The Morning Sixpack - May 29, 2025
US jobless claims UP, Trump’s unprecedented self-enrichment, UK charges Tate brothers, and Harvard visa turmoil shake the world
US Weekly Jobless Claims Jump More Than Expected as Labor Market Shows Signs of Cooling
The U.S. labor market is easing, with weekly unemployment claims rising beyond economists’ forecasts last week.
New applications for state unemployment benefits increased by 14,000 to a seasonally adjusted 240,000 for the week ending May 24, according to the Labor Department—higher than the expected 230,000 claims. This uptick points to growing uncertainty in the job market despite continued employer efforts to hold onto workers.
Employers have been “hoarding” labor following pandemic-related shortages, but rising layoffs tied to economic uncertainty—exacerbated by aggressive trade policies and tariffs—are pushing the market toward a softer stance. A recent trade court ruling blocking most of President Trump’s tariffs offered some relief but layered on more uncertainty.
Federal Reserve minutes from early May warn of potential weakening in labor market conditions, noting “considerable uncertainty” tied to trade policy evolution. Meanwhile, continuing claims—the number of people still receiving benefits after their first week—rose by 26,000 to nearly 1.92 million, signaling employer caution in hiring amid the unclear economic outlook.
Despite these fluctuations, economists expect claims to stay within recent ranges and see this as part of seasonal patterns rather than a fundamental shift. Still, the median duration of unemployment climbed to 10.4 weeks in April, reflecting longer jobless spells for many Americans.
Source: Reuters
This seriously is the best news we can hope for while Trump is fucking up everything he possibly can.
Trump Commutes Sentence of Infamous Gang Leader Amid Wave of Pardons
President Trump has commuted the federal prison sentence of Larry Hoover, founder of Chicago’s notorious Gangster Disciples, sparking fresh controversy.
Hoover, sentenced in the 1990s to six life terms on conspiracy, extortion, and drug charges, still faces a separate 200-year state sentence for murder and remains behind bars. While a president can’t touch state sentences, this federal commutation is a major development.
Hoover, 74, claims to have reformed, disavowing gang life and advocating for criminal justice reform, including support for the First Step Act. He wrote in 2022, “I am no longer a member, leader, or even an elder statesman of the Gangster Disciples.” But prosecutors argue he continues to lead the gang from prison, with a 2021 allegation of ongoing involvement in promoting gang activities.
Alongside Hoover, Trump pardoned several other high-profile figures, including former congressman Michael Grimm, convicted of felony tax fraud, rapper NBA YoungBoy, and former Connecticut Governor John Rowland, convicted of election fraud. Other pardons ranged from military personnel to environmental activists, reflecting the wide scope of Trump’s recent clemency spree.
Trump also expressed openness to pardoning men convicted in the 2020 Michigan governor kidnapping plot, calling the trial a “railroad job” and questioning the evidence. This latest flurry adds to more than 40 pardons issued during Trump’s second term and nearly 1,600 tied to the January 6 Capitol riot cases.
Hoover’s lawyer celebrated the commutation online: “We got Larry Hoover out of federal prison—when many said it was impossible… Illinois must send him home for good.”
Source: BBC News
This is the most corrupt president in US history. I hope—when (if?) we ever get through this shitshow—that we add a few new amendments to the US Constitution that give Congress their power back and disambiguate all the bullshit laws we have around corruption and graft.
U.S. Moves to Cancel Visas for Chinese Students, Igniting Fear and Uncertainty
The U.S. government announced it will start revoking visas of Chinese students, targeting those studying “critical fields” and with ties to the Chinese Communist Party.
This decision has sparked anxiety among over 270,000 Chinese students currently enrolled in American universities, who now face an uncertain future in the U.S.
China remains the second-largest source of international students in the U.S., but escalating tensions have strained this educational exchange. One student called the move “a new version of the Chinese Exclusion Act,” referencing a 19th-century law that banned Chinese immigration and citizenship. Many students are reconsidering their plans, with some opting to study in other countries like the U.K. or staying put to seek jobs amid growing instability.
China’s Foreign Ministry slammed the action as “politicized and discriminatory,” lodging formal protests. Meanwhile, Hong Kong is positioning itself as a haven for displaced international students, with university leaders actively encouraging transfers and promising support.
Students and experts warn that reduced international exchange will hurt American innovation and global leadership.
“Having fewer international exchanges is definitely not good for America’s development,” said a Beijing postdoctoral fellow, while others anticipate China may benefit by retaining top talent domestically.
For many Chinese students caught in the crossfire, hope is in short supply as they await visa decisions and plan uncertain futures. “I was expecting freedom and tolerance,” said one incoming student. “The U.S. was known for its diversity… but it is a pity to see such change.”
Source: Associated Press
This is racist as fuck.
Harvard’s International Students Fear Graduation as Trump Administration’s Visa Fight Deepens
The Trump administration’s crackdown on Harvard’s international students has sparked fear and uncertainty, with some too anxious to attend their own graduation.
Harvard’s director of immigration services detailed the distress in a court filing, revealing that thousands of students are reconsidering travel, academic plans, and even enrollment due to visa threats.
Maureen Martin explained that the university’s staff is overwhelmed with worried students, some canceling trips home or research abroad, fearing they won’t be allowed back.
“Some are afraid to attend their own graduation ceremonies this week out of fear that some immigration-related action will be taken against them,” she stated.
The legal battle is unfolding in Boston, where a judge has temporarily blocked the Trump administration from revoking Harvard’s ability to enroll international students. But Harvard warns the damage is already done, with incoming students, including medical and law students, reconsidering their plans and some U.S. students seeking schools that welcome international peers.
The administration claims its actions target antisemitism and academic rigor concerns, but Harvard argues this is part of a broader effort to impose a conservative agenda and curb academic freedom at elite institutions. Massachusetts state officials have backed Harvard’s position in court.
The outcome of this clash could set a precedent affecting other universities, heightening tensions over immigration and higher education in the U.S.
Source: My Daily Grind News
Just you watch: There could very well be ICE agents at graduations to arrest and “disappear” foreign students just after Rubio revokes their visas. This is a corrupt administration hellbent on burning everything down.
Andrew Tate and Brother Charged with Rape and Multiple Offenses in UK
Andrew Tate and his brother Tristan have been officially charged with rape, human trafficking, and other serious crimes against multiple women in the UK.
The controversial influencer and ex-kickboxer faces ten charges, while Tristan is charged with 11 offenses involving one alleged victim, including rape and bodily harm.
A European arrest warrant was issued in 2024 to extradite the brothers from Romania, where they are also facing sex crime investigations. This marks the first time the Crown Prosecution Service has confirmed charges in the UK, following evidence submitted by Bedfordshire Police.
Lawyer Matt Jury, representing the alleged victims, said, “We welcome the clarity from the Crown Prosecution Service that our authorities are working to ensure the Tates face justice here in the UK—they cannot be allowed to escape extradition.”
Despite the gravity of the accusations, both brothers maintain their innocence.
The Tate brothers briefly traveled to the U.S. earlier this year after being freed from house arrest in Romania, appearing on popular podcasts and mingling with influencers before returning to continue their legal battles.
Andrew Tate, known for his webcam business and brief reality TV stint, has long courted controversy for his misogynistic views, but these charges mark a serious escalation with the UK legal system now moving forward.
Source: The Sun
It will be interesting to see how this plays out. Clearly, the Tates are favored by the Trump administration. If they seek protection from UK prosecution, how will Trump react?
Trump’s Presidency Is a Historic Heist of Power and Wealth
Donald Trump’s self-enrichment during his presidencies reaches levels never before seen in American history.
From charging taxpayers millions for visits to his properties to securing billions from foreign governments and crypto investors, Trump’s exploitation of the office is unprecedented in scale and brazenness.
Unlike past presidents who faced scandals rooted in political power struggles, Trump’s actions are about direct personal financial gain—billions flowing from state-owned enterprises in the UAE and Qatar, luxury gifts, and lucrative deals tied to government policies. His family’s businesses have profited from this deep entanglement of public office and private wealth.
While previous presidents had relatives or associates involved in questionable deals, none matched the dynasty-building seen under Trump, who remains the beneficial owner of his sprawling business empire even while in office. This intertwining of presidency and profit challenges constitutional safeguards designed to prevent foreign influence and corruption.
Trump’s strategy also exploited widespread cynicism, framing the political system as broken and corrupt so he could appear as the outsider willing to play dirty. “Everybody does it” became his shield, blurring lines between common practice and his extraordinary personal gain.
This story isn’t just about money; it’s a warning about corruption so vast it dwarfs historical scandals and threatens the integrity of American democracy itself.
Source: The Atlantic
Highly recommended reading!