Controversy grows over Finland’s use of long-term alcohol detection tests on employees. Experts raise privacy concerns as workers report surprise testing and serious job consequences.

Prominent community members of Alaska’s North Slope warmly welcomed top Trump administration officials last week while ripping into the prior administration led by former President Joe Biden. A trio of Trump cabinet officials – Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, and Energy Secretary Chris Wright – traveled to northern Alaska last week to announce that Biden-era restrictions on oil development in the region would be rescinded. The cabinet officials met with North Slope residents in Utqiagvik, Alaska. Inupiat tribal leaders and officials greeted the news enthusiastically, according to video of the meeting obtained by The Daily Wire. “When we had a similar meeting with the former Secretary of the Interior, that rule was announced after everybody got on the plane and flew out,” said Josiah Patkotak, mayor of North Slope Borough. He added that the prior administration’s rule “was contrary to what the public comment was.” “Here we are, full transparency from our own secretary, and I think that deserves another round of applause,” Patkotak said after Burgum announced the administration’s intent to scrap the Biden-era restrictions. Last year, the Biden administration banned oil and gas exploration and drilling across 10.6 million acres in the National Petroleum Reserve of Alaska (NPRA), a reserve set aside decades ago by Congress for future oil development. The administration put tight restrictions on development on another roughly three million acres of the reserve. In total, over half of the roughly 23-million acre reserve was locked to development. Gift Dad an All Access Membership. Use code DAD40 at checkout to save 40%! “Our ask is the same as always: that the North Slope Inupiat be central to discussions and decisions about land use in our region,” said Rex Rock, Sr., the president and CEO of the Arctic Slope Regional Corporation. “Under the previous administration, as you heard, there were many actions that undermined our people’s self-determination, ignored our voices, and negatively impacted our communities. Their 2024 rule, Management and Protection of the National Petroleum Reserve – Alaska, was not supported by a single entity in our region – and they still chose to implement it,” he said. “Our region opposed the 2022 NPRA integrated activity plan because it took 50% of the NPRA off the table for development, which impacts the ability of our region to provide services to our people and communities,” Rock added. Charles Lampe, the current president of the Kaktovik Inupiat Corporation, said that under the Biden administration, the North Slope and its residents “were under attack” by environmental groups. Groups such as The Wilderness Society have long pushed for federal restrictions on Alaska’s North Slope that would ban development and industry, even in the petroleum reserve. “On Day 1, President Trump told the Fish and Wildlife Department to deny that request. And that was such an amazing thing for us to be able to see. And we were so proud of our president then because he made sure that our ancestral homelands weren’t going to be stolen, [but] protected,” Lampe said. “So, I really need to bring back this just immense gratitude to President Trump for that action.” “If the other guy would have won,” said Lampe, refering to former President Joe Biden and former Vice President Kamala Harris, “there’s no doubt in my mind that our homeland would have been stolen, and there’s nothing we could have done about it.”

California’s Democrat leadership just poured gasoline on the fire. With Los Angeles already under National Guard lockdown and chaos spilling into the streets, Senator Alex Padilla went on MSNBC to encourage protesters to “keep protesting.” Padilla Endorses Mass Demonstrations Amid National Guard Deployment Senator Padilla—a staunch ally of Joe Biden and Gavin Newsom—told MSNBC viewers to keep up pressure on federal immigration enforcement, urging demonstrators to continue protesting despite escalating violence in LA. “Protest peacefully, but please keep protesting,” Padilla said, as the city burned and law enforcement braced for more Molotov cocktails and freeway takeovers. His comments were a direct rebuke of Trump’s immigration crackdown, which saw ICE arrest over 100 illegal immigrants with outstanding deportation orders—sparking the current wave of protests that rapidly turned violent. City in Turmoil, Leaders Cheer On the Mayhem The timing couldn’t be worse. As National Guard troops patrol downtown Los Angeles, and violent protesters torch self-driving cars, the state’s top officials are openly siding with the agitators. Instead of restoring order, Senator Padilla is encouraging more unrest, echoing a dangerous trend seen among far-left Democrats nationwide. CALL TO ACTION NATIONWIDE EMERGENCY PROTEST – ALL 50 STATES Sunday June 9th – 12 pm Local We Demand : End military deployments against protest Protect First Amendment rights Halt regime kidnappings No martial law under guise of security pic.twitter.com/CyLQX5glif — LokiVanLodenaken (@vonLodricksburg) June 8, 2025 Meanwhile, California Governor Gavin Newsom and LA Mayor Karen Bass are busy blaming Trump rather than the criminals who turned protests into riots. Where is the leadership? While conservatives demand law and order, Democrats are cheering from the sidelines as cities crumble. A Stark Contrast Between Parties on Immigration and Public Safety Padilla’s plea to “keep protesting” highlights just how radically out of touch the Democrat Party has become on immigration and public safety. Republicans are demanding secure borders and enforcement of existing laws. Democrats? They’re backing mobs in the street and slamming the National Guard for trying to stop the chaos. Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT) demands nationwide anti-ICE protests. "We are going to rise to this moment by being out there on the streets." Let’s stoke the fire shall we? pic.twitter.com/gxBkPI5iFy — jet (@jet50311101) June 9, 2025 The political message couldn’t be clearer: the Left is siding with illegal immigrants over American sovereignty and safety. Sources: Protest peacefully but please keep protesting: Senator makes plea to Los Angeles This Was All Part of Their Plan: Democrat Senator Calls for Nationwide Street Protests on MSNBC (VIDEO) | The Gateway Pundit | by Jim Hoft

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM As diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs face growing political resistance in the United States, Spain is charting a different course that is grounded in comprehensive workplace protections for LGBTQ+ people. In October, Spain’s center-left government issued a sweeping decree requiring companies with more than 50 employees to implement specific anti-discrimination policies. The move follows the country’s broader 2023 “real equality” law, which laid the foundation for what may be the world’s most ambitious legislation advancing LGBTQ+ rights at work. “We should not think of LGBTI+ issues as only a matter of rights for a minority, but also as an opportunity to incorporate talent into the progress of the country,” said Julio del Valle de Íscar, Spain’s director for LGBTQ+ equality. A workplace framework unlike any other Unlike broader anti-discrimination laws in other nations, Spain’s new legislation outlines clear, actionable steps for companies. Employers must now include clauses against LGBTQ+ discrimination in collective bargaining agreements, offer training to recruitment staff to prevent bias, and establish internal protocols to address harassment. “We all need a job to pay the bills, and LGTBI+ people do not leave their rights at the office door,” said del Valle de Íscar. The law aims to address disparities such as higher poverty and unemployment rates within LGBTQ+ communities. A recent report from the umbrella advocacy group FELGTB noted that LGBTQ+ Spaniards are 13 percent more at risk of poverty than the general population. Among LGBTQ+ people over 60, unemployment is three times higher than among their straight counterparts. A World Bank report has further suggested that inclusive policies benefit not just marginalized communities but also companies and national economies. A contrast with U.S. policy shifts Spain’s legislation comes as the U.S. government, under its current administration, has moved to dismantle DEI frameworks. Executive orders signed earlier this year have eliminated federal DEI programs and warned suppliers of U.S. embassies and consulates to comply with the ban or risk losing payments. These changes have reverberated across the corporate world, with major brands such as Google, Target, and McDonald’s scaling back or rebranding their DEI strategies. While some firms continue inclusion efforts discreetly, the political climate has cast a chilling effect. William Gil D’Avolio, executive director of FELGTB, acknowledged the shifting tides in the U.S., calling Spain’s leadership “a beacon of light” and expressing hope that more countries will follow suit. Embraced by the private sector Spain’s business community has, by and large, welcomed the new regulations. Oscar Muñoz, co-director of REDI, Spain’s first LGBTQ+ business inclusion network, said the transition has been smoother than expected. Since its launch in 2018, REDI has grown from 13 companies to over 300 members. “We are surprised by how easy the implementation is turning out to be,” Muñoz said. “Companies know this brings modernity and innovation. Tomorrow’s society is there.” The work ahead Despite progress, advocates note that gaps remain. Activists are pushing for more detailed provisions supporting transgender employees, including workplace transition policies, inclusive language protocols, and gender-affirming training for management. “People often wait until much later in life to transition because they fear risking their careers,” said Muñoz. Small gestures like respecting pronouns or updating company ID cards can foster a more supportive work environment, he added. Spain has also not been immune to anti-LGBTQ+ backlash. The far-right Vox party has proposed repealing protections in several regions, including in healthcare and education. Yet the existence of national legislation offers a vital layer of stability, said Gil D’Avolio. “This shows how important it is to have laws in place that are above the individual interests of political parties and politicians,” he said. A model for the future While the road to workplace equity is still being paved, Spain’s legal framework stands out in a moment when global consensus on inclusion appears increasingly fractured. As other countries reassess their commitments, Spain’s bold steps offer not just legal protections but also a vision of a more inclusive and innovative workforce.The post Spain leads on LGBTQ+ workplace rights first appeared on The Optimist Daily: Making Solutions the News.

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Sparkling water is having a moment, and for good reason. This fizzy drink has become a go-to for people who want something more exciting than plain water. But if you’re drinking it daily (or hourly), you might wonder: is sparkling water actually good for you? Dietitians say it can be a great hydration option, especially for those who struggle to drink enough plain water. But like most things, there are a few caveats to keep in mind. Here’s what you need to know. The benefits of sparkling water For starters, sparkling water can help you stay hydrated. “Having a carbonated water beverage can be equally as hydrating as drinking a regular glass of water,” says Melissa Mitri, MS, RD, a registered dietitian and owner of Melissa Mitri Nutrition. Considering how common dehydration is, anything that helps you meet your daily fluid intake (9 to 13 cups a day, depending on your body) is a win. The bubbles might even support your digestion. Some research suggests carbonated water may help relieve constipation and support gallbladder function. And thanks to its fizzy volume, it may help you feel fuller for longer, which could support weight management goals. Another major perk? For soda drinkers looking to cut back on sugar, sparkling water offers the same effervescent experience—often without the sugar or artificial sweeteners (depending on the brand). Are there downsides to sparkling water? Most people tolerate sparkling water just fine, but it’s not risk-free. “Some people report excess gas and bloating after drinking any carbonated beverage, including sparkling water,” Mitri says. If you’re prone to acid reflux or have had bariatric surgery, you might want to sip slowly—or skip it altogether. There’s also your dental health to think about. Carbonation can wear away at tooth enamel over time. To protect your teeth, try rinsing with water after drinking or enjoy your sparkling water with a meal. And don’t assume all sparkling water is created equal. Some varieties sneak in added sugars or sodium. Caroline Thomason, RD, CDCES, recommends checking the nutrition label and looking for drinks with under five grams of sugar and less than 75 mg of sodium per serving. If your sparkling water contains artificial flavors or sweeteners, take note. The research is mixed—some studies raise questions about long-term impacts on gut health and metabolism, while others suggest they may help with blood sugar control when replacing regular sugar. For now, moderation is key. So, is sparkling water good for you? For most people, yes—with some common-sense guidelines. Sparkling water is a helpful hydration tool when chosen wisely and enjoyed as part of a balanced routine. Just be mindful if you have digestive sensitivities or dental concerns. Look for brands with minimal or no added sugar, no caffeine, and as few artificial ingredients as possible. Drinking a few bubbly beverages a day? No problem.The post Is sparkling water good for you? What to know about the bubbly drink trend first appeared on The Optimist Daily: Making Solutions the News.

Cody Johnson’s road to country music acclaim began far from the polished lights of Nashville, rooted instead in the small town of Sebastopol, Texas. Raised in East Texas, Johnson learned the value of hard work early in life, first as a professional bull rider and later as a prison guard at the Texas Department of Criminal Justice in Huntsville. But even then, music wasn’t far from his mind. He formed the Cody Johnson Band with his father Carl and a small group of musicians while still in his teens, performing at local venues and rodeos. Those early gigs helped Johnson The post Complete List Of Cody Johnson Songs From A to Z appeared first on ClassicRockHistory.com.

Fifteen years ago, Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) slipped an amendment into law that handed a $90 billion windfall to mega-retailers like Walmart and Target — while forcing everyday Americans to foot the bill.Now he’s trying to do it again. This time, he’s recruited Republican help.President Trump has made his priorities clear. He wants America to dominate in financial tech — not hand the future to China.As a former chairman of the House Financial Services Subcommittee on Capital Markets and Government Sponsored Enterprises — and as a proud Trump ally — I’m alarmed that Sen. Roger Marshall (R-Kan.) has teamed up with Durbin to hijack one of the most important bills of the year: the Genius Act.This legislation, backed by President Trump, would establish the first federal framework for stablecoins — digital dollars backed by U.S. currency and issued by trusted financial institutions. It’s the cornerstone of America’s entry into 21st-century digital payments and a key to ensuring that we — not China — lead the future of global finance.President Trump and Vice President JD Vance have made the bill a top priority. “We’re optimistic that the Senate is able to move quickly on passing a clean Genius Act and for the House to follow up and do the same,” Vance told attendees at the Bitcoin 2025 Conference in Nashville.But that momentum will vanish if Marshall and Durbin succeed in attaching their so-called Credit Card Competition Act. This isn’t reform — it’s the Durbin Amendment 2.0, and we’ve already seen how that story ends.In 2010, despite widespread opposition, Durbin passed his original amendment, shifting the cost of payment processing from big-box retailers onto credit card companies. He promised that consumers would benefit when retailers passed along those savings.They didn’t.A Federal Reserve-backed study later found that only 1% of merchants passed savings on to customers. Meanwhile, 22% raised prices. Card companies — forced to absorb the new costs — cut back on free checking accounts and slashed debit card rewards programs. The number of cardholders earning rewards dropped 30%.Main Street lost. Big box stores cashed in. Even the left-leaning Progressive Policy Institute now admits the amendment failed and has urged Congress to “rethink” the policy.The Credit Card Competition Act would repeat the mistake, but with credit cards. It would force every credit card to operate on at least two payment networks, letting mega-retailers route transactions through the cheapest — and often least secure — option. They’d pocket the savings. Consumers wouldn’t see a dime.RELATED: Trump’s Bitcoin masterstroke puts America ahead in digital assets Photo by IAN MAULE/AFP via Getty ImagesUnder the current system, consumers choose the networks by picking the cards they want to carry. Merchants choose which cards to accept. That’s the free market. The CCCA would dismantle that system and take away the rewards — cash back, airline miles, travel perks — that millions of Americans rely on.Amazon, Walmart, and Target would benefit. Rural consumers, community banks, and small businesses would lose.If this poison-pill amendment gets attached to the Genius Act, the bill’s broad bipartisan support will vanish. Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) has already warned he’ll withdraw support if Durbin 2.0 gets jammed into the final package.Congress must not let backroom deals or crony carve-outs derail this legislation. The Genius Act should be an easy win for consumers, tech innovation, and U.S. leadership in digital finance.President Trump has made his priorities clear. He wants America to dominate in financial technology — not hand the future to China. His administration supports clear, commonsense rules that unlock innovation, protect consumers, and safeguard the dollar’s global status.The Genius Act achieves all of that — if lawmakers pass it clean.Republicans can’t claim to support Trump’s economic agenda while carrying water for woke corporations and their favorite Democrat senator. They need to decide: Stand with Main Street or sell out to K Street. Back American innovation or stick with the same tired crony playbook.The country doesn’t need another Durbin amendment. It needs leadership.

Ghost stories are all fun and games until they’re not.Years ago, when Calvin “Speedy” Wilburn, Rick Burgess’ longtime co-host and producer, traveled around the country visiting haunted sites for a popular October series on the now-retired “Rick and Bubba Show,” he had no idea he’d encounter actual demons.Dubbed “13 Days of Horror,” the well-intentioned Halloween series was supposed to be a lighthearted way to enjoy October festivities. Rick describes it as a “Scooby-Doo ... Ghostbusters kind of thing.”But it wasn’t long before the crew discovered that there’s no such thing as lighthearted horror.On this episode of “Strange Encounters,” Speedy shares the harrowing story of a demonic encounter that shook him so deeply, the team shut down the series forever. “13 Days of Horror” focused primarily on visiting purportedly haunted historical landmarks. Speedy and the camera crew often teamed up with paranormal groups armed with infrared cameras and EMF meters to venture into the country’s dark corners.However, one “very cold Alabama night,” the team broke with tradition when, instead of visiting another landmark, they met up with a lady and her young daughter at their house, which they claimed was haunted.The crew immediately knew they were dealing with something different when the child showed them bloody scratches on her body where a demon had allegedly attacked her in her sleep. The mother told bone-chilling stories of her daughter waking up with braids in her hair that weren’t there before she went to sleep and candles being blown out en masse around the house.Speedy recounts how upon entering the home, he could feel that “the vibe was different.” There was a “heaviness” and a “darkness” that “weighted on [his] shoulders.”The paranormal hunters they were with then began “asking questions for the spirit to appear.” They even had the young girl, who was “horrified,” ask her spiritual tormentor questions about why it was attacking her.That’s when Speedy and the team shut it down and left the house, knowing that what they were involved with was no laughing matter.On the car ride back, one of the staff members who had been taking pictures in the home pulled out his camera to look over the images.The photos he had taken were completely black except for numerous “orbs” hovering everywhere.That’s when the crew knew for certain that what they had experienced was “not a spooky, funny, let's go have a good time, Mystery Machine, Scooby-Doo, bring back a funny bit for the show” situation.“This was a demonic heaviness, a serious situation we were in, and looking back on it and knowing what we were doing and what we were asking, you just feel so foolish,” Speedy tells Rick.While that experience shut down the series permanently, there had already been other experiences that had made the crew wary about their “13 Days of Horror” segment. There was another time when the crew was left quaking in their boots after visiting the children’s wing of an abandoned mental institution.Speedy also shares wild stories from his dad’s days of going door-to-door sharing the gospel that will make your blood run cold. From a woman who “roared like a lion” at the sound of Jesus’ name to a sick patient who spoke in a voice that was not her own, these moments confronted Speedy with a spiritual reality far beyond the playful scares the crew had set out to chase.To hear the details of each harrowing demonic encounter and Rick’s biblical response, watch the episode above.Want more from Rick Burgess?To enjoy more bold talk and big laughs, subscribe to BlazeTV — the largest multi-platform network of voices who love America, defend the Constitution, and live the American dream.

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By Blessing Nweke U.S. authorities announced Monday the arrest of a Chinese doctoral student accused of smuggling biological material into the United States, marking the second such case in recent days.…