Pope Francis’s new autobiography, “Hope,” reveals two thwarted assassination attempts during his 2021 Iraq trip. British intelligence warned of a female suicide bomber en route to Mosul and a speeding van carrying similar intent. Iraqi authorities apprehended and neutralized both threats, as confirmed to the Pope by the Vatican Gendarmerie. This high-risk visit, the first papal trip to Iraq, demonstrated Francis’ commitment to supporting Iraqi Christians and fostering interfaith dialogue, including a historic meeting with Grand Ayatollah al-Sistani.
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NATO’s assumption of military aid coordination for Kyiv from the United States represents a significant shift in the geopolitical landscape. This transition, while seemingly procedural, carries substantial implications for the future of the alliance and its relationship with the US.
The potential for a decreased US role in European affairs is a key concern driving this change. The perceived weakening of the US-led world order, fueled by increasing isolationist tendencies, is creating anxieties among NATO allies. This concern is amplified by the possibility of future leadership changes in the US that could further diminish its global commitment.
The shift to NATO coordination isn’t simply a matter of delegating responsibilities; it reflects a proactive strategy to mitigate potential future instability.… Continue reading
Luigi Mangione, 26, has been indicted in New York on multiple murder charges, including first-degree murder in furtherance of terrorism, stemming from the December 4th killing of UnitedHealth executive Brian Thompson. The indictment also includes weapons charges and possession of a forged license. Mangione, who is expected to waive extradition from Pennsylvania, faces life imprisonment without parole if convicted. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg described the killing as brazen, targeted, and intended to evoke terror.
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Following a caucus vote, Representative Gerry Connolly secured the House Oversight Committee’s ranking member position, defeating Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez 131-84. Connolly’s selection, recommended by the Steering and Policy Committee, reflects a preference for veteran leadership despite a push by younger Democrats for generational change. Ocasio-Cortez’s bid aimed to make her the youngest Democrat to lead a House committee. This outcome follows a similar contest for the Agriculture Committee’s top spot, which saw Representative Angie Craig prevail over senior members.
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A superseding indictment charged Rex Heuermann with the second-degree murder of Valerie Mack, a 24-year-old whose partial remains were discovered in 2000. Heuermann pleaded not guilty, maintaining his innocence despite forensic evidence linking him to six of the seven victims through hair samples. The investigation, which includes a vast collection of seized electronic devices containing violent pornography, is ongoing, with the District Attorney emphasizing continued efforts to pursue additional charges. The addition of this charge brings the total to seven murders, expanding upon the initial “Gilgo Four” and subsequent charges.
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Donald Trump filed a civil lawsuit against the Des Moines Register, pollster J. Ann Selzer, and their respective parent companies, alleging “brazen election interference” due to a pre-election poll showing him trailing. The suit stems from Selzer’s poll predicting a three-point deficit for Trump in Iowa, which he ultimately won by fourteen points. Trump claims the poll was fraudulent and constituted election interference, a claim Selzer denies. This action follows a recent defamation lawsuit settlement with ABC News and is part of Trump’s broader strategy to target perceived media adversaries.
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Eliminating the FDIC, the agency safeguarding depositors’ accounts in case of bank failures, is a frightening prospect with potentially devastating consequences. This action, seemingly advocated by certain political figures, could unravel the very foundations of financial stability, echoing the disastrous events of the Great Depression.
The FDIC’s role is crucial in maintaining public trust in the banking system. Without this protection, the risk of bank runs – a mass withdrawal of funds driven by fear – becomes exponentially higher. Imagine millions of people rushing to withdraw their savings, potentially collapsing even solvent banks. The resulting chaos would cripple the economy, mirroring the catastrophic bank failures that exacerbated the Great Depression.… Continue reading
Walmart is piloting a body camera program for its store associates in select U.S. locations, aiming to improve worker safety during potentially tense customer interactions, particularly during the busy holiday season. The program, currently tested in one market, instructs employees to record escalating interactions but prohibits use in break areas and restrooms. While intended for safety, not loss prevention, concerns exist that the cameras may not effectively de-escalate conflict and could even provoke negative reactions, highlighting the need for comprehensive employee training alongside the technology. Walmart maintains that the pilot’s results will inform any future decisions regarding broader implementation.
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Alexander Smirnov, a former FBI informant, pleaded guilty to lying about a fabricated bribery scheme involving President Joe Biden and his son Hunter. Smirnov’s false claims, motivated by bias against President Biden, fueled a congressional impeachment inquiry. His allegations, ultimately deemed fabrications by the FBI, involved purported $5 million bribes from Burisma Holdings. Smirnov also admitted to tax evasion, having failed to report over $2 million in income, and faces a potential sentence of four to six years in prison.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood