French authorities have boarded the Boracay, a Russia-linked tanker blacklisted by the EU, following its presence off the Danish coast during a period of mysterious drone flights. President Macron confirmed the investigation into “serious offenses” committed by the crew, though he remained cautious about directly linking the ship to the Danish drone incidents. The investigation was launched after the crew’s failure to justify the vessel’s nationality and refusal to cooperate with authorities. The Boracay is part of Russia’s “shadow fleet” of tankers, which are suspected of helping Russia circumvent oil export sanctions.
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Dr. Jane Goodall, the esteemed chimpanzee researcher and animal advocate, passed away at the age of 91 due to natural causes. Her groundbreaking ethological research revolutionized science, particularly her work with chimpanzees, and she dedicated her life to conservation efforts. Goodall founded the Jane Goodall Institute in 1977, and through her work she developed an innovative approach to species conservation, recognizing the interconnectedness of people, animals, and the environment. The renowned scientist was in California at the time of her death, on a speaking tour.
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Amidst a looming government shutdown, Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is urging her Democratic colleagues to resist President Trump’s demands. She asserts that the Republican Party’s strength is a facade, based on a perception of power that is unsupported by public opinion. Ocasio-Cortez believes that the public is turning against Trump and his Republican allies, and that this budget negotiation is a chance for Democrats to protect the Affordable Care Act subsidies and to stop the president’s actions in eliminating the federal workforce.
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Aryatara Shakya, a 2-year-old girl, has been chosen as Nepal’s new living goddess, Kumari. She was carried through the streets of Kathmandu to the Kumari Ghar temple palace, where she will reside for several years. Chosen from the Shakya clan, Kumaris are revered by both Hindus and Buddhists. The new Kumari will bless devotees, and her family will receive elevated status. Though Kumaris lead a secluded life, changes have occurred in recent years allowing them an education and a small pension upon retirement.
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Recent polling indicates a significant drop in public approval for RFK Jr.’s performance as Secretary of Health and Human Services, with only 33% of registered voters approving. This decline follows a series of controversial actions, including comments on chemtrails, responses to a measles outbreak, and the firing of key CDC personnel. Despite the overall disapproval, RFK Jr. maintains majority support among Republicans, particularly President Donald Trump. However, this waning public sentiment, especially as the midterms approach, could impact the reelection chances of Republican members of Congress.
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A devastating Russian drone strike in the Sumy region of Ukraine resulted in the deaths of an entire family, including two young children. Local officials reported the residential building in Chernechchyna was deliberately targeted. While Ukraine’s air force shot down a majority of the attacking drones, several still struck their intended targets. The attack comes amidst intensified Russian aerial assaults and ongoing Ukrainian appeals for advanced air defense weaponry and long-range missiles from Western allies, along with a recent €2 billion drone funding agreement from the European Union.
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Over two decades after Hunter S. Thompson’s death was ruled a suicide, the Colorado Bureau of Investigation is set to review the case at the request of his widow, Anita Thompson. The author, known for his “gonzo” journalism and works like “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas,” was found dead at his Woody Creek, Colorado home on February 20, 2005, by his son. While no new evidence has surfaced, the review, involving an independent perspective, aims to provide a transparent analysis and offer closure to Thompson’s family and the public. The investigation will examine details surrounding the circumstances of Thompson’s death, including the alleged suicide note published in Rolling Stone.
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New COVID-19 variants, XFG (Stratus) and NB.1.8.1 (Nimbus), are currently the dominant strains in the UK, potentially causing a “razor blade” sore throat along with typical COVID-19 symptoms. While these variants do not appear to be more dangerous, recent genetic changes may increase the likelihood of infection. COVID-19 rates are rising, particularly among the young and elderly, leading to an increase in hospital admissions. Public health advice remains consistent: avoid contact with vulnerable individuals, stay home when symptomatic, and practice good hygiene.
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Google’s search results have raised questions of bias, as the platform appears to be hiding AI-generated summaries for queries regarding Donald Trump’s potential dementia while offering summaries for Joe Biden. Specifically, when users search for “does Trump show signs of dementia,” no AI Overview is provided, but for similar queries about Biden, Google offers an AI-generated response outlining different perspectives. The absence of AI summaries for Trump contrasts with the company’s AI-generated responses for Biden, prompting speculation about Google’s motivations, especially given the former president’s contentious relationship with the platform. A Google spokesperson stated that the absence of AI overviews is due to the automated systems that do not always provide consistency, particularly in the current events.
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The Supreme Court has allowed Lisa Cook to remain as a Federal Reserve governor for now, declining to act on the Trump administration’s effort to immediately remove her from the central bank. The court will hear arguments in January regarding Trump’s attempt to force Cook off the Fed board and will consider whether to block a lower-court ruling in Cook’s favor. This case stems from Trump’s unprecedented bid to reshape the Fed board and stems from accusations of mortgage fraud against Cook, while a related case involving Trump’s firings of other federal officials is also being heard. Cook, who denies any wrongdoing, will be able to participate in the remaining two Fed meetings in 2025.
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John Q. Hosedrinker