The Senate has approved a $901 billion military policy bill, authorizing defense programs and a 3.8% troop pay increase. The legislation represents a compromise between parties, reflecting some of President Trump’s proposals while also addressing congressional concerns. Key provisions include enhanced oversight of the Department of Defense, repeal of outdated war authorizations, and a push to require Secretary Pete Hegseth to provide video of strikes on alleged drug boats near Venezuela. Further, the bill codifies cuts to diversity and climate initiatives while providing military aid to Ukraine and lifting U.S. sanctions on Syria.
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According to portions of his opening statement obtained by the Associated Press, former Justice Department special counsel Jack Smith informed lawmakers during a closed-door interview that his team found proof beyond a reasonable doubt that Donald Trump criminally conspired to overturn the 2020 election results. He also stated the team had amassed “powerful evidence” that Trump broke the law by retaining classified documents and obstructing government efforts to retrieve them. Smith emphasized that his decisions were made without regard to Trump’s political affiliations or candidacy, and that he would prosecute a former president based on the same facts regardless of their political party. The private deposition was part of a Republican investigation into Smith’s probes.
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The Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, Oleksandr Syrskyi, announced that Russia has amassed approximately 710,000 troops for a strategic offensive against Ukraine, marking a significant escalation of the conflict. Despite sustaining heavy losses, Russian forces continue offensive actions, although they have not achieved major operational gains. Ukrainian forces have successfully pushed back Russian troops in several areas, including Kupiansk, reclaiming a significant portion of the city. Syrskyi also highlighted ongoing efforts to defend against persistent Russian attempts to capture Pokrovsk.
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During a meeting with his defense ministry, Russian President Vladimir Putin strongly criticized Western leaders, characterizing them as “piglets,” and asserted that Russia would achieve its war goals in Ukraine “unconditionally.” Putin threatened to “liberate” claimed historical lands if demands, including Ukraine relinquishing control of Donetsk and Luhansk, weren’t met diplomatically. While simultaneously claiming superior weaponry, Putin blamed the US and its allies for the war and indicated no interest in ending the conflict. In response, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has been discussing security guarantees with European allies, including potential legally binding commitments to support Ukraine in future attacks, which would require US congressional approval.
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In a closed-door interview, Special Counsel Jack Smith asserted his team found proof beyond a reasonable doubt of Donald Trump’s criminal conspiracy to overturn the 2020 election results and amassed powerful evidence of obstruction related to classified documents. Smith stated his decisions were made without regard to Trump’s political affiliations or candidacy, and he would have pursued the same course regardless of party. The private deposition before the House Judiciary Committee provided the first opportunity for lawmakers to question Smith regarding the investigations that led to criminal charges against Trump, which were later abandoned due to his reelection.
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During a White House Hanukkah reception, Donald Trump claimed that Israeli-American donor Miriam Adelson offered him $250 million to run for an unconstitutional third term in 2028. This announcement came after Adelson, who was married to billionaire Sheldon Adelson until his death in 2021, spoke with Alan Dershowitz about the possibility of Trump serving another term, prompting chants of “Four more years.” Trump has repeatedly teased the idea of running again, despite the 22nd Amendment, and has received support from the Adelsons, who have long encouraged pro-Israel policies. While Trump has given mixed signals about the possibility, the meeting sparked further speculation on his future political aspirations.
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The article argues that Donald Trump’s actions in his second term have gone too far, triggering a “thermostatic” response from the American public. This reaction is evident in declining approval ratings regarding his economic policies, particularly trade, which is resulting in farm bailouts and rising inflation. Furthermore, the administration’s hardline stance on immigration, marked by mass deportations and harsh rhetoric, has also faced a backlash, with a growing number of Americans viewing immigration positively. Ultimately, the article suggests that Trump’s policies, characterized by protectionism and isolationism, are facing increasing public disapproval, potentially leading to a renewed appreciation for international cooperation and inclusive values.
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Failure to provide Ukraine with a financial lifeline backed by Russian assets would have dire consequences for Europe’s future, according to Ukrainian officials. A proposed “reparations loan” using immobilized Russian central bank reserves is being considered by European leaders, with Ukraine needing significant funding to sustain its army and state. Several EU member states have expressed hesitation, citing legal and financial risks, despite the loan being viewed as a crucial step for showcasing Europe’s strategic leverage and ensuring Ukraine’s solvency, with the absence of the loan severely damaging the European Union’s ability to act.
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US jobless rate for Blacks and teens surges in November, and that’s a headline that really gets you thinking, doesn’t it? It’s like a signal flashing a warning: things might not be as rosy as they seem, particularly for those on the margins. When you see unemployment climbing for these two groups, it often feels like a harbinger of tougher times ahead, a kind of canary in the coal mine for the broader economy.
I’ve been hearing echoes of this in different corners, and it paints a pretty concerning picture. AI is changing the job landscape, and it seems like entry to mid-level office jobs are already feeling the heat.… Continue reading
President Trump has recently been touting an inflated figure of $18 trillion, claiming it represents the revenue generated by tariffs, a figure that has been repeated across various public appearances. This number is not only factually incorrect but also logically impossible, as the federal government has collected significantly less in tariff revenue. The president seems to be conflating tariff revenue with private investment deals, further blurring the line between the government and the private sector, but even the White House’s own tracking shows a figure far less than the claimed $18 trillion. Ultimately, the origin of this figure remains unclear.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood