President Biden’s efforts to alleviate student loan debt, totaling $166.5 billion in forgiveness for 4.4 million borrowers, face potential reversal under a second Trump administration. Trump’s opposition to such measures, coupled with past denials of relief under his first term, threatens the ongoing relief for millions and jeopardizes future forgiveness applications. Borrowers, many already struggling with ballooning debt despite making payments for years, fear a return to the previous administration’s policies, which saw student loan debt increase significantly. This leaves individuals facing potential bankruptcy or the need for drastic measures like selling their homes to manage their overwhelming debt.
Read More
Ukraine’s domestic drone production surged in 2024, comprising 96.2% of all UAVs used by the Defence Forces. This significant increase, driven by Ministry of Defence orders, included a wide range of UAV types, from FPV drones to long-range strike drones. Over 1.5 million FPV drones alone were produced, showcasing a highly effective state-industry collaboration. This success underscores the growth of Ukraine’s defense industry and will continue to be prioritized in 2025.
Read More
Reported peace proposals from President-elect Trump’s team, involving a delayed Ukrainian NATO accession and European peacekeeping forces, have been rejected by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. Lavrov criticized the plan’s suggestion of shifting responsibility for confronting Russia to Europe and the inclusion of European peacekeepers. While Russia awaits official communication from Washington, Lavrov stated a willingness to engage with the incoming Biden administration, contingent on a proactive move from the U.S. Despite President Putin’s stated aim to end the conflict by 2025, Moscow maintains its demands for no territorial concessions and a rejection of Ukraine’s NATO membership.
Read More
Elon Musk’s actions and influence represent a significant and escalating national security risk. His extensive business dealings in China create a clear conflict of interest, leaving him vulnerable to undue influence and potentially blackmail from the Chinese Communist Party. This vulnerability compromises his ability to prioritize American interests, especially given Tesla’s substantial manufacturing presence in China. The CCP could leverage this economic dependence to extract concessions or information beneficial to their strategic goals.
The potential for compromise extends beyond economic leverage. Musk’s past actions, such as his decision to unilaterally disable Starlink service in Crimea, demonstrate a willingness to prioritize personal gain or political expediency over established national security protocols.… Continue reading
The sheer brutality detailed in the UN-bound Health Ministry report is staggering. Teenage Israeli hostages, held captive in Gaza, were forced to commit sexual acts against each other. This is not an isolated incident, but rather one horrific element within a broader pattern of unimaginable cruelty.
The report paints a chilling picture of systematic torture. Whipping, branding with heated irons, prolonged isolation, binding, starvation – these are not just acts of violence, but calculated methods of dehumanization and terror. The psychological torment inflicted on these young people is likely to leave lasting, irreparable scars.
It’s difficult to comprehend the depth of suffering experienced by these hostages.… Continue reading
To curb what the Taliban deems “obscene acts,” a new decree prohibits windows overlooking areas typically used by women in new residential buildings. This directive, issued by Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid, mandates that municipal authorities enforce the rule, requiring modifications to existing structures with such windows. The ban is the latest in a series of increasingly restrictive measures targeting women’s rights and freedoms, prompting international condemnation. These actions are occurring amidst escalating tensions between the Taliban and Pakistan.
Read More
Readers are encouraged to submit tips to The Daily Beast. The submission process is streamlined for ease of use. All tips will be treated confidentially. The Daily Beast values reader contributions and invites them to share information. This ensures the publication’s commitment to accurate and timely news reporting.
Read More
Following the downing of an Azerbaijani aircraft in Russia, President Aliyev publicly accused Russia of a cover-up, citing initially implausible explanations for the crash. He demanded accountability and punishment for those responsible, after four sources confirmed the plane was mistakenly shot down by Russian air defenses. While Russia opened a criminal investigation and initiated a joint inquiry, President Putin offered a rare apology, marking the closest Moscow has come to admitting culpability.
Read More
The United States plans to send a significant $1.25 billion military aid package to Ukraine on December 30th, following a previous $500 million announcement. This substantial aid will include munitions for critical air defense systems like Hawk and NASAMS, alongside Stinger missiles and artillery rounds. The delivery is a direct response to escalating Russian attacks targeting Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, fulfilling President Biden’s promise of increased weapons support. This aid package addresses Ukraine’s urgent need for air defense capabilities amid Russia’s ongoing offensive.
Read More
Patrick Thomas Egan, a 39-year-old Colorado man, was arrested for allegedly assaulting a news reporter, Ja’Ronn Alex, while making anti-immigrant remarks and referencing Donald Trump’s presidency. Egan allegedly tackled and strangled Alex, an incident witnessed and recorded on surveillance video. The attack, which is being investigated as a bias-motivated crime, occurred amidst a rising climate of hostility towards journalists, with a significant increase in reported assaults this year. This incident highlights concerns about the impact of political rhetoric on press freedom and safety.
Read More
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood