Former FBI head Kash Patel is facing scrutiny, with a former special agent revealing a nickname given to him by fellow agents: the “Make-a-Wish Director.” This moniker stems from alleged extravagant personal trips and activities utilizing government resources, including travel to sporting events and a luxury resort. Recent reports highlighted Patel’s use of government aircraft for personal use, prompting the scrutiny. Despite the allegations, White House officials have denied any plans to remove Patel from his position, with the Press Secretary posting a photo of him with the President to rebut the story.
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Trump is Making Health Care Unaffordable Again, and it’s a harsh reality that hits hard. I’ve heard the stories, from medical providers seeing patients turned away because they can’t afford co-pays, even *with* insurance, to families struggling to afford basic necessities alongside healthcare costs. The system seems broken, a sentiment that resonates deeply. Many believe a complete overhaul, like the single-payer models seen in most other developed countries, is the only real solution. It’s frustrating to see the US, despite its wealth, struggling to provide basic healthcare to its own citizens while funding it for other nations. This isn’t just about statistics; it’s about real people, their health, and their financial well-being.… Continue reading
HuffPost analysis reveals that President Trump’s golf outings have already cost U.S. taxpayers nearly $71 million since returning to office, with projections exceeding $300 million by the end of a second term. These figures, which are likely even higher when accounting for inflation, include expenses for travel and security, particularly for securing Mar-a-Lago. This spending contrasts sharply with the estimated $151.5 million spent during his first term and far surpasses the $90 million spent by President Obama on golf and family vacations over eight years. The president’s past criticisms of Obama’s golf habits further highlight the contrast between his stated promises and actual actions.
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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has requested a pardon from the country’s president regarding his ongoing corruption trial, aiming to unify the divided nation. Netanyahu, facing charges of fraud, breach of trust, and accepting bribes, argues this move will help in a time of regional change. The request, which has garnered criticism from opponents, has sparked controversy and been met with mixed reactions, with some supporting Netanyahu’s plea, while others believe it undermines democratic institutions. While a pardon is possible, legal experts claim it is rare before a conviction and could threaten the rule of law.
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Logging and mining activities are devastating the Congo rainforest, leading to a critical shift in the continent’s carbon balance. African forests transitioned from being a carbon sink to a carbon source between 2010 and 2017, releasing an estimated 200 million tonnes of CO2 emissions annually. This change is primarily driven by deforestation in the Congo rainforest, making it more difficult to achieve global net-zero emissions. While initiatives like the Tropical Forests Forever Facility are underway, increased support is needed to reverse this trend and protect the remaining forests.
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The White House recently launched a “Media Bias” webpage designed to expose “fake news,” but the site initially contained factual errors. The page was briefly taken down and altered after incorrectly attributing questions to a Fox News reporter. Currently, the site lists 31 “fake news offenses” from 21 publications, and the White House has come under fire for inaccurate claims against outlets such as The Daily Beast. This new initiative is part of the administration’s ongoing anti-media campaign, which includes restrictions on journalists and legal challenges against news organizations.
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President Trump’s decision to ban flights over Mar-a-Lago has created discord among his Florida neighbors. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) made the flight ban permanent, which rerouted major flight paths away from the president’s residence. Instead, planes now fly over Palm Beach and West Palm Beach, exclusive areas experiencing an increase in air traffic. This shift in flight patterns has led to complaints from residents who now bear the brunt of the noise and activity.
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Putin’s signing of a decree formalizing the Russification of occupied Ukraine through 2036 is essentially Putin saying the quiet part out loud. This isn’t about protecting Russian speakers or rectifying historical injustices; it’s a meticulously planned decade-long effort to systematically dismantle Ukrainian identity in the regions Russia controls.
This decree flagrantly violates international laws governing occupation. It encompasses forced passportization, forced mobilization, language bans, and population transfers, all hallmarks of a deliberate campaign to erase a culture and its people. For anyone suggesting a “freeze the conflict” approach or negotiations, this decree reveals Russia’s true intentions: to solidify its grip on Ukrainian territory and assimilate it into the Russian Federation.… Continue reading
House committee seeks ‘full accounting’ of boat strike after WaPo ‘kill everybody’ report, and it’s about time someone demanded it. The revelation that a House committee is launching a probe into the boat strike, following the Washington Post’s report that included the chilling phrase “kill everybody,” is frankly, a bit astonishing. Considering the nature of the allegations – potential violations of the Geneva Conventions and a blatant disregard for human life – a “full accounting” should have been demanded the moment the first report surfaced. It’s almost unbelievable that this only gained traction after the press dropped the bombshell, as if they were hoping the incident would simply fade away.… Continue reading
On November 27, Russia deployed Tu-22M3 long-range bombers armed with Kh-32 supersonic cruise missiles over the Baltic Sea, accompanied by fighter jets. The five-hour flight in international airspace was monitored by foreign military aircraft, including Swedish Air Force QRA fighters who intercepted and identified the Russian bombers. The bombers originated from Olenya air base, recently reactivated for long-range aviation, and the mission rehearsed a maritime strike profile targeting NATO assets. This exercise, along with a separate Arctic Ocean patrol by a Tu-160 bomber, is considered part of routine long-range aviation training, but is seen by NATO as strategic signaling.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood