In the North Pacific Subtropical Gyre, a region known for the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, research reveals that plastic debris acts as artificial habitats for marine life. Scientists discovered that many coastal species, like barnacles and crabs, are thriving on these floating plastic objects, creating a “neopelagic” community far from shore. These organisms not only survive but also reproduce on the plastic, indicating a shift in marine ecosystems. This research underscores that plastic pollution is not only a waste problem but also a factor that’s reshaping where marine life lives and expands the ranges of coastal organisms.
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A Utah father, initially lauded as a hero for surviving a winter hike with his three children, is now facing charges of child abuse and torture. After the family was rescued following a harrowing ordeal, it was discovered that the children described Smith as ill-prepared and selfish. Prosecutors allege that Smith chose to summit a mountain despite the children’s expressed discomfort and that he displayed odd behavior. The children’s accounts and video evidence from the hike suggest that Smith was unaware of the trail and ill-equipped for the challenging conditions.
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The Honolulu Charter Commission is considering a proposal to enshrine the right to food in the city’s charter, which would make Honolulu the first U.S. city to do so. This proposed amendment aims to address food insecurity issues on Oʻahu by ensuring access to nutritious and affordable food for all residents, potentially influencing city policies. While the concept is globally recognized, and Maine has already adopted similar measures, the specific implementation in Honolulu, a city within a state and federal system, could be complex and require a long-term commitment. The amendment is one of 276 submitted proposals, with a public review period beginning in December, and will appear on the November 2026 general election ballot if approved by the commission.
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More incumbent House Democrats hit with primary challenges from younger socialist candidates, and this shift is sparking a fascinating, and perhaps long overdue, re-evaluation of the American political landscape.
The core of the issue seems straightforward: younger, more progressive candidates, often identifying as socialists, are directly challenging established, incumbent Democrats in primary elections. The motivations behind this movement are varied, but a common thread is dissatisfaction with the status quo. These challengers, frequently younger than the median age of House Democrats, which hovers around 57.5 years old, are aiming for a more radical shift in policy and political direction. They advocate for things like fair tax policies, affordable healthcare, access to quality nutrition, decent wages, and strong job protections – policies that are often associated with the “Nordic model” of a robust welfare state within a capitalist framework.… Continue reading
Wisconsin authorities have requested that a state court revoke the conditional release of Morgan Geyser, who was involved in the 2014 Slender Man stabbing and recently fled a group home. A Waukesha County judge sealed the petition, filed due to Geyser cutting off her GPS bracelet and escaping with a 43-year-old companion, leading to her apprehension near Chicago. Geyser, who did not fight extradition, is currently held in Waukesha County jail pending a hearing, and could be returned to a mental institution and face new charges. The 23-year-old was previously granted conditional release in September.
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On October 14, Steve Witkoff advised Russian official Yuri Ushakov to have President Putin call President Trump, offering suggestions on what Putin should say. Following this, Putin did call Trump on October 16, and on October 17, during a meeting with Ukrainian President Zelensky, Trump did not offer Tomahawk missiles, potentially due to the influence of the call. Witkoff’s actions, including promoting Putin’s positions, may have contributed to prolonging the war by encouraging the Russians and could be influencing Trump to not pressure Russia. This behavior and the conversations about potential investments with Russia suggest a deeper motivation, which is still unknown.
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Russia ready to “fight to the last Ukrainian,” Putin says amid US peace drive, and frankly, that statement is chilling. It’s the kind of thing that makes you pause and really consider the implications. It boils down to a horrifying willingness to sacrifice an entire population, painting a bleak picture of the conflict’s end game. The sheer callousness implied, the disregard for human life, is just… shocking. And the fact that this comes amid what’s being framed as a “US peace drive” adds another layer of complexity, almost a cruel irony.
The blatant disregard for the value of Ukrainian lives is hard to stomach.… Continue reading
Vance: Anyone who says they like turkey is ‘full of s—‘
Alright, so here’s the deal. Apparently, Vice President Vance decided to take a bold stance on the culinary world, and it involves turkey. He essentially declared that anyone who claims to enjoy turkey is, shall we say, not being entirely truthful. His reasoning? Well, apparently, the act of spontaneously roasting an eighteen-pound turkey on a Tuesday afternoon is the ultimate litmus test of turkey love. It’s pretty wild to think that this is the hill he’s chosen to die on.
The immediate reaction seems to be a collective eye-roll. There’s a prevailing sentiment that Vance, in his attempt at humor, missed the mark spectacularly.… Continue reading
President Trump’s plan to address soaring US healthcare costs, reportedly delayed due to Republican pushback, has fueled renewed calls for a single-payer system, such as Medicare for All, among progressives. The National Nurses United pointed to a recent poll indicating heightened affordability concerns among US adults as evidence of the urgency. Trump’s proposed Healthcare Price Cuts Act, intended to combat rising premiums, includes controversial elements like eliminating “zero-premium” subsidies. However, the plan faces uncertainty due to opposition from Republicans questioning its scope, potentially delaying or altering its implementation.
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Tennessee Democrats are investigating reports of postcards circulating with an incorrect election date for the special election between Aftyn Behn and Matt Van Epps in the 7th Congressional District. The mailers, which lack attribution, reportedly direct voters to cast their ballots on December 3rd, a day after the actual election. This race has garnered significant attention, with the outcome potentially impacting the balance of power in the House of Representatives, where Republicans currently hold a narrow majority. Turnout levels, particularly in the district’s rural areas and Democratic-leaning Nashville, are expected to play a crucial role in determining the election’s outcome.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood
Vance: Anyone Who Likes Turkey Is “Full of S—”
Vance: Anyone who says they like turkey is ‘full of s—‘
Alright, so here’s the deal. Apparently, Vice President Vance decided to take a bold stance on the culinary world, and it involves turkey. He essentially declared that anyone who claims to enjoy turkey is, shall we say, not being entirely truthful. His reasoning? Well, apparently, the act of spontaneously roasting an eighteen-pound turkey on a Tuesday afternoon is the ultimate litmus test of turkey love. It’s pretty wild to think that this is the hill he’s chosen to die on.
The immediate reaction seems to be a collective eye-roll. There’s a prevailing sentiment that Vance, in his attempt at humor, missed the mark spectacularly.… Continue reading