A recent poll indicates that Ukrainians are willing to consider peace agreements with security guarantees but strongly oppose plans involving complete withdrawal from Donetsk Oblast. The survey revealed that 75% of respondents rejected a peace plan that included withdrawal from Donbas and military restrictions, while 72% were open to a deal freezing territorial control at the current line of contact with security guarantees. Despite ongoing war and attacks, 63% of those surveyed were prepared to endure the conflict “as long as necessary.” Furthermore, the poll showed that Ukrainians trust President Zelensky and overwhelmingly do not desire elections before the end of hostilities.
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In a significant move, former WWE star Mick Foley announced his departure from the company for at least three years due to WWE’s association with Donald Trump. Foley cited the President’s “incredibly cruel comments” regarding the death of Rob Reiner as the tipping point, expressing concerns over Trump’s treatment of immigrants and others. This decision was conveyed to the WWE, reflecting Foley’s dissatisfaction with the company’s ties to Trump and his administration. The WWE Hall of Famer, known for his diverse wrestling personas, further stated he would not represent the company while Trump remains in office.
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On Tuesday, December 16th, thirty-five countries convened in the Netherlands to sign a convention, creating the International Claims Commission for Ukraine. This commission, operating under the Council of Europe, will address damages caused by Russia’s invasion, building upon the foundation laid by the Register of Damage established in 2023. The Commission will assess and process claims alongside the Register of Damage. The final stage of this mechanism is the development of a compensation fund, largely funded by frozen Russian assets, to provide financial relief for those impacted by the conflict.
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CBS News’ recent town hall featuring Erika Kirk, moderated by editor-in-chief Bari Weiss, garnered significantly low viewership, drawing only 1.548 million total viewers, a 27% decrease compared to standard programming in the same time slot year-to-date. Despite the network’s efforts to promote the event, including social media hype and preview airings, the online interest was also limited, with the YouTube video of the event receiving a mere 105,000 views. This contrasts with Kirk’s appearances on Fox News, which drew significantly larger audiences, and has led to criticism of Weiss’s decision to moderate, with some CBS News staffers deeming it “embarrassing.” The event’s commercial breaks featured direct-response advertisers, raising questions about advertiser wariness of the special.
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A leaked Justice Department memo from Attorney General Pam Bondi directs the FBI to establish a cash reward system targeting “Antifa-aligned extremists” and those promoting “radical gender ideology” for domestic terrorism investigations. The memo outlines priorities that diverge from addressing the far-right extremism linked to the majority of domestic terrorist incidents, and instead focuses on viewpoints related to immigration and anti-American sentiment. These actions align with a trend of shifting blame away from far-right actors, despite data demonstrating their significant role in domestic terrorism, including an increase in attacks in recent years. Furthermore, the memo’s focus on leftist groups and gender ideology appears to follow a pattern of downplaying far-right extremism, as evidenced by related events and the removal of data that contradicted the framing.
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On Monday night, Brookline police responded to a report of a man shot in his home, where Nuno F.G. Loureiro, 47, was found and later pronounced dead on Tuesday morning. Loureiro was a prominent figure at MIT, serving as the director of the Plasma Science and Fusion Center and a professor in nuclear science, engineering, and physics. Originally from Portugal, his death was announced by the Portuguese Minister of Foreign Affairs. Loureiro was recently recognized for his contributions in January with a Presidential Early Career Award. The investigation into the homicide is currently ongoing, with no further information released.
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Ioan Pintaru has been indefinitely detained after repeatedly stabbing an 11-year-old girl in a random attack in Leicester Square. The attack occurred on August 12, 2024, after the girl and her mother left the Lego store. Pintaru, who pleaded guilty to causing grievous bodily harm with intent and possession of a knife, was sentenced to a hospital order and a restriction order under the Mental Health Act. While the victim has recovered physically, the psychological impact remains significant, as she was terrified and believed she was going to die.
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Yale historian Greg Grandin posits that President Trump’s foreign policy is destabilizing the international order established after World War II. Grandin highlights the administration’s embrace of the Monroe Doctrine, suggesting a return to a world divided into spheres of influence, particularly in Latin America. Evidence includes military actions and political interference in the region, including military build-up in the Caribbean. Grandin warns that this shift toward a more aggressive, sphere-of-influence approach increases the risk of global conflict and “brinkmanship” similar to what was seen leading up to World War II.
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Regarding the BBC, the article highlights a defamation lawsuit filed by Trump in Miami, alleging the broadcaster maliciously spliced his comments to falsely portray him encouraging violence. Despite an apology from the BBC, the lawsuit proceeds, sparking controversy and prompting calls for action from British political figures. Internal concerns about the editing were raised, leading to the resignations of key BBC officials. Notably, the BBC’s funding comes from a mandatory license fee in the UK, adding another layer of complexity to the situation.
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Zelenskiy says Russia must be held responsible for the “crime of aggression,” and frankly, it’s about time. He’s absolutely right. This isn’t just about the immediate atrocities, the documented war crimes – terrible as they are. This goes to the very core of the problem, the initiating act that spawned all the subsequent horrors. The “crime of aggression” – the unprovoked invasion – is the root of the evil. Everything else branches out from there. Justice really does have to start at the beginning.
It’s easy to see the clarity of the situation, the undeniable truth that something fundamental needs to change.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood