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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A federal jury has awarded $42 million to three Iraqi men who were tortured at Abu Ghraib prison, holding CACI Premier Technology Inc. accountable for its role in the abuse. The plaintiffs, who endured humiliation, beatings, and psychological torture, alleged that CACI, hired to provide interrogation services at the facility, breached international law by deploying guards who inflicted the abuse. This landmark ruling, the first time survivors of the US government’s “post-9/11 torture regime” testified in court, represents a significant victory for the plaintiffs and serves as a warning to companies that participate in such practices.
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In the tragic case of baby Onyxx Cooley, who died unexpectedly at 10 weeks old, the elected coroner of Bonneville County, Idaho, failed to conduct a thorough investigation, despite national guidelines recommending a full autopsy, scene investigation, and interviews with caregivers. The coroner, Rick Taylor, opted for a “paperwork autopsy,” choosing to accept the ER doctor’s initial diagnosis of SIDS without further investigation, citing Idaho’s lack of legal requirements for following national standards. This lack of thoroughness leaves the cause of Onyxx’s death unanswered and highlights the systemic issues within Idaho’s coroner system, where the state has the nation’s lowest autopsy rate for unexplained child deaths.
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Just Eat Takeaway, the European meal delivery giant, is selling its US subsidiary Grubhub to Wonder, a restaurant chain led by former Walmart executive Marc Lore, for $650 million. This divestiture comes four years after Just Eat acquired Grubhub for $7.3 billion, seeking to expand its reach into the lucrative US market. The sale marks a retreat for Just Eat, which faced pressure from investors following the decline in pandemic-fueled food delivery demand. Just Eat believes the deal will accelerate its growth and provide Grubhub with a suitable future under Wonder’s leadership. The transaction is expected to close in early 2025, subject to regulatory approval.
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Body camera footage from a recent traffic stop in Oklahoma City shows an officer taking a 71-year-old driver, Lich Vu, to the ground and handcuffing him after an argument over a citation. The incident resulted in Mr. Vu sustaining serious injuries, including a skull fracture, leading to his hospitalization. The officer, who remains unidentified, has been placed on administrative leave pending an investigation, and the incident will be presented to the Oklahoma County District Attorney’s Office for review. Thuan Nguyen, president of the Vietnamese American Community of Oklahoma, has expressed concern about the officer’s use of force, calling it excessive and demanding accountability.
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A Canadian teenager is in critical condition with suspected bird flu, marking the first known human case of the virus acquired in Canada. The teen, who experienced red eyes, fever, and cough, has progressed to acute respiratory distress syndrome. While the source of infection remains unknown, officials are investigating potential exposures to birds and other animals. Although the public health risk is considered low, the case underscores the seriousness of H5N1 and the need for continued vigilance in preventing further spread.
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American live-streamer Johnny Somali, known for his offensive stunts abroad, has been indicted by South Korean authorities for causing a disturbance at a convenience store. Somali, who has been banned from multiple social media platforms, will face trial in South Korea and is currently banned from leaving the country. His actions, which have included desecrating monuments and harassing locals, have sparked outrage in South Korea, particularly his behavior around the Statue of Peace, which commemorates Korean women forced into sexual slavery during World War II. While Somali has apologized for his actions, he remains a controversial figure known for his disruptive behavior in South Korea and Japan.
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Huangting Gong, 30, has been charged with murder, kidnapping, arson, and burglary in connection with the deaths of Jing Li and Kuanlun Wang. Gong allegedly owed the couple $80,000 and is accused of killing them in the Southern California desert on October 12th. Following the murders, Gong is accused of stealing $250,000 worth of luxury items from the couple’s home. He was arrested on November 5th and is being held without bail, facing a possible life sentence without parole if convicted. The charges include “special circumstances” enhancements due to the brutality of the crimes, which involved shooting both victims, burning their bodies, and burning their vehicles.
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KFC has filed a lawsuit against Church’s Texas Chicken for trademark infringement, claiming their competitor’s use of the phrase “Original Recipe” in advertising dilutes KFC’s iconic branding. The lawsuit, filed in a Texas federal court, argues that Church’s recent adoption of the phrase, which KFC has used for over 50 years, is likely to confuse consumers and damage KFC’s brand identity. KFC asserts its “Original Recipe” trademark is a crucial part of its brand and a closely guarded secret, emphasizing the importance of protecting its intellectual property and customer experience.
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John Q. Hosedrinker