Urology departments in England and Wales are facing increasing strain as ketamine-related hospital admissions have significantly increased in recent years. This rise in recreational ketamine use, particularly among young adults and teenagers, has led to a surge in patients suffering from bladder and urinary tract damage. Experts like Alison Downey and Nadir Osman report that admissions are pushing medical facilities to their limits, with cases often stemming from use during the COVID-19 lockdowns. Professionals like Prof Ian Pearce advocate for enhanced educational campaigns in schools and ongoing support for those seeking rehabilitation, as relapse rates are high.
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While the true impact of Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) is debatable, it appears to have had little effect on federal spending, its primary objective. Musk himself has downplayed the department’s success, even admitting it didn’t fully meet expectations. Recently, Musk revived claims of widespread government fraud, implying that DOGE failed to address the issue. After leaving DOGE, Musk expressed doubts about the endeavor, stating he likely wouldn’t repeat the experience.
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Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has criticized the Trump administration’s decision to pause federal child care funds, citing the politicization of the issue. The freeze followed a viral video alleging widespread fraud in daycare centers run by people of Somali descent. State officials dispute the video’s accuracy, noting prior fraud crackdowns and ongoing investigations, with some suggesting the potential for much larger fraud schemes. The controversy has been amplified by Republicans who have demonized Somali people and immigrant communities.
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The idea that Trump presides over America’s coming-apart, whether intentionally or not, is a recurring theme that resonates strongly. It’s almost as though the very act of his leadership, his decisions, and his rhetoric are actively contributing to a sense of national unraveling. The evidence? The US dollar has fallen significantly since his entry into office, a stark contrast to the growth seen under the subsequent administration. This, coupled with the global perception of American weakness, fuels the argument.
Beyond economic indicators, the very fabric of society seems strained. The term “MAGA” has evolved, with many perceiving it as a catalyst for societal divisions, a rallying cry for those who seem to be at odds with progress and unity.… Continue reading
Following President Trump’s threats of potential military action against Iran, the Iranian government has called for international condemnation, citing the threats as a violation of the UN Charter. Iranian officials, including Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and President Masoud Pezeshkian, have responded by warning of repercussions to any aggression. Trump’s threats, made during a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, included the possibility of supporting further Israeli strikes on Iran if a new nuclear agreement is rejected, adding to the ongoing tensions between the two nations. This comes after a 12 day war between Israel and Iran, which further contributes to the precarious state of relations.
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The Trump administration is attempting to demolish more historic buildings in Washington, D.C., using a declared “emergency” as justification. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem issued a memo citing security risks within vacant buildings at St. Elizabeths, claiming demolition is the only solution. This effort, which would raze over a dozen historic buildings, comes amidst previous projects driven by Trump’s interests, including a proposed grand ballroom at the White House. Preservationist groups are opposing the demolition, raising concerns about the administration’s motives and history of leveraging “emergency” claims for policy changes.
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Trump claims his ‘real’ approval rating is 64 percent, a statement that immediately raises eyebrows, doesn’t it? It’s the kind of claim that, upon hearing it, most people probably roll their eyes and think, “Here we go again.” The notion that his “real” approval rating somehow differs significantly from what various polling organizations report is a recurring theme. The idea itself suggests a distrust of established data and a preference for a reality tailored to his liking. One has to wonder, what’s the basis for this supposed 64 percent? Is it a poll conducted within his inner circle, or perhaps a survey of his most ardent supporters?… Continue reading
Russia’s opposition to a referendum, as Zelenskyy has pointed out, boils down to a fundamental issue: they can’t credibly portray the Ukrainian people as illegitimate. It’s a key point, and it unlocks a lot of the strategic thinking, or perhaps lack thereof, behind Russia’s actions. The whole situation is deeply rooted in a twisted view of reality, where anything goes to justify their actions. It’s easy to see how this perception is twisted, as Russia has been running under the same leadership for two and a half decades, they are masters of crafting narratives, regardless of their accuracy.
This isn’t just about the mechanics of a vote.… Continue reading
In a display of insensitivity, Donald Trump used Truth Social to repost criticisms of the Kennedy family following the death of Tatiana Schlossberg, the granddaughter of John F. Kennedy. Instead of offering condolences, Trump shared negative comments regarding the Kennedy Center, which he has rebranded. This action was met with harsh criticism, as it was seen as a cruel and vindictive response during a time of personal tragedy for the Kennedy family. This incident echoes Trump’s past actions, including his controversial post regarding the death of Rob Reiner.
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Russian regional court websites have systematically removed tens of thousands of case records related to missing or deceased persons, significantly hindering the ability to estimate Russia’s military casualties in Ukraine. This action, uncovered by Mediazona, has resulted in the disappearance of roughly 70,000 court case cards tied to missing-person claims from public databases. These records, crucial for independent analysts to assess battlefield losses, have been a reliable indirect indicator of casualties, especially as official figures remain classified. The removal of these records blocks the independent verification of casualty trends, coinciding with persistent high casualty rates since the start of the full-scale invasion.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood