The US military conducted strikes on two alleged drug-trafficking boats in the eastern Pacific Ocean on Thursday, resulting in five deaths and marking the third such attack this week. This is part of Operation Southern Spear, a campaign aimed at curtailing narcotics trafficking. The ongoing campaign has raised questions in Congress, especially regarding the legality of the strikes and lack of public evidence connecting the boats to drug cartels. A provision in the recently signed defense policy bill withholds funds from the Secretary of Defense’s travel budget until unedited videos of the initial September strikes are released to Congress.
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A French court has sentenced anaesthetist Frederic Pechier to life in prison for poisoning 30 patients, resulting in 12 deaths, across two clinics. The prosecution argued Pechier intentionally poisoned patients with substances like potassium to discredit colleagues and demonstrate his resuscitation skills. Pechier, who faced accusations of aiming to psychologically harm caregivers and assert dominance, was also banned from practicing medicine. The case prompted a response from civil parties and highlighted the end of a long nightmare for surviving victims.
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Former President Donald Trump announced plans for a 250th-anniversary celebration of the United States in 2026, including a four-day athletic event called the “Patriot Games,” which many on social media likened to the fictional “Hunger Games.” The celebration will feature various events, such as illuminating the Washington Monument, constructing a triumphal arc, and hosting the “great American state fair” on the National Mall. Trump also mentioned the creation of the “National Garden of American Heroes,” which will be a garden with life-size statues of historical figures. A new public-private partnership called Freedom 250 will help execute the celebratory plans.
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Donald Trump’s behavior, as evidenced by recent actions and rhetoric, reveals a profound pathology characterized by immaturity, cruelty, and a disregard for truth. This sickness extends to those surrounding him, fostering an environment of pathological insecurity and hate. The current administration’s actions, from foreign policy decisions to domestic conduct, have normalized instability and vulgarity, setting a dangerous precedent for future generations. It is imperative that citizens recognize the gravity of this situation and actively resist the normalization of these behaviors. The author implores readers to speak out, support truth-tellers, and demand leaders who prioritize character and responsibility over personal gain and destructive impulses.
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TikTok CEO Shou Chew informed employees of an agreement to spin off its US assets into a new entity with primarily American investors. This move, which comes after a law mandated divestiture from parent company ByteDance, aims to secure TikTok’s future in the US. The joint venture will be 50% owned by a group including Oracle and Silver Lake, with ByteDance retaining nearly 20% ownership. The deal, which includes data storage and content moderation by the new entity, is expected to close by January 22, 2026, pending approvals from both the US and Chinese governments.
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This week’s news cycle was dominated by several significant stories. An explosive report detailed the bond between Trump and Epstein, while Jack Smith testified about the powerful evidence leading to Trump’s prosecution. Nicolle Wallace reacted strongly to Susie Wiles’ candid interview and Trump’s comments on the death of Rob Reiner. In other news, Nick Reiner, the son of Rob Reiner, is set to be charged with two counts of first-degree murder, and authorities continue to search for the suspect in the Brown University shooting, releasing a new video of the person of interest.
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A recent federal watchdog report revealed deplorable living conditions for soldiers deployed to the U.S.-Mexico border during the summer of 2025. Inspectors observed unsanitary conditions, including leaking sewage and non-functional facilities, at both Fort Bliss, Texas, and the Doña Ana Range Complex in New Mexico. Medical teams documented health and safety concerns, such as respiratory issues from air conditioners and increased insect populations due to standing water. The report also highlighted cramped living spaces that violated regulations regarding the amount of space per soldier.
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On December 18, Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) conducted a successful overnight strike on a Russian military airfield in occupied Crimea, specifically targeting the Belbek airbase. The SBU’s Alpha unit utilized long-range drones to destroy air defense equipment, including radar systems and a MiG-31 fighter jet, resulting in damage estimated to be worth hundreds of millions of dollars. These systems are critical for protecting military and logistical facilities in Crimea, and their destruction will significantly weaken Russia’s defense capabilities on the Crimean axis. The SBU has stated that they will continue to dismantle the occupiers’ defenses to restore Ukrainian control of Crimea.
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The House, led by Speaker Mike Johnson, passed a Republican-backed healthcare bill that would eliminate Obamacare subsidies, potentially causing premium increases of over 100% for millions. This measure leaves intact previous healthcare cuts, potentially resulting in millions more losing coverage and increasing uncompensated care costs. Democrats proposed extending ACA tax credits, but the Republican bill takes a different approach, aiming to dismantle the ACA and leaving healthcare costs unaddressed. The GOP’s strategy could backfire, as Democrats plan to highlight healthcare issues in upcoming campaigns, with public opinion polls showing significant dissatisfaction with the current healthcare system.
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Japan eyes adding Japanese proficiency to permanent residency requirements in anticipation of a rise in future applicants, and this certainly sparks a lot of thoughts and feelings. It’s a topic that touches on immigration, integration, and the very nature of what it means to become a part of a new society. The interesting thing is that many feel this move makes perfect sense. In fact, some are surprised it wasn’t already a requirement. The basic idea seems to be that if you’re planning to live permanently in a country, understanding and being able to communicate in the local language is, well, pretty fundamental.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood
Trump’s Actions Demand Scrutiny: Acting Like It’s Been the Only Option.
Donald Trump’s behavior, as evidenced by recent actions and rhetoric, reveals a profound pathology characterized by immaturity, cruelty, and a disregard for truth. This sickness extends to those surrounding him, fostering an environment of pathological insecurity and hate. The current administration’s actions, from foreign policy decisions to domestic conduct, have normalized instability and vulgarity, setting a dangerous precedent for future generations. It is imperative that citizens recognize the gravity of this situation and actively resist the normalization of these behaviors. The author implores readers to speak out, support truth-tellers, and demand leaders who prioritize character and responsibility over personal gain and destructive impulses.
Read More