This Giving Tuesday, support the *Washington Monthly*’s mission to promote well-conceived policy ideas amidst a surge of misinformation. Unlike many publications, the *Washington Monthly* prioritizes policy analysis, offering crucial insights into building a better America. In contrast to previous administrations, the Biden administration boasts a remarkable record of ethical conduct, with zero indictments or convictions of any political appointees. This stands in sharp contrast to previous administrations, which faced numerous indictments, convictions, and resignations due to ethical breaches. Support the *Washington Monthly* financially to continue this vital work.
Read More
UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was fatally shot at approximately 6:44 a.m. while walking to his company’s investor conference at the New York Hilton Midtown. The NYPD reports the gunman, who arrived on foot beforehand, approached Thompson from behind and shot him multiple times before fleeing the scene on an e-Citi bike. Police recovered shell casings and live rounds at the crime scene. Thompson was transported to Mount Sinai West, where he was pronounced dead.
Read More
The Taliban’s recent ban on women training as nurses and midwives in Afghanistan represents a devastating blow to women’s access to healthcare and education. This decision, announced by the Ministry of Public Health under orders from the Taliban’s supreme leader, effectively closes off a crucial career path for Afghan women. The ban impacts both private and government-run medical training institutes, leaving countless women with no options for professional advancement in vital medical fields.
This prohibition is especially disheartening given the already limited opportunities available to women in Afghanistan. For many, pursuing medical education was considered a final avenue for professional growth, a last resort after facing restrictions in other educational and career paths.… Continue reading
The free press faces unprecedented challenges, with many news organizations succumbing to political influence. HuffPost, however, remains committed to unbiased reporting and safeguarding its independence. Continued operation relies on reader support; therefore, contributions, even through the creation of a free account, are crucial to preserving HuffPost’s mission. The future of American democracy is inextricably linked to a free and independent press.
Read More
Despite Trump’s past campaign promises to protect Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid, his proposed budgets consistently sought to cut these programs. His incoming OMB director, Russell Vought, and a new “Department of Government Efficiency” plan to slash government spending, potentially circumventing Congress through executive action. This mirrors previous Republican attempts to dismantle these programs, though the current narrow House majority makes passage uncertain. The possibility of using impoundment to bypass Congressional spending allocations presents a significant risk to these entitlement programs.
Read More
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell’s legacy includes a strategic appointment of numerous conservative federal judges, often prioritizing partisan alignment over qualifications. These appointments frequently yielded rulings favorable to Republican interests, particularly regarding voting rights. Current Democratic tactics, criticized by McConnell, mirror strategies he successfully employed during his tenure. The question remains whether future Republican leadership will adopt similarly aggressive partisan approaches.
Read More
Helsing, a German defense AI firm, has begun mass production of its HX-2 “Karma” kamikaze drone, with initial deliveries of nearly 4,000 units to Ukraine commencing this month. The electrically powered drone, weighing approximately 12 kilograms, boasts a top speed of 220 kph and a range of 100 kilometers, utilizing onboard AI for target acquisition and engagement, even in electronic warfare environments. Designed for mass production at a lower cost than comparable systems, the HX-2 can be deployed individually or in swarms, controlled by a single operator. Early prototypes have already seen operational use in Ukraine.
Read More
During a Duma address, Anna Tsivileva, a Russian Deputy Minister of Defense and relative of Vladimir Putin, inadvertently disclosed that 48,000 DNA requests had been received for missing soldiers. This revelation, deemed classified information by Duma member Andrey Kartapolov, directly contradicted Russia’s policy of concealing military casualty numbers. The broadcast was subsequently removed, though clips circulated online. This incident comes amidst reported high Russian military losses and a recent territorial gain in Ukraine, highlighting the ongoing conflict’s complexities.
Read More
Mayor Adams wrongly claimed undocumented immigrants lack constitutional due process rights, a statement refuted by legal experts who confirmed that the Constitution generally applies to all within U.S. borders. His assertion followed calls for immediate deportation of undocumented criminals, even before trial, and a desire to weaken the city’s sanctuary policies. This stance drew sharp criticism from immigrant advocates and public officials who accused him of fear-mongering and scapegoating migrants. Despite the city’s significant financial investment in supporting recent migrants, Adams maintains his position and seeks collaboration with Trump administration figures on stricter immigration enforcement.
Read More
NATO allies convened in Brussels to address a surge in suspected Russian sabotage attempts across Europe, with up to 100 incidents this year attributed to Moscow’s hybrid warfare. These incidents range from cyberattacks and arson to assassination plots and espionage, aiming to sow discord and disrupt military aid to Ukraine. The alliance agreed on countermeasures including enhanced intelligence sharing and infrastructure protection. Concerns are heightened by the Kremlin’s apparent shift to riskier tactics following the expulsion of numerous Russian diplomats. The scale and variety of threats present a significant challenge for Western responses.
Read More
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood