A federal jury has awarded $42 million to three Iraqi men who were tortured at Abu Ghraib prison, holding CACI Premier Technology Inc. accountable for its role in the abuse. The plaintiffs, who endured humiliation, beatings, and psychological torture, alleged that CACI, hired to provide interrogation services at the facility, breached international law by deploying guards who inflicted the abuse. This landmark ruling, the first time survivors of the US government’s “post-9/11 torture regime” testified in court, represents a significant victory for the plaintiffs and serves as a warning to companies that participate in such practices.
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A coalition of 113 Bundestag members, spearheaded by conservative MP Marco Wanderwitz, has initiated a formal application to the Constitutional Court for a ban on the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. This move, citing Article 21 of the Basic Law, aims to demonstrate that the AfD’s activities actively undermine the constitution through aggressive and combative actions. Although the application faces an uncertain future regarding a vote before the upcoming elections, the move represents a significant push by lawmakers to address concerns about the AfD’s extremist tendencies.
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Elon Musk, the world’s richest person, has become a prominent figure in President-elect Donald Trump’s inner circle, serving as an advisor and playing an active role in the transition process. His presence at the House Republican conference, including a warm reception from lawmakers, has been notable, and he has even been appointed co-leader of the “Department of Government Efficiency,” a non-governmental entity intended to provide the White House with advice. While Musk’s growing influence has surprised some within “Trumpworld,” his involvement appears to be a genuine partnership, with both men sharing a vision for “Making America Great Again,” and Musk’s unique business expertise proving valuable to the president-elect.
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Matt Gaetz, a controversial figure in American politics, has been selected as Attorney General by former President Donald Trump. This nomination has sent shockwaves through the political landscape, with many expressing disbelief and outrage at the prospect of Gaetz, who has been accused of serious misconduct, holding such a powerful position.
The appointment of Gaetz as Attorney General is seen by many as a continuation of Trump’s pattern of appointing unqualified and controversial individuals to key positions in his administration. Gaetz, who is known for his outspoken views and his association with right-wing media outlets, has a history of making inflammatory statements and engaging in questionable behavior.… Continue reading
The Biden administration is committed to providing Ukraine with significant aid to help them defend against Russia’s invasion in the coming year. Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized the urgency of this effort, stating that the US will work to ensure Ukraine has the necessary resources to fight effectively or negotiate peace from a position of strength. The US is adapting its support by providing updated equipment, despite political uncertainty surrounding the incoming Trump administration’s potential changes to US policy towards the conflict. The urgency of the situation is highlighted by the ongoing Russian attacks on Ukraine, including the recent deployment of North Korean troops to bolster Russian forces in the Kursk region.
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The United States is opening a new air defense base in Redzikowo, Poland, marking the first permanent U.S. military base in the country. This base, part of NATO’s missile shield, is strategically located near Russia’s Kaliningrad exclave and is intended to deter potential threats from Russia and Iran. While the project has been in development for over a decade, its opening comes amidst rising tensions with Russia and uncertainty surrounding the upcoming Trump administration. Despite concerns about potential disruptions to NATO’s unity, the base signifies the enduring strength of the U.S.-Poland alliance and highlights the importance of bolstering defenses on NATO’s eastern flank.
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Donald Trump’s first term was marred by a staggering number of ethical scandals, including several Cabinet officials being referred to the Department of Justice for potential criminal investigations. Despite this unprecedented level of corruption, the DOJ chose not to pursue charges against any of them. Trump has now chosen to bring back several of these figures, including Robert Wilkie, the former Veterans Affairs secretary who was accused of discrediting a female veteran who said she had been sexually assaulted at a VA facility. Trump’s decision to rehire these figures, alongside others like Stephen Miller and Tom Homan, who were architects of the family separation policy at the border, indicates that his second term will likely be just as extreme and chaotic as his first.
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Pete Hegseth, Donald Trump’s choice for Defense Secretary, has sparked controversy with his past comments regarding women in combat roles and veterans’ benefits. Hegseth, a Fox News commentator and former Army National Guard member, has argued against women serving in combat roles, claiming they are not as capable as men, and criticized veterans’ groups for encouraging veterans to claim government benefits. His appointment has drawn criticism from veterans’ groups and defense experts who question his qualifications and perceive his appointment as politically motivated, highlighting Trump’s preference for loyalty over experience. Hegseth’s past advocacy for military personnel accused of war crimes and his outspoken support for Israel further contribute to the controversy surrounding his nomination.
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Following an Israeli airstrike near our air base in Latakia, Syria, we have requested that Israel desist from such actions in the future. The attack, which occurred close to the Russian base and one of Syrian President Bashar Assad’s strongholds, poses a serious threat to the safety of our personnel. Our military has conveyed to Israeli officials that these strikes are unacceptable and will not be tolerated.
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In the tragic case of baby Onyxx Cooley, who died unexpectedly at 10 weeks old, the elected coroner of Bonneville County, Idaho, failed to conduct a thorough investigation, despite national guidelines recommending a full autopsy, scene investigation, and interviews with caregivers. The coroner, Rick Taylor, opted for a “paperwork autopsy,” choosing to accept the ER doctor’s initial diagnosis of SIDS without further investigation, citing Idaho’s lack of legal requirements for following national standards. This lack of thoroughness leaves the cause of Onyxx’s death unanswered and highlights the systemic issues within Idaho’s coroner system, where the state has the nation’s lowest autopsy rate for unexplained child deaths.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood