With President-elect Trump’s return, a chilling effect has settled over the federal workforce, many fearing a repeat of his first term’s attacks on civil servants. Trump has promised to reinstate Schedule F, a 2020 executive order that would allow for mass firings of nonpartisan employees, replacing them with loyalists. This could fundamentally alter the federal workforce by returning to the “spoils system” of the late 1800s, where political affiliation dictates employment. The potential impact extends beyond Washington D.C., threatening the livelihoods of federal employees across the country, and creating a chilling effect that discourages independent service. While unions are preparing legal challenges, the future of the federal workforce under a Trump presidency remains uncertain, with concerns about mass firings, relocation of agency offices, and a government efficiency commission headed by Elon Musk.
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The news that Donald Trump is expected to appoint Marco Rubio as Secretary of State has sparked a mixed reaction, with many expressing surprise and some even relief. The choice of Rubio, a Republican Senator from Florida, is seen by some as a step away from the more extreme, isolationist positions of some of Trump’s previous appointees.
While Rubio has been a vocal critic of Trump in the past, calling him a “dangerous erratic con man,” he has also shown an interest in foreign policy issues, particularly in relation to Russia and Ukraine. During the war in Ukraine, Rubio was very active on Twitter, sharing information and updates about the conflict, demonstrating a level of engagement that could be seen as a positive attribute for a Secretary of State.… Continue reading
Ruben Gallego, a Democratic veteran and former House member, has been elected Arizona’s first Latino U.S. senator, defeating Republican Kari Lake. Gallego’s victory continues a string of Democratic successes in Arizona, a state that has become increasingly competitive. He will replace Kyrsten Sinema, who left the Democratic Party and ultimately did not seek re-election. Gallego’s win maintains the Democratic control of the Senate, preventing Republicans from expanding their majority. The race was a tight one, with Gallego running ahead of Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris on the ticket, demonstrating the continued strength of the Democratic message in Arizona, despite a national shift towards Republicans in the Senate.
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The recent events in Amsterdam have sparked outrage and concern, with a tram being set ablaze and several arrests made following a second riot in a week. This incident, which comes after the violent clashes between Israeli football fans and locals, has ignited a heated debate about the underlying causes and potential solutions.
The use of the term “Cancer Jews” by the rioters, even if it might stem from street slang rather than outright antisemitic intent, is a chilling reminder of the deep-seated prejudices that continue to plague society. It highlights the need for a nuanced understanding of the situation, recognizing that the blame cannot be solely placed on one group or ideology.… Continue reading
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Shocking video evidence provided by Ukrainian forces shows Russian soldiers executing at least two unarmed Ukrainian prisoners of war in the Kursk region. This heinous act, which appears to be part of a disturbing trend, constitutes a blatant violation of the Geneva Convention and international humanitarian law. Ukrainian officials, including the Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights, have condemned the execution and have contacted international organizations like the United Nations and the International Committee of the Red Cross to investigate this atrocity. Recent reports from the American Institute for the Study of War indicate a rise in executions of Ukrainian POWs, suggesting that these crimes may be sanctioned or even directed by Russian military leadership.
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The idea of dismantling the Department of Education and replacing it with a new, free university called the “American Academy” funded by taxing, fining, and suing private universities has sparked a firestorm of criticism and concern. Many see this as a dangerous move that would leave millions of students and families in the lurch, while potentially jeopardizing the future of public education in the United States.
The proposed plan has been likened to the “American Academy” model implemented in Hungary, where the government has invested heavily in a network of facilities offering free accommodation, supplementary education, and paid work opportunities to students, aiming to cultivate a new national elite.… Continue reading
With Donald Trump set to resume the presidency in 2025, Poland is seeking to solidify an alliance with the United Kingdom to continue supporting Ukraine. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has expressed concern about the potential for a negotiated end to the war that could involve Ukrainian concessions to Russia, particularly in light of Trump’s past statements advocating for a quick resolution. Tusk emphasizes that decisions about Ukraine’s future must involve Ukrainians themselves and has been actively pushing back against Trump’s perceived approach. Meanwhile, France and the UK are attempting to secure U.S. approval for Ukraine to launch deeper strikes into Russia before Trump’s return to office, recognizing the potential shift in U.S. policy.
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Rick Scott, a leading contender for Senate Majority Leader and a staunch supporter of Donald Trump, has a history of legal troubles, including a $1.7 billion settlement stemming from a massive Medicare fraud case against his former company, Columbia/HCA. While Scott has acknowledged “mistakes” made by the company, he has also compared his legal issues to the criminal cases against Trump, describing both as “political persecution”. Scott’s past and his recent political maneuvering have drawn attention to his potential leadership role in the Senate should Republicans regain control.
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France is deploying its nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, the Charles de Gaulle, on an extended mission to the Indo-Pacific region, signaling its commitment to the region and its allies. This historic mission, dubbed Clemenceau 25, will see the carrier group conducting exercises with partners in the region, including India, Indonesia, Australia, and Japan, and making port calls in the Philippines and Japan. The deployment is intended to demonstrate France’s naval power and its willingness to counter China’s growing influence in the region. The mission is expected to involve a range of training activities, including joint exercises and realistic drills, showcasing the French Navy’s capabilities and its dedication to promoting regional security.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood