An ophthalmologist in Tehran reported over 400 eye injuries from gunshots in a single hospital, as medical staff struggle to cope with the escalating violence. Doctors describe hospitals overwhelmed with wounded protesters, with injuries concentrated on the head and eyes, suggesting deliberate targeting by security forces. The demonstrations, which began over economic issues, have transformed into the largest anti-government movement since 2009, prompting a severe crackdown by authorities, including internet shutdowns. Rights groups accuse the government of using the blackout to carry out a brutal crackdown. Doctors suspect the death toll is significantly higher than reported, citing a lack of medical supplies and the deliberate targeting of vital organs.
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South Korea prosecutor seeks death penalty for ex-president Yoon over martial law. This is a pretty striking headline, isn’t it? The thought of a former head of state facing the ultimate penalty is definitely a conversation starter. We’re talking about a man who once held the highest office in the land, now potentially facing execution. While the death penalty is a really complex issue, there’s a strong argument to be made that in cases of such egregious betrayal of public trust, it’s perhaps more justified.
South Korean citizens, judging from what’s been said, appear to have a wide range of opinions on this.… Continue reading
ICE is implementing a large-scale recruitment strategy, aiming to hire up to 10,000 new officers nationwide. This initiative includes a comprehensive social media campaign targeting individuals with interests in areas like UFC fights, patriotic podcasts, and firearms. The campaign will utilize platforms such as Snapchat and Rumble, along with livestreamers and right-wing influencers, to promote recruitment. Furthermore, the agency plans to employ geofencing technology to directly advertise to devices in specific locations, including military bases and gun shows.
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About 2,000 killed in Iran protests, official says – the sheer gravity of this statement is hard to fully grasp. When an official source admits to such a staggering loss of life, it forces you to question the true scale of the tragedy. One can’t help but wonder if the actual number of fatalities is exponentially higher than the “official” figure, perhaps significantly so. The initial reports of 650 confirmed deaths, even those from just days ago, seem minuscule now, when the official numbers have increased.
The situation in Iran feels almost unbelievable, doesn’t it? Reports circulating mention numbers that are much higher – potentially exceeding 12,000 deaths.… Continue reading
Former President Donald Trump is facing scrutiny for posting employment data on Truth Social a day before its official release, potentially violating embargo rules. The post, which included figures from the upcoming jobs report, was labeled by some as an attempt to distract from economic issues. While a White House official acknowledged the “inadvertent public disclosure,” they also stated that the focus should remain on Trump’s economic policies. The Bureau of Labor Statistics, which provided advance access to the data under strict confidentiality, is expected to release its next report in February, and the White House is reviewing its data release protocols.
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called on global leaders to intervene in Iran, urging support for the Iranian people amid widespread protests against the regime. Zelenskyy believes the unrest signals further complications for Russia, emphasizing that the world must seize the opportunity for change. The protests, sparked by economic hardship, have escalated into violence, resulting in numerous casualties and arrests. With the US considering potential responses, both the US Department of State and the Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs have advised their citizens to evacuate Iran.
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Moldova’s President Sandu says she would vote to join Romania – and this, frankly, is a fascinating and complex situation to unpack. The underlying sentiment is clear: she personally favors a union between Moldova and Romania. It’s a statement that immediately sparks a wave of questions and considerations. Why would she express this view? What are the potential implications? And, perhaps most importantly, what do the Moldovans themselves think?
The immediate context is important. Sandu clearly acknowledges that her personal preference isn’t the prevailing opinion. She recognizes that a significant majority of Moldovans don’t currently support unification with Romania, and that’s why the strategy is primarily geared toward EU membership.… Continue reading
The Twin Cities of Minneapolis have been marked by tragedy, with two fatal encounters with law enforcement occurring six years apart in the same neighborhood. This working-class area, already traumatized by the killing of George Floyd, now grapples with the recent death of Renee Nicole Good, adding to residents’ anguish. Amidst concerns of increased unrest due to heavy-handed immigration enforcement, the community is responding with citizen-led patrols, aimed at monitoring and documenting ICE activity. These patrols are a testament to the community’s resilience in the face of fear, as they fight for their own safety and the safety of their neighbors.
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Multiple social media accounts posing as Scottish independence supporters have gone silent after the internet was cut amid protests in Iran. These accounts, which shared increasingly extreme content, promoted false claims of unrest and instability in Scotland. The sudden inactivity mirrors a previous incident where similar accounts disappeared following internet disruptions in Iran, raising suspicions of coordinated disinformation. Research suggests that a portion of online content promoting Scottish independence may be linked to foreign actors, including Iranian-backed bot networks, using false personas to spread divisive narratives.
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China hopes that the arrival of Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney will allow it to pull Canada away from the United States, calling for “strategic autonomy” in foreign policy. Beijing views the U.S.’s economic actions and military decisions as an opportunity to weaken the longstanding relationship between the U.S. and Canada. The visit is also seen as a chance to revive a relationship strained by the arrest of a Chinese tech executive and the imposition of tariffs. Though progress on trade is expected, experts suggest common ground might be found due to U.S. military intervention and territorial aspirations.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood
ICE Spends $100 Million on Social Media Amidst Criticism
ICE is implementing a large-scale recruitment strategy, aiming to hire up to 10,000 new officers nationwide. This initiative includes a comprehensive social media campaign targeting individuals with interests in areas like UFC fights, patriotic podcasts, and firearms. The campaign will utilize platforms such as Snapchat and Rumble, along with livestreamers and right-wing influencers, to promote recruitment. Furthermore, the agency plans to employ geofencing technology to directly advertise to devices in specific locations, including military bases and gun shows.
Read More