President-elect Trump’s nomination of Tulsi Gabbard as Director of National Intelligence is facing significant opposition due to resurfaced reports of her ties to the Science of Identity Foundation (SIF), a controversial religious group described as a cult. Gabbard’s connections to SIF, including her husband’s involvement and her own past praise of its leader as a guru, have raised concerns about her suitability for the role. This, coupled with previous accusations of ties to a Russian spy, has led to strong condemnation from figures such as John Bolton, who deemed her the “worst cabinet-level appointment in history.” The Senate confirmation process is now expected to be highly contentious.
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Chancellor Scholz directly spoke with Putin, demanding a Russian troop withdrawal from Ukraine and a commitment to peace negotiations. While the Kremlin indicated a willingness to discuss, contingent upon acknowledging “new territorial realities,” Zelenskyy expressed skepticism, viewing the call as a Russian attempt to alleviate isolation and avoid meaningful concessions. Simultaneously, Hungarian Prime Minister Orbán advocated for the EU to lift sanctions against Russia, claiming they are economically damaging. This call occurred amidst Scholz’s domestic political challenges and follows a week of significant political developments.
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Pete Hegseth, Donald Trump’s nominee to lead the Department of Defense, was flagged as a potential insider threat by a fellow National Guard member due to a “Deus Vult” tattoo associated with white supremacist groups. This occurred despite Hegseth downplaying the role of military members in the January 6th attack and criticizing efforts to address extremism within the military. Hegseth’s nomination raises concerns given his past support for individuals accused of war crimes and his minimization of the January 6th insurrection. A fellow Guard member’s email to leadership specifically highlighted the tattoo as a potential threat, leading to Hegseth being pulled from the Biden inauguration detail.
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Two former Missouri law enforcement officers, Julian Alcala and David McKnight, face separate federal indictments for violating the Fourth Amendment rights of multiple women. Both men allegedly searched women’s phones during traffic stops, seizing explicit images under the guise of verifying insurance or identification. Alcala is charged with 20 counts of deprivation of rights and destroying evidence, while McKnight faces nine similar charges. The FBI investigated both cases, emphasizing the importance of reporting such encounters.
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The CDC has confirmed Oregon’s first human case of bird flu, a development that understandably raises concerns, but thankfully, health officials emphasize that there’s currently no evidence of person-to-person transmission. The individual infected experienced only mild illness and has fully recovered, a reassuring sign for the public. This case was identified through the close monitoring of individuals exposed to an animal outbreak in Clackamas County, highlighting the effectiveness of proactive surveillance programs. The low risk to the general public at this time is largely attributed to the lack of human-to-human spread.
However, this single case shouldn’t be interpreted as a complete lack of risk.… Continue reading
Convincing evidence suggests Russia has established a drone factory in China’s Xinjiang province, producing lethal drones for use in the Ukraine war. This alleged operation, involving a sanctioned Russian arms company and possibly local specialists, raises serious concerns about China’s commitment to its stated neutrality. While the EU lacks definitive proof regarding production levels, drone shipment, and Chinese government awareness, the situation is considered a significant escalation, potentially prompting further sanctions against China. The EU is actively seeking clarification from Beijing, emphasizing the critical role China plays in supporting Russia’s war effort.
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The free press faces unprecedented attacks, jeopardizing America’s future. HuffPost refuses to yield to political pressure and remain a bastion of free news. Your support is crucial to maintaining our independence and ensuring our news remains accessible to all. Even creating a free account helps; contribute if you can.
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Representative Matt Gaetz resigned from Congress two days before the House Ethics Committee was to release a report investigating allegations of drug use, sex with a minor, and other misconduct. The report included testimony from multiple women alleging payment for sex and attendance at drug-fueled parties with Gaetz. While Gaetz denies these accusations, the timing of his resignation, coinciding with President-elect Trump’s nomination of him as Attorney General, has raised concerns about potential obstruction of justice. Lawmakers from both parties are demanding the report’s release, with some suggesting the Senate could subpoena it if necessary.
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Mike Pence’s recent urging of Republican senators to reject Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s confirmation for a high-level position within the federal government highlights a fascinating political dynamic. The core of Pence’s argument centers on Kennedy Jr.’s stance on abortion rights, a position Pence finds irreconcilable with the Republican party’s generally anti-abortion platform. This seemingly straightforward opposition, however, reveals a complex interplay of political strategy, personal beliefs, and the unpredictable nature of the current political climate.
The very fact that Pence is leveraging Kennedy Jr.’s pro-choice views to oppose his confirmation is itself noteworthy. It suggests that on this specific issue, at least within the context of this nomination, a line has been drawn.… Continue reading
Wasserman Schultz’s assertion that Gabbard is “likely a Russian asset” is a significant claim, sparking a considerable amount of online debate. The statement itself is quite explosive, suggesting a level of collaboration or influence by a foreign power on a prominent American political figure. This naturally raises serious questions about national security and the integrity of the political process.
The gravity of the accusation is undeniable. Accusing someone of being a Russian asset implies a deliberate act of subversion, potentially involving espionage or the dissemination of misinformation to benefit a hostile foreign power. It’s not a casual remark; it’s a serious allegation that carries significant legal and political ramifications.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood