Waymo, an autonomous ride-hailing service, is preparing to file a voluntary software recall due to reports of its self-driving vehicles illegally passing stopped school buses. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) opened an investigation after documented instances, including incidents where Waymo vehicles drove past buses with flashing lights and extended stop arms, putting students at risk. Waymo attributes the issue to a software problem and aims to release updates to correct the issue, emphasizing that no injuries have occurred. Despite claiming a strong safety record, with fewer crashes than human drivers, Waymo is facing scrutiny from federal regulators and is expected to provide more detailed information on the incidents.
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Paramount has shown a willingness to appease Trump, including paying a settlement related to a past interview and later editing another to portray him favorably. The company has also installed conservative figures in key leadership roles and made editorial changes that align with Trump’s interests. Recently, Paramount launched a bid to acquire Warner Bros., and Trump has expressed an interest in being involved in the sale. This positions him as a potential dealmaker, suggesting he may get what he wants through the acquisition.
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During a “Face the Nation” interview, Rep. Ilhan Omar drew a comparison between Homeland Security Advisor Stephen Miller’s rhetoric on immigration and Nazi descriptions of Jewish people. Miller’s comments, made on X, criticized mass migration, stating that migrants and their descendants recreate the conditions of their homelands. These remarks come as Trump and Miller’s immigration policies target Somali immigrants in Minnesota, with Trump using disparaging language towards Somalis in speeches. Omar responded to Trump’s comments by defending her community and accusing the President of attempting to divert attention through bigotry.
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Democrats are showing a surge in early voting and mail-in ballots in the Miami mayoral runoff, potentially breaking the city’s three-decade Republican streak. With the runoff election on December 9th, early voting data reveals a higher turnout from Democrats compared to Republicans. The race pits Democratic candidate Eileen Higgins against Republican Emilio González, endorsed by Donald Trump, in a highly anticipated contest. This election is viewed as a significant bellwether for the upcoming 2026 midterms, given Miami’s cultural and economic importance and the broader shifts in the political landscape.
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Workers at the Louvre Museum have voted to strike, citing concerns about working conditions, a ticket price increase for non-European visitors, and security vulnerabilities. Unions highlighted the museum’s “crisis” stemming from insufficient resources and deteriorating conditions, exacerbated by the October theft of the Crown Jewels, which highlighted security shortcomings. The strike, starting next Monday, aims to address the museum’s antiquated facilities, staffing issues, and the need for improved building maintenance and security measures to protect the collections, visitors, and employees.
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Trump to Unveil $12 Billion Bailout for Farmers – the news has sparked a flurry of reactions, and the common thread appears to be a mix of frustration, cynicism, and a healthy dose of “I told you so.” The core issue, as many see it, is the potential for this bailout to be a direct consequence of policies that, in their view, were poorly conceived from the start. Namely, the tariffs, which some feel were the root cause of the farmers’ financial woes. The irony, as pointed out by several, is that the very people who might decry “socialism” are now potentially the recipients of a government handout, funded by taxpayers.… Continue reading
The Japan Meteorological Agency has confirmed that certain areas of Japan have already experienced a tsunami. Officials stated that additional areas are anticipated to be impacted by the tsunami imminently. Residents in at-risk zones have been instructed to evacuate to higher ground and steer clear of coastal regions. While the largest waves recorded thus far have reached approximately half a meter, initial warnings suggested the potential for waves as high as three meters.
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High-deductible health plans, now gaining renewed attention from Republicans, require individuals to pay thousands of dollars out-of-pocket before insurance coverage begins. These plans are often paired with health savings accounts and are seen as a way to empower patients and control costs. However, despite the plans’ rise in popularity, medical prices have skyrocketed, and patients are often left with significant debt. Critics point out that shopping for medical services is difficult, particularly in emergencies or with complex conditions, and high deductibles can lead to financial strain and potentially worse health outcomes.
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According to reports, former U.S. President Donald Trump claimed that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had not yet read a U.S.-authored peace proposal aimed at ending the Russia-Ukraine war. Trump’s remarks came after U.S. and Ukrainian negotiators concluded talks on the proposal, with Trump suggesting Zelenskyy was delaying progress despite the proposal allegedly being favored by his own people and Russia. Simultaneously, the Kremlin welcomed the Trump administration’s new national security strategy, indicating alignment with Moscow’s vision for improving relations and potentially leading to constructive cooperation.
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A magnitude-7.6 earthquake struck off Japan’s northeastern coast, prompting tsunami warnings and evacuation orders for coastal areas. A tsunami reaching almost 10 feet was expected in some regions, with smaller waves already observed. The earthquake occurred approximately 44 miles offshore at a depth of 33 miles, causing tremors felt in Tokyo. Japanese officials urged evacuations and are currently assessing potential damage, while assuring nuclear facilities are being checked for any abnormalities.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood