The U.S. Treasury Department has extended authorization for Lukoil-branded gas stations outside Russia to operate, temporarily suspending some sanctions on the Russian energy company. This allows Lukoil stations in countries like the U.S. to continue serving customers. The Treasury stated the extension aims to prevent harm to consumers and suppliers. This decision modifies actions initially implemented under President Trump.
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Following Russia’s invasion, 510 Ukrainian children were brought to Turkey under the “Childhood Without War” project, where an investigation by Agos and Slidstvo.Info revealed alleged abuse at a hotel in Antalya. The investigation, prompted by a March 2024 inspection, documented instances of abuse and neglect, including two girls who became pregnant due to sexual abuse by hotel staff. Despite these findings, investigations in both Turkey and Ukraine were closed without charges, and the “Childhood Without War” project was terminated. Experts highlight that Turkey, as a signatory to international child protection conventions, has a responsibility to investigate and punish rights violations against children within its borders.
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In a tragic event in southern France, three teenagers lost their lives when their car veered off the road and plunged into a private swimming pool. The accident, which occurred in the early hours of Wednesday in Alès, left the victims, aged 14, 15, and 19, trapped upside down in icy water. Unable to escape the submerged vehicle, the teenagers tragically drowned. According to public prosecutor Abdelkrim Grini, the circumstances of the accident left the victims with no chance of survival.
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Canada Declares Stellantis in Default for Moving Jeep Production to U.S.
The core issue here is straightforward: Canada is holding Stellantis to account. When the government provides significant financial incentives, often tied to creating and maintaining jobs within the country, it expects companies to honor their agreements. Moving Jeep production to the United States, as Stellantis has done, has triggered a “notice of default,” signaling that Canada believes the company has broken its promises. This isn’t just a slap on the wrist; it’s a statement about the importance of upholding agreements and protecting Canadian workers.
The underlying sentiment is clear: Canada isn’t happy with Stellantis’s decision.… Continue reading
According to a leaked note from a recent call, Emmanuel Macron warned Volodymyr Zelenskyy of a potential US betrayal regarding Ukrainian territory and security guarantees. Der Spiegel reported that other European leaders voiced concerns about Washington’s approach to negotiations, with some suggesting the US was “playing games” with Ukraine. The article highlights that several leaders, including those in high positions, agreed that there was a need to protect Ukraine. A separate report was published, and it details a flurry of diplomacy that followed, including meetings between US and Ukrainian negotiators and a visit by Trump’s envoy to Moscow.
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The U.K. responded to a report detailing Russia’s involvement in a 2018 Novichok attack on British soil by sanctioning the Russian intelligence service and summoning the Russian ambassador. The inquiry found that President Vladimir Putin bore “moral responsibility” for the death of Dawn Sturgess, who was exposed to the nerve agent after handling a discarded perfume bottle. The report concluded the assassination attempt targeting Sergei Skripal “must have been authorized at the highest level, by President Putin.” The U.K. government condemned the act as “shocking and reckless hostile activity.”
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Contrary to initial concerns, New York City’s luxury real estate market is booming, defying predictions of an exodus of wealthy residents. Signed contracts for Manhattan homes over $4 million saw significant increases in November, according to data from Douglas Elliman and Miller Samuel. This surge in high-end sales contradicts the narrative of wealthy individuals fleeing due to the potential election of a socialist mayor, as indicated by real estate leaders. Jonathan Miller, president and CEO of Miller Samuel, cites strong Wall Street bonuses as a reason for wealthy buyers to come to or stay in New York.
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Berlin deploys fighter jets to Poland after Russian drone incursions.
Alright, so here’s the deal: Germany’s sending fighter jets to Poland. This comes after, you guessed it, those pesky Russian drones have been buzzing around where they shouldn’t. The buzz is that this is the right move. Forget strongly worded letters, when you’ve got critical infrastructure at risk, you send in the Eurofighters. It’s a pretty clear signal that NATO’s ready to defend its own, especially with these incursions becoming a regular thing. The sentiment is loud and clear: Russia needs to know there are consequences.
It’s understandable why people are getting frustrated.… Continue reading
The Trump administration has controversially justified the killing of suspected cocaine smugglers as “unlawful combatants” in an “armed struggle” against the United States, even if they are unarmed and pose no immediate threat. In a specific instance, Adm. Frank M. Bradley ordered a second missile strike on survivors of an initial strike on a drug smuggling boat. According to reports, this second strike was carried out because the survivors had radioed for help and were seen as still “in the fight.” Critics argue the second strike was a war crime, violating the law-of-war rules regarding shipwrecked individuals. This defense reveals the complexities of applying the law of war to a scenario that, according to the article, doesn’t really exist.
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San Francisco initiated the first government lawsuit against food manufacturers over ultra-processed foods, arguing that these companies are responsible for the financial burden on local governments due to related health issues. The city is suing ten major corporations, accusing them of deceptive marketing practices and violating state laws. The lawsuit seeks damages for the costs associated with treating residents harmed by ultra-processed foods, which are linked to numerous health conditions. The city’s actions are supported by scientific findings that connect these foods to significant health risks and the companies’ prioritization of profit over public health.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood