Overnight, Israel launched extensive airstrikes targeting over sixty Syrian military sites, including weapons facilities and the Syrian navy. These actions followed Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu’s announcement to expand settlements in the Golan Heights, prompting condemnation from Saudi Arabia and concern from the UN. Despite Hayat Tahrir al-Sham’s leader stating his group sought no conflict with Israel, the strikes continue, raising international alarm over potential prolonged occupation and escalating regional tensions. The scale of the Israeli operation has surprised many observers. The US is simultaneously engaging with HTS regarding its future role in Syria.
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With the Russia-Ukraine gas transit deal expiring December 31st and no extension planned, Moldova declared a national state of emergency due to potential energy shortages. This action follows Russia’s recent massive missile strike on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure and the threat of halted gas supplies to Moldova’s Transnistrian region, which could create a humanitarian crisis. Moldovan Prime Minister Dorin Recean aims to end the country’s energy vulnerability. Russia has expressed willingness to continue supplying gas to Europe via Ukraine.
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Fulton County Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee dismissed Kenneth Chesebro’s motion to withdraw his guilty plea in the Georgia election interference case, citing procedural defects and the untimely filing. Chesebro, a co-defendant of Donald Trump, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit filing false documents and agreed to cooperate with prosecutors. The judge’s ruling emphasizes that standard legal procedures will continue despite Trump’s recent election victory and ongoing attempts to halt the case. Legal analysts suggest the ruling primarily addresses procedural issues, while the overall case against Trump and his co-defendants remains subject to ongoing legal challenges and potential delays.
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Mia Farrow, a polio survivor, vehemently opposes Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s stance on vaccines, citing her own harrowing experience with the disease and the devastating impact it had on her late adopted son. Farrow’s condemnation follows the revelation that Kennedy’s advisor, Aaron Siri, who has actively campaigned against several vaccines, including polio, is assisting in selecting health officials for a potential administration. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, also a polio survivor, echoed Farrow’s concerns, warning against undermining public trust in life-saving vaccines. Experts emphasize the continued need for polio vaccination due to persistent strains of the virus.
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Late-night hosts reacted to Donald Trump being named Time’s Person of the Year and Joe Biden’s extensive clemency actions. Seth Meyers and Jimmy Kimmel criticized Trump’s appearance at the New York Stock Exchange, highlighting the hypocrisy of his populist campaign promises. Kimmel also commented on Biden’s record-breaking number of pardons. Stephen Colbert, while acknowledging Biden’s clemency, joked about the event and contrasted it with the expected media focus shift to Trump. The hosts used humor to address these contrasting news events.
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Negotiations between Russia and India are underway to establish a visa-free agreement for group tourist travel, potentially commencing in Spring 2025. This follows the recent introduction of e-visas for Indian citizens, resulting in a significant increase in Indian visitors to Russia, particularly for business purposes. The success of a similar visa-free program with China and Iran supports Russia’s optimism for a similar outcome with India. This initiative aims to further boost tourism between the two nations, building upon the already substantial increase in Indian travelers to Russia.
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A video circulating online shows President-elect Donald Trump seated among others, prompting speculation—lacking definitive proof—that he had an accident. This follows similar unsubstantiated claims against Joe Biden. Social media users have offered various interpretations, ranging from flatulence to more serious accusations. Trump himself previously commented on similar allegations against Biden, fueling further online discussion.
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Fourth Circuit Judge James Wynn Jr. rescinded his plans to take senior status, defying Senator Thom Tillis’s warnings against it. This follows the withdrawal of Biden’s nominee to replace Wynn, due to insufficient Senate support. Wynn’s action is considered unprecedented and partisan, particularly given a bipartisan Senate agreement to postpone confirmation until the next Congress. The move makes Wynn the third judge to unretire under similar circumstances, preventing President-elect Trump from appointing replacements.
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President-elect Trump is reportedly considering privatizing the U.S. Postal Service, a move opposed by progressives. Discussions regarding this privatization, involving Trump and his transition team, cite the USPS’s financial losses as justification. Critics argue that this privatization effort is driven by a broader hostility towards public services and would disregard the public’s strong support for the Postal Service. Furthermore, they point out that the USPS’s financial struggles are partly due to burdensome pre-funding mandates, not inherent inefficiency.
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Ukraine successfully repelled an initial North Korean and Russian assault near Malaya Loknya in the Kursk region, suffering losses but inflicting heavy casualties, estimated at 200, on the invading forces through counterattacks and drone strikes. The North Koreans, described as disciplined but used as “cannon fodder” by Russia, exhibited human wave tactics and suffered from communication issues with their Russian counterparts. Despite this initial success, Ukraine faces a persistent threat from approximately 11,000 North Korean soldiers deployed in the region, highlighting an urgent need for increased military aid.
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John Q. Hosedrinker