Since the recent US election, Bluesky, a decentralized social media platform, has seen a surge in user growth, gaining over 1.25 million users in just a week. This influx appears to be driven by users migrating from X (formerly Twitter) who are unhappy with owner Elon Musk’s political leanings and changes to the platform. Many perceive Bluesky as a more welcoming alternative for those with progressive views, offering greater user control and a less hostile environment. While it remains to be seen if Bluesky can sustain its momentum, the shift reflects a growing trend of users seeking platforms that align with their political and social beliefs, leading to a potential fragmentation of online discourse.
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The family of Bobby Smallwood, a security guard fatally shot while protecting a maternity ward at Legacy Good Samaritan Hospital, is suing the facility for $35 million. The lawsuit alleges that the hospital ignored multiple reports of threats and violent behavior from the shooter, PoniaX Calles, in the days leading up to the incident. Despite clear violations of the hospital’s workplace violence policy, administrators failed to remove Calles, ultimately leading to Smallwood’s preventable death. The family seeks justice and accountability for the hospital’s negligence, stating that they will not stop fighting until Legacy is held fully responsible for the loss of their son.
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Senator Susan Collins expressed shock and skepticism regarding President-elect Trump’s nomination of Representative Matt Gaetz for Attorney General. Collins, a Republican senator from Maine, highlighted the importance of the Senate’s advice and consent process, suggesting that Gaetz’s nomination would face intense scrutiny due to his controversial past and ongoing investigations. She also voiced doubts about Gaetz’s ability to secure confirmation, echoing concerns shared by other Republican senators, including Lisa Murkowski and Thom Tillis. Collins’ comments underscore the potential for significant challenges to Gaetz’s nomination within the Senate, especially given the complexities surrounding his past actions and the potential for a heated confirmation process.
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The Iranian government has established a mental health clinic in Tehran specifically to “treat” women who choose not to wear the hijab. The clinic, called the “Clinic for Quitting Hijab Removal,” is part of a larger effort to suppress dissent and reinforce Islamic dress codes. The center will be overseen by the Headquarters for Enjoining the Good and Forbidding the Evil, a government body responsible for enforcing strict religious standards. This initiative is the latest in a series of measures aimed at controlling women’s appearance and silencing their voices, including surveillance, stricter morality police presence, and bans on unveiled women in public spaces.
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Jose Zamora, a 14-year-old freshman at Santa Clara High School, took his own life after enduring relentless bullying from his football teammates. His father, Jose Bautista, revealed that Zamora was targeted for being homeless and lacking a mother, suffering physical abuse and verbal harassment. Bautista is calling for accountability from the school district and seeks to raise awareness about the tragic consequences of bullying, hoping to prevent similar tragedies from occurring. The Santa Clara Police Department and the school district are actively investigating Zamora’s death.
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While President Trump has repeatedly joked about serving more than two terms, his comments are lighthearted and not serious political pronouncements. Despite past quips about potentially running again in 2028, he has previously stated his intention to serve only one term, leaving office after his second term. Notably, he has also expressed his opposition to amending the Constitution to remove the two-term limit, indicating that he respects the constitutional framework surrounding presidential terms.
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President-elect Donald Trump has announced the creation of a new “Department of Government Efficiency,” to be led by billionaire Elon Musk and entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy. The office will focus on eliminating waste and fraud in government spending, with Musk and Ramaswamy acting as advisors to the White House and the Office of Budget & Management. While Congress holds the power to create federal agencies, the President-elect could also appoint the duo under the Federal Advisory Committees Act, allowing them to remain advisors outside of the traditional federal employee structure. This new department, with its focus on transparency and efficiency, is intended to be a major initiative aimed at reforming government spending and operations.
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President-elect Trump’s selection of Pete Hegseth for Secretary of Defense, along with other national security appointments, signals a significant shift in US foreign policy. Senior military commanders express concern that this “America First” approach, prioritizing deals over alliances, could weaken the US-led global order and jeopardize security commitments to allies like Ukraine and Taiwan. Trump’s transactional worldview, viewing adversaries and allies as equally negotiable, may lead to instability and a new nuclear arms race. This approach, harkening back to pre-World War II isolationism, could have dire consequences in a world increasingly interconnected by global challenges like climate change and cyber threats.
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South Dakota Senator John Thune has been elected as the new Senate Republican leader, succeeding Mitch McConnell after 18 years. Thune, who served as the current minority whip, won a secret ballot election against Florida Senator Rick Scott and Texas Senator John Cornyn, securing the leadership role for the next two years. While Scott, backed by several prominent Trump supporters, was seen as a more hard-line conservative, Thune’s victory signals a preference for a seasoned party leader with close ties to the Republican establishment. As Senate majority leader, Thune will guide the Republican agenda in the chamber, influencing legislative business, confirming presidential appointments, and serving as the party’s chief spokesperson.
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Delhi is currently experiencing a severe air pollution crisis, with levels reaching 30-35 times the WHO safe limit. This annual winter phenomenon, caused by factors such as crop burning, vehicular emissions, and low wind speed, has reached alarming levels this year, with AQI readings hitting 500 in several areas, including Delhi, Noida, and Gurgaon. The smog is so thick that it is visible from space, impacting flight operations and causing widespread health issues, with over 81% of families reporting at least one member suffering from pollution-related ailments. Despite the Delhi government’s efforts to combat pollution, including the implementation of the Graded Response Action Plan, the situation remains critical, highlighting the urgent need for stricter environmental regulations and a comprehensive approach to tackling this growing public health concern.
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John Q. Hosedrinker