President Biden issued preemptive pardons for five family members—his brother James, James’s wife Sara, his sister Valerie, Valerie’s husband John, and his brother Francis—citing baseless, politically motivated investigations targeting them. These pardons, announced shortly before the presidential transition, accompanied similar pardons for other figures, including Dr. Fauci and Gen. Milley. The president emphasized that the pardons do not indicate guilt and that the investigations caused irreparable damage. This action follows Biden’s earlier pardon of his son, Hunter, after Hunter’s conviction on federal gun and tax charges.
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Russian ammunition use has ‘practically halved’ due to Kyiv strikes, Ukrainian commander-in-chief says. This is a significant claim, suggesting a dramatic shift in the dynamics of the conflict. It raises immediate questions about the feasibility and implications of such a reduction in Russian firepower. What precisely accounts for this alleged drop? Is it due to a decline in Russian production capacity, a strategic shift in tactics, or perhaps a combination of both?
Russian ammunition use has ‘practically halved’ due to Kyiv strikes, Ukrainian commander-in-chief says, and the assertion prompts further consideration of the methodology behind this assessment. How exactly is the daily ammunition expenditure being calculated?… Continue reading
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez will not attend Donald Trump’s inauguration, citing his history of sexual assault allegations and recent liability finding in a civil case. Ocasio-Cortez also criticizes TikTok’s apparent collaboration with Trump, viewing it as a sign of a burgeoning authoritarian regime. She further highlighted Trump’s planned executive order extending the TikTok ban deadline as evidence of this trend. The congresswoman’s absence and criticisms underscore her strong opposition to Trump’s presidency and policies.
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In Alabama and Mississippi, Martin Luther King Jr. Day is jointly observed with Robert E. Lee Day, a legacy from early 20th-century state legislation honoring Confederate leaders. This juxtaposition of figures with opposing legacies persists despite repeated legislative efforts by Black lawmakers in both states to separate the holidays. Recent attempts to either remove Lee’s recognition or reschedule his observance have failed to gain sufficient support. While other Southern states have removed or altered similar Confederate holidays, Alabama and Mississippi remain the only two states that continue this practice.
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President-elect Trump’s inaugural committee employed Patrick Lee, a board member of the Ohio Clean Water Fund, a charity accused by the Ohio Attorney General of misappropriating funds intended for East Palestine, Ohio, residents affected by a train derailment. The charity raised over $141,000, but allegedly only gave $10,000 to the intended recipient, keeping the rest. Lee, though not named as a defendant, settled with the Attorney General, paying restitution and facing restrictions on future charitable activities in Ohio. Despite Lee’s lawyer denying wrongdoing, the settlement required significant financial penalties and prohibitions against future charitable involvement within the state.
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Cecile Richards, former Planned Parenthood president and prominent feminist activist, passed away at age 67 from brain cancer. A lifelong advocate for reproductive rights, Richards remained politically active even after her diagnosis, actively campaigning for Democratic candidates and working to expand access to abortion after the overturning of Roe v. Wade. Her career spanned decades of activism, including leadership roles at Planned Parenthood and co-founding Supermajority. Richards’ legacy is defined by her unwavering commitment to women’s health and reproductive freedom.
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Houthis to end Red Sea attacks, except against Israeli ships, is a claim that warrants closer examination. The announcement itself presents a complex picture, raising several questions. While the Houthis declare an end to attacks on most international shipping, the crucial exception – targeting Israeli vessels – remains, leaving the situation largely unchanged for Israel.
This exception arguably renders the announcement largely symbolic. Israel’s relatively small maritime commercial footprint means the impact of this limited cessation of attacks will be minimal, especially when considering the ongoing harassment of civilian shipping.
The continued hostage situation involving the crew of the Galaxy Leader is particularly troubling.… Continue reading
Elon Musk’s DOGE, a purported “Department of Government Efficiency,” is facing a lawsuit mere minutes after President Trump’s inauguration. The lawsuit, a 30-page complaint filed by a public interest law firm, alleges that DOGE violates a 1972 law mandating transparency and adherence to specific rules for executive branch advisory committees. This legal challenge promises to be a significant battle over the incoming administration’s agenda, focusing on DOGE’s operational transparency and compliance with existing federal regulations.
The core of the legal argument centers on the alleged breach of a 1972 law governing advisory committees. This legislation outlines specific requirements for disclosure, hiring practices, and other operational aspects.… Continue reading
President Biden reflected on his presidency, citing a key regret: insufficiently highlighting the Democratic Party’s role in legislative achievements like the infrastructure bill and Covid relief. He acknowledged the political benefit of associating accomplishments with his party, contrasting his approach with that of other presidents. Biden attributed this oversight to prioritizing policy over politics, hindering efforts to effectively communicate the administration’s successes to the public. This ultimately impacted the Democrats’ ability to garner deserved credit and maintain popular support.
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Increased military spending among NATO members is unlikely due to several factors. A proposed increase to a 3% GDP defense spending target, potentially rising further, faces challenges from a looming trade war initiated by protectionist measures from the U.S. This trade war, coupled with existing budgetary constraints, makes a significant increase in defense spending improbable for many nations. While some nations support a proposed 5% target, others deem it unrealistic given current economic conditions and the threat of escalating trade conflicts.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood