President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported that Russia has not achieved successful offensive operations in recent weeks, despite ongoing actions. While acknowledging Russian advances and continued fighting, particularly in Pokrovsk, he highlighted Ukrainian successes, such as near-complete clearing of Kupiansk. Furthermore, Zelenskyy stated that Russia experienced its most significant losses in October, with approximately 25,500 service members killed, as confirmed by video evidence.
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Starbucks has agreed to pay approximately $35 million to over 15,000 New York City workers to settle claims related to unstable schedules and arbitrary hour cuts. The company will also pay $3.4 million in civil penalties and must comply with the city’s Fair Workweek law moving forward. Investigations, launched in 2022 due to numerous worker complaints, revealed that most employees faced irregular schedules and reduced hours, hindering their ability to plan. This settlement also includes reinstatement opportunities for employees laid off during recent store closures.
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During a recent flight, President Trump was asked if he had spoken with Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. Initially declining to comment, the president immediately contradicted himself, stating the answer was yes. This surprising confirmation followed reports of a call that may have included discussions of a possible meeting. Such a meeting would represent a rare direct engagement amidst rising tensions due to U.S. military operations in the Caribbean and ongoing criticism of Maduro’s government.
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Recent research reveals a seventh individual has been successfully cured of HIV following a stem cell transplant, challenging previous assumptions. Unlike the first five individuals who received HIV-resistant stem cells, this patient, and the sixth, received non-resistant cells, indicating that HIV-resistance may not be essential for a cure. This suggests that the donor cells’ ability to eliminate the patient’s remaining immune cells may be crucial in preventing viral spread. This new understanding opens up the possibility that a broader range of stem cell transplants could potentially cure HIV, but that more research is needed, and that the patient’s and donor’s genetics may play a role.
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The 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has disqualified Alina Habba, former personal lawyer of President Donald Trump, from serving as New Jersey’s top federal prosecutor. The court sided with a lower court’s ruling, which found her appointment unlawful due to the administration’s attempts to keep her in the role after her interim appointment expired without Senate confirmation. This decision comes amidst challenges to other Trump administration prosecutor appointments and questions the government’s maneuvers. The ruling was the result of a suit from multiple defendants on whom Habba was attempting to prosecute.
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The Netherlands has committed to purchasing $290 million in U.S. arms for Ukraine through the Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List (PURL) initiative, including drones, missiles, and air defense equipment. This marks the second time the Netherlands has funded arms for Ukraine under the PURL program, following an initial commitment in August. Furthermore, the Dutch Defense Minister signed an agreement with Ukraine for joint drone production. This support comes as Kyiv faces intensifying Russian air strikes, necessitating enhanced air defenses and continued allied assistance.
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NATO is considering a shift toward a more aggressive response to hybrid threats, including cyberattacks and airspace violations, according to Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, chair of NATO’s Military Committee. The alliance is exploring options like proactive cyber defense and potentially viewing “pre-emptive strikes” as defensive actions. This shift comes as European countries face increasing hybrid incidents, leading NATO to reassess its deterrence strategies, while also acknowledging the need to carefully consider legal and jurisdictional constraints. Despite successful deterrence efforts like the Baltic Sentry mission, challenges persist, particularly in international waters where accountability can be difficult to establish.
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The House Republican’s reaction to the leaked call involving Witkoff and alleged Russian collusion has ignited a firestorm of concern, or at least it should have. The core issue, as it’s being presented, is that the White House *should be very concerned* about the implications. The leak itself, purportedly capturing a conversation between Witkoff and Russia, suggests a deal in the making – a deal that could involve trading Ukrainian sovereignty for personal and financial gain. This isn’t just about diplomacy; it’s being framed as a potential business transaction, with Trump seemingly positioned as the dealmaker, selling off Ukraine’s resources in exchange for access to them.… Continue reading
Across South Asia, devastating floods and landslides have claimed over 900 lives in Sri Lanka, Indonesia, and Thailand, with hundreds still missing. Heavy monsoon rains, intensified by a tropical storm, have caused widespread damage, displacing thousands and leaving many without essential supplies. In Sri Lanka, the death toll has risen sharply, while Indonesia struggles to reach the hardest-hit areas and Thailand addresses public criticism of its flood response. The climate crisis is thought to be a contributing factor, impacting storm patterns and leading to intensified rainfall, flash flooding and stronger wind gusts.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood