Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell, a centrist Democrat, conceded his reelection to progressive activist Katie Wilson. Wilson, a democratic socialist with no prior elected experience, benefited from later-arriving ballots, reflecting a broader shift towards the left. Her campaign prioritized issues like affordability, public safety, and affordable housing, resonating with voters concerned about the rising cost of living. Wilson plans to focus on universal child care, better mass transit, better public safety, and stable, affordable housing, taking office with a strong mandate.
Read More
**1st US human bird flu case in 9 months confirmed with strain only seen in animals before**
This latest news is that a resident of Washington state has contracted bird flu, making it the first confirmed human case in the United States in nine months.
The patient, described as an older adult with underlying health conditions, started showing symptoms in early November. These included a high fever, confusion, and respiratory distress, which led to hospitalization.
The specific strain identified in the patient is H5N5, a type of bird flu that’s previously been observed in animals. The Washington State Department of Health has confirmed that this is the first time this specific strain has been found in a human.… Continue reading
President Karol Nawrocki has requested that the Constitutional Tribunal declare the Communist Party of Poland (KPP) unlawful. Nawrocki argues that the KPP glorifies criminals and regimes responsible for the deaths of millions, contradicting Poland’s legal order. This action follows a prior attempt by a previous government to outlaw the KPP, which ultimately failed. The KPP’s aims are allegedly contrary to the constitution, which prohibits parties based on totalitarian methods. Nawrocki’s request cites the party’s historical ties and justifications of Joseph Stalin, who was responsible for many deaths, as evidence.
Read More
Russia says North Korean troops play a key role in de-mining its Kursk region, which immediately conjures up a series of unsettling images, doesn’t it? It’s hard not to feel a mixture of disbelief and dark humor when you hear about a supposed superpower leaning on North Korean troops for such a dangerous task. The narrative that emerges is stark: Russia, a nation often portrayed as a formidable military force, seems to be relying on a nation known for its isolation and internal issues for a critical operation.
It’s not hard to picture the scene. The reality of a minefield is terrifying, and the idea of sending troops in to clear them, knowing the risks, is nothing short of grim.… Continue reading
The United States and Switzerland have finalized a trade agreement, as announced by U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer. Swiss duties will be reduced to 15%, and Swiss companies have committed to investing $200 billion in the U.S. by 2028. This deal will bring significant manufacturing, including pharmaceuticals and railway equipment, to the United States. Further details regarding the agreement will be available on the White House website.
Read More
The Rev. Jesse Jackson was hospitalized on Wednesday for observation of progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), a neurodegenerative condition he has managed for over a decade, according to the Rainbow PUSH Coalition. Initially diagnosed with Parkinson’s, his PSP diagnosis was confirmed last April. The disorder damages specific brain areas, affecting movement, balance, and eye function, with no cure currently available. Jackson, a civil rights leader who marched with Martin Luther King Jr., received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2000 and founded the Rainbow PUSH Coalition.
Read More
On Friday morning, Jose Barco, a Venezuelan-born, Purple Heart recipient and army veteran who served two tours in Iraq, was deported from an Arizona immigration detention facility. Barco’s legal team and family were not notified of the plans for his deportation to Nogales, Mexico, and have yet to confirm his current location. Despite enlisting in the army at 17 and applying for citizenship, his application was never processed. Barco had previously served 15 years in prison for attempted murder, with his release and subsequent detention by ICE leading to his deportation.
Read More
According to Vadym Skibitskyi, Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence deputy head, North Korea has significantly reduced its artillery shell shipments to Russia, with deliveries dropping by more than half in 2024 due to depleted stockpiles. Since 2023, approximately 6.5 million shells were delivered, with no deliveries recorded in September. Simultaneously, North Korea has ramped up the mass production of FPV drones and medium-range combat UAVs, utilizing their experiences in the ongoing conflict to expand production capabilities. Additionally, Russia is planning to recruit 12,000 North Korean workers for drone assembly and reports indicate that North Korean soldiers are fighting alongside Russian forces.
Read More
At a recent meeting, European nations reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Ukraine. Germany pledged significant financial contributions to air-defense packages and plans to collaborate with the U.K. on joint procurement. France emphasized the need for sustained pressure on Russia, including stricter sanctions enforcement, while Italy detailed its ongoing civilian and military aid. Poland underscored the importance of Ukrainian resilience for European security, outlining substantial defense-industrial projects to further support Kyiv.
Read More
A 64-year-old man, Jonathan Carley of Harlech, Gwynedd, has been charged with wearing a uniform bearing the mark of His Majesty’s Forces without permission. The arrest was made by North Wales Police after Carley was seen wearing a high-ranking Navy officer’s uniform and medals during a Remembrance Sunday wreath-laying service in Llandudno. He is scheduled to appear at Caernarfon Magistrates’ Court on December 11. Police have emphasized the seriousness of the incident, particularly given its timing, and requested the public refrain from online speculation or sharing content that could affect future court proceedings.
Read More
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood