Malala Yousafzai, surprised by the rapid erosion of women’s rights in Afghanistan since the Taliban’s return to power, highlights the dire situation faced by Afghan women. The Taliban’s restrictions, described by the UN as “gender apartheid,” have led to the widespread denial of education and numerous other rights, leaving millions of girls out of school and impacting women’s overall well-being. A new documentary, *Bread & Roses*, showcases the resilience of three Afghan women amidst these hardships, aiming to raise international awareness and pressure for change. Malala emphasizes the need for global support and solidarity with Afghan women actively resisting oppression despite immense challenges. The film highlights both the loss and the enduring hope for freedom among Afghan women.
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A top union leader warns that Donald Trump’s return to office will likely result in widespread harassment, intimidation, and corruption within the US federal government. This is fueled by Trump’s and his allies’ support for mass firings of civil servants and the abolishment of agencies, potentially utilizing the controversial Schedule F executive order to remove civil service protections from thousands of employees. This action would reverse over 150 years of merit-based hiring practices established by the Pendleton Act, undermining employee protections and increasing the risk of corruption. The anticipated implementation of Schedule F, central to the rightwing Project 2025 plan, threatens to significantly weaken unions and impair the government’s ability to function effectively.
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Donald Trump’s selection of Pete Hegseth for Secretary of Defense is facing significant backlash following reports of a nondisclosure agreement with a woman accusing him of sexual assault. This revelation, coupled with previous controversies surrounding Matt Gaetz, highlights a pattern of inadequate vetting within Trump’s inner circle. The lack of vetting underscores concerns about Trump’s intentions and further jeopardizes the Republican party. Opposition research efforts are now underway to expose potential weaknesses within Trump’s team.
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Attorney Joel Sheppard will publicly reveal new details from his clients, two women who allege participation in multiple “sex parties” with Matt Gaetz, involving drug use and potential underage sex. These claims, already presented to the House Ethics Committee, detail alleged events occurring during Gaetz’s first term. While the Department of Justice declined to press charges against Gaetz, the House Ethics Committee investigated similar allegations before Gaetz’s recent resignation. Sheppard aims to pressure the committee to release its now-completed report, amidst GOP debate regarding its disclosure and potential impact on Gaetz’s confirmation as attorney general.
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Following a lengthy investigation spurred by media reports alleging decades of sexual abuse, high-profile Australian broadcaster Alan Jones was arrested and charged. The investigation, conducted by Strike Force Bonnefin, involved numerous alleged victims who came forward after the initial reports. Jones, who was cooperative upon arrest, faces multiple charges related to indecent assault spanning his career as a teacher and broadcaster. Police anticipate further allegations may surface.
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The free press faces increasing threats, jeopardizing America’s future. HuffPost, unlike some news organizations succumbing to political pressure, remains committed to independent journalism. Continued operation depends on reader support; contributions, even through free account creation, are vital. Maintaining free access to news requires collective action to protect this crucial democratic institution.
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Trump confirms he will declare a national emergency to carry out mass deportations. This drastic measure, announced seemingly without hesitation, is sparking widespread concern and outrage. The sheer scale of the undertaking is staggering, potentially affecting millions of immigrants across the country.
The economic implications are equally alarming. A massive deportation effort would severely disrupt numerous industries heavily reliant on immigrant labor, particularly agriculture and food processing. The potential for food shortages and skyrocketing prices is a very real possibility, given the significant contribution of immigrant workers to our food supply chain. This ripple effect could trigger a chain reaction, impacting everything from the cost of groceries to the overall stability of the economy.… Continue reading
A witness testified before the House Ethics Committee in April 2024 that she observed Representative Matt Gaetz engaging in sexual acts with a minor at a 2017 party. This testimony occurred during an ongoing ethics investigation into Gaetz, which concluded simultaneously with a Justice Department probe that ultimately declined to file charges. Following Gaetz’s subsequent resignation and Donald Trump’s nomination of him as Attorney General, the release of the House Ethics Committee’s report is now subject to intense political debate. The witness’s attorney and some members of Congress are advocating for public release of the findings.
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President-elect Trump confirmed plans to declare a national emergency and utilize military resources for mass deportations of undocumented immigrants, as reported on Truth Social. This initiative, a key campaign promise, will prioritize the deportation of those with final orders of removal from federal immigration judges. Tom Homan, appointed as “border czar,” will oversee the operation, focusing on individuals who have defied court orders to leave the country. Homan emphasized the need to enforce existing laws and prioritize public safety. The plan targets an estimated 1.3 million individuals who have ignored previous deportation orders.
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The Australian Senate voted 46-12 to censure Senator Lidia Thorpe for her expletive-laden outburst directed at King Charles III during his recent visit. Senator Thorpe’s condemnation, deemed by government leader Penny Wong as an attempt to incite outrage, involved accusations of genocide and demands for land restitution. Despite the censure, Thorpe vowed to repeat her actions should the King return. Opposition to the censure motion highlighted the systemic issues of white privilege within the parliament.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood