The EPA has finalized a ban on the cancer-causing chemicals Trichloroethylene (TCE) and Perchloroethylene (PCE) under the 2016 Toxic Substances Control Act. This action, aligned with President Biden’s Cancer Moonshot initiative, prohibits all uses of TCE and most consumer and commercial uses of PCE. Stringent worker protections will accompany any remaining industrial uses of these chemicals. The ban reflects the administration’s commitment to reducing cancer deaths and prioritizes safer alternatives where available.
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Explosions rocked a Russian ammunition depot in Yenakiieve, Donetsk Oblast, prompting an evacuation order from Russian-installed authorities. Eyewitnesses and videos confirm significant detonations at the facility, reportedly located near a military training site and residential areas. The depot, described as containing a large quantity of ammunition, serves as a key Russian logistics center. This attack highlights the vulnerability of Russian supply lines and military infrastructure within occupied territories.
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A generational shift is underway within the House Democratic caucus, as younger members challenge senior colleagues for powerful committee leadership positions. This challenge to the long-standing practice of seniority is fueled by the 2024 election results and simmering tensions from previous leadership. Several high-profile races, including those for Oversight and Judiciary Committee leadership, exemplify this trend, with younger members successfully ousting or challenging more senior incumbents. While some argue for the value of seniority and institutional knowledge, others emphasize the need for change and new perspectives within the party. The outcome of these races will significantly impact the future of leadership within the House Democrats.
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President Biden designated the Carlisle Federal Indian Boarding School National Monument, acknowledging the forced assimilation policies that led to the abuse of thousands of Native American children at this and similar institutions. The monument, located on the former school grounds in Pennsylvania, aims to confront this “dark chapter” in American history and honor the resilience of Indigenous tribes. The school, operating from 1879 to 1918, served as a model for a nationwide network of boarding schools, resulting in the deaths of hundreds of children. This designation is a significant step towards understanding and addressing the lasting trauma caused by these government-backed policies.
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President Zelensky rejected US suggestions to lower Ukraine’s draft age, prioritizing the provision of advanced weaponry and training for existing forces over expanding the pool of recruits. He emphasized the need to enhance the capabilities of current soldiers rather than deploying inexperienced younger personnel. Zelensky’s stance underscores the belief that superior equipment and training are more effective than increasing troop numbers. He instead urged the US to focus on weakening Russia’s military capabilities.
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President Zelensky stated that Ukraine may consider Macron’s proposal for foreign peacekeepers, contingent upon a clear NATO membership timeline. He plans to discuss a NATO invitation with President Biden, emphasizing that NATO membership is crucial for a lasting peace. While acknowledging the challenges of immediate membership, Zelensky reiterated Ukraine’s desire for a diplomatic end to the war, but only through strength and continued military support. This includes securing advanced weaponry to pressure Russia into peace negotiations.
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Despite President-elect Trump’s public assertion that Social Security will remain untouched, statements from his allies and his own past actions contradict this claim. Key figures like Musk and Ramaswamy have indicated openness to cuts, while Trump himself previously suggested and even proposed budget cuts to the program. This contrasts sharply with widespread public support for Social Security and opposition to benefit reductions. The ultimate fate of Social Security under the Trump administration remains uncertain.
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Luigi Mangione, a 26-year-old from a wealthy Baltimore family, was arrested in Pennsylvania and charged with the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. His arrest followed a several-day manhunt after he was reported missing by his family in November, a disappearance attributed to his withdrawal from social contact following back surgery for a chronic condition. Mangione, who had documented his severe back pain online, pleaded not guilty to charges including murder, weapon possession, and possession of a silencer. He is currently awaiting extradition to New York.
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At least 184 people were killed in Cité Soleil, Port-au-Prince, over the weekend, bringing the year’s death toll to an estimated 5,000. A gang leader, blaming Vodou practitioners for his son’s illness, orchestrated a massacre targeting elderly individuals and Vodou followers. The violence, which included mutilation and burning of bodies, highlights the escalating gang control in Haiti, exacerbated by political instability and the ongoing presence of armed groups. This incident adds to the existing humanitarian crisis, with over 700,000 Haitians internally displaced.
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Following President-elect Trump’s call for the January 6th committee members’ imprisonment, Sen.-elect Adam Schiff defended the committee’s work on MSNBC’s *Morning Joe*. Schiff rejected Trump’s accusations, asserting the committee acted appropriately. He emphasized his pride in the committee’s findings and upcoming Senate swearing-in ceremony on December 9th, 2024. The interview covered both the political fallout from the January 6th investigation and Schiff’s transition to the Senate.
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John Q. Hosedrinker