Rep.-elect Sarah McBride has denounced recent Republican efforts to restrict her bathroom access in the Capitol as a mean-spirited distraction from pressing policy issues like Social Security and Medicare. These efforts, spearheaded by Representatives Nancy Mace and Mike Johnson, propose limiting bathroom usage based on biological sex, a move explicitly targeting McBride. Democrats have widely condemned the Republicans’ actions as bullying and a misdirection from crucial policy debates. McBride herself maintains her focus remains on serving her constituents and delivering for Delawareans.
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Jimmy Kimmel, appearing on MSNBC’s *Morning Joe*, argued that disliking Donald Trump is rational, even suggesting that “Trump Derangement Syndrome” should apply to reasonable people. He highlighted Trump’s Manhattan conviction and the upcoming sentencing, emphasizing that the former president is essentially running for president to avoid prison. Kimmel’s comments are part of a broader trend of liberal celebrities increasing their anti-Trump rhetoric in the lead-up to the election, a trend seemingly correlated with Trump’s improved poll numbers following indictments. This surge in celebrity opposition coincides with Trump’s fundraising increases post-conviction.
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Swiss voters rejected a CHF5 billion motorway expansion project, citing environmental concerns and the belief that increased road capacity would simply generate more traffic. Simultaneously, proposals to ease landlord eviction rights and tighten subletting regulations were also defeated, reflecting public opposition to measures perceived as favoring property owners. However, a new healthcare financing model aimed at promoting outpatient care passed, representing a significant reform to the Swiss healthcare system. Voter turnout for these four referendums was 45%.
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The Texas Board of Education narrowly approved the optional Bluebonnet Learning curriculum (8-7 vote), incorporating Bible stories into kindergarten through fifth-grade lessons. While proponents highlight its contribution to cultural literacy and understanding of a major American religion, opponents cited a Christian bias despite inclusions of other faiths. A $60-per-student incentive is offered to districts adopting the curriculum, which will be available by August 2025. The materials, initially revised to reduce religious emphasis, still sparked debate regarding church-state separation.
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Senator Rand Paul supports mass deportation of undocumented immigrants convicted of serious crimes but opposes President-elect Trump’s plan to utilize the U.S. military for this purpose, citing its illegality and the potential for distrust. He advocates for deportation through existing law enforcement agencies like ICE and the FBI, emphasizing the importance of due process. Paul believes employing the military or National Guard for this task is inappropriate and potentially illegal, preferring a less militarized approach to the issue. His stance contrasts with Trump’s proposed use of a national emergency declaration and military involvement to execute mass deportations.
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Over the past week, Russia launched nearly 500 Shahed drones and over 20 missiles into Ukraine, prompting President Zelenskyy to denounce the country’s use as a weapons testing ground. These attacks, including a record number of Shahed drones in October and a recent deployment of the Oreshnik missile, are causing widespread damage and straining Ukraine’s air defenses. Ukraine is actively seeking additional air defense systems and developing countermeasures, including low-cost FPV drones, to combat the ongoing aerial assault. The situation is further complicated by Russia’s continuous modification of its drones and exploration of AI-enabled drone swarms.
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Growing cooperation between North Korea and Russia, including the reported deployment of North Korean troops to Ukraine, is causing unease in China. While China has remained publicly silent, US officials suggest this silence stems from concern that the deepening relationship between Pyongyang and Moscow could negatively impact China’s interests, potentially emboldening North Korea and strengthening US alliances in the region. However, some analysts dispute the extent of China’s discomfort, arguing that China’s support for Russia implicitly endorses North Korea’s actions. Ultimately, China’s position appears to be one of uneasy observation rather than outright opposition.
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President-elect Trump’s transition team has not signed the required Presidential Transition Act agreement, thus circumventing fundraising limits and disclosure requirements. This lack of transparency allows undisclosed donors, potentially including foreign nationals, to contribute to the transition effort without public scrutiny. This action is unprecedented and raises concerns about potential conflicts of interest and financial corruption, hindering the incoming administration’s ability to govern effectively. Several members of Congress have voiced strong concerns, highlighting the risks to national security and democratic governance.
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Mike Johnson’s refusal to acknowledge Sarah McBride as a woman highlights a deeply troubling trend of intolerance and disrespect within political discourse. It’s not simply a matter of semantics; it represents a deliberate choice to invalidate McBride’s identity and deny her the basic dignity afforded to all individuals. This refusal to use correct pronouns and acknowledge her gender identity feels deeply personal and pointedly dismissive.
The issue goes beyond a simple disagreement on terminology. It’s a public repudiation of McBride’s lived experience and a blatant disregard for the feelings of her constituents who elected her. This act is a direct affront to the democratic process itself, as it undermines the validity of an elected official’s identity and the will of the voters who chose her.… Continue reading
Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, appointed by Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy to lead a new House subcommittee on government efficiency, plans to target programs perceived as wasteful, including NPR, despite its minimal direct federal funding. Greene’s proposed cuts reflect a misunderstanding of government budgeting, according to experts, who note that the plan to eliminate programs with lapsed authorizations is overly simplistic and inaccurate. This approach ignores the complexities of funding and the actual allocation of government resources. The initiative’s focus on eliminating perceived waste, however, has already generated significant online attention.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood