House Oversight Committee members sharply criticized Postmaster General Louis DeJoy for persistent delivery and theft issues, budget shortfalls, and his self-assessment of an “A” for on-time delivery. DeJoy, facing accusations of destroying public confidence and bankrupting the postal service, attempted to deflect blame onto Congress while simultaneously expressing regret for past actions and claims. He cited a ten-year, $40 billion overhaul currently underway, including the introduction of new electric delivery vehicles, despite mixed results thus far. A tense exchange with Rep. McCormick culminated in DeJoy covering his ears to block criticism.
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Following a failed suicide attempt, former South Korean Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun was arrested for his role in President Yoon Suk Yeol’s controversial declaration of martial law. Simultaneously, police raided Yoon’s office as part of an intensifying investigation into the events, which included the deployment of troops to the National Assembly. The opposition party plans another impeachment vote against Yoon, whose actions have severely damaged South Korea’s political stability and international standing. The ongoing investigation centers on whether Yoon and others committed rebellion, potentially leading to his removal from office and a new presidential election.
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A last-minute amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) would eliminate TRICARE coverage for gender-affirming care for transgender children of military families. This provision, deceptively framed as preventing sterilization, targets medically necessary care like puberty blockers and hormone therapy, not surgeries which are rarely performed on minors. The amendment has drawn sharp criticism from LGBTQ+ advocacy groups and some Democrats, who argue it jeopardizes the well-being of military families and recruitment efforts. The fate of the provision hinges on a potential Democratic-Republican coalition to remove it from the bill.
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Following a dinner with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, where the topic of Canada’s potential statehood was raised as a joke, President-elect Trump repeatedly reiterated the idea across various media platforms. This included social media posts referencing Canada as a state and Trudeau as “governor,” alongside a television interview where he incorrectly linked US trade deficits with “subsidies” justifying annexation. Trump’s assertions are based on fundamentally flawed understandings of trade deficits and subsidies. His continued public pronouncements on the matter, despite their factual inaccuracies, indicate a low likelihood of the issue ceasing to be a point of discussion.
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The Biden administration is exploring stricter sanctions on Russia’s oil industry to further cripple its war effort, a move previously resisted due to potential energy price increases. These new measures, currently under development, could involve limitations on certain Russian oil exports. This shift in strategy comes amidst falling global oil prices and concerns about a potential Trump administration pursuing a swift resolution to the conflict in Ukraine, potentially unfavorable to the country. The administration is now willing to risk higher energy costs to counter these threats.
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A bankruptcy judge rejected The Onion’s parent company, Global Tetrahedron’s, winning bid for Alex Jones’ Infowars, citing an insufficient bid and lack of transparency in the auction process. The judge ruled that the $1.75 million cash bid, combined with creditor concessions valued at $7 million, was less favorable than a rival bid of $3.5 million in cash. The decision leaves the future of Infowars uncertain, with the possibility of a new auction to determine the buyer of Jones’ assets, which are being sold to satisfy a $1.2 billion judgment. The judge did not fault the trustee, but criticized the process as insufficient in ensuring a maximized sale.
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Transnistria’s leader, Vadim Krasnoselsky, declared a 30-day economic state of emergency due to potential Russian gas supply disruptions stemming from the impending expiration of the Russia-Ukraine gas transit contract. The emergency measures include energy conservation and restrictions on exports and financial activities. This action follows Ukraine’s refusal to renew the contract, despite Russia’s stated willingness to continue deliveries, creating uncertainty about future gas transit routes. The potential cessation of transit through Ukraine poses significant financial risks to Russia, impacting Gazprom and significantly reducing already diminished gas flows.
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On December 10th, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell fell at the Capitol after a Republican luncheon. Following the fall, Senator McConnell, reportedly accompanied by Senator Barrasso and a medical team, returned to his office. Fellow Senator Thune later confirmed McConnell was fine and back in his office. This incident follows previous episodes of McConnell freezing during press conferences, raising renewed concerns about his health. The Senator himself has previously stated he is fully recovered from a concussion suffered earlier in the year.
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Luigi Mangione, arrested in Pennsylvania for the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, vehemently protested his extradition to New York during a hearing where bail was denied. Facing second-degree murder and weapons charges in both states, Mangione’s attorney plans to challenge the detention and plead not guilty. New York Governor Kathy Hochul will issue a governor’s warrant to facilitate extradition, while Pennsylvania authorities intend to prioritize New York’s prosecution. The investigation is exploring potential links between Mangione’s chronic back problems and a possible motive.
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Hope Walz, daughter of Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, criticized Joe Rogan on social media, stating that following Rogan on Instagram is a “red flag” for potential romantic partners. This follows Rogan’s recent endorsement of Donald Trump, based on his accusations that Governor Walz had lied about his military record and presence at the Tiananmen Square massacre. Rogan’s podcast, known for its broad reach and controversial content, subsequently highlighted Walz’s comments. Walz’s criticism reflects a broader concern about Rogan’s dissemination of misinformation and questionable statements.
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John Q. Hosedrinker