President-elect Trump will host a “Make America Great Again Victory Rally” at Washington, D.C.’s Capital One Arena on January 19th, the day before his inauguration. The rally, expected to draw approximately 20,000 attendees, will take place at 3 p.m. ET. This event precedes Trump’s January 20th swearing-in ceremony for a second term, following his recent election victory. The rally announcement comes as Trump continues to unveil his second administration’s appointments.
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A mass shooting in Cetinje, Montenegro, resulted in the deaths of at least 10 people, among them two children. The incident, which began with a verbal altercation in a restaurant, concluded with the perpetrator’s suicide. Montenegro’s government has declared three days of national mourning in response to this devastating tragedy. Prime Minister Spajic described the event as a “terrible tragedy”.
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Since Ukraine’s August 6th incursion into Russia’s Kursk Oblast, over 38,000 Russian troops and 1,000 pieces of equipment have been lost, along with over 700 captured soldiers. Ukraine initially seized approximately 1,300 square kilometers, though intense fighting has reduced this control. The conflict also involves approximately 12,000 North Korean troops, with over 3,000 reported killed or wounded, highlighting the challenges of unfamiliar terrain and modern warfare. Ukraine intends to leverage the occupied territory in future negotiations.
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Muhsina al-Mahithawi, a Druze woman and former peaceful protest leader, was appointed governor of Suwaida, marking the third female appointment in Syria’s transitional government. This follows the appointments of Maysaa Sabrine to lead the central bank and Aisha al-Dibs to head the Women’s Affairs Office, sparking debate over women’s representation despite ongoing concerns about minority marginalization. However, contradictory statements from government officials regarding women’s roles and the inclusion of foreign fighters in the armed forces have generated controversy and skepticism. The government’s commitment to women’s rights and inclusivity remains uncertain.
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Ukraine halted Russian gas transit through its pipelines to Europe, ending a pre-war agreement and citing national security concerns. This decision, which follows Russia’s drastic reduction of gas supplies to Europe since the war began, deprives Russia of a key market and aligns with Europe’s plan to phase out Russian gas entirely. While impacting countries like Moldova and potentially causing further hardship in Transnistria, the move is seen by some as a victory against Russian energy blackmail. The cessation of transit comes amid ongoing conflict and accusations that Russia uses energy as a weapon.
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Putin’s recent declaration that “everything will be fine” rings remarkably hollow in the face of Russia’s escalating challenges. The assertion feels jarringly detached from the grim reality on the ground, a reality painted in the stark hues of significant military setbacks and mounting economic woes. The ongoing war in Ukraine, a self-inflicted wound of immense proportions, continues to drain Russia’s resources and manpower, costing the country a generation of young men. The loss of allies, such as in Syria, further isolates Russia on the global stage, compounding the already precarious geopolitical situation.
The economic consequences are equally troubling. The loss of significant gas revenue due to severed pipelines to the European Union represents a substantial blow to the Russian economy, adding to existing strains caused by sanctions and the war effort.… Continue reading
On January 1st, 2025, hundreds of thousands marched across Istanbul’s Galata Bridge in a massive pro-Palestine demonstration organized by the National Will platform, a coalition of 308 NGOs. The protest, which began after morning prayers at several mosques, featured a large banner reading “Stop the genocide in Gaza” and included speeches condemning Israel’s actions in Gaza, specifically mentioning the high civilian death toll. Bilal Erdogan, head of a pro-Palestine donor group, addressed the rally, invoking Hagia Sophia’s conversion as a parallel to a future liberation of Al-Aqsa Mosque. Protesters chanted slogans demanding accountability for Israeli actions.
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The lack of widespread mourning following the death of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson reflects deep-seated public anger towards the healthcare insurance industry’s profiteering practices. This anger stems from insurers prioritizing profits over patient care, leading to denied claims, unaffordable costs, and compromised healthcare access. The overwhelmingly negative public reaction underscores the urgent need for systemic reform, as current attempts at regulation have failed to address the core issue of prioritizing corporate profits over patient well-being. A single-payer national health program is presented as a potential solution to alleviate the suffering caused by the current system.
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A Tesla Cybertruck fire in Las Vegas, described by many as an explosion rather than a simple fire, resulted in one fatality and seven injuries. The incident occurred outside a Trump hotel, adding a layer of intrigue to the already shocking event. The sheer violence of the explosion, far exceeding what’s typical in even a catastrophic electric vehicle fire, immediately raised questions about the cause.
The Cybertruck, rented via the platform Turo, was involved in an incident remarkably similar to another recent event in New Orleans. This New Orleans incident also involved a Turo-rented vehicle, explosives, and resulted in fatalities. The striking similarities between these two events led many to suspect a possible connection, although authorities haven’t yet confirmed a link between the attacks.… Continue reading
Steve Bannon vehemently criticized Elon Musk for supporting H-1B visas, arguing this stance contradicts MAGA principles and harms American workers. Bannon demanded a complete immigration moratorium and accused Musk and other tech leaders of contributing to the decline of the American middle class. He warned Musk against publicly advocating for policies that alienate MAGA supporters, threatening dire consequences for such actions. Musk’s continued support for H-1B visas, despite facing backlash, highlights a growing conflict within the Republican party regarding immigration policy.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood