The United States is increasingly divided between a minuscule wealthy elite and a struggling majority. A small group of billionaires control vast sums of wealth and influence, exceeding the combined assets of the bottom half of the population. This concentration extends to media and political power, with a few corporations controlling information dissemination and significant campaign financing. Consequently, the current system disproportionately favors the wealthy, undermining democratic principles and exacerbating inequality.
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Elon Musk published a pro-AfD opinion piece in Germany’s *Welt am Sonntag*, prompting the opinion editor’s resignation. Musk’s commentary, which downplayed the AfD’s extremism, follows his prior social media endorsement of the party. The newspaper’s editor-in-chief and publisher responded, acknowledging freedom of speech while criticizing Musk’s proposed solution. This event occurs ahead of Germany’s February election, where the AfD’s strong showing could impact coalition possibilities.
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Ukraine’s limited supply of U.S.-provided ATACMS missiles, estimated at around 50 before authorization for strikes on Russian territory, is dwindling rapidly after a series of attacks on Russian military infrastructure. This depletion, coupled with potential policy shifts under the incoming Trump administration, which opposes the missile transfers, suggests that Ukraine’s ability to conduct such long-range strikes is severely hampered. Replenishment is unlikely due to existing U.S. commitments elsewhere. Despite these strikes, significant escalation with Russia has not yet occurred.
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A heated debate within Trump’s MAGA coalition erupted over H-1B visas, pitting business-friendly figures like Elon Musk against more nativist factions. Musk’s staunch defense of the visas, including using strong language, prompted Steve Bannon to label him a “toddler” on social media. This disagreement highlights a key challenge for the incoming Trump administration: balancing the needs of businesses that benefit from skilled immigration with the concerns of those who believe it harms American workers. The conflict underscores deep divisions within the conservative movement on immigration policy and its potential to destabilize the new presidency. The ongoing dispute foreshadows difficulties in navigating this politically charged issue.
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The U.S. alleges that Russia is deploying approximately 11,000 North Korean soldiers in “human wave” assaults in Ukraine’s Kursk region, resulting in significant casualties. Reports indicate over 1,000 North Korean soldiers have died in the past week alone, with some choosing suicide over capture due to fear of reprisal against their families. These poorly equipped soldiers are being used as expendable assets in futile attacks, while Russia simultaneously faces heavy losses, exceeding 1,500 casualties daily according to British estimates. Both Russia and North Korea deny the deployment.
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A debate within the MAGA sphere regarding H-1B visas has intensified, with Elon Musk facing accusations of retaliating against critics of his pro-H-1B stance on X. Musk, defending the program’s necessity for attracting top engineering talent, has clashed with prominent Trump supporters like Laura Loomer and Matt Gaetz who oppose the visas. In response to this criticism, Musk reportedly revoked verification badges from numerous accounts associated with a conservative PAC, prompting accusations of censorship and hypocrisy. The conflict highlights a significant division within the conservative movement over immigration policy and the role of big tech.
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A $1.25 billion military aid package for Ukraine is expected to be announced on Monday, comprising munitions for advanced air defense systems, Stinger missiles, and artillery rounds. This presidential drawdown authority funding will leave approximately $4.35 billion in previously allocated Pentagon funds. The aid aims to bolster Ukraine’s position before a potential negotiation with Russia, though concerns remain about the incoming administration’s commitment to continued support. This latest package brings total U.S. security assistance to Ukraine to over $64 billion since the February 2022 invasion.
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President-elect Trump’s Truth Social post revealed a meeting request from Bill Gates to visit Mar-a-Lago. This follows a trend of tech executives seeking meetings with Trump since his election victory. The post, hinting at a possible New Year’s Eve meeting, suggests a continuation of their prior interactions. However, Gates has yet to publicly confirm the visit. The meeting’s purpose and outcome remain unclear.
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Elon Musk endorsed a post denigrating American workers as unskilled compared to foreign hires, a sentiment echoed by Vivek Ramaswamy, who blamed American culture for prioritizing mediocrity. This sparked outrage among MAGA supporters, notably Laura Loomer, who subsequently lost her X verification. The contrasting views highlight a division within the right, with Musk and Ramaswamy advocating for H-1B visas for skilled foreign workers, while some MAGA figures champion prioritizing American jobs. The incident underscores the ongoing debate surrounding immigration and the American workforce.
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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, stemmed from Egan’s questioning of Alex’s citizenship and included a statement referencing “Trump’s America.” Egan tackled and choked Alex, who was reportedly losing breath during the assault partially caught on surveillance video. Egan’s charges include bias-motivated crimes, second-degree assault, and harassment.
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John Q. Hosedrinker