Spanish investigators have determined the Russian cargo ship Ursa Major, which sank off the coast of Cartagena in December 2024, was carrying undeclared nuclear reactor components likely intended for North Korea. The ship, part of Russia’s shadow fleet, was en route from St. Petersburg to Vladivostok, with its manifest falsely listing only port equipment. The vessel sank after a distress signal, with evidence suggesting an external strike, and was followed by the arrival of a Russian warship and deep-sea recovery vessel, potentially to retrieve or destroy the sensitive cargo.
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Dmitry Peskov, Putin’s spokesman, declined to offer evidence of a drone attack on the Russian leader’s residence, dismissing inquiries as “insane.” He asserted that the Kremlin’s account should be accepted without proof, further indicating Russia’s stance on ending the war in Ukraine would become “tougher.” Peskov labeled the alleged attack a “terrorist act” aimed at disrupting negotiations. Following the incident, Russia’s Foreign Minister threatened to revise negotiating positions, while Ukrainian President Zelenskyy refuted the claims, viewing them as a potential pretext for Russian strikes.
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Following the Kennedy Center board’s decision to rename the venue the Trump-Kennedy Center, several artists have canceled their performances in protest. New York Dance Company Doug Varone and Dancers, the Cookers, and Kristy Lee are among those who have withdrawn. Kennedy Center President Richard Grenell has responded, criticizing the artists’ actions and claiming the previous leadership favored “far left political activists.” These cancellations add to a growing list of performances, including those by Issa Rae, that were previously canceled earlier this year, citing concerns about the center’s values.
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On Monday, former President Donald Trump was observed taking his time descending a short staircase at Mar-a-Lago while greeting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. This cautious descent, which has drawn prior attention, spurred renewed social media commentary and raised questions about his physical well-being. Adding to this, Trump’s bruised hands, visible again on Monday, also fueled speculation. Despite past stumbles and medical history, White House officials have maintained that Trump is in good health.
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Despite initial promises of transparency and efficiency, the efforts of Elon Musk’s “Doge” agency, aimed at streamlining government operations, remain largely shrouded in mystery. Although Doge claimed to cut trillions of dollars in waste and expose fraud, its impact is difficult to quantify, with limited public disclosures and numerous lawsuits alleging violations of privacy and transparency laws. The agency’s actions, including dismantling key programs and mass layoffs, have led to global repercussions, particularly in humanitarian aid, where funding cuts have harmed vital services and potentially led to increased deaths. Ethics watchdogs continue to pursue legal action to uncover the true nature and effects of Doge’s operations, as the agency itself faces a significant amount of scrutiny due to it’s practices.
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Recent polls indicate a significant shift in the political landscape, as young men, particularly those in Gen Z, are increasingly turning away from President Trump and the Republican Party. The Harvard Youth Poll revealed that Trump’s approval rating among 18-to-29-year-olds has declined. This trend coincides with a general dissatisfaction with both political parties, as young people feel the government is not meeting their needs. While Republicans face pressure to address issues important to young people, such as lowering costs, Trump’s net approval rating has shown a slight improvement, despite remaining unpopular among young people.
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Nvidia has finalized its previously announced investment in Intel, purchasing $5 billion worth of shares as revealed in a recent filing. This transaction, executed at $23.28 per share, involved over 214.7 million shares and serves as a significant financial boost for Intel. The investment received clearance from U.S. antitrust agencies, solidifying the deal. While Nvidia shares experienced a slight dip, Intel’s stock remained relatively stable following the announcement.
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Brazil’s former President Bolsonaro undergoes new surgery to treat hiccups, and it seems this is the latest chapter in a rather eventful life. It’s hard to ignore the news, as it presents a bizarre juxtaposition of political intrigue, health issues, and a touch of the absurd. The fact that the former president requires surgery for persistent hiccups is certainly a unique situation, isn’t it? It has to make you wonder what sort of underlying medical issues might be contributing to such a persistent symptom.
Frankly, it’s difficult to process this information without a wave of conflicting reactions. There’s a certain empathy that arises when you hear about anyone suffering, and prolonged hiccups are no joke.… Continue reading
Detroit neighborhoods face a potential public health crisis as hundreds of demolition sites may be backfilled with toxic debris. These sites, part of the city’s extensive demolition program, could contain hazardous substances like lead and asbestos, posing risks to residents. Despite previous instances of contamination and established protocols, the city’s response is under scrutiny, with experts questioning whether adequate measures were taken. The outgoing mayor downplayed the health threat, but critics argue the contamination poses a significant risk due to the nature of the toxins used.
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Cecilia Giménez, the Spanish woman renowned for her unintentionally comical restoration of the Ecce Homo fresco, has passed away at the age of 94. In 2012, her attempt to restore the century-old painting in her local church went viral, earning the piece the nickname “Monkey Christ” due to its resemblance to a hairy monkey. Despite initial criticism, the altered painting transformed the town of Borja into a tourist destination, bringing in thousands of visitors and generating substantial charitable donations. Giménez’s legacy includes her enduring impact on the art world, and she was remembered by the town’s mayor for her dedication.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood