On December 15th, two Russian tankers, Volgoneft 212 and Volgoneft 239, reportedly sank in the Kerch Strait after breaking apart, spilling approximately 8,300 tonnes of fuel oil. Thirteen crew members were aboard the Volgoneft 212. Rescue efforts, involving tugboats and a helicopter, are underway to save the sailors and contain the oil spill. The cause is believed to be severe wave action.
Following a meeting of representatives from six Druze villages in southern Syria, a request for annexation to the Israeli Golan Heights was made. This decision, driven by the advance of jihadist rebels and the threat to their safety, reflects the villagers’ determination to prevent the rebels from reaching their area. The Druze, traditionally loyal to the Assad regime, now face an existential threat from extremist groups. This plea for annexation comes amidst the fall of the Assad regime and significant concerns for the safety of the Syrian Druze population. The request highlights the precarious situation and desperate measures being considered by the Druze community.
The swift about-face by numerous CEOs, from initially abandoning Donald Trump following the January 6th, 2021 Capitol riot to now actively courting his favor as he prepares for a potential return to the White House, speaks volumes about the priorities of corporate America. It’s a stark reminder that loyalty in the business world often hinges less on principles and more on perceived self-interest.
This recent flurry of activity, characterized by public displays of support and expensive fundraising efforts, is driven by a simple calculation: securing a future operating environment conducive to profit maximization. The perceived threat of a Trump administration enacting policies unfavorable to certain industries likely motivates this rush to gain his favor.… Continue reading
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Lithuanian functional fitness athlete Körnelija Düdaitė withdrew from the World Championship in Budapest after wearing a “Make Russia small again” t-shirt to protest the inclusion of Russian athletes. Facing warnings and threats of team disqualification from the IF3 and organizers, Düdaitė chose to leave the competition, using her actions to express solidarity with Ukraine. Her protest highlighted her disagreement with the International Federation’s decision to allow Russian participation. Düdaitė’s actions generated both support and criticism, both domestically and internationally.
A large fire destroyed a 5,000-square-meter warehouse in Novosibirsk, Russia, on December 13th, with footage showing significant structural damage. While the warehouse reportedly contained various goods including plastics, Ukrainian officials allege it was a military facility supporting key industries. The cause of the fire remains undetermined, and the claims regarding its military purpose are unverified. This incident follows recent drone attacks on Russian territory, indicating a pattern of escalating attacks on infrastructure.
Ukraine’s twice-delayed minerals agreement with the U.S. may be strategically timed for a Trump administration announcement, potentially framing the deal—involving significant reserves of minerals like lithium—as an early achievement. This delay follows broader Ukrainian efforts to cultivate a relationship with President-elect Trump, including a last-minute meeting in Paris orchestrated by Ukrainian officials. The deal’s potential value is estimated at $11.5 trillion in reserves across 20 minerals. Senator Lindsey Graham has voiced support for a deal, suggesting mutual benefits for both countries.
ABC News settled a defamation lawsuit filed by Donald Trump for $16 million. The settlement resolves a suit stemming from George Stephanopoulos’ inaccurate reporting on E. Jean Carroll’s civil case against Trump. ABC issued a public apology and will pay $15 million as a “charitable contribution” to Trump’s presidential library, along with $1 million in legal fees. The settlement avoided depositions for both Trump and Stephanopoulos. The payment represents only a small portion of the library’s projected overall costs.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood
Pelosi’s European Hip Surgery Sparks Healthcare Debate
Former Speaker Nancy Pelosi underwent a successful hip replacement at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany after sustaining a leg injury during a congressional delegation trip to Luxembourg. The procedure followed her admission to a Luxembourg hospital for evaluation and subsequent medevac transport facilitated by the Department of Defense. Pelosi, 84, expressed gratitude for the medical care received in both Luxembourg and Germany. She remains an influential figure in the Democratic party, having recently won re-election to Congress.
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