A recent study by Corisk and the Norwegian Institute of International Affairs has revealed that a Russian military victory in Ukraine would be significantly more costly for Europe compared to a Ukrainian victory. The researchers outlined two scenarios: a Russian partial victory, which could lead to long-term political instability and a surge of refugees, resulting in costs ranging from €1.2 to €1.6 trillion due to defense spending and refugee-related expenses. Conversely, a Ukrainian victory, facilitated by substantial military aid, would cost Europe approximately €522–838 billion. The study highlights the urgency for Europe to support Ukraine as the United States’ support may wane, and the European Commission is exploring a reparations loan scheme to finance Ukraine’s needs.
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Jordan has urged Russia to cease recruiting its citizens into the Russian military following the deaths of two Jordanian nationals fighting for Russia. The Foreign Ministry communicated this message to Moscow and other entities involved in recruiting Jordanians. The ministry has warned of legal consequences for those who attempt to join the Russian army, as well as those recruiting and endangering Jordanians, while also working to stop the recruitment of Jordanians and seeking the termination of contracts for currently enlisted Jordanians.
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Following the launch of the Soyuz MS-28 spacecraft from the Baikonur Cosmodrome, an accident caused significant damage to the launch pad, including the collapse of the mobile service cabin. Footage suggests a service module remained in the rocket’s exhaust duct, contributing to the incident. The affected launch pad is the only operational platform for crewed missions to the ISS, potentially delaying all future Soyuz and Progress flights. Russia’s State Space Corporation ROSCOSMOS has acknowledged the damage and stated repairs will be conducted, however, no timeline has been announced.
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A Roman Catholic priest, Robert Sullivan, has been laicized after a woman accused him of providing financial support in exchange for companionship, including sex, starting when she was 17. The accuser, Heather Jones, filed a formal complaint, backed by financial and email records, alleging Sullivan paid her hundreds of thousands of dollars to remain silent. The bishop’s investigation found no misuse of church funds. Sullivan, who was in a high-ranking position within the diocese, had previously taken personal leave and subsequently requested to be relieved of his priestly obligations, which the Pope granted.
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Indiana Senator Mike Bohacek, a Republican, has announced he will vote against redistricting efforts in the state due to President Donald Trump’s use of a slur in a recent social media post. Trump’s post, which used an offensive term, has been criticized by disability advocates, and Bohacek’s daughter has Down Syndrome. This decision comes as Trump has been urging states like Indiana to redraw congressional maps. The Indiana House is scheduled to discuss a new map on December 1, and the Senate is set to vote on December 8.
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Former US President Donald Trump announced on Friday his intention to pardon ex-Honduras president Juan Orlando Hernández, who was convicted of drug trafficking and firearms offenses. Hernández was sentenced to 45 years in prison after being found guilty of importing cocaine into the US. Trump also expressed support for conservative candidate Tito Asfura in the upcoming Honduran general election, criticizing other candidates and accusing Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro of involvement in drug-related activities. The former president’s statement came amidst the backdrop of US counternarcotics operations in the region, which legal experts have questioned.
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Donald Trump is considering the deportation of the family of Rahmanullah Lakanwal, the suspect in the shooting of two National Guard members. Trump also announced that his administration will “permanently pause” migration from all “Third World Countries” in response to the shooting. Lakanwal, an Afghan national, reportedly entered the U.S. in 2021 through Operation Allies Welcome. One of the National Guard members, Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, has died from her injuries.
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President Trump’s approval rating has plummeted to 36%, marking the lowest point of his second term, with disapproval reaching 60%. This decline follows three months of stability and coincides with the longest federal government shutdown in U.S. history and losses for the Republican Party in off-year elections. Both Republicans and independents have significantly worsened their ratings of Trump, while Democrats remain largely negative. Trump receives more negative than positive ratings on nine domestic and foreign issues, with ratings on the economy, healthcare, and the federal budget particularly low.
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The Louvre Museum has approved a significant ticket price increase for non-European visitors starting January 14, raising the price from 22 to 32 euros. This measure aims to fund a comprehensive renovation and expansion plan, dubbed “Louvre New Renaissance,” estimated to cost up to 800 million euros. The price hike will impact a majority of the museum’s visitors, primarily from the U.S., China, and Britain, following the exposure of security vulnerabilities due to a recent heist. The overhaul, set to modernize infrastructure and improve the visitor experience, includes plans for a dedicated gallery for the Mona Lisa by 2031.
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The three runaway nuns of Kloster Goldenstein have been offered a reprieve, allowing them to remain in their former convent “until further notice.” However, this offer is contingent upon them ceasing all social media activity, which has garnered them a significant following. Church officials also require that the enclosed convent grounds be restricted to members of the order. In exchange for these conditions, the nuns will receive medical care and spiritual support.
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John Q. Hosedrinker
Indiana Senator Opposes Redistricting After Trump’s Slur
Indiana Senator Mike Bohacek, a Republican, has announced he will vote against redistricting efforts in the state due to President Donald Trump’s use of a slur in a recent social media post. Trump’s post, which used an offensive term, has been criticized by disability advocates, and Bohacek’s daughter has Down Syndrome. This decision comes as Trump has been urging states like Indiana to redraw congressional maps. The Indiana House is scheduled to discuss a new map on December 1, and the Senate is set to vote on December 8.
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