Unidentified drone activity prompted a nearly four-hour closure of Wright-Patterson Air Force Base’s airspace. Base officials monitored the “small unmanned aerial systems,” assuring that no impact on base personnel or assets occurred. This incident follows a recent surge in unexplained drone sightings near military installations and critical infrastructure across the US and abroad, though officials maintain there’s no evidence of a security threat. Investigations into these incidents are ongoing.
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SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son pledged a $100 billion investment in the U.S. over four years, aiming to generate at least 100,000 new jobs primarily in AI and related fields. This commitment, announced alongside President-elect Trump, represents a significant increase from a previous $50 billion pledge. The funding will be drawn from SoftBank’s various holdings, potentially including existing investments. This substantial investment underscores Son’s optimism regarding the U.S. economy under Trump’s leadership.
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Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (MUFG) issued a public apology for a significant theft of over 1 billion yen ($6.6 million) from customer safe deposit boxes at two Tokyo branches. A female employee, since fired, confessed to the crime, exploiting her access to steal cash and valuables between April 2020 and October 2023. The bank is investigating approximately 60 client accounts, with confirmed losses currently totaling nearly $2 million and compensation being determined. This incident follows a similar recent crime at another major Japanese financial institution, highlighting concerns about security and trust within the banking sector.
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Following the fall of the Assad regime in Syria, Russia is bolstering its military presence in Libya. At least three Russian military cargo planes have flown from Belarus to Libya since December 8th, carrying defense materials. This move is likely a response to the increasingly precarious situation in Syria, forcing Russia to fortify its Libyan bases which serve as a crucial staging point for its African influence. Experts suggest this shift reflects Russia’s need to protect its expanded Libyan presence, now that its Syrian foothold is jeopardized. The evacuation of Russian personnel and equipment from Syria is underway.
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A recent WalletHub poll reveals that 74 percent of Americans anticipate increased inflation due to President-elect Trump’s proposed tariffs on imports from countries including China, Canada, and Mexico. These tariffs, intended to protect American jobs and punish countries with allegedly unfair trade practices, could add 60 percent to the cost of Chinese goods and up to 20 percent to other imports. Experts warn that these increased costs will likely be passed on to consumers, resulting in higher prices for everyday goods and potentially significant financial losses for middle-income families. The ultimate implementation of these tariffs remains uncertain, contingent upon bipartisan support in Congress.
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Alexander Smirnov, a former FBI informant, pleaded guilty to fabricating a bribery scheme involving President Biden and his son Hunter, a claim central to a Republican impeachment inquiry. This felony plea, along with a separate tax evasion charge, stems from Smirnov’s false allegations to the FBI in 2020. A four-to-six-year prison sentence is recommended. Smirnov’s false claims, despite being deemed unfounded by the FBI in 2020, significantly influenced the Republican investigation. The case was handled by Special Counsel David Weiss, who also prosecuted Hunter Biden.
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Following the assassination of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, Senator Bernie Sanders used the opportunity during an NBC News interview to advocate for universal healthcare in the US. He decried the violence as unacceptable while highlighting the public’s anger towards a healthcare system that prioritizes profit over people’s needs. Sanders emphasized the US’s uniquely low life expectancy and high healthcare costs compared to other developed nations as reasons to implement a system guaranteeing healthcare for all. He reiterated his longstanding support for universal healthcare, citing the recently introduced Medicare for All Act as a potential solution.
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During his first post-election press conference, President-elect Trump falsely claimed a 34-point victory among young voters, a claim contradicted by AP VoteCast data showing Vice President Harris winning this demographic. He attributed his purported success in part to TikTok and podcast appearances, stating he had “a warm spot” for the platform. Considering this, and the upcoming TikTok ban deadline, Trump announced his administration would review the situation. He also credited his son, Barron, for advising on media appearances that allegedly enhanced his youth appeal.
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Taiwan’s defense ministry announced the arrival of 38 advanced M1A2 Abrams tanks, the first delivery of a 108-tank order placed in 2019. These tanks, representing a significant upgrade to Taiwan’s aging fleet, arrived late Sunday and were transferred to a training base. The acquisition, costing over US$1.2 billion, strengthens Taiwan’s defensive capabilities against potential Chinese aggression. This substantial arms purchase underscores Taiwan’s reliance on the US for bolstering its defenses against increasing threats.
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John Q. Hosedrinker