad during the extended lockdowns during the early stages of the COVID pandemic.

And many more small businesses will inevitably fail in the weeks and months to come.

Large businesses are faring relatively better, but right now we are witnessing “the most prolonged corporate profits downturn in seven years”…

As the US economy teeters on the brink of recession, Wall Street is already enduring what could turn out to be the most prolonged corporate profits downturn in seven years.

With the first-quarter earnings season drawing to a close, the profits of S&P 500 companies are estimated to have dropped 3.7% on average, compared to a year ago.

And as I have detailed extensively in previous articles, large companies all over the U.S. have already started conducting mass layoffs.

Needless to say, they aren’t letting people go because they think the economy is about to turn around.

They can see what is coming, and they are trying to get ready in advance.

Before I end this article, let me give you one more very troubling sign.

In April, the federal government brought in 26.1 percent less tax revenue than it did in April 2022…

The Treasury took in $638.52 billion in April. That was more than double the receipts in March. This is to be expected as the government collects a large amount of tax revenue in April. But compared to April 2022, tax receipts were down 26.1%.

This is one number that the federal government cannot doctor, and it is absolutely horrible.

We really are heading into an economic nightmare, and of course the economy is just one element of the “perfect storm” that we are now facing.

So what should you do?

I would encourage you to do whatever you need to do in order to get prepared for very rough times.

Our system is in the process of melting down, and the government is not going to come riding to your rescue when everything finally hits the fan.

Michael’s new book entitled “End Times” is now available in paperback and for the Kindle on Amazon.com, and you can check out his new Substack newsletter right here.

About the Author: My name is Michael and my brand new book entitled “End Times” is now available on Amazon.com.  In addition to my new book I have written six other books that are available on Amazon.com including “7 Year Apocalypse”, “Lost Prophecies Of The Future Of America”, “The Beginning Of The End”, and “Living A Life That Really Matters”. (#CommissionsEarned)  When you purchase any of these books you help to support the work that I am doing, and one way that you can really help is by sending copies as gifts to family and friends.  Time is short, and I need help getting these warnings into the hands of as many people as possible.  I have also started a brand new Substack newsletter, and I encourage you to subscribe so that you won’t miss any of my articles.  I have published thousands of articles on The Economic Collapse Blog, End Of The American Dream and The Most Important News, and the articles that I publish on those sites are republished on dozens of other prominent websites all over the globe.  I always freely and happily allow others to republish my articles on their own websites, but I also ask that they include this “About the Author” section with each article.  The material contained in this article is for general information purposes only, and readers should consult licensed professionals before making any legal, business, financial or health decisions.  I encourage you to follow me on social media on Facebook and Twitter, and any way that you can share these articles with others is definitely a great help.  These are such troubled times, and people need hope.  John 3:16 tells us about the hope that God has given us through Jesus Christ: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”  If you have not already done so, I strongly urge you to invite Jesus Christ to be your Lord and Savior today.

The post The Probability Of A Recession Happening In The Next 12 Months Is The Highest In More Than 40 Years! appeared first on The Economic Collapse.

Everything You Need To Know Before Purchasing A Solar Radio!

In a fast-paced, ever-changing crisis, you cannot make wise survival decisions without accurate intelligence.

For example, you need to know the exact location of the emergency (riots, wildfires, roadblocks, etc.) to avoid them.

But nowadays, most assume we can find such info quickly using smartphones or laptops.

But that’s a flawed assumption.

You see, the networks that support these powerful devices are fragile.

They’re susceptible to both physical attacks and hacks.

That’s why you need a more reliable means of tapping into critical emergency information.

That’s why EVERYONE should own at least one survival radio!

Today I’ll use my Engineering, Gear Testing, & Mountain SAR background to cover the following:

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Best Solar Radios For Sale

What Is A Solar Radio?

Why You Should Get A One

Pros & Cons Of Solar Radios

Best Solar-Powered Radio Features

Are You Ready For The Tough Times Ahead? Take My 60 Sec Quiz To See If You’re Part Of ‘The Fragile Masses’ Or Not… Start Quiz Now!

Best Solar Radios On The Market Today

↓ Cool SHTF Item, But Will It Last? Eton Scorpion ↓

↓ Unboxing | Setup Of The Midland ER40 ↓

↓ FosPower Solar Crank Radio Charger! Emergency Preparedness! ↓

↓ A Must-Have Prepping | Survival Item – Solar Crank Shortwave Radio ↓

↓ RunningSnail Hand Crank Radio Review ↓

↓ Multi-Purpose Flashlight Emergency Radio Review ↓

↓ Wayl’s Buzz 4000 AM FM NOAA Emergency Radio Review ↓

↓ Tenergy MultiFunctional Hand Crank Emergency Radio ↓

What Is A Solar Powered Radio?

A solar-powered radio is a hand-held or stationary radio that includes a solar cell.

This radio design lets you charge an internal battery directly from the sun.

Most solar radios are smaller portable models with moderately sized solar cells.

These smaller units are ideal for camping, survival, and emergency use.

Solar radios also come with other charging means and give users a wide range of options.

The internal battery, charged by solar energy or other routes, provides stored power.

That way, the radio can be used later, even after dark, when the solar cell is not producing power.

It’s also nice that solar charging is a passive task.

Passive charging means letting your solar-powered radio charge while focusing on other tasks.

This feature is a huge advantage when hiking, driving, cooking, or doing other camp chores.

It only requires occasional re-positioning, so the solar cell receives direct sunlight.

These two features (“free” power and passive charging) are why most people invest in a solar-powered radio.

As A Way To Introduce You To Skilled Survival, We’re Giving Away Our #78 Item Complete Prepper Checklist. Click Here To Get Your FREE Copy Of It.

Why You Should Invest In A Solar Radio

Sometimes, older technologies are better than new ones.

Sure, while old technologies may not be as “cool” as new technologies, what they lack in appeal – they make up for in reliability!

Radio signals transmit for very long distances Over-The-Air, meaning without any physical wires.

And these signals are known to distribute critical emergency information in real-time (think “weather radios”).

Plus, it’s far easier to listen to this information while still performing other tasks.

That’s why every vehicle still has a radio instead of a TV on the dashboard!

Now, it’s true that most commercial radio stations rely on expensive antennas and transmitters.

But all it takes to receive a signal is a small device that easily fits in the palm of your hand.

Of course, if the internet and TV go out, chances are your electricity isn’t far behind.

And ALL radios run on some form of electricity.

That’s why having a secondary power source for your emergency radio is critical.

Fortunately, several methods exist to power a radio besides just plugging it into the wall.

Popular alternative power options range from batteries to hand-crank generators.

But one of the best and most convenient options is SOLAR POWER!

Finally, a solar radio is a perfect device to add to a Faraday cage or faraday bag to ensure you still have a means of receiving intel after an EMP attack.

Advantages & Disadvantages

As with any new technology, there are advantages and disadvantages.

That’s why it’s essential to weigh both the Pros and Cons when deciding which solar-powered radio best fits your needs.

First up, solar power is considered a “free” energy source.

I put the word “free” in quotes because nothing is truly free.

In this case, you’ll need additional features on your radio to collect solar energy.

And these extra features equate to more weight and bulk.

Plus, added complexity, more pathways for error, and more cost.

But these disadvantages are offset by an unlimited power source.

It’s a power source capable of charging even in remote locations and with minimal effort by the user.

Of course, all this free energy depends on ACCESS to sunlight.

The amount of power a solar cell produces depends on the intensity of the sunlight it receives.

It may take days to partially charge a radio battery in a foggy forest (especially in the US Pacific Northwest).

Yet, just a few hours of direct, high-intensity sunlight in the desert may charge it completely.

So, you must be aware of the environment in which you plan to use your solar-powered radio.

ADVANTAGES

• “Free energy” from the sun!
• Great for remote locations and off-grid areas
• An eco-friendly method of charging the battery
• Will charge (slowly) even on a cloudy day

DISADVANTAGES

• More bulk/weight/parts than similar non-solar radio
• More costly than similar non-solar radio
• Need consistent access to direct sunlight
• Smaller solar cells take longer to charge a battery
• It depends on direct sunlight to charge efficiently

As A Way To Introduce You To Skilled Survival, We’re Giving Away Our Ultimate Survival Gear Checklist. Click Here To Get Your FREE Copy Of It.

Best Solar Radio Features To Look For

NOAA Capable

No emergency radio is worthy of purchase if it doesn’t tap into the national weather service updates.

NOAA weather stations continuously broadcast weather information.

Now, you may be thinking, EVERY emergency radio would include this feature.

And you’d be wrong.

The cheapest ones will leave off the weather band radio frequencies and only give you AM/FM.

This is not good enough – spend more dollars on critical weather intel.

Durability

In the case of small electronics, the idea of durability comes down to a couple of basic questions.

First, is the device water-resistant?

It’s a fact – survival gear used will eventually get wet.

Even in the desert, someone will inevitably spill water on your electronics.

Or a surprise desert storm will pop up when you least expect it.

So, look for a radio with an IP rating for water resistance – and then treat it as if it’s still not water resistant!

Secondly, can the device handle rough use?

Your radio will get dropped, sat on, and shoved into a cramped pack.

If delicate parts like the antenna are exposed, they can easily break.

Shock and dust ratings are an excellent way to find devices built for rugged outdoor life.

Size/Weight

Size and weight are prime considerations when carrying your radio in a pack or vehicle.

A smaller radio is more likely to find its way into your pack.  And a radio left on a shelf at home does you no good when you’re out and about.

So, look for something that can fit easily into a bug-out bag, survival pack, tactical backpack, get-home bag, or go-bag.

Cost

Cost is always a factor, and you get what you pay for (to some extent).

The cheapest radios are often built with less reliable parts.

They also tend to lack features that may make your life easier.

Be sure to read reviews (like ours) and do your homework before deciding which radio to buy.

Power Bank Capability

Power bank flexibility is a great bonus feature on most small solar radios.

This option allows you to tap the internal battery as a charging device for other small electronics.

Look for a radio with a USB outlet, and you’ll always have a spare battery for your smartphone, camera, or GPS.

Built-In Flashlight

Another common bonus feature, an LED flashlight is often integrated into solar-powered radios.

It’s an excellent way to add a backup light if your headlamp goes out.

Other Charging Routes

The rate of solar charging is variable based on sun conditions.

That’s why it’s also best to have other ways to charge your radio.

First off, look for a plug-in charging port to take advantage of standard grid power.

Next, get a radio with a hand-crank generator that allows you to convert a quick arm workout into a charge.

Having replaceable (usually AA or AAA) batteries is also helpful.

If all else fails, this feature lets you swap out dead batteries for fresh ones.

Headphone Port

You should NEVER underestimate the ability to use headphones with a solar radio.

Why? Because headphones (mono or stereo) make it much easier to listen to faint signals.

Most portable solar-powered radios have small antennas. Small antennas can struggle to pick up faint signals.

But headphones or earbuds allow you to hear even the weakest signals.

Also, headphone speakers are much smaller than those built into the radio.

That means headphones take less power to create the sound. This feature equates to small power savings over time.

But it can add up to precious minutes or hours of use compared to the built-in speaker.

As A Way To Introduce You To Skilled Survival, We’re Giving Away Our #78 Item Complete Prepper Checklist. Click Here To Get Your FREE Copy Of It.

Final Thoughts

Now that you’ve seen the best solar-powered radios add one to your supplies.

They’re compact enough for a pack, but I like to keep one in each vehicle and my house/garage for emergencies.

They open your world to an unlimited supply of energy from the sun.

They often come with an ideal backup power source, like a hand crank for cloudy days and nighttime use.

The bottom line is:

Solar Radios are a vital connection to intelligence when you need it most.

Jason K.

Born & Raised In The Remote Woods Of Michigan

Engineering Degree From A Major University

Long Standing Member Of Mountain Search & Rescue

Offical Gear Tester For Several Outdoor Companies

Avid Outdoorsman: Backpacking, Camping, Fishing

Years Researching & Writing About Surival & Gear

P.s. Are you ready for the tough times ahead?

Find out now by taking my short Readiness Score Quiz – it’s absolutely free.
Once complete, you’ll know exactly where you stand on the “fragile” vs.” resilient” spectrum.

So click here to start the Quiz….And don’t worry; the questions are so easy a 3rd grader could answer them.

Click on the image to begin the Quiz and find out once and for all if you’re part of “The Fragile Masses” or “The Resilient Few.”

The post Best Solar Radios For Uninterrupted Info & Intel appeared first on Skilled Survival.

How would you feel if a million Americans lost their jobs?  Would you consider that to be a pretty catastrophic event for the economy?  Well, as you will see below, even the Federal Reserve is projecting that more than a million Americans could lose their jobs in the months ahead.  Needless to say, Fed projections are usually wildly optimistic.  So what will the real number be?  Ultimately, I think that things are going to be far worse than most of the experts would dare to imagine right now.  According to Challenger, Gray & Christmas, the number of layoffs during the first three months of this year was 396 percent higher than the number of layoffs during the same period in 2022.  A tremendous amount of negative momentum has been building up, and there is a whole lot of fear out there.

Fear of what could happen to PacWest drove their stock price 22 percent lower on Thursday.  Overall, PacWest is now down close to 80 percent so far in 2023…

Shares of PacWest were under pressure once again Thursday after the struggling regional bank said that deposit outflows resumed in the first week of May.

The stock dropped 22.7%, further extending its recent declines. PacWest’s shares have now fallen more than 50% this month and nearly 80% for the year.

The only reason why PacWest’s stock price is falling so rapidly is because it is getting a lot of media attention.

If you look closely at the numbers, PacWest really isn’t that much different from hundreds of other regional banks that are essentially insolvent at this point.

As I keep telling my readers, when banks get into trouble they start getting really tight with their money, and this is already happening all over the country…

It was already difficult for businesses and households to borrow money earlier this year — but after the collapse of three US regional banks and a cascade of rate hikes by the Federal Reserve, getting money has become a little harder.

More lenders have stiffened their standards in the wake of increasing turmoil within the banking sector, according to the Federal Reserve’s quarterly Senior Loan Officer Opinion Survey (SLOOS) released Monday.

Survey respondents attributed the changes in lending standards to economic uncertainty, a reduced appetite for risk, deterioration in collateral values and broader concerns about banks’ funding costs and liquidity positions, according to the Fed report. Additionally, lenders reported that they expect to tighten standards across all loan categories for the remainder of this year, citing the above concerns as well as customer withdrawals.

If businesses and consumers have access to less credit, economic activity will slow down.

And as economic activity slows down, more businesses will get into trouble or fail completely.

And that is going to mean more layoffs.

In fact, initial claims for unemployment benefits just jumped to the highest level in nearly two years…

The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits last week jumped to the highest level since 2021, the latest sign the historically tight labor market is cooling off in the face of rising interest rates.

Figures released Thursday by the Labor Department show initial claims for the week ended May 6 surged by 22,000 to 264,000, well above the 2019 pre-pandemic average of 218,000 claims. It marks the steepest level for jobless claims since October 2021.

This was a very sharp rise.

According to Zero Hedge, it was actually “a 4-sigma miss to expectations”…

The print was a 4-sigma miss to expectations, and was above the highest forecast made by the 45 economists participating in the survey.

Ouch.

But this is just the beginning.

According to Fox Business, if current Fed projections are accurate more than a million Americans will soon lose their jobs…

The most recent projections from the Fed show that officials expect unemployment to rise to 4.6% by the end of next year, up from the current rate of 3.5%.

That could mean more than 1 million Americans lose their jobs between now and the end of the year.

Of course many of us do not believe that the Fed’s projections will be accurate.

Personally, I expect to see absolutely massive job losses over the next couple of years.

And as the economy steadily deteriorates, the condition of our society will get even worse than it is right now.

For many of you, that may be hard to believe, because things have already deteriorated quite dramatically.

In San Francisco and other cities around the nation, organized retail looting now happens on an industrial scale.  For example, just check out what is going on at a Target near San Francisco’s Union Square…

“I’d say 10 thefts a day,” said one worker at the Target inside the Metreon, a mall near San Francisco’s Union Square. The worker spoke on the condition of anonymity because they did not have permission from a supervisor to talk to the press.

“Every 10 minutes you see it,” another worker said who also did not wish to be named. “Look in some corner of the store, and you’ll see people shoveling stuff into a bag—food, cosmetics.”

We have never seen anything like this before, and this is why countless businesses have already left the city.

Another worker that was interviewed noted that lipstick and nail polish had just been stocked that morning “and now they’re empty”…

A third worker who also spoke on the condition they not be named said lipstick and nail polish, which are not locked behind plastic, are regularly stolen in handfuls.

“They were stocked this morning, and now they’re empty,” the worker said, pointing to an empty shelf reserved for lipstick.

Another worker said food and diapers are commonly stolen.

If this is how Americans are behaving now, while economic conditions are still at least somewhat stable, how will they behave when we are in the midst of a full-blown economic nightmare?

Our relatively strong economy has been the only thing that has kept our nation from descending into complete and utter chaos.

Once our economic strength is crippled, things are going to get really frightening.

So let us hope for the best, but let us also get prepared for the worst.

Michael’s new book entitled “End Times” is now available in paperback and for the Kindle on Amazon.com, and you can check out his new Substack newsletter right here.

About the Author: My name is Michael and my brand new book entitled “End Times” is now available on Amazon.com.  In addition to my new book I have written six other books that are available on Amazon.com including “7 Year Apocalypse”, “Lost Prophecies Of The Future Of America”, “The Beginning Of The End”, and “Living A Life That Really Matters”. (#CommissionsEarned)  When you purchase any of these books you help to support the work that I am doing, and one way that you can really help is by sending copies as gifts to family and friends.  Time is short, and I need help getting these warnings into the hands of as many people as possible.  I have also started a brand new Substack newsletter, and I encourage you to subscribe so that you won’t miss any of my articles.  I have published thousands of articles on The Economic Collapse Blog, End Of The American Dream and The Most Important News, and the articles that I publish on those sites are republished on dozens of other prominent websites all over the globe.  I always freely and happily allow others to republish my articles on their own websites, but I also ask that they include this “About the Author” section with each article.  The material contained in this article is for general information purposes only, and readers should consult licensed professionals before making any legal, business, financial or health decisions.  I encourage you to follow me on social media on Facebook and Twitter, and any way that you can share these articles with others is definitely a great help.  These are such troubled times, and people need hope.  John 3:16 tells us about the hope that God has given us through Jesus Christ: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”  If you have not already done so, I strongly urge you to invite Jesus Christ to be your Lord and Savior today.

The post Even The Federal Reserve Is Admitting That More Than A Million Americans Could Soon Lose Their Jobs appeared first on The Economic Collapse.

This article was originally published by Belle Carter at Natural News. 

California’s retail electricity price is the highest in the United States and more than twice the average power cost in the western part of the country.

Since 1998, Democrats have controlled California’s state legislature. They adopted ineffective, misguided, and economically damaging energy and climate legislation that created skyrocketing electricity prices for California residents, businesses, and organizations.

But despite the Golden State’s supposedly “climate-friendly” legislative schemes, its 2021 average retail electricity price was the highest in the entire country at 19.65 cents per kilowatt hour, an increase of 224.6 percent from the 1999 price of 8.75 cents per kilowatt hour.

The 10 other states in the western U.S. region have a 2021 average retail electricity price of only 9.19 cents per kilowatt hour.

Energy Information Administration (EIA) data shows that the average retail electricity price for the entire country from 1999 to 2021 only grew by 67.16 percent – 6.64 cents per kilowatt hour from 1999 to 11.10 cents per kilowatt hour in 2021.

EIA is the principal agency of the U.S. Federal Statistical System responsible for collecting, analyzing, and disseminating energy information. The EIA average retail electricity price data provided the total electric industry price in each state, which includes price information from all full-service providers, restructured retail service providers, energy-only providers, and delivery-only service providers. These electric service provider categories comprise the total electricity supply services utilized within each state.

Moreover, the data are established for residential, commercial, industrial, transportation, and other consumer categories with an overall total price average included for each state as well the average across the United States.

California shoots itself in the foot with clean energy measures

According to Bloomberg, the jump in demand for natural gas, supply constraints, and aging infrastructure has left the region vulnerable to price spikes. Also, the rainy winter has bought up challenges in the green energy transition, proving Californians are not ready yet to sacrifice their use of fossil fuels.

“Unfortunately for Californians, they’re going through this bumpy energy transition where everything doesn’t just fit exactly,” Wood Mackenzie Ltd Research Director Eugene Kim said. “It’s a battle between longer-term energy transition versus your immediate needs.”

Limited storage, damage to a key pipeline, and a surge in demand have sent natural gas prices soaring in the state.

California Governor Gavin Newsom and other state politicians were adamant in pushing climate proposals that poured investment into the energy transition, moving away from natural gas and nuclear generation and discouraging significant investment in storage and pipeline capacity.

However, as residents complain of monthly electricity bills approaching $800, the governor has had no choice but to call for an investigation into the prices. (Related: Communist California has mandated unlimited electricity “basic service” at fixed monthly rates for consumers – will end in a grid-down disaster.)

A prolonged drought followed by a wet and chilly winter at first stymied the state’s hydropower capacity and then crippled its short-term solar generation. The gap has left California ill-equipped to deal with any surge in demand or disruption to supply, both of which have happened in recent months. The cold winter has also made Californians crank up their heating systems and has left working gas stockpiles in the Pacific region at their lowest level for this time of year since at least 2010.

Follow NewEnergyReport.com to catch the latest updates on electricity prices.

Watch the video below that talks about California’s energy crisis.

This video is from the Millennial Millie Clips channel on Brighteon.com.

@media (max-width:576px) { .read-more-content { height: 810em; } }

The post Triumphant Trijicon: Advanced Optics Just Keep on Coming appeared first on Ballistic Magazine.

I’m giving away a brand new Solstice knife to a random winner that enters. This giveaway will end on Friday,…

This article %Gentleman’s Knife – Ocaso Solstice Review% appeared first on %Survive Doomsday – Modern Survival%.

Easy Camping Meal Ideas To Keep Everyone Satisfied

When it comes to camping, there are two schools of thought about meals:

It’s either,

“I’m ok being resourceful, so let’s take the minimum and catch or forage everything else!”

Or…

“We’re taking all the best foods we can fit in the cooler! If we catch something, sweet, it’ll be extra! But either way, we’ll eat like kings!”

The philosophy you fall into depends on how you prefer spending your time and energy in the great outdoors.

If you desire the freedom that goes with camping fast and light, you won’t have as many food options.

However, if you’re car camping, you can take many more luxuries.

Luxury items such as portable stoves, griddles, Dutch ovens, etc.,

These items make meal prep easier and faster.

AND you can take fresh ingredients that make for a gourmet experience.

There’s a time and a place for each.

But either way, it’s worth the effort to build a recipe list before you go.

A list you can use to build your camp meals – whether it’s for a week away from home or just a long weekend.

So today, I’ll be us my vast 40+ years of camping to share all 38 of my favorite recipes (plus helpful in-camp cooking tips and suggestions):

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Time-Tested Camp Breakfast Recipes

Easy On-The-Go Adventure Lunches

Delicious Gourmet In-Camp Dinners

Foil-Packet Campfire Dinners

Best Easy Campfire Desserts

Kid-Friendly Camping Meal Ideas

Lightweight Backpacking Meals

Tips For Cooking While Camping

*Note: You might want to BOOKMARK this page.

That way, you can reference it anytime you’re getting ready to plan your meals for an upcoming trip!

As A Way To Introduce You To Skilled Survival, We’re Giving Away Our Ultimate Camping Essentials Checklist. Click Here To Get Your FREE Copy Of It.

7 Time-Tested In-Camp Breakfast Recipes

Waking up in camp is always exciting.

But I can never quite get rolling first thing in the morning until I’ve had something to eat (and a coffee).

Here are a few delicious recipes for some hearty in-camp breakfasts.

Ones you can prepare in camp before heading out to a day full of adventure or a date with the hammock and a good book.

↓ 11 Super Easy Camping Breakfast Ideas ↓

1. Camping Breakfast Sandwich

When it comes to breakfast sandwiches, we’re looking at a pretty simple formula.

Muffin (or biscuit, if you ask me) + egg + cheese + meat = perfection!

I like to make it even easier by using up some of the leftovers from the night before.

I love using leftover BBQ pork and crispy fried eggs to start the day!

2. Bacon and Cheese Pull-Aparts

If you’re willing to pull out the Dutch oven and get a fire going in the morning, this one works well.

These bacon and cheese pull-parts are a great way to start the day.

I mean, come on, cheesy goodness and chunks of savory bacon, what’s not to love?

They’ll keep you feeling full and warm all morning long.

3. Farmers Scramble Breakfast

If you tend to head straight to the “skillet with potatoes” section of the breakfast menu, this one is for you.

This camping breakfast recipe combines crispy browned potatoes and fluffy scrambled eggs.

You can also add some fried onions and bacon.

This Farmers Scramble hits all the bases – carbs, protein, salt, and fat.

It’ll leave even the biggest eaters satisfied!

4. Campfire French Toast

Whenever I’ve tried to make French toast in camp, it’s been at the pace of a single slice on the griddle at a time.

But that’s not an efficient way to get breakfast out to a big group.

So, here’s a recipe that makes an entire loaf of bread into French toast.

It’s sure to please the group, and it’s way easier than I’ve always done in the past…

5. Egg and Sausage Breakfast Taquitos

If your only experience with taquitos is in the frozen foods aisle, you owe it to yourself to try them!

They’re quick to prepare with sausage links and a pile of scrambled eggs.

You can customize them with whatever extra ingredients you have in your pantry.

I like adding a little hash brown to mine; cheese also works.

You’ll want to make a double batch because they’re sure to go fast!

6. Crispy Campfire Bacon

Cooking bacon over an open flame is one part culinary skill and two parts daring!

A well-meaning friend (but not a very skilled grill master) tried it on my grill in college.

He nearly burned our deck down in the resulting grease fire.

So if you’re willing to try this one, use stainless steel skewers instead and thread the bacon with space between the folds.

This strategy allows the bacon to cook evenly, thoroughly, AND safely.

Yes, you’re bound to get some small flare-ups as the fat renders out and drips.

But slow cooking over low heat helps to minimize these flare-ups and leaves you with crispy, extra-smoky bacon.

NEVER leave it unattended!

7. Dutch Oven Biscuits And Gravy

Biscuits and gravy are a classic breakfast menu item, but they can also be an in-camp breakfast treat!

A Dutch oven is a perfect tool for cooking some fluffy biscuits.

Just add some warm, rich sausage gravy, and you’ll have a delicious and filling breakfast.

5 Easy On-The-Go Adventure Lunches

Camp lunches can mean anything from a quick snack to a full meal prepared in camp.

The name of the game is flexibility, as you never know how your plans will change or when everyone will start feeling hungry.

Individual portions help prevent a big setup and put away challenges…unlike a big spread.

Leave the bigger meals for breakfast and dinner.

↓ 3 Super Easy Lunch Ideas For Camping ↓

8. Salads To-Go

Yep, I said salad!

Salads are NOT the first thing you think of for camping.

But a quick salad can be an excellent break from the heavy meals you may have planned for the first few days.

Hearty leafy greens (like kale) last longer in an ice-cooler than more delicate ones.

I tend to avoid iceberg or spring mixed greens for this reason.

I recommend you plan your own camp salads accordingly.

This recipe calls for individual salads in single-serving containers.

That way, you can grab one at a time from the cooler when you’re ready to eat.

9. Hot Ham and Swiss Croissants

Whether you eat them hot or cold, these make-ahead ham and Swiss croissants are a favorite camping food.

Again, individual packaging makes it easy to grab them as needed.

AND each person can choose to eat them cold or heat them on the grill or over the fire.

All I know is a gooey melt sandwich tastes so dang good after a long day hiking!

10. Cashew Chicken Salad Wraps

Wraps are an excellent option for lunch on the go, whether at home, work, or camping.

The variety of flavors of pre-cooked chicken and tuna makes for endless possibilities.

But this cashew chicken salad version is excellent and packs well.

Try toasting the tortilla if you have a fire or want to break out a portable stove.

It makes the wrap so much better, in my opinion.

11. Trailside Hummus

When you think of portable foods, you don’t always think of heavy items like hummus.

But, with a home food dehydrator, you can dry any flavor of homemade hummus ahead of time.

Just be sure not to add the olive oil before dehydrating since it won’t keep that way.

Pack some buttery crackers or tortillas, and you’ll have a filling lunch on the trail!

12. Crackers/Salami/Cheese

No recipe is needed for this one.

Crackers, sausage, and cheese have been a staple on many of my hiking lunches for years.

They’re calorie-dense, pack well, and taste great.

As A Way To Introduce You To Skilled Survival, We’re Giving Away Our Ultimate Camping Essentials Checklist. Click Here To Get Your FREE Copy Of It.

5 Delicious Gourmet In-Camp Dinners

Dinner back in camp is a chance to regroup and wind down after a full day.

It’s a chance to make plans for tomorrow and to share stories of what you saw today.

I find that conversations are even more enjoyable over a hearty meal.

One that will keep you (and everyone else) full until morning.

And trust me; there’s nothing worse than having to crawl out of the sleeping bag to find a snack at 3 am.

These are some tested recipes that will tide you over until breakfast.

↓ 9 Easy Camping Dinner Ideas: My Go-To Car Camping Meals ↓

13. One-Pot Beef Stroganoff

In camp, it seems like every meal needs more seasoning than it does at home.

This one-pot beef stroganoff recipe brings some big flavors to enjoy.

Steak, mushrooms, onions, and garlic meld together to create a filling dish that will surely be an in-camp favorite.

14. Campfire Stew

If you plan to lounge around the campsite all day, this is a perfect end-of-day meal.

Let this hearty stew simmer over the fire for hours, and it will develop a vast range of flavors.

Slow cooking can turn even the cheapest cut of meat into a tender delicacy.

The swirling smoke will impart a wonderful smoky flavor throughout the campground.

You may have to beat your camping neighbors off with a stick!

You can adapt this recipe for the vegetables and canned meats you have on hand.

Follow the cooking instructions on how to prep it at home or do everything at camp.

15. Dutch Oven Stuffed Sausage and Potato Boats

This is another camp food recipe that’s easy to customize.

This stuffed sausage and potato boat recipe are super versatile.

Sliced sausage forms a base for potatoes mixed with any toppings you like.

Using a Dutch Oven helps to prevent “drying out,” resulting in a “twice-based potato” texture and awesome flavors.

16. Cast Iron Skillet Pizza

If you’ve been looking for a crowd-pleaser, this cast-iron skillet pizza is it!

You can make the dough yourself or buy a convenient pre-made shell from the grocery store.

But cooking in a cast-iron skillet will produce a thicker, chewier crust.

17. Dutch Oven Pork Chops and Potato Casserole

Amazing pork chops and tasty potatoes make this an easy Dutch oven recipe for camping.

Cream of mushroom soup and bread crumbs make it an easy camp meal to prep and a surefire favorite!

Just don’t burn the bottom of this casserole, focusing most of the heat on the top of the oven.

7 Foil-Packet Camping Meals

Cooking a delicious meal wrapped tightly in aluminum foil is a time-honored camping tradition.

So much so that I decided to give them their own category!

There’s something so satisfying about opening that foil packet and sticking your nose close to enjoy the first whiff of a fantastic feast.

Plus, individual packets allow for easy meal customization for each individual.

I’ve found it’s the best way to make even the pickiest eater a happy camper!

↓ How To Make Foil Packets For Camping (aka Hobo Meals) ↓

18. Foil-Wrapped Baked Sweet Potatoes and Chili

Tender baked potatoes and a hearty chili go just great together.

Cooking them over a campfire can help keep you warm and satisfied even on a cold night.

This recipe calls for sweet potatoes and vegetarian chili.

But you can substitute regular potatoes or add in some ground beef if you prefer.

19. Shrimp Scampi Foil Packets

Sure, it “seems” like taking shrimp is an excessive camping luxury. And it is!

But I’ve made a similar recipe on several sea kayaking trips.

I just used rock crabs I caught by hand instead of shrimp.

Crayfish are also another easy option in certain locales.

So mix your shellfish with a fresh sauce and cook everything in tightly sealed packets.

You’ll be known as the best chef in camp for years to come.

20. Foil Pack French Dip Sandwiches

French Dips are one of my favorite sandwiches of all time.

The tender roast beef melted Swiss cheese and creamy, salty au jus sauce in a giant pull-apart loaf of crusty bread – yes, please!

The French Dip is also perfect for satisfying a hungry crowd!

21. Bacon Ranch Grilled Potatoes

You really can’t go wrong with potatoes baked in foil.

You can go with a pure blend of baked spuds and a perfect cheese mix.

Or you can add bacon, sour cream, and herbs; you know it’ll taste great and give you plenty of fuel for the next day.

Just lay out pre-sliced potatoes and extras on a table.

This buffet-style meal allows everyone to make their own version of the Bacon Ranch Potato Packets.

22. Grilled Pineapple Chicken

This recipe is a quick and easy spin on teriyaki chicken.

This easy camping meal is simple to prepare at home by chopping all the ingredients and pre-mixing the sauce.

Once in camp, dish up to foil packets and cook until the chicken is ready.

It should only take about 15 minutes to have dinner on plates!

23. Southwestern Chicken Packets

Chicken, beans, and pepper jack cheese blend to create a hearty meal to fill you up after a long day in camp.

You can even tailor the spice level to fit each person – a win/win situation when camping with kids!

24. Grilled Caramelized Onions

This simple recipe takes direct heat and sweet white onions.

This combination helps create a great side dish or addition to other recipes.

You can spread them on toasted crusty garlic bread if you get them caramelized and soft.

As A Way To Introduce You To Skilled Survival, We’re Giving Away Our Ultimate Camping Essentials Checklist. Click Here To Get Your FREE Copy Of It.

5 Best Campfire Desserts (other than S’mores)

All right, my favorite section of them all is Desserts!

And while I’m a big fan of S’mores – I can’t do them 3 nights in a row.

I need to mix it up, and I think you’ll agree after you’ve tried a few of these camping dessert options.

↓ 10 Easy Camping Desserts You Have To Try This Summer ↓

25. Blackberry Dutch Oven Cobbler

This cobbler is a GREAT dessert that’s a super easy camping meal that makes enough for a small group.

The carbonated soda gives it extra rise, making the cake super fluffy with a crispy top.

It also makes a great breakfast if you have any leftovers!

26. Grilled Banana Boats

This was one of my favorites as a kid – in camp or at home!

They’re simple to prep and don’t take much in the way of ingredients.

Plus, you can store them all at room temp (unless it’s mid-summer and your chocolate is melting).

27. Chocolate Orange Cakes

Orange cakes are an old standby in boy scouts, and they don’t disappoint.

Single-serving cakes, baked INSIDE the hollowed-out peel of an orange wrapped in foil!

Genius!

28. Pineapple Upside Down Pound Cake

Foil packet cooking doesn’t have to end with dinner!

Chunks of fresh or canned pineapple cook down to a rich, mellow flavor.

A flavor that pairs well with dense, buttery pound cake.

If you don’t have pound cake, chunks of old-fashioned donuts or even donut holes will work just as well!

29. Cherry Hand Pies

Hand pies take extra work to prepare, but they’re so good it makes up for it.

Using pre-made pie crusts is easy.

But you can also do it homemade if you’d rather not have the perishable dough in the cooler.

Either way, be careful with kids around the hot oil and cast iron.

5 Kid-Friendly Camping Meal Ideas

Anyone who has spent time with young kids knows that mealtime can be a struggle.

New foods are not always a hit, especially with overly-tired and hungry kids.

That’s why planning a few tried and true favorites is wise.

It can be a camping lifesaver.

Because preventing a meltdown and saving your sanity is key to a great time camping with littles.

Plus, any food your kids can “help” cook is food you don’t have to prepare yourself.

And this helps keeps them busy (at least for a little while).

30. Campfire Cinnamon Roll-ups

Cinnamon rolls are always a breakfast hit at home or camp.

If you’ve already got a fire going to heat water for coffee, give those bleary-eyed kids a fun task.

Teach them how to whip up some cinnamon rolls on a stick!

Using packaged crescent roll dough makes it fast and has no mess.

Plus, you can tailor the cinnamon/sugar mix to your liking.

31. Make-at-Home Mac & Cheese

According to my sister, kids CAN exist entirely on Mac ‘n Cheese and pocket lint if push comes to shove.

The bottom line is it’s a surefire hit for kids and simple to make.

Pack homemade mac and cheese into foil wraps and heat them over the fire.

Since it’s fully cooked, you only have to wait for it to heat up to your liking.

But if you let it sit just a little longer, you’ll reap the reward of crispy cheese on the top and bottom.

This added texture and flavor turns a kid-friendly dish enjoyable for adults too.

32. Campfire Cheesy Breadsticks

Here’s another excellent entry in the “stick-based cuisine” category.

Campfire breadsticks are wrapped around a stick and cooked over an open fire.

There isn’t a kid out there who’s not fascinated by campfires.

So this is a great way to teach them to use it as a tool.

So wrap store-bought dough around a handy stick and toast to your liking.

These allow your kids to make their very own cheesy breadsticks.

33. Hawaiian BBQ Pork Walking Taco

Multiple sources call them “a Midwest staple.”

But in my 23 years living in Michigan, I never encountered the Walking Taco.

I learned about this camp-friendly / kid-friendly dinner option after I moved out West.

This knowledge gap isn’t to say they’re not a great idea – because they are!

First, prepare any taco/nacho toppings you like.

Next, open a small bag of chips and layer everything inside on top.

This version used pulled pork and pineapple salsa for a Hawaiian flair.

It’s a self-contained nacho platter in a handy bag.

No mess, no dishes, no cleanup!

The more I think about it, it *DOES* sound like something a Midwesterner would invent…

34. Campfire Pigs In A Blanket

Both hotdogs and breadsticks can be big kid winners when cooked on sticks over the fire.

But these Pigs In A Blanket take things to an entirely new level!

Be sure to use the loose foil wrap to slow down the cooking.

This method gives hot dogs time to heat up without burning the breadsticks.

Afterward, dip it in ketchup, mustard, or (my favorite) BBQ sauce.

As A Way To Introduce You To Skilled Survival, We’re Giving Away Our Ultimate Camping Essentials Checklist. Click Here To Get Your FREE Copy Of It.

4 Lightweight Backpacking Meals

Backpackers are a special breed. It’s all about minimalist camping!

In pursuit of lighter packs for more comfortable hiking, they do all kinds of odd things, especially with food.

But the need for good, filling, and tasty food is at its peak after a full day of hiking.

Something about long hikes and full packs drives a conversation toward camp food.

This hunger, mixed with ingenuity, likely inspired such lightweight backpacking foods.

I’m talking about inventions such as powdered peanut butter, powdered eggs, powdered milk, and freeze-dried roasted veggies.

↓ 3 No Cook Backpacking Lunch Ideas ↓

35. Backpackers Thai Noodles

You can find plenty of pre-packaged freeze-dried meals on the market nowadays.

But this one is great to customize for yourself.

It’s got some intense flavors with spices that tickle the taste buds.

And the richness of the peanut butter makes it particularly appealing.

You can purchase most of the ingredients at a local grocery store.

But the powdered peanut butter and freeze-dried vegetables might be harder to find.

That’s why I suggest ordering such backpackers-focused ingredients online.

36. Spicy Curry Noodle Bowl

Curries are another easy meal to prep at home and save on food costs.

This one relies on lots of Southeast Asian spices and coconut cream powder for a thick broth that hits the spot.

Add some grilled chicken or pork to the mix if you feel ambitious.

I find such additions can make these meals SOO much better!

37. Loaded Mashed Potatoes

Loaded mashed potatoes have been a staple of my backpacking menus since Boy Scouts.

You can start with pre-flavored packets of instant potatoes or add your own spices.

This recipe is perfect if you want to start tinkering with your own flavors – because you can add nearly anything!

Mashed potatoes are the multi-tool food of backpacking cuisine.

38. Peanut Sauce Ramen

This recipe uses easy-to-find ingredients. But you can cut the mess and weight by swapping powdered peanut butter.

This one is a lot like other peanut sauce noodle recipes.

But the ramen spice packet adds more sodium (you’ve likely sweated out a lot after a day on the trail).

And it’s cheaper as well.

It’s an excellent addition to your backpacker meal plan.

Best Strategies & Tips For Camping Meals

Unless you have a big RV with a full kitchen, you’ll have to rethink how you cook at a campsite.

Why? Because there are several unique challenges to cooking at a campsite.

From preventing stored food spoilage to dish clean-up – without kitchen appliances, you’ll need to get creative.

The good news is I have experience with these camp food challenges.

↓ How To Clean Dishes Camping Guide ↓

Keeping Food Cold

Most campers do not have access to a fridge.

So the food items you bring must either b safe to store outside, or you’ll have to protect them somehow.

Most people use a cooler full of ice to keep things cold on a hot day, which works well.

But you can also put canned and sealed items in cold running river water or a snowbank if needed.

This strategy works well if you’re trying to avoid taking a cooler…

Keeping Foods Warm(ish)

Few people realize you can also use a cooler to keep things from freezing if the temperatures dip too low at night.

An empty cooler will insulate the contents from moderate freezing temps.

And the addition of a hot water bottle before bed can protect from extreme cold conditions.

This strategy is handy during the late fall, winter, or early spring camping seasons when it can dip below freezing at night.

Baking Tools / Strategies

It’s a real challenge to bake in-camp without a standard kitchen oven.

Luckily, you can use things like a Dutch oven or a backpacker oven if you HAVE to make a batch of fresh cookies.

However, for most baked goods, it’s easier to cook these items at home and take them on the road with you.

Stovetop Camping Solutions

In-camp gourmet meals require cooking over a portable stove or open flames, so prepare for that.

Depending on the fuel source, these can be messy, sooty affairs for your pots and pans.

They also may get scorched on the outside, so this isn’t the time to take your best pots and pans from home.

Instead, I keep a small camp skillet and an old pasta pot with all my essential camping gear.

That way, I know exactly what I have every time I go.

Grilling Strategies

Taking a small grill along might be tempting if you have some trunk space.

If not, you can usually do most of your grilling directly over the campfire (if the fire ring has a flip grill).

Or, for some recipes, it works well with camping skewers, baskets, or sticks.

Washing Up / Clean Up

Unfortunately, it takes longer to wash up in camp than at home.

Why? Because heating water for wash-up takes time and energy, I often wash in cold water instead.

Yes, it takes a bit more elbow grease and scrubbing.

Use a metal brush and strong detergent to clean your cast iron skillets and ovens.

You want to be diligent about it, as any leftover food smells will surely draw animal visitors.

Some animal scavengers are cute but mischievous squirrels, but there are also dangerous predators like bears.

Final Thoughts

Cooking in camp should always be fun and yummy (as long as the weather cooperates).

And when done right, it can bring everyone together.

Assigning tasks like prep and cleanup to help distribute the load.

And this also helps ensure everyone has time to relax and enjoy their food.

Good camping food is key to keeping you fueled, focused, and ready to enjoy all the moments in the great outdoors.

Hopefully, these recipes give you a starting point to build your next epic camping food menu!

If you enjoyed this article, check out our 20 camping hacks article.

Jason K.

Born & Raised In The Remote Woods Of Michigan

Engineering Degree From A Major University

Long Standing Member Of Mountain Search & Rescue

Offical Gear Tester For Several Outdoor Companies

Avid Outdoorsman: Backpacking, Camping, Fishing

Years Researching & Writing About Surival & Gear

P.s. Are you ready for the tough times ahead?

Find out now by taking my short Readiness Score Quiz – it’s absolutely free.
Once complete, you’ll know exactly where you stand on the “fragile” vs.” resilient” spectrum.

So click here to start the Quiz….And don’t worry; the questions are so easy a 3rd grader could answer them.

Click on the image to begin the Quiz and find out once and for all if you’re part of “The Fragile Masses” or “The Resilient Few.”

The post 38 Deliciously Easy Camping Meals For Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner appeared first on Skilled Survival.

This article was originally published by Tyler Durden at ZeroHedge. 

First Horizon Corp. shares plunged 37% at the cash open in New York, the most significant decline since September 2008.

Bloomberg reported First Horizon held a conference call earlier today, seeking to calm investors after the merger agreement with Toronto-Dominion Bank was “terminated.” The regional bank said it has ‘stable funding’ and adequate capital.

“We have seen no notable changes to our outflows. It’s been consistent since the beginning of March,” Chief Financial Officer Hope Dmuchowski said.

Earlier, we reported TD “terminated” a merger agreement with First Horizon on unspecified regulatory issues.

Perhaps the termination could be due to a series of regional bank failures.

*   *   *

First Horizon Corp. shares crashed in premarket trading after Toronto-Dominion Bank published a statement outlining how a deal to purchase the Memphis-based bank has been “terminated.” The announcement comes after multiple regional banking failures.

The lenders said they both “entered into a mutual agreement” to terminate their originally announced merger agreement, announced on February 28, 2022. TD said it “does not have a timetable for regulatory approvals to be obtained for reasons unrelated to First Horizon. Because there is uncertainty as to when and if these regulatory approvals can be obtained, the parties mutually agreed to terminate the merger agreement.”

Under the terms of the termination agreement, Canada’s second-biggest bank will make a $200 million cash payment to First Horizon on top of a $25 million reimbursement payment.

As a result of the termination, shares of First Horizon plunged 52% in premarket trading.

TD’s initial plan was to purchase First Horizon for $13.4 billion. It would’ve allowed the Canadian bank to expand its presence in the Southeast with over 400 new bank branches and 1.1 million individual and business customers across 12 states.

However, the merger termination comes as the US regional banking system is in turmoil. First Republic Bank earlier this week was the second-biggest bank failure in US history and the fourth regional lender to collapse since March after Silvergate, SVB, and Signature Bank.

POWELL: U.S. BANKING SYSTEM IS SOUND AND RESILIENT

Narrator: we just had over half a trillion $ in bank failures in the past month pic.twitter.com/YvhloFIGIX

— zerohedge (@zerohedge) May 3, 2023

Meanwhile, it was just after the close on Wednesday, no more than two hours after Jerome Powell openly lied to the American People during the FOMC press conference stating without a hint of irony that the US banking system is “sound and resilient,” that PacWest Bancorp shares collapsed on a report (since confirmed) that the troubled California bank is seeking either a buyer or more capital. 

When you are standing on the brink of the unthinkable, it can be way too easy for someone to come along and push you over the edge.  I don’t know who just attacked the Kremlin with drones, but it was obviously done for a reason.  Whoever did it knew, or should have known, that the Russians would strike back really hard.  Just imagine how we would feel if there were explosions at the White House.  Russian leaders are extremely angry, and some of them are openly talking about using tactical nuclear weapons against Ukraine.  But if that happens, our world could be completely turned upside down.  The Biden administration has hinted that the U.S. would use tactical nuclear weapons against Russian forces if the Russians use tactical nukes against Ukraine, and so let us hope that cooler heads will prevail.

Because once the nukes start flying, there is no turning back.

I really wish that this assault on the Kremlin had not happened.  Russian leaders are framing this as “an attempt on President Vladimir Putin’s life”…

The Russian presidential administration said Wednesday that the Kremlin was attacked by drones overnight in an attempt on President Vladimir Putin’s life.

Moscow residents had reported hearing two explosions behind Kremlin walls shortly after 2 a.m. local time, after which the lights went out. Footage shared by residents in a local Telegram channel captured the incident, as smoke was seen filling the sky above the Kremlin. Videos also appeared to show part of the Kremlin on fire.

So who was responsible for doing this?

Could it have been a false flag by the Russians themselves?

That is certainly possible.  Both sides in this conflict are more than capable of conducting false flag attacks.

It is also certainly possible that the Ukrainians were behind the attack.  They have been using drones to strike other targets deep inside Russia, and the Washington Post had previously reported that Ukrainian officials had discussed attacking Moscow…

Last month, The Washington Post reported that the United States had secretly monitored discussions among Ukrainian officials about possible attacks against Moscow timed to coincide with the Feb. 24 anniversary of Russia’s invasion. The White House feared that such a move would provoke an aggressive response from Moscow, and two days before the anniversary, the C.I.A. said that Ukraine’s intelligence directorate “had agreed, at Washington’s request, to postpone strikes” on Moscow. The information was part of a trove of classified U.S. intelligence documents obtained by The Post and other news organizations.

When he was asked about the attacks, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky flatly denied that his government was involved…

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Wednesday denied Moscow’s claims that Kyiv had attempted to assassinate Russian President Vladimir Putin, after Russia said two drones were shot down at the Kremlin.

“We didn’t attack Putin. We leave it to the tribunal. We fight on our territory, we are defending our villages and cities,” Zelensky told reporters at a joint press conference with Nordic leaders in Helsinki.

Maybe he is telling the truth.

I don’t know.

We should also not rule out the possibility that some third party is trying to provoke Russia into using tactical nukes against Ukraine because they know that the U.S. would likely respond by using tactical nukes against Russian forces.

There are certainly many interested parties that would love to see an apocalyptic conflict erupt between the United States and Russia.

But no matter who did this, the end result is that Russian leaders are absolutely furious.

In fact, Dmitry Medvedev is publicly calling for “the physical elimination of Zelensky and his cabal”…

Russia’s ex-president Dmitry Medvedev on Wednesday called for the ‘physical elimination’ of Ukraine’s president Volodymyr Zelensky after Moscow accused Kyiv of a drone attack on the Kremlin aimed at assassinating Vladimir Putin.

‘After today’s terrorist attack, there are no options left aside the physical elimination of Zelensky and his cabal,’ said Medvedev, who has been increasingly hawkish since Moscow’s Ukraine offensive.

Other prominent Russian leaders are issuing extremely angry statements as well…

Pro-Putin Just Russia party leader Sergey Mironov added: “This is the very real casus belli – a pretext for war.”

He urged the “liquidation of Ukraine’s terrorist top brass. We have something to hit their bunkers with.”

Senior politician Alexei Zhuravlev urged: “It is necessary to target the centre of Kyiv.

“Destroy the president’s office, destroy to the ground the [Ukrainian parliament], the general staff, and the buildings housing the Ukrainian special services.”

MP Mikhail Sheremet said: “It’s time to launch a missile strike on Zelensky’s residence in Kyiv.”

If the Russians do take out Zelensky, that will take this war to a very dangerous new level.

And if they actually decide to use tactical nukes against Ukraine, the Biden administration would be under a tremendous amount of pressure to hit the Russians back.

This is such a critical moment in our history, and Joe Biden will be the one making the final decisions on our end.

Needless to say, that thought should not bring comfort to any of us.

Of course the U.S. military is not exactly prepared for an apocalyptic conflict with Russia.  Instead, our military has been focusing on other things…

The US Navy invited an active-duty drag queen to be a “Digital Ambassador” – as part of a recent drive “to attract the most talented and diverse workforce” and combat plunging recruitment.

Yeoman 2nd Class Joshua Kelley, who identifies as non-binary, was appointed as the first of five Navy Digital Ambassadors in a pilot program that ran from October to March.

Kelley, whose stage name is Harpy Daniels, has shared their journey on TikTok and Instagram, where they described how they began performing onboard and became an “advocate” for people who “were oppressed for years in the service.”

In a battle of political correctness, we would beat the Russians hands down.

But that is not the way that real wars are won.

Of course most Americans do not want a war with Russia at all.

Most Americans just want to work hard and raise their families.

Unfortunately, our leaders have just kept pushing us closer and closer to the unthinkable, and now we are staring down into an abyss of misery and pain.

Is it possible that someone just tried to push us over the edge?

I don’t know.

But what I do know is that the Russians are going to hit Ukraine extremely hard, and I am just hoping that they decide to use some restraint.

Michael’s new book entitled “End Times” is now available in paperback and for the Kindle on Amazon.com, and you can check out his new Substack newsletter right here.

About the Author: My name is Michael and my brand new book entitled “End Times” is now available on Amazon.com.  In addition to my new book I have written six other books that are available on Amazon.com including “7 Year Apocalypse”, “Lost Prophecies Of The Future Of America”, “The Beginning Of The End”, and “Living A Life That Really Matters”. (#CommissionsEarned)  When you purchase any of these books you help to support the work that I am doing, and one way that you can really help is by sending copies as gifts to family and friends.  Time is short, and I need help getting these warnings into the hands of as many people as possible.  I have also started a brand new Substack newsletter, and I encourage you to subscribe so that you won’t miss any of the latest updates.  I have published thousands of articles on The Economic Collapse Blog, End Of The American Dream and The Most Important News, and the articles that I publish on those sites are republished on dozens of other prominent websites all over the globe.  I always freely and happily allow others to republish my articles on their own websites, but I also ask that they include this “About the Author” section with each article.  The material contained in this article is for general information purposes only, and readers should consult licensed professionals before making any legal, business, financial or health decisions.  I encourage you to follow me on social media on Facebook and Twitter, and any way that you can share these articles with others is definitely a great help.  These are such troubled times, and people need hope.  John 3:16 tells us about the hope that God has given us through Jesus Christ: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”  If you have not already done so, I strongly urge you to invite Jesus Christ to be your Lord and Savior today.

The post Is Someone Trying To Provoke Russia Into Using Tactical Nuclear Weapons Against Ukraine? appeared first on End Of The American Dream.