Chief Justice Roberts’ annual report strongly condemns the “dangerous” rhetoric from various political figures who suggest ignoring federal court rulings. This disregard, he warns, must be rejected, citing past examples of administrations, including those of Eisenhower and Kennedy, upholding judicial decisions even when adverse to their interests. Roberts specifically criticizes attempts to intimidate judges through unfounded accusations of bias. The report highlights this issue’s urgency as President-elect Trump’s administration begins, given his past criticisms of the judiciary and potential conflicts with upcoming Supreme Court cases.
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Despite Colorado’s legalization of therapeutic psilocybin, Colorado Springs is implementing restrictive measures on “healing centers” due to concerns from conservative leaders, despite strong advocacy from veterans who have benefited from psilocybin therapy for PTSD. These restrictions, including a one-mile buffer zone from certain locations, limit accessibility and potentially increase wait times. While some council members acknowledge the potential benefits, concerns remain regarding FDA approval, potential risks, and the relatively nascent stage of psychedelic therapy research. The clash highlights the tension between rapid implementation of a potentially beneficial treatment and the need for cautious regulation.
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Trump’s campaign promises, while ambitious, lack concrete plans for implementation, and many proposals directly contradict his stated goals. His economic policies, including tariffs and tax cuts, risk increasing prices, contrary to his promises of economic relief. This inherent contradiction between promises and policy will become increasingly difficult to reconcile as president. Ultimately, the success of his second term hinges on his ability to deliver on his promises, a challenge amplified by the internal inconsistencies within his platform. Failure to do so could expose him as a deceptive figure to his supporters.
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Russia launched a massive drone attack on Ukraine in the early hours of New Year’s Day, unleashing over 100 unmanned aerial vehicles across at least ten regions. It’s a stark reminder of the ongoing conflict and the relentless nature of the Russian aggression. The sheer scale of the attack is striking; it demonstrates a continued commitment from Russia to inflict harm, regardless of the human cost or apparent lack of strategic gain.
This New Year’s attack wasn’t a random act. It appears to be part of a pattern of relentless attacks, a continuation of the conflict that has been ongoing for nearly two years.… Continue reading
Leaked Russian military documents reveal 160 prioritized targets in Japan and South Korea, including both military and civilian infrastructure. These targets, detailed in training materials from 2008-2014, range from airfields and naval bases to nuclear power plants and transportation networks. Targeting civilian infrastructure in this manner would constitute a war crime. While the documents are dated, an expert suggests the core strategic elements likely remain relevant to current Russian planning.
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Historian Timothy Snyder expresses concern over Elon Musk’s significant influence on President-elect Trump, highlighting Musk’s substantial wealth and financial backing of Trump’s campaign. Snyder predicts a potentially damaging power dynamic, with Musk effectively controlling Trump’s actions through financial leverage. This dependence, Snyder argues, is reminiscent of Russia in the 1990s, featuring a weaker leader reliant on powerful oligarchs. This situation, according to Snyder, should worry Trump’s allies.
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On New Year’s Eve, tens of thousands of protesters, primarily university students, demonstrated in Belgrade and other Serbian cities, demanding political reforms and justice following the November 1st collapse of a concrete canopy in Novi Sad that killed 15. The protests, under the slogan “There is No New Year — You Still Owe Us for the Old One,” cite corruption and substandard construction as causes of the tragedy, blaming the populist Serbian leadership. While the government indicted 13 individuals, protesters remain unsatisfied, calling for further accountability for alleged corrupt dealings during the train station renovation.
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In his New Year’s address, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy declared 2025 the year to end Russia’s invasion, emphasizing Ukraine’s commitment to securing peace through its own efforts and continued US support. This follows a year of significant Russian territorial gains—nearly 4,000 square kilometers in 2024 alone—and the termination of a key gas transit deal with Russia. A Russian drone strike on Kyiv on January 1st further underscored the ongoing conflict. The upcoming US presidential administration’s stance on aid to Ukraine remains a critical factor in the coming year.
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Connecticut’s attorney general has declared he would be the first to file a lawsuit if Donald Trump were to attempt to abolish birthright citizenship. This bold statement highlights the significant legal and political ramifications of such a move.
The assertion underscores the deep-seated belief that birthright citizenship, enshrined in the Fourteenth Amendment, is a fundamental principle of American law. Challenging this long-standing legal precedent would undoubtedly trigger widespread legal challenges, and the Connecticut AG’s willingness to spearhead such a fight is a strong indication of the seriousness with which this threat is viewed.
It’s a testament to the potential for such an action to spark widespread opposition, particularly among those who view birthright citizenship as a cornerstone of American identity and the promise of equal opportunity.… Continue reading
Following the expiration of a key transit deal, Ukraine halted the flow of Russian natural gas through its territory to Europe. This expected, yet symbolically significant move comes after Europe significantly reduced its reliance on Russian gas. While Ukraine will lose approximately $800 million annually in transit fees, and Gazprom faces a near $5 billion loss in sales, Europe has prepared for this scenario by securing alternative supply routes and boosting LNG imports. Despite some potential short-term price fluctuations, major disruptions are deemed unlikely due to these preparations and a mild start to winter.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood