A Russian court sentenced three lawyers—Vadim Kobzev, Alexei Liptser, and Igor Sergunin—to lengthy prison terms for allegedly relaying messages from Alexei Navalny to the outside world. This action, part of a broader crackdown on dissent, has alarmed human rights groups and sparked international condemnation. The lawyers, who had near-exclusive access to Navalny while he served a 19-year sentence, were convicted of participating in an “extremist organization,” a charge that has been widely criticized as politically motivated. The sentences mark a significant escalation in Russia’s suppression of opposition voices and legal representation.
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Therapists across the US are reporting a surge in patient anxiety stemming from Donald Trump’s return to power, exceeding typical political anxieties. This heightened stress is fueled by Trump’s unique ability to dominate public discourse and his administration’s policies impacting reproductive rights and LGBTQ+ communities. Many patients experience “activist burnout” and fear the erosion of democratic norms and institutions under his leadership. Therapists emphasize the importance of community support, managing news consumption, and acknowledging the collective grief caused by the political climate. The pervasive nature of Trump’s influence makes it difficult for individuals to disconnect from the constant source of anxiety he generates.
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Trump’s proposed policies for a second term represent a significant escalation from his first, encompassing even more extreme measures regarding immigration, environmental protection, and trade. His plans, including mass deportations, border closures based on potential disease outbreaks, and a new tariff system, threaten to severely disrupt the economy and daily life. The potential for unforeseen consequences is high, yet Trump’s perceived mandate emboldens him to pursue this agenda regardless. Furthermore, any negative outcomes are likely to be attributed to external factors or reframed to fit a convenient narrative.
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Thousands of activists converged on Washington D.C. for the People’s March, protesting a range of issues from the incoming Trump administration’s policies. Three separate marches, focusing on democracy/immigration, D.C. statehood, and LGBTQIA/bodily autonomy, respectively, culminated in a rally at the Lincoln Memorial. The event, organized by several national activist groups, drew participants from across the East Coast and aimed to mobilize opposition to perceived threats to civil rights and freedoms. Counter-protesters also gathered at the Lincoln Memorial, focusing on abortion rights.
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Perplexity AI submitted a bid to ByteDance, proposing a merger that would combine Perplexity, TikTok U.S., and new investors into a single entity. This structure would allow most ByteDance investors to retain equity while integrating TikTok’s video capabilities into Perplexity’s AI search platform. The proposed merger, valued at well over $50 billion, is a strategic move given the rising competition in AI-assisted search and the potential sale of TikTok. President-elect Trump’s 90-day extension offers a window for deal completion, though the process is expected to take several months.
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Donald Trump’s newly launched cryptocurrency, $Trump, rapidly gained a market cap exceeding $6.5 billion before settling around $4.7 billion. The coin’s launch coincided with a pre-inauguration “Crypto Ball” and features Trump’s companies holding 80% of the tokens, raising concerns about potential conflicts of interest. Disclosures state the coin is non-political, despite Trump’s plans to prioritize cryptocurrency as president-elect. The significant holdings by Trump’s companies have fueled comparisons to “pump and dump” schemes.
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A Seoul court extended President Yoon Suk Yeol’s detention by 20 days, citing concerns about evidence destruction in an insurrection investigation stemming from his December martial law declaration. This marks the first arrest of a sitting South Korean president, following his refusal to cooperate with investigators. The extension allows continued investigation into the insurrection charges, a crime for which presidents lack immunity. Subsequent to the ruling, some of Yoon’s supporters engaged in violent protests at the court.
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In a final round of student loan forgiveness, the Biden administration canceled over $600 million in debt for 8,650 borrowers. This relief targets 4,550 individuals eligible under the Income-Based Repayment plan and 4,100 former DeVry University students. DeVry’s debt cancellation stems from a 2022 Department of Education finding of widespread misrepresentation of job placement rates. While DeVry declined comment due to ongoing litigation, they expressed support for student and taxpayer protection through improved processes.
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Sweden deployed 550 troops to Latvia as part of a Canadian-led NATO brigade, marking its largest operation since joining the alliance in March 2023. The mechanized infantry battalion arrived in Riga, contributing to NATO’s deterrence efforts along its eastern flank bordering Russia and Belarus. This significant deployment underscores Sweden’s commitment to collective defense and regional stability amid heightened tensions caused by the war in Ukraine. The mission reinforces the eight NATO brigades stationed along the alliance’s eastern border. This follows Sweden’s historic decision to join NATO, ending its long-held neutrality.
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Hezbollah’s chief recently declared that the recent Israel-Hamas truce serves as proof of the “persistence of resistance.” This statement, however, requires a nuanced examination. While the cessation of hostilities might be presented as a victory for resistance movements, the reality on the ground paints a far more complex picture. The sheer devastation inflicted on Gaza, the significant losses suffered by Hamas, and the damage sustained in Lebanon by Hezbollah raise serious questions about what constitutes a successful “resistance.”
The claim of victory overlooks the immense human cost of the conflict. Civilians on both sides endured horrific suffering, displacement, and loss of life.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood