New data indicates a significant rise in layoffs under President Trump’s administration, with over 1.17 million job losses announced in 2025, a rate not seen since the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. November alone saw 71,321 job losses, representing a 24% increase compared to the previous year. This surge in terminations coincides with Trump’s global tariff campaign, which is thought to be a contributing factor. While there are some positive economic signs, such as a drop in unemployment applications, the trend has been a marked increase in job losses in key sectors, despite the administration’s claims of economic success and job creation.
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A recent study by Pesticide Action Network Europe (PAN) revealed widespread contamination of European cereal products with trifluoroacetic acid (TFA), a “forever chemical” produced when pesticides containing PFAS break down. Breakfast cereals were found to be the most contaminated food, with average concentrations far exceeding those in tap water. The study detected TFA in 81.5% of samples across various cereal-based products in 16 European countries. Experts are calling for an immediate ban on PFAS pesticides, as TFA poses risks to reproductive health and potentially other adverse effects, and governments do not currently monitor TFA in food.
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Russia’s Security Council chief warned that the European Union’s potential use of frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine could be interpreted as a justification for war. The European Commission has proposed a “Reparations Loan” for Ukraine, utilizing the cash from frozen Russian Central Bank assets held by European financial institutions, aiming to unlock approximately $105 billion. This proposal comes as a response to Russia’s continued lack of commitment to a sustainable peace, which has created a strain on Ukraine’s resources. Some EU members, particularly Belgium and Hungary, have raised concerns about the legal and financial implications of such a move, potentially creating barriers to implementation.
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Four unidentified drones were spotted near Dublin, Ireland, appearing to target Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s plane during his official visit, breaching a designated no-fly zone. Authorities are investigating the origin and purpose of the drones, which flew with their lights on, raising security concerns. The Irish Defense Forces confirmed their support of the security operation, which allowed Zelensky’s visit to proceed safely. The incident is part of a broader context of European nations experiencing drone incursions, potentially linked to hybrid warfare tactics.
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Justin Lee Fisher, a process server, was arrested on suspicion of trespassing on Travis Kelce’s property in Kansas, reportedly attempting to serve a subpoena to Taylor Swift on behalf of Blake Lively in a legal matter. Fisher has entered a year-long diversion program that, upon successful completion, will likely result in the dismissal of the trespass charge. Fisher, who was acting in his professional capacity, sought the diversion program to avoid a criminal conviction that could jeopardize his private investigator license. The defense lawyer, Christopher Scott, and Fisher appreciated the understanding of the city prosecutor in reaching this amicable resolution.
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Military attorneys initially suggested the second strike might be justified if survivors posed a threat. However, the available footage reportedly contradicted this, leaving little room for doubt about the situation. Representative Jim Himes described the killing of the distressed individuals as extremely troubling, emphasizing their inability to continue any mission. While a “kill them all” order was not given, the circumstances surrounding the strike remain highly concerning.
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In response to Senator Mark Kelly’s video reminding military personnel of their duty to disobey illegal orders, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth is attempting to recall the Senator back to active duty for a court-martial. The author contends that while Hegseth may be correct in questioning Kelly’s role in Congress, the real issue lies in Hegseth’s inadequacy for his position. The article argues that Kelly, with his extensive military and astronaut experience, would be a more suitable choice for Secretary of Defense than Hegseth, who is portrayed as lacking the necessary qualifications and displaying questionable behavior. Ultimately, the piece concludes that the current administration should seek a more qualified individual to fill the role of Secretary of Defense.
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The Wisconsin Supreme Court will directly hear a case brought by the ACLU on behalf of an immigrant rights group challenging the legality of local jails holding immigrant detainees at the request of federal authorities. The court, controlled 4-3 by liberal justices, will expedite the process, potentially reaching a final ruling by mid-2026. The lawsuit, filed against five county sheriffs, argues that honoring ICE detainers, which extend detention beyond state law requirements, constitutes illegal arrests. The ACLU contends that this practice, which has seen over 700 requests in the first seven months of the year, violates Wisconsin law, while the sheriffs maintain their actions are lawful within the existing framework.
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Finnish President Alexander Stubb alerted European leaders to potential parallel negotiations between U.S. negotiators and Russia while talks were ongoing with Ukraine in Florida. This warning followed meetings between U.S. envoys, including Jared Kushner, and Vladimir Putin in Moscow, raising concerns among European officials. During the discussion, Stubb noted Kushner’s claim that a deal was nearly complete but hinged on Ukraine ceding territory, a prospect Kyiv strongly opposed. European leaders voiced worries about a potential U.S.-led agreement that would exclude them and stressed the importance of enforceable security guarantees for Ukraine and European control over frozen Russian assets.
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Throughout the autumn of 2025, the Ukrainian Armed Forces conducted over 50 successful strikes on strategic Russian targets, including oil refineries and military facilities. These attacks, confirmed by experts, have been the most intense of the period, utilizing satellite imagery to map the damage to crucial sites. The strikes have begun to negatively impact the Russian economy, leading to fuel shortages in certain regions and reducing Russia’s military potential. Notable targets included the Saran Mechanical Plant and an oil terminal in Tuapse, prompting Russia to increase defense measures, although these efforts are believed to be weakening their overall combat capability.
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John Q. Hosedrinker