Marjorie Taylor Greene is reportedly considering an effort to oust House Speaker Mike Johnson before her retirement in January, gauging support for a vote. Greene, who has been a vocal critic of Johnson, previously attempted to remove him last year. However, it’s unclear if she currently has the necessary support, though some Republicans express dissatisfaction with Johnson’s leadership. Johnson himself has acknowledged the demanding nature of the position, while President Trump has expressed approval of his work.
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Representative Don Bacon (R-Neb.) criticized Donald Trump’s approach to Russia, calling it “terrible” and condemning his disparaging comments about Europe. Bacon, a vocal critic of Trump, specifically took issue with Trump’s perceived favorable stance towards Russia while denigrating European allies. Bacon has also criticized Trump’s handling of the Ukraine-Russia war and his rhetoric toward European leaders, including his endorsement of a proposed peace plan that would cede Ukrainian territory to Russia. He believes this plan rewards the invader and does not guarantee peace.
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During a recent interview, Rep. Nancy Mace attributed a public outburst at Charleston International Airport to her opposition to the transgender community. Mace, who is running for South Carolina governor, claimed that the incident was the result of security breaches and political retaliation, while denying the accuracy of the police report that described her profanity-laced tirade. However, local authorities and other Republicans have criticized Mace’s behavior, with the South Carolina Attorney General describing her actions as those of a “spoiled brat” and noting a pattern of similar incidents. Mace’s comments also echoed transphobic claims that trans people are more violent than cisgender people, which is untrue.
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Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala announced that the country successfully delivered its promised large-caliber ammunition to Ukraine. Fiala confirmed on social media that the goal of supplying 1,800,000 units of ammunition has been met. This achievement marks the fulfillment of a commitment made earlier in the year to support Ukraine’s defense efforts. The prime minister expressed satisfaction in confirming the completion of this critical supply.
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A recent Texas Southern University poll indicates U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett leads state Rep. James Talarico by eight percentage points in the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate. The survey, conducted from Tuesday through Thursday among 1,600 likely Democratic voters, showed Crockett with 51% support compared to Talarico’s 43%. Crockett’s lead is largely fueled by strong support from Black voters, while Talarico holds an edge with white and Latino voters. Despite Crockett’s high name recognition, Talarico’s campaign believes the race remains competitive with increasing voter engagement.
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Actor Peter Greene, recognized for portraying memorable villains in films, has died at the age of 60 in his New York City apartment. His manager confirmed the news, noting that Greene was found dead at his home, but a cause of death was not disclosed. Greene was best known for playing Zed in “Pulp Fiction” and Dorian in “The Mask,” but he also had roles in “The Usual Suspects,” and “Training Day.” He leaves behind a legacy of compelling performances as a character actor.
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According to the EU’s top diplomat, any lasting peace in Ukraine requires real concessions from Russia, particularly regarding its military size and budget. Kaja Kallas warned that without these concessions, future conflicts are likely, even if Ukraine receives security guarantees. While welcoming the U.S.’s peace proposal efforts, Kallas emphasized Russia’s lack of genuine commitment to peace, highlighting the ongoing attacks on Ukrainian civilians and infrastructure. She insisted that sustainable peace hinges on preventing future Russian aggression, which necessitates Moscow making significant compromises.
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China holds low-key Nanjing Massacre memorial despite Japan tensions, which is a significant event that deserves continued remembrance, regardless of the complexities of current diplomatic relations. It’s a reminder of a horrific event, akin to the Holocaust or the atomic bombings, and its importance extends to all of humanity. The low-key nature of this year’s commemoration doesn’t diminish its impact. The atrocities committed during the Nanjing Massacre, alongside the horrific experiments conducted by Japan’s Unit 731 using live Chinese people for bio/chemical weapons testing, represent some of the most egregious war crimes of World War II. These acts demand to be discussed and remembered, just as we remember the Holocaust.… Continue reading
The Swiss government has decided to reduce its purchase of F-35 fighter jets from the originally planned 36 due to cost overruns announced by the U.S. The budget is capped at CHF6 billion, and the government cannot secure additional funding. The defense ministry will present its prioritized requirements by the end of January, after which a decision on potentially purchasing more jets to reach the original quantity will be made, possibly requiring parliamentary and popular approval. The government also aims to strengthen air defense in the medium term, with plans to have 55 to 70 modern fighter aircraft.
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Ukrainian civilians have filed lawsuits in Texas against US chip firms, including Texas Instruments, AMD, and Intel, alleging negligence in tracking chips that ended up in Russian and Iranian weapon systems. These chips, which allegedly powered weapons used in attacks that caused wrongful deaths, were diverted through “high-risk” distribution channels despite warnings and shareholder pressure. The plaintiffs claim that the companies prioritized profits over human lives by relying on insufficient measures, such as a simple checkbox, to prevent shipments to sanctioned countries. The lawsuits detail specific attacks, including one on a Kyiv children’s hospital, and assert that the chips, essential for weapon systems, enabled Russia’s attacks on Ukrainian civilians.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood