Tulsi Gabbard’s nomination for national intelligence director faces significant opposition due to her past expressions of sympathy for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, including a 2017 meeting with him. Senators have raised concerns about her apparent affinity for Assad and Vladimir Putin, as well as her support for whistleblowers Edward Snowden and Julian Assange. Gabbard has consistently justified her stance by emphasizing the threat posed by Islamic militants in the Syrian civil war and arguing against US intervention, claiming such actions would worsen the situation. Despite Assad’s recent ouster, Gabbard now aligns her views with President Trump’s stance of non-intervention in Syria.
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David Hogg, a Parkland shooting survivor and advocate, is vying for a Democratic National Committee vice-chair position. He contends the party needs bolder, anti-establishment leadership to recapture young voters who shifted rightward in the 2024 elections. Hogg criticizes the party’s lack of accountability for election losses and believes a fresh perspective is crucial to addressing voters’ economic concerns and distrust of established institutions. He aims to bring a “winner’s mentality” to the DNC, emphasizing the need for substantial reform and a stronger connection with working Americans.
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Joint FBI and DHS investigations into numerous drone sightings near sensitive locations in New Jersey have revealed that many reports were misidentified manned aircraft. Authorities have found no evidence of illegal activity, malicious intent, or foreign involvement. While the drones observed were larger than typical hobbyist models, investigations concluded there is no current national security or public safety threat. Despite this, discussions regarding enhanced US airspace defenses, potentially including drone-specific countermeasures, are ongoing.
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Between 2018 and 2019, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad secretly transferred approximately $250 million in cash to Moscow via 21 flights, circumventing Western sanctions imposed during the Syrian Civil War. This money, transported in bulk currency, was deposited in the sanctioned Russian Financial Corporation Bank, controlled by Rosoboronexport. The transfers coincided with increased Russian military support for Assad’s regime and a period of lavish spending by the Assad family on luxury Moscow properties. These actions highlight Assad’s efforts to safeguard assets amidst the conflict and ongoing international pressure.
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A federal court’s overturning of the Biden administration’s overtime rule resulted in pay raises being rescinded for 306 Ohio State University employees. The rule, which would have extended overtime pay to millions of salaried workers, was deemed to exceed the Labor Department’s authority due to its high salary threshold and automatic updates. Consequently, Ohio State retracted the recently implemented raises, citing the legal reversal. This situation mirrors a similar event in 2016, highlighting the ongoing debate and legal challenges surrounding overtime regulations.
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Walt Disney Co. settled a class-action lawsuit for $233 million, resolving claims of wage theft from over 50,000 current and former Disneyland employees. The settlement includes approximately $105 million in back pay owed since 2019, when Anaheim’s minimum wage law took effect, and additional penalties. The lawsuit alleged Disney violated the law by not adjusting wages accordingly, a claim initially dismissed but later overturned. A judge will review the settlement on January 17th, after which affected workers will receive notification of their payout.
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Due to an outstanding International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant, President Vladimir Putin will not be invited to the next G20 summit in 2025. This decision reflects the unchanged legal situation since the BRICS summit, where South Africa, as host and signatory to the Rome Statute, was similarly unable to accommodate him. The ICC warrant, issued in March 2023 for alleged war crimes, restricts Putin’s travel to countries that are not ICC members or that have not signed the Rome Statute. This situation necessitates careful consideration of travel destinations for the Russian leader.
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Despite President-elect Trump’s campaign promise to prioritize American workers, his businesses have significantly increased their reliance on foreign guest workers, with 209 approvals this year alone—nearly double the number a decade ago. This surge in H-2B visa usage, across various Trump properties and businesses linked to his administration picks, contrasts sharply with some of his allies’ calls to curtail such programs. While some argue these programs are necessary to fill seasonal jobs, others contend they undermine American workers’ bargaining power. The Trump Organization’s actions highlight a disconnect between stated policy and business practices.
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Cyclone Chido’s impact on the island has left residents, including midwife Amalia Mazon, facing critical shortages of electricity, clean water, and communication. While initially sheltering in place, the post-cyclone situation is characterized by widespread damage and a lack of essential resources. Ms. Mazon expresses deep concern over the lack of aid and the overwhelming needs of the affected population. The absence of organized assistance leaves many feeling abandoned and uncertain about future support.
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John Q. Hosedrinker