On Election Day, searches for “Did Joe Biden drop out” spiked significantly on Google Trends, suggesting a lack of awareness among some Americans that the current president was not running for reelection. The searches began around 6 a.m. and peaked at midnight, indicating that some voters were unaware of Biden’s withdrawal from the race in July. Social media users reacted with amusement and astonishment to the news, highlighting the disconnect between those who are constantly online and those who consume news less frequently.
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Project 2025, a conservative manifesto authored by Kevin Roberts of the Heritage Foundation, calls for the outright banning of pornography in the United States. The manifesto argues that pornography should be outlawed, its creators and distributors imprisoned, and that even those involved in its distribution through education and libraries should be designated as sex offenders. The manifesto’s authors believe that pornography is not protected by the First Amendment and argue that it is harmful and addictive. With a conservative-leaning Supreme Court, Project 2025 believes it can overturn the current legal precedent set by Miller vs. California, which protects sexually explicit material that meets specific criteria. This could have significant consequences for the entertainment industry, sex education, and the broader definition of what constitutes obscenity.
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Australia’s proposal to ban social media for individuals under 16 years old is a move that has sparked heated debate, raising both concerns and hopes. While the intention to safeguard children from potential harm is commendable, the practicalities and effectiveness of such a ban are widely questioned.
A key concern is the difficulty of enforcement. The sheer volume of online platforms and the ease with which minors can circumvent age restrictions makes it almost impossible to guarantee complete compliance. Many argue that the ban would simply shift the problem, pushing children to utilize other online forums and platforms that may not be as tightly controlled.… Continue reading
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced the first engagement between Ukrainian forces and North Korean troops deployed to support Russia in the ongoing war. Zelenskyy expressed concern that this alliance could escalate the conflict, potentially destabilizing Asia. He specifically criticized China’s silence on the issue, urging South Korea to play a more active role by sending specialists to Ukraine to assess North Korea’s capabilities firsthand. Zelenskyy’s comments come amidst reports of North Korea’s increasing military activity, including the launch of short-range ballistic missiles and the testing of a new intercontinental ballistic missile designed to reach the United States.
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Australia’s government plans to implement a ban on social media use for children under 16 years old, aiming to mitigate the harmful effects of online platforms on young people. The legislation, which will be introduced in parliament next week, will require social media companies to verify user age and enforce the ban, with penalties directed at the platforms, not individual users. While the ban will not apply to those already using social media, experts are divided on its effectiveness, with some arguing it merely delays exposure to social media rather than teaching safe online practices. The government intends to review the ban after 12 months of implementation.
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Ukraine’s long-range drones and missiles pose a significant threat to a substantial portion of Russia’s nuclear arsenal, potentially putting about one-third of its warheads in a vulnerable position. Approximately 30% of Russia’s estimated 5,580 nuclear warheads are stored within reach of Ukrainian weapons, including at least 14 facilities within range of Ukrainian drones, some as close as 160 kilometers from the border. The vulnerability of these storage sites, particularly during transportation for maintenance, highlights a “dire risk” posed by Russia’s inadequate security measures. This situation is compounded by Russia’s reluctance to relocate its nuclear arsenal further from the border, potentially driven by a desire to avoid appearing weak or a lack of understanding regarding the risks involved.
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The Canadian government has ordered TikTok to shut down its operations in Canada, citing national security concerns. The decision is based on advice from security and intelligence agencies, who believe TikTok’s activities in the country could pose a threat. While users will still be able to access the app, the government has urged Canadians to be aware of potential risks, including the potential for Chinese government access to user data. TikTok has disputed the allegations and plans to challenge the order in court. This decision follows a national security review and a previous ban on the platform for government devices, echoing similar concerns raised by US lawmakers.
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If re-elected, President Trump is expected to appoint an Attorney General who will prioritize his own legal protection and the advancement of a right-wing agenda. This individual would likely dismiss existing cases against Trump, shield him from future investigations, and target his perceived enemies. This strategy would extend beyond the Justice Department, potentially extending to the firing of dissenting civil servants and the implementation of extreme conservative policies. The outcome would be a complete dismantling of accountability for Trump and the advancement of a highly partisan agenda.
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A Honda HA-420 light business jet crashed into a vehicle shortly after takeoff from Falcon Field Airport in Mesa, Arizona, resulting in the deaths of five people. The plane appeared to have breached the airport’s fencing before striking the vehicle. Authorities confirmed that all five occupants of the plane perished in the crash, but did not disclose whether any individuals in the vehicle were among the victims. The Mesa Police Department closed the area for an investigation by the FAA, NTSB, and Mesa authorities.
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Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a former presidential candidate and potential member of President-elect Donald Trump’s Cabinet, has called for the elimination of the Food and Drug Administration’s nutrition departments, citing their alleged failure to protect children from unhealthy food choices. He specifically criticizes the inclusion of numerous ingredients in U.S. products like Froot Loops, contrasting them with the simpler ingredients found in Canadian versions. Although Kennedy acknowledges the need for congressional approval, he plans to tackle perceived “corruption” within the FDA, believing that a healthier nation will result from reduced government interference. Trump has expressed support for Kennedy’s potential role in addressing health issues within the administration.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood