Following an initial strike on a suspected drug vessel in the Caribbean on September 2, the US military conducted a follow-up strike after assessing there were survivors. This second attack resulted in the deaths of the remaining crew, bringing the total death toll to 11 and sinking the ship. The administration has since faced scrutiny, as the President announced the strike, but has never publicly acknowledged killing survivors. Legal experts and members of Congress have raised concerns, with some arguing the strikes violate the law of armed conflict by executing individuals who are “hors de combat.” This has led to the UK ceasing intelligence sharing with the US due to concerns over the legality of these actions.
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In a span of two days, Peru witnessed the jailing of two former presidents. Pedro Castillo, the former left-wing leader, received an 11-year sentence for attempting to dissolve Congress and rule by decree in 2022. The Supreme Court found him guilty of “conspiracy to commit rebellion.” This follows the 14-year prison sentence given to Martín Vizcarra a day prior. Vizcarra was convicted of taking bribes while governor of the Moquegua region between 2011 and 2014, a conviction which he denies.
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The Tennessee Court of Workers’ Compensation Claims ruled in favor of Erin Moore, an Amazon employee who sustained a shoulder injury while working. Despite reporting the injury, Moore faced difficulties in obtaining necessary medical care and having her injury recognized as work-related. The court ordered Amazon to provide past and ongoing benefits, including medical treatment and temporary disability payments. Furthermore, the court referred the case to the Bureau’s Compliance Program for potential penalties against Amazon due to the company’s handling of the claim.
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The “Mar-a-Lago face,” characterized by inflated lips, immobile brows, and sculpted contours, is gaining prominence among right-wing figures in Washington. This hyper-polished aesthetic, often compared to Real Housewives stars, is prevalent among the conservative elite who have moved to the capital since Donald Trump’s second inauguration. The Guardian notes that these features include puffy lips, frozen brows, and taut necks. Plastic surgeons suggest that this look, named after Trump’s private club, is sought after to broadcast artifice rather than refinement.
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Trump says airspace above and surrounding Venezuela to be closed in its entirety, and the immediate reaction is a mix of disbelief, anger, and concern. Many are questioning the legality and the motives behind such a drastic move, especially given the historical context of the “America First” rhetoric. There’s a palpable sense of betrayal, with accusations that the former president is abandoning his promises and potentially dragging the country into another protracted and costly conflict. The question on everyone’s mind seems to be: why now, and why Venezuela?
The action is seen as a potential “act of war,” or a prelude to one, under US law, drawing attention to the potential implications of armed conflict.… Continue reading
Quebec is enacting a new law, Bill 9, to further restrict public displays of religion, including banning prayer in public institutions and on public roads, with fines for violations. This builds upon the controversial Bill 21, expanding restrictions on religious symbols in public sector workplaces to include daycares, colleges, universities, and private schools. The government argues the law is part of its secularization efforts and applies equally to all, however, critics, including religious groups and organizations, condemn the bill, and some are claiming it is discriminatory. The legislation invokes the notwithstanding clause, protecting it from challenges under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, and the Supreme Court of Canada is expected to review the legal challenges to this clause.
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On November 28th, Ukrainian Sea Baby naval drones successfully targeted two sanctioned Russian oil tankers, Kairos and Virat, off the coast of Turkey in the Black Sea. The strikes disabled vessels linked to the Kremlin’s shadow fleet, which is known for evading international sanctions by transporting Russian oil. Both tankers, en route to a Russian port, were empty at the time of the attack. The operation, a joint effort with the Ukrainian Navy, delivered a significant blow to Russia’s oil transportation capabilities.
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Since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, verified Russian military deaths have reached at least 152,142, according to BBC Russian and Mediazona. This count is based on open-source reports and only includes Russian citizens, excluding fighters from the Donetsk and Luhansk republics. Regions like Bashkortostan, Tatarstan, and the Sverdlovsk region have recorded the highest numbers of confirmed fatalities. Furthermore, losses disproportionately affect residents of small towns and rural areas, and casualty levels appear to correlate with local budget reliance on federal subsidies.
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Leaked applications for the Heritage Foundation’s Project 2025 initiative reveal that several individuals seeking roles in a potential Trump administration cited influences from Nazi political theorists and other far-right figures. The applications, sourced from a database breach, showcase the convergence of Republicans and the far-right, including applications from members of nativist and antisemitic groups. Several applicants expressed admiration for Carl Schmitt, a political theorist with ties to the Nazi regime, and Nayib Bukele, the authoritarian president of El Salvador. The applications also highlighted influences from prominent white nationalists and other fringe figures, raising concerns about the ideological leanings of potential appointees.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood