Former President Donald Trump dismissed concerns about the cost of living crisis, labeling reports of economic struggle as a “con job” by Democrats and the media. During an interview with Laura Ingraham, Trump asserted that polling data showing widespread financial anxiety is “fake.” He claimed the economy is strong, citing future economic gains and his policies, while downplaying rising costs. This stance contrasts with ongoing polls indicating increasing economic anxiety among Americans, who disapprove of his handling of the economy.
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The German government plans to increase its defense support for Ukraine to over €11.5 billion in the upcoming year, according to a submission from the Ministry of Finance. These additional funds are earmarked for critical military equipment like artillery, drones, armored vehicles, and replacing Patriot missile systems. The decision comes as the Bundestag’s Budget Committee prepares to finalize the 2026 budget draft, with government sources suggesting the government intends to continue its support despite some opposition. This commitment remains despite ongoing investigations into alleged Ukrainian involvement in the Nord Stream pipeline explosions.
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The United States is focusing on Lebanon to diminish Iranian funding to Hezbollah and encourage the group’s disarmament. Despite Western sanctions, Iran has funneled approximately $1 billion to Hezbollah this year, according to the US Treasury Department’s top sanctions official, John Hurley. The US aims to eliminate Iranian influence through financial pressure, as evidenced by sanctions on individuals involved in funding Hezbollah. This strategy is part of a broader “maximum pressure” campaign against Iran’s regional influence.
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Judge Mark L. Wolf, a Reagan-appointed jurist, resigned from the federal judiciary due to concerns about Donald Trump’s use of the law for partisan purposes and the president’s assault on the rule of law. Wolf, who previously served in the Justice Department, felt compelled to speak out against the White House’s actions, which he views as an existential threat to democracy. He directly compared Trump’s actions to those of Nixon, emphasizing the severity of the current situation. Wolf hopes to act as a spokesperson for other judges who are unable to speak candidly about the current administration.
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A recent YouGov poll indicates that New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani’s economic platform enjoys significant nationwide support. Despite only 31% of those surveyed saying they would have voted for him, a majority of respondents support policies like raising taxes on corporations and millionaires, implementing free childcare, and freezing rent for lower-income tenants. Data for Progress also found significant support for similar policies, suggesting that Mamdani’s focus on economic populism could offer Democrats a roadmap for future elections. His victory, along with similar messages from other politicians, underscores the increasing importance of addressing rising costs and corporate influence in political campaigns.
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During a recent interview on Fox News, Donald Trump criticized California Governor Gavin Newsom, attacking him on various issues and suggesting he would be a poor leader. In response, Newsom, a potential 2028 presidential contender, reignited his claims that Trump is suffering from dementia. Newsom used an AI chatbot to emphasize this point, and this is not the first time Newsom has questioned Trump’s mental state. This back-and-forth reflects the ongoing feud between the two, with Newsom repeatedly pointing out Trump’s mental lapses.
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Following the capitulation of eight Democratic senators, who voted with Republicans to end the government shutdown without concessions on healthcare, progressive organizers and lawmakers are calling for new leadership. These individuals, including Senators Catherine Cortez Masto, Dick Durbin, John Fetterman, and others, faced criticism for supporting a deal perceived as a surrender. Critics, like Ezra Levin, argue that the coordinated nature of the vote, particularly Schumer’s involvement, necessitates primary challenges and leadership changes within the Democratic Party. The overall sentiment is that the current leadership is ineffective and that the party needs to embrace a more confrontational approach to protect Americans’ healthcare.
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Seventeen transgender members of the U.S. Air Force and Space Force have filed a lawsuit alleging the Air Force unlawfully revoked their approved retirement orders. The plaintiffs, with 15-18 years of service, were granted retirement dates, but those orders were rescinded following the Trump administration’s transgender military ban. The complaint argues the reversal violated the Air Force’s own rules, as the orders were valid and revocation should only occur in narrow circumstances that did not apply. The lawsuit seeks reinstatement of the original retirement orders, restoration of benefits, and compensation for lost pay.
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A man, Jonathan Braun, whose sentence was commuted by former President Donald Trump, was re-sentenced to 27 months in federal prison for violating the terms of his release. Braun faced accusations of various offenses including assaulting a nurse, threatening a synagogue member, groping his nanny, and evading bridge tolls. Braun was originally sentenced to 10 years in 2019 for drug-related charges. Despite his previous high-ranking role in an international drug smuggling ring, some, like a congregant he threatened, believe his issues warrant professional treatment.
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Keeping a home clean during the busy holiday season can be made easier with the right tools, like these cordless vacuums available at HSN. The Shark Vertex is a versatile option with a bendable wand for hard-to-reach areas, while the HyperSweep handheld vacuum is perfect for quick cleanups on various surfaces. The Shark Freestyle Max is equipped with LED lights for enhanced visibility, and the Shark Matrix IQ Robot Vacuum offers automated cleaning via a companion app. These vacuums, all currently on sale, also make for practical and useful gifts for anyone on your list.
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John Q. Hosedrinker