On Friday, explosions caused fires on two tankers, Kairos and Virat, in the Black Sea near Turkey’s Bosphorus strait. The Kairos, en route from Egypt to Russia, experienced an external impact, leading to a fire, and its 25 crew members were rescued. The Virat also reported an incident, with its 20 personnel reported in good condition. Both tankers are on a list of ships subject to sanctions against Russia, and the incidents sparked speculation about potential mine strikes.
Read More
The Shopping Trends team has identified a potential affiliate commission opportunity through the use of specific links. This team, separate from CTV News journalists, may receive compensation for purchases made via these links. Further information about the Shopping Trends team and their processes can be found in the provided “Read about us” section.
Read More
As surveillance aircraft tracked the boat for an extended period, analysts at command centers grew increasingly certain of illicit activity. The extended observation provided mounting evidence suggesting the individuals on board were involved in drug trafficking. This conclusion was drawn based on the length of time the boat was monitored. The increased confidence of the analysts was a direct result of the prolonged surveillance operation.
Read More
House Democrats are urging the White House to avoid any reprieve for Ghislaine Maxwell, with Rep. Jamie Raskin introducing a resolution opposing commutation, pardon, or clemency. This move follows reports of Maxwell preparing a commutation application, sparking concern given her 20-year sentence for sex trafficking. Although Trump has not explicitly ruled out a pardon, the political risk is significant, and the resolution serves as a symbolic message against clemency for Maxwell. Despite the resolution’s symbolic nature, its introduction underscores the seriousness of the issue and growing concern among lawmakers.
Read More
The Winter Egg, a rare Fabergé creation valued at over £20 million, is set to be auctioned at Christie’s London. Commissioned by Czar Nicholas II in 1913, the egg is crafted from rock crystal, platinum, and 4500 diamonds, containing a removable basket of jeweled quartz flowers. This piece is one of only seven Imperial Fabergé eggs in private hands and was created by female designer Alma Pihl. Having a history of sales, the egg is expected to break the record for a Fabergé egg sold at auction.
Read More
In a Thanksgiving message posted on Truth Social, former President Donald Trump launched a series of inflammatory attacks, primarily targeting Minnesota officials. Trump referred to Governor Tim Walz as “seriously retarded” and accused him of failing to address the influx of Somali migrants. He also suggested Representative Ilhan Omar “probably came into the USA illegally.” This barrage of criticism followed Trump’s vow to “permanently pause migration” and came after the shooting of two National Guard members by an Afghan national.
Read More
The U.S. government is reportedly instructing its employees to avoid messaging related to the commemoration of World AIDS Day, a significant departure from past practices. An email from the State Department instructs employees to refrain from spreading messages about commemorative days, including World AIDS Day, and to avoid using funds for the commemoration. While employees and grantees can still promote work fighting AIDS and attend related events, the guidance specifically restricts public promotion through various communication channels. This decision, according to a State Department spokesperson, reflects an effort to modernize the approach to tackling diseases, with the administration suggesting an “awareness day is not a strategy”.
Read More
Oklahoma Supreme Court tosses Bible lawsuit after education leader declines to enforce mandate
So, here’s the deal: Oklahoma’s highest court has essentially punted on a lawsuit challenging a mandate to keep Bibles in public school classrooms and teach from them. The court, in a 6-2 decision, said the whole issue is now “moot.”
The reasoning is pretty straightforward. The newly appointed state Superintendent of Education, along with the new members of the Oklahoma State Board of Education, have stated they intend to nullify the 2024 mandate regarding Bible usage in schools. Not only that, but these new education leaders aren’t pursuing any of the other mandates issued by the previous superintendent, which would have used taxpayer money to buy classroom Bibles and “biblically-based character education materials.”… Continue reading
During a Thanksgiving address at Mar-a-Lago, President Trump stated he personally redesigned new Coast Guard ships, emphasizing his aesthetic preferences. These remarks followed the announcement of increased funding for the Coast Guard’s fleet modernization, particularly the Sentinel-class cutters, which are being built to counter China’s naval expansion. However, ship designs are created by naval architects and shipyards, not the president, and are part of the Coast Guard’s strategic initiative to enhance its capabilities in the face of growing global competition. Ultimately, the successful delivery and performance of these new vessels are crucial for the U.S. to maintain its presence in key maritime regions.
Read More
Investigative journalist Julie K. Brown discusses the impending release of Jeffrey Epstein’s case files, highlighting potential cover-ups and the likely search for prominent names like Trump and Acosta. She expresses skepticism about the Justice Department’s transparency, fearing efforts to protect powerful individuals implicated in Epstein’s network. Brown emphasizes the complicity of those who enabled Epstein, and she notes that Ghislaine Maxwell, whom Brown believes believes she will be pardoned, is the only person to be held accountable.
Read More
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood