Russia’s seaborne crude shipments have plummeted, marking the steepest decline since January 2024, following new US sanctions targeting major exporters and causing key buyers to pause purchases. This has significantly reduced Moscow’s oil revenue, with exports dropping to 3.58 million barrels per day. The sanctions have led to a build-up of Russian oil at sea, as refiners in major importing countries like China and India cancel cargoes and seek alternative suppliers. While some shipments continue, the future of Russian oil exports remains uncertain as buyers navigate the complex sanctions environment.
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A federal judge in Fort Worth denied MARA Holdings’ request to halt an election in Hood County regarding the incorporation of Mitchell Bend as a city. The judge ruled that MARA failed to prove irreparable harm, allowing the election concerning the Bitcoin mine’s noise pollution to proceed. While the incorporation question remains on the ballot, the ruling permits MARA to challenge the election results post-certification, if it is approved. Residents seeking incorporation, to regulate the Bitcoin mine, have stated that they followed state law throughout the process.
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Following the January 6th Capitol attack, then-President Trump’s team has been in conflict with various media outlets, including the BBC, over their reporting. The controversy stems from the BBC’s editing of a speech Trump gave before the riot, in which he urged his supporters to “fight like hell.” Despite the availability of the full speech, Trump’s camp has criticized the BBC, which echoes the sentiment that the media has portrayed “fake news.” This backlash highlights the challenges of reporting on Trump, where any criticism is seen as bias.
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The German government has greenlit a historic minimum wage increase, the largest in the nation’s history. This rise will unfold in two phases, commencing on January 1, 2026, when the minimum wage will climb from €12.82 to €13.90 per hour. Further increasing on January 1, 2027, the wage will reach €14.60 per hour, impacting the approximately six million workers currently earning minimum wage.
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The FBI has issued a warning regarding a rise in criminals impersonating U.S. immigration officers to commit crimes such as robbery, kidnapping, and sexual assault across several states. The bureau’s bulletin, which cites five 2025 incidents, urges law enforcement agencies to ensure officers clearly identify themselves and cooperate with individuals seeking verification of their identity. These impersonations are targeting vulnerable communities and eroding public trust in law enforcement, according to the FBI. The advisory also calls for inter-agency coordination to verify legitimate versus illegitimate operations attributed to ICE.
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Yum Brands, Pizza Hut’s parent company, is currently reviewing strategic options for the pizza chain, which may include a potential sale. Despite strong international sales and a global presence with nearly 20,000 stores, the brand has struggled, especially in the US market, with a 7% sales decrease in the first nine months of the year. CEO Chris Turner believes Pizza Hut’s full value might be better realized outside Yum Brands. The company has not set a deadline for the review and will not provide further comments.
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On Tuesday, November 4th, the federal government shutdown reached its 35th day, tying the record for the longest shutdown in U.S. history. The current shutdown began on October 1st after Congress failed to pass a new budget. This shutdown, the fourth during a Trump presidency, surpassed the 1995-1996 shutdown, which lasted 21 days. If the shutdown continues into Wednesday, November 5th, it will become the longest in U.S. history.
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Senator Sanders believes the current political climate represents a pivotal moment in American history, as the President is allegedly undermining the Constitution and the rule of law. He asserts that the government shutdown is not the Democrats’ responsibility to resolve, but rather the Republicans, as they are refusing to negotiate. Sanders acknowledges the pressure both Democrats and Republicans face from constituents, particularly regarding the potential impact of budget decisions on healthcare costs.
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Non-credible bomb threats temporarily halt voting in Northern New Jersey. It’s unsettling, isn’t it? The news of these disruptions in northern New Jersey, aimed at polling places, immediately raises eyebrows. The knee-jerk reaction might be, “Here we go again,” especially considering the political landscape of the area. It’s a natural inclination to be wary, wondering if the integrity of the voting process is being targeted. The impact of these threats, even if non-credible, is undeniable.
Non-credible bomb threats temporarily halt voting in Northern New Jersey. The suspicion of manipulation, whether deliberate or circumstantial, inevitably creeps in. The timing of such threats, specifically targeting polling locations, immediately raises concerns about the potential for voter suppression.… Continue reading
A Chinese court has sentenced five top members of the Bai family, a notorious Myanmar mafia, to death for their involvement in large-scale scam operations. The 21 convicted individuals were found guilty of fraud, homicide, and other crimes related to the trafficking and abuse of workers, many of whom were Chinese, within their criminal compounds. These activities, centered in Laukkaing and involving over 29 billion Chinese yuan, also resulted in multiple deaths and injuries. This harsh sentencing is part of China’s broader crackdown on scam networks in Southeast Asia, aimed at sending a clear message to other criminal syndicates.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood
FBI Warns of Imposters Posing as ICE Agents, Urges Proper ID
The FBI has issued a warning regarding a rise in criminals impersonating U.S. immigration officers to commit crimes such as robbery, kidnapping, and sexual assault across several states. The bureau’s bulletin, which cites five 2025 incidents, urges law enforcement agencies to ensure officers clearly identify themselves and cooperate with individuals seeking verification of their identity. These impersonations are targeting vulnerable communities and eroding public trust in law enforcement, according to the FBI. The advisory also calls for inter-agency coordination to verify legitimate versus illegitimate operations attributed to ICE.
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