January 2025

Thai Elephant Kills Tourist Bathing It at Sanctuary

A 22-year-old Spanish woman, Blanca Ojanguren Garcia, died Friday after being gored by an elephant while bathing it at a Koh Yao Elephant Care center in Thailand. The incident occurred during a tourist activity popular in the country, which also faces a dwindling wild elephant population and a rising captive elephant population used for tourism. Police are investigating the incident, and the elephant sanctuary and Spanish embassy have been contacted for comment. The tragedy underscores concerns about the risks of close human-elephant interaction within the Thai tourism industry.

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Le Pen, Far-Right Leader, Dies at 96

Jean-Marie Le Pen, founder of France’s National Front (later National Rally), passed away at age 96. A prominent figure in French far-right politics for decades, his nationalist and anti-immigration views, often resulting in convictions for hate speech, significantly shaped the country’s populist movement. Despite being estranged from his daughter, Marine Le Pen, his legacy continues to influence French politics. His death comes as Marine faces her own legal challenges. Le Pen’s career, marked by charisma and controversy, left an enduring impact on the far-right.

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Trump Reportedly Complains About Musk, Hates “President Musk” Jokes

Despite their recent closeness, President-elect Trump’s relationship with Elon Musk is reportedly strained, according to New York Times reporter Maggie Haberman. Trump privately expresses annoyance with Musk’s frequent presence and aggressive interactions, though Musk’s substantial financial contributions to the campaign afford him considerable leeway. Haberman predicts a shift in their dynamic once Trump assumes office, with Musk’s influence diminishing, although Trump is unlikely to completely sever ties. This tension is further underscored by anonymous sources citing Trump’s displeasure with Musk’s actions and pronouncements.

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Iran Executed Over 900 in 2024, Including 31 Women

The UN’s announcement that Iran executed over 900 people in 2024, including 31 women, is deeply disturbing. The sheer number of executions is staggering, highlighting a brutal disregard for human life under the current regime. The fact that this figure includes dozens of women further underscores the severity of the situation and raises serious concerns about the systematic nature of these actions.

The report indicates that most executions were for drug-related offenses. However, the inclusion of political dissidents and individuals connected to the 2022 protests amongst the victims suggests a broader pattern of repression targeting those who challenge the government. This casts doubt on the official justifications provided for these executions, raising the possibility that many were politically motivated.… Continue reading

Garland Urged to Release Trump Report: A Test of Spine or Surrender?

Following the conclusion of Special Counsel Jack Smith’s investigations into Donald Trump, Trump’s legal team demanded the Justice Department withhold the final report, citing the Presidential Transition Act and presidential immunity. This request, sent to Attorney General Merrick Garland, intensified calls for the report’s public release. Smith’s report, covering investigations into classified documents and election subversion, was submitted to Garland, who will decide on its public disclosure. Despite Trump’s team’s efforts and a related request to Judge Cannon, the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals currently holds jurisdiction over the case.

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Zuckerberg Ends Meta Fact-Checking: Disinformation Fears Rise

Meta announced sweeping changes to its content moderation policies, eliminating its third-party fact-checking program in favor of a community-based system similar to X’s “Community Notes.” This shift, driven by CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s stated aim to prioritize free speech and reduce content moderation errors, will affect Facebook, Instagram, and Threads. The company cited government pressure and a perceived cultural shift as reasons for the change, and will also adjust content policies on divisive issues. These moves coincide with Meta’s increased engagement with President-elect Trump.

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