A Canadian-led NATO exercise in Latvia simulated a Russian attack, showcasing the expanded multinational brigade established there. Significant increases in equipment and personnel were observed since earlier this year, bolstering NATO’s eastern flank. While concerns exist regarding potential shifts in US involvement under President Trump, the troops’ focus remains on their NATO mandate. Canada’s commitment to Latvia, including expanded deployments and air defense systems, demonstrates a long-term presence in response to evolving security threats.
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A large-scale Ukrainian drone attack targeted the Krymsk military airfield in Russia’s Krasnodar Krai on Friday. Russian authorities reported intercepting and destroying dozens of drones, with some drone debris falling on residential areas, though no casualties were reported. The airfield, home to fighter jets and helicopters, is strategically located near the Ukrainian border. This attack follows recent tensions, including a previous incident involving a missing Russian fighter jet from the same base and a recent Russian attack on Kupiansk.
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Senate Majority Leader John Thune supports President-elect Trump’s new Department of Government Efficiency, led by Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, believing it will create a leaner, more efficient federal government. This initiative aims to cut waste, reduce regulations, and potentially relocate agencies outside Washington D.C., a move Thune supports, citing low in-person work rates among federal employees. However, concerns have been raised by the American Federation of Government Employees about potential cuts to vital social programs resulting from the initiative and proposed tax reductions. Thune also indicated openness to enabling Trump to utilize recess appointment authority to bypass Senate confirmation for certain nominees.
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As Oklahoma’s Superintendent of Education, I’ve established a new Department of Religious Freedom and Patriotism, mandating that all public schools show students a video announcement. This video promotes religious liberty and patriotism, includes a prayer mentioning President Trump, and states that participation is optional. However, the Attorney General has declared this mandate unenforceable, citing conflicts with parental rights and local control. This action follows my previous, legally challenged mandate to incorporate Bibles into school curricula, further highlighting my ongoing efforts to combat what I perceive as “woke ideology” in schools.
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My recent call with Chancellor Scholz regarding his conversation with Putin has raised serious concerns. This contact risks diminishing Russia’s isolation without achieving concrete results, potentially emboldening Putin and allowing him to avoid accountability. Such negotiations, reminiscent of past failures like the Minsk agreements, risk legitimizing Russia’s aggression and hindering a just peace. Ukraine will not accept any agreements that fail to address our territorial integrity and hold Russia accountable for its war crimes.
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President-elect Trump’s nomination of Tulsi Gabbard as Director of National Intelligence is facing significant opposition due to resurfaced reports of her ties to the Science of Identity Foundation (SIF), a controversial religious group described as a cult. Gabbard’s connections to SIF, including her husband’s involvement and her own past praise of its leader as a guru, have raised concerns about her suitability for the role. This, coupled with previous accusations of ties to a Russian spy, has led to strong condemnation from figures such as John Bolton, who deemed her the “worst cabinet-level appointment in history.” The Senate confirmation process is now expected to be highly contentious.
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Chancellor Scholz directly spoke with Putin, demanding a Russian troop withdrawal from Ukraine and a commitment to peace negotiations. While the Kremlin indicated a willingness to discuss, contingent upon acknowledging “new territorial realities,” Zelenskyy expressed skepticism, viewing the call as a Russian attempt to alleviate isolation and avoid meaningful concessions. Simultaneously, Hungarian Prime Minister Orbán advocated for the EU to lift sanctions against Russia, claiming they are economically damaging. This call occurred amidst Scholz’s domestic political challenges and follows a week of significant political developments.
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Pete Hegseth, Donald Trump’s nominee to lead the Department of Defense, was flagged as a potential insider threat by a fellow National Guard member due to a “Deus Vult” tattoo associated with white supremacist groups. This occurred despite Hegseth downplaying the role of military members in the January 6th attack and criticizing efforts to address extremism within the military. Hegseth’s nomination raises concerns given his past support for individuals accused of war crimes and his minimization of the January 6th insurrection. A fellow Guard member’s email to leadership specifically highlighted the tattoo as a potential threat, leading to Hegseth being pulled from the Biden inauguration detail.
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Two former Missouri law enforcement officers, Julian Alcala and David McKnight, face separate federal indictments for violating the Fourth Amendment rights of multiple women. Both men allegedly searched women’s phones during traffic stops, seizing explicit images under the guise of verifying insurance or identification. Alcala is charged with 20 counts of deprivation of rights and destroying evidence, while McKnight faces nine similar charges. The FBI investigated both cases, emphasizing the importance of reporting such encounters.
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Convincing evidence suggests Russia has established a drone factory in China’s Xinjiang province, producing lethal drones for use in the Ukraine war. This alleged operation, involving a sanctioned Russian arms company and possibly local specialists, raises serious concerns about China’s commitment to its stated neutrality. While the EU lacks definitive proof regarding production levels, drone shipment, and Chinese government awareness, the situation is considered a significant escalation, potentially prompting further sanctions against China. The EU is actively seeking clarification from Beijing, emphasizing the critical role China plays in supporting Russia’s war effort.
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John Q. Hosedrinker