The Department of Health and Human Services, under Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., has altered Adm. Rachel Levine’s official portrait by replacing her legal name with her deadname. This change was made during a recent federal shutdown, raising procedural concerns as such actions are not deemed essential duties. HHS defended the alteration, claiming a focus on “biological reality” and reversing Levine’s policies, while critics, like Adrian Shanker, view the move as an act of pettiness and bigotry reflecting a broader pattern of erasing transgender people from public life. Admiral Levine responded through Shanker, emphasizing her commitment to advancing health equity and public health.
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Amidst rising Affordable Care Act premiums and the search for solutions, recent polling reveals strong public support for Medicare for All. A Data for Progress survey found 65% of likely voters, including majorities of Democrats and Independents, support a national health insurance program. This support remained consistent even when respondents were informed of the plan’s implications, like replacing private insurance and raising taxes. Meanwhile, current proposals from both parties offer temporary solutions, despite clear public desire for a more comprehensive healthcare system.
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In a recent social media post, President Trump made the unsubstantiated claim that Democrats intend to “obliterate” the Supreme Court, alleging they would expand the court by eliminating the filibuster. This statement followed a Supreme Court decision that favored Republicans by allowing Texas to use Republican-drawn congressional maps. While some Democrats have criticized the conservative court, and some progressives have proposed court expansion, there is no widespread consensus or concrete plan to do so. The president’s post continued his pattern of fear-mongering amid growing voter disapproval and anticipation of potential losses in upcoming elections.
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Following Netflix’s winning bid to purchase Warner Bros., worth $82.7 billion, several figures within the MAGA movement have expressed concern and fear of the deal. Prominent right-wing influencers, such as Laura Loomer, claimed the acquisition would lead to an “Obama News Network,” despite the deal not including CNN. Other figures, like Jack Posobiec and Matt Gaetz, voiced their apprehension, citing an “influence scheme” and potential antitrust violations. Furthermore, many expressed concerns that the acquisition would create a streaming monopoly.
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During the World Cup draw in Washington, D.C., President Trump suggested renaming American football to avoid confusion with soccer, which is known as football internationally. He was also awarded the first FIFA Peace Prize. Additionally, Trump signed an executive order establishing a task force for the upcoming World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. The championship match is scheduled for July 19th at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, and the tournament begins in June 2026.
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Following an October conviction on felony conspiracy and misdemeanor counts, Zoe Rosenberg has been sentenced to 90 days in jail for entering a Petaluma Poultry slaughterhouse and removing four chickens. The judge also ordered Rosenberg to pay over $100,000 to the facility, owned by Perdue Farms. Rosenberg, a member of the animal welfare group Direct Action Everywhere (DxE), maintains she was rescuing the chickens, which she and other activists moved to an animal sanctuary and documented online. This incident, part of DxE’s coordinated actions since 2014, has ignited debate on the application of “right to rescue” laws and the group’s alleged impact on animal agriculture.
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According to the International Criminal Court’s deputy prosecutor, the ongoing investigation into the invasion of Ukraine will not be halted by peace talks, although the U.N. Security Council has the power to defer the case temporarily. Khan emphasized the importance of accountability for a lasting peace. The court has already issued arrest warrants for Russian President Vladimir Putin and others, yet the Kremlin does not recognize the ICC’s jurisdiction. Despite the challenges, including U.S. sanctions, the ICC received support from its member states and believes this is a decisive time for international justice.
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In a recent interview, General Oleksandr Syrskyi, commander-in-chief of the Ukrainian armed forces, stated that any peace deal with Russia that involved Ukraine ceding territory would be unacceptable. He emphasized that a “just peace” would necessitate a halt to fighting along current frontlines, followed by negotiations without preconditions. General Syrskyi accused Russia of using peace talks as a strategic cover to seize more Ukrainian land through continued military offensives. He also asserted that Ukraine possesses the resources to continue its military operations and that the outcome of the war would determine the fate of all of Europe.
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The families of two victims of the November 4th UPS cargo plane crash in Louisville, Kentucky, have filed wrongful death lawsuits. The lawsuits name UPS, UPS Air, Boeing, GE, and VT San Antonio Aerospace as defendants, alleging the crash was caused by corporate decisions to keep aging MD-11 aircraft in service without proper inspections. The plane, which crashed shortly after takeoff, resulted in 14 fatalities, including three pilots and those on the ground. Both the FAA and NTSB are investigating the crash, with a final report expected in 2026.
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Reports from the Russian Telegram channel ASTRA indicate that Ukrainian forces struck the Ryazan Oil Refinery overnight on December 5-6, marking the ninth attack on the facility this year. Local residents reported the incident amidst a wider drone attack, with social media showing visuals of flames and smoke. While the Ryazan Oblast Governor confirmed a drone attack, he claimed the resulting fire was quickly extinguished with no significant damage. Russia’s Defense Ministry later stated that air defense had shot down 29 drones in the region.
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John Q. Hosedrinker