Russia has definitively declined any invitation to the Global Peace Summit, citing Ukraine’s unwillingness to compromise on its 1991 borders and the complete withdrawal of Russian troops. Ukraine, aiming to hold the summit before the 2024 U.S. presidential election, continues preparations, despite delays. While initially suggesting Russia’s presence was a non-starter, Zelenskyy later indicated a willingness to invite Russia, though he believes Putin is uninterested in peace. Ukraine’s plan involves a multi-point peace proposal, contingent on a globally-supported framework.
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In 2024, global population growth slowed slightly to 0.9%, adding over 71 million people and reaching 8.09 billion by New Year’s Day. This follows a 2023 increase of 75 million. The U.S. population concurrently rose by 2.6 million, reaching 341 million, driven by a combination of births, deaths, and net international migration. This growth represents a slower rate than the previous decade.
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Nearly half of GOP voters want the military to put immigrants in camps, according to a poll. This is a deeply disturbing statistic, hinting at a troubling acceptance of extreme measures within a significant portion of the Republican electorate. The sheer scale of this number demands a serious examination of the underlying causes and potential consequences.
The idea of using the military to detain immigrants in camps evokes stark historical parallels. Such a policy immediately brings to mind the darkest chapters of the 20th century, prompting justified concerns about human rights violations and the potential for widespread abuses. The very suggestion of “camps” is alarming, regardless of whether the target is all immigrants or just those undocumented.… Continue reading
President Carter’s life exemplified unwavering faith and dedicated service, marked by achievements including his role in the Camp David Accords and his commitment to environmental protection and government transparency. His presidency, and subsequent work through the Carter Center, championed peace, democracy, and human rights globally. Supported by his wife Rosalynn, his legacy of decency and compassion continues to inspire. His profound impact on the world is undeniable.
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The Taliban’s recent decree banning windows overlooking areas frequented by women is, frankly, astounding. It’s a chilling escalation of their already oppressive regime, taking control not just over women’s actions, but their very ability to observe the world around them. The justification, that seeing women in everyday activities like working in kitchens, courtyards, or collecting water might lead to “obscene acts,” is preposterous. It paints a picture of men so utterly lacking in self-control that the mere sight of a woman performing ordinary tasks is enough to incite them to commit immoral acts. This isn’t about protecting women; it’s about controlling them, confining them, and silencing them.… Continue reading
A federal appeals court upheld a lower court’s ruling against Donald Trump, rejecting his appeal of a jury verdict finding him liable for sexually abusing and defaming E. Jean Carroll. The court dismissed Trump’s arguments that the inclusion of testimony from other women who accused him of sexual misconduct and his own statements on the Access Hollywood tape were erroneous. The judges affirmed the jury’s assessment of the facts, stating that even if some evidentiary rulings were flawed, they did not affect Trump’s substantial rights. Trump’s repeated denials and accusations against Carroll were deemed irrelevant to the court’s decision.
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Trump loses appeal of E. Jean Carroll’s $5 million defamation verdict. The Second U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Manhattan upheld the verdict, rejecting Trump’s arguments for dismissal. This decision solidifies Carroll’s win, awarding her $5 million in damages for sexual abuse and defamation stemming from a 1996 incident and a subsequent Truth Social post.
The original verdict stemmed from Carroll’s accusation of rape in a Bergdorf Goodman dressing room. While the jury didn’t find Trump guilty of rape, they did find him liable for sexual assault and defamation. This ruling followed an earlier verdict against Trump, ordering him to pay Carroll $83.3 million for defamation relating to a separate statement denying her claims.… Continue reading
A new decree mandates the development of a law expelling illegal migrants from Russia by April 30, 2025. This measure excludes those legally residing in the country. The decree notably impacts residents of occupied Zaporizhzhia Oblast lacking Russian passports, who will be considered foreigners from January 1, 2025, and subject to expulsion after exceeding the 90-day visa-free limit. This effectively forces the displacement of a significant portion of the population in this area.
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Following President Carter’s passing, President-elect Trump offered condolences, acknowledging the shared experience of the presidency and Carter’s efforts to improve American lives. His Truth Social post, however, omitted any mention of the customary half-mast flags. This omission is noteworthy given Trump’s well-documented focus on symbolic displays of power and prestige. Speculation suggests that Trump might perceive a half-mast flag at his inauguration as diminishing his image.
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President Biden’s recent announcement of a $2.5 billion military aid package for Ukraine has sparked a wave of intense debate, highlighting the complex and deeply divisive nature of the ongoing conflict. The sheer magnitude of the aid – a substantial injection into the war effort – is prompting many to question the long-term implications, both domestically and internationally.
The timing of this announcement, falling shortly before a potential change in administration, is particularly significant. Some believe this represents a last-ditch effort to bolster Ukraine’s defenses before any potential shift in US policy. The fear is that a change in leadership could lead to a drastic reduction or even complete cessation of aid, potentially leaving Ukraine vulnerable.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood