Lebanese authorities, acting on reports of an Iranian attempt to transfer funds to Hezbollah via an Air Mahan flight from Tehran, confronted Iranian officials upon arrival in Beirut. A standoff ensued when an Iranian delegation member resisted a bag search, resulting in the bag’s confiscation. While two bags claimed as diplomatic pouches were ultimately permitted entry, the plane was searched, yielding no further illicit materials. Hezbollah affiliates reportedly protested the incident in Beirut’s Dahieh neighborhood.
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A Covid surge is currently underway in the U.S., driven by low booster uptake (only 21.4% of adults and 10.3% of children have received the latest booster) and the emergence of new variants. Increased test positivity, hospitalizations, and deaths underscore the ongoing danger of the virus, particularly for the elderly and vulnerable populations. Experts emphasize the continued need for vaccination, monitoring, and preventive measures like masking and improved air quality, though the prioritization of these measures remains uncertain under the new administration. The virus’s unpredictable behavior highlights the importance of ongoing surveillance and rapid response to future waves.
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President Biden blocked Nippon Steel’s $14.9 billion acquisition of US Steel, citing national security concerns and prioritizing domestic ownership of the steel industry. This decision, made despite opposition from the companies and Japanese officials, followed pressure from the United Steelworkers union and aligned with Biden’s campaign promises. The blocked merger raises questions about future foreign investment in the US and the viability of US Steel, which had warned of potential factory closures without the deal. Nippon Steel and US Steel have vowed to challenge the decision legally.
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President-elect Trump criticized the plan to fly the U.S. flag at half-staff during his inauguration, coinciding with the 30-day mourning period for President Carter ordered by President Biden. Trump, on Truth Social, incorrectly referred to the practice as “half mast” and claimed Democrats were gleeful about it, while the White House affirmed the order would remain in effect. Despite his past criticism of Carter, Trump has since acknowledged the former president’s legacy. The flag will be lowered in accordance with federal protocol established in 1954.
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Thousands are protesting in Washington D.C. this weekend to prevent Donald Trump’s inauguration, arguing that the 14th Amendment bars him from office due to his involvement in the January 6th Capitol riot. Led by Trump’s former staffer Jessica Denson and supported by legal experts, the “#14thNow” movement aims to pressure lawmakers to reject Trump’s electoral votes. Success would result in Vice President Kamala Harris becoming president. Legal scholars contend that sufficient congressional objection to Trump’s electoral votes, based on the 14th Amendment and the findings of the January 6th Committee, could disqualify him.
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Following his resignation from Congress, former Representative Matt Gaetz sparked online ridicule after misspelling “martial law” as “Marshall Law” in a tweet comparing South Korea’s brief implementation of the measure to Dr. Anthony Fauci’s COVID-19 restrictions. The post, which garnered over 680,000 views, drew widespread mockery from social media users questioning Gaetz’s legal expertise. This incident further fueled existing controversies surrounding Gaetz’s qualifications and political judgment. His tweet highlighted the contrast between his political rhetoric and his apparent lack of attention to detail.
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Following the October 7th Hamas attack and subsequent investigations revealing UNRWA employee complicity, the Knesset passed legislation banning the organization from operating in Israeli territory. This effectively halts UNRWA activities in the West Bank and Gaza, severely impacting humanitarian aid for Palestinians. While Israeli officials view this as a blow against Hamas, UN officials and aid recipients warn of catastrophic consequences for the already vulnerable population. Supporters of the ban argue that UNRWA is more of a Hamas arm than a humanitarian organization, and its closure is a vital step in combating terrorism.
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Lululemon’s post-holiday sale offers significant discounts on its athletic apparel. This event provides a strong incentive for consumers to resume their fitness routines, capitalizing on the new year’s resolutions many make. The sale includes a wide variety of items, making it attractive to a broad range of customers. Deep discounts are offered on a selection of popular styles and items, encouraging purchases. This sale presents a compelling opportunity to refresh one’s workout wardrobe at a reduced price.
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Matthew Alan Livelsberger, a decorated Army veteran with PTSD, died in a self-inflicted gunshot wound after detonating a Tesla Cybertruck outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas. Police found journal entries expressing grievances against U.S. leadership, describing the action as a “wake-up call” rather than a terrorist attack. The investigation revealed potential contributing factors including family issues and personal struggles, though no direct link to a separate New Orleans attack was established. Livelsberger’s military service and social media activity further informed the investigation into the incident.
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America’s first Gilded Age (late 1800s) was marked by monopolies, political corruption fueled by wealthy elites, immense inequality, and anti-immigrant sentiment, mirroring current issues. Progressive reforms, including antitrust legislation, income and wealth taxes, and campaign finance restrictions, ultimately curbed these abuses. However, these reforms eroded over time, leading to a second Gilded Age characterized by similar problems. History shows that public pressure and political action can overcome such challenges, as demonstrated by the successes of the early 20th century.
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John Q. Hosedrinker