On Friday, eleven military aircraft from China and Russia, including bombers and fighter jets, entered South Korea’s KADIZ without prior notification. The planes, which entered consecutively over the East Sea and waters off the southern coast, conducted a joint flight over waters south of Dokdo before departing. South Korea’s Air Force responded by deploying fighter jets to monitor the situation. This joint flight, assessed as a combined military exercise, marks a continuation of similar, unannounced incursions by both nations into the KADIZ since 2019. Although entering the KADIZ, the aircraft did not violate South Korean airspace.
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A Belarusian Investigative Center report details a Russian-operated torture chamber in Naroulia, Belarus, active in spring 2022. Ukrainian prisoners of war and civilians were held and tortured at this camp, located on Belarusian government-owned property near the Ukrainian border. Human rights activists and former prisoners corroborated the brutal treatment, citing severe beatings and constant screams. The camp’s operation potentially violates the Geneva Convention, given the commingling of prisoners of war and civilians.
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Following the acquittal of Airman 1st Class Grant Harrison for the murder of German national Michael Ovsjannikov, a second protest occurred outside Spangdahlem Air Base. Approximately 200 demonstrators demanded accountability, citing conflicting witness testimonies and the inadmissibility of Harrison’s confession in the US military court. The incident has triggered a legal review by the Rheinland-Pfalz state justice ministry regarding the transfer of jurisdiction to US authorities. Protestors voiced concerns about the handling of the case and the perceived lack of justice for Ovsjannikov’s death.
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On November 28th, Russia launched a widespread missile and drone attack targeting Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, impacting numerous regions including those far from the border. Explosions were reported across the country, with strikes on critical infrastructure facilities and residential areas causing damage and at least one injury. In response to the “massive blow,” Ukrenergo implemented emergency blackouts. This attack, part of a pattern of intensified strikes on Ukraine’s power grid, underscores Russia’s strategy of targeting civilian infrastructure amidst the ongoing war.
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Following Donald Trump’s unexpected 2024 victory, Democrats are debating the need for a left-leaning equivalent to influential podcaster Joe Rogan, whose platform significantly aided the Trump campaign. This discussion highlights the right’s successful cultivation of a media ecosystem funded by conservative donors, a contrast to the left’s lack of similar financial backing. Some argue that creating a comparable platform is unrealistic due to ideological differences with wealthy donors, while others suggest focusing on policies that resonate with independent voters is a more effective strategy. Ultimately, the debate centers on whether a media strategy mirroring the right’s success is achievable or even necessary for the Democratic party.
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In a recent address, Vladimir Putin announced that Russia may deploy its novel hypersonic missile, the Oreshnik, to strike key Ukrainian decision-making centers in Kyiv. This missile, deployed to Dnipro on November 21st, is described as having unparalleled speed and precision, capable of destroying even heavily fortified targets without nuclear warheads. Putin emphasized the weapon’s accuracy and the absence of radioactive fallout. The Oreshnik’s deployment comes amidst intensified Russian attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure and military sites.
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This article details the author’s decision to forgo her family’s traditional Texas Christmas celebration due to irreconcilable political differences stemming from the 2024 election. Influenced by a growing trend among ex-evangelicals and others reassessing holiday gatherings in the face of political polarization, the author cites past experiences of strained family relationships exacerbated by a family member’s support of a controversial political figure. The author ultimately prioritizes self-preservation and emotional well-being, choosing a more relaxed Montana Christmas with her immediate family over a potentially fraught holiday gathering. This decision is supported by advice from another individual who emphasizes prioritizing personal well-being over strained relationships.
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Research from King’s College London reveals benralizumab, an injectable drug already used for severe cases, as the first new asthma attack treatment in 50 years. Targeting eosinophils, a type of white blood cell contributing to lung inflammation, the therapy significantly reduced treatment failure rates compared to steroids (45% vs. 74%) in a 158-person trial. This new approach offers improved symptoms, quality of life, and reduced hospitalizations, potentially impacting the two million asthma attacks annually in the UK. While further large-scale trials are needed, the findings suggest a potential “game-changer” in asthma and COPD treatment.
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Following the severing of undersea fiber-optic cables in the Baltic Sea, a Chinese commercial vessel, the Yi Peng 3, is under investigation for potentially causing the damage by dragging its anchor across the seabed. While the ship’s owner is cooperating, the Kremlin denies involvement, and China’s foreign ministry rejects responsibility. Analysis suggests accidental dragging is unlikely given the conditions, and evidence points to damage consistent with the cable cuts. However, definitively proving intentional sabotage remains challenging.
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Following the 2024 presidential election, many Black women expressed profound exhaustion and grief over Vice President Kamala Harris’ loss, a feeling amplified by the constant pressure to remain politically engaged. This exhaustion stems from a persistent sense of threat and the weight of expectation placed upon Black women to “save democracy,” leaving little room for processing the emotional toll of the election. Many are now prioritizing self-care and community support while bracing for the potential impact of the Trump administration’s policies on marginalized communities. The election outcome felt deeply personal, with feelings of betrayal and despair among many.
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John Q. Hosedrinker