Blackout hits Moscow Oblast during Ukrainian drone attack. Well, that’s certainly a headline that grabs your attention. It seems that during a recent Ukrainian drone attack, areas within the Moscow Oblast experienced a significant power outage. It’s hard not to feel a surge of…well, let’s just say mixed emotions, given the ongoing conflict. On one hand, it’s never good to see civilians suffer, but on the other…the sentiment towards Russia’s actions is clearly visible. The whole situation is incredibly complex.
Blackout hits Moscow Oblast during Ukrainian drone attack. The reports indicate that while the city of Moscow itself might have been spared the brunt of the attack, the surrounding region, the Moscow Oblast, took a hit.… Continue reading
A recent poll in *Nature* revealed that 75% of U.S. researchers are contemplating leaving the country, including prominent figures like UCLA professor Terence Tao, known as the “Mozart of Math.” These considerations are driven by factors like federal funding cuts and concerns over the current political climate’s impact on research. The decline in financial support and shifting priorities are prompting scientists to seek opportunities abroad, potentially leading to a “brain drain.” While other countries recognize this potential shift and are trying to attract scientists with grants and resources, the consequences of this exodus could significantly affect America’s scientific landscape and economy.
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The UN’s human rights chief has criticized recent US military strikes on vessels in the Caribbean and Pacific, alleging these lethal attacks violate international law and constitute extrajudicial killings. According to reports, these strikes have resulted in over 60 fatalities since early September. The UN is calling on the US to cease these actions immediately. Despite the criticism, the US has defended the strikes, with President Trump arguing their necessity to combat drug trafficking and that he has the legal authority to continue them.
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In response to the Trump administration’s pressure on Venezuela, the Russian government expressed its support for Venezuelan sovereignty and indicated a willingness to assist. The Russian Foreign Ministry stated they would respond to requests from Venezuela in light of “emerging threats.” Despite this warning, the Trump administration appears to be escalating its military campaign, considering strikes against targets linked to the Maduro regime and drug trafficking. While the administration claims the operation is popular and doesn’t require Congressional approval, some Republican lawmakers are calling for greater oversight.
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Trump says he is not considering strikes within Venezuela, which, if we’re being honest, probably means the exact opposite is true. The general consensus here, and it’s hard to disagree, is that when he declares he *isn’t* doing something, the likelihood of that thing happening increases exponentially. It’s like a reverse psychology power play. He’s said it before, right? Remember Iran? He was all about waiting and negotiating, and then… well, the bombs started falling practically overnight. So, based on past performance, “not considering” usually translates to “already decided” and “in the process of execution.”
When Trump says he is not considering strikes within Venezuela, it feels less like a statement of fact and more like a carefully crafted smokescreen.… Continue reading
Following a brief return to the U.S., former President Trump took to Truth Social to urge Republicans to abolish the filibuster rule in the Senate, labeling it the “nuclear option.” He argued that eliminating the rule, which requires 60 votes to pass legislation, would grant Republicans “Great Strength” and quickly resolve the ongoing government shutdown. Trump’s call to action echoes similar desires from previous Democratic administrations and is a direct response to the Senate’s failure to pass funding, leading to the second-longest government shutdown in U.S. history. While some Republicans have expressed interest, leaders like John Thune and Mike Johnson have expressed opposition to the idea.
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Federal judges ruled that the Trump administration must utilize emergency funds to partially cover food stamp benefits for millions of Americans in November. The rulings rejected the USDA’s claim that it couldn’t use the contingency fund, which holds billions, to cover benefits amid the government shutdown. While the orders won’t cover all payments, both judges, appointed by former President Barack Obama, also stated that the USDA may tap into a larger fund to pay November SNAP benefits in full. However, millions of recipients will still experience delays in receiving their benefits due to the administrative hurdles involved.
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The 9M729 ground-launched cruise missile, a weapon whose development prompted the U.S. to withdraw from the INF Treaty, has been fired at Ukraine on multiple occasions, according to Ukrainian officials. This missile, which has a reported range of up to 1,200 kilometers, was banned under the 1987 treaty. The use of this missile in Ukraine has been interpreted as confirmation of previous concerns about Russia’s compliance and the need for the U.S. to leave the treaty. The recent strikes on Ukraine have further opened the door for new defense developments in the U.S.
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This week marks the third instance of a Russian aircraft being intercepted by NATO allies while approaching sovereign airspace with its transponder deactivated. The intercepted Russian reconnaissance plane was escorted by Polish MiG fighters over the Baltic Sea after failing to submit a flight plan. While the aircraft did not enter Polish airspace, this incident, along with previous airspace violations, has raised concerns, prompting NATO members to invoke Article Four. NATO emphasizes that Russian aircraft regularly operate near its airspace, although usually with flight plans and communication, and the Polish forces handled the situation according to established procedures.
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The Heritage Foundation’s president, Kevin Roberts, has defended podcaster Nick Fuentes, who has made antisemitic remarks and praised Hitler, as a member of the conservative coalition. This decision signals a shift in the movement, seemingly accepting overt antisemitism as a legitimate political stance. This move follows Tucker Carlson’s interview with Fuentes, which has been criticized and led to discussions about antisemitism within the GOP, potentially leading to a civil war. The situation highlights the complex dynamics within the right, where the emphasis on avoiding “cancel culture” hinders efforts to distance themselves from individuals like Fuentes.
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Matt Underwood 
John Q. Hosedrinker