Following a House Ethics Committee report alleging substantial evidence of sexual misconduct and illegal drug use, former Representative Matt Gaetz shared a note from President Trump stating, “Very Unfair!” The report detailed allegations of payments to women for sexual activity and drug use, including an alleged encounter with a minor, though it did not find evidence of federal sex trafficking violations. Gaetz denies wrongdoing, citing the report’s reliance on witnesses he claims are unreliable, and previously dismissed by the Department of Justice. He maintains he never had sexual contact with a minor.
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Throughout 2024, Russian forces made significant territorial gains in eastern Ukraine, capturing key cities like Avdiivka and Vuhledar and steadily advancing towards Pokrovsk. Simultaneously, a Russian offensive in northeastern Kharkiv Oblast, though initially rapid, failed to achieve major breakthroughs, while a Ukrainian incursion into Kursk Oblast resulted in substantial territory loss. The year concluded with Ukraine facing a manpower shortage, looming defeats in several key battles, and the threat of a major Russian counteroffensive involving North Korean troops. The ongoing battles in Donetsk and Kharkiv Oblasts, coupled with a precarious situation in Kursk Oblast, paint a grim picture for Ukraine’s military prospects.
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Elon Musk’s endorsement of Germany’s far-right AfD party on X has sparked outrage among German officials. The intervention, coming weeks before a snap election, prompted accusations of election interference from Health Minister Karl Lauterbach and calls for Musk to “stay out” of German politics. Chancellor Scholz, while acknowledging freedom of opinion, stated that Musk’s assessment was inaccurate. The AfD, currently polling second, may impact the election outcome despite mainstream parties’ refusal to cooperate with them.
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Despite campaigning as proponents of free speech, President-elect Trump and his allies, including potential appointees Patel, Kennedy, and Musk, are exhibiting actions contradictory to this claim. Their rhetoric and proposed actions target the free press and those critical of the administration, suggesting a willingness to silence dissent rather than champion it. This includes threats against journalists, media outlets, and even potential primary challenges for dissenting politicians. A conservative lawyer familiar with the plans warns of a “brutal” crackdown on dissent. The notion of Trump as a free speech advocate is therefore demonstrably false.
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Jointly, the UK Foreign Office and the US Embassy in Ukraine denounced Russia’s Christmas Day missile and drone barrage as an inhumane act, weaponizing winter against Ukrainian civilians. The attack, comprising over 180 projectiles targeting energy infrastructure and residential areas across multiple regions, was partially repelled by Ukrainian forces. Despite this, the assault resulted in further restrictions on power supply. This marks the third consecutive winter in which Russia has employed this brutal tactic.
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On Christmas Day, a fault occurred in the Estlink 2 electricity connection between Finland and Estonia, interrupting the 658 MW flow of electricity from Finland to Estonia. While the cause is under investigation by Finnish and Estonian authorities, including the possibility of vandalism, the smaller Estlink 1 connection remains operational. Prime Minister Petteri Orpo assures that Finnish electricity supply is unaffected, and the outage is not expected to significantly impact electricity prices. The investigation is complex and ongoing, involving teams at the power station, along the cable route, and at sea.
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Judge Timothy Brooks declared portions of Arkansas Act 372 unconstitutional, blocking its ability to criminally prosecute librarians and booksellers for providing minors access to “harmful” materials. The law, challenged by a coalition including the Central Arkansas Library System, was deemed to promote censorship by creating a system where fear of prosecution would lead to self-censorship. Attorney General Tim Griffin plans to appeal the decision, while Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders maintains support for the law, mirroring similar legislative efforts in other states.
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Louisiana is experiencing a severe early flu surge, reaching the CDC’s “Very High” activity level, exceeding all other states except Oregon. This surge coincides with reports that the state health department is prohibited from promoting flu, COVID-19, and mpox vaccines. The department’s new policy emphasizes individual choice regarding vaccination, shifting away from proactive public health messaging. This policy change has not been formally documented and was revealed through news reports.
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Donald Trump’s repeated claims of a “massive mandate” in his recent election victory are demonstrably false, easily refuted by examining both the Electoral College and popular vote results. His assertion of a 129-year unprecedented victory is unsubstantiated, with recent presidents exceeding his margin. This fabricated claim, likely motivated by insecurity regarding his narrow win, exemplifies the manipulative tactics of successful liars, adding specific details to lend false credibility. Ultimately, Trump’s repeated use of the term “mandate” is a disingenuous attempt to bolster a weak claim to overwhelming popular support.
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On December 20th, volunteers in Vityazevo, a Russian village near Anapa, mobilized to address a heavy oil spill impacting the Black Sea shoreline. Cleanup efforts focused on removing the spilled oil from the coastal area. The incident highlighted the environmental vulnerability of the Black Sea region. The scale of the spill and the ongoing cleanup remain unspecified in the provided context.
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John Q. Hosedrinker