On January 19th, President Zelensky enacted new sanctions against eighteen pro-Russian politicians and propagandists, including Yuriy Boyko, Nestor Shufrych, and Yevhen Muraiev. This action, based on a National Security and Defense Council decision, targets individuals aiding Russia’s war effort through propaganda and subversive activities. The decree also initiates efforts to revoke state awards, such as the Hero of Ukraine title, from these figures. Notable among those sanctioned are individuals previously involved in pro-Russian parties and accused of treason or collaboration with Russian forces.
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In summary, Ukrainian strikes on Russian ammunition production facilities and other military targets have significantly reduced Russia’s daily artillery shell expenditure, nearly halving it from approximately 40,000 rounds to a much lower number. Simultaneously, Ukraine is bolstering its own arms production, currently manufacturing roughly one-third of its annual weapons needs, with the remainder supplied by Western allies. This increased domestic production is coupled with efforts to develop indigenous air defense systems, including those capable of countering advanced Russian missiles. Ukraine plans to invest a record $35 billion in weapons production in 2025.
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Oxfam’s latest inequality report reveals the world’s billionaires earned an average of $3.2 million daily in 2023, with the top ten exceeding $150 million daily. This extreme wealth accumulation, totaling a $3 trillion increase globally, far outpaces the growth of average incomes and highlights the widening gap between the rich and poor. The report, released during the World Economic Forum in Davos, criticizes the disproportionate influence of wealthy nations in global financial institutions and argues that historical colonialism continues to fuel this inequality. Oxfam advocates for wealth taxes as a means to address this disparity, suggesting even a small tax on the ultra-wealthy could significantly benefit the public.
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Following a Supreme Court ruling upholding a bipartisan law mandating ByteDance divest from TikTok or face a U.S. ban, President-elect Trump announced plans for an executive order delaying the ban’s implementation. This action, seen by some as a political win for Trump facilitated by Democrats, comes after President Biden signed the legislation into law despite previous efforts to overturn a similar executive order from Trump’s presidency. The delay allows for negotiations to preserve TikTok’s U.S. operations, potentially involving a joint venture with U.S. ownership. Critics, however, decry the law’s passage as prioritizing symbolic action over comprehensive data privacy legislation and as enabling Trump to position himself as a savior of the platform.
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Laura Caron, a 34-year-old elementary school teacher, was arrested and charged with aggravated sexual assault, sexual assault, and endangering the welfare of a child. The charges stem from a relationship with a former student that began when he was 11 and resulted in a child born in 2019. The investigation was initiated following a Facebook post by the victim’s father and corroborated by statements from the victim’s siblings. Caron is currently being held without bail, and the Middle Township School District has placed her on paid administrative leave.
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President-elect Trump’s new cryptocurrency, “$TRUMP,” has rapidly increased in value, potentially making him one of the world’s richest individuals. The token, marketed through the Trump Organization affiliate CIC Digital LLC, launched at $10 and quickly reached $70, with the Trump Organization retaining 80% ownership. Despite disclaimers stating the token is non-political, concerns exist regarding ethical conflicts of interest given its connection to Trump’s presidency and the potential for leveraging his office for personal profit. The rapid increase in value and Trump’s prior pro-crypto campaign rhetoric raise significant questions about the propriety of this venture.
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Vivek Ramaswamy, recently appointed to co-lead the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) with Elon Musk, is expected to leave the position to pursue a gubernatorial campaign in Ohio. Internal friction within DOGE, stemming from Ramaswamy’s perceived lack of participation, contributed to his departure. This follows a failed attempt by Ramaswamy to secure Ohio’s vacant Senate seat. Despite briefly collaborating with Musk on DOGE plans, their partnership proved short-lived.
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Trevor Smith, known as rapper Busta Rhymes, faces a misdemeanor charge of third-degree assault in New York City. The charge stems from a January 10th incident in Brooklyn where Smith allegedly punched a 50-year-old man multiple times in the face, causing facial swelling. The victim reported the assault to police, leading to Smith’s desk appearance ticket. Smith is scheduled for a court appearance on February 3rd.
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Arvada reached a $2 million settlement in a wrongful death lawsuit stemming from the 2021 police shooting of pregnant Destinee Thompson. The lawsuit, filed by Thompson’s family in 2023, followed the officer’s fatal shooting of the 27-year-old mother during a response to a reported shoplifting incident. While the District Attorney declined to file criminal charges, the city concluded the settlement in July. The settlement’s finalization was recently reflected in court records.
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A newly announced 100-year UK-Ukraine partnership agreement, including military cooperation in the Azov Sea, has drawn sharp criticism from Russia. Moscow views the Azov Sea as its internal water and considers the agreement a publicity stunt, vowing firm resistance to any joint UK-Ukraine activity there. The Kremlin specifically expressed concern over potential British military deployment in the region. This rejection underscores persistent tensions over the strategically vital Azov Sea and foreshadows potential obstacles to the strengthened UK-Ukraine cooperation.
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John Q. Hosedrinker