In a previously unannounced meeting in Paris on December 7th, Ukrainian President Zelensky met with U.S. President-elect Trump and French President Macron. The 35-minute discussion at the Elysee Palace focused on the situation in Ukraine and achieving a just peace, with Zelensky emphasizing the importance of a “peace through strength” approach. This trilateral meeting, occurring amidst the Notre Dame Cathedral reopening, marked Zelensky and Trump’s first in-person encounter since the U.S. election. Zelensky expressed gratitude for the “productive and meaningful” discussion and Trump’s resolute stance.
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A new $988 million military aid package for Ukraine, nearly halving the remaining Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative funds, was announced. This package, which includes drones and ammunition for HIMARS, prioritizes purchasing new weapons from industry rather than depleting U.S. stockpiles. The aid is being expedited before the incoming administration, due to concerns about the future of U.S. support for Ukraine under the new president. This action follows a previous $725 million package and builds on over $62 billion in total U.S. security assistance since the Russian invasion.
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Ellen Greenberg’s autopsy revealed eleven bruises, described as “in various stages of resolution,” suggesting infliction over time. An independent pathologist later deemed these bruises consistent with a repeated beating. Despite an initial homicide ruling, the medical examiner subsequently changed the cause of death to suicide, a decision disputed by Greenberg’s family. This ruling stemmed from the belief she was alone in a locked apartment, a claim contradicted by evidence suggesting otherwise. Ongoing lawsuits by the Greenberg family continue to challenge the official narrative and seek justice for their daughter.
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In a crucial North Carolina Supreme Court race, the Democratic Party is suing to prevent the Republican Party from discarding over 60,000 ballots. This action follows a recount affirming Democrat Justice Allison Riggs’s victory by a narrow margin, but Republicans are challenging the validity of numerous ballots. The GOP’s challenges, based on previously rejected legal arguments, target ballots cast by overseas citizens and those lacking specific identification information. The lawsuit seeks a federal court order to prevent the state elections board from invalidating these ballots, citing prior rulings that deemed similar challenges unlawful.
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Following the fatal shooting of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson in New York City, police discovered a backpack containing Monopoly money in Central Park. The backpack, believed to belong to the unidentified gunman, also held a jacket, though its connection to the crime remains unclear. Investigators are focusing on a potential bus route from Atlanta, where the suspect originated, and are reviewing security footage from bus stations along the way. Despite the ongoing investigation, including a $50,000 reward offered by the FBI, the gunman’s identity and motive remain unknown.
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President Biden’s pardon of his son, Hunter, was not an act of nepotism, but rather a necessary measure to prevent the weaponization of the justice system against the Biden family. Hunter’s prosecution, based on relatively minor gun and tax charges, was excessively harsh and politically motivated, exceeding what would typically be brought in similar circumstances. Republicans actively interfered in the initial plea deal, leading to more severe charges. The pardon aims to safeguard against future politically driven prosecutions under a potential Trump administration.
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Ukrainian naval drones, under the command of Vice-Admiral Oleksii Neizhpapa, successfully targeted and destroyed Russian surveillance systems on gas platforms in occupied Crimea on November 7th. This action follows a series of recent Ukrainian strikes on Crimean targets, including the destruction of radar stations and infrastructure in Sevastopol. These attacks demonstrate continued Ukrainian offensive capabilities in the Black Sea and represent a significant disruption to Russian operations in the region. The successful strikes underscore Ukraine’s commitment to reclaiming occupied territories.
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A motion to impeach South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol failed due to a ruling party boycott, resulting in an insufficient number of votes (195 out of the required 200). The national assembly speaker declared the vote invalid. Despite this setback, the opposition plans to introduce a new impeachment bill on December 11th, with a vote scheduled for December 14th. The ruling party, however, seeks a more “orderly” resolution to the crisis surrounding President Yoon’s controversial declaration of martial law.
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Rebel forces have made significant gains in southern Syria, encircling Damascus after capturing key towns like Sanamayn and Quneitra. Government forces have withdrawn from numerous areas in Daraa and Sweida provinces, with opposition forces now controlling over 90% of Daraa. This advance marks the rebels’ first presence on Damascus’ outskirts since 2018, prompting both denial from the Syrian defense ministry and reports of Syrian troops seeking refuge in Iraq. Simultaneously, rebel groups launched offensives in the north and east, capturing cities like Aleppo, Hama, and Palmyra, creating a complex and rapidly evolving situation.
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John Q. Hosedrinker