Following President-elect Trump’s nomination of Matt Gaetz for Attorney General, the House Ethics Committee report on allegations of sexual abuse and illicit drug use against him has been made accessible to all committee members. This follows Gaetz’s temporary resignation from Congress, which initially stalled the report’s release. Despite House Speaker Mike Johnson’s request to keep the report confidential, the committee chair insists the decision on public release remains theirs. The report includes testimony from two women alleging Gaetz paid them for sex, with one further alleging he engaged in sex with a minor; Gaetz denies all accusations.
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Damage to two Baltic Sea data cables, one connecting Helsinki to Rostock, is highly suspicious and strongly suggests sabotage, though no perpetrator has been identified. German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius stated that this incident, along with Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine, highlights the need for a comprehensive approach to European defense against hybrid threats. The damage raises concerns about the vulnerability of critical infrastructure and the potential for malicious actors to disrupt essential services. Investigations are underway by Finland and Germany to determine the cause and responsible party.
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Marking the war’s 1,000th day, Ukrainian President Zelensky addressed the European Parliament, urging allies to increase pressure on Russia for a “just peace,” emphasizing that Putin will not stop without external pressure. Zelensky’s speech followed reports of a possible first use of US-supplied ATACMS missiles within Russia, and coincided with escalating tensions including the reported deployment of North Korean troops and Russia’s updated nuclear doctrine. The conflict continues to inflict devastating casualties, with recent drone attacks in Sumy resulting in civilian deaths. Zelensky warned that delaying action allows Russia to strengthen its position.
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The 2024 election revealed a significant Democratic weakness: while they retained the support of highly engaged voters, they lost ground with less-engaged voters, who were disproportionately younger, less educated, and more Republican-leaning. This loss stemmed from ineffective communication strategies, a failure to utilize communication channels preferred by these voters, and a perception of the party being dominated by extreme voices. Democratic strategists acknowledge the need to improve outreach and messaging to these less-engaged voters, shifting from data-driven efficiency models to broader communication efforts. Ultimately, the Republicans successfully tapped into widespread feelings that the nation was heading in the wrong direction, a message that resonated regardless of media consumption habits.
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A Ukrainian defense source confirmed the first use of ATACMS missiles to strike a military facility near Karachev, Bryansk Oblast, Russia. The targeted ammunition depot, previously attacked in October, reportedly contained artillery shells, including North Korean munitions. The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported the strike, though without specifying the weaponry used, and emphasized the continuation of such actions to disrupt Russian aggression. While the US has not officially confirmed authorization, reports suggest approval for limited ATACMS strikes against Russian territory was given.
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President Biden’s welcoming reception of President-elect Trump contrasts sharply with the latter’s 2020 snub, highlighting a stark difference in leadership transitions. Economically, Trump inherits a robust economy, unlike Biden’s inheritance of a COVID-ravaged one. Despite initial post-pandemic challenges, the Biden administration successfully navigated supply chain issues and record inflation, resulting in record low unemployment, job growth, and falling prices. While Trump may attempt to claim credit, the economic successes are undeniably attributable to President Biden’s policies and leadership.
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Barcelona’s mayor, Jaume Collboni, defends the city’s plan to eliminate tourist flats by 2028, citing a drastic but necessary response to the soaring cost of housing. The initiative aims to return over 10,000 properties to the residential market and curb overtourism, although it faces legal challenges and potential reversal after the 2027 mayoral elections. While opponents argue the timeline is too long and the plan is economically damaging, the city maintains that half-measures have failed and this approach is simpler and clearer. The plan will be enforced by increased inspections to combat illegal rentals.
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Ukraine’s reported use of Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) missiles to strike a Russian military facility near Karachev, in the Bryansk region, marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict. This action, first reported by RBC-Ukraine, represents a potential turning point, with implications that extend far beyond the immediate battlefield. The strike itself, occurring approximately 130 kilometers from the Ukrainian border, demonstrates a newfound capability for Kyiv to directly target high-value military assets deep within Russian territory.
The timing of this attack is particularly noteworthy, coinciding with Russia’s updated nuclear doctrine. This revised doctrine, significantly lowering the threshold for nuclear response, suggests a heightened state of alert and a willingness to consider more drastic measures in the event of perceived threats.… Continue reading
Facing criticism for policies contributing to housing shortages, inflation, and strained public services, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau acknowledged mistakes in his government’s immigration approach. The government’s rapid increase in immigration, intended to address labor shortages, inadvertently allowed exploitation by “bad actors” such as fake colleges and corporations. To rectify this, Canada will significantly reduce both permanent and temporary immigration over the next three years, prioritizing skilled workers in crucial sectors. This temporary reduction aims to alleviate pressure on housing and infrastructure while the country works towards expanding its capacity.
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Despite lacking a legal mandate, FBI background checks for presidential nominees have been standard practice. President-elect Trump’s reported intention to bypass this process raises serious concerns about national security. Existing memoranda of understanding between the Department of Justice, the President, and the Senate Judiciary Committee provide avenues for President Biden and the Senate to initiate investigations, even without Trump’s cooperation. This action is crucial to uphold the Senate’s advice and consent role and safeguard against potentially unqualified or compromised nominees. Failure to act would set a dangerous precedent, undermining checks and balances.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood