Security Concerns Grow Over Svalbard Land Sale, Norway Blocks Deal

Norwegian authorities blocked the sale of land in Svalbard to foreign investors over security concerns.  Norway has recently moved to intervene in the proposed sale of Søre Fagerfjord, the last privately owned parcel of land in the Svalbard archipelago, citing national security concerns. The 60-square-kilometre property, located in southwestern Svalbard, includes fjords, mountains, plains, and…

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Federal Judge Orders Restitution Refund for Pardoned January 6 Defendant

In a landmark ruling, a federal judge authorized the U.S. government to refund over $2,000 in restitution paid by a January 6 Capitol riot defendant whose felony conviction was vacated following a presidential pardon. This decision marks the first instance where a pardoned rioter has successfully reclaimed court-ordered restitution, setting a significant legal precedent. Background…

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Why the USDA Cancelled Local Food Purchasing Programs, Impacting Schools and Food Banks

In a significant policy shift, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced the termination of two key programs that collectively provided over $1 billion in funding to schools, childcare centers, and food banks for purchasing food directly from local farms. The decision has raised concerns among agricultural advocates, educators, and community leaders about the potential…

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