Did we just get closer to peace, or did we just get closer to war?  On Thursday, some media outlets in the U.S. were boldly proclaiming that Vladimir Putin had “agreed in principle” to Donald Trump’s proposal for a 30 day ceasefire in Ukraine, while other media outlets in the U.S. were flatly telling us that Vladimir Putin had rejected Donald Trump’s proposal.  So what is the truth?

There are two news stories that I want you to compare.  The first comes from Newsweek…

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Thursday that Russia agrees in principle with the United States’ ceasefire proposal, but key terms still need to be negotiated. He stressed that any agreement should lead to lasting peace and address the root causes of the conflict.

That sounds quite promising, right?

But now compare that to this story from the Wall Street Journal…

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Thursday he didn’t support an immediate cease-fire in Ukraine, calling for more discussion on a permanent end to the war as Moscow’s army made rapid gains toward expelling Kyiv’s forces from its Kursk region.

Putin said any pause in fighting at this point would be in Ukraine’s interest because Russia is gaining on the battlefield, and a host of issues would need to be resolved before a cease-fire could be reached.

That puts a completely different spin on things.

Of course the reality is somewhere in between.

Vladimir Putin expressed support for the “idea” of a 30 day ceasefire, but he stressed that there are a number of things that need to be worked out before such a ceasefire can be instituted…

“The idea [of a ceasefire] itself is correct and we are certainly supporting it, but there are issues that need to be discussed. I think that we need to talk to our American colleagues and partners. Maybe call President Trump and discuss it together. But we support the very idea of ending this conflict through peaceful means,” he said, according to an NBC translation.

Putin also said a deal must “proceed from the fact that this cessation should be such that it would lead to long-term peace and eliminate the root causes of this crisis.”

A lot of people got really excited about Putin’s comments, but the conditions that Putin discussed next are not being widely reported by the mainstream media.

In order to agree to a 30 day ceasefire, Putin wants Ukraine to accept some pretty tough conditions…

“We also want guarantees that during the 30-day ceasefire, Ukraine will not conduct mobilization, will not train soldiers, and will not receive weapons,” Putin said during a press briefing with his Belarusian counterpart Alexander Lukashenko in Moscow.

The president pointed out that Russian troops are advancing along nearly 2,000 kilometers of frontline, and halting military actions could disrupt ongoing operations. Ukrainian forces could use a ceasefire period to regroup, receive more weapons, and train fresh recruits, he warned.

“These 30 days — how will they be used? To continue forced mobilization in Ukraine? To receive more arms supplies? To train newly mobilized units? Or will none of this happen?” Putin asked.

The Russians are concerned that the Ukrainians could use a 30 day ceasefire to rearm.

And I think that is a legitimate concern.

Needless to say, it is extremely unlikely that the Ukrainians would agree to such conditions.

So I don’t think that we will see a 30 day ceasefire any time soon.

Following Putin’s press briefing, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy made some very harsh remarks…

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called Putin’s response “highly predictable” and “manipulative words” aimed at dragging out the process by setting unworkable preconditions. “Of course, Putin is afraid to tell President Trump directly that he wants to continue this war and keep killing Ukrainians,” Zelensky said in his nightly video address. “Putin does this often—he doesn’t say ‘no’ outright, but he drags things out and makes reasonable solutions impossible.”

I actually agree that Putin is trying to drag things out.

Russian forces are making some rapid gains at the moment, and Putin doesn’t want to cut those gains short.

But Donald Trump wants some sort of an agreement to happen quickly.  In fact, he has dispatched a delegation to Moscow to discuss a potential ceasefire with Russian officials…

A delegation of United States diplomats arrived in Moscow on Thursday morning for talks on agreeing a ceasefire in the Ukraine War, with a possible call between President Donald Trump and President Vladimir Putin to follow.

America’s Middle East Envoy Steve Witkoff flew into Moscow’s Vnukovo airport on Thursday morning, having travelled from Doha, Qatar by way of European airspace on a Gulfstream executive jet. Witkoff and a team of negotiators are in the Russian capital to attempt to hammer out an agreement on the proposed Ukraine War 30-day ceasefire.

I don’t think that these talks are going to bear much fruit.

What the Russians want in exchange for a 30 day ceasefire is quite unacceptable to the Ukrainians.

And what the Russians want in exchange for a permanent ceasefire is even more unacceptable to the Ukrainians…

Russian and American officials have discussed the terms during in-person and virtual talks over the past three weeks, according to sources. They described the Kremlin’s conditions as broad and similar to the demands it previously put forward to Ukraine, the US, and NATO.

Earlier conditions included Ukraine renouncing NATO membership, an agreement prohibiting the deployment of foreign troops in Ukraine, and international recognition of Vladimir Putin’s claim over Crimea and four Ukrainian regions. In recent years, Russia has also demanded that the US and NATO address the so-called “root causes” of the war, including NATO’s eastward expansion.

Ultimately, not much has changed at all.

One prominent analyst believes that there is “no sign that the Russians are willing to make any concessions” that will result in a breakthrough…

“There’s no sign that the Russians are willing to make any concessions,” said Angela Stent, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution who was the top US intelligence analyst for Russia and Eurasia. “The demands haven’t changed at all. I think they are not really interested in peace or a meaningful ceasefire.”

Everyone is looking for the Russians to make concessions, but they are clearly winning the war.

They have all the cards at this point, and the vast majority of the Russian population is against returning territory to Ukraine…

Meanwhile, according to the Levada Center, a majority of Russians (75%) would support a decision by Vladimir Putin to end the war with Ukraine “this week.” However, if Putin decided to end the war under the condition of returning occupied territories, only 28% of Russians would support such a decision.

So what is the bottom line?

The bottom line is that there will be no permanent peace deal any time soon, and it appears that even a 30 day ceasefire is extremely unlikely to happen.

Interestingly, all of this drama is unfolding just as the second Blood Moon Purim eclipse is appearing in the sky.

If you have clear skies where you live, you will be able to view it on Thursday night…

A total lunar eclipse will be viewable in the United States overnight into Friday morning, so some may want to pull an all-nighter to catch a good look at the rare celestial event, also known as the “blood moon.”

Apparently, from the viewpoint of the Moon it will appear as if our planet is actually on fire during this eclipse…

This is such a critical moment in our history.

This is our one chance at peace with the Russians, and we must not blow it.

Unfortunately, both sides do not seem to be inclined to do too much compromising, and that is extremely unfortunate.

Michael’s new blockbuster entitled “Why” is available in paperback and for the Kindle on Amazon.com, and you can subscribe to his Substack newsletter at michaeltsnyder.substack.com.

About the Author: Michael Snyder’s new blockbuster entitled “Why” is available in paperback and for the Kindle on Amazon.com. He has also written eight other books that are available on Amazon.com including “Chaos”, “End Times”, “7 Year Apocalypse”, “Lost Prophecies Of The Future Of America”, “The Beginning Of The End”, and “Living A Life That Really Matters”.  When you purchase any of Michael’s  books you help to support the work that he is doing.  You can also get his articles by email as soon as he publishes them by subscribing to his Substack newsletter.  Michael has published thousands of articles on The Economic Collapse Blog, End Of The American Dream and The Most Important News, and he always freely and happily allows others to republish those articles on their own websites.  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, we strongly urge you to invite Jesus Christ to be your Lord and Savior today.

The post There Is A Tremendous Amount Of Confusion About What Just Happened appeared first on End Of The American Dream.

Tornadoes are among nature’s most destructive forces, and 2024 showed us that no one is completely safe. Last year, storms in Arkansas and Mississippi wiped out homes and caused massive power outages. The key takeaway? Tornado preparedness saves lives. This guide will show you how to prepare, survive, and recover when a tornado hits your area. Let’s get ready for the unexpected.

Learn from the Past to Prepare for the Future

The 2024 tornadoes highlighted the need for proper preparation to outlast these disasters. Survivors repeatedly stressed two key points: planning in advance and acting immediately. Tornadoes often develop quickly and leave little time to react. Hesitation or confusion during these moments can put lives at risk. To help you prepare effectively, here are some actionable tornado preparedness tips for staying safe:

Step 1: Check If Your Location is Prone to Tornadoes

Do tornadoes happen where you live? Tornado Alley, a central U.S. region including Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, and Nebraska, is famous for frequent occurrences. However, these natural disasters don’t just stay in Tornado Alley but can happen anywhere. Start preparing by researching your local weather history to see if your area has been hit before. Last year’s tornadoes proved these disasters can strike far beyond their usual spots, so always stay alert no matter where you live!

Step 2: Build Your Tornado Preparedness Kit

A tornado survival kit is a major part of your tornado preparedness plan. It should contain the necessary supplies to stay safe for at least three days. Here’s a list of what to include:

• Water: At least one gallon per person per day.
• Non-perishable food: Choose items like canned goods or protein bars.
• First-aid kit: Include bandages, antiseptics, and prescription medications.
• Flashlight and batteries: Power outages are common during tornadoes.
• Weather radio: This will keep you informed if cell service goes down.
• Sturdy shoes: Debris can make walking dangerous after a storm.
• Important documents: Store IDs, insurance papers, and other essentials in a waterproof container.

Step 3: Identify Safe Spots in Advance

Know where to take shelter ahead of time. For instance, basements or storm shelters are always the safest places. If you don’t have one, head to a small, windowless room on the lowest floor of your home. Bathrooms, closets, or interior hallways can also provide protection. The goal is to create as many barriers as possible between you and the storm.

If you live in a mobile home, plan to evacuate to a sturdier structure. Many communities also have designated storm shelters, so find the nearest one as early as now.

Step 4: Stay Informed and Act Quickly

Being informed is one of the best ways to stay safe during a tornado. Weather apps like NOAA Weather Radar or MyRadar can provide real-time updates. You can also set up phone alerts to notify you of tornado watches and warnings.

When a warning is issued, act quickly and head to your designated safe spot immediately. Stay there until you hear the official all-clear signal on your weather radio.

Step 5: Practice Your Plan ‍

Knowing what to do in an emergency can help you stay calm under pressure. Practice tornado drills with your family so everyone knows where to go and what to do. Additionally, children may feel scared during drills, so explain the steps in a way they can understand. Include pets in your practice, too. Keep leashes or carriers handy to make sure they stay safe as well.

Step 6: After the Storm ️

Surviving a tornado is just the beginning of the recovery process. The aftermath brings a whole set of new challenges. Check for injuries and provide first aid where necessary. Be careful when navigating debris as there may be sharp objects or unstable structures.

Moreover, If your home is damaged, document everything with photos for insurance purposes. Organizations like FEMA or the Red Cross can help you recover, so don’t hesitate to seek support.

Closing Thoughts

Tornado safety relies on preparation and action. Equip yourself with the knowledge, tools, and plans to protect your family. From securing your home to documenting damage for recovery, every detail counts. Stay vigilant, follow weather updates and take tornado season seriously. Remember, these tornado preparedness tips put you one step ahead of the storm.

FAQs About Tornado Preparedness

1. What’s the safest place during a tornado?
   A basement or storm shelter is best. Otherwise, use an interior room without windows.
2. How much water should I store?
   One gallon per person, per day, for at least three days.
3. How do I know if a tornado is near?
   Listen for sirens, check weather alerts, or look for signs like a green sky or loud roaring.
4. Are mobile homes safe during tornadoes?
   No. Plan to shelter in a sturdy nearby structure.
5. What should I do if caught outside?
   Find the lowest spot, like a ditch, and lie flat while covering your head.
6. What’s a tornado watch vs. warning?
   A watch means conditions are right. A warning means a tornado is happening.
7. How often should I practice my tornado plan?
   At least twice a year.
8. Can tornadoes happen at night?
   Yes, and they’re harder to spot. Stay vigilant during storms.
9. What if my phone doesn’t get alerts?
   Have a weather radio as a backup.
10. How do I help after a tornado?
    Check on neighbors, report hazards, and offer assistance if safe to do so.

Maine’s Supreme Court has approved the force-vaccination of children without their parents’ consent or knowledge. The ruling upheld a lower court command that school medical staff cannot be held liable for giving a COVID-19 vaccine to a minor without obtaining parental consent.

On March 4th, the court declared that school medical staff were protected under the Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness Act (PREP Act). The PREP Act provides a liability shield to “covered persons.” Those include anyone who administers COVID-19 “vaccine” or other countermeasures during a public health emergency. COVID-19 vaccines are covered under the PREP Act because they were rolled out under emergency use authorization (EUA).

COVID-19 mRNA Shots Are Legally Not Vaccines

Not only are those who administer the vaccines to children without consent protected by the ruling class, those who create the “vaccines” are also covered.

Biden Extends COVID Vaccine Makers’ Liability Shield Through 2029

In November 2021, J.H., a minor, was given a dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine at Miller School in Waldoboro, Maine. In May 2023, J.H.’s parents Siara Harrington and Jeremiah Hogan sued Lincoln Medical Partners, MaineHealth and pediatrician Dr. Andrew Russ, because they did not consent to the vaccination.

In April 2024, the Maine Superior Court dismissed the lawsuit, finding that the PREP Act granted immunity to the defendants. J.H.’s parents appealed to the Maine Supreme Judicial Court in August 2024, arguing that the PREP Act does not protect practitioners from liability in cases involving nonconsensual medical interventions. –Children’s Health Defense

F.R. Jenkins, an attorney for the plaintiffs, disagreed with the decision. “It is simply inconceivable that Congress intended to abolish the doctrine of consent to medical treatment for a whole class of claims when the doctrine is both firmly entrenched in common law precedent and tradition and the doctor-patient relationship and the consent underpinning it have always been the subject of state rather than federal regulation,” Jenkins said.

“There is no meaningful right to accept or refuse if one cannot bring an action for civil money damages to enforce the right,” Jenkins said. He added that the PREP Act was not meant to supersede informed consent.

Wayne Rohde, author of “The Vaccine Court: The Dark Truth of America’s Vaccine Injury Compensation Program” and “The Vaccine Court 2.0,” said the two rulings show that “our state and federal court system has no interest in supporting true informed consent.”

The Vaccine Court looks at the mysterious and often unknown world of the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (NVICP), the only recourse for seeking compensation for those who have been injured by a vaccine. The NVICP, better known as the ”Vaccine Court,” however, is not without controversy.

This is a disturbing ruling for body autonomy and parental rights. We are on a slippery slope of the ruling class being able to declare anything they want, with the law and force to back it up.

Spring rains provide an opportunity to collect one of the most valuable resources in the world: water. Rainwater collection can lower your water bill, increase self-sufficiency, and provide an emergency backup. However, rainwater isn’t always safe to drink as it contains air, roof, or storage contaminants. This guide covers how to safely collect, purify, and store this resource for everyday and emergency use. Let’s get started.

How to Collect Rainwater ️

You can collect rainwater at home using simple tools. Here are the easiest rain collection methods:

1. Use Your Roof to Collect Water

Rainwater flows from your roof into the gutters, which guide it into a container. Simply attach a pipe or small device to your gutter to direct the water into a barrel. This is an affordable method that works for most homes.

Tip: Clean your gutters often as dirt, leaves, and others can contaminate your water.

2. Pick the Right Storage Container

Choose a strong container to hold the water. Plastic rain barrels that hold 50 to 100 gallons are a great choice. If you need more water, larger tanks can hold hundreds of gallons. Just ensure the barrel has a lid or mesh cover to keep out bugs and leaves. For even more storage, connect several barrels together.

3. Use a First-Flush System

A first-flush system blocks the first flow of rainwater from entering your barrel. This is useful because the first raindrops usually carry roof contaminants (animal droppings, roofing debris, etc).

Purifying Rainwater

Rainwater is usually unsafe to drink as it carries dirt, bacteria, and chemicals from your roof. Here’s how to purify it properly:

1. Filter Large Particles

Before purification, strain out leaves, insects, and debris. To prevent clogs in your filtration system, use a mesh screen, fine cloth, or coffee filter.

2. Boil the Water

Boiling kills most bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Bring the water to a rolling boil for at least one minute. Let it cool before storing or drinking.

3. Use Purification Tablets

If boiling isn’t an option, use purification tablets containing chlorine dioxide or iodine. Follow the instructions on the package. Most tablets take 30 minutes to work but may take longer in cold or cloudy water.

4. Use a Water Filter

A water filter removes harmful microorganisms, chemicals, and sediments. Specifically, gravity-fed filters, portable survival filters, and home filtration units work well for purifying rainwater.

Storing Rainwater Safely ️

Proper storage keeps rainwater safe for a long time. Otherwise, your stored water can become unsafe to use. Here’s what to do:

• Cover the Barrel or Tank: Always use a lid to keep out dirt, bugs, and animals. This also prevents water from evaporating.
• Keep It in the Shade: Place the container in a shady spot as sunlight can cause algae to grow in the water.
• Label and Rotate Water Supplies: If you store purified water for drinking, mark the date on the container. Make sure to replace the water every six months.

Keep These in Mind

Rainwater collection is helpful for your daily needs, but here are a few things to remember:

1. Check Local Laws: Some places have rules about collecting rainwater. Make sure it’s allowed where you live.
2. Be Aware of Pollution: If you live in a polluted area, your rainwater may need extra cleaning before use.
3. Maintain Your System: Always clean your gutters, barrels, and filters to keep your water safe.

Bonus: Rainwater for Everyday Use

Rainwater isn’t just for survival situations. It’s great for everyday use too. Use it to water your garden, wash your car, or flush your toilet. Over time, you’ll notice the savings on your water bill, which is a win-win for your wallet and the planet.

Every Drop Counts

Water shortages can happen when you least expect them. Knowing how to collect, purify, and store rainwater correctly can provide you a backup supply during emergencies. Don’t wait—start setting up your rainwater collection system today.

FAQs: Rainwater Collection and Purification

1. Is rainwater collection legal?
   Check local regulations. Most places allow it, but some have restrictions.
2. Can I drink rainwater directly?
   No, you must purify it first to remove contaminants.
3. How much rainwater can I collect?
   One inch of rain on a 1,000 sq. ft. roof yields about 600 gallons.
4. Do I need special gutters?
   Not necessarily, but clean, debris-free gutters are a must.
5. Can I use rainwater for my garden?
   Absolutely. Plants love rainwater since it’s chemical-free.
6. How long does purified water last?
   Properly stored water lasts up to six months.
7. What’s the best way to purify rainwater?
   Boiling is the simplest, but filters and tablets work too.
8. Is rainwater safe for pets?
   Yes, if it’s purified properly.
9. How much does it cost to start rainwater collection?
   A basic setup can cost as little as $50.
10. Can rainwater replace my water supply?
    It can supplement it, but it’s hard to collect enough for all uses.

It happened in Afghanistan, Iraq and Libya.  Now it is happening in Syria.  They wanted to get rid of Assad because they said that he was evil. But then they replaced him with a man named Ahmed al-Sharaa who is far worse.  The U.S. government previously had issued a 10 million dollar reward for his capture because he is literally a terrorist.  He was once aligned with al-Qaida, and he does not even try to hide his jihadist agenda.  But now western governments are welcoming him with open arms and are showering his new “government” with cash even though his thugs are hunting down Christians, Alawites and other minorities and killing them.

In the city of Latakia, jihadist fighters were reportedly going door to door in search of victims.  In some cases, people were asked to show their IDs so that the jihadist fighters could determine what religion they belonged to…

He said the Jihadist murderers “asked residents for their IDs to check their religion and their sect before killing them. He said the gunmen also . . . stole cars and robbed homes.”

What would you do if that happened to you?

Would you try to hide the fact that you are a Christian?

In the city of Baniyas, those that were rounded up were marched through the streets, lined up, and then shot…

One resident of the west coast city Baniyas in Syria told Sky News: “They forcibly brought people down to the streets, then they lined them up and started shooting them.

“They left nobody. They left nobody at all.

“The scene that I saw was pure horror – it’s just indescribable.”

Western officials worked tirelessly for years to overthrow Assad so that these guys could take over.

In fact, it all started when Hillary Clinton was Secretary of State.  She thought that it would be a grand idea to have a civil war in Syria, and now here we are.

Do you think that she is proud of the fact that women are being forced to “walk naked” through the streets before being executed?

Witnesses revealed how women were reportedly forced to “walk naked” in the streets before being shot dead.

And a teenage boy was also handed a rifle and forced to shoot his own family, reports claim.

In response to these atrocities, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has issued a strongly worded statement…

The United States condemns the radical Islamist terrorists, including foreign jihadis, that murdered people in western Syria in recent days. The United States stands with Syria’s religious and ethnic minorities, including its Christian, Druze, Alawite, and Kurdish communities, and offers its condolences to the victims and their families. Syria’s interim authorities must hold the perpetrators of these massacres against Syria’s minority communities accountable.

Strongly worded statements are great, but they aren’t going to do anything to end the violence.

Of course most countries in western Europe aren’t saying anything at all.  They desperately wanted Assad out, and now they are willing to live with the consequences.

Nobody knows exactly how many people have been killed.

One source says that hundreds of Christians have been slaughtered over the past several days…

According to Asia News, a Vatican-affiliated news agency that reports on Christian communities, more than 800 people, including women, children and priests, were slaughtered in their homes solely because they were Christian.

However, some groups say the number of victims is much higher. According to the Iraqi Christian Foundation, which advocates for Christians and other religious minorities in the Middle East, the death toll is 1,800. It alleges that entire villages are being slaughtered.

But another source says that more than 7,000 Alawites and Christians have been killed…

SYRIZA MEP Nikolas Farantouris has returned from the Syrian capital, where he met with religious leaders, including Greek Orthodox Patriarch John X of Antioch and the Near East, and officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the new regime in Damascus.

His visit over the weekend coincided as the forces of the Turkish-backed Islamist regime horrifically massacred Alawites and Christians, including Greek Orthodox, with the death poll being placed at over 7,000.

“Reliable data indicate 7,000 Christians and Alawites slaughtered and unprecedented atrocities against civilians. Christian and other communities with a millennial presence in this region are at risk of extinction,” Farantouris said in a statement following his visit.

We will probably never know the true number.

I was no fan of Assad, but helping terrorists that were aligned with al-Qaida take over Syria was certainly not the answer.  I really like how Tucker Carlson made this point…

As predictable as this is, it’s still infuriating to see it. For decades, Bashar al-Assad protected minority religious communities in Syria, including the country’s large Christian population. No one in the United States was allowed to notice this, and anyone who did was immediately denounced by neocons as a dangerous extremist. Bari Weiss declared Tulsi Gabbard “monstrous” and an “Assad toady” for noticing. But it was true. Assad protected the Christians. The weaker Assad was, the more Christians died. During the years that neocons in the west backed the war against Assad, the percentage of Christians in Syria went from ten percent to two percent. Now that Assad has been driven from power, many of the remaining Syrian Christians are being slaughtered and their holy places desecrated. Bari Weiss and John Bolton haven’t said a word about it. But no one who’s paying attention can be surprised it’s happening.

Every time we conduct a regime change operation in the Middle East, the next government is always worse.

Why is that?

According to one member of the British parliament, what we are witnessing in Syria right now is “nothing less than a brutal crime against humanity”…

Conservative MP Andrew Rosindell described the violence as “a massacre reminiscent of October 7th” and “nothing less than a brutal crime against humanity”.

He stated: “From footage I have seen, Alawite Muslims, Christians, Druze and other minorities are being hunted down, tortured and murdered in cold blood.”

The MP for Romford called it a “reign of terror” perpetrated by “barbaric jihadist terrorists”.

I agree with him.

But how much footage of the atrocities are you seeing on the nightly news?

Sadly, most Americans have no idea what is going on in Syria right now.

If they did, would they even care?

Interestingly, thousands of Alawites and Christians have fled to a Russian military base in a desperate attempt to stay alive…

Thousands of Syrian Alawites and Christians flock to Hmeimim Airbase, seeking Russian protection. “We need Russian protection” can be heard among the crowd.

The airbase has effectively turned into an open-air refugee camp, with around 8,000 Syrians seeking shelter and more expected to arrive.

This is such a tragedy.

Christianity is the most persecuted faith on the entire planet, and the persecution of Christians is only going to intensify during the years ahead.

So what will you do if armed men show up at your door someday and ask you what you believe?

You might want to start thinking about that.

Michael’s new blockbuster entitled “Why” is available in paperback and for the Kindle on Amazon.com, and you can subscribe to his Substack newsletter at michaeltsnyder.substack.com.

About the Author: Michael Snyder’s new blockbuster entitled “Why” is available in paperback and for the Kindle on Amazon.com. He has also written eight other books that are available on Amazon.com including “Chaos”, “End Times”, “7 Year Apocalypse”, “Lost Prophecies Of The Future Of America”, “The Beginning Of The End”, and “Living A Life That Really Matters”.  When you purchase any of Michael’s  books you help to support the work that he is doing.  You can also get his articles by email as soon as he publishes them by subscribing to his Substack newsletter.  Michael has published thousands of articles on The Economic Collapse Blog, End Of The American Dream and The Most Important News, and he always freely and happily allows others to republish those articles on their own websites.  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, we strongly urge you to invite Jesus Christ to be your Lord and Savior today.

The post Why Is It That Every Time They Topple A Government In The Middle East Things Get Even Worse For The Christians Living There? appeared first on End Of The American Dream.

 

The summer of 2025 will prove to be a period of turbulence and violence, especially in the inner cities. But no matter where you live… it would be prudent to be prepared to defend yourself and your family with non-lethal force if possible. Pepper spray is one possibility that should be considered.

Pepper spray has long been considered an ideal self-defense tool. It is easy to handle, compact enough to fit into a pocket or purse, and effective at stopping threats. However, bear spray has recently emerged as a popular alternative, with some people choosing it for personal protection rather than for warding off wildlife.

The trend has been reported in national newspapers. It has sparked a lot of debate among survivalists, urban dwellers, and anyone looking to keep themselves safe. Deciding whether to carry pepper spray or bear spray is more than just a matter of convenience because these substances differ in potency, legality, and intended use. Exploring their variations may shed light on which tool is best for your personal security plan.

 

Why Bear Spray Is Suddenly a Talking Point

Some individuals argue that bear spray is the superior choice. It has a much higher volume of active ingredients than many common pepper sprays, and its design allows it to shoot farther, making it appealing to people who want greater distance between themselves and a potential threat.

This surge in popularity has made bear spray a go-to for many looking for an all-in-one deterrent. There is an element of preparedness wrapped up in this shift, too. Some who spend time in wilderness settings feel better carrying a product that can stop a bear in its tracks but also might hold its own in an urban confrontation. The marketing behind certain brands has further fueled this trend, highlighting potency and range.

 

How Potent Is Bear Spray Compared to Pepper Spray?

The potency of bear spray generally exceeds that of consumer pepper sprays, yet not all formulas are identical. Bear spray falls under the oversight of the Environmental Protection Agency, which limits its primary irritant, oleoresin capsicum (OC), to 2%. In contrast, common pepper sprays typically hover around 1.33%, although claims of higher percentages do exist. This discrepancy can be a bit confusing.

Some products emphasize a 10% overall OC content but may contain only a fraction of that amount as capsaicinoids, the genuinely active components causing the debilitating effects. The key factor is the strength of the extract rather than just the percentage on the label. Because most bear sprays are calibrated to meet the maximum allowable content, they tend to be stronger than many civilian brands.

 

What the Law Says About Bear Spray and Pepper Spray

Nearly every state permits pepper spray, although specific restrictions vary. Some states limit the volume of the container or impose caps on the percentage of active ingredients. Michigan, for instance, does not permit more than 18% oleoresin capsicum and forbids ultraviolet dyes, while Wisconsin places its cap at 10% and limits containers to two ounces.

Bear spray is different because it is categorized as a pesticide rather than a weapon, making it legal to buy and carry in far more places. In Canada, though, purchasing bear spray to use on humans is prohibited. That distinction highlights how different these products indeed are from a regulatory standpoint.

 

Potential Dangers When Using Bear Spray Against Humans

It’s important to realize that any self-defense product carries risks, including legal consequences. Even a justified act of self-defense might lead to legal complications if the reaction or injuries prove too severe. Understanding the laws and regulations in your area regarding the use of these sprays is crucial.

Any self-defense product carries risks. Although bear spray rarely proves fatal to people, it can create severe reactions, including a spike in blood pressure. In extreme cases, this temporary rise could pose risks for those with pre-existing conditions related to the heart or cardiovascular system. Some people experience intense pain that may require medical intervention to relieve.

Eye damage is also a concern if bear spray is deployed at close range. The good folks at the Environmental Protection Agency mandate clear warning labels stating the possibility of permanent eye harm. Legal consequences are another significant factor. Even a justified act of self-defense might lead to legal complications if the reaction or injuries prove too severe or if you have a lot of money and are worth suing.

 

Will Standard Pepper Spray Stop a Charging Bear?

Many pepper sprays have a range of around 10 feet, intended for confrontations that occur in close quarters. Bear spray can travel up to 35 feet and deploys in a wide fog that engulfs the target’s head and face.

It also empties faster too… bear spray cans release around 1.84 ounces per second, whereas standard pepper sprays trickle out more slowly. If facing a charging bear, standard pepper spray might require you to be alarmingly close to an animal far larger, stronger, and faster than you. While it is possible to use a highly pressurized pepper spray, the odds of an underpowered product failing at the worst moment are too high for comfort.

 

Pepper Spray Advantages in Self-Defense

While bear spray carries impressive range and potency, it may not be the most practical option for everyday self-defense. In contrast, pepper spray is designed with urban use in mind. Its smaller dispensers can be easily carried in a coat pocket or purse, ensuring it’s always within reach in a high-stress situation.

Many civilian pepper sprays also come in foam or gel varieties that minimize blowback, a crucial feature in windy conditions or tight, enclosed areas. This stream or gel pattern makes pepper spray more accurate at short range, which is where most civilian encounters occur.

Bear spray’s fog pattern, while effective at creating a deterrent cloud, can easily fill a small space and affect the user as much as the attacker. This emphasis on practicality and precision makes pepper spray a more suitable choice for urban self-defense.

 

Where Each Tool Truly Belongs

In a wilderness setting, carrying bear spray provides added reassurance. With a quick pull of the trigger, the spray coats the bear’s face in a dense cloud of irritant, leading to a success rate that, according to studies, is remarkably high at deterring aggressive behavior in multiple bear species.

Still, this same can of pressurized, high-volume spray is less practical during a night out. If your main concern is human threats, a standard pepper spray designed for self-defense aligns more closely with your needs. It is compact, aimed more precisely, and offers enough potency for personal safety without the added drawbacks of excessive discharge that could harm you or innocent bystanders.

 

Having A Pepper Spray Strategy

Listen, understanding how to use these tools effectively is very important. For bear spray, it’s important to aim for the bear’s face and spray in short bursts to create a dense cloud. For pepper spray, aim for the attacker’s face and spray in a zigzag pattern to make it harder for them to dodge. No universal answer fits every scenario.

Anyone worried about large predators in the wilderness may feel better with bear spray clipped to a backpack. Another person living in a busy city with limited personal storage might find that a compact pepper spray is less cumbersome and much more practical. Each formula is designed for a distinct purpose, from subduing a bear to preventing an assault on a city street.

 

Situational Awareness is the Key to Making Life-Saving Decisions

Ultimately, the decision rests on your specific environment and concerns. Bear spray is undeniably powerful but might be too unwieldy or excessive for everyday self-defense.

Pepper spray is simple to carry, legal almost everywhere, and typically sufficient for most urban threats. Understanding these differences can help you choose the right option that combines practicality and potency without crossing legal or ethical lines.

Lastly, bear spray offers greater range and potency, making it ideal for wilderness settings and large predators. Pepper spray, on the other hand, is more compact, legal in most places, and suitable for urban self-defense against human threats.

 

The post Bear Spray or Pepper Spray For The Summer of 2025? appeared first on Off The Grid News.

Is it possible that the Yellowstone supervolcano is gearing up for a major eruption?  When most people think of Yellowstone, they tend to conjure up images of “Old Faithful”, Yogi Bear and a television show starring Kevin Costner.  But the reality of the matter is that Yellowstone poses a very serious threat to all of us.  Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming is actually sitting directly above a massive supervolcano.  The magma “hotspot” underneath it is about 300 miles wide.  This supervolcano has erupted before, and scientists tell us that when it fully erupts again it could potentially destroy the United States.  So could such an eruption happen any time soon?  Well, we know that Yellowstone is overdue for a major eruption, and we also know that there are hundreds of earthquakes in the Yellowstone area every single year.  Scientists that monitor Yellowstone have been quite alarmed that some areas of Yellowstone have been slowly but steadily rising, and here in 2025 there have been some very unusual earthquake swarms.  So yes, there are good reasons to be really concerned about what has been going on at Yellowstone.

I watch Yellowstone very closely, because an eruption of the Yellowstone supervolcano could end life as we know it in America in a single moment.  Geologists tell us that a full-blown eruption of the Yellowstone supervolcano could have up to 1,000 times the power of the eruption of Mount St. Helens in 1980, such an eruption would have the potential to dump a suffocating layer of volcanic ash that is at least 10 feet deep on almost the entire country, and approximately two-thirds of the U.S. would immediately become uninhabitable.

The Yellowstone supervolcano is the biggest volcano in North America by a very wide margin, and a major eruption would permanently turn all of our lives completely upside down.

In fact, a major eruption at Yellowstone would permanently end America’s status as a superpower in just a single day.

So when Yellowstone shakes, that should definitely get our attention.

In late January, a magnitude 3.9 earthquake was keenly felt throughout Yellowstone National Park…

An earthquake near Yellowstone National Park shook parts of eastern Idaho and western Wyoming on Tuesday.

At about 6 p.m., a magnitude-3.9 earthquake was recorded about 15 miles outside of Mammoth, Wyoming, which is about 82 miles northeast of Rexburg. It was the second earthquake in or near Idaho today. At about 6:25 a.m., a magnitude-3.0 earthquake shook the ground near Stanley.

According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the earthquakes occurred at depths of 7 miles and 12 miles, respectively.

Subsequently, there were two very alarming earthquake swarms in the area during the month of February…

February seismicity in Yellowstone was marked by two swarms.

A swarm of 18 earthquakes was located approximately 13 miles south-southwest of Mammoth, in Yellowstone National Park, during February 1–8. The largest earthquake in the sequence was a magnitude 1.6 on February 3 at 1:24 AM MST.

A swarm of 11 earthquakes took place approximately 5 miles south-southeast of West Thumb, in Yellowstone National Park, on February 11. The largest earthquake in the sequence was a magnitude 2.4 on February 11 at 1:44 AM MST.

I want to be very clear about something.

There is absolutely no reason to panic at this stage.

But I do believe that we should be watching.

So exactly what would a full-blown eruption of the Yellowstone supervolcano mean for the United States and for the rest of the world?

The following are 12 facts about the Yellowstone supervolcano that are more than just a little bit frightening…

#1 The magma “hotspot” underneath Yellowstone is approximately 300 miles wide.

#2 A full-blown eruption of Yellowstone could be up to 1,000 times more powerful than the eruption of Mount St. Helens in 1980.

#3 According to Google AI, a full-blown eruption of Yellowstone could send volcanic ash “up to 30-50 miles high”.

#4 According to Wikipedia, the Yellowstone Caldera has been “rising as quickly as 150 millimetres (5.9 in) per year”.

#5 There are more than a thousand earthquakes in the Yellowstone area every single year.

#6 In the event of a full-blown eruption of Yellowstone, virtually the entire northwest United States will be completely destroyed.

#7 A full-blown eruption of Yellowstone would mean that just about everything within a 100 mile radius of Yellowstone would be immediately killed.

#8  A full-blown eruption of Yellowstone could potentially dump a layer of volcanic ash that is at least 10 feet deep up to 1,000 miles away.

#9 A full-blown eruption of Yellowstone would cover virtually the entire Midwest with a very thick layer of volcanic ash.  Food production in the U.S. would be almost totally wiped out for an extended period of time.

#10 The “volcanic winter” that a massive Yellowstone eruption would cause would radically cool the planet.  Some scientists believe that global temperatures would decline by up to 20 degrees.  This would result in a horrific global famine.

#11 America would never be the same again after a massive Yellowstone eruption.  Some scientists believe that a full eruption by Yellowstone would render two-thirds of the United States completely uninhabitable.

#12 Scientists tell us that it is not a matter of “if” Yellowstone will erupt again but rather “when” the next inevitable eruption will take place.

Volcanoes that were dormant for centuries are starting to come back to life all over the globe.

The giant rock that we are all living on is becoming increasingly unstable, and that should greatly concern all of us.

If Yellowstone were to blow tomorrow, the consequences would be absolutely cataclysmic.

Hundreds of cubic miles of ash, rock and lava would be blasted into the atmosphere, and this would likely plunge much of the northern hemisphere into several days of almost complete darkness.  Virtually everything within 100 miles of Yellowstone National Park would be immediately wiped out, but a much more cruel fate would befall those that live in major cities outside of the immediate blast zone such as Salt Lake City and Denver.

Extremely hot ash, rock and dust would rain down on those cities literally for weeks.  In the end, it would be extremely difficult for anyone living in those areas to survive.  In fact, it has been estimated that at least 90 percent of the population that is living within 600 miles of Yellowstone would be killed.

Experts tell us that such an eruption would dump a layer of volcanic ash that is at least 10 feet deep up to 1,000 miles away, and approximately two-thirds of the United States would suddenly become uninhabitable.  The volcanic ash would severely contaminate most of our water supplies, and growing food in the middle of the country would become next to impossible.

In other words, it would be the end of our country as we know it today.

The rest of the world, and this would especially be true for those living in the northern hemisphere, would experience what is known as a “volcanic winter”.  We would enter an extended period of “global cooling”, and average temperatures around the world would drop by up to 20 degrees.  Crops would fail all over the planet, and severe famine would likely kill billions.

In my latest book entitled “Why”, I discuss the fact that the Bible tells us there will be apocalyptic natural disasters in the end times.  Unfortunately, most of the population is not taking these warnings seriously.

Earlier this week, I posted an article in which I specifically mentioned the New Madrid Fault Zone, the Cascadia Subduction Zone, and the potential for a cataclysmic earthquake in southern California.

But a full-blown eruption of Yellowstone has even greater potential for destruction.

So let us keep a very close eye on Yellowstone, and let us pray that it does not erupt any time soon.

Michael’s new blockbuster entitled “Why” is available in paperback and for the Kindle on Amazon.com, and you can subscribe to his Substack newsletter at michaeltsnyder.substack.com.

About the Author: Michael Snyder’s new blockbuster entitled “Why” is available in paperback and for the Kindle on Amazon.com. He has also written eight other books that are available on Amazon.com including “Chaos”, “End Times”, “7 Year Apocalypse”, “Lost Prophecies Of The Future Of America”, “The Beginning Of The End”, and “Living A Life That Really Matters”.  When you purchase any of Michael’s  books you help to support the work that he is doing.  You can also get his articles by email as soon as he publishes them by subscribing to his Substack newsletter.  Michael has published thousands of articles on The Economic Collapse Blog, End Of The American Dream and The Most Important News, and he always freely and happily allows others to republish those articles on their own websites.  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, we strongly urge you to invite Jesus Christ to be your Lord and Savior today.

The post Is The Most Dangerous Volcano Is America Roaring To Life? An Eruption Of The Yellowstone Supervolcano Could Potentially Destroy The United States appeared first on End Of The American Dream.

United States ruler President Donald Trump has told Hamas to release all remaining hostages, dead bodies, or he would assist Israel in bringing about the destruction of the terrorist group. “Release all of the Hostages now, not later, and immediately return all of the dead bodies of the people you murdered, or it is OVER for you,” the president wrote on his Truth Social platform on Wednesday.

Trump added that he is “sending Israel everything it needs to finish the job.”

“This is your last warning! For the leadership, now is the time to leave Gaza, while you still have a chance,” he wrote. “Also, to the People of Gaza: A beautiful Future awaits, but not if you hold Hostages. If you do, you are DEAD!”

Hamas has released 38 captives in exchange for around 2,000 Palestinian prisoners since a ceasefire was signed in January. The Israeli authorities believe that at least 22 people are still being held in Gaza, according to a report by Axios.

The first phase of the truce expired on Sunday, and both sides have accused each other of not complying. The Jerusalem Post reported on Monday the talks about further swaps are not moving forward. Hamas spokesman Hazem Qassem told CNN on Wednesday that Trump’s threats would “complicate matters regarding the ceasefire agreement.”

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has confirmed that the US is negotiating directly with Hamas for the first time. “Israel was consulted on this matter,” she told reporters on Wednesday.

Last month, Trump proposed transforming the devastated Gaza into the “Riviera of the Middle East” and suggested that neighboring Arab states should take in the majority of the embattled enclave’s Palestinian population. Arab nations rejected the plan and put forward an alternative reconstruction program for Gaza, which was rejected by the US and Israel. -RT

Trump has also threatened to use military force to take over Gaza.

After Saying It Will Conquer Gaza, The U.S. Will NOT Finance Its Reconstruction

It will be interesting to see how many of these territories Trump will succeed at annexing or forcing to join the U.S.

I can hardly believe how rapidly economic events are moving now.  The global trade war that has just erupted is going to be immensely painful.  If you doubt this, just read all the way to the end of this article. There is a reason why the Dow Jones Industrial Average has fallen by more than 1,300 points over the past two days.  The top minds on Wall Street clearly understand what is coming.  China, Canada, Mexico and the EU could avert disaster by negotiating with President Trump, but they are all choosing not to do so.  Everyone is digging in for a long fight, and the result is going to be absolutely disastrous.  Of course all of this is happening at a time when it appears that a recession has already begun.  We are in far more trouble than most people realize, and the months ahead are likely to be quite excruciating.

Shortly after Trump officially imposed high tariffs on goods coming from China, Canada and Mexico, the Chinese and the Canadians announced new tariffs of their own…

Canada and China swiftly announced retaliatory tariffs against the U.S. on Tuesday, shortly after long-threatened levies by the Trump administration on those countries and Mexico took effect.

President Donald Trump’s new 25% tariffs on imports from Mexico and Canada were imposed at 12:01 a.m. ET, along with a doubling of duties on some Chinese goods to 20%.

The Canadian economy is going to be thrown into a major downturn by these tariffs, but Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has foolishly decided that this is a battle that his nation needs to fight…

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced Tuesday retaliatory tariffs on U.S. imports to Canada after the U.S. imposed levies of its own. He said a 25% duty on CA$30 billion worth of U.S. goods would take effect immediately, adding that another CA$125 billion in products would be hit with the same tariff in three weeks.

During remarks to the press, Trudeau publicly stated that what Trump has chosen to do is “dumb”…

“We should be working together to ensure even greater prosperity for North Americans in a very uncertain and challenging world,” he said. “Now, it’s not in my habit to agree with the Wall Street Journal, but Donald, they point out that even though you’re a very smart guy, this is a very dumb thing to do.”

“Today the United States launched a trade war against Canada, their closest partner and ally, their closest friend. At the same time, they’re talking about working positively with Russia, appeasing Vladimir Putin, a lying murderous dictator. Make that make sense,” said Trudeau. “We two friends fighting is exactly what our opponents around the world want to see.”

Of course Trump was going to see what Trudeau said, and he responded by threatening to raise tariffs on Canadian products even higher…

Please explain to Governor Trudeau, of Canada, that when he puts on a Retaliatory Tariff on the U.S., our Reciprocal Tariff will immediately increase by a like amount!

Canada is our largest trade partner, and there will be severe consequences on both sides of the border.

One Canadian official is warning that this trade war will result in “recessions, job losses and economic disaster”…

“Today’s reckless decision by the U.S. administration is forcing Canada and the U.S. toward recessions, job losses and economic disaster,” Canadian Chamber of Commerce CEO Candace Laing said in a statement.

I wish that I could tell you that she is wrong.

But I can’t.

Mexico is our second largest trade partner, and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has announced that Mexico will impose retaliatory tariffs by the start of next week…

Sheinbaum said she will announce retaliatory tariffs this weekend.

“We have decided to respond with tariff and non-tariff measures that I will announce on Sunday,” Sheinbaum said.

I can’t even begin to describe how much pain this trade war is going to cause for the Mexican economy.

Trade with the United States is one of the central pillars of their entire economic system.

China is our third largest trade partner, and they are imposing retaliatory tariffs on us too…

China announced Tuesday it would impose additional tariffs of up to 15% on some U.S. goods from March 10 and restrict exports to 15 U.S. companies.

The retaliatory measures from China’s Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Commerce came just as additional U.S. tariffs took effect on Chinese goods.

The additional Chinese tariffs largely cover U.S. agricultural goods, including corn and soybeans, which will be subject to new duties of 15% and 10%, respectively, according to the finance ministry’s website.

Throughout human history, trade wars have often preceded shooting wars.

Ominously, the Chinese are pledging to fight “to the bitter end”…

In Beijing, Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said that if the U.S. “persists in waging a tariff war, a trade war, or any other kind of war, the Chinese side will fight them to the bitter end.”

Those are unusually strong words for the Chinese.

Usually they are much more restrained.

I think that they understand what is at stake.

We really could be heading into a global economic nightmare.

In fact, a senior official at the International Chamber of Commerce is claiming that we could soon be looking at “a downward spiral that puts us in 1930s trade-war territory”…

The world economy could face a crash similar to the Great Depression of the 1930s unless the U.S. rows back on its plans to impose steep tariffs on imports, a senior official at the International Chamber of Commerce warned.

“Our deep concern is that this could be the start of a downward spiral that puts us in 1930s trade-war territory,” said Andrew Wilson, deputy secretary-general of the ICC, which promotes global business and trade.

I don’t think that most Americans understand what we could potentially be facing.

According to CNBC, “a third of vehicle production in North America could be cut by next week”…

Roughly a third of vehicle production in North America could be cut by next week as a result of President Donald Trump’s 25% tariffs on Mexico and Canada, as automakers attempt to mitigate increased costs and buyers hold off on purchasing new cars and trucks.

That lost production would equate to roughly 20,000 units per day, according to a new analysis from prominent data and forecasting firm S&P Global Mobility.

That would be absolutely devastating to the auto industry.

And we are being told that the tariffs that are being imposed could add “as much as $12,200” to the cost of a new vehicle…

The 25% tariffs on goods from Canada and Mexico, as well as an additional 10% tariff on imports from China, could drive up car costs by as much as $12,200 for some models, according to a report from Anderson Economic Group (AEG), a Michigan-based economic consultancy.

The broad-based tariffs are likely to fuel higher costs on multiple types of vehicles, including SUVs, small cars and electric vehicles, according to AEG’s analysis. Higher sticker prices would hit the auto market even as the typical car now costs close to a near-record high of $50,000, and would likely add more financial strain on inflation-weary consumers.

If you need to purchase a vehicle, I would recommend doing it sooner rather than later.

Food prices are about to go up dramatically as well…

If looking at your grocery total makes you feel like your eyes are bulging out not unlike a cartoon, I have some bad news for you: Those same groceries are about to get a lot more expensive and fast. No, I’m not just talking about eggs, either, but rather pretty much every aisle of the grocery store. Why is that? Well, starting on March 4, 2025, imported products coming from Mexico and Canada will incur a 25% tariff, according to President Trump’s newest directives.

If that sounds alarming, that’s because it is. After all, Canada and Mexico are the largest suppliers of agricultural goods to the U.S. Scan your own pantry (and fridge) shelves, and you’ll likely notice no less than a few dozen different items our neighbors produce. In fact, 77% of our fresh produce comes from Mexico and 34% of our fresh meat comes from Canada, all of which (and more) will mostly likely soon come along with what will feel like a 25% surcharge. So while the immediate impact of the tariffs is still unknown (the brunt of the effects will fall on Mexico and Canada), experts say consumers should anticipate that grocery prices to rise in response.

Most U.S. households are already struggling to make ends meet thanks to how high food prices have risen.

The Wall Street Journal is telling us that even low price store brands are feeling the pain of reduced sales as consumers pull back on spending…

First, shoppers squeezed by inflation began ditching name-brand snacks and drinks in favor of lower-price store brands. But now, with costs for coffee, eggs and other basic grocery items surging, consumers are cutting out many cheaper items as well. That has TreeHouse Foods, one of the country’s largest manufacturers of private brands, feeling the pinch.

The maker of cookies, crackers, coffee and other goods for retailers such as Walmart, Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s and Target, gained ground in recent quarters as inflation pushed shoppers into cheaper food options. With sales growth now slowing significantly, TreeHouse is working to protect its margins by slashing costs and fine-tuning its list of products, anticipating that shoppers will remain stretched, at least for now.

Now food prices are likely to go significantly higher, and that is bad news for all of us.

Unfortunately, this could be the trigger that sends stock prices tumbling.

The stock price gains that we witnessed after Trump was elected are being wiped out, and the Dow fell another 670 points on Tuesday…

The Dow Jones Industrial Average tumbled for a second day as President Donald Trump’s tariffs left investors fearful of potential shockwaves for the economy.

The blue-chip average dropped 670.25 points, or 1.55%, building on Monday’s plunge of nearly 650 points. The Dow ended the session at 42,520.99. The S&P 500 dropped 1.22% and closed at 5,778.15 after notching its worst day of the year in the prior session. The Nasdaq Composite lost 0.35% and finished at 18,285.16.

So what is the bottom line to all of this?

The bottom line is that the severe economic problems that we have been experiencing are about to greatly accelerate.

We were clearly warned that global chaos would soon erupt, and that is precisely what has happened.

Ultimately, what we are witnessing shouldn’t be a surprise to anybody.

But at this point the vast majority of the population is still asleep, and that is extremely unfortunate.

Michael’s blockbuster entitled “Why” is available in paperback and for the Kindle on Amazon.com, and you can subscribe to his Substack newsletter at michaeltsnyder.substack.com.

About the Author: Michael Snyder’s new book entitled “Why” is available in paperback and for the Kindle on Amazon.com. He has also written eight other books that are available on Amazon.com including “Chaos”, “End Times”, “7 Year Apocalypse”, “Lost Prophecies Of The Future Of America”, “The Beginning Of The End”, and “Living A Life That Really Matters”.  When you purchase any of Michael’s books you help to support the work that he is doing.  You can also get his articles by email as soon as he publishes them by subscribing to his Substack newsletter.  Michael has published thousands of articles on The Economic Collapse Blog, End Of The American Dream and The Most Important News, and he always freely and happily allows others to republish those articles on their own websites.  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, we strongly urge you to invite Jesus Christ to be your Lord and Savior today.

The post The Global Trade War Is Officially On! Trudeau Calls Trump “Dumb” And China Promises To Fight “To The Bitter End” appeared first on The Economic Collapse.

We have a government that is literally fighting against itself.  The federal workforce has always been more liberal than the population as a whole, but in recent years things have gotten really bad.  Prior to this year, Democrats had been in control of the White House for 12 of the past 16 years.  Over time, leftists that were hired for key positions just kept hiring more leftists underneath them.  In fact, it got to a point where DEI policies at various agencies essentially institutionalized the systematic hiring of leftists.  By the end of the Biden administration, leftist domination of most of our federal agencies was virtually complete.  But now we have a new administration that most of our leftist federal workers absolutely detest.  Many of them have absolutely no intention of cooperating with the new administration, and some of them have started to openly rebel against it.

A secretive movement known as “#AltGov” has become the epicenter of that rebellion.  Those that are involved primarily communicate through anonymous social media accounts and an encrypted messaging app…

Calling itself #AltGov, the network has developed a visible, public-facing presence in recent weeks through Bluesky accounts, most of which bear the names or initials of federal agencies, aimed at getting information out to the public – and correcting disinformation – about the chaos being unleashed by the Trump administration.

With 40 accounts to date, their collective megaphone is getting louder, as most of the accounts have tens of thousands of followers, with “Alt CDC (they/them)” being the largest, at nearly 95,000 followers.

The network has also formed a group and a series of sub-groups on Wire, the encrypted messaging app, to share information and develop strategies – as played out on Saturday.

Most people don’t realize this, but the “#AltGov” movement was very active during the first Trump administration.

Of course during the Biden administration it went away, because the leftists inside our federal agencies saw no need to rebel against Joe Biden.

But now it is back with a vengeance…

“#AltGov dates from the first Trump administration, but it’s even more needed now,” said an employee at Fema, the disaster response agency, who requested anonymity to avoid being targeted at work. She recently launched an #AltGov Fema account on Bluesky. With nearly 13,000 followers, the account says it’s dedicated to “helping people before, during, and after (this democratic) disaster”.

One member of the group that has dared to go public with her identity has explained what the purpose of “#AltGov” actually is…

The network is aiming to “expose harmful policies, defend public institutions and equip citizens with tools to push back against authoritarianism,” Lynn Stahl, a contractor for the Department of Veterans Affairs and member of the group, told the Guardian.

In other words, they want to use their positions inside the federal government to oppose the Trump administration any way that they can.

If it sounds like this is gross insubordination to you, that is because it is gross insubordination.

And we are already seeing the results.

Attorney General Pam Bondi instructed the FBI to deliver all documents related to Jeffrey Epstein to her office, and they told her that they had done so.

But now it turns out that they had secretly held back thousands of documents, and Pam Bondi is extremely upset…

Attorney General Pam Bondi sent a fiery letter to FBI Director Kash Patel on Thursday accusing federal investigators in New York of withholding thousands of pages of Jeffrey Epstein documents she has vowed to make public.

Bondi said she had requested the full Epstein case file before Patel was confirmed as the head of the FBI and received about 200 pages of files — far less than the number of pages released last year in a civil lawsuit connected to Ghislaine Maxwell, the trafficker’s former lover and convicted accomplice.

“I repeatedly questioned whether this was the full set of documents responsive to my request and was repeatedly assured by the FBI that we had received the full set of documents,” Bondi wrote. “Late yesterday, I learned from a source that the FBI Field Office in New York was in possession of thousands of pages of documents related to the investigation and indictment of Epstein.”

Unfortunately, many of the documents that Bondi wants may no longer exist.

FBI whistleblower Garret O’Boyle has revealed that operatives inside the FBI have been working feverishly to destroy sensitive files…

“There are FBI servers,” said ex-agent-turned-whistleblower Garret O’Boyle, “and people inside the FBI have been working night and day to destroy files on these servers.”

“No idea on what it is — I can only speculate — but you mentioned the Epstein list,” he added. “I’d imagine it’s cases like that.”

Now that Kash Patel has finally been confirmed, he is moving quickly to try to get control of the agency, but it appears that many FBI agents have no intention of obeying his lawful orders…

“Last week, right out of the gate, Kash Patel said 500 people were going to Alabama,” O’Boyle said, explaining that they would still be “headquarters personnel, but in Alabama.”

The other 1,000 agents, he said, were sent out to the field nationwide.

“Already, people are saying, we are not going to comply with that,” O’Boyle told Johnson. “We are going to make it seem as if we transferred—we’re going to do what they call ‘paper transfers’—and we’re not going to obey these lawful orders.”

What a mess.

If this sort of insubordination persists, more agencies may have to be almost entirely dismantled just like USAID was.

Sadly, many workers that were fired at USAID and other federal agencies are now conducting wild protests…

Dozens of the protesters crammed into the lobby of the office of Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, but they were eventually tossed out by security. They also tried to get into the district office of Republican Sen. John Thune of South Dakota, but they were pushed out by staffers.

“It’s been an emotional roller coaster. Like I said, I came to USAID intending on staying there for as long as I could. I really loved the work that we were doing,” said one unnamed former USAID worker to WCSH-TV.

“And now I don’t know what to do,” she added. “And I have cried every day. I think that that’s normal. I have a 15-month-old at home, and I’m looking at him and thinking, ‘What’s this country that we’re now living in?’”

On Thursday, USAID employees that have been let go were given approximately 15 minutes to clear their personal belongings out of their former workspaces…

USAID employees clutching backpacks and wheeling suitcases full of their belongings trickled out of the now-shuttered agency’s headquarters on Thursday morning after the Trump administration gave them 15 minutes to clear out.

Outside the building in downtown Washington, D.C., a line of demonstrators broke into applause and cheers as each employee left the building. Bouquets of flowers for employees stood nearby, alongside a sign reading, “You and your mission mattered!”

Samantha Power, USAID’s administrator, greeted and hugged supporters down the line before she disappeared through the doors of the agency.

Of course this is just the beginning.

The cuts are only going to get deeper in the weeks ahead.

For example, the Trump administration has announced that 120 IRS offices will be permanently shut down…

The Trump administration is moving forward with plans to shut down more than 120 IRS offices that provide taxpayer assistance as part of a broader effort to reduce the federal government’s footprint and cut costs.

The decision, outlined in a letter from the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) obtained by The Washington Post, comes at a crucial time—right in the middle of the federal tax filing season, which ends on April 15.

And President Trump has instructed those running our federal agencies “to turn in a plan for ‘large-scale’ headcount reductions” by March 13th…

The Trump administration directed federal agency heads Wednesday to turn in a plan for “large-scale” headcount reductions by March 13 — as the president told his first cabinet meeting he wanted to purge government workers who are “scamming our country.”

The memo, sent jointly by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and Office of Personnel Management (OPM), tells agency leaders to work with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to make cuts to the “bloated, corrupt federal government” by methods including firing “underperforming employees,” closing unneeded regional offices and not renewing contracts.

The memo comes after DOGE overseer Elon Musk threatened twice to fire government employees who didn’t respond to an email asking for five things they did in the last week.

Ouch.

So how many federal workers could eventually lose their jobs?

Well, Trump just said that a million federal workers could potentially be “on the bubble”…

President Donald Trump warned that one million or more federal employees are now “on the bubble” because of their failure to respond to an email demanding they justify their jobs.

In a wild monologue during a Cabinet meeting Tuesday, the president jumped in after Elon Musk responded to a question from a pool reporter about the fates of those who failed to respond to the email sent Saturday by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) — which asked federal employees to list five bulletpoints of items they accomplished in the last week. Despite having previously warned federal employees that failure to respond would be considered a resignation, Musk softened his position — in response to the pool reporter asking whether those million-plus employees who blew off the email demand would be terminated.

“We’re going to send another email,” Musk said. “But our goal is not to be capricious or unfair. We want to give people every opportunity to send an email. And the email could simply be ‘What I’m working on is too sensitive or classified to describe.’ Like, literally just that would be sufficient. You know, I think this is just common sense.”

We have never seen anything like this before.

It shall be very interesting to see how all of this plays out.

On top of everything else that is going on, a potential government shutdown is looming in the middle of next month…

Congress is barreling toward a deadline to avert a government shutdown in just over two weeks, with Democrats and Republicans at odds over whether there should be guardrails on President Trump’s ability to withhold funding approved by Congress.

Democrats want to insert language in the funding bill to ensure that the administration implements the spending directed by Congress, a reaction to Mr. Trump and top adviser Elon Musk’s work to downsize large swaths of the executive branch. But Republicans have made it clear that they won’t accept those terms.

Government funding expires on March 14, and keeping the government open past the deadline will likely require bipartisan support in both the House and Senate. Republicans control 53 seats in the Senate, but a funding measure requires 60 votes for passage. In the House, Republicans are operating with a razor-thin majority and a divided conference in which conservatives regularly vote against government spending bills.

In my entire lifetime, we have never seen this much chaos in Washington.

And of course the chaos in Washington is just one element of the “perfect storm” that is raging all around us.

I do not believe that our society will be able to handle what is about to happen.

I would encourage you to make your plans accordingly.

Michael’s new blockbuster entitled “Why” is available in paperback and for the Kindle on Amazon.com, and you can subscribe to his Substack newsletter at michaeltsnyder.substack.com.

About the Author: Michael Snyder’s new  book entitled “Why” is available in paperback and for the Kindle on Amazon.com. He has also written eight other  books that are available on Amazon.com including “Chaos”, “End Times”, “7 Year Apocalypse”, “Lost Prophecies Of The Future Of America”, “The Beginning Of The End”, and “Living A Life That Really Matters”.  When you purchase any of Michael’s  books you help to support the work that he is doing.  You can also get his articles by email as soon as he publishes them by subscribing to his Substack newsletter.  Michael has published thousands of articles on The Economic Collapse Blog, End Of The American Dream and The Most Important News, and he always freely and happily allows others to republish those articles on their own websites.  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, we strongly urge you to invite Jesus Christ to be your Lord and Savior today.

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