Sean “Diddy” Combs was transferred to the federal prison at Fort Dix, New Jersey, to serve the remainder of his 50-month sentence. The 55-year-old was sentenced this month on two counts of interstate prostitution after an eight-week trial, though acquitted of more serious charges. Fort Dix, a low-security facility housing approximately 4,000 inmates, offers programs Combs’ attorneys requested, including drug rehabilitation. Combs’ lawyers are pursuing appeals, while federal prosecutors had accused Combs of using his position to coerce women into sexual acts.
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Since the beginning of the year, Ukrainian forces have significantly degraded Russia’s air defenses, according to the Head of the Security Service of Ukraine, Vasyl Maliuk. A notable achievement includes the destruction of 48% of Russia’s Pantsir surface-to-air artillery and missile systems. These systems are particularly effective against long-range drones, making their neutralization a key priority. While Russia manufactures 30 Pantsir systems annually, the number destroyed by Ukraine exceeds this production rate.
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A federal judge in Rhode Island blocked the Trump administration from cutting off SNAP benefits for 42 million Americans during the government shutdown. The judge ordered the administration to pay food stamp benefits “as soon as possible” after finding the cutoff to be arbitrary and causing a crisis for those relying on them. The Justice Department argued SNAP no longer existed due to lack of funding, but the judge mandated the use of contingency funds and exploration of other federal resources to sustain the program. This ruling follows a similar case where another judge found the suspension of SNAP benefits likely unlawful, and the Trump administration is expected to appeal the order.
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The second group, comprised of corporate leaders, remains silent on Trump’s actions due to fear of retribution or a desire for tax cuts. This group includes prominent figures from companies like Blackstone, Meta, and Amazon, demonstrating that they prioritize other interests over the potential harm caused by Trump. Next, right-wing media outlets, driven by a combination of financial gain from Trump’s popularity and genuine animosity towards liberals, serve as his propaganda arms. Finally, the MAGA faithful can be divided into soft supporters and fervent adherents. The soft supporters, including swing voters and those who recall the first Trump economy fondly, do not necessarily view him as the country’s savior.
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Maria Corina Machado, a Venezuelan opposition leader, stated that military escalation is the only way to remove President Nicolas Maduro from power and facilitate a peaceful transition. Machado is actively organizing her movement, even with members imprisoned or in exile, and has a plan for the first 100 hours following a regime change. The Trump administration has reportedly considered military strikes inside Venezuela targeting military facilities linked to the Maduro regime and drug-trafficking organizations, including the Cartel de los Soles. These potential strikes aim to disrupt the Cartel de los Soles, and sources suggest that Maduro’s time in power is limited, with some generals reportedly willing to apprehend him.
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According to a UN human rights chief, U.S. military strikes against boats in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific Ocean allegedly carrying illegal drugs are unacceptable and must cease immediately. The U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, called for an investigation into these attacks, citing violations of international human rights law. The spokeswoman for Türk’s office stated that the use of lethal force is only permissible as a last resort against an imminent threat to life, otherwise constituting extrajudicial killings. These strikes, part of a campaign to stop the flow of drugs, have raised concerns about the U.S. military’s growing presence and its potential impact on regional conflicts.
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AP News reports that two federal judges issued nearly simultaneous rulings on Friday mandating the Trump administration continue funding SNAP, the nation’s primary food aid program, using contingency funds during the government shutdown. The judges’ decisions came a day before the USDA planned to halt SNAP payments, impacting the program that serves about 1 in 8 Americans and costs approximately $8 billion monthly. Democratic officials challenged the administration’s plan, arguing it had a legal obligation to keep the program operational, leading the judges to order the use of emergency reserves to maintain benefits and reinstate work requirement waivers, thus safeguarding millions from potential food insecurity.
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A recent Washington Post-ABC News-Ipsos poll indicates that a mere 28% of Americans are in favor of President Trump’s proposed $300 million project to renovate the White House’s East Wing. This plan involves transforming the space into a replica of “Marie Antoinette’s ballroom,” a concept that has faced significant public disapproval. The poll results highlight the considerable backlash against the proposal, which has been analyzed in the context of the ongoing government shutdown. This unpopular plan reveals a stark contrast in priorities amid existing financial pressures.
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In July 2025, House Speaker Mike Johnson voted in favor of a budget bill that would cut approximately $186 billion from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which provides food benefits to around 42 million Americans. This claim emerged online in late October 2025, amid a government shutdown that brought uncertainty regarding continued SNAP benefits. The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office projected these cuts, with the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities reporting the cuts to be the largest ever for SNAP. Johnson’s office has been contacted for comment.
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Higgins’ statements are characterized by bitterness and a lack of empathy, particularly regarding SNAP benefits. He seems to disregard the reality that the average SNAP benefit of around $80 per week is insufficient, especially given rising grocery prices and economic challenges. Higgins’ remarks echo racially charged stereotypes. This lack of compassion is deeply concerning, especially from someone in a position of power, and it may impact the upcoming midterm elections.
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John Q. Hosedrinker