Markets often react before anyone has time to think. A data release surprises, a central bank statement lands differently than expected, or sentiment shifts suddenly after weeks of uncertainty. Prices move quickly, sometimes aggressively, and then… they don’t. What follows is usually quieter, less dramatic, and often more revealing. After the first reaction to economic […]

'They’re trying to do something about it in Australia'

'Barbaric criminal'

'It’s been amazing what’s taken place in Syria'

How Olivier Janssens Is Redefining Shared Prosperity When Olivier Janssens quietly began mining Bitcoin in 2010, few could have predicted where the technology, or his career, would lead. At the time, Bitcoin traded for roughly one dollar, was barely understood outside a small group of technologists, and was dismissed by many as an experiment with […]

'Make the trains run on time'

Editor’s note: This is a lightly edited transcript of today’s video from Daily Signal Senior Contributor Victor Davis Hanson. Subscribe to our YouTube channel to see more of his videos. Hello, this is Victor Davis Hanson for The Daily Signal. Recently, the Trump administration, as most administrations do at the beginning of their four-year term, issued a National Security Strategy—I guess we would call it a white paper—outlining the approach of the administration to foreign affairs and the protection of the security in the United States. It’s written in a different style than past reports, different than the first term. And it has a lot of emphasis, as most do, on sections of the world. But what has caused the most controversy are two things. Abroad, the report tells Europe that it’s experiencing “civilizational erasure,” and gives advice to the Europeans about what they must do to correct that, but in a manner of brotherly love or help, which the Europeans, of course, will see as condescending and interference into their internal affairs, except they want us to do it in the NATO part of the equation, but not the EU part. And that’s caused a lot of controversy. The other is, the critics feel that it’s not critical enough of Russia and China. But if you read it very carefully, the whole point of its Pacific discussion is to bolster the alliances of Japan and South Korea, and to warn China to keep away from Taiwan and Australia. And then, when we get to the economic domestic aspects of the National Security Strategy, it’s all aimed at China. It’s all aimed at China. It just says that we cannot be a successful, dominant power in the world, and we don’t want any other power to be dominant. And by inference, that’s Russia and China. But on matters of trade, under matters of natural resources, under matters of the South China Sea, it’s aimed at China. And it does say explicitly that the old paradigm that previous, both Republican and Democratic, presidencies had adhered to, namely, the more money you invest from us and put it over there in China, and the more that you import their products here, even though you’re dealing with an asymmetrical trade system—and I think the report uses the word that it’s free but not fair—don’t kid yourself. That ensuing prosperity will not create a huge consumer class who desires freedom and liberty and then will become a force for the democratization of China. That’s not gonna happen. Instead, that foreign exchange extravaganza will be put into the largest ship-building—and I mean military ship-building—the largest aircraft production, and the largest small arms and major arms industry in such a short time that we’ve ever seen. And that’s what China’s doing. And that is outlined. The other controversy is: Why didn’t the National Security Strategy be more condemning of Russian President Vladimir Putin? It says that the Europeans have promised to spend 2% of their gross domestic product on military matters and have promised to increase that to 5%, which would be extraordinary. And of course, the paper says that they should and they must be watched to keep their promises, but it doesn’t really condemn Vladimir Putin in the strongest of terms. Basically, it is saying that the Ukraine war must come to an end. But why is that controversial? It’s the largest war on the European continent since World War II. The dead now exceed Stalingrad. The Ukrainian military’s average age is approaching the late 30s, maybe even 40s. Ukraine has probably lost 300,000 dead, wounded, and killed. The Russians are probably at 1.3 million. So, the inference of the strategic assessment is that war should end before Ukraine is overwhelmed, unless the Europeans suddenly get religion and they wanna spend 5% immediately, and they want to pour sophisticated weapons systems, without restrictions, into Ukraine. But I don’t think the assessment sees correctly that that’s gonna happen. So, it’s pretty common sense. Do you wanna have an ongoing, bleeding Stalingrad or Verdun or Somme right on the borders of Europe? The other subtext is, they want some type—the people, the authors, it’s pretty clear by inference that they would like Russia to be strategically calculated as a foil to China and vice versa. That’s getting back to Henry Kissinger’s we’re gonna be no better friend, no worse enemy to China than it is to Russia, than to Russia, than it is to China. A triangular type of strategic relationship that does not allow those two powers—one with 6,000 to 7,000 nuclear weapons and a huge amount of oil, the other with 1.4 billion people and probably the largest conventional military, other than our own, in the world—to combine, strategically, along with their subsidiaries like North Korea and Iraq. Finally, two things, very quickly. It puts a lot of emphasis on the Monroe Doctrine, the new Monroe Doctrine. And it basically says, why have we allowed Panama to be colonized—the Panama Canal—by the Chinese? Why do we have Russians and Chinese and Iranians involved in narco-terrorism, in the case of Venezuela, maybe Colombia, maybe some other South American illiberal, totalitarian governments? Why are we allowing the Chinese to assemble products in Mexico to evade our tariffs, when Mexico is supposedly a friend, hand in glove is helping the Chinese cheat on tariffs when they’re running $171 billion trade surplus with us, $63 billion in remittances? Probably $20 billion in additional cartel revenues from human trafficking and fentanyl. And then, of course, the main concern of the strategic assessment in the Western Hemisphere is, they’re killing 75,000 Americans a year. A year. And it’s not just a bunch of people who it’s their own fault, why are they taking drugs? It’s a lot of these drugs that are fentanyl and dangerous opiates are laced to look like prescription drugs and, you know, recreational drugs. So, if you have a daughter or son who goes to a party and someone says, “Take a Valium,” that could be fentanyl and kill them. And that’s by intent, on the part of the Chinese. So, it wants to rectify the presence of China, stop the narco-terrorism that’s sponsored by or occurs with the help of Russia and China. And in that matter, it’s a new Monroe Doctrine. And then, finally, very quickly, it says we can’t do any of this if we don’t have a fast-growing economy with plenty of affordable energy that is not dependent on rare earth and other precious minerals and resources being imported by our enemies. And we need a low inflationary, high GDP economy, and we’re going to do that by deregulation, tax reductions, measured reciprocal tariffs, and, of course, much more oil and gas. And the result of that, they feel, will be that the United States, being much more careful not to intervene explicitly—it says in the assessment not to intervene on the ground and get into a Middle East war. And that’s a reaction to $1.3 trillion spent in Iraq, another trillion-plus spent in Afghanistan 20 years later to the most illiberal government in the world, with some of its expatriates shooting and killing Americans here in the United States. And in the hands of the Taliban was what the Afghan misadventure ended up as, as we saw under the Biden administration in 2021, that terrible August. And finally, the Iraqi misadventure, we don’t know how that will end up. It’s probably better than Saddam Hussein. But the question is, we lost a lot of wonderful Americans, we spent a lot of money, and we don’t wanna repeat that. So, it’s not Fortress America in isolation. It’s Fortress America, much better to help its friends and hurt its enemies and be the dominant power in the world today. We publish a variety of perspectives. Nothing written here is to be construed as representing the views of The Daily Signal. The post Trump’s New National Security Strategy Holds China’s Feet to the Fire appeared first on The Daily Signal.

President Donald Trump has declared fentanyl a weapon of mass destruction.   “With this historic executive order I will sign today, we’re formerly classifying fentanyl as a weapon of mass destruction, which is what it is,” the president said at the White House Monday. “No bomb does what this is doing,” Trump added.   BREAKING: President Trump just declared FENTANYL a WEAPON OF MASS DESTRUCTION.This critical step unleashes every tool to combat the cartels & foreign networks responsible for flooding communities with this deadly substance—the leading cause of death among Americans aged 18-45. pic.twitter.com/C9YXC53kzK— The White House (@WhiteHouse) December 15, 2025 Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid, is highly lethal. Even a small amount equivalent to a few crystals of salt can be enough to kill a grown adult. Today, fentanyl remains the leading cause of death for Americans between the age of 18-45.   In the years following the COVID-19 pandemic, drug overdose deaths, primarily driven by fentanyl, spiked to as high as 100,000 or more a year. In 2024, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported more than 48,000 Americans died from synthetic opioid—mainly, fentanyl—poisonings and overdoses.  The fentanyl crisis has played a significant role in the policymaking conversations related to securing the U.S. southern border. It has become a common practice of drug cartels to lace other drugs with fentanyl, meaning consumers of the drug often do not know what they are ingesting, which has led to the tragic spike in fentanyl poisonings.   The precursor chemicals used to make fentanyl flow out of China to South and Central America before making their way into the U.S. through ports or land borders. In November, FBI Director Kash Patel announced that China had agreed to take action to stop the flow of fentanyl precursor chemicals out of China.   “These substances are now banned, and they will no longer be utilized by the Mexican drug trafficking organizations or any other [drug trafficking organizations] around the world to make this drug,” the FBI director said, calling the agreement a “historic achievement.”    Customs and Border Protection agents continue to seize fentanyl at the border and U.S. ports, but seizures did decline in fiscal year 2025.   In fiscal year 2023, CBP seized 27,000 pounds of fentanyl. Seizures fell to 21,900 pounds in 2024 and declined again in fiscal year 2025 to 12,000 pounds.   The post Trump Declares Lethal Drug a ‘Weapon of Mass Destruction’   appeared first on The Daily Signal.

Your dog’s oral health directly impacts their overall wellbeing, yet 80% of dogs show signs of dental disease by age three. Poor dental hygiene leads to pain, tooth loss, and serious health complications. We at DogingtonPost know that selecting the right dental care dog treats makes a significant difference in preventing these problems. The right treats actively remove plaque while keeping your pet engaged and happy. Understanding Your Dog’s Dental Health Needs What Dental Problems Should You Watch For Yellow teeth, bad breath that clears the room, and red gums signal serious dental trouble in your dog’s mouth. The American Veterinary Medical Association reports that most pets suffer from dental health problems, with periodontal disease affecting the majority of adult dogs. Watch for loose teeth, excessive drool, difficulty chewing, or pawing at the face. These symptoms indicate bacteria buildup that can spread to vital organs through the bloodstream and cause heart, liver, and kidney damage. How Dental Treats Fight Plaque and Tartar Dental treats work through mechanical action as your dog chews, with studies showing they can reduce plaque coverage by 30% to 40%. The textured surfaces scrub teeth clean while they promote saliva production, which naturally fights harmful bacteria. Products approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council must meet specific standards to earn their seal. Daily tooth brushing remains the gold standard, but dental treats offer an effective alternative for dogs that resist brushing. Why Breed Size Matters for Dental Care Small breeds face higher dental risks due to crowded teeth in tiny mouths, which makes them prone to faster plaque accumulation and tooth loss. Large breed dogs need harder, bigger treats to effectively clean their 42 teeth, while toy breeds require smaller, softer options to prevent choking. Brachycephalic breeds (like bulldogs) struggle with breathing during chewing and require specially designed treats that clean efficiently without extended chew time. Match treat size to your dog’s mouth – treats should be large enough to prevent swallowing whole but small enough for comfortable chewing. The right dental treat depends on more than just your dog’s size. Specific features in these treats determine how effectively they clean teeth and support oral health. Key Features to Look for in Dental Dog Treats Texture Creates the Cleaning Power The texture of dental treats determines their cleaning effectiveness, with ridged and knobby surfaces providing superior plaque removal compared to smooth alternatives. Research shows that treats containing specific ingredients can efficiently decrease plaque and calculus accumulation in dogs. Hard treats scrape away stubborn plaque deposits, while softer options work better for senior dogs or those with sensitive teeth. Treats that crumble easily lose their mechanical cleaning action before your dog finishes chewing, making them ineffective for oral health. Size and Shape Selection Strategy Match treat size to your dog’s weight and jaw strength, not just their breed. A 20-pound dog needs treats roughly the size of their back molars to prevent gulping without chewing. Bone-shaped treats with textured ends clean back teeth effectively, while twisted or braided designs increase surface contact time during chewing. Dogs weighing under 25 pounds should receive treats no larger than 2 inches to prevent choking, while dogs over 50 pounds need treats at least 4 inches long for proper cleaning action. Active Ingredients That Fight Bacteria Polyphosphate coatings reduce tartar formation by 55% according to dental studies, making this ingredient a powerful tool for problem cases. Chlorophyll and parsley extract neutralize odor-causing bacteria, while enzymes like glucose oxidase break down biofilm formation on teeth. Natural fiber sources like sweet potato provide gentle abrasion, and calcium carbonate helps strengthen tooth enamel. Products with zinc compounds actively fight bacterial growth (though some dogs may experience stomach upset with high concentrations). What to Avoid in Dental Treats Skip treats with excessive sugars or artificial colors that feed harmful bacteria in your dog’s mouth. Products that dissolve quickly provide minimal cleaning benefit and waste your money. Treats harder than your dog’s teeth can cause fractures and expensive dental procedures. Rawhide products without proper processing may contain harmful bacteria that pose health risks. The Veterinary Oral Health Council sets strict standards for dental product approval, requiring products to reduce plaque by at least 10% or tartar by 20%. These approved products represent the most effective options available for maintaining your dog’s oral health. Which Dental Treats Actually Work VOHC-Approved Treats Deliver Proven Results Greenies Regular Chewy Dental Dog Treats earn the most widespread veterinary recommendations among VOHC-approved options, with their unique texture and shape that reduces both plaque and tartar buildup. Virbac C.E.T. Enzymatic Rawhide Chews feature a distinctive Z-shape that increases contact with tooth surfaces, which makes them 42% more effective than standard round treats. OraVet Dental Hygiene Chews contain delmopinol, which has shown a 42% reduction in plaque and 54% reduction in halitosis with daily use. These VOHC-approved products must demonstrate proven effectiveness in controlled studies, which makes them the most reliable choices for serious dental care. Natural Chews Versus Synthetic Options Natural dental chews like WHIMZEES use limited ingredients such as potato starch and glycerin, which makes them suitable for dogs with food sensitivities. However, synthetic options like Greenies contain precisely controlled abrasives and enzymes that natural products cannot match for effectiveness. Natural rawhide chews provide excellent mechanical action but carry contamination risks and digestive concerns that synthetic alternatives avoid. Purina DentaLife Daily Oral Care treats use synthetic fibers that maintain their texture throughout the chew session, while natural alternatives often soften and lose their power. For maximum dental benefit, synthetic VOHC-approved treats outperform natural options (though natural chews work better for dogs with ingredient allergies). Size-Specific Product Recommendations Small dogs under 25 pounds need Greenies Petite or Virbac VeggieDent Extra Small to prevent choking while they provide adequate time for thorough teeth contact. Medium dogs between 25-50 pounds benefit from Greenies Regular or Blue Buffalo Wilderness Wild Bones, which offer the right balance of hardness and chew duration. Large breed dogs over 50 pounds require Greenies Large or Pedigree Dentastix Large, which provide sufficient challenge and action for powerful jaws. Giant breeds need extra-large options that prevent gulping while they last long enough to clean all 42 teeth effectively (these dogs can easily swallow smaller treats whole without any benefit). Final Thoughts Effective dental care dog treats require VOHC approval, proper size for your dog’s weight, and textured surfaces that provide mechanical action. Products with polyphosphate coatings and enzyme ingredients deliver superior plaque reduction compared to basic chews. Start new treats gradually with half portions for three days while you monitor for digestive upset or allergic reactions. Supervise initial sessions to verify your dog handles the size and hardness appropriately. Never switch multiple dental products at once (this prevents you from identifying which product causes any adverse reactions). Consistent daily use of quality treats reduces plaque by up to 40% and prevents costly veterinary dental procedures. Poor dental hygiene affects 80% of dogs by age three, but proactive care prevents pain and systemic health complications. Combined with regular brushing and professional cleanings, these treats maintain your dog’s oral health throughout their lifetime. We at DogingtonPost provide comprehensive guidance on responsible dog ownership that enhances your pet’s quality of life.

The Two Iowa NatGuard Members Murdered in Syria Identified