Warren Upton, the last surviving USS Utah crewman and oldest Pearl Harbor attack survivor, passed away at 105 from pneumonia. He vividly recalled the attack, describing the initial torpedo strikes and his subsequent escape to Ford Island. Upton’s death leaves only fifteen remaining Pearl Harbor survivors from the estimated 87,000 military personnel present that day. His passing marks the end of an era, leaving behind a legacy of unwavering remembrance.
Following a December 25th crash in Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan’s transport minister stated that the Azerbaijan Airlines plane suffered “external interference,” resulting in both internal and external damage. Survivors reported hearing three blasts while the aircraft was over Grozny, Chechnya, leading to speculation that Russian air defenses were involved. While the Kremlin remains silent, Russia cited a “closed-skies protocol” due to Ukrainian drone attacks, and US officials have expressed early indications supporting the theory of Russian air defense involvement. Azerbaijani officials, while avoiding direct accusations, suggest the plane was struck by shrapnel from a missile, impacting its GPS and hydraulic systems.
An analysis by Food & Water Watch reveals Iowa’s Department of Natural Resources inadequately penalizes factory farms for illegally discharging manure into waterways, resulting in over one million fish deaths from 179 recorded incidents between 2013 and 2023. These spills, totaling up to one million gallons, carry harmful contaminants linked to serious health issues, yet violators paid less than $750,000 in fines. The report highlights a state-wide problem, with a concentration in northwest Iowa, and connects this pollution to elevated cancer rates. This insufficient enforcement, coupled with a lack of monitoring at many large farms, contributes to millions of dollars in taxpayer-funded water cleanup costs annually.
In its first operational use in Israel, the U.S.-supplied THAAD system successfully intercepted a Houthi ballistic missile launched in retaliation for a major Israeli air operation in Yemen. The interception, which occurred after sirens sounded across central Israel, prevented casualties and significant damage, although some minor injuries were reported. The incident briefly disrupted air traffic, with several flights rerouted. France condemned the Houthi attacks and reaffirmed its support for Israel’s security.
Representative Kuster, retiring after a career marked by significant political events, believed Biden faced a difficult reelection campaign. Her near-miss during the January 6th Capitol attack, witnessed firsthand and captured on security footage, solidified her decision to retire, citing the immense personal risk. Despite a recent Republican shift, she views her Congressional tenure as overall successful.
The potential for a major crisis within the Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement looms large, casting doubt on whether Donald Trump will actually be inaugurated on January 20th. Internal divisions and challenges to Trump’s legitimacy are escalating, creating significant uncertainty surrounding the upcoming inauguration. These issues could result in significant disruptions or even prevent the scheduled event from taking place. The situation remains highly volatile with various factions vying for influence within the movement. This unprecedented uncertainty highlights the fragility of the political landscape.
Senator Sanders’ recent op-ed in Fox News, a platform not typically associated with his political views, directly confronts the undue influence of billionaires on American politics. He forcefully argues that this concentration of power undermines the very foundation of democracy. This bold move highlights the urgency of the issue and underscores Sanders’ unwavering commitment to addressing it.
The core of Sanders’ argument centers on the idea that a system where billionaires can wield disproportionate influence over policy decisions isn’t truly democratic. This isn’t merely an academic point; it speaks to the tangible impact on everyday Americans, shaping their access to healthcare, education, and economic opportunities.… Continue reading
On Tuesday, Madison Heights police arrested a suspect in connection with the death of 60-year-old Robert Cavanaugh, who was found unresponsive with blunt force trauma. Witnesses report Cavanaugh intervened in a neighbor’s assault on a dog, leading to the fatal attack. Police have stated there is no ongoing threat to the public. The Oakland County Medical Examiner will determine the official cause of death and forward findings to the prosecutor’s office for potential charges.
In the World Rapid and Blitz Championship, reigning champion Magnus Carlsen was disqualified for a dress code violation, specifically wearing jeans. This decision, following a $200 fine and refusal to change attire, stemmed from FIDE regulations aiming for professional consistency among players. Carlsen publicly expressed his frustration with FIDE, citing his weariness with the organization. While another player, Ian Nepomniachtchi, was also fined for a dress code infraction but complied, Carlsen’s refusal led to his disqualification.
In a Fox News op-ed, Senator Bernie Sanders warns of a growing divide between the wealthy and the rest of America, arguing that unchecked billionaire influence threatens to establish an oligarchy. He highlights the disproportionate wealth of Musk, Bezos, and Zuckerberg, whose combined holdings surpass that of the bottom half of the US population. Sanders criticizes the outsized role of billionaires in political campaigns, facilitated by rulings like *Citizens United*, and condemns the concentrated ownership of media and various economic sectors. He concludes that this system undermines democratic principles, urging a fight for an economy that benefits all Americans.
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood