The Biden administration has approved an additional $4.28 billion in student loan forgiveness, benefiting 55,000 public service workers enrolled in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. This brings the total number of borrowers receiving debt relief under the Biden administration to nearly five million. These recent approvals, largely due to program simplification efforts, follow years of criticism regarding the PSLF program’s complexity. The administration cites this action as fulfilling its promise to ease the burden of student loan debt and create economic opportunities for millions of Americans.
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For those seeking a sophisticated holiday countdown, numerous exceptional adult advent calendars grace the 2024 market. These calendars offer a curated selection of high-quality treats, from gourmet chocolates and artisanal cheeses to beauty products and spirits, promising a delightful surprise each day. Options cater to diverse tastes and budgets, ensuring a festive experience tailored to individual preferences. This selection guides consumers toward the most enjoyable and memorable adult advent calendars available this year.
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Manhattan Judge Juan Merchan upheld former President Trump’s conviction on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records, rejecting arguments that a Supreme Court ruling on presidential immunity invalidated the verdict. The judge determined that the Supreme Court’s decision did not apply to Trump’s actions as a presidential candidate and private citizen, and that even if some evidence of official presidential acts was admitted, it did not affect the overwhelming evidence of guilt. While the ruling is subject to appeal, the judge found that the evidence presented did not infringe on executive branch authority. Trump’s legal team can still challenge the conviction on other grounds.
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A $4.5 million Antonov An-72 military transport aircraft, belonging to the Russian Navy, exploded at Moscow’s Ostafyevo airfield on December 12, 2024. The Defense Intelligence of Ukraine attributed the blast to the detonation of the aircraft’s main power plant, though it did not claim responsibility. This incident follows the recent destruction of a Crimean radar system, highlighting the ongoing strain on Russia’s military resources amid the war in Ukraine. The timing is significant given Russia’s economic challenges and ongoing conflict.
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Yolanda Borucki, a childcare centre manager, was acquitted of computer hacking charges after reporting her colleague, Ashley Paul Griffith, to authorities. Despite initial dismissal of her concerns, Griffith was later convicted of 307 child sexual offences and sentenced to life imprisonment. The magistrate found insufficient evidence that Borucki acted without permission or caused significant harm by sharing information to alert the media. Borucki’s lawyer called her actions heroic, highlighting the need for an inquiry into how Griffith was allowed to work with children for so long.
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Deputy National Security Advisor Jon Finer revealed that Pakistan’s advancements in long-range ballistic missile technology pose a growing threat to the United States. This development, including the capability to test larger rocket motors, allows Pakistan to potentially strike targets far beyond South Asia. Finer expressed concern over the implications of Pakistan’s actions, characterizing them as an emerging threat. These remarks followed new US sanctions targeting Pakistan’s ballistic missile program, highlighting the escalating tensions between the two nations.
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Failure to pass a continuing resolution by Friday night risks a government shutdown. A House Republican short-term spending bill, including disaster relief, was rejected, largely due to opposition from Democrats who criticized its cuts to social programs and influence from Elon Musk and Donald Trump. Democrats argued the bill prioritizes the interests of billionaires over working people, leading to accusations of a government shutdown orchestrated by wealthy individuals. The rejected bill followed the Senate’s passage of an $895 billion military spending bill.
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President-elect Trump has threatened the European Union with tariffs unless it significantly increases its purchases of American oil and gas, citing a large trade deficit. This threat follows Trump’s first post-election trip abroad, and comes as the EU has strengthened its trade defenses against such coercive practices. The EU is already a major importer of US LNG and crude oil, but Trump’s “America First” approach signals potential significant trade disruptions. His past actions involving tariffs on steel and aluminum demonstrate his willingness to pursue protectionist policies. The EU has vowed a unified response to any aggressive trade actions from the incoming US administration.
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Poland achieved a milestone in its air defense modernization by integrating its Wisła system with the Integrated Battle Command System (IBCS), a key component for coordinating various defense elements. This integration, hailed as a historic moment for the Polish Armed Forces, was lauded by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defense Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz. The IBCS, described as the “operational brain” of the Wisła system, represents a significant step towards securing Polish airspace and draws lessons learned from the war in Ukraine. The U.S. also praised this achievement, noting that even the American army is only beginning to implement this system.
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A 72-year-old French woman, Gisèle Pélicot, testified in the trial of 51 men accused of raping her, including her 71-year-old husband, Dominique. Gisèle learned of the decade-long abuse after police discovered photographic evidence of the rapes, which her husband had filmed and orchestrated after secretly drugging her. Dominique admitted to police that he derived pleasure from watching others rape his unconscious wife, and the court heard details of his meticulous planning to facilitate the assaults. Gisèle, who waived her anonymity, aims to expose the accused and prevent future such crimes.
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John Q. Hosedrinker