Democratic senators, led by Elizabeth Warren, are demanding answers from Mehmet Oz regarding his past advocacy for Medicare privatization, specifically his 2020 proposal to transition all seniors to Medicare Advantage. The letter highlights concerns about Oz’s financial ties to private insurers, including significant stock holdings in UnitedHealth, a company under federal investigation. Senators question Oz’s commitment to traditional Medicare and his potential conflicts of interest if confirmed to lead CMS. The letter foreshadows a contentious confirmation process, with Democrats demanding assurances against Medicare privatization and full divestment from the insurance industry.
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Intelligence assessments consistently indicate that providing Ukraine with longer-range U.S. weapons, such as the ATACMS, does not significantly increase the risk of a Russian nuclear attack, despite Kremlin rhetoric to the contrary. This conclusion informed the Biden administration’s decision to authorize their use, a move intended to bolster Ukraine’s negotiating position. However, Russia is anticipated to intensify sabotage efforts against European infrastructure, and a potential Trump presidency poses a considerable threat to continued U.S. support for Ukraine. The ongoing war also presents challenges for Ukraine including battlefield losses and potential foreign troop deployments.
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Utilizing open-source intelligence, analysts confirmed the first Ukrainian use of US-provided ATACMS missiles, specifically those with cluster warheads, targeting the Kursk-Vostochny airfield in Russia’s Kursk Oblast on November 24-25. Evidence included photographic proof of submunition detonation within the airfield’s aircraft parking area, corroborated by a Russian military blogger. The strike, reportedly involving eight missiles, followed President Biden’s authorization of ATACMS use against Russia. This represents a significant escalation in the conflict.
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Ukraine successfully targeted a Russian command post in Gubkin, Belgorod Oblast, approximately 168 kilometers from the Ukrainian border. This follows President Biden’s authorization of long-range ATACMS missile strikes into Russia, with this attack marking the first confirmed use of these missiles against a Russian command post. Reports indicate significant damage and corroborate Ukrainian claims, despite Russian denials and interception claims. The strike occurred amidst heightened tensions, including the reported deployment of North Korean troops to the Ukrainian front and the closure of the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv due to a potential air attack threat.
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The Biden administration’s authorization of long-range ATACMS strikes inside Russia represents a significant policy shift, potentially bolstering Ukraine’s defense against a large Russian-North Korean force. This action, likely influenced by the upcoming Trump presidency, allows Ukraine to target key Russian infrastructure, such as command centers and logistics, thereby weakening their offensive capabilities. Retired General Ben Hodges emphasizes that while not a “game changer” in itself, the ATACMS authorization is a positive step, although its restricted use remains a concern. However, the long-term impact remains uncertain given President-elect Trump’s stated intentions to quickly end the war, raising concerns about future U.S. support for Ukraine.
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President-elect Trump’s nomination of Dr. Mehmet Oz to head the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) is raising concerns. Dr. Oz, a celebrity physician with limited relevant experience, supports Medicare privatization and expansion of Medicare Advantage, a position opposed by many. This contrasts sharply with CMS’s complex regulatory role overseeing healthcare for 150 million Americans. Critics argue his background in promoting unproven treatments makes him an unsuitable candidate. The potential consequences of his confirmation include further privatization of Medicare and increased costs for taxpayers.
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Former television personality and heart surgeon Dr. Mehmet Oz has been nominated by Donald Trump to lead the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Oz, a MAGA supporter, will work alongside Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to reform the programs, focusing on disease prevention and eliminating waste and fraud. This appointment follows the tenure of Chiquita Brooks-LaSure and replaces Seema Verma, whose time at CMS was marked by controversy. Oz’s appointment is expected to significantly impact healthcare policy for millions of Americans.
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Following Ukraine’s reported use of U.S.-supplied ATACMS missiles to strike a Russian military facility, Russia’s foreign minister accused the West of seeking escalation. This attack prompted Russia to invoke its updated nuclear doctrine, which considers aggression against Russia supported by a nuclear power a joint attack, potentially justifying nuclear retaliation. While some analysts believe Russia’s nuclear threats are a bluff, others suggest the Kremlin’s actions, including mass production of mobile bomb shelters, indicate serious preparations for a potential nuclear conflict. The situation raises concerns about the potential for escalation and the impact of the upcoming U.S. presidential administration’s approach to the conflict.
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President Macron lauded President Biden’s authorization of Ukrainian strikes on Russian territory using long-range American missiles, viewing it as a justifiable response to Russia’s escalation of the conflict through the deployment of North Korean troops. This authorization, confirmed by EU officials, permits the use of ATACMS missiles to target Russian and North Korean forces within approximately 300 kilometers of the Russian border. Macron’s support aligns with his previous stance advocating for Ukraine’s right to target Russian military infrastructure. The decision, however, arrives shortly before a potential shift in U.S. policy under the incoming presidential administration.
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Ukraine’s reported use of Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) missiles to strike a Russian military facility near Karachev, in the Bryansk region, marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict. This action, first reported by RBC-Ukraine, represents a potential turning point, with implications that extend far beyond the immediate battlefield. The strike itself, occurring approximately 130 kilometers from the Ukrainian border, demonstrates a newfound capability for Kyiv to directly target high-value military assets deep within Russian territory.
The timing of this attack is particularly noteworthy, coinciding with Russia’s updated nuclear doctrine. This revised doctrine, significantly lowering the threshold for nuclear response, suggests a heightened state of alert and a willingness to consider more drastic measures in the event of perceived threats.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood