During Mobile World Congress 2024, Michael and Susan Dell announced a $6.25 billion commitment to fund investment accounts for approximately 25 million American children, marking the largest donation of its kind. This initiative aims to support families and encourage savings, aligning with a new federal program providing tax-advantaged investment accounts for children under 18, with initial grants of $1,000 for eligible newborns. The Dells’ contribution will include $250 to children aged 10 and under who were born before January 1, 2025, in specified income-based ZIP codes, while Dell Technologies will also match government grants for employee’s children. These “Trump accounts” are designed to boost children’s financial futures and are limited to investment in diversified funds, encouraging additional parental contributions.
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Costco has sued the Trump administration to recoup tariffs paid this year and prevent future collection, citing a potential loss of funds even if the Supreme Court rules against the duties. The lawsuit addresses a looming December 15 deadline concerning tariff liquidation and the potential for refunds. The suit emphasizes that even if the Supreme Court invalidates the tariffs, Costco needs separate judicial relief to secure a refund. Dozens of other companies have also filed similar suits contesting the legality of the tariffs.
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Former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernández, sentenced to 45 years for drug trafficking, was released from prison on Monday following a pardon from former U.S. President Donald Trump, as confirmed by U.S. officials. Hernández’s wife, Ana García, expressed gratitude on social media, with Trump stating he was asked by Honduras and believed Hernández was set up. Hernández was convicted for facilitating the movement of hundreds of tons of cocaine through Honduras to the U.S. Attorney General Johel Zelaya stated that his office was obligated to seek justice.
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This week, several major news outlets have been denied access to Pentagon briefings, which are instead being held for media organizations approved by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. The move comes as investigations are underway regarding U.S. military strikes. These new briefings are part of a special orientation event for a new Pentagon press corps primarily comprised of conservative outlets that agreed to new operational rules. Many mainstream outlets left the Pentagon in the fall after refusing to agree to the new rules.
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Putin says that if Europe wants war, then Russia is ready. The implications of this statement are vast, and it’s a loaded declaration that demands careful consideration. It’s hard not to immediately dissect the layers of this pronouncement. It sounds aggressive, a challenge, a dare, yet it’s delivered by a nation that seems to be struggling with its current military endeavors. The notion that Russia is prepared for a larger conflict, especially with Europe, feels almost farcical, considering the ongoing situation in Ukraine.
It’s difficult to reconcile the idea of Russia being ready for war when looking at the reality of the situation.… Continue reading
In his book, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth describes instructing troops to ignore legal advice regarding the rules of engagement in Iraq, emphasizing a need to destroy threats without restrictions. He also criticized constraints placed on soldiers and expressed admiration for commanders who encouraged aggressive actions. This stance, along with his role in pardoning or supporting soldiers accused of war crimes, has drawn scrutiny, particularly in light of an incident where he allegedly ordered the killing of all survivors in a Caribbean drug boat incident. Experts like David Crane have criticized Hegseth’s views, emphasizing the importance of following the rules of engagement and the negative impact of such actions on military professionalism.
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Despite recent statements from Russian military leadership claiming battlefield gains, these assertions lack corroboration from Ukrainian sources and appear to be part of a broader propaganda effort. Russian General Valery Gerasimov’s claims of encircling Stepnohirsk and advancing in the Dnipropetrovsk region, along with reports on Kostiantynivka, Sieviersk, and Red Lyman, are all contested by Ukraine. These unverified reports are intended to portray a favorable narrative of the war for Moscow. Simultaneously, peace plan discussions continue, but negotiations are hampered by Ukraine’s firm stance against any territorial concessions, particularly in the Donbas region.
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Yashar Ali released a screen recording showcasing a late-night social media spree by President Trump, which documented hundreds of posts in a short timeframe. The video spans almost five minutes and reveals Trump’s prolific activity on Truth Social, including a post praising the platform. This level of social media engagement mirrors trends among American teens, raising questions about potential impacts, similar to those highlighted in a recent American Psychological Association report.
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Two gymnasts have filed lawsuits against USA Gymnastics, the U.S. Center for SafeSport, and others, alleging the organizations failed to protect them from sexual abuse by coach Sean Gardner despite repeated complaints about his behavior. The lawsuits claim the organizations were notified of Gardner’s “inappropriate and abusive behaviors,” including hugging and kissing girls, but failed to properly investigate, revoke his coaching credentials, or report him to law enforcement. Gardner was later able to secure a coaching position at Chow’s Gymnastics and Dance Institute in Iowa, where the gymnasts say they and other young girls were abused, despite additional complaints. The lawsuits seek damages for the abuse and negligence in responding to reports of Gardner’s misconduct, including detailed accounts of his alleged “grooming behavior.”
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Fears grow inside military over illegal orders after Hegseth authorized follow-up boat strike. It’s becoming increasingly clear that the authorization of a follow-up boat strike by Hegseth has cast a long shadow over the military, sparking deep concerns about the potential for illegal orders and the consequences of blindly following them. The discussions surrounding this situation highlight a serious erosion of trust and a growing sense of unease within the ranks.
The core of the problem seems to be the very nature of the actions themselves. Striking against unarmed boats, regardless of suspicions of drug smuggling, is, at its face, problematic.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood