Two U.S. Navy pilots were rescued after their F/A-18 Super Hornet was mistakenly shot down by the USS Gettysburg, a guided-missile cruiser, during a U.S. airstrike against Houthi rebels in the Red Sea. The incident, resulting in minor injuries to one pilot, highlights the escalating dangers in the region, where the Houthis have intensified attacks on shipping, prompting increased U.S. military presence and actions. The shootdown occurred amidst heightened tensions following recent Houthi attacks and increased U.S. airstrikes targeting Houthi infrastructure in Yemen. This incident marks a significant escalation of the conflict.
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Researchers have discovered thousands of previously unknown RNA structures, termed “obelisks,” residing within human-associated bacteria. These obelisks, smaller than typical viruses and lacking protein coats, are circular RNA molecules resembling viroids but found in diverse human body locations. Their function and impact on human health remain unclear, but their discovery challenges existing classifications of life and highlights the vast unexplored diversity of the human microbiome. Further research is needed to understand their evolutionary origins and potential influence on human biology.
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Lara Trump announced she is withdrawing her name from consideration for the Florida Senate seat, a position she’d been speculated to fill should Marco Rubio become Secretary of State. This decision follows her recent resignation as Republican National Committee co-chair. Trump expressed continued dedication to public service, hinting at a significant announcement in January. She offered Governor DeSantis well wishes in the upcoming appointment process.
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Iran’s recent setbacks have reportedly left its leadership “dumbfounded,” a situation stemming from the unexpected effectiveness of Israeli strikes against their proxy forces. The significant investment poured into these proxies appears to have yielded minimal returns, leaving Iran feeling the sting of wasted resources and strategic miscalculations.
This situation highlights a fundamental flaw in Iran’s approach to regional power projection. Instead of focusing on internal development—improving public education, modernizing infrastructure, and fostering economic growth— substantial funds have been diverted towards supporting and arming groups that destabilize the region. This strategy, ultimately, has backfired spectacularly.
The Israeli strikes, in essence, exposed the vulnerability of Iran’s proxy network.… Continue reading
Millions of Americans stand to receive larger Social Security checks if President Biden signs a new bill currently making its way to his desk. This potential increase is a significant development, impacting a large segment of the population who rely on Social Security for their retirement income.
However, this positive outcome comes with a counterpoint: concerns about the long-term solvency of the Social Security system itself. The bill, while offering immediate relief to millions, may exacerbate existing financial challenges facing the program in the future. This raises important questions about the sustainability of the system and the need for broader reforms to ensure its long-term viability.… Continue reading
NYPD Chief of Department Jeffrey Maddrey resigned following allegations of repeated sexual abuse of a subordinate officer, Lt. Quathisha Epps, in exchange for overtime pay. The Manhattan District Attorney’s office launched an investigation into these claims, which include demands for various sexual acts at NYPD headquarters. Epps’ attorney has filed a discrimination charge with the EEOC, preceding a potential federal lawsuit alleging retaliation for refusing Maddrey’s advances. Maddrey’s resignation comes amidst a departmental shakeup under new Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch, and follows previous accusations of sexual misconduct.
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A Senate investigation reveals widespread ethical violations and conflicts of interest among Supreme Court justices, both current and deceased. The report details numerous undisclosed luxury trips accepted by Justices Scalia, Thomas, and Alito, often from individuals with cases before the Court, with Justice Thomas’s gifts unparalleled in modern history. This behavior, facilitated by figures like Leonard Leo, highlights a right-wing ecosystem of influence peddling surrounding the Court. The report underscores the Court’s failure to self-regulate and calls for Congressional action to restore public trust, though such action is currently unlikely given the current political climate. The report cites specific instances of undisclosed travel, gifts, and political activity by justices and their spouses that created clear conflicts of interest.
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Despite pressure from figures like Elon Musk and Donald Trump, Democrats voted to avert a government shutdown. Representative Jasmine Crockett affirmed the party’s intention to hold the Republican-led government accountable, promising continued oversight. Crockett underscored her commitment to exposing what she views as Republican failings and advocating for Democratic policies. She emphasized her belief that Democratic governance would ultimately benefit the American people.
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A Ukrainian National Guard brigade recently conducted a combined-arms operation using a large number of robotic and unmanned systems, including flying and ground robots, to assault Russian positions in Kharkiv Oblast. This technologically advanced operation, involving surveillance, minelaying, and explosive robots, highlights Ukraine’s innovative approach to warfare but also underscores the significant manpower disparity with Russia. The operation’s success, however, is tempered by the inherent limitations of robots in holding ground and their vulnerability to electronic jamming. Ultimately, the deployment of robots reflects Ukraine’s need to compensate for its smaller force size through technological innovation.
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Under pressure from the U.S., UAE banks are significantly restricting transactions involving Russian companies, creating major disruptions to Russian trade. This tightening of financial restrictions impacts over fifty UAE banks, including Gazprombank, causing delays and outright refusals of payments. The increased scrutiny and processing times, escalating since November, severely hamper Russian businesses’ ability to conduct international trade, particularly for goods like electronics and industrial equipment. This trend mirrors similar difficulties reported in other countries, threatening to severely limit Russia’s access to crucial financial channels.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood