Following the G20 summit in Brazil, President Zelensky criticized the group’s weak condemnation of Russia’s war in Ukraine, particularly highlighting Brazilian President Lula da Silva’s perceived insufficient response. The final communiqué, devoting only one paragraph to the conflict, avoided directly condemning Russia’s actions, omitting references to nuclear threats and attacks on infrastructure. This muted response, Zelensky argued, emboldened Putin, leading to further aggression, including the recent use of new weaponry. The Ukrainian Presidential Office emphasized the need for a strong, unified stance from major global powers to deter further Russian intimidation.
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Devastating floods in Valencia, Spain, highlighted a critical water crisis exacerbated by preceding drought conditions. The extreme weather events, linked to climate change, damaged sanitation infrastructure and left hundreds of thousands reliant on emergency water supplies. Simultaneously, multinational corporations continue extracting significant water volumes for bottling, raising concerns about equitable resource allocation amidst widespread shortages. This situation, mirrored in other regions like Catalonia and Uruguay, underscores a global water security threat fueled by both climate change and the privatization of water resources.
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France has implicitly authorized Ukraine to use French-made Scalp missiles against Russia, citing self-defense, mirroring similar decisions by the US and UK; the missiles’ deployment remains unconfirmed. Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot advocates for unrestricted Western support for Ukraine, rejecting the imposition of limitations. In response to this escalation, Russia plans increased production of its new hypersonic Oreshnik missile, capable of striking European targets.
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Florida Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo has advised all local governments to cease fluoridating their water supplies, citing potential neurological risks to children from chronic fluoride exposure, despite widespread support for fluoridation’s effectiveness in preventing cavities. This decision contradicts the consensus of major health organizations, including the CDC and ADA, who highlight fluoridation’s significant positive impact on dental health, particularly among low-income populations. Ladapo points to studies suggesting a link between high fluoride levels and lower IQ scores in children, although these studies primarily involve exposure exceeding recommended U.S. levels. The Florida Department of Health’s new guidance advocates for alternative fluoride access methods and improved dental care access.
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Oklahoma Senator Markwayne Mullin blocked the promotion of Lt. Gen. Christopher Donahue, the last U.S. soldier to leave Afghanistan, to four-star general. This action follows President Trump’s threats to punish officials involved in the 2021 Afghanistan withdrawal and potential court-martial proceedings. Donahue’s nomination, among hundreds, was stalled, prompting criticism from figures like retired Gen. Tony Thomas and former State Department official Heather Nauert. The hold jeopardizes Donahue’s promotion with the upcoming Senate recess and change in Congress.
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Democrats, and many others, are migrating away from X, formerly known as Twitter, and finding refuge on Bluesky. This mass exodus isn’t solely driven by political affiliation, although the perceived alliance between Elon Musk and Donald Trump certainly plays a significant role.
The toxic environment fostered under Musk’s leadership is a major factor. The platform’s decline has been swift, marked by increased bot activity, technical malfunctions, and a general deterioration of the user experience. Many users report a significant drop in meaningful engagement, finding the conversations shallow and often unproductive, with a preponderance of negative and low-quality content dominating their feeds.… Continue reading
I watched Orbán dismantle Hungary’s democracy, and the parallels with the Trump era are chillingly clear. The strategies employed—the subtle erosion of institutions, the weaponization of media narratives, the cultivation of a loyal base through grievance politics—serve as a stark warning for the United States.
The key takeaway from Orbán’s success is the absolute necessity of prioritizing the needs of the people. A democracy only survives if it demonstrably improves the lives of its citizens. Focusing solely on abstract ideals of democracy, without addressing the tangible economic and social anxieties of ordinary people, leaves the door wide open for authoritarian figures to exploit those vulnerabilities.… Continue reading
Armed, hooded Venezuelan security forces have surrounded the Argentine embassy in Caracas, where six Venezuelan opposition members are seeking refuge from government crackdowns. These individuals, including international coordinator Pedro Urruchurtu, report streets are blocked, drones are present, and communication is cut off. This action follows President Maduro’s disputed election victory and mirrors a similar incident in September. The international community is being alerted to the potential danger facing those sheltering within the embassy.
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The lack of transparency surrounding the Independence police shooting that killed Maria Pike and her infant daughter, Destinii, contrasts sharply with the timely release of information in other recent Missouri police shootings. While police Chief Adam Dustman confirmed an officer-involved shooting following a 911 call reporting domestic violence, details regarding the events leading to the fatalities remain undisclosed. The investigation, led by the Eastern Jackson County Police Involved Investigation Team, is ongoing, but the delayed information release is raising concerns among the public and media. This contrasts with other cases where basic information, including the officer’s use of force, was released within hours or days of the incident.
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KFC has abandoned its 2026 pledge to source slower-growing chicken breeds in the UK, citing insufficient market supply. Despite initial commitments to the Better Chicken Commitment, only 1% of KFC’s UK chicken currently comes from these breeds. The company maintains its dedication to improving welfare standards through other means, but animal welfare groups are protesting this reversal. This decision comes despite pressure from animal welfare organizations and the availability of alternative suppliers.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood