November 2024

NY Bans Retail Pet Sales: A Boon for Animal Welfare or a Backdoor for Backyard Breeders?

New York’s “Puppy Mill Pipeline Act,” effective December 15th, prohibits the retail sale of dogs, cats, and rabbits to combat abusive breeding practices. The law, enforced by the attorney general’s office with penalties up to $1,000 per violation, follows a civil lawsuit against pet stores selling sick animals. While critics express concern for legitimate businesses, supporters suggest adaptation to a humane pet supply model incorporating adoption events. The law allows continued adoption through shelters and licensed breeders.

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US Intel Warns of Russian Sabotage Targeting Defense Firms

In response to escalating Russian aggression, the National Counterintelligence and Security Center, FBI, and Department of Defense agencies issued a joint warning to U.S. defense companies. The bulletin urged heightened security measures following confirmed Russian sabotage targeting European defense firms, infrastructure, and logistics, including arson and incendiary device smuggling plots. These acts, often perpetrated via local criminal proxies, aim to disrupt support for Ukraine and sow discord among allies. The warning highlighted the increased risk to U.S. companies both domestically and internationally, citing potential for injury, death, and significant infrastructural damage. Russia denies these accusations.

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Walmart, Lowe’s to Raise Prices Due to Trump Tariff Plans

Walmart and Lowe’s, along with other major retailers, are considering price increases in response to President-elect Trump’s proposed tariff plan. This plan includes significant tariffs on imports, particularly from China, potentially impacting a large portion of their product lines. Both companies are actively assessing the implications for their supply chains and costs. Economists predict that consumers will ultimately bear the brunt of these increased costs through higher prices on goods.

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GOP Senator Defends Lack of Trump Appointee Background Checks

Senator Bill Hagerty dismissed concerns regarding FBI background checks for President-elect Trump’s cabinet nominees, asserting that the public prioritizes policy implementation over the vetting process. He argued that the Biden administration’s perceived failures necessitate a swift replacement of officials, regardless of background checks. Hagerty further suggested that the FBI may be unqualified due to alleged weaponization, despite a lack of evidence supporting this claim. However, he assured that any background checks would be completed rapidly.

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Trump Allies Pressure Canada to Increase NATO Defense Spending

Trump allies, and many Canadians themselves, are expressing growing impatience with Canada’s persistent failure to meet its NATO commitment on defense spending. Canada remains one of only eight NATO members not reaching the agreed-upon benchmark of 2% of GDP allocated to defense, currently hovering around 1.37%. This is especially striking considering Canada possesses the sixth-largest GDP among NATO allies yet ranks 27th in defense spending as a proportion of its GDP.

The discrepancy between Canada’s economic capacity and its defense expenditure is seen as particularly egregious by some. Comparisons are made to other nations facing far more challenging economic circumstances, yet still managing to meet the 2% target.… Continue reading

Russia Fires Commander for False War Claims

Colonel General Gennady Anashkin, commander of the South Forces Group, was dismissed from his post for allegedly falsifying reports on battlefield progress near Siversk, Donetsk. This dismissal, reported by Russian media and military bloggers, follows criticisms of misleading information resulting in significant Russian losses. While the Ministry of Defense cites a planned rotation, bloggers suggest the removal is due to inaccurate reports. The incident highlights the reliance on military bloggers for information amidst the ongoing conflict and Ukraine’s ongoing intense defense.

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Russia’s Brutal Assault: 800+ Bombs, Hundreds of Drones, Zelensky Condemns Escalation

In the past week, Russia has unleashed a barrage of over 800 bombs, nearly 460 drones, and 20 missiles against Ukraine, prompting near-daily air raid sirens. This assault included the debut of a new Russian intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM), used in an attack on Dnipro. President Zelensky condemned these actions, highlighting the urgent need for increased air defense systems and emphasizing Ukraine’s status as a sovereign nation, not a weapons testing ground. He has instructed the defense minister to secure advanced air defense capabilities from international allies. The attacks follow a reported Ukrainian strike on a Russian military target using U.S.-supplied missiles.

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911 Caller Fatally Shot by Police: Excessive Force Questioned

Responding to a 911 call about a home invasion, Officer Alexander Bookman fatally shot homeowner Brandon Durham during a struggle with an intruder. Body camera footage shows the officer yelling to drop the knife before firing six shots, killing Durham and injuring the intruder, who was later arrested and charged. While the police union defends Officer Bookman’s actions, Durham’s family is demanding his termination and prosecution, and the District Attorney’s investigation is ongoing. Officer Bookman is currently on paid administrative leave.

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Clinton Slams Trump’s Loyalty-First Cabinet: Hurt People, No Consequences

In a recent MSNBC interview, former President Bill Clinton offered commentary on Donald Trump’s return to the White House and his cabinet appointments. Clinton quipped that politics uniquely allows inauthenticity to thrive. The conversation covered a broad range of topics, highlighting Clinton’s perspective on the current political landscape. Notably, Clinton’s remarks on Trump’s administration underscore concerns about experience and competence.

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AI Fuels Sextortion, Scams, and Child Abuse: UK Police Chief Raises Alarm

Criminals are increasingly leveraging AI’s accessibility for malicious purposes, including sophisticated fraud schemes like deepfake heists costing millions. A significant portion of this criminal AI activity involves the creation and distribution of child sexual abuse material, numbering in the thousands of images. Furthermore, AI facilitates sextortion and enhances hacking capabilities by identifying software vulnerabilities. Law enforcement agencies must urgently adapt to these evolving threats to prevent a dramatic rise in AI-enabled crime in the coming years.

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