A recent AP poll reveals that a majority of Americans, regardless of political affiliation, are experiencing political news fatigue and limiting their media consumption. This exhaustion is reflected in significantly lower television ratings for CNN and MSNBC, while Fox News experienced a ratings increase. The drop is more substantial than in previous post-election periods, potentially due to cord-cutting and the networks’ perceived over-focus on election coverage. Both CNN and MSNBC are strategizing to regain viewers, but face challenges in re-engaging an increasingly exhausted electorate.
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Russia’s inflation has surged to a near-year high of 9.7%, exceeding 2022’s rate, primarily due to war spending and soaring food prices. In response, the Central Bank drastically increased its key interest rate to 21%, the highest since the 2000s, a move criticized by some as potentially crippling businesses. This aggressive measure aims to combat inflation fueled by substantial increases in essential goods like potatoes and onions. The Central Bank will review the interest rate at its next meeting, weighing inflation control against economic stability.
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Ukrainian Special Operations Forces captured a North Korean soldier in Kursk Oblast on December 26th, marking the first confirmed capture of a North Korean fighting in the war. The operation also yielded a Russian BTR-82 armored personnel carrier and other materials. This follows earlier reports of North Korean troop deployments to Russia, with estimates ranging from 10,000 to 12,000 soldiers undergoing training. The captured soldier’s condition is currently unknown.
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Elon Musk’s public support for H-1B visas, which allow U.S. companies to hire highly skilled foreign workers, has drawn significant criticism from some right-wing individuals and groups. Musk, himself a former H-1B visa recipient and a leading employer of H-1B visa holders at Tesla, argues that a shortage of highly skilled American engineers necessitates recruiting top talent globally. This stance has sparked a heated online debate, with critics accusing Musk of prioritizing profit over American workers and fueling concerns about wage depression and cultural displacement. The controversy highlights the increasingly polarized views on immigration and the role of skilled foreign workers in the U.S. economy.
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Finnish authorities apprehended the Cook Islands-registered oil tanker Eagle S, suspected of damaging the Estlink 2 power cable and other undersea infrastructure on Christmas Day. The vessel, part of Russia’s shadow fleet used to circumvent sanctions, was carrying oil from Russia to Egypt and its anchors were found missing, supporting suspicions of deliberate sabotage. This incident follows a pattern of similar attacks in the Baltic Sea, leading Estonian officials to deem them systematic attacks on critical infrastructure. International cooperation, including the deployment of sea drones and coordinated efforts to disrupt Russia’s shadow fleet, is underway to address this escalating threat.
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On Christmas Day, Donald Trump condemned President Biden’s commutation of 37 death row inmates’ sentences to life imprisonment without parole, calling them “the 37 most violent criminals” and wishing them “GO TO HELL!” Biden’s action, following pressure from advocates, halted federal executions, reversing Trump’s policy of resuming executions after a 17-year hiatus. Trump’s reaction followed his earlier Christmas greetings to political opponents and a series of provocative messages directed at China, Canada, and Greenland. The majority of those whose sentences were commuted are people of color.
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On Tuesday, an unidentified individual boarded Delta Flight 487 from Seattle to Honolulu without a ticket, bypassing security checkpoints. The passenger was discovered during taxiing, resulting in a return to the gate and over a two-hour delay. Delta confirmed the passenger’s removal and apprehension, emphasizing prioritization of safety and security. This incident follows a similar occurrence last month involving a woman who boarded a flight from New York to Paris without a ticket, highlighting security vulnerabilities. The TSA is investigating the Seattle incident to determine how the passenger evaded standard procedures.
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A petition signed by over 15,000 people, initiated by the Christian group Faithful America, condemns President-elect Trump’s immigration policies as violations of Christian values. These policies include mass deportations and reportedly allowing ICE arrests in churches, contradicting Trump’s public pronouncements of faith. Faithful America urges Catholic leaders to publicly denounce these plans, citing Jesus’ teachings on welcoming the stranger. Conversely, Trump allies, including Senator Graham and Representative Johnson, support the policies, framing them as necessary for border security. The impending implementation of these policies has immigrant communities preparing for potential family separations and deportations.
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WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus was at Sanaa airport during an Israeli air strike, narrowly escaping injury while a crew member was hurt and at least two others were killed. The attack, part of a wider Israeli campaign targeting Houthi-linked infrastructure including power stations and ports, damaged the airport’s control tower, departure lounge, and runway. Israel claims the targets were used for military purposes by the Houthis, while the Houthis reported numerous casualties. The Israeli Prime Minister vowed to continue these operations to disrupt what he called Iran’s terror arm.
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Annabell Whelan, a recent biology graduate, rescued two injured owls in northern Minnesota within a single day. The first, a great gray owl, was found on the ground and transported to Wildwoods wildlife rehabilitation center before being transferred to the University of Minnesota Raptor Center. Hours later, Whelan rescued a snowy owl, named Nowl, from a car grille and provided overnight care before delivering it to Wildwoods. Both owls are receiving treatment for their injuries at the Raptor Center. Wildwoods advises that those who encounter injured wildlife should call for professional help and provide a quiet, safe space until professionals arrive.
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John Q. Hosedrinker