A 72-year-old French woman, Gisèle Pélicot, testified in the trial of 51 men accused of raping her, including her 71-year-old husband, Dominique. Gisèle learned of the decade-long abuse after police discovered photographic evidence of the rapes, which her husband had filmed and orchestrated after secretly drugging her. Dominique admitted to police that he derived pleasure from watching others rape his unconscious wife, and the court heard details of his meticulous planning to facilitate the assaults. Gisèle, who waived her anonymity, aims to expose the accused and prevent future such crimes.
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Israeli forces have established a presence in a Syrian village near the Golan Heights, preventing farmers from accessing their land and sparking resident protests. The Israeli military claims its actions are to ensure border security, operating within and near a 1974 ceasefire buffer zone. Residents, however, accuse Israel of violating the agreement and seizing territory, calling for UN intervention and Israeli withdrawal. This follows Israel’s recent expansion into southern Syria after the ousting of President Assad, a move condemned internationally.
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For adults seeking a festive countdown, a curated selection of the best advent calendars for 2024 offers a sophisticated alternative to traditional children’s options. These calendars feature high-quality, curated items ranging from gourmet treats to luxurious beauty products. Expect delightful surprises behind each door, promising a unique and enjoyable holiday experience. This guide highlights top contenders across various categories to help consumers find the perfect calendar to suit their preferences. Ultimately, the selection ensures a memorable countdown to Christmas.
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More than twice as many U.S. troops are currently stationed in Syria than previously acknowledged by official government reports. This revelation significantly alters the perceived scale of American military involvement in the region and raises questions about transparency and accountability.
The discrepancy between the reported numbers and the actual deployment is substantial, possibly even exceeding a fourfold increase depending on the interpretation of “twice as many.” This suggests a considerable gap between public understanding and the reality on the ground. It’s not simply a matter of a few extra soldiers; we’re talking about a potentially massive difference in troop presence.
Adding to the complexity of the situation are the numerous contractors operating in Syria.… Continue reading
Speaker Mike Johnson’s tenuous hold on his position is further weakened by a failed spending bill negotiation, jeopardizing his relationship with President-elect Trump. This failure, coupled with a slim Republican majority in the House (potentially as low as 218-215), leaves Johnson vulnerable to a challenge in the upcoming speaker election. Securing enough Republican votes requires navigating Trump’s demands for a stopgap spending bill without concessions to Democrats. Johnson’s ability to manage this tightrope walk, and ultimately retain the speakership, remains highly uncertain.
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Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s decision to erect billboards in Mexico warning migrants of the risk of rape if they illegally cross the border has sparked widespread outrage and criticism. The billboards, paid for with taxpayer money, depict a stark and unsettling message, aiming to deter migration through fear. This approach, however, has been widely condemned as morally reprehensible and ineffective.
The use of rape as a deterrent is deeply troubling. It suggests a callous disregard for the vulnerability of migrants, many of whom are fleeing violence and persecution in their home countries. The message not only fails to acknowledge the complex circumstances driving migration but also trivializes the horrific experience of sexual assault.… Continue reading
Over 11,000 Starbucks baristas, represented by Workers United, will begin a five-day strike on Friday, impacting hundreds of stores by Christmas Eve unless a deal is reached. The union demands improved wages, staffing levels, and scheduling, citing a significant pay disparity between baristas and CEO Brian Niccol’s substantial compensation. Starbucks counters with claims of above-average pay and benefits, averaging over $30 per hour for 20-hour-per-week employees. The strike coincides with other labor actions, including a Teamsters union protest against Amazon, highlighting broader concerns about worker compensation and conditions.
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The House rejected President-elect Trump’s revised government funding plan, which included disaster relief and a debt ceiling suspension until January 30, 2027, by a vote of 174-235. This new proposal, championed by Trump and Speaker Johnson, significantly reduced the original bill’s size and eliminated provisions such as a congressional pay raise, following pressure from Elon Musk. The rejection constitutes a major setback for Trump and Johnson, who faced intense pressure from Trump to pass a revised bill before the government shutdown deadline of midnight Friday. The failure to pass the bill leaves the government facing a shutdown.
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Multiple US government agencies are investigating TP-Link routers over security vulnerabilities and potential ties to Chinese cyberattacks, raising the possibility of a nationwide ban within the next year. The Commerce Department is reportedly leading the investigation, which includes subpoenas to the company and could result in the prohibition of TP-Link router sales. This follows a Microsoft report implicating TP-Link routers in a significant Chinese hacking campaign and concerns over the company’s response to security flaws. A ban would significantly impact millions of US consumers and various government agencies that utilize TP-Link’s affordable and widely prevalent routers.
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In other news, a 32-year-old Walker, Michigan man was arrested for stabbing his company president during a staff meeting in Muskegon. The suspect fled the scene but was apprehended 15 minutes later. The victim underwent surgery and is in serious but stable condition; the motive remains under investigation. Police described the suspect as having a previously quiet demeanor.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood