In a recent Defense Ministry meeting, Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov advocated for preparing for potential war with NATO within the next decade, citing NATO’s July summit decisions and doctrinal shifts as justification. This preparation includes the establishment of a new military branch dedicated to unmanned systems, slated for completion in 2025. President Putin echoed these concerns, accusing the West of escalating tensions through increased military presence and potential missile deployments, prompting Russia to threaten retaliatory measures. Belousov also claimed significantly higher Ukrainian casualties than reported by Kyiv and Western sources.
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Lester C. Harvey Jr., a 58-year-old Virginia man, died from injuries sustained after being struck by a bear that fell from a tree. The incident occurred when hunters, having chased a bear into the tree, shot the animal causing it to fall and hit Harvey. Despite receiving immediate first aid and hospitalization, Harvey succumbed to his injuries. The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources concluded its investigation without pursuing any charges.
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Despite President-elect Trump’s hardline stance on immigration, his businesses hired a record number of foreign guest workers in 2024, a figure nearly double that of a decade prior. This includes various Trump properties and companies linked to his key supporters and appointees, utilizing the H-2B visa program for temporary positions. Critics argue this undermines American workers’ bargaining power, while Trump’s administration has indicated interest in restricting similar programs in the future. This stark contrast highlights a tension between stated policy and actual practice within the Trump administration.
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On December 15th, Ukraine launched a second wave of ATACMS missile strikes deep into Russia, targeting critical infrastructure. These strikes, employing a combined arms approach with Palen drones to overwhelm air defenses, successfully hit an airbase in Taganrog, an ammunition depot in Markine, and a Bryansk train depot. The high-explosive ATACMS missiles caused significant damage, disrupting Russian logistics, air operations, and impacting their war effort. The combined effect of these attacks is anticipated to reduce Russian offensive capabilities and force a reallocation of resources.
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Three federal judges, all Democratic appointees with lifetime appointments, have rescinded their retirement plans, preventing President-elect Trump from filling their seats. This action directly counters Trump’s plans to appoint younger, more conservative judges. The judges’ decisions, while unprecedented in recent history, are viewed by some as a partisan maneuver to avoid Trump’s influence on the judiciary. Republican senators have strongly criticized these actions, while Democrats point to past Republican actions as equally partisan. The situation highlights the increasingly politicized nature of judicial appointments.
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An Arrow missile defense system intercepted a missile launched from Yemen over central Israel, triggering air raid sirens and a temporary halt to Ben Gurion Airport operations. Debris from the intercepted missile landed in Leshem and Beit Hanina, causing minor property damage but no injuries. The attack, coinciding with Prime Minister Netanyahu’s court testimony, prompted warnings of a strong Israeli response to the Iran-backed Houthi rebels responsible. Israeli officials are considering retaliatory action despite the logistical challenges, echoing similar threats made by Finance Minister Smotrich and countered by Houthi warnings of further escalation.
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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 the Republican impeachment inquiry. This felony plea, coupled with a separate tax evasion charge, carries a recommended sentence of four to six years. Smirnov’s false allegations, made in 2020, were investigated and dismissed by the FBI, yet fueled Republican congressional investigations. The case, prosecuted by Special Counsel David Weiss, highlights the damaging impact of unsubstantiated claims on political processes.
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Recent polls indicating high satisfaction with private health insurance fail to account for the reality of patients facing unaffordable care, as evidenced by Dr. Ed Weisbart’s experiences with patients unable to afford essential medications or treatments. The current for-profit system prioritizes profit over patient well-being, leading to claim denials and delays, particularly for expensive procedures. This system is further complicated by fragmented care, an inability to negotiate prices, and high administrative overhead, contributing to significantly higher costs compared to other developed nations. Ultimately, a move toward a single-payer system, while challenging politically, is seen as the most effective solution to address these systemic flaws and ensure access to quality healthcare for all Americans.
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Following a failed attempt to delay a nationwide ban, TikTok must be sold by its Chinese owner, ByteDance, by January 19th to remain operational in the US. A US court rejected TikTok’s emergency motion, leaving its only recourse as an appeal to the Supreme Court. The ban, driven by national security concerns regarding data collection, is supported by the Justice Department, while TikTok disputes these claims. Failure to secure a Supreme Court reversal will leave TikTok’s future dependent upon President Biden’s potential extension and then President-elect Trump’s ultimate decision.
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Scientists in Kenya have discovered the Kenyan lesser mealworm larva, a species of darkling beetle, capable of consuming polystyrene. This is the first African insect identified with this ability, offering a potential biological solution to plastic pollution. A month-long experiment showed larvae consuming polystyrene, with gut bacteria playing a crucial role in the process; these bacteria may be adaptable to consuming plastics. Further research will focus on isolating and scaling up the plastic-degrading enzymes for larger-scale applications, potentially revolutionizing waste management.
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John Q. Hosedrinker