Elon Musk’s op-ed in Germany’s *Welt am Sonntag* supporting the far-right AfD party sparked controversy, resulting in the opinion editor’s resignation. Musk’s commentary, his second endorsement of the AfD this month, characterized the party as Germany’s last hope for economic prosperity and cultural integrity. This action fueled a debate regarding free speech in German media, with internal criticism published alongside Musk’s piece. Despite the controversy, the *Welt* group’s leadership affirmed its commitment to free expression as a cornerstone of journalism.
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Following damage to the Estlink 2 power cable, potentially caused by a Russian vessel, Andriy Yermak warned of escalating Russian hybrid warfare. This could involve provocations near NATO borders, potentially utilizing Russia’s shadow fleet and even North Korean or Iranian proxies. Yermak stressed that failure to act decisively against such actions risks further escalation and emboldens Russia. Previous incidents, including damage to an underwater gas pipeline, highlight the ongoing threat.
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Former President Jimmy Carter passed away at age 98 at his home in Plains, Georgia. His presidency, marked by the Camp David Accords and the Iran hostage crisis, was followed by decades of impactful humanitarian work through the Carter Center and Habitat for Humanity. This work, alongside his commitment to human rights, significantly enhanced his legacy beyond his single term in office. His life, extending longer than any other U.S. president, is a testament to his enduring influence on both national and international affairs.
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Former President Jimmy Carter, the longest-lived US president, passed away at age 100. His single term was marked by economic challenges and the Iran hostage crisis, yet he later achieved global recognition for his tireless peacemaking efforts and human rights advocacy, earning him the Nobel Peace Prize. Following his presidency, he dedicated his life to the Carter Center, significantly impacting global health initiatives and fostering international understanding. Public memorials will be held in Atlanta and Washington D.C., with a private burial in Plains, Georgia to follow.
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Belgium will ban the sale of disposable e-cigarettes starting January 1, 2024, a first for the EU, citing health and environmental concerns. The ban aims to curb teenage nicotine addiction and reduce hazardous waste from discarded devices. Health Minister Frank Vandenbroucke highlighted the devices’ contribution to environmental pollution and promoted reusable alternatives as smoking cessation tools. This action precedes a call for the European Commission to strengthen tobacco legislation across the EU.
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Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Utah’s denial of coverage for the FDA-approved cancer drug Perjeta, prescribed by a specialist for a patient’s breast cancer treatment, exemplifies a critical flaw in the healthcare system. This denial contradicts established clinical guidelines and expert consensus, forcing the family to potentially shoulder over $160,000 in out-of-pocket costs. This case highlights how insurance companies obstruct access to necessary life-saving treatments, leaving patients in a precarious situation. The urgent need for systemic reform, including universal healthcare, is underscored by this and countless similar experiences.
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Donald Trump’s return to power on January 20th necessitates continued robust reporting. HuffPost remains committed to providing fearless coverage of the new administration. This crucial information will remain freely available to all readers, thanks to reader support. Contributions, even a free account login, directly enable this vital public service.
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Patrick Egan, a 39-year-old Colorado man, is facing potential bias-motivated charges for assaulting a Pacific Islander television reporter, Ja’Ronn Alex. The attack, which followed a 40-mile pursuit and a confrontation questioning Alex’s citizenship, involved Egan tackling and strangling Alex near his news station. The incident, partially captured on video, allegedly included Egan invoking “Trump’s America” as justification. Egan’s court appearance is scheduled for Thursday to determine if formal charges will be filed.
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Elon Musk, acknowledging the controversy surrounding H1-B visas, proposed raising the minimum salary and adding annual fees to make hiring foreign workers significantly more expensive than domestic hires. He stated the current system is “broken” and requires major reform, expressing confidence in improvements made under the Trump administration. The debate within the MAGA base centers on whether the program exploits workers or is crucial for attracting top-tier talent in fields like AI, with critics arguing it displaces American workers. Musk countered that eliminating the program would harm US economic output.
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John Q. Hosedrinker