Russian forces have employed chemical weapons on the battlefield in Ukraine on a significant scale, with 323 instances reported in October alone, according to the Ukrainian General Staff. These attacks, which include the use of prohibited munitions like K-51 and RG-VO, violate international conventions and pose a serious threat to Ukrainian soldiers and civilians. The frequency of chemical attacks has increased since the invasion began, with Ukrainian troops reporting multiple attacks daily, and the tactic appears to be effective for Russia in capturing positions without significant destruction. While the precise chemicals used remain unclear in some cases, the United States has confirmed the use of chloropicrin, a hazardous agent known to cause severe irritation and damage to exposed individuals.
Read More
Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell has stated he will not resign from his position, even if asked to do so by President-Elect Donald Trump. This declaration came during a press conference following a meeting of the Federal Reserve, where a reporter pointed out that some of Trump’s advisors have suggested Powell should step down. Powell’s firm “No” response to this question was followed by a clarification that he does not believe he is legally obligated to resign.
Further inquiries from journalists focused on the President’s authority to dismiss or demote Powell. The Fed Chair definitively stated that such actions are “not permitted under the law”.… Continue reading
The election of Donald Trump, who campaigned on anti-transgender rhetoric, has left many transgender people feeling scared and vulnerable. This fear stems from Trump’s promises to strip away their rights, including access to gender-affirming healthcare and protections against discrimination. While some find hope in the election of Sarah McBride, the first out transgender member of Congress, the fear of federal-level legislation targeting transgender people is palpable. This fear is further fueled by the wave of anti-trans legislation already enacted in Republican-controlled states, and the uncertainty of whether Democrats will prioritize their rights in the future. However, despite the current climate, transgender individuals remain determined to live their lives authentically, viewing even their existence as an act of resistance.
Read More
A federal judge has struck down the Biden administration’s “Keeping Families Together” program, which aimed to streamline the path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants married to U.S. citizens. The ruling, which was based on a lawsuit filed by Texas and other Republican-led states, found the program violated U.S. immigration law. The program would have allowed eligible immigrants to apply for a green card without having to leave the country, effectively cancelling out their illegal entry. This ruling is a major setback for the Biden administration and is likely to be further challenged by the incoming Trump administration, which has pledged to dismantle the president’s immigration policies.
Read More
Fox News co-hosts Dana Perino and Greg Gutfeld expressed support for the death penalty for prosecutors involved in Donald Trump’s various criminal cases. These remarks came amidst the news that the Department of Justice plans to wind down Trump’s federal cases before his inauguration. While acknowledging that Trump’s legal battles did not impede his presidential victory, Perino suggested that these cases actually galvanized his base, potentially contributing to his success. Notably, Trump’s legal troubles extend beyond the federal level, with ongoing state cases in New York and Georgia, for which he cannot pardon himself.
Read More
UN Secretary-General António Guterres warns that the world is underestimating the risk of catastrophic climate breakdown, with global heating on track to exceed 1.5°C in the coming years. He highlights the potential for irreversible tipping points, like the collapse of the Amazon rainforest and the Greenland ice sheet, and emphasizes the urgent need for deep cuts to greenhouse gas emissions. Guterres urges greater coordination on environmental crises, stressing the interconnectedness of climate change and biodiversity loss, and emphasizes the importance of phasing out fossil fuels completely to avoid a crippled Paris Agreement. He acknowledges that limiting warming to 1.5°C is still possible but warns that exceeding this threshold would have devastating consequences.
Read More
In Chile, a conservative nation deeply rooted in Catholicism, a growing group of Satanists, known as the Temple of Satan: Satanists and Luciferians of Chile, is seeking legal recognition as a religious association. This group, founded in 2021, embraces rationality, individualism, and the mundane life, rejecting traditional religious dogmas and worshipping humankind instead of deities. The Temple’s application has ignited debate within Chilean society, highlighting a potential shift in religious landscape as people seek alternatives to traditional institutions grappling with scandals and perceived restrictions. The group’s quest for recognition, in a country where Catholicism has held significant sway, represents a bold challenge to established norms and a symbolic rebellion against the status quo.
Read More
The FBI is currently investigating the death of a Black man found hanging in Alabama. This case has sparked widespread speculation and concern, with many drawing parallels to the history of lynching in the United States. The man, who had filed a federal lawsuit against a local police station for alleged excessive force, was found deceased in an abandoned house several miles from his home.
The circumstances surrounding his death have fueled suspicion and prompted calls for a thorough investigation. Some argue that the man’s death is a clear example of a modern-day lynching, pointing to the history of racial violence and the timing of his death following his lawsuit against law enforcement.… Continue reading
Qatar has reportedly informed Hamas that they are no longer welcome in the country, a decision reportedly spurred by pressure from the United States. This shift comes after Qatar previously justified Hamas’s presence as a means to facilitate dialogue during hostage negotiations. While direct talks with Hamas officials are ongoing, including a recent meeting on November 5th, the US is clearly pushing for a stronger stance against the group. This development is significant as it reflects the evolving dynamics between Qatar, Hamas, and the US in the ongoing conflict.
Read More
Following Donald Trump’s election victory, a surge in Americans seeking options to move abroad has driven record levels of visa inquiries and applications. The surge in interest, which is five times larger than the spike seen after the 2020 election, has taken visa website La Vida “by surprise.” This growing demand for visas highlights a growing concern among Americans about the future of the country and the potential impact of shifting government policies, leading many to view second residency and citizenship as a means of protecting their wealth, lifestyle, and future generations. The increased interest in moving abroad is driven by a desire for greater autonomy and security, and it reflects a growing trend in recent years as Americans seek alternative options for their future.
Read More
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood