A New Mexico jury awarded a man over $412 million in a medical malpractice case against NuMale Medical Center, a multi-state men’s health clinic. The verdict, the largest ever in a U.S. medical malpractice case, stems from allegations of fraudulent misdiagnosis and unnecessary, damaging penile injections administered to a 66-year-old patient in 2017. The plaintiff’s attorneys described the clinic’s actions as a scheme to defraud elderly men, while NuMale stated it maintains safety standards and will not comment on specifics due to ongoing legal proceedings. The jury found the clinic liable for fraudulent and negligent conduct, as well as violations of the Unfair Practices Act.
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Following the election, several major cities—including Los Angeles, Chicago, and Philadelphia—declared themselves “sanctuary cities,” vowing to protect unauthorized residents from mass deportations. These actions, while not legally preventing deportations, aim to hinder enforcement through legal challenges and resource limitations. The Los Angeles Unified School District also declared itself a sanctuary, mirroring similar commitments from other cities and states. Despite potential legal challenges and threats of federal funding cuts, these jurisdictions are committed to resisting the anticipated large-scale deportation efforts.
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To counteract potential elimination of federal electric vehicle tax credits by the incoming Trump administration, California Governor Gavin Newsom announced the reinstatement of the state’s Clean Vehicle Rebate Program. This program, previously phased out, will offer financial incentives to offset the loss of federal subsidies. The move aims to maintain California’s commitment to clean transportation and protect the state’s green job sector. This action reflects a broader strategy to defend California’s values and policies against anticipated federal rollbacks.
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Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy’s proposed Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) aims to drastically reduce the federal government, aligning with the incoming Trump administration’s broader goals. This plan involves eliminating “thousands” of regulations and minimizing government employees, potentially serving as a vehicle for a Musk-led shadow presidency or a method to placate him. The proposal leverages the recent *Loper Bright* Supreme Court decision, weakening the power of federal agencies, and echoes earlier right-wing efforts to dismantle the civil service. Ultimately, DOGE’s goals resemble the more radical “Retire All Government Employees” plan, advocating for deregulation and concentrating power within a select group.
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Germany’s upcoming snap elections, precipitated by the collapse of Chancellor Scholz’s coalition, are facing significant threats of foreign interference, primarily from Russia. The BfV, Germany’s domestic intelligence agency, has established a task force to counter potential disinformation campaigns, cyberattacks, sabotage, and espionage aimed at influencing the election outcome. These actions are viewed as retaliation for Germany’s strong support of Ukraine. The BfV highlights the risk of foreign actors supporting specific candidates or parties to undermine the democratic process.
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Ukraine’s Main Directorate of Intelligence (HUR) announced the successful destruction of a Russian Zoopark radar complex using four long-range FPV drones. The approximately $24 million radar system was targeted by HUR’s “Kryla” unit, resulting in a significant cost differential compared to the drones’ $2,400 price. Video footage shows the complex being struck, followed by explosions and fire. This represents a continued effort to eliminate valuable Russian military assets in Ukraine.
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In Kazakhstan, President Putin lauded President-elect Trump’s intelligence and experience while expressing concern for his safety following multiple assassination attempts. Putin condemned the “uncivilized” methods employed against Trump, including attacks on his family, which he deemed “revolting.” He speculated that the Biden administration’s actions in Ukraine could be a calculated attempt to either aid or hinder Trump’s presidency. Despite these concerns, Putin affirmed Russia’s willingness to engage in dialogue with the incoming Trump administration.
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In response to President-elect Trump’s policies, New York State Senator Liz Krueger proposed that liberal states, including New York, secede from the U.S. and join Canada. This suggestion, previously made before the election, is coupled with a proposal to withhold billions of dollars in federal taxes as leverage against unwanted policies. While facing significant political opposition, Krueger highlights the substantial financial disparity between New York’s tax contributions and federal funding. The proposal reflects a growing sentiment among some Democrats to resist Trump’s agenda.
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Russia has launched a “staggeringly reckless campaign of sabotage” in Europe, a claim that highlights a concerning escalation in geopolitical tensions. The sheer audacity of these actions underscores a disregard for international norms and the potential for catastrophic consequences.
This alleged campaign isn’t just about isolated incidents; it suggests a coordinated effort to destabilize European infrastructure, cripple economies, and sow discord amongst nations. The scale of the alleged operation suggests extensive planning and resources, further emphasizing the gravity of the situation.
The response from Europe, however, has been far from decisive. While strong words and stern letters may be issued, they haven’t translated into tangible countermeasures.… Continue reading
Two London school buses carrying Jewish students were attacked by a group of teens who verbally abused and threw rocks at the vehicles. This incident, which left students scared and feeling unsafe, is part of a sharp rise in antisemitic attacks in the UK, particularly since the October 2023 Hamas attacks. The surge in antisemitism has led many British Jews to consider leaving the country, highlighting concerns about inadequate law enforcement response and a growing climate of fear. The attacks underscore the urgent need for stronger action to combat antisemitism and protect the Jewish community.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood