Pete Hegseth, Donald Trump’s nominee for Secretary of Defense, faces serious accusations of sexual misconduct, including rape and sexual harassment allegations, corroborated by a New Yorker investigation detailing a hostile work environment at his veterans organization. These accusations are further supported by a leaked email from Hegseth’s mother calling him an abuser of women. Hegseth’s subsequent affiliation with the Communion of Reformed Evangelical Churches (CREC), a group promoting extreme views on gender roles and minimizing female victimhood, raises significant concerns. His association with CREC leader Doug Wilson, who espouses misogynistic views and minimizes the severity of sexual violence, highlights a troubling pattern of behavior and a lack of accountability. This nomination has been celebrated by the CREC community as validation of their beliefs.
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South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol’s surprise declaration of martial law, the first in 44 years, was swiftly overturned by the National Assembly within hours. The 190-to-300 vote followed Yoon’s justification of the decree as necessary to counter perceived threats from North Korea and domestic opposition. This action, which even surprised members of Yoon’s own party, caused immediate market turmoil, including a sharp fall in the won and stock market. Following the Assembly’s vote, the Bank of Korea scheduled an emergency meeting to address market stabilization.
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Following President-elect Trump’s threat of imposing a 25 percent tariff on Canadian and Mexican imports, Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau met with Trump at Mar-a-Lago. When Trudeau expressed concern that the tariffs would devastate the Canadian economy, Trump reportedly joked about Canada becoming the 51st state. This meeting, the first between a G7 leader and Trump since the election, also involved discussions on fentanyl, illegal immigration, and trade. Despite Trump’s tariff threats, both Mexico and Canada expressed optimism following their respective meetings with the President-elect.
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Following President Yoon Suk Yeol’s declaration of martial law, South Korea’s National Assembly voted overwhelmingly to lift the decree, with all 190 present members supporting the motion. The Assembly chair declared the martial law declaration invalid, urging citizens to remain calm. Thousands protested outside the parliament building, demanding the president’s impeachment, while international actors like the US and UK expressed concern and monitored the situation closely. The Korean won also experienced a sharp decline against the US dollar.
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In response to expanded U.S. export controls on semiconductor technology, China announced a ban on exports of gallium, germanium, antimony, and other key high-tech materials to the United States. These materials are crucial for various technological applications, including military technology, and China is a major global supplier. The Chinese government cited the U.S.’s actions as a violation of fair market principles and a threat to global supply chains. This action represents a significant escalation of trade tensions between the two nations, with both sides claiming their restrictions are necessary for national security.
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Following a Hezbollah projectile attack on an Israeli military post in disputed territory, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed a forceful response. Hezbollah claimed the attack was a defensive measure due to alleged Israeli ceasefire violations, marking their first action since the recent truce. Israel has conducted numerous airstrikes in southern Lebanon in recent days, resulting in civilian casualties, prompting accusations of ceasefire breaches by Lebanon. The US, tasked with monitoring the ceasefire, reports it’s largely holding despite these incidents.
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Salvatore “Sammy the Bull” Gravano’s endorsement of Donald Trump highlights a disturbing pattern: Trump’s administration resembles a “government of gangsters.” This assertion is supported by Trump’s own legal history, the numerous individuals with criminal backgrounds in his inner circle (including Charles Kushner), and a disturbing trend of appointing officials with accusations or convictions of sexual misconduct. This mirrors the anti-establishment sentiment analyzed in John Ganz’s *When the Clock Broke*, further emphasizing the comparison between Trump’s operation and organized crime. Trump’s alleged past dealings with the Mafia and his leadership style only reinforce this unsettling parallel.
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Biden’s recent move to eliminate subminimum wages for individuals with disabilities marks a significant step toward achieving wage equality. This decision, a fulfillment of a campaign promise, is poised to spark considerable debate and legal challenges. The Department of Labor’s year-long review of the Depression-era program culminated in a proposed rule that would halt the issuance of certificates allowing subminimum wages and initiate a three-year phaseout for existing certificates.
This proposed rule will be subject to a public comment period, extending until January 17, 2025. This timeframe places the final decision in the hands of the incoming administration, leaving the future of the rule uncertain and contingent on their response to public commentary and potential legal challenges.… Continue reading
Cycling Frog’s new THC seltzers offer a low-calorie, alcohol-free alternative for holiday relaxation. Three festive flavors—Cran Razz (10mg THC/can), Black Currant (5mg THC/can, gold medal winner), and Wild Cherry (5mg THC/can)—are available in six-packs. These beverages provide a milder cannabis experience suitable for both seasoned and novice users. Each seltzer contains between 5-10 mg of THC and are priced between $20-$28.
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A Delaware court rejected Elon Musk’s $101 billion Tesla compensation package, despite shareholder approval. Judge Kathaleen McCormick ruled the package, consisting of stock options, was not in shareholders’ best interests, citing the board’s failure to demonstrate fairness and its close ties to Musk. The judge’s decision stands even after a shareholder vote re-approved the package, emphasizing that ratification doesn’t automatically equate to fairness. Musk, who receives no salary or bonus, argued his compensation was self-negotiated, highlighting the conflict of interest.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood