The world’s 100 largest arms manufacturers experienced a 5.9% revenue increase in 2024, reaching a record $679 billion, fueled by conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza and global military spending. European and U.S. companies led the growth, with European arms revenue rising by 13% due to demand related to the war in Ukraine and U.S. revenue up 3.8%. While revenue increased in the Middle East and Russia, Asia and Oceania saw a slight decline due to issues in the Chinese arms industry.
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Evidence gathered by the BBC suggests Georgian authorities used a World War One-era chemical weapon, “camite,” against anti-government protesters. Protesters reported severe and long-lasting symptoms, including burning skin, breathing difficulties, and vomiting, corroborated by medical studies. Experts and former police officials identified the likely use of this obsolete chemical agent, which was mixed into water cannons. The Georgian government denies the findings, but the BBC’s investigation highlights the potential use of a dangerous substance with lasting effects, raising concerns under international law.
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Bruna Ferreira, the mother of Karoline Leavitt’s nephew, has been detained by ICE, leading to accusations that Leavitt is downplaying their relationship. Despite White House claims that the two hadn’t spoken in years, Ferreira’s attorney, Todd Pomerleau, confirms regular contact and shared activities, including a recent soccer game with Leavitt’s family. Ferreira, who is the co-parent of Leavitt’s nephew, is contesting claims by the Department of Homeland Security about her visa status and criminal history, emphasizing her close relationship with the family. Her attorney further notes that she was selected as the child’s godmother.
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Kelly says Senate will ‘put people under oath’ over reported follow-up strikes in Caribbean. That’s the crux of it, isn’t it? The core issue revolves around reported follow-up strikes in the Caribbean, and Senator Kelly is signaling a serious intent to investigate. The key phrase here is “put people under oath.” It’s a classic move, the Senate flexing its oversight muscles. The idea, presumably, is to get to the bottom of the matter, to uncover the truth of what happened and who was involved.
The promise of a Senate inquiry, especially one involving sworn testimony, is generally seen as a serious matter.… Continue reading
Former President Donald Trump has reiterated his intention to revoke the citizenship of naturalized Americans, particularly those he deems as undermining domestic tranquility. This declaration follows the shooting of National Guard members in D.C. by an Afghan national. Trump stated that he would denaturalize individuals who “shouldn’t be here,” blaming the current administration for their presence. However, he acknowledged uncertainty regarding the extent of his authority to do so.
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Established in 1846, the Associated Press is a globally recognized, independent news organization committed to delivering factual reporting. AP continues to be a highly trusted source for swift, accurate, and unbiased news across various formats, serving as a critical provider of technology and services to the news industry. With its widespread reach, AP’s journalism is consumed by over half of the world’s population daily.
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Next week, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will face mounting pressure from the United States to reach a deal to end the war with Russia. This push for a peaceful settlement comes amidst internal political turmoil within Ukraine, fueled by a corruption scandal and demands for government reshuffles. Simultaneously, the US is sending a special envoy to Moscow and a renewed Ukrainian delegation is in the US for negotiations. Further complicating matters, Zelenskyy is facing pressure to replace key figures within his administration, potentially weakening his political control.
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The Public Prosecution Service is seeking prison sentences of up to 25 years for three suspects in the murder of 18-year-old Ryan Al Najjar, including her father, Khaled Al N., and her two brothers. Prosecutors allege that Khaled, currently a fugitive in Syria, orchestrated the killing due to Ryan’s perceived violation of family expectations regarding her Western lifestyle. Ryan’s body was discovered bound and drowned, with Khaled’s DNA present, and evidence suggests the brothers actively participated, though they blame their father. Despite limited cooperation with Syria, the court is expected to deliver its verdict on January 5th.
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Former President Donald Trump granted clemency to David Gentile, the former CEO of GPB Capital, who was recently sentenced to seven years in prison for a $1.6 billion fraud scheme. Gentile, who had begun serving his sentence on November 14th, was released on November 26th. Prosecutors had argued the fraud involved using investor funds for lavish personal expenses, including private jets and a Ferrari. The details of the commutation had not yet been posted on the Department of Justice website at the time of publication.
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A massive lithium deposit, potentially the largest ever discovered, has been identified within the McDermitt caldera on the Nevada-Oregon border, estimated to contain 20 to 40 million metric tons of the element. This lithium-rich clay formed from volcanic ash and mud in a long-lived lake, with hydrothermal fluids later leaching lithium from volcanic glass. The deposit’s high lithium concentrations, close proximity to the surface, and large size make it particularly promising for future mining efforts to meet the growing global demand for lithium-ion batteries. However, extracting this resource presents environmental challenges and concerns for local communities. This discovery offers valuable insights into the formation of lithium deposits within volcanic systems.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood
Leavitt Accused of Connection to ICE Detention of Relative
Bruna Ferreira, the mother of Karoline Leavitt’s nephew, has been detained by ICE, leading to accusations that Leavitt is downplaying their relationship. Despite White House claims that the two hadn’t spoken in years, Ferreira’s attorney, Todd Pomerleau, confirms regular contact and shared activities, including a recent soccer game with Leavitt’s family. Ferreira, who is the co-parent of Leavitt’s nephew, is contesting claims by the Department of Homeland Security about her visa status and criminal history, emphasizing her close relationship with the family. Her attorney further notes that she was selected as the child’s godmother.
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