Loretta Swit, famed for her Emmy-winning portrayal of Major Margaret “Hot Lips” Houlihan on the iconic TV series *M.A.S.H.*, passed away at 87. Swit, alongside Alan Alda, was a long-standing cast member of the hit show, which ran for eleven years and garnered critical acclaim, including a Peabody Award. She significantly evolved the character of Houlihan, transforming her from a one-dimensional caricature into a complex and relatable woman, reflecting the growing feminist movement of the 1970s. Following *M.A.S.H.*, Swit remained active in the entertainment industry and dedicated herself to animal welfare advocacy.
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A Harvard study models the consequences of removing fluoride from US water, predicting a substantial increase in childhood tooth decay. Over five years, this would lead to an estimated 25.4 million additional decayed teeth in children and teens, incurring at least $9.8 billion in added dental costs. These figures rise to 53.8 million decayed teeth and $19.4 billion in costs after a decade. The analysis, published in JAMA Health Forum, utilized national health data to project these significant impacts on oral health and healthcare expenditure.
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Luca Strobel, a 25-year-old transgender man, found himself in a terrifying situation simply for using the women’s restroom – a restroom he was legally entitled to use in South Carolina, a state with no laws restricting transgender bathroom access. His government-issued ID clearly marked his gender as female, aligning perfectly with the restroom he chose. This seemingly straightforward act, however, became the catalyst for a series of events that exposed the insidious undercurrents of transphobia.
While using the restroom at the Sand Dollar Social Club in Folly Beach, South Carolina, Luca was subjected to a blatant invasion of privacy. The bar owner, a man who later identified himself, entered the women’s restroom and peered into Luca’s stall.… Continue reading
FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino and Director Kash Patel’s recent appearances on Fox News have drawn significant online criticism. Bongino expressed dissatisfaction with his role, citing personal sacrifices and challenges, while Patel faced mockery for a televised interview’s unusual seating arrangement. Their interviews followed conservative backlash over their handling of the Jeffrey Epstein investigation and coincided with the FBI announcing new investigations into matters heavily publicized in right-wing media. Both officials attempted to reassure MAGA supporters with promises of forthcoming investigations and revelations, despite facing accusations of failing to deliver on previous promises.
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Microsoft is fully withdrawing from Russia, with its subsidiary, Microsoft Rus, initiating bankruptcy proceedings in a Moscow court. This action follows a lawsuit by Gazprombank seeking repayment for allegedly unfulfilled contract obligations totaling approximately US$1.14 million. Despite a significant revenue drop since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Microsoft Rus reported a net profit before filing for bankruptcy. The move marks the final stage of Microsoft’s departure from the Russian market, following the closure of its 13 Russian branches earlier this year.
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Dr. Annie Andrews launched her South Carolina Senate campaign with a provocative ad directly criticizing Senator Lindsey Graham’s shifting political stances, particularly his evolution from Trump critic to staunch defender. The ad, utilizing children’s X-rays to illustrate national issues, directly accuses Graham of hypocrisy and contrasts Andrews’s pediatric background with Graham’s political record. Graham’s campaign countered by labeling Andrews a “radical liberal” and highlighting their focus on conservative issues. The ad’s blunt language and creative approach quickly garnered significant online attention and polarized reactions.
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Retired Russian commander Zaur Gurtsiev, decorated for his role in the Mariupol offensive, was killed in a Stavropol blast alongside another man. Russian authorities opened a murder investigation, while suggesting but not confirming Ukrainian involvement in the suspected suicide bombing. Gurtsiev’s death follows recent assassinations of other high-ranking Russian military officials, occurring amidst stalled peace talks between Russia and Ukraine. The incident further escalates tensions between the two countries, with accusations of deception surrounding proposed peace negotiations.
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On Wednesday, a South Korean machine gun accidentally fired a single round towards North Korea near the border. The incident, occurring during a weapons inspection at a Yangju outpost, prompted an immediate warning broadcast to the North. No response from North Korea has been detected, and a full investigation is underway. This marks the second such accidental discharge involving a K-6 machine gun in a month.
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Nathan Laatsch, a 28-year-old IT specialist at the Defense Intelligence Agency, faces charges for allegedly attempting to hand over classified information to a friendly foreign government. This case highlights the vulnerabilities within even the most secure organizations, underscoring the need for robust internal security measures and continuous vigilance against insider threats. The fact that Laatsch worked in the agency’s Insider Threat Division ironically adds a layer of complexity and raises questions about the effectiveness of existing protocols.
The identity of the foreign government involved remains undisclosed, fueling speculation. While some suggest it might be a close ally like a major European power or Canada, given the current geopolitical climate, the possibility of other nations cannot be discounted.… Continue reading
Senator Joni Ernst’s attempt to justify Medicaid cuts in the recently passed tax bill was met with strong criticism. She argued the cuts target ineligible recipients and overpayments, citing undocumented immigrants as an example, a claim refuted by Representative Brendan Boyle who stated that undocumented immigrants are ineligible for Medicaid. Despite constituent outrage and the projected loss of coverage for millions of Americans, Ernst maintained the bill protects those who meet eligibility requirements. The cuts, however, primarily benefit the wealthy while harming vulnerable citizens.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood