SpaceX has been awarded a Pentagon contract to upgrade 2,500 existing Starlink terminals in Ukraine to the enhanced Starshield security system, adding to the 500 already using it. This brings the total number of Starshield-equipped terminals to 3,000, bolstering Ukraine’s secure communication capabilities. The contract, signed in August 2024, aims to provide resilient internet connectivity through 2025. While the exact cost remains undisclosed, it follows a previous $40 million contract.
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In a recent NBC interview, President-elect Trump repeated several demonstrably false claims. These included the inaccurate assertion that the US is the only country with birthright citizenship, a claim previously debunked. He also falsely claimed that crime is at an all-time high, his tariffs cost Americans nothing, and that he “saved” Obamacare. Furthermore, Trump reiterated unfounded allegations regarding the 2020 election results and made unsubstantiated statements about migrants, the European Union, and Venezuela.
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Senator Sanders opposes the nearly $850 billion National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2025, citing the excessive military spending while many Americans face economic hardship. He highlights the potential for “disastrous misplaced power” within the military-industrial complex, echoing Eisenhower’s warnings. Sanders points to rampant fraud, waste, and cost overruns within the defense industry, citing examples of major contractors’ overcharging and fines. The NDAA’s passage remains uncertain, though opposition is expected less due to the budget size and more because of controversial provisions targeting transgender healthcare for minors.
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Judge Royce Lamberth sentenced Philip Grillo, a former congressional candidate, to 12 months imprisonment for his participation in the January 6th Capitol attack. Despite Grillo’s claims of a potential presidential pardon and attempts to delay sentencing, Lamberth emphasized the importance of upholding the rule of law and accountability for those who broke the law that day. The judge refuted misinformation surrounding the Jan. 6th prosecutions, stating that no one was prosecuted for protected speech, only for illegal actions. Lamberth’s sentencing underscored the judiciary’s commitment to justice, independent of political influence.
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A study using Texas criminal records from 2012-2018 found that undocumented immigrants had significantly lower arrest rates for violent, property, and drug crimes than U.S.-born citizens. Undocumented immigrants’ arrest rates were consistently less than half that of native-born citizens for most offenses. This research, enabled by Texas’s unique data collection practices, provides a more accurate picture of crime rates by immigration status than previous studies. The study also revealed no evidence suggesting an increase in crime committed by undocumented immigrants during the study period. Further research should examine the replicability of these findings in other jurisdictions.
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In a recent interview, Donald Trump stated his intention to pardon January 6th rioters and end birthright citizenship on his first day back in office. He plans to pursue the latter through executive action, despite its unconstitutionality under the 14th Amendment. Legal experts predict immediate and significant litigation should he attempt either action. Trump falsely claimed that the U.S. is the only country with birthright citizenship and that ending it is necessary.
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Five years after a devastating fire, Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris reopened with a ceremony attended by President Macron and numerous international dignitaries. The service included the consecration of a new altar and was followed by a public mass. Macron’s speech, delivered inside the cathedral due to inclement weather, praised the restoration efforts and highlighted the resilience of the French nation. Despite ongoing political turmoil in France, the reopening marked a significant moment of national unity and renewed hope.
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President-elect Trump’s appointment of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to lead Health and Human Services has sparked controversy due to Kennedy’s vocal anti-vaccine stance and promotion of the debunked link between autism and childhood vaccines. Despite overwhelming scientific evidence refuting this connection, Trump expressed a desire to investigate the issue, citing a perceived increase in autism diagnoses. This decision is a significant departure from previous statements and raises concerns about the potential erosion of public trust in vaccinations and the agency’s commitment to evidence-based public health policy. Trump maintains support for vaccines, but his statement indicates an openness to exploring this thoroughly discredited claim.
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Ousted Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, along with his family, has received asylum in Moscow, Russia, following the swift collapse of his regime after a rebel offensive. The rebels, having secured key cities like Homs and Damascus, including the presidential palace, celebrated widely while Assad’s whereabouts remained initially unknown. Russia’s actions came after negotiations with Syrian opposition leaders, guaranteeing the safety of Russian assets in the country. This event marks a significant turning point after 13 years of civil war in Syria.
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John Q. Hosedrinker