The revelation that a DOGE staffer, known only as “Big Balls,” allegedly provided technical support to a cybercrime ring is deeply disturbing. This isn’t just a case of a rogue employee; it points to a potentially systemic problem within the organization and, more broadly, within government cybersecurity. The casual way this is being discussed suggests a level of normalization that should be deeply concerning.
The sheer audacity of this situation is striking. The fact that someone with such a potentially compromising history—and with a nickname that itself highlights a lack of seriousness—was given access to sensitive systems is appalling. It raises serious questions about the background check procedures in place, or rather, the glaring lack thereof.… Continue reading
In a Newsmax interview, Trump speculated that Russia may be stalling in the Ukraine conflict, drawing parallels to his own past business tactics. Following recent peace talks in Riyadh, a purported Black Sea ceasefire was announced, contingent upon US sanctions relief according to the Kremlin, a condition omitted from the White House statement. A previously brokered agreement to halt infrastructure strikes was swiftly broken by Russia. These events highlight the volatile nature of ongoing peace negotiations and the discrepancies in reporting between involved parties.
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Hundreds of Palestinians in northern Gaza staged large-scale protests against Hamas, demanding an end to the ongoing conflict with Israel. Demonstrators chanted anti-Hamas slogans and carried banners expressing their desire for peace, marking the largest such demonstration since the October 7th attacks. Reports indicate that Hamas security forces attempted to quell the protests, which also spread to other areas like Jabaliya, where residents burned tires and demanded an end to the violence and alleviation of severe food shortages. The protests reflect widespread exhaustion and trauma among Gaza’s residents amid the protracted conflict.
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In early 2022, Raiffeisen Bank International, Brink’s, and Bank of America facilitated the transfer of over $12 billion in cash to Russia before the Ukraine invasion. The majority of this currency, primarily USD, EUR, and CHF, was delivered to the sanctioned Russian company TBSS, with RBI handling the lion’s share. This influx, peaking in the weeks before the invasion, significantly exceeded previous years’ averages and occurred amidst escalating geopolitical tensions and anticipated sanctions. While no laws were broken at the time of transfer, the timing raises concerns given subsequent export bans and the widespread awareness of impending conflict.
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Russia has ‘seized the upper hand’ in the Ukraine war, according to a recent warning from the intelligence community. This assessment, however, is met with considerable skepticism, given the context in which it’s presented and the current state of the conflict.
The claim itself raises significant questions. The assertion suggests a significant shift in the balance of power on the battlefield, but the extent and nature of this “upper hand” remain unclear. While some might point to recent Russian offensives or territorial gains as evidence, others would argue these advances are incremental and costly, achieved at an unsustainable price. The conflict has been characterized by prolonged stalemates and shifting front lines, making a definitive declaration of one side gaining a decisive advantage difficult to justify.… Continue reading
American Oversight sued Pete Hegseth and other Trump administration officials for violating the Federal Records Act. The lawsuit stems from a journalist’s inadvertent inclusion in a Signal group chat containing discussions of U.S. war plans, including details regarding a Yemen strike, allegedly shared by Hegseth. The chat employed an auto-delete feature, further complicating record-keeping compliance. The lawsuit argues that the officials’ actions were reckless and endangered national security, citing a recent Pentagon warning about Signal’s vulnerability to hacking. The White House is currently investigating the matter.
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President Trump’s new executive order, imposing a proof-of-citizenship requirement for voter registration and threatening penalties for states counting late ballots, has sparked immediate backlash from Democrats and voting rights advocates. Legal experts deem the order unlawful, an abuse of executive power potentially disenfranchising millions of voters, and a blatant attempt to reshape election administration. The ACLU and other prominent legal groups have pledged to challenge the order in court, anticipating extensive legal battles. Critics argue the order is an unconstitutional power grab designed to undermine the 2026 midterm elections.
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Vitamin A, a nutrient crucial for various bodily functions, has been touted by some, including Robert F. Kennedy Jr., as a remedy for measles. However, this claim needs careful consideration, as excessive vitamin A intake can lead to severe health consequences, especially in children. The Mayo Clinic clearly outlines the dangers of exceeding recommended vitamin A levels, listing symptoms ranging from nausea and vomiting to potentially life-threatening conditions like liver damage and bone thinning. High doses can even cause birth defects if ingested during pregnancy, highlighting the serious risk associated with self-treating with this vitamin.
The promotion of high-dose vitamin A as a measles treatment is particularly concerning given the lack of evidence supporting its efficacy in regions with adequate vitamin A intake, such as the United States.… Continue reading
BYD, Tesla’s Chinese competitor, significantly outperformed Tesla in 2024, reporting a 73 per cent surge in fourth-quarter profit and exceeding $100 billion USD in annual revenue—surpassing Tesla’s nearly $97.7 billion USD. This success was driven by a 40 per cent jump in sales of battery electric and hybrid vehicles, totaling approximately 4.3 million units. BYD’s recent launch of the Qin L EV sedan, a lower-priced alternative to Tesla’s Model 3, further strengthens its competitive position. The company also announced a new super-fast EV charging system.
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Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe condemned a U.S. plan to restore Russia’s fertilizer exports, deeming it funding for the war in Ukraine. This action, he stated, has significantly altered Saskatchewan’s view of the U.S., prompting consideration of reduced dependence. NDP Leader Carla Beck criticized Moe’s previous inaction and highlighted the potential devastating impact on Saskatchewan’s potash industry from increased Russian competition. Moe acknowledged the need for a stronger provincial response to U.S. actions, although specifics remain undisclosed. The ongoing trade disputes and tariffs between Canada and the U.S. further complicate the situation.
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Matt Underwood 
John Q. Hosedrinker