Senator Mike Lee’s X posts, characterizing Social Security as a deceptive “tax plan,” were amplified by Elon Musk, raising concerns about potential cuts to the program. Lee’s assertions, which misrepresent Social Security’s history and functionality, are supported by right-wing talking points and contradict President Trump’s campaign promises. Advocacy groups strongly condemn these attacks, emphasizing Social Security’s consistent reliability and the negative impact of privatization efforts on beneficiaries. This coordinated effort threatens the financial security of millions of Americans reliant on the program.
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Representative Sean Casten’s resolution compels a House floor vote to mandate the release of the House Ethics Committee’s report on former Representative Matt Gaetz. This bipartisan committee previously deadlocked on releasing the report detailing allegations of sexual misconduct and drug use against Gaetz, who resigned from Congress before a decision was reached. The resolution cites precedent for releasing such reports on former members, countering the committee chairman’s assertion that Gaetz’s resignation should end the matter. Casten argues that releasing the report is crucial for accountability and maintaining the integrity of House proceedings.
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The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals largely upheld Idaho’s “abortion trafficking” law, reversing a lower court’s decision that had blocked its enforcement. While the court found the law’s prohibition on “recruiting” minors for abortions unconstitutionally broad, it upheld provisions against “harboring” and “transporting” them for abortions. The plaintiffs’ attorney expressed satisfaction with the partial block, emphasizing the protection of speech related to abortion care, while Idaho’s Attorney General celebrated the ruling as a victory for protecting the unborn. The case may proceed to the district court.
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A Frankfurt court overturned a lower court’s decision to dismiss charges against 100-year-old Gregor Formanek, a former Sachsenhausen concentration camp guard, for alleged complicity in the murder of 3,322 individuals. The lower court deemed Formanek unfit for trial due to his health, a finding the higher court rejected for lacking sufficient evidentiary basis. This decision follows a 2011 precedent establishing guilt for those who served within the Nazi killing machine, regardless of direct participation in killings. The case highlights Germany’s ongoing effort to prosecute remaining Nazi war criminals, despite increasing challenges posed by the advanced age and declining health of the accused.
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Early results from Romania’s parliamentary elections show the Social Democratic Party (PSD) in the lead, followed by the far-right AUR. However, experts caution that these initial results, which do not include diaspora votes, may be misleading. The outcome will significantly impact Romania’s pro-Western policies and support for Ukraine, with a potential coalition between the PSD and center-right parties seen as crucial to counter the rising far-right influence. Final results, including the significant diaspora vote, are expected on December 2nd or later.
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Early Tuesday morning, a Secret Service agent protecting Treasury Secretary Yellen’s residence discharged their firearm after a confrontation with occupants of a sedan attempting to open car doors on the street. The incident, currently under investigation by the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, resulted in the suspects fleeing the scene. No injuries were reported. The Secret Service is conducting an internal review.
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India is significantly reducing its reliance on Russian defense equipment, shifting towards Western suppliers like the US and France. This policy change, driven partly by the war in Ukraine, sees India prioritizing joint ventures and purchases of advanced technology, such as long-range drones and jet engines. While some joint projects with Russia remain, particularly in maintaining existing equipment, India’s defense modernization increasingly involves Western partners. This shift reflects Prime Minister Modi’s broader strategy of balancing relationships with both Russia and the West.
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Despite falling just short of a popular vote majority at 49.97%, President-elect Trump achieved his highest ever percentage in a presidential election, surpassing his previous totals from 2016 and 2020. This narrow margin underscores the nation’s deep political divisions, with the result representing only a marginal shift to the right. While Trump secured a decisive Electoral College victory, Republican gains in Congress were less substantial than anticipated. Lower than expected turnout in several states, coupled with reduced Democratic support for Harris compared to Biden in 2020, contributed to Trump’s improved popular vote showing.
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Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY) has been unanimously re-elected as Senate Democratic leader, a position he’s held since 2017. This unanimous vote also secured the entire Democratic leadership team for another term. Schumer reaffirmed his dedication to bipartisan cooperation while advocating for Democratic priorities. His continued leadership promises a focus on finding common ground and upholding party values.
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On *The Daily Show*, Jon Stewart criticized President Biden’s pardon of Hunter Biden, not for the pardon itself, but for the Democrats’ prior use of Biden’s promise *not* to pardon his son as a cornerstone of their “law and order” platform. Stewart argued this created a perception of hypocrisy and undermined public trust in the system. He urged Democrats to utilize legal loopholes and strategies, but to do so for the benefit of all citizens, not just those connected to powerful individuals. This inconsistency, Stewart contended, fuels the belief that the system is rigged.
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John Q. Hosedrinker