Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy clarified that the suggestion of Ukraine ceding Donetsk Oblast originated from Russia, not the United States. During a press briefing, Zelenskyy emphasized that Russia was the source of this idea, while Ukraine is focused on defending its territories. He also stated that Ukraine, Europe, and the United States are working on three documents to form the basis of a peace settlement, with Ukrainian and European proposals already prepared to be presented to the U.S.
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According to a recent report, Donald Trump’s advisors are urging him to shift his economic messaging and address the public’s concerns about the cost of living. They are advising him to cease blaming his predecessor, Joe Biden, for current economic issues and instead acknowledge the financial anxieties of many Americans. Trump has previously dismissed these concerns, claiming they are a “hoax,” but advisors believe this approach is not resonating with voters. To counter this, the president plans a public appearance tour starting in Pennsylvania to convince voters that the economy is improving under his potential second term, even while still placing blame on Biden.
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Social media companies have expressed strong opposition to Australia’s new regulations, arguing the ban could harm children by limiting their access and connectivity. Tech giants like Meta, Snapchat, and YouTube have voiced concerns, citing potential negative impacts on youth and parental control. However, former Facebook Australia chief Stephen Scheeler views the legislation as a “seat belt moment,” akin to safety advancements in other industries, suggesting that even imperfect regulation is preferable to the previous lack of oversight due to the negative aspects.
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Zelenskyy’s call for security guarantees from the US and Europe to facilitate elections within a 90-day timeframe has naturally stirred up a lot of debate and speculation. It’s an incredibly complex situation, to say the least. The very idea of holding elections in a country actively at war, with a fifth of its territory occupied and millions displaced, immediately raises serious questions. How do you ensure fairness? How do you guarantee the safety of voters and the integrity of the process? The prospect of Russia using the elections as a target for attacks, or attempting to manipulate the outcome, is a very real concern.… Continue reading
Newly uncovered documents reveal Donald Trump obtained mortgages for two separate Florida properties in the 1990s, each designated as his primary residence, while simultaneously renting them out. This behavior mirrors actions his administration has labeled “mortgage fraud” when undertaken by political rivals, leading to charges against individuals like Lisa Cook and Letitia James. Despite Trump’s public criticism of such practices, legal experts suggest his actions align with the same criteria for fraudulent conduct. While the White House has defended the transactions, citing the loans’ origin with the same lender, this disclosure raises questions about consistency and potential political motivations in the administration’s fraud investigations.
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PepsiCo will cut nearly 20% of its product offerings and prices by early next year as part of a deal with activist investor Elliott Investment Management. The company aims to invest in marketing and improve value for consumers, while also accelerating the introduction of new offerings with simpler ingredients. These changes come after Elliott took a $4 billion stake in PepsiCo and cited concerns about strategic clarity and profitability. PepsiCo expects organic revenue to grow between 2% and 4% in 2026 and plans to review its supply chain, along with ongoing changes to its board.
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Yao Zhang, a Quebec YouTuber with 175,000 subscribers, faces an intimidation campaign by the Chinese government due to her criticism of the PRC. This campaign includes the circulation of sexually explicit AI-generated images of her, which Global Affairs Canada has attributed to the PRC’s “spamouflage” tactics. Zhang has also been doxed and received death threats, with her family in China facing pressure from authorities. Despite the risks and loneliness, Zhang continues to speak out, highlighting the real and growing threat of transnational repression.
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Illinois Governor Signs Bill Imposing New Limits on Immigration Enforcement, and the essence of the reaction is a complex mix of support, skepticism, and strong feelings about the current state of immigration enforcement. The Governor’s actions are viewed by some as a necessary response to what they perceive as overreach by federal immigration agencies, echoing sentiments that highlight the need for protections against aggressive tactics. The core of this support stems from a belief in due process and a deep-seated concern about the methods used to detain and deport individuals, often described as “street kidnapping.” This echoes the idea that individuals should not fear apprehension simply for existing in a community.… Continue reading
Washington D.C. Police Chief Pamela Smith is resigning after less than two years, amid a power struggle with former President Donald Trump over federal control of the city’s police department. Mayor Muriel Bowser announced Smith’s departure, highlighting her leadership during a time of significant challenges and a reduction in violent crime rates. The resignation, effective December 31st, is reportedly due to a desire for more family time, although it follows Trump’s attempt to federalize the MPD and ongoing investigations into alleged manipulation of crime statistics. Despite the controversy, Smith’s tenure saw crime rates fall significantly in early 2024, although the MPD continues to navigate issues of accountability and federal interference.
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In other news, a group of Senate Democrats has introduced the “Change Corruption Act,” a bill aiming to prevent the government from minting coins featuring a living president, specifically targeting a planned commemorative coin featuring Donald Trump. The bill, introduced by Senators Merkley and Cortez Masto, directly challenges the U.S. Mint’s plans to create $1 coins with Trump’s likeness in honor of America’s 250th anniversary. However, the bill faces significant obstacles given the current political landscape. It is also important to note that if this coin is minted, it wouldn’t be the first time a sitting American president has had his face on American currency.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood