President Trump signed an executive order to reclassify marijuana as a Schedule III drug, a significant change in federal policy that aligns with many states’ stances. This reclassification, similar to a proposal by his predecessor, would move cannabis away from its current classification alongside heroin. The shift could alter regulation and reduce taxes for the cannabis industry, though it wouldn’t legalize recreational use nationwide. Despite this move, some Republicans oppose the change, citing concerns about safety and potential impacts.
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A Russian-made Orlan-10 reconnaissance drone was discovered in a rural area of Kocaeli’s Izmit district on December 19, 2025, prompting an investigation by authorities. The Orlan-10, a multi-purpose unmanned aerial vehicle developed by Russia, is designed for various missions, including reconnaissance and electronic warfare. This incident is the second drone-related event in Turkey this week, following the earlier downing of an unidentified drone near Cankiri. The Orlan-10 drone, which has a wingspan of 3.1 meters and a flight range of 600 km, has been involved in similar incidents, with wreckage previously found in Turkish territory.
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Prime Minister Mark Carney and Ontario Premier Doug Ford announced a new agreement to streamline project approvals, emphasizing a “one-project, one-review, one-decision” approach for major infrastructure projects, including those in the Ring of Fire region. The agreement aims to reduce regulatory burdens by allowing Ottawa to defer to provincial processes for environmental assessments and Indigenous consultations, potentially accelerating the development of critical mineral extraction. While Premier Ford touted the agreement as “transformational,” some First Nations and environmental groups expressed concerns about its impact on Indigenous jurisdiction and environmental protections. Carney noted that access to Canadian critical minerals is not guaranteed for the United States, highlighting the importance of the trade relationship with other partners.
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Fernando P., a German man, was convicted of drugging and raping his wife for years, filming the acts, and sharing the videos online. The court found him guilty of offenses between 2018 and 2024, leading to an eight-and-a-half-year prison sentence. The case, similar to the Dominique Pelicot trial in France, highlights the need for legal reforms and a reevaluation of consent laws. Activists hope this verdict will help shatter the illusion of safety that abusers have and lead to more convictions.
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In a move drawing sharp criticism, the board of the Kennedy Center voted to rename the performing arts center as the Donald J. Trump and The John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts. This decision, spearheaded by President Trump, who chairs the board, sparked outrage from Democrats who argue the board overstepped its legal authority. Despite the controversy, the board swiftly updated the center’s branding online to reflect the new name. The change has also drawn the ire of Kennedy family members, and has caused concern with some performers and subscription holders.
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Blanche says DOJ won’t release full Epstein files to Congress by Friday deadline, and honestly, it’s not surprising. The whole situation is just…predictable. It seems like the expectation was always that the Department of Justice wouldn’t fully comply with the deadline.
It’s clear that the administration wasn’t ever planning on making a complete handover of the files. The fact that they’ve had 30 days to prepare and still aren’t releasing everything speaks volumes. One can only imagine the sheer volume of material and the lengths they’re going to in order to keep certain information from public view. The whole thing smells of obstruction.… Continue reading
DOJ won’t meet Friday deadline to release all the Epstein files, and honestly, are we really surprised? It feels like the air is thick with anticipation, and not the good kind. The expectation was always there, a sense of inevitability that the deadline would be missed. After all, the Department of Justice (DOJ) has had these files for a while now – and we’re talking about a case of significant public interest.
The DOJ’s apparent failure is a frustration amplified by the seeming lack of accountability. We’re left wondering what the actual consequences are for not complying with the order. Are there any penalties?… Continue reading
In India, families of children with thalassemia are facing devastation after their children tested positive for HIV following blood transfusions. This follows similar incidents in other states, prompting concerns over blood transfusion practices in government and private healthcare facilities. Authorities are investigating the cases and have begun treating the affected children, who are undergoing routine screenings. The incidents highlight the urgent need for stricter regulation of blood collection, testing, and transfusion as emphasized by the thalassemia patients and campaigners.
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A recent Emerson College poll reveals a significant portion of the public, 36%, gave President Trump an “F” grade on his handling of the economy, representing the most common response. This economic dissatisfaction, with cost of living as a primary concern, could negatively affect the GOP’s prospects in the upcoming 2026 midterm elections. The survey also highlighted poor ratings in healthcare and affordability, despite better scores on immigration. Experts suggest that a worsening economic outlook could mirror historical trends where presidents with low approval ratings faced substantial losses in midterm elections.
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In a move reflecting a broader crackdown on immigration, the Trump administration has set a goal to strip citizenship from over a thousand naturalized Americans in fiscal year 2026. This directive, issued to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) field offices, demands a significant increase in denaturalization cases, a process that has historically been rare. Experts suggest that fulfilling this directive will be exceedingly difficult, if not impossible, due to the legal hurdles involved and the need for federal court approval. This aggressive pursuit of denaturalization, viewed as a tool to instill fear, comes amidst unprecedented censorship and attacks on progressive media, making support for independent journalism like Truthout crucial.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood