Despite widespread public opposition to cuts, Republican politicians continue to propose changes to Social Security, citing the need for budget trimming. Prominent figures like Representatives McCormick and Lee, along with Elon Musk, have openly advocated for reforms, even framing Social Security as unsustainable. However, past attempts to reform Social Security, such as President Bush’s privatization plan, have met with significant public backlash and failed. While President-elect Trump’s stance on the issue remains inconsistent, his other policy proposals, like mass deportations and tariff increases, could indirectly impact Social Security funding and necessitate future benefit reductions.
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Ukrainian forces, spearheaded by the 48th Separate Assault Battalion, liberated Novy Komar village in Donetsk Oblast from Russian occupation on December 4th, inflicting heavy casualties and capturing enemy marines. The successful operation leveraged effective assault infantry tactics and significant support from FPV drone teams. Simultaneously, Ukrainian troops repelled a Russian bridgehead attempt near Novomlynsk in Kharkiv Oblast, maintaining control of the Oskil River’s west bank. Both victories demonstrate continued Ukrainian success in pushing back Russian forces.
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A mystery flu-like illness has killed at least 71 people in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Kwango province, prompting a government health alert. Symptoms include fever, headache, cough, and anemia, with nearly half of the approximately 380 cases affecting children under five. Epidemiological experts are investigating the disease’s cause and transmission method, hampered by the remote location and limited resources in the affected area. While the government assures sufficient provisions for certain care, concerns remain about the inadequate healthcare infrastructure and the reliance on traditional medicine.
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The Department of Transportation proposes a new rule mandating airline compensation for lengthy delays stemming from airline-caused issues, such as mechanical problems or IT failures. Compensation would range from $200 to $775 depending on delay duration, and airlines would be required to provide alternative flights and cover expenses like meals and lodging. This initiative, part of a broader effort to increase airline accountability, aims to establish baseline standards for passenger rights and address the high percentage of airline-caused delays exceeding three hours. However, industry groups oppose the rule, arguing it will inflate ticket prices.
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A 7.0 magnitude earthquake, centered 99 kilometers west-southwest of Ferndale, California, triggered a brief tsunami warning along the California and Oregon coasts, later canceled. Emergency evacuations were ordered in several coastal areas, including Old Town Eureka, prompting residents to move inland and to higher ground. Power outages affected thousands of PG&E customers, and several school districts implemented closures or evacuations. Authorities continue to assess the damage and urge residents to remain vigilant for aftershocks.
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In a coordinated effort, the U.S. and EU will transfer $50 billion in frozen Russian assets to Ukraine for economic and defense support. This substantial sum, derived from assets frozen in response to Russia’s invasion, will be disbursed in the coming weeks. The announcement follows a recent $725 million U.S. weapons package for Ukraine, including missiles, artillery, and drones. This combined aid, totaling over $260 billion from the U.S. and its allies since 2022, aims to bolster Ukraine’s defenses against ongoing Russian aggression.
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Kash Patel, Donald Trump’s nominee for FBI director, made controversial statements in a 2023 podcast interview about pursuing legal action against journalists who spread misinformation. While Patel later attempted to clarify his remarks, stating he only intended to target those who broke the law, his comments have sparked bipartisan concern. Critics cite these statements, along with his strong loyalty to Trump and embrace of conspiracy theories, as reasons for opposition to his nomination. This controversy is expected to be a major point of contention during his Senate confirmation hearings.
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UnitedHealth chair and executives offloaded a staggering $102 million worth of company stock just before the Department of Justice (DOJ) probe became public knowledge. This timing has understandably raised significant eyebrows, prompting questions about the nature of these transactions and the potential for insider trading. The sheer scale of the sales alone is enough to warrant a closer look.
The initial reaction suggests a strong suspicion of wrongdoing, fueled by the well-known prevalence of such practices in corporate America. The assumption that regulatory bodies, like the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), are unlikely to take decisive action against powerful figures only reinforces this cynicism.… Continue reading
Tennessee Senator Ken Yager, chairman of the Senate Republican Caucus, was arrested in Georgia on Tuesday for DUI and hit and run. The arrest followed a single-vehicle accident on Jekyll Island where Yager allegedly left the scene after a collision, later exhibiting signs of intoxication and failing field sobriety tests. His blood alcohol content registered 0.14, exceeding the legal limit. Yager faces charges including DUI, hit and run, and failure to stop at a stop sign.
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President-elect Trump’s announcement to block the $14.9 billion sale of U.S. Steel to Nippon Steel has been met with mixed reactions. While some steelworkers in Pittsburgh, where the sale was largely popular due to promised investments and job security, expressed frustration and disappointment, others, including the United Steelworkers president, oppose the deal citing concerns about long-term job security and the buyer’s trustworthiness. Supporters of the sale highlight Nippon’s pledged $2.7 billion investment and commitment to union jobs. Opposition also includes Senator Rubio, who raised national security concerns.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood