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**Federal jobs once built a thriving Black middle class—now Trump’s cuts threaten that stability**

For decades, federal employment offered Black workers stable careers, benefits, and upward mobility—but Trump’s hiring freezes and DEI program cuts are dismantling this crucial pathway.

Shirley Hopkins, a retired NIH recruiter, helped countless Black students secure federal jobs—now those opportunities are vanishing under the administration’s workforce reductions.

Black workers, who make up nearly 19% of federal employees, face disproportionate layoffs—jeopardizing decades of economic progress for Black families and communities.

Experts warn these cuts could shrink the Black middle class, reversing decades of hard-won financial stability for generations of federal workers.

**Hollywood Faces Moral Dilemma Over Filming in Hungary Amid Anti-LGBTQ+ Laws**

As Hungary tightens anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, Hollywood faces pressure to reconsider filming in the country—home to major productions like *Dune: Part Two* and *The Brutalist*. Despite recent constitutional amendments banning LGBTQ+ gatherings, studios remain silent, with no immediate plans to halt ongoing shoots. Will financial incentives outweigh ethical concerns, or will Hollywood follow its North Carolina playbook?

**Hungary’s Anti-LGBTQ+ Laws Put Hollywood in a Tight Spot**

With Hungary enforcing harsh anti-LGBTQ+ laws, major studios like Warner Bros. and Netflix continue filming blockbusters like *Dune 3* and *3 Body Problem* in Budapest. Despite protests, Hungary’s 30% tax credit keeps productions anchored—raising questions about Hollywood’s stance on human rights versus financial gain.

**Will Hollywood Boycott Hungary Over LGBTQ+ Crackdown?**

Hungary’s new constitutional amendment banning LGBTQ+ gatherings has sparked outrage, but Hollywood studios—including Apple and HBO—are staying put for now. As productions like *Dune: Prophecy* and *PONIES* film in Budapest, the industry faces growing scrutiny over its silence on Hungary’s discriminatory policies.

**Studios Stay Silent as Hungary Escalates Anti-LGBTQ+ Laws**

Despite Hungary’s latest anti-LGBTQ+ crackdown, Hollywood remains quiet, with major films and shows like *Billion Dollar Spy* and *12 12 12* still shooting in Budapest. Will financial perks outweigh ethical concerns, or will pressure from talent force studios to reconsider?

**Pure Street Photography Announces 2025 Grant Winners, Showcasing Global Talent**
Pure Street Photography (PSP) has revealed the winners and finalists of its 2025 Grant, highlighting 30 extraordinary photographers from around the world. Founded by Dimpy Bhalotia and Kamar Kumaar Rao, PSP champions diverse, thought-provoking street photography. This year’s grant amplifies emerging voices, offering exposure and growth opportunities for creators.

**Ayanava Sil Wins Grand Prize with Stunning Diwali Moment**
Indian photographer Ayanava Sil claimed the top honor for his dynamic shot of a child running under fireworks during Diwali. Judges praised the image’s perfect timing and emotional depth, calling it a “masterclass in awareness.” Sil’s photo captures the magic of celebration, blending light, joy, and spontaneity in a single frame.

**Global Stories Unfold in Winning Photos from Casablanca to Jakarta**
First place went to Parvathi Kumar for a striking olive market scene in Casablanca, while Amy Horowitz and Sebastian Piatek secured second and third with their compelling street narratives. From a snake encounter to Jakarta’s candid childhood moments, the winners reflect the raw beauty of everyday life. Explore the full gallery on PSP’s website.

**Want to shop directly from China? DHgate’s app is surging in popularity—here’s why.**

As Trump’s tariffs drive up prices, savvy shoppers are turning to DHgate—a Chinese e-commerce platform skyrocketing in downloads thanks to TikTok influencers.

**Can DHgate help you avoid tariffs?** Unfortunately, no—Trump’s new policies are closing loopholes, so experts say buy now before prices climb even higher.

**Why is DHgate trending?** The app offers cheap brand-name dupes straight from Chinese factories, but its tariff workaround may soon disappear.

**Medicaid Work Rules Gain Traction, But Job Assistance Programs Remain Scarce**

Republican-led states are pushing Medicaid work requirements, yet few programs actually help enrollees find employment. While supporters argue work mandates encourage self-sufficiency, critics warn they could strip coverage from vulnerable populations without improving job prospects.

**Medicaid Job Programs Show Limited Success Despite GOP Push**

Despite Republican efforts to impose work requirements, most Medicaid recipients already work—just without employer health benefits. Existing job assistance initiatives, like Ohio’s CareSource program, have seen modest success but remain rare, leaving many struggling to find stable employment.

**Work Requirements vs. Job Training: The Medicaid Debate Heats Up**

States like Arkansas and Georgia have implemented Medicaid work mandates, but studies show no significant increase in employment. Meanwhile, programs offering job training and coaching, such as UPMC’s Pathways to Work, demonstrate better outcomes—highlighting the debate over punitive policies versus supportive solutions.

**Could Medicaid Job Programs Reduce Public Assistance Dependency?**

Some Medicaid health plans, like CareSource, connect enrollees with life coaching and job placement, helping individuals like Eric Wunderlin transition to stable careers. Yet with most states lacking robust job assistance, critics argue work requirements risk harming low-income families rather than lifting them up.

**NYC lawyers declare “five-alarm fire” over Trump’s attacks on judiciary**

Over 350 attorneys packed the NYC Bar Association meeting to strategize against Trump’s executive orders and threats to judicial independence—calling it a “five-alarm fire” for democracy.

**”Lawyers serve the law, not the executive”**

NYC Bar Association President Muhammad Faridi urged legal professionals to resist Trump’s targeting of judges and Big Law firms, warning: “What we’re witnessing is not normal—and must not be normalized.”

**Big Law divided as firms fight—or fold—under Trump’s pressure**

While Paul Weiss and others struck deals with the administration, firms like Jenner & Block are leading resistance efforts—sparking heated debate over ethics, protests, and lawsuits to defend the rule of law.

**Judges face pizza delivery death threats as legal fear grows**

Retired Judge Shira Scheindlin revealed chilling intimidation tactics, including threats mimicking the murder of a judge’s son, as lawyers grapple with fears of FBI raids and job loss for speaking out.

World leaders and royals gathered at Pope Francis’ funeral, with front-row seats revealing tense diplomatic dynamics. Volodymyr Zelensky sat just 10 seats from Donald Trump, while Prince William joined German Chancellor Olaf Scholz further back. The VIP section placed Argentina’s Javier Milei and Italy’s leaders closest to the altar, highlighting the Vatican’s global connections.

China escalates trade war with 125% retaliatory tariffs on US imports, calling America’s levies “unilateral bullying.” The new tariffs take effect Saturday as Beijing warns Washington risks becoming “a joke” in global economics. Analysts warn of economic disruption as neither superpower shows signs of backing down from the tariff battle. Global markets react nervously, with Asian stocks tumbling while US futures edge slightly higher.

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**Why a 90s British sitcom became a Balkan obsession**

Only Fools and Horses, the beloved UK sitcom, found an unexpected fanbase in the Balkans—where it’s even more popular than in Britain. With IMDb ratings soaring and themed cafes in Belgrade, the show’s humor and hustler spirit resonated deeply in post-Yugoslav societies.

**From Peckham to Serbia: The unlikely rise of a cult classic**

The 1992 Christmas episode mocking bottled tap water became iconic—just like the show’s enduring Balkan fame. Serbia, Croatia, and Bosnia adore the series, with actor John Challis even earning honorary Serbian citizenship. Fans say Del Boy’s get-rich-quick dreams mirror their own struggles.

**A British sitcom that conquered the Balkans**

Only Fools and Horses didn’t just dominate UK Christmas TV—it became a cultural phenomenon in the Balkans. With sky-high ratings and a Serbian-themed café, the show’s charm lies in its relatable underdog humor. As one fan put it: “This time next year, we’ll be millionaires!”

**Weak Dollar, Higher Costs: How the Falling Greenback Hits Your Wallet**

A weakening US dollar could drive up prices on everything from groceries to vacations, squeezing American consumers. With the dollar at a three-year low, imported goods and overseas travel are becoming more expensive. Experts warn tariffs and a devalued dollar create a “double whammy” for shoppers. Retailers like Walmart may pass higher costs onto consumers, making everyday purchases pricier.

**Why a Weak Dollar Means More Expensive Imports and Travel**

The US dollar’s decline is making foreign goods and vacations costlier for American consumers. Tariffs and a weaker currency could force retailers to raise prices on everything from electronics to furniture. Travelers may also feel the pinch as hotels and transportation abroad become more expensive. Economists warn the full impact could take months—or even years—to unfold.

**From Walmart to Vacations: How the Dollar’s Drop Affects You**

A falling US dollar could soon hit consumers where it hurts—their wallets. With import costs rising, everyday items may get pricier, while overseas trips become more expensive. Analysts say tariffs and a weaker greenback create a “double whammy” for shoppers. Even those staying home could see higher prices at stores like Walmart and Dollar General.