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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Ryanair flight FR748, operating from Riga to Vienna, diverted to Brno, Czech Republic, due to a technical GPS issue compounded by low visibility at the intended destination. The airline attributed the diversion to a minor technical problem with the GPS system, while Austrian media reported GPS signal disruption over Poland, potentially linked to the Ukraine conflict. Passengers were subsequently transported to Vienna by bus. The affected aircraft was an Airbus A320 operating under the Lauda brand.
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The European Commission withheld €1 billion in EU aid from Hungary due to ongoing rule-of-law breaches and failures to address corruption, marking a historic first for the EU. This action follows years of pressure on Hungary to reform its public procurement processes and combat conflicts of interest, with deadlines ultimately unmet. The funds, part of a larger €19 billion sum previously frozen, expired at the end of 2024 as per EU conditionality regulations. This decision comes amid concerns about corruption, political financing, and a lack of media independence within the Hungarian government.
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The discovery of an ISIS flag and weapons in the vehicle of Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a 42-year-old U.S. citizen and army veteran from Texas, has understandably caused significant alarm. The incident, which occurred in New Orleans, raises serious questions about the potential for domestic terrorism and the reach of extremist groups. The fact that the FBI is actively investigating possible associates suggests this may not be an isolated incident perpetrated by a lone wolf actor.
The FBI’s announcement that they are pursuing possible associates of Jabbar significantly shifts the narrative. It implies a potential network of support or a wider conspiracy, which moves the investigation beyond the actions of a single individual and into the realm of a coordinated effort, or at least a network providing aid and support.… Continue reading
A Gallup poll reveals that 62 percent of Americans—the highest percentage in over a decade—believe the government should ensure healthcare access for all citizens. This marks a significant increase from 42 percent in 2013 and reflects growing support across the political spectrum, particularly among Republicans and Independents. While support for a government-run healthcare system remains divided, the data contrasts with simultaneous Republican plans to potentially cut spending on programs like Obamacare and Medicaid to fund tax cuts. Despite this, the Affordable Care Act maintains relatively high public approval at 54 percent.
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A massive power outage plunged nearly all of Puerto Rico into darkness on December 31st, 2024, affecting over 1.2 million customers. The outage, caused by a failure in an electric line at the Costa Sur power plant, triggered a cascading effect across the island’s grid. Luma Energy, the island’s electricity transmission and distribution company, restored power to approximately 98% of affected customers by Wednesday afternoon, though full restoration may take up to two days. The incident highlights the ongoing fragility of Puerto Rico’s electrical grid, a persistent problem exacerbated by Hurricane Maria in 2017.
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New Orleans recently held a gun buyback program, exchanging firearms for PlayStation 5 consoles, aimed at improving public safety in the face of loosened state gun laws. Thirty-two firearms were collected in a single two-hour event, part of a larger initiative involving a local nonprofit that connects youth with gaming programs. While the effectiveness of gun buybacks in reducing violent crime is debated, organizers view this program as a valuable community engagement strategy, providing alternatives and opportunities for families. The initiative seeks to replace guns with positive opportunities, aiming to prevent future crime at a lower cost than incarceration.
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A Virginia man’s arrest highlights a disturbing trend: the intersection of political extremism, weapons stockpiling, and acts of potential violence. Prosecutors allege the man possessed a significant cache of weapons, including homemade explosive devices, and used a photograph of President Biden as target practice. This alarming discovery raises serious questions about the escalating rhetoric in our political climate and its potential consequences.
The sheer volume of weaponry found in the man’s possession is deeply concerning. Reports suggest a substantial arsenal, far exceeding what might be considered for self-defense. The presence of homemade explosive devices, particularly in light of the alleged injury sustained during their construction, points to a level of intent and recklessness that demands serious attention.… Continue reading
In response to Houthi attacks on U.S. warships and commercial vessels, U.S. Central Command launched multiple precision strikes targeting Houthi command and control facilities, weapons production and storage sites, and coastal radar in Sanaa, Yemen. These strikes, utilizing air and naval forces, destroyed Houthi missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles. The operation aimed to degrade the Houthis’ ability to threaten regional partners and shipping. Houthi representatives condemned the strikes as an act of aggression.
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Following the December 30th crash of a roughly 8-foot diameter metallic ring in Mukuku village, Kenya, the Kenya Space Agency (KSA) is investigating the debris, believed to be a launch vehicle separation ring. Preliminary assessments suggest the object, weighing approximately 1,100 pounds, posed no threat to public safety. The KSA is collaborating with other agencies to determine the object’s origin, a process complicated by the increasing amount of space debris. This incident highlights the growing global concern regarding uncontrolled re-entry of space objects.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood