CNN’s recent defamation lawsuit, resulting in a verdict against the network, centers around a US Navy veteran, who assisted in evacuating individuals from Afghanistan. The network initially stood by its reporting, but later expressed regret for using the term “black market” to describe the veteran’s work. This retraction, however, doesn’t negate the damage inflicted.
The core issue wasn’t whether the veteran was involved in evacuations—that much is undisputed. The problem arose from CNN’s labeling of his efforts as operating within a “black market,” a term implying illegal activity. This characterization significantly harmed his reputation and professional prospects, despite the fact that his actions, while perhaps ethically questionable, may not have been technically illegal.… Continue reading
Kristi Noem’s Senate confirmation hearing highlighted the strained relationship between her administration and South Dakota’s tribal nations. While Noem cited a state-funded law enforcement training program as evidence of collaboration, she remains banned from eight of the state’s nine reservations due to accusations of enabling drug cartels, accusations tribal leaders vehemently deny. One tribe has since lifted the ban following an apology from Noem, but the remaining reservations maintain the prohibition. This situation underscores the deep divisions and lingering mistrust between the Governor and the state’s Indigenous communities.
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Due to dangerously cold weather, President-elect Trump ordered the inauguration ceremony’s relocation from the Capitol’s West Front to the Capitol Rotunda. This decision disappointed some attendees who traveled from across the country, expressing frustration at the change of plans and desire to witness the event in person. To accommodate the public, a viewing location will be established at Capital One Arena, though details regarding capacity and overflow remain unclear. A Trump rally will precede the inauguration at the same venue.
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President Trump’s 2025 inauguration is shattering fundraising records, with the committee aiming for $250 million—far exceeding previous presidential inaugurations. This massive sum is fueled by unprecedented donations from corporations and billionaires, many of whom stand to benefit from the incoming administration’s policies. Lax regulations allow unlimited contributions from corporations and individuals, and there is minimal transparency regarding how funds are spent or any surplus allocated. A proposed Inaugural Fund Integrity Act seeks to address these issues by limiting contributions, banning corporate donations, and mandating full financial disclosure.
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Mass deportations would be an unmitigated disaster for American agriculture, a fact starkly illustrated by the concerns of a Florida tomato farmer who voted for Trump. He supports tariffs against Mexican farmers who undercut his business by employing cheaper labor, and he agrees with deporting undocumented immigrants convicted of serious crimes. However, the prospect of expelling all 11 million undocumented immigrants in the country fills him with dread. His family’s 4,000-acre tomato farm, like countless others, relies heavily on a workforce largely composed of undocumented workers.
The sheer scale of the proposed deportations is staggering, surpassing even the notorious 1954 operation that forced over a million people back to Mexico.… Continue reading
Pulitzer Prize-winning editorial cartoonist Darrin Bell was arrested and charged with possessing 134 videos of child sex abuse material, stemming from a tip received by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. This arrest marks the first under a new California law addressing AI-generated child sexual abuse material. Bell is currently being held on $1 million bail and is scheduled for a court appearance. The investigation was conducted by the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office.
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A truly horrifying case has emerged from Australia: a woman is accused of poisoning a one-year-old girl with prescription medication over several months. The alleged motive is even more chilling – to exploit the child’s suffering for online donations and gain social media followers. The sheer cruelty of this act leaves one speechless.
This isn’t just a case of neglect or even simple abuse; it’s a calculated, sustained campaign of poisoning, meticulously documented and shared online to garner sympathy and financial support. The woman filmed the child’s deteriorating health, using the videos to tug at the heartstrings of potential donors, leveraging the inherent human desire to help those in need to line her own pockets.… Continue reading
A recent report from the Institute for Science and International Security details how North Korea obtained a dual-purpose vacuum furnace, capable of uranium melting, through a complex smuggling operation. The furnace’s journey originated in Spain and involved transit through Mexico, South Africa, and China before reaching its final destination. This incident highlights Pyongyang’s ability to circumvent sanctions by misrepresenting the nature of goods. The successful smuggling raises significant concerns about North Korea’s nuclear weapons program advancement.
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Following a trial, three lawyers who previously represented Alexei Navalny—Vadim Kobzev, Igor Sergunin, and Alexei Liptser—received prison sentences ranging from three and a half to five and a half years. The lawyers’ legal work involved defending Navalny against a 19-year prison sentence. These convictions are the latest in a series of crackdowns targeting those associated with the opposition leader. The sentences highlight the increasingly repressive environment for lawyers and activists in Russia.
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Despite campaigning on lowering grocery, housing, and healthcare costs, President-elect Trump acknowledges the difficulty of this goal, a sentiment reflected in public opinion. A new poll reveals that only a small percentage of Americans are very confident in his ability to achieve these price reductions. While faith in his job creation capabilities is somewhat higher, overall confidence in his economic handling remains relatively low, even among Republicans. However, Republican support for Trump remains strong, with many expecting a successful second term, while Democratic negativity, although persistent, is somewhat less intense than previously.
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Matt Underwood 
John Q. Hosedrinker