Joe Rogan, host of the popular podcast “The Joe Rogan Experience,” alleges a “media psy-op” has negatively shaped public perception of Donald Trump. Rogan points to a perceived shift in media coverage of Trump, contrasting past endorsements with current negative portrayals. He attributes this shift to legacy media losing control to alternative platforms like podcasts and social media, impacting the 2024 election. Rogan further claims that the media’s narrative has distorted Trump’s image, highlighting examples of past political statements that contradict the current media depiction.
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Georgia is in crisis following the government’s decision to halt EU accession talks for four years, a move that sparked widespread protests and condemnation. President Salome Zourabichvili declared the current parliament illegitimate, refusing to leave office when her term ends and claiming it cannot choose her successor. Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze accused the opposition of plotting a revolution, while widespread protests, arrests, and resignations from government officials and diplomats underscore the deep divisions within the country. The suspension of EU talks, coupled with allegations of election rigging and the government’s growing ties with Russia, further intensifies the political turmoil.
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The New York Times recently published an article criticizing transgender activists, focusing on isolated incidents rather than the broader context of escalating anti-trans legislation. This article, one of several similar pieces, ignores the thousands of anti-trans bills introduced across states, shifting the narrative away from the real threats faced by the transgender community. Instead, the focus is placed on perceived assertiveness by transgender advocates, effectively minimizing the severity of the situation and contributing to the marginalization of transgender people. This harmful framing deflects from the urgent need to address widespread legislative attacks targeting the transgender community and their basic rights.
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The decades-old mystery surrounding D.B. Cooper may finally be solved. Siblings Chanté and Rick McCoy III claim their father, Richard McCoy Jr., a former Vietnam War helicopter pilot with a history of plane hijacking, was D.B. Cooper. They presented a parachute allegedly used in the 1971 hijacking, found in their deceased mother’s shed, to investigators. The FBI, reportedly re-investigating the case, is now seeking to match DNA from the parachute to evidence from the original crime scene. This development suggests a potential breakthrough in the infamous unsolved case.
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President-elect Trump threatened 100% tariffs on nine BRICS nations—Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the UAE—if they undermine the U.S. dollar’s global dominance. This threat follows BRICS nations’ growing efforts towards de-dollarization, driven by concerns over U.S. control of the global financial system. Despite research suggesting the dollar’s dominance remains secure, Trump’s statement reinforces his protectionist stance and willingness to use tariffs as leverage. This action comes after similar threats against Mexico and Canada, highlighting a broader strategy of using economic pressure to achieve political goals.
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Moscow police conducted raids on at least three LGBTQ+ bars and nightclubs, arresting the director of an LGBTQ+-focused travel agency. These actions, reported by state media, coincided with the anniversary of the Supreme Court’s ban on the “international LGBT movement.” The raids cited “combating LGBT propaganda” as justification, with social media footage showing police apprehending patrons. Authorities also alleged illegal alcohol sales at one establishment.
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Following the recent presidential election, a surge in misogynistic rhetoric online and on college campuses has prompted safety concerns among women. The phrase “Your body, my choice,” originally an abortion rights slogan, has been weaponized by right-wing influencers, interpreted as a threat to women’s autonomy. This online harassment has manifested offline, with instances ranging from verbal harassment to anonymous threats. Experts link this escalation to the election results, perceived by some men as a rejection of women’s rights and a validation of traditional gender roles. The concerning trend underscores the real-world impact of online extremism and the need for addressing misogynistic violence.
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The EU is proposing its fifteenth sanctions package against Russia, targeting entities aiding the war effort in Ukraine. This includes asset freezes for six Chinese companies and one Chinese individual, along with visa bans for 54 individuals and asset freezes for 29 companies, primarily Russian. The sanctions aim to further restrict Russian access to resources and international cooperation. Despite previous sanctions impacting visa access, Russian tourist and business visa applications to the EU have still increased significantly.
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In a 2018 email, Pete Hegseth’s mother, Penelope, accused him of years of abusing and mistreating women, including his then-wife Samantha, citing infidelity and belittling behavior. Penelope later retracted her statements, expressing regret and claiming the email was taken out of context. However, Hegseth also faced a rape accusation in 2017, which he denied, and a subsequent divorce from his second wife following an affair. A Trump communications director criticized the *New York Times* for publishing the email.
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Gunfire and explosions erupted in Damascus on Saturday night amidst reports of a coup attempt led by Brigadier General Hassam Louka against President Bashar al-Assad, who was reportedly out of the country. Simultaneously, rebel groups, including Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, seized control of Aleppo and were advancing south, capturing numerous towns and cities in Hama province. The situation is further complicated by conflicting reports regarding Assad’s location, with some sources claiming he is in Moscow. These events represent a significant escalation in the ongoing Syrian conflict.
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John Q. Hosedrinker