Over ten years, Gisele Pelicot saw multiple doctors while suffering from the effects of being repeatedly drugged and raped by her husband, yet none recognized the signs of coercive control. This failure highlights a systemic lack of training among medical professionals to identify coercive control, particularly in cases involving domestic violence and the use of drugs. The case underscores the insidious nature of coercive control, exemplified by Pelicot’s actions, which included not only the abuse but also financial manipulation. The daughter’s experience further emphasizes the pervasive impact of this abuse, affecting the entire family.
Read More
In a recent address, President Putin proposed a technological demonstration involving a Russian Oreshnik missile strike on a target in Kyiv, chosen by Western and Ukrainian forces. This challenge, highlighting the missile’s purported 5,500 km range and invulnerability to existing air defenses, is framed as a “high-tech duel” to test the West’s claims of its capabilities. Putin’s suggestion implies that even NATO systems in neighboring countries would be unable to intercept the missile. The name’s origin, however, remains unknown to the president himself.
Read More
Elon Musk, opposing a bipartisan government funding bill, launched a social media campaign on X, disseminating misinformation about its contents and urging its defeat. His actions, amplified by his Department of Government Efficiency, successfully stalled the bill, which included disaster relief, farm aid, and infrastructure projects. This move directly challenged House Speaker Mike Johnson and aligned with President-elect Trump’s opposition. Failure to pass a new bill before December 20th will result in a government shutdown.
Read More
This article details the tragic story of Aurimar Iturriago Villegas, a Venezuelan immigrant who died in a Texas road rage incident. Without her family’s knowledge, her body was donated to a medical school, dissected, and parts were assigned monetary values for research. This action occurred despite the Dallas County Medical Examiner’s office possessing her mother’s contact information, highlighting systemic failures in communication and handling of unclaimed bodies. The University of North Texas Health Science Center, following an investigation revealing this and similar cases, suspended its body donation program and apologized.
Read More
House Speaker Mike Johnson faces a precarious situation, needing to pass a stopgap spending bill to avoid a government shutdown before the new Congress convenes. His narrow Republican majority forces him to negotiate with Democrats, resulting in a bill criticized as excessive spending by conservatives, including Elon Musk. This criticism, coupled with the bill’s unpopularity and Johnson’s already tenuous position, jeopardizes his speakership and highlights his extremely limited room for error. The speaker is attempting damage control, communicating with Musk and other conservatives while navigating intense pressure to secure passage of the bill.
Read More
A Republican-backed spending bill, including nearly $100 billion in aid, was blocked by President-elect Trump and Elon Musk, leading to calls for Musk’s unexpected influence. Their opposition, potentially causing a government shutdown over the holidays, stems from a desire for a significantly streamlined budget. Democrats are now openly referring to Musk as “president,” highlighting concerns about Trump’s apparent lack of control and the significant role of the unelected Musk. Lawmakers face a Friday deadline to pass a new bill, with the potential for severe budget cuts.
Read More
The U.K. announced a £225 million military aid package for Ukraine, including naval equipment, air defense systems, and counter-drone technology. This substantial commitment, totaling £12.8 billion since 2022, underscores Britain’s unwavering support for Ukraine amidst ongoing conflict and concerns about potential shifts in U.S. aid. The package also features training for Ukrainian soldiers, highlighting a multifaceted approach to bolstering Ukraine’s defense capabilities. Prime Minister Starmer’s emphasis on continued aid underscores the U.K.’s commitment to supporting Ukraine, even in the face of potential future challenges.
Read More
A coordinated Ukrainian Navy and SBU operation struck the Novoshakhtinsk oil refinery in Russia’s Rostov Oblast on December 19th, utilizing drones and missiles. The refinery, crucial to the region’s fuel production, suffered significant damage and fire, impacting its catalytic cracking unit. Russian authorities confirmed explosions and a fire, while Ukrainian sources claimed the attack disrupted a significant portion of the refinery’s output. This attack follows previous Ukrainian strikes targeting the same facility and other Russian oil infrastructure.
Read More
MSNBC’s Chris Hayes highlights Elon Musk’s preemptive call for Republicans to trigger a government shutdown, asserting Musk’s influence surpasses even that of Donald Trump. This action positions Musk as a key player in Republican political strategy. Punchbowl News’ Melanie Zanona provides further analysis of this significant development. The event underscores Musk’s growing power within the Republican party and its decision-making processes.
Read More
Dominique Pelicot received a 20-year prison sentence—the maximum under French law—for the decade-long drugging and rape of his wife, Gisèle Pelicot, and facilitating the participation of 50 other men. All but one of the 51 defendants were found guilty of rape or aggravated sexual assault, with sentences ranging from three to fifteen years. The case, which involved extensive video evidence, sparked a national conversation in France about rape culture and the need for stronger legal protections. Gisèle Pelicot’s bravery and testimony have made her a symbol for victims of sexual violence.
Read More
John Q. Hosedrinker