El Salvador concluded 2024 with a record-low 114 homicides, a dramatic decrease from 2015’s 6,656 and even 2023’s 214. This reduction follows a second year under a state of emergency granting the government extensive powers, leading to over 83,000 arrests. While this has significantly improved public safety and boosted President Bukele’s popularity, concerns remain regarding human rights violations and the continued justification for the state of emergency. The drastic security improvements, however, have undeniably transformed daily life for many Salvadorans.
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Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a 42-year-old Army veteran, is suspected of driving a truck through a crowd in New Orleans, killing at least 15 and injuring 30. President Biden stated that Jabbar posted ISIS-related videos online hours before the attack, and an ISIS flag was found in his rented truck, along with weapons and potential IEDs. The FBI is investigating the incident as an act of terrorism, exploring potential connections to foreign terrorist groups. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are seeking any information related to the attack.
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China imposed sanctions on ten additional US defense firms, including subsidiaries of Lockheed Martin, General Dynamics, and Raytheon, for supplying arms to Taiwan. These companies were added to China’s “Unreliable Entities List,” prohibiting them from import/export activities and investment in China, while also barring their senior managers from entry. This action follows similar sanctions imposed last week on seven other US firms, escalating tensions over China’s claim to Taiwan. The sanctions are justified by China as necessary to protect national security and sovereignty. These measures further demonstrate China’s increasing pressure on Taiwan and the US.
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Biden’s decision to award Liz Cheney and others with the Presidential Citizens Medal has sparked a firestorm of debate, highlighting deep divisions within the American political landscape. The announcement itself seems to have been met with widespread bewilderment and even anger, with many questioning the criteria for such an honor.
The very idea of awarding a Cheney, given the family’s controversial history and powerful influence, is considered by many to be deeply problematic. Critics point to Dick Cheney’s legacy, arguing his actions have negatively impacted both the US and global affairs, casting a long shadow over his daughter’s public image, despite her outspoken criticism of Trump.… Continue reading
A truck attack in New Orleans’ French Quarter, resulting in 15 deaths and numerous injuries, was immediately politicized. Despite the attacker being identified as a U.S.-born citizen and Army veteran, President-elect Trump and several Republican figures falsely linked the incident to lax border policies and undocumented immigrants. This misinformation, initially spread by Fox News, was amplified on social media, ignoring the FBI’s investigation into the attacker’s potential terrorist affiliations. The ongoing political exploitation of the tragedy overshadows the mourning process and the investigation into the attack itself.
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Thailand’s recent designation as a BRICS partner nation has sparked a wave of diverse reactions and interpretations. It’s crucial to understand that this partnership is distinct from full membership; the implication is that full membership is a separate process and aspiration for other nations. Saudi Arabia is frequently mentioned as a potential candidate for full BRICS membership in the future, a prospect seemingly met with apprehension by some, particularly considering the potential geopolitical ramifications.
The expansion of BRICS, particularly its recent surge in attracting partner nations, isn’t entirely new. The bloc’s increased activity and visibility in recent years can be partly attributed to bolder actions by China and Russia’s engagement in major conflicts.… Continue reading
A Tesla Cybertruck exploded outside a Las Vegas Trump Hotel, resulting in one fatality and seven injuries. Authorities believe the explosion was caused by a detonation system involving fireworks, gas tanks, and camping fuel, controlled by the driver. The FBI is investigating whether the incident constitutes a terrorist act, though they currently believe it to be isolated. Elon Musk confirmed the explosion was caused by explosives in the truck’s bed, not a vehicle malfunction, and that the Cybertruck’s design mitigated damage.
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Eleven Illinois teenagers face felony charges for allegedly luring and attacking two men using dating apps in separate incidents. Inspired by a viral social media trend, the teens beat the victims and damaged their vehicles. Charges include aggravated battery, criminal damage to property, mob action, and, in one case, hate crimes due to the use of racial slurs. All eleven juveniles turned themselves in and are currently detained in Cook County Juvenile Detention Center.
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The Supreme Court will hear *Free Speech Coalition v. Paxton*, a case concerning a Texas law requiring age verification for online pornography. This law is nearly identical to a federal law struck down in *Ashcroft v. ACLU*, which the Fifth Circuit Court defied by upholding the Texas law despite the precedent. While Texas argues for modifying First Amendment protections regarding pornography, it also suggests the existence of privacy-preserving age-verification technology that could justify such laws. A ruling could either reaffirm existing precedents or significantly alter the balance between protecting minors and adult access to sexual content.
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A Republican infighting erupted over H-1B visas, pitting tech executives Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy against figures like Laura Loomer. Musk and Ramaswamy, supported by President Trump, argued for retaining the program benefiting skilled workers, while others decried it as detrimental to American workers. This disagreement highlights the internal conflict within the Republican party regarding immigration, exposing hypocrisy in the party’s rhetoric. The debate ultimately underscores a prioritization of wealthy interests over the concerns of American workers, revealing a disconnect between the party’s campaign promises and its actions.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood