The Senate passed a bill on Monday to fund the government through January, potentially ending the longest government shutdown in history. The breakthrough came after several Democrats broke with their party to vote with Republicans. The deal includes a vote on extending expiring Affordable Care Act tax credits, though House Speaker Mike Johnson couldn’t guarantee a vote. The White House endorsed the proposal, federal workers will receive back pay, and the deal includes a reversal of mass firings of federal workers since the shutdown began.
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Canada’s measles elimination status has been revoked by the World Health Organization due to a significant outbreak. The Public Health Agency of Canada reported thousands of cases since October 2024, leading to the loss of its “measles eliminated” status. Despite the outbreak showing signs of slowing, the virus continues to spread mainly within communities with low vaccination rates.
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Following a compromise by eight Senate Democrats with Republicans to end the government shutdown without securing healthcare concessions, Democratic anger is primarily directed at Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer. Criticism from various groups and some House members accuses Schumer of leadership failures, with calls for his resignation. This situation mirrors a previous funding battle where Schumer faced similar backlash. Although Schumer did not publicly support the compromise, the deal authorizes funding through January and promises a vote on extending ACA tax credits, raising concerns within the party.
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These South Korean workers came to the US to build an EV battery plant. They left in shackles. They still want to know why. The core of this unsettling story boils down to a question that hangs heavy in the air: why were these skilled engineers, brought to America to contribute to a burgeoning industry, treated with such disregard, and even worse, detained and deported? The simple, and frankly, disturbing truth is that the answers are multi-faceted, layered with the complexities of immigration policies, political maneuvering, and, let’s not shy away from it, accusations of deeply rooted racism and xenophobia.
The narrative reveals a tangled web of visa issues.… Continue reading
Addressing the anniversary of Kristallnacht, President Steinmeier hinted at the potential banning of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), a party experiencing a surge in popularity. He urged mainstream political parties to collaborate to protect democracy, specifically discouraging any cooperation with extremist groups. Steinmeier’s remarks emphasized the historical precedent of extremist parties gaining power through the support or inaction of others, drawing parallels to the downfall of the Weimar Republic and the rise of Nazism. This statement comes amidst a divide among AfD’s opponents, with some advocating for a ban while others see it as a counterproductive measure.
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Zelenskyy demands tougher sanctions as Russia’s oil revenues plunge 27%, and honestly, it’s about time. We’re talking about a significant drop in legitimate revenue, a 27% year-on-year collapse in Moscow’s oil revenues in October, specifically. This translates to Russia collecting 888.6 billion rubles, or roughly $9.7 billion, in oil and gas taxes that month. While that’s still a substantial sum, it reflects the impact of existing restrictions and falling crude prices. The fact that President Zelenskyy is pushing for harsher measures underscores the understanding that what’s currently in place isn’t enough.
Now, you might be thinking, if Russia’s oil exports were really down, wouldn’t we feel it at the pump?… Continue reading
Despite a preliminary agreement to end the government shutdown, travel woes persisted as the Federal Aviation Administration continued to restrict flights at major airports. Hundreds of flights were canceled, and cancellations were expected to increase. Airports across the country are grappling with staffing shortages, particularly air traffic controllers working without pay. Airlines are working to minimize disruptions, offering flexibility to affected travelers.
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Following the recent election results, which indicated a desire for action on affordability, Senate Democrats, led by Chuck Schumer, negotiated a shutdown deal with Republicans that conceded to their demands. This agreement extended government funding for a short period and offered a vote on healthcare, despite the likelihood of losing. The deal was widely criticized by Democratic lawmakers and progressives, who viewed it as a betrayal of their promises to protect healthcare spending and address the affordability crisis. As a result, there are calls for Schumer’s removal as party leader due to his perceived failure to effectively negotiate and represent the party’s values.
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President Zelenskyy has voiced his support for the ongoing investigation into corruption within Ukraine’s energy sector, conducted by NABU and SAPO. He emphasized the importance of accountability and convictions to address corrupt schemes within the sector, specifically highlighting the significance of integrity within Energoatom, Ukraine’s largest power generator. While not naming specific individuals, Zelenskyy stressed the need for government officials to collaborate with law enforcement agencies to achieve tangible results.
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Kelly avoided a direct answer when asked if he supports Chuck Schumer as Senate Democrat leader, instead focusing on issues like healthcare costs and the need for bipartisan cooperation. He emphasized the importance of restoring tax credits in December and securing Republican votes. Kelly also pivoted to the upcoming midterm elections in 2026.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood
South Korean Workers Detained in US: Visa Issues, Shackles, and Lingering Questions
These South Korean workers came to the US to build an EV battery plant. They left in shackles. They still want to know why. The core of this unsettling story boils down to a question that hangs heavy in the air: why were these skilled engineers, brought to America to contribute to a burgeoning industry, treated with such disregard, and even worse, detained and deported? The simple, and frankly, disturbing truth is that the answers are multi-faceted, layered with the complexities of immigration policies, political maneuvering, and, let’s not shy away from it, accusations of deeply rooted racism and xenophobia.
The narrative reveals a tangled web of visa issues.… Continue reading