2025

Trump Whines About Half-Staff Flags at His Inauguration

Trump’s recent complaints about the US flags being flown at half-staff during his inauguration are, to put it mildly, perplexing. He seems to view this long-standing tradition of mourning a deceased former president as a personal slight, a deliberate attempt by his political opponents to overshadow his moment. His outrage, expressed through a social media post, paints a picture of a man deeply concerned with the optics of his own event, more so than the respectful remembrance of a former leader.

The fact that the flags will be at half-staff due to the death of President Jimmy Carter, a man who served the nation with a very different approach, adds another layer to the complexity of this situation.… Continue reading

Trump Receives Conditional Discharge in Hush Money Case

Donald Trump’s sentencing for 34 felony counts of falsifying business records, stemming from a hush-money payment to Stormy Daniels, is scheduled for January 10th. Judge Juan Merchan indicated that the sentence will likely be a conditional discharge, avoiding jail time, a fine, or probation. This decision follows Trump’s unsuccessful attempts to dismiss the case, citing presidential immunity and potential interference with his presidency. Despite the charges carrying a potential four-year prison sentence, legal experts previously deemed incarceration unlikely.

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Russia Used 180,000 Convicts in Ukraine War: Intelligence

Ukraine’s Foreign Intelligence Service (SZRU) reports that Russia has deployed 140,000-180,000 convicts to fight in Ukraine since summer 2022, a recruitment effort initially managed by the Wagner Group and later by the Ministry of Defense. This recruitment significantly reduced Russia’s prison population, now estimated at 300,000-350,000, compared to 2014’s numbers. The recent elimination of a one-time payment to these prisoners indicates worsening economic conditions in Russia. Despite initial promises, these convicts receive significantly lower pay and fewer benefits than regular Russian soldiers, and some have re-offended upon their return.

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House Republicans Fail to Elect Speaker on First Ballot

House Speaker Mike Johnson’s reelection bid was nearly derailed by three Republican representatives who voted against him in the first ballot. Despite facing significant opposition stemming from past funding disputes and accusations of collaborating with Democrats, Johnson secured enough votes to win reelection, thanks to last-minute concessions from two dissenting members. His victory, however, came after a tense period of negotiation and underscores the ongoing internal divisions within the House Republican caucus. President Trump’s public support played a role in securing Johnson’s win.

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Polish President Calls for Just Peace in Ukraine, Not Russian Victory

President Duda’s New Year’s address emphasized Poland’s unwavering commitment to its security, highlighting a strong military and robust alliances, particularly with the U.S., as crucial pillars. He advocated for increased NATO defense spending and prioritized strengthening EU-U.S. cooperation during Poland’s upcoming EU presidency. With 2025’s presidential elections approaching, Duda urged citizens to elect a successor prioritizing national security and upholding Poland’s sovereignty. He concluded by reflecting on Poland’s recent progress and expressing optimism for the future.

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IDF Drones Discover Hamas Weapons in Gaza School, Child’s Room

IDF operations in Jabalya and Beit Hanun uncovered significant Hamas weaponry, including rockets, RPGs, and explosives, hidden in civilian structures, such as a school and a child’s bedroom. Simultaneous operations by the Givati and Nahal Brigades neutralized terrorists, destroyed explosive devices, and dismantled underground infrastructure, including tunnel shafts. Drone reconnaissance played a crucial role in identifying threats and enabling precision strikes. The discoveries highlight the extent of Hamas’s hidden military capabilities within civilian areas.

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GOP Election Trust Soars After Trump Win, Poll Shows

A new AP-NORC poll reveals a significant shift in Republican confidence regarding election integrity. Following Donald Trump’s 2024 victory, approximately 60% of Republicans expressed considerable confidence in the national vote count, a substantial increase from October’s figures. This rise in confidence extends to state-level counts, and overall public confidence in the accuracy of the 2024 election is now around 60%, up from 50% in October. This contrasts sharply with the post-2020 period, marked by widespread Republican skepticism fueled by Trump’s unsubstantiated claims of election fraud.

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1,000-Pound Space Debris Crashes in Kenya: Mystery of Origin Remains

A large metallic ring, weighing approximately 1,100 pounds and measuring 8 feet in diameter, fell from space and landed in Mukuku Village, Kenya. The Kenya Space Agency believes the object is likely a rocket component and is investigating its origin. No injuries were reported, but the incident highlights the increasing risk posed by space debris. Officials are utilizing international law to hold the responsible party accountable.

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UK Conservatives Warn Trump Allies Against Musk’s Far-Right Endorsement

The UK’s right wing is sending a clear message to Donald Trump’s allies: Elon Musk’s recent social media activity has crossed a line. Specifically, their concern centers around Musk’s outspoken support for Tommy Robinson, a British far-right activist currently imprisoned for contempt of court. This public endorsement, coupled with Musk’s other controversial posts, has prompted a behind-the-scenes effort by prominent British politicians to discourage any further support for Robinson from Trump’s camp.

These conservative and Brexit-supporting politicians, who remain unnamed, fear that aligning with Musk’s campaign to free Robinson could significantly damage their image and political standing. They are worried that associating with such a controversial figure could alienate voters and harm their prospects in upcoming elections.… Continue reading