Russia launched an experimental hypersonic missile, the Oreshnik, striking a military facility in Dnipro, prompting emergency talks between NATO and Ukraine. Putin framed the attack as retaliation for Ukraine’s use of Western-supplied long-range missiles, claiming the Oreshnik, capable of carrying nuclear or conventional warheads, is unmatched globally and will continue to be tested. This escalation, described by Polish Prime Minister Tusk as a decisive phase of the war, has led to heightened security measures in Kyiv and sparked concerns amongst Western leaders about further Russian actions. The attack, while resulting in no reported fatalities in Dnipro, underscores the intensifying conflict and Russia’s demonstrable technological advancements in weaponry.
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Jon Stewart argued that President-elect Trump’s controversial cabinet picks, including Linda McMahon at the Department of Education and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. at the Department of Health and Human Services, are not indicative of incompetence but rather reflect a deliberate strategy of dismantling these agencies. Stewart highlighted the appointees’ lack of relevant experience, citing McMahon’s wrestling background and Kennedy’s history of misinformation, as further evidence of this dismantling plan. He posited that Trump’s success stems from voter frustration with the perceived inefficiencies of these departments, a criticism Stewart believes has been valid for years. This frustration, he suggested, has driven support for Trump’s more radical approach.
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Following Donald Trump’s election win, a surge in firearm purchases and self-defense training among women, LGBTQ+, and transgender individuals is observed. This response is attributed to increased misogyny and anti-trans rhetoric during the campaign and its perceived escalation afterward. Multiple gun clubs report a dramatic rise in membership, particularly among marginalized groups seeking protection against perceived threats. However, concerns about panic-buying and the limitations of firearms in self-defense are also raised, highlighting the need for comprehensive safety training alongside firearm ownership.
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Bild journalist Julian Röpcke posits that the November 21st Dnipro missile strike utilized a modified, non-explosive RS-26 Rubezh missile, citing video evidence of submunitions lacking explosions. Röpcke suggests the minimal damage supports the claim of a propaganda act rather than a military one. This contradicts some Western and Ukrainian assessments identifying the missile as a nuclear-capable ICBM, although the Kremlin confirmed the use of a different missile type. The conflicting reports highlight the difficulty in definitively identifying the weapon used.
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The United States has announced a $275 million military aid package for Ukraine, utilizing the Presidential Drawdown Authority to expedite delivery of crucial weaponry and equipment from Department of Defense stockpiles. This aid includes HIMARS ammunition, various artillery and mortar rounds, drones, anti-tank weapons, and essential support equipment. The package directly addresses Ukraine’s immediate battlefield needs, bolstering ongoing counteroffensives and defensive operations against Russia. This contribution underscores the continued U.S. commitment to supporting Ukraine’s defense and sovereignty.
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Elon Musk, co-lead of the newly formed Department of Government Efficiency advisory group, is publicly targeting individual government employees on X, most recently highlighting Ashley Thomas’s role at the US International Development Finance Corporation. This has led to a significant online harassment campaign against Thomas, prompting concerns about the potential for such actions to instill fear among federal employees. Musk’s actions are consistent with past behavior of using social media to attack individuals, often under the pretext of free speech. This tactic has resulted in significant online harassment campaigns against his targets.
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In a recent op-ed, Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy propose a plan to combat the influence of unelected civil servants, ironically positioning themselves as outside volunteers who will “cut costs” despite lacking the authority to do so directly. Their plan involves assembling a team within the White House Office of Management and Budget to make recommendations for cost-cutting measures. However, this approach raises concerns about potential conflicts of interest and opportunities for self-enrichment given their lack of accountability. The authors’ proposal essentially advocates for indirect influence, contrasting their volunteer status with the very civil service protections they criticize.
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A Ukrainian strike using UK-supplied Storm Shadow missiles on November 20th reportedly killed approximately 500 North Korean troops and a Russian general, Lt-Gen Valery Solodchuk, at a Russian command post and military facility. The attack also allegedly resulted in the deaths of 18 other Russian officers and wounded 18 more. These casualties remain unconfirmed by Russian authorities, who have responded with threats of retaliatory strikes against the UK and US, including the potential use of new long-range ballistic missiles. The involvement of North Korean troops highlights the expanding scope of the conflict.
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Jon Stewart argues that the media misinterprets Donald Trump’s Cabinet picks, overlooking their intended purpose: dismantling government agencies. Trump’s nominees, like Linda McMahon at the Department of Education, are not chosen for their administrative skills but rather for their willingness to dismantle their respective departments. This strategy aligns with Trump’s stated goals and reflects a broader desire, echoed by some Democratic voters, for government reform and increased responsiveness. Stewart ultimately blames the Democrats’ failure to reform bureaucratic inefficiencies for creating this environment.
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Pete Hegseth’s predicted confirmation as Secretary of Defense has plummeted on Polymarket, from 89% to as low as 47%, following the withdrawal of another controversial Trump appointee and the emergence of a 2017 sexual assault allegation against Hegseth. Although Hegseth wasn’t criminally charged and reached a settlement, concerns remain, mirroring the fate of Matt Gaetz whose confirmation was blocked despite a lack of charges. While resistance to Hegseth’s appointment is less intense, Polymarket investors reflect growing doubt, fueled by reports of insufficient vetting and Trump exploring alternative candidates. This uncertainty persists despite Republicans holding a Senate majority.
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John Q. Hosedrinker