Newly released documents reveal that maintaining the seized $230 million superyacht Amadea, allegedly owned by sanctioned Russian oligarch Suleyman Kerimov, has cost U.S. taxpayers tens of millions of dollars over two years. Expenses include crew upkeep, fuel, and even iPhone replacements, all while the yacht sits in San Diego awaiting legal proceedings. This ongoing cost has prompted criticism and calls for reform to expedite the forfeiture process of such assets. The seizure, initially hailed as a victory against Russian oligarchs, is now raising concerns about the financial burden on American taxpayers.
Read More
President-elect Trump intends to continue supplying military aid to Ukraine, a decision supported by unnamed sources and seemingly aimed at bolstering Ukrainian defense capabilities in the absence of stronger NATO involvement. This aid strategy, despite Trump’s opposition to Ukrainian NATO membership and desire for a swift end to the conflict, is predicated on achieving “peace through strength.” The plan reportedly includes pressuring NATO allies to significantly increase their defense spending to 5% of GDP, a move that would double current requirements. This approach will be further explored through upcoming diplomatic efforts, including a visit by the incoming Special Envoy for Ukraine to Kyiv.
Read More
Despite a looming government shutdown, the U.S. military will maintain its defense responsibilities, though personnel will go unpaid until Congress approves new funding. This includes active-duty military, reservists, and federal civilian employees. Failure to reach a funding agreement will severely disrupt Department of Defense operations. A last-minute deal between House Speaker Johnson and Democrats fell apart due to opposition from President-elect Trump and Elon Musk.
Read More
Former President Trump condemned Texas Representative Chip Roy on TruthSocial, accusing him of obstructing Republican success for personal publicity and lacking political acumen. Trump suggested Roy’s ambition outweighs his talent and urged primary challengers to target him. This attack followed Roy’s dissatisfaction with recent spending bill concessions. Despite the threat, Roy remained defiant.
Read More
On December 20th, Ukraine repatriated 503 fallen soldiers from Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, Luhansk oblasts, and morgues in Russia, fulfilling the Geneva Conventions’ mandate for dignified burials. This operation, involving multiple government agencies and the ICRC, brought the total number of identified fallen soldiers to over 2,800. The recovered remains will undergo identification by law enforcement and forensic experts. President Zelensky previously reported approximately 43,000 Ukrainian soldier deaths since the full-scale invasion began.
Read More
Two large explosions near Russia’s Severomorsk Arctic naval base, home to key military assets, shook nearby cities. The cause remains undetermined, with speculation ranging from accidental munitions detonation to sabotage, potentially involving drones. The explosions’ proximity to airfields, weapons depots, and other military installations raises significant concerns about potential damage to Russian military capabilities. While the distance from Ukraine suggests a sophisticated attack, Moscow simultaneously launched missile strikes on Kyiv, potentially signaling escalation.
Read More
Republican leadership’s rejection of a bipartisan funding deal eliminated crucial provisions, including measures to combat pediatric cancer. The initial agreement contained funding extensions for the Gabriella Miller Kids First Research Program and allowed for combination cancer drug treatments for children, but these were removed following pressure from Elon Musk. This leaves advocates devastated and facing an uphill battle to reintroduce these provisions as separate legislation in the next Congress, where apathy may hinder their passage.
Read More
Richard Allen was sentenced to 130 years in prison for the 2017 murders of Abigail Williams and Liberty German in Delphi, Indiana. The jury found him guilty on two counts of murder, each carrying a 65-year sentence to be served consecutively. Allen, who maintains his innocence, plans to appeal the conviction. Key evidence included a recovered “lead sheet” and a grainy video showing a man following the girls, along with Allen’s own confessions.
Read More
A 19-year-old male, reportedly a former student, perpetrated a knife attack at Zagreb’s Precko Elementary School, resulting in the death of a 7-year-old girl and injuries to at least six others, including a teacher with life-threatening wounds. The attack occurred around 9:50 a.m. and the assailant was swiftly apprehended. Authorities are investigating the incident, which is rare in Croatia, while the Prime Minister expressed profound shock and concern. Several injured children were transported to various Zagreb hospitals.
Read More
Elon Musk, acting as an external advisor to President-elect Trump, endorsed Germany’s far-right AfD party on X, claiming it alone could save the country. This intervention, echoing his past support for similar European parties, drew immediate criticism from German officials, including the Social Democrats, who rejected Musk’s interference and “Trumpism.” The AfD, currently polling around 18-19%, is unlikely to lead a government due to other parties’ refusal to cooperate. Germany’s upcoming early elections are scheduled for February 23, 2025.
Read More
John Q. Hosedrinker