Despite campaigning as proponents of free speech, President-elect Trump and his allies, including potential appointees Patel, Kennedy, and Musk, are exhibiting actions contradictory to this claim. Their rhetoric and proposed actions target the free press and those critical of the administration, suggesting a willingness to silence dissent rather than champion it. This includes threats against journalists, media outlets, and even potential primary challenges for dissenting politicians. A conservative lawyer familiar with the plans warns of a “brutal” crackdown on dissent. The notion of Trump as a free speech advocate is therefore demonstrably false.
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Jointly, the UK Foreign Office and the US Embassy in Ukraine denounced Russia’s Christmas Day missile and drone barrage as an inhumane act, weaponizing winter against Ukrainian civilians. The attack, comprising over 180 projectiles targeting energy infrastructure and residential areas across multiple regions, was partially repelled by Ukrainian forces. Despite this, the assault resulted in further restrictions on power supply. This marks the third consecutive winter in which Russia has employed this brutal tactic.
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On Christmas Day, a fault occurred in the Estlink 2 electricity connection between Finland and Estonia, interrupting the 658 MW flow of electricity from Finland to Estonia. While the cause is under investigation by Finnish and Estonian authorities, including the possibility of vandalism, the smaller Estlink 1 connection remains operational. Prime Minister Petteri Orpo assures that Finnish electricity supply is unaffected, and the outage is not expected to significantly impact electricity prices. The investigation is complex and ongoing, involving teams at the power station, along the cable route, and at sea.
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Judge Timothy Brooks declared portions of Arkansas Act 372 unconstitutional, blocking its ability to criminally prosecute librarians and booksellers for providing minors access to “harmful” materials. The law, challenged by a coalition including the Central Arkansas Library System, was deemed to promote censorship by creating a system where fear of prosecution would lead to self-censorship. Attorney General Tim Griffin plans to appeal the decision, while Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders maintains support for the law, mirroring similar legislative efforts in other states.
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Louisiana is experiencing a severe early flu surge, reaching the CDC’s “Very High” activity level, exceeding all other states except Oregon. This surge coincides with reports that the state health department is prohibited from promoting flu, COVID-19, and mpox vaccines. The department’s new policy emphasizes individual choice regarding vaccination, shifting away from proactive public health messaging. This policy change has not been formally documented and was revealed through news reports.
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Donald Trump’s repeated claims of a “massive mandate” in his recent election victory are demonstrably false, easily refuted by examining both the Electoral College and popular vote results. His assertion of a 129-year unprecedented victory is unsubstantiated, with recent presidents exceeding his margin. This fabricated claim, likely motivated by insecurity regarding his narrow win, exemplifies the manipulative tactics of successful liars, adding specific details to lend false credibility. Ultimately, Trump’s repeated use of the term “mandate” is a disingenuous attempt to bolster a weak claim to overwhelming popular support.
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On December 20th, volunteers in Vityazevo, a Russian village near Anapa, mobilized to address a heavy oil spill impacting the Black Sea shoreline. Cleanup efforts focused on removing the spilled oil from the coastal area. The incident highlighted the environmental vulnerability of the Black Sea region. The scale of the spill and the ongoing cleanup remain unspecified in the provided context.
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In a recent operation, Egyptian authorities apprehended two individuals attempting to illicitly traffic nearly 450 ancient artifacts recovered from the seabed of Abu Qir Bay near Alexandria. The recovered items, dating from Greek and Roman Antiquity (circa 500 BCE – 400 CE), included coins, statues, tools, and weaponry. The suspects admitted to diving to obtain the antiquities for illegal sale. Seized artifacts, showcasing intricate detail and depictions of people and animals, are currently in the possession of Egyptian authorities.
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President Biden vetoed a bill creating 66 new federal judgeships, citing concerns over the bill’s rushed passage and unanswered questions regarding allocation and the impact of senior judges. The White House statement highlighted a lack of sufficient study on the need for additional judgeships and raised suspicions about the bill’s true motivations, suggesting political maneuvering rather than genuine judicial need. Despite bipartisan initial support and arguments for addressing case delays, the veto effectively kills the legislation in the current Congress due to an insufficient margin for overriding it. The bill’s passage in the Senate under Democratic control and subsequent House action after a Republican presidential win fueled accusations of political gamesmanship.
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The Combat Antisemitism Movement (CAM) hosted a summit in Vienna focusing on actionable strategies to combat a dramatic rise in European antisemitism, exceeding post-World War II levels. The summit brought together non-Jewish parliamentarians and city officials to share successful initiatives and develop new approaches. Key discussion points included tackling online antisemitism, combating boycotts targeting Israel in academia and sports, and promoting the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s working definition of antisemitism. Participants emphasized the need for proactive measures, including institutional policy changes and collaboration with universities to ensure the safety and inclusion of Jewish students.
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John Q. Hosedrinker