Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene expressed her disgust over the potential doubling of health insurance premiums should tax credits expire, labeling insurance as a “scam.” She criticized the lack of Republican leadership’s discussion or plans to address the issue, emphasizing the financial burden on millions of Americans. Greene’s statement also included her disapproval of foreign aid, particularly to Israel and Ukraine, while highlighting her votes against such allocations. She joined Representative Thomas Massie in criticizing the shutdown as a distraction.
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In a second night of significant air attacks, Russia’s Defense Ministry reported the destruction of nearly 200 Ukrainian drones. The Nizhny Novgorod region experienced a drone attack on an industrial zone, with debris causing minor damage to one enterprise. Ukrainian sources claim their drones targeted the Y.M. Sverdlov explosives factory near Dzerzhinsk, reportedly Russia’s key producer of high explosives. This action followed a previous day’s attack involving 20 drones in the same area.
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In her first oversight hearing as Attorney General, Pam Bondi faced questions regarding the Justice Department’s actions, including the handling of investigations into Donald Trump’s perceived enemies. She repeatedly evaded questions about whether Trump directed prosecutions and declined to answer about conversations with the White House. Bondi defended the Justice Department’s refusal to release additional Epstein-related documents and responded combatively to Democratic senators, including personal attacks. Furthermore, Bondi was unable to provide clear answers on the number of undocumented immigrants in Chicago or whether it is a “sanctuary city.” This contentious hearing highlighted the Justice Department’s actions following Trump’s demands to prosecute his enemies, sparking significant scrutiny.
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In an effort to boost recruitment numbers for the war in Ukraine, several Russian regions are dramatically increasing financial incentives for new military recruits. These regions are offering significantly higher sign-up bonuses, with some quadrupling the payments, highlighting a shift away from purely “ideological” recruitment campaigns. The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) suggests that these efforts are increasingly resembling complex business models rather than ideologically driven campaigns, employing financial incentives, deception, and coercion. These bonuses, often equivalent to several years’ worth of the average regional salary, are in addition to the existing federal payments and the soldiers’ monthly salary, indicating the severity of Russia’s manpower challenges.
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Despite initially receiving international praise for curbing inflation, Argentina’s President Javier Milei, a former Rolling Stones tribute band frontman, is now facing significant challenges. These issues include a struggling economy, political scandals involving close allies, and growing public discontent, all of which have damaged his popularity. Milei’s recent concert in Buenos Aires, while attended by supportive followers, reflects an attempt to regain momentum amid market instability and concerns over his government’s policies. Experts suggest that Milei is facing a deep crisis, citing a breakdown in trust and the erosion of his moral standing, making the future of his presidency uncertain.
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A class-action lawsuit against Colorado Governor Jared Polis and the Department of Corrections addresses forced labor within prisons, focusing on the 13th Amendment’s exception clause. Despite Colorado’s 2018 amendment abolishing slavery and forced labor without exception, the lawsuit alleges that prison labor practices haven’t changed, with inmates facing penalties for refusing to work. The plaintiffs argue this violates the state’s revised constitution, while state officials, citing pending litigation, declined to comment, but previously argued the labor program is for rehabilitation and doesn’t deny basic human rights. The trial is set to begin Tuesday.
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Six former U.S. Surgeons General issued a joint warning, expressing concern that Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s actions are endangering the nation’s health. The group of former officials accused Kennedy of rejecting science, misinforming the public, and eroding trust in agencies like the CDC, FDA, and NIH. They pointed to specific examples, such as the overhaul of the CDC’s vaccine advisory panel and distortion of vaccine information, as evidence of his harmful influence. The former surgeons general also noted a decline in morale within HHS, describing an environment of intimidation and censorship that is negatively impacting the agency.
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Mike Johnson faces bipartisan heat over delayed vote on Epstein files, and the situation is definitely raising eyebrows. It’s almost as if everyone is waiting with bated breath, wondering what exactly is in those files. The delay in releasing the information is, quite frankly, suspicious and is fueling speculation across the political spectrum.
The obvious question is, why the hesitation? Are there individuals in these files who are politically connected, powerful, or both? It’s understandable why people would think something is being covered up, especially when there’s such a visible effort to slow down the process. The longer the delay goes on, the more questions arise.… Continue reading
Zelenskyy: Ukrainian defense industry produces 40% of frontline weapons, a figure that truly speaks volumes about the nation’s resilience and determination. The fact that they’re now manufacturing a significant portion of their own weaponry, right in the midst of a full-scale war, is a testament to their ingenuity and the rapid evolution of their defense capabilities. To think, just a couple of years ago, they were largely dependent on external supplies. Now, they’re forging their own path to self-sufficiency.
This shift toward local production is particularly noteworthy when we consider the example of the 2S22 Bohdana howitzer. It’s amazing that they are producing around 40 of these per month.… Continue reading
Speaker Mike Johnson stated that the delay in swearing in Democratic Rep.-elect Adelita Grijalva is unrelated to her pending signature on a petition concerning the release of Jeffrey Epstein files, and she will be sworn in when the House reconvenes. Grijalva’s swearing-in would have been the 218th signature needed to force a House vote on releasing these files. Democrats, pointing to past precedent, have requested she be sworn in during pro forma sessions, but Republicans have not accommodated this request.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood