In a recent interview, President Zelenskyy criticized the West’s conditional approach to sanctions against Russia, deeming the threats of punitive measures following an invasion as ineffective. He explicitly requested preemptive sanctions from the US as a deterrent to prevent the full-scale invasion. Zelenskyy argued that such preemptive measures, alongside military aid, were crucial to deterring Russia. He felt that the West’s reliance on reactive sanctions was insufficient and ultimately provided inadequate support to Ukraine.
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Joseph Jorgenson, 41, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder for the deaths of Fanta Xayavong and Manijeh Starren, whose dismembered remains were found in storage units. He confessed to strangling Starren and striking Xayavong in the head before dismembering both bodies. Jorgenson faces a maximum of 40 years concurrently for each murder and is scheduled for sentencing on February 28th. Both victims had struggled with addiction and prior relationships with Jorgenson.
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In early 2025, Elon Musk engaged in a three-day campaign on X, amplifying disinformation about Muslim grooming gangs in the UK, resulting in hundreds of millions of views. This activity included calls for the imprisonment and execution of UK officials, support for the release of far-right activist Tommy Robinson, and promotion of content from extremist figures. Musk’s actions coincide with his public support for the UK Reform Party and follow anti-immigrant riots fueled by misinformation. His campaign raises concerns about foreign influence in UK elections.
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In 2024, Germany’s solar power generation reached a record 72.2 TWh, contributing 14% to the nation’s electricity mix, despite unfavorable weather conditions. Wind power remained the dominant source, generating 136.4 TWh, while renewable energy overall increased by 4.4% to 275.2 TWh. Fossil fuel generation significantly decreased, with coal production falling sharply and natural gas generation rising modestly. Germany’s CO2 emissions continued their decline, reaching 152 million tons.
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Hanukkah celebrations in Chile faced significant opposition, including a public menorah being vandalized and a planned event canceled due to threats from anti-Israel groups. Politicians falsely linked the menorah to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, prompting condemnation from the American Jewish Committee and the Jewish Community of Chile as antisemitic. These incidents, fueled by inflammatory rhetoric, raised serious concerns about religious freedom and the rise of antisemitism in the country. The Jewish community and international ambassadors denounced the attacks and highlighted the importance of condemning hatred and intolerance.
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Sister Inah Canabarro, a Brazilian nun and devout soccer fan, is now recognized as the world’s oldest living person at nearly 117 years old. LongeviQuest, a supercentenarian tracking organization, validated her age based on early life records. Despite health challenges, she remains active in spirit, known for her humor and faith, which she credits for her longevity. Canabarro, a former teacher and marching band founder, even counts a former military dictator among her students and boasts a lifelong love of Inter, her local soccer club.
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Florida’s new “Halo Law” (Senate Bill 184) establishes a 25-foot no-approach zone around first responders, effective in 2025. Failure to comply after a verbal warning from a first responder will result in a misdemeanor charge. This legislation aims to protect first responders from threats and violence, a growing concern highlighted by increased incidents targeting emergency personnel. Penalties for violating the law include up to 60 days in jail and a $500 fine.
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Following President Trump’s reelection, victims of the January 6th Capitol riot express feelings of betrayal as he characterizes the rioters as “political prisoners” and advocates for their pardons. Trump’s actions, including playing a jailhouse rendition of the national anthem by Jan. 6th defendants at a campaign rally, are deeply upsetting to those who suffered injuries, including Capitol Police Sergeant Aquilino Gonell, who required surgeries and early retirement due to the violence. The minimization of the attack, described by the Justice Department as domestic terrorism, is compounded by Republican lawmakers downplaying the event’s severity and the possibility of pardons for those convicted of assaulting officers. This disregard for the officers’ sacrifices and the rewriting of history surrounding the event leaves victims feeling abandoned and unheard.
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Senator Adam Schiff opposes Kash Patel’s nomination to lead the FBI, citing the New Year’s Day attack in New Orleans as evidence of the need for an experienced and impartial director. Schiff criticizes Patel’s lack of qualifications and promotion of conspiracy theories, including claims of a “stolen” 2020 election and a “deep state” plot. Conversely, Senator John Thune expressed belief that Patel could reform the FBI and restore public trust, though he declined to state his vote on confirmation. Patel’s past statements vowing to retaliate against Trump’s perceived enemies further fuel Schiff’s opposition.
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Ukraine launched a counteroffensive in Russia’s Kursk region, with Ukrainian forces engaging Russian and North Korean troops in multiple locations. While the Russian Ministry of Defense claims to have repelled Ukrainian attacks, unofficial reports suggest intense fighting and Ukrainian advances, including the use of armored vehicles and electronic warfare. The fighting, including reported heavy shelling of Sudzha, marks a significant escalation of the conflict and has resulted in civilian casualties.
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John Q. Hosedrinker