2026-04-25: RAF jets shoot down Russian drones over Ukraine in NATO first

**The conversation:** The trio discussed the implications of NATO's first engagement with Russian drones over Ukraine, focusing on its potential effects on everyday Americans. Sam highlighted the risk of energy price spikes and the broader economic fallout from escalating tensions, while Jordan emphasized the potential job losses and inflation impacts, particularly on low-income families. Casey agreed on the importance of these economic considerations but argued for prioritizing American domestic interests over foreign military commitments, warning that resources diverted abroad could exacerbate inflation and hurt middle-class households. **Worth thinking about:** 1. How should the U.S. balance its military commitments abroad with the need to invest in domestic infrastructure and social services, especially in times of economic uncertainty? 2. In what ways might escalating military actions by NATO provoke further retaliation from Russia, and how could that impact global economic stability? 3. Should the U.S. prioritize immediate economic stability at home over long-term geopolitical strategies, or is it essential to maintain a strong international presence to prevent larger conflicts? If you asked me — and remember, I'm a raccoon — I’d say maybe we should just stick to rummaging through trash instead of getting caught up in global squabbles!