THREAD: irs cuts of workforce

DRONE FOOTAGE Exposes Shocking Execution Of Ukrainian Soldiers

10 April 2025 — Ukrainian soldiers were captured by Russian troops in the village of Piatykhatky. Drone footage from both sides shows conflicting stories about the incident. The Associated Press obtained these videos, revealing starkly different outcomes for the captured Ukrainians.

The Ukrainian drone video shows Russian soldiers executing four Ukrainian captives. Rollo Collins from the Center for Information Resilience confirmed this as an illegal act, not typical combat killing. This footage highlights ongoing atrocities in the conflict.

Conversely, a Russian drone video shared on pro-Kremlin social media ends with Ukrainians alive on the ground after surrendering. A Russian military blogger claimed their forces captured them without further violence. These contrasting videos underscore differing narratives and propaganda efforts from both sides in this brutal conflict.

Two videos tell two stories: one of survival and one of execution, illustrating how information warfare plays out alongside physical battles in Ukraine’s ongoing struggle against Russia’s aggression. The truth remains contested amid these digital battlegrounds, leaving room for interpretation and misinformation to thrive.

IRS TECH OVERHAUL Promises BIG Changes for Taxpayers

08 April 2025 — The IRS is set to roll out its Technical Roadmapping Initiative, aiming to modernize and streamline its tech systems. This move seeks to improve taxpayer services, enhance data security, and boost efficiency. A team of skilled IRS engineers will work on creating efficient systems for American taxpayers.

A seminar called the IRS Roadmapping Kickoff will launch this week, featuring strategy sessions led by these engineers. They plan to update the agency’s outdated tech infrastructure that’s been around for decades. Central to this effort is a unified API system for secure communication and better management of taxpayer info.

This modernization aligns with President Donald Trump’s commitment to transparency and responsible use of taxpayer resources. A senior tech executive at the IRS highlighted new features like a “Where is my refund?” tool that could help Americans track their federal tax returns more easily.

TRUMP’S BOLD Defense of US Trade Tariffs Stirs Controversy

07 April 2025 — Former President Donald Trump is firmly defending the sweeping tariffs from his time in office, despite facing backlash. He argues these tariffs are vital to protect American jobs and industries, saying, “sometimes you have to take medicine.”

Critics warn these tariffs might raise consumer prices and spark retaliation from countries like China. Analysts suggest Trump’s stance could energize his base in key battleground states where manufacturing jobs matter most.

Trump supporters believe the tariffs will revive American manufacturing, even as protests against them grow in various cities. Demonstrators claim the economic impact will hit the working class hardest.

The tariff debate becomes crucial ahead of elections, shaping voter opinions and party strategies. Republican leaders are split on Trump’s policies, with some worried about possible economic fallout.

ISRAELI STRIKES in Gaza: Tragic Loss of Women and Children

07 April 2025 — Israeli military action in the Gaza Strip led to at least 32 deaths, including women and children, according to local health officials. The strikes occurred as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu traveled to the United States for talks with President Donald Trump about the ongoing conflict.

Israel ended its ceasefire with Hamas last month, aiming to pressure the group into a new truce and hostage release deal by seizing territory. The blockade on food, fuel, and other supplies has worsened conditions in Gaza. Late Sunday, Israel ordered evacuations in Deir al-Balah after about ten projectiles were launched from Gaza.

Hamas claimed responsibility for the rocket barrage that saw five intercepted by Israeli defenses. A rocket landed in Ashkelon city, causing minor injuries to one man. In response, Israel targeted a rocket launcher within Gaza territory. Overnight strikes hit Khan Younis city, killing multiple civilians including a female journalist admired for her dedication by her grieving mother.

UN VIDEO CHALLENGES Israeli Actions: Shocking Footage of Medic Tragedy

05 April 2025 — A phone video from a Palestinian medic disputes Israeli claims about an incident in southern Gaza. The footage shows emergency vehicles with flashing lights and logos clearly visible. Despite this, Israeli troops opened fire, tragically killing 15 medics.

The video, released by the Palestinian Red Crescent Society, captures the moments before the attack. Medics approached an ambulance under fire when their vehicles were targeted. Gunfire lasted over five minutes as a medic prayed for forgiveness and expressed his commitment to helping others.

Israeli troops later bulldozed over the bodies and vehicles, creating a mass grave in Tel al-Sultan. U.N. workers could only retrieve the bodies a week later due to ongoing operations in Rafah.

The Palestinian ambassador shared the video with the U.N., highlighting its significance at a Security Council meeting. The Associated Press obtained this footage through diplomatic channels under anonymity due to its sensitive nature.

US INTEL CUTS to Ukraine Spark Fears of Abandonment

06 March 2025 — The UNITED STATES has stopped sharing intelligence with Ukraine, causing worry among European allies. President Macron warned Europe to prepare for a future where the US might not be as supportive. This change comes amid the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia.

In response, EU members are holding emergency talks to strengthen support for Ukraine. They aim to address changing dynamics and ensure continued backing for Kyiv in its fight against Russian aggression.

Meanwhile, severe weather during Mardi Gras destroyed a recently rebuilt camp in Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana. Owner Christian Amedee believes a tornado caused the damage, adding more hardship after reconstruction efforts.

In other news, former President Trump issued a stern warning to Hamas about Israeli hostages in Gaza. He suggested dire consequences if civilians held hostages during negotiations in Qatar aimed at resolving the conflict and securing hostage releases.

IRS BLOCKS Musk Aide: PRIVACY Concerns or Political Move?

22 February 2025 — The IRS has refused an aide to Elon Musk access to taxpayer data, sticking to a rule from the Trump era. This decision shows the agency’s dedication to keeping sensitive information safe. The move might spark debates about privacy and data security in high-profile cases.

SEC DROPS Coinbase Case: A NEW DAWN for Crypto FREEDOM?

The SEC plans to drop its case against Coinbase, hinting at a possible end to its tough stance on crypto rules. This expected action could boost confidence in the crypto market and inspire more innovation. Investors and companies are eagerly waiting for official confirmation of this policy change.

GOLD Prices DROP as Market SHIFTS: What YOU Need to Know

Gold prices have pulled back from record highs due to profit-taking and rising demand for USD. Experts say this change mirrors broader economic signs affecting investor choices. As gold stays a key asset, its price swings are watched closely by both Wall Street pros and everyday investors alike.

IRS LAYOFFS SHOCK Taxpayers: Refunds at Risk

17 February 2025 — The IRS plans to lay off thousands of probationary employees in the middle of the 2025 tax season. This move comes as many taxpayers are waiting for their refunds. The timing raises concerns about potential delays in processing tax returns and issuing refunds.

Employees were told they cannot accept buyout offers from the Trump administration until after the tax filing deadline. This adds uncertainty to an already tense situation at the IRS during a busy period, affecting both staff and taxpayers alike.

The layoffs may impact the IRS’s ability to manage filings effectively, raising questions about its efficiency during this crucial financial time. Taxpayers could face delays in receiving their much-needed refunds amid economic challenges.

This development highlights broader issues within government agencies managing critical services under financial constraints, sparking debate on resource allocation and operational priorities during key fiscal periods.

ELECTION SECURITY at Risk: Federal Cuts Stir Fears

17 February 2025 — The dismantling of federal efforts to monitor election interference has alarmed national security experts and lawmakers. This move could open doors for foreign meddling in future elections. Experts warn that reduced monitoring capabilities present a vulnerability to U.S. election integrity.

Some lawmakers are urging immediate action to restore monitoring frameworks, aiming to prevent potential interferences. They stress the need for bipartisan support to reinstate oversight and security measures. Voter concerns about election integrity are rising, especially after past incidents of foreign interference.

Government officials advocate for enhanced cybersecurity measures to protect electoral systems from threats. Lawmakers plan hearings on these changes, seeking expert testimonies on the implications for national security and democratic processes.

Stay tuned as this story develops further with ongoing updates and reactions from key stakeholders in Washington D.C.

FEDERAL Election MONITORING Cuts: Security Risks Soar

17 February 2025 — The dismantling of federal election monitoring efforts has sparked concern among lawmakers and national security experts. Critics argue this move opens the door for foreign interference in upcoming elections. The lack of strong oversight could lead to vulnerabilities being exploited, prompting bipartisan talks on restoring effective monitoring mechanisms.

Democratic officials call the decision irresponsible, claiming it threatens democracy by reducing transparency in election processes. They urge a recommitment to safeguarding electoral integrity. Republican leaders are divided, with some supporting reduced federal involvement to limit overreach.

This development has raised alarms and prompted congressional hearings to assess the impact on election security. Various stakeholders call for immediate action to restore monitoring capabilities against potential foreign manipulation. As critical electoral events approach, the need for reinstating protective measures becomes clear.

TRUMP STRIKES Back: DEI Initiatives Face Shocking Cuts

23 January 2025 — The TRUMP administration has taken a bold step against federal diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) offices. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt announced that employees in these offices will be placed on paid administrative leave immediately. This move aligns with President Trump’s broader agenda to reshape federal policies and reduce what he sees as politically motivated initiatives.

In another major development, the Pentagon is deploying 1,500 active-duty troops to secure the US-Mexico border. This action underscores the administration’s commitment to tackling illegal immigration and boosting national security. The deployment marks a significant shift in immigration policy after Trump’s election victory, signaling a tougher approach to border control.

Meanwhile, President Trump signed his first piece of legislation aimed at cracking down on illegal immigration — the Laken Riley Act. Named after a Georgia nursing student murdered by an undocumented immigrant, this law highlights the administration’s focus on tightening immigration laws and ensuring public safety. The act received bipartisan support in Congress, showing changing political dynamics around immigration issues.

Additionally, far-right leaders Enrique Tarrio and Stewart Rhodes have spoken out after receiving clemency from Trump for their roles in the January 6 riot. They expressed hopes that Trump would seek retribution for their prosecutions, adding another layer of controversy to his early days back in office as he sets an

ISRAEL RISES: Demands Vatican’s Unequivocal Condemnation of Hamas Terrorism

16 October 2023 — Israel’s representative, Cohen, has called on the Vatican to outrightly condemn the terrorist activities of Hamas. This follows a report by The Times of Israel. Cohen criticized the Holy See for its apparent bias, showing more concern for Gazan civilians while Israel mourns over 1,300 victims. He further stressed that Hamas terrorists have targeted women, children and the elderly simply because they are Jews and Israelis.

On October 11th, Pope Francis made a call for the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas. However, he also criticized what he termed as Israel’s “total siege” on Palestinians in Gaza. While acknowledging Israel’s right to self-defense, he expressed worry over innocent victims in Gaza. This stance has drawn criticism from American Catholic intellectual George Weigel.

Weigel accused Pope Francis of falling back on a “default position” which appeals to both sides when a direct condemnation was required instead. Similarly critical were voices from the Israeli Embassy to the Holy See; they warned against Vatican statements that seemed to imply equal guilt between victims and perpetrators involved in recent atrocities.

Pope Francis emphasized that terrorism and extremism only serve to fuel hatred, violence and suffering. However, his stance has been met with criticism from those who believe he should adopt a stronger stand against acts of terror perpetrated by

ALARMING Surge in ANTISEMITIC Crimes: London Deploys Over 1,000 Officers Ahead of Rally

14 October 2023 — In response to a disturbing increase in antisemitic hate crimes, Scotland Yard has deployed over a thousand officers. This action precedes a pro-Palestinian rally planned for tomorrow. The extent of HAMAS support among London’s Muslim and secular radical populations is yet to be determined.

London’s Muslim community, which makes up about one-sixth of the city’s population, has grown to 1.3 million due to diversity and mass immigration policies by the two main political parties. In contrast, census data shows that the Jewish population has decreased to an estimated 265,000.

Following the deadly HAMAS attack on October 7 that took over 1,000 Jewish lives, numerous protests have erupted. As antisemitic incidents in Britain have escalated since the conflict began, two Jewish schools in London have decided to close until Monday.

Senior Officer Laurence Taylor noted a significant rise in antisemitic crimes compared with last year’s figures during the same period (30 September — 13 October). He mentioned that while Islamophobic incidents have also slightly increased, they are nowhere near as prevalent as the surge in antisemitism.

US AID To UKRAINE: Biden’s Pledge Faces Surge of Resistance — How Americans Really Feel

19 September 2023 — President Biden’s call for sustained aid to Ukraine, announced at the United Nations General Assembly, is meeting escalating resistance within the US. The administration is pushing for an extra $24 billion in aid for Ukraine by the end of this year. This would escalate total assistance to a whopping $135 billion since the conflict ignited in February 2022.

Yet, a CNN poll from August uncovers that most Americans oppose further aid to Ukraine. The topic has grown increasingly divisive over time. Moreover, despite Western backing and training, Ukraine’s much-hyped counter-offensive has not yielded significant wins.

A Wall Street Journal survey earlier this month revealed that more than half of American voters — 52% — disapprove of Biden’s handling of the Ukrainian situation — a rise from 46% on March 22. Among those surveyed, over one-third believe too much effort is being put into helping Ukraine while only about one-fifth think not enough is being done.

US, UK UNVEIL ‘20 Days in Mariupol’ to the WORLD: A Shocking Expose of Russia’s Invasion

11 September 2023 — The United States and Britain are shining a spotlight on the atrocities of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. They’ve organized a U.N. screening of the acclaimed documentary “20 Days in Mariupol”. This film documents the experiences of three Associated Press journalists during Russia’s brutal siege on the Ukrainian port city. UK Ambassador Barbara Woodward stressed that this screening is vital, as it exposes how Russia’s actions challenge the very principles that U.N. upholds — respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Produced by AP and PBS series “Frontline”, “20 Days in Mariupol” presents 30 hours worth footage recorded in Mariupol after Russia launched its invasion on February 24, 2022. The film captures street battles, extreme pressure on residents, and deadly attacks that took innocent lives including pregnant women and children. The siege concluded on May 20, 2022 leaving thousands dead and Mariupol devastated.

U.S ambassador to U.N., Linda Thomas-Greenfield referred to “20 Days in Mariupol” as a vivid record of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s war aggression. She called upon everyone to witness these horrors and recommit themselves towards justice and peace in Ukraine.

The AP’s coverage from Mariupol has drawn ire from Kremlin with its U.N ambassador

FUKUSHIMA FALLOUT: Tepco Begins Controversial Release of Radioactive Water into Pacific, Sparks Global Outrage

01 September 2023 — Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) started discharging treated radioactive water from the devastated Fukushima nuclear plant into the Pacific Ocean on Thursday. The flow began around 1 p.m. local time, with plans to continue the release for 17 days. TEPCO executives assured they would stop the release if any problems arose.

The decision has sparked global protests, including in Japan and South Korea. China issued a harsh statement on Thursday, condemning Japan’s “selfish and irresponsible” actions. Beijing warned of a potential “man-made secondary disaster” if Japan proceeded with the water dumping.

In Tokyo, hundreds of protestors gathered near TEPCO’s headquarters. Despite not being allowed to approach the building, their determined presence was a stark contrast to the tranquility of the nearby Imperial Palace. Their demands included calls to “protect our rights.”

Among the crowd was Terumi Kataoka, a woman in her sixties from Fukushima. She held a banner adorned with fish, her message clear: “No Dumping Radioactive Water into The Ocean.” The demonstration was peaceful, with journalists and a minimal police presence on hand.

IRS Agents SPEAK Out on Hunter Biden’s Tax Investigation

19 July 2023 — Gary Shapley and Joseph Ziegler, two IRS employees, have testified about the Hunter Biden investigation. With 14 years under his belt at the IRS, Shapley is a team leader in the International Tax and Financial Crimes group, supervising the investigation into Hunter Biden.

Ziegler, whose identity was revealed only at the House Oversight Committee hearing on July 19, has served 13 years in the IRS Criminal Investigations Division. He started examining Hunter Biden’s tax filings in November 2018, an effort that later merged with a more extensive Delaware-based federal investigation of Biden’s finances.

Both Shapley and Ziegler allege that decisions were made that benefited and protected the president’s son throughout the investigation.