MyPillow, facing significant financial difficulties, is suing Cobalt Funding Solutions and Streamline Advance for racketeering, alleging deceptive lending practices. The lawsuit claims MyPillow was tricked into a $1.6 million loan with a 409% annual interest rate, exacerbating the company’s already precarious financial state. This is at least the third lawsuit filed against MyPillow in recent months concerning high-interest merchant cash advances, highlighting the company’s ongoing financial struggles. The company’s legal woes are compounded by previous defaults on similar loans and outstanding debts related to Lindell’s election-related lawsuits.
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NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte declared the alliance unprepared for future Russian threats, urging a “wartime mindset” and significantly increased defense spending beyond the current 2% GDP target. He stressed that Russia is preparing for long-term conflict, and current security is the worst in his lifetime. Rutte called for increased defense production, removal of inter-member barriers to bolster defense capabilities, and acknowledged the need to address threats from China’s growing military power. He emphasized the urgent need for increased spending and innovation within the defense industry.
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In response to President-elect Trump’s threatened 25% tariff on all Canadian goods, Ontario Premier Doug Ford threatened to cut off energy exports to the United States. This drastic measure, discussed amongst Canadian premiers and Prime Minister Trudeau, stems from concerns that the tariffs would devastate the Canadian economy and harm American consumers. While the extent of energy cut-offs remains unclear, the move underscores Canada’s resolve to retaliate against what is seen as an unjustified economic attack. Canada’s significant energy exports to the U.S. make this a powerful potential countermeasure.
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President Biden issued a historic act of clemency, commuting the sentences of approximately 1,500 individuals previously on home confinement due to the COVID-19 pandemic and pardoning 39 individuals convicted of nonviolent crimes. This represents the largest single-day use of clemency in modern presidential history, exceeding even President Obama’s previous record. The commutations focused on those who had completed at least a year of home confinement, reflecting efforts to mitigate COVID-19 spread in prisons. Further clemency actions are expected before Biden leaves office.
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The IRS’s new free direct tax filing system, funded by the Inflation Reduction Act, aims to simplify tax preparation for Americans. However, 27 House Republicans urged President-elect Trump to terminate the program, citing concerns about government overreach and a potential conflict of interest for the IRS. They argue the program gives the IRS an incentive to maximize tax revenue rather than ensure fair taxation. This initiative is part of broader Republican efforts to curtail increased IRS funding.
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Following President Yoon Suk Yeol’s controversial declaration of martial law, his own party, the People Power Party (PPP), has reversed its initial stance and now supports impeachment proceedings. This decision, made after failed attempts to persuade the President to resign, significantly increases the likelihood of a successful impeachment vote, potentially as early as Saturday. The impeachment motion, driven by widespread public anger and accusations of treason, alleges that Yoon abused his power and committed insurrection. The president, however, maintains his actions were necessary to address a political stalemate and has vowed to fight the impeachment.
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2024 is being declared the hottest year on record by EU scientists, a stark reminder of the escalating climate crisis. This isn’t just a new record; it’s a continuation of a trend, with each year seemingly surpassing the last. The sheer repetition of this announcement, year after year, highlights the urgency of the situation.
The disheartening reality is that this record-breaking heat is likely to be surpassed again in 2025, and the year after that, and so on. This isn’t a matter of scientific uncertainty; the data consistently points towards a warming planet. The question is no longer *if* temperatures will continue to rise, but rather how we, as a global society, will adapt and mitigate the consequences.… Continue reading
Travis Timmerman, a Missouri man missing since May, was found in Damascus, Syria, after being released from Syrian prison following the overthrow of President Assad. He claimed to have entered Syria on a pilgrimage, was detained for months, and described his imprisonment as a time of personal growth. After his release, he wandered the streets of Damascus before being located by NBC News. U.S. officials are aware of the situation and are offering support, though Timmerman has yet to contact his family.
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President Biden granted clemency to nearly 1,800 individuals, representing the largest single-day act of clemency in modern history. This included approximately 1,500 commutations for those who completed home confinement sentences initiated during the COVID-19 pandemic and 39 pardons for nonviolent offenses. The actions followed a pardon for Biden’s son, Hunter, and are expected to be followed by further clemency grants before the end of his term. These actions reflect Biden’s stated commitment to providing second chances and addressing sentencing disparities.
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A Yukon couple was awarded $10,000 in small claims court after Air Canada’s overbooking led to a three-day travel ordeal. The airline repeatedly breached Air Passenger Protection Regulations, failing to provide promised alternative flights and adequate communication, resulting in lost vacation time and additional expenses. The judge deemed Air Canada’s actions “shameful,” highlighting the airline’s failure to fulfill its duty of care and utilize human oversight in its booking system. This decision emphasizes the need for improved airline communication and accountability under the existing regulations.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood