December 2023

Voices, The Peoples News No. 2023-12-31

Voices, The Peoples News

December 31, 2023
Published by Jedi Selman Since March 2000 to Inform and Educate
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This daily Voices, The Peoples News is posted through the blog function of www.MPEN-Ohio.net

# Archaeology / Anthropology
Unearthed 14,000-Year-Old Settlement May Require Revising History Of North America Recent: Oral stories hold significant historic value as they represent a unique and invaluable means of preserving and transmitting cultural, historical, and social knowledge from one generation to the next. That assertion has rested on traditional oral accounts passed down through thousands of generations, not exactly bulletproof evidence to bring to the negotiating table. Last year, though, an excavation was undertaken that would put those claims to the test.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://allthatsinteresting.com/heiltsuk-canada__;!!On18fmf1aQ!w3fzhHx5WXe4_YxVn26vLe65za_NPV2z8oZRrLy2OeHG0UWXEZnlquaFFPk9QnrWkW092hM3FPtc3dtWpsk9pUk84B8x6PmC$

Archaeologists Found an Extraordinary Pyramid That’s Apparently 27,000 Years Old: A new study claims that the Gunung Padang site in Indonesia is a “prehistoric pyramid” from up to 27,000 years ago. The study authors site ground-penetrating technologies as the main source for the conclusion. The archaeological community, however, is questioning the findings and the paper is now under investigation.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.ancient-origins.net/news-history-archaeology/indonesian-pyramid-0019920__;!!On18fmf1aQ!w3fzhHx5WXe4_YxVn26vLe65za_NPV2z8oZRrLy2OeHG0UWXEZnlquaFFPk9QnrWkW092hM3FPtc3dtWpsk9pUk84HxnpCx7$

# Border / Immigration / Migrants
Undocumented immigrants will qualify for free health care in California on Jan. 1: Cash-strapped California will ring in the new year by offering free health care to all undocumented immigrants who qualify for the state’s government-run health insurance program.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://nypost.com/2023/12/29/news/undocumented-immigrants-qualify-for-free-health-care-in-california/__;!!On18fmf1aQ!w3fzhHx5WXe4_YxVn26vLe65za_NPV2z8oZRrLy2OeHG0UWXEZnlquaFFPk9QnrWkW092hM3FPtc3dtWpsk9pUk84LvTYrc-$

Mexican president says agreement reached to keep US border crossings open: Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador says an agreement has been reached with United States officials to keep border crossings between the two countries open after temporary closures during a high number of crossings.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/12/28/mexican-president-says-agreement-reached-to-keep-us-border-crossings-open__;!!On18fmf1aQ!w3fzhHx5WXe4_YxVn26vLe65za_NPV2z8oZRrLy2OeHG0UWXEZnlquaFFPk9QnrWkW092hM3FPtc3dtWpsk9pUk84Nb8trMA$

Feds to Texas Gov. Greg Abbott on his new immigration law; Enforce it and we’ll sue: The Department of Justice (DOJ) warned Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) it will sue Texas if he enforces a new state law that allows for the prosecution and deportation of migrants entering the U.S. from Mexico, according to a letter obtained by The Hill. Abbott signed the legislation earlier this month, citing the increased number of migrant encounters at the U.S. southern border.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/4380610-doj-threatens-suit-texas-border-law/__;!!On18fmf1aQ!w3fzhHx5WXe4_YxVn26vLe65za_NPV2z8oZRrLy2OeHG0UWXEZnlquaFFPk9QnrWkW092hM3FPtc3dtWpsk9pUk84Mw3cNpA$

They’re serious about maximizing the number of illegal immigrants: Stephen Miller: Miller discusses how the December migrant encounters are reported to be the highest ever on ‘The Ingraham Angle.’
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.foxnews.com/video/6344033342112__;!!On18fmf1aQ!w3fzhHx5WXe4_YxVn26vLe65za_NPV2z8oZRrLy2OeHG0UWXEZnlquaFFPk9QnrWkW092hM3FPtc3dtWpsk9pUk84OdkCD8a$

Another Texas county declares invasion after judge’s family members killed: The leaders of another Texas county have declared an invasion after the county judge’s family members were killed by a human smuggler. The smuggler was driving more than 100 mph, heading north from the border, crossing county lines from Pecos County into Crockett County, with a Texas Department of Public Safety trooper in pursuit. The driver was smuggling 11 illegal foreign nationals in his pickup truck.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.thecentersquare.com/texas/article_829c56c6-a65f-11ee-ae66-1fc4c7c8d126.html?a&seyid=110204*utm_source=thecentersquare.com&utm_campaign=*2FNational*2Flists*2Ft2*2F*2F&utm_medium=email__;PyUlJSUl!!On18fmf1aQ!w3fzhHx5WXe4_YxVn26vLe65za_NPV2z8oZRrLy2OeHG0UWXEZnlquaFFPk9QnrWkW092hM3FPtc3dtWpsk9pUk84PsZLjRE$

Chicago’s mayor taps $95M in federal COVID-19 relief funds for migrant housing costs: Over 20,000 migrants have appeared in the Windy City since August 2022. Mayor Johnson’s top aides acknowledged that an accounting shift made possible by a budget surplus won’t move the needle in a crisis pushing city resources to the limit.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://chicago.suntimes.com/city-hall/2023/12/29/24018960/chicago-migrant-crisis-funding-covid-money-brandon-johnson__;!!On18fmf1aQ!w3fzhHx5WXe4_YxVn26vLe65za_NPV2z8oZRrLy2OeHG0UWXEZnlquaFFPk9QnrWkW092hM3FPtc3dtWpsk9pUk84DTSUwl-$

# Border / Immigration / Migrants / Global Mexico Repatriates Venezuelans to Ease US Border Migration: Mexico and Venezuela announced Saturday that they have restarted repatriation flights of Venezuelans migrants in Mexico, the latest move by countries in the region to take on a flood of people traveling north to the United States.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://apnews.com/article/mexico-venezuela-repatriation-flights-migration-united-states-2752ad234fc4bd4e40828f83b0ef7b5d__;!!On18fmf1aQ!w3fzhHx5WXe4_YxVn26vLe65za_NPV2z8oZRrLy2OeHG0UWXEZnlquaFFPk9QnrWkW092hM3FPtc3dtWpsk9pUk84HK7FGmd$

# Covid / Pandemics / Biologicals
Vaccine Linked to Disturbing New Condition: Herein, we have provided a comprehensive review of documents reporting neurological side effects of COVID-19 vaccines in international databases from 2020 to 2022 and discussed neurological disorders possibly caused by vaccination.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://eurjmedres.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s40001-023-00992-0__;!!On18fmf1aQ!w3fzhHx5WXe4_YxVn26vLe65za_NPV2z8oZRrLy2OeHG0UWXEZnlquaFFPk9QnrWkW092hM3FPtc3dtWpsk9pUk84OJIGaqt$

The safety profile and the actual known adverse effects of COVID-19 vaccines in at-risk and healthy individuals: There is evidence of reduced effectiveness against the Omicron variant, even after a fourth dose. Several individuals develop inflammatory cardiomyopathy, thrombosis, neurologic problems, and other rare conditions after COVID-19 vaccination. These events may increase with the administration of repeated vaccine boosters.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.news-medical.net/news/20230207/The-safety-profile-and-the-actual-known-adverse-effects-of-COVID-19-vaccines-in-at-risk-and-healthy-individuals.aspx__;!!On18fmf1aQ!w3fzhHx5WXe4_YxVn26vLe65za_NPV2z8oZRrLy2OeHG0UWXEZnlquaFFPk9QnrWkW092hM3FPtc3dtWpsk9pUk84LSPnFL4$

# Energy / Pipelines / Mining / Chemicals EVs and $9,000 Air Tanks: Iowa First Responders Fear the Dangers—and Costs—of CO2 Pipelines: County officials say they’d need millions of dollars to buy the equipment required to safely carry out rescue operations amid a CO2 pipeline rupture, which can suffocate people and stall engines. But who’s going to pay?
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://insideclimatenews.org/news/29122023/evs-and-9000-air-tanks-iowa-first-responders-fear-the-dangers-and-costs-of-co2-pipelines/__;!!On18fmf1aQ!w3fzhHx5WXe4_YxVn26vLe65za_NPV2z8oZRrLy2OeHG0UWXEZnlquaFFPk9QnrWkW092hM3FPtc3dtWpsk9pUk84EVtAxHy$

# Environment / Climate / Infrastructure / Global Long-term wildlife impacts at Chornobyl, Fukushima may yield ‘a new ecology’: Radioactive contamination moves in ecosystem-specific ways, depending on factors such as water flow. A combination of radioactive contamination and reduced human activity in nuclear exclusion zones may be giving rise to “a new ecology,” with nature overall neither suffering nor thriving, simply different in the impacted areas.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://news.mongabay.com/2023/12/long-term-wildlife-impacts-at-chornobyl-fukushima-may-yield-a-new-ecology/__;!!On18fmf1aQ!w3fzhHx5WXe4_YxVn26vLe65za_NPV2z8oZRrLy2OeHG0UWXEZnlquaFFPk9QnrWkW092hM3FPtc3dtWpsk9pUk84EKuA6q9$

Wales becomes first country to map important areas for insects: Many insect species have declined, a charity warns, and new maps will help conservation. A five-year project analysed 45 million records collected by naturalists to identify key sites. Wales has suffered “drastic declines” in recent decades, according to the charity Buglife. Wales is home to over 20,000 different invertebrate species.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-wales-67760284__;!!On18fmf1aQ!w3fzhHx5WXe4_YxVn26vLe65za_NPV2z8oZRrLy2OeHG0UWXEZnlquaFFPk9QnrWkW092hM3FPtc3dtWpsk9pUk84Hye79k6$

New research highlights effects of biodiversity and pollution in spread of animal diseases: New research highlights effects of biodiversity and pollution in spread of animal diseases. New research from UW-Madison shows that biodiversity and pollution are factors that can change how vulnerable amphibian species are to disease and parasites. Researchers found that environmental pollutants influence whether increased biodiversity helps or hinders disease outbreaks in wildlife, which can complicate how we value protecting diverse animal communities.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://new.nsf.gov/news/pollutants-affect-biodiversitys-role-spread__;!!On18fmf1aQ!w3fzhHx5WXe4_YxVn26vLe65za_NPV2z8oZRrLy2OeHG0UWXEZnlquaFFPk9QnrWkW092hM3FPtc3dtWpsk9pUk84OFWRANM$

# Food / Farming / GMOs / Chemicals / Technology
‘Deplorable’: Iowa’s GOP Governor Opts Out of Summer Food Program for Kids: “Announcing three days before Christmas that we’ve deliberately chosen not to feed hungry kids? The Dickensian parallels write themselves,” said the board chair of the Iowa Hunger Coalition.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://ifp.nyu.edu/2023/news/deplorable-iowas-gop-governor-opts-out-of-summer-food-program-for-kids/__;!!On18fmf1aQ!w3fzhHx5WXe4_YxVn26vLe65za_NPV2z8oZRrLy2OeHG0UWXEZnlquaFFPk9QnrWkW092hM3FPtc3dtWpsk9pUk84DIphlpK$

# General News
How Donald Trump plans to gut Washington in second White House stint: It includes mass deportations, more executions for convicted criminals, and a dramatic shake-up of US foreign policy. At the heart of Mr Trump’s plans is a “top-to-bottom overhaul” of the US government, starting with invoking executive powers to replace thousands of career civil servants with political appointees.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2023/12/31/how-donald-trump-plans-gut-washington/__;!!On18fmf1aQ!w3fzhHx5WXe4_YxVn26vLe65za_NPV2z8oZRrLy2OeHG0UWXEZnlquaFFPk9QnrWkW092hM3FPtc3dtWpsk9pUk84D2lHjiL$

Trump’s rhetoric is increasingly mirroring Nazi talking points, and nobody is paying attention, an expert on extremism warns: Though some critics seized upon the remark, conflating the incendiary remarks with Nazi talking points that targeted Jews during the Holocaust, Trump’s comments weren’t met with the same explosive news coverage he previously faced for similar statements. So, he has continued making them.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.democraticunderground.com/100218563976__;!!On18fmf1aQ!w3fzhHx5WXe4_YxVn26vLe65za_NPV2z8oZRrLy2OeHG0UWXEZnlquaFFPk9QnrWkW092hM3FPtc3dtWpsk9pUk84MinVr8V$

# Gov / Politics / Global
Palestinians Say Netanyahu ‘Confessions’ Reveal Truth of ‘Genocidal War’ in Gaza: The Foreign Ministry said that the Israeli prime minister’s push for what he terms “voluntary migration” shows that ethnic cleansing of the besieged enclave is the real goal of the ongoing bombing and ground invasion. In a statement posted on social media, the Foreign Ministry said that “frank and clear confessions reveal the truth about the goals of the genocidal war led by Netanyahu against the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip,” according to The Siasat Daily.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.commondreams.org/news/netanyahu-voluntary-migration-gaza*:*:text=The*20remarks*20earned*20a*20swift,according*20to*20The*20Siasat*20Daily__;I34lJSUlJSUlJQ!!On18fmf1aQ!w3fzhHx5WXe4_YxVn26vLe65za_NPV2z8oZRrLy2OeHG0UWXEZnlquaFFPk9QnrWkW092hM3FPtc3dtWpsk9pUk84CMt_z6C$

Hamas’ recent battle cry for violence against US latest in litany of threats: Father of murdered American girl calls for Jordan to extradite Hamas terrorist. The Hamas movement intensified its campaign of terrorism targeting American interests, declaring in a chilling December announcement that more violence is warranted against the U.S. after the jihadi group murdered over 30 Americans and over a thousand Israelis on the October 7 massacre in Israel.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.foxnews.com/world/hamas-recent-battle-cry-violence-against-us-latest-litany-threats?utm_source=Newswav&utm_medium=Website__;!!On18fmf1aQ!w3fzhHx5WXe4_YxVn26vLe65za_NPV2z8oZRrLy2OeHG0UWXEZnlquaFFPk9QnrWkW092hM3FPtc3dtWpsk9pUk84NubfZSe$

# Gov / Politics
US Congress holds anti-China witch-hunt at TikTok hearing: During the hearing, China was repeatedly presented as a “threat,” an “adversary” and a “danger.” The hearing capped a month in which the US made major steps to provoke a war with China by moving to abandon the one-China policy and “strategic ambiguity” that have governed Sino-American relations for decades.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2023/03/25/tikt-m25.html__;!!On18fmf1aQ!w3fzhHx5WXe4_YxVn26vLe65za_NPV2z8oZRrLy2OeHG0UWXEZnlquaFFPk9QnrWkW092hM3FPtc3dtWpsk9pUk84JkXA7em$

DeSantis’ ‘war on woke’ looks a lot like attempts by other countries to deny and rewrite history: Tactics used to censor the teaching of American history in Florida schools bear much in common with those seen in the illiberal democracies of Israel, Turkey, Russia and Poland.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://theconversation.com/desantis-war-on-woke-looks-a-lot-like-attempts-by-other-countries-to-deny-and-rewrite-history-204884__;!!On18fmf1aQ!w3fzhHx5WXe4_YxVn26vLe65za_NPV2z8oZRrLy2OeHG0UWXEZnlquaFFPk9QnrWkW092hM3FPtc3dtWpsk9pUk84NnvTYH0$

Once Again, Biden Bypasses Congress to Approve Arms Sale to Israel: “When Israel runs out of rockets to murder children with, they simply hold their hand out to daddy for more,” said one critic.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/the-biden-administration-once-again-bypasses-congress-on-an-emergency-weapons-sale-to-israel__;!!On18fmf1aQ!w3fzhHx5WXe4_YxVn26vLe65za_NPV2z8oZRrLy2OeHG0UWXEZnlquaFFPk9QnrWkW092hM3FPtc3dtWpsk9pUk84PgppVMu$

Experts ‘Terrified’ of AI-Driven Misinformation ‘Tsunami’ in 2024 Election: “If people don’t ultimately trust information related to an election, democracy just stops working,” said a senior fellow at the Alliance for Securing Democracy.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://fortune.com/2023/12/28/2024-election-tsunami-of-misinformation-deepfakes-ai/__;!!On18fmf1aQ!w3fzhHx5WXe4_YxVn26vLe65za_NPV2z8oZRrLy2OeHG0UWXEZnlquaFFPk9QnrWkW092hM3FPtc3dtWpsk9pUk84FAJtgZ_$

Could Restrictive New Voting Laws in Swing States Shift the Outcome in 2024? More than 560 new rules governing elections have become law in states all across the country in the last three years.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://truthout.org/articles/could-restrictive-new-voting-laws-in-swing-states-shift-the-outcome-in-2024/__;!!On18fmf1aQ!w3fzhHx5WXe4_YxVn26vLe65za_NPV2z8oZRrLy2OeHG0UWXEZnlquaFFPk9QnrWkW092hM3FPtc3dtWpsk9pUk84E5tbK3o$

The ‘why’ behind the effort to recruit Romney for president in 2024: The woman behind an effort to persuade Sen. Mitt Romney to run for president on a bipartisan ticket said it wouldn’t be the first time the former Massachusetts governor was recruited for public office.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/the-why-behind-the-effort-to-recruit-romney-for-president-in-2024/ar-AA1mg0oo?ocid=winp1taskbar&cvid=8974a07239ba44798d9d0745da1e1404&ei=180__;!!On18fmf1aQ!w3fzhHx5WXe4_YxVn26vLe65za_NPV2z8oZRrLy2OeHG0UWXEZnlquaFFPk9QnrWkW092hM3FPtc3dtWpsk9pUk84FUqdXUZ$

Biden Called Out By Imprisoned Soldier: ‘Not Enough Is Being Done To Secure My Release’: Former U.S. Marine Paul Whelan, imprisoned in Russia since 2018 on espionage charges, urged President Biden to take decisive action for his return. Whelan expressed disappointment in Biden’s handling of his situation and called for more assertive diplomatic efforts. The Biden administration reiterated its commitment to bringing home Americans wrongfully detained abroad but didn’t disclose specific negotiation details.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.analyzingamerica.org/2023/12/733264/__;!!On18fmf1aQ!w3fzhHx5WXe4_YxVn26vLe65za_NPV2z8oZRrLy2OeHG0UWXEZnlquaFFPk9QnrWkW092hM3FPtc3dtWpsk9pUk84NMAFuwK$

# Legal / DOJ
Why the Supreme Court won’t overrule that Trump aided an insurrection: legal expert: This would be a historic case, to say the least. If the justices rule directly on whether Trump is disqualified under the Constitution, their ruling would apply in every state, not only Colorado. The justices will find the least-embarrassing way of making this case go away and putting the former president back on the state’s primary ballot.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.bloomberg.com/opinion/articles/2023-12-20/colorado-ruling-disqualifying-trump-won-t-be-upheld-by-supreme-court__;!!On18fmf1aQ!w3fzhHx5WXe4_YxVn26vLe65za_NPV2z8oZRrLy2OeHG0UWXEZnlquaFFPk9QnrWkW092hM3FPtc3dtWpsk9pUk84Is8nf2e$

# Military / DOD
US Marines Transformed to Take On China. Will They Be Ready for Everything Else? The Marine Corps went all in when the Pentagon identified China as the prime national security challenge facing the U.S.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://news.yahoo.com/marines-focus-china-sparks-readiness-152500542.html__;!!On18fmf1aQ!w3fzhHx5WXe4_YxVn26vLe65za_NPV2z8oZRrLy2OeHG0UWXEZnlquaFFPk9QnrWkW092hM3FPtc3dtWpsk9pUk84EcD49mX$

What to make of the US military’s movements in the Pacific and a general’s wild warning about war: The US is beefing up its presence in the Pacific with a new military base, its first in 70 years, on the island of Guam, a US territory. There is a new agreement between the US and Japan that will redesignate US Marines stationed on Japan, allowing them to fire anti-ship missiles. Plus, the US military will gain expanded access to bases in the Philippines, a newly announced deal that drew US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin to that country this week.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.cnn.com/2023/02/02/politics/air-force-china-war-2025-what-matters/index.html__;!!On18fmf1aQ!w3fzhHx5WXe4_YxVn26vLe65za_NPV2z8oZRrLy2OeHG0UWXEZnlquaFFPk9QnrWkW092hM3FPtc3dtWpsk9pUk84IrXZgHh$

New U.S. Maritime Strategy Sets Sights on China: The Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard released their clearest argument yet for what they need to do to be prepared to take on China – not in a hypothetical future scenario, but in the day-to-day competition happening now on the seas.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://news.usni.org/2020/12/17/new-u-s-maritime-strategy-sets-sights-on-china__;!!On18fmf1aQ!w3fzhHx5WXe4_YxVn26vLe65za_NPV2z8oZRrLy2OeHG0UWXEZnlquaFFPk9QnrWkW092hM3FPtc3dtWpsk9pUk84Ia81xIO$

U.S. Army’s Maneuver Short-Range Air Defense (M-SHORAD) System: Background – The Army is procuring and continuing to develop a new maneuver short-range air defense system, or M-SHORAD. This system would perform short-range air defense, or SHORAD. The Army defines the SHORAD mission as:
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://sgp.fas.org/crs/weapons/IF12397.pdf__;!!On18fmf1aQ!w3fzhHx5WXe4_YxVn26vLe65za_NPV2z8oZRrLy2OeHG0UWXEZnlquaFFPk9QnrWkW092hM3FPtc3dtWpsk9pUk84OEWd_rx$

US Navy sinks 3 Houthi boats attacking merchant ship in Red Sea, US says: U.S. Navy helicopters from the USS Eisenhower and the Gravely responded to a distress call issued by the container ship Maersk Hangzhao, the second distress call the ship issued in less than 24 hours due to “being under attack by four Iranian-backed Houthi small boats,” according to the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM).
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://thehill.com/policy/international/4383140-us-sinks-3-houthi-boats-in-red-sea-after-attack-on-merchant-ship/__;!!On18fmf1aQ!w3fzhHx5WXe4_YxVn26vLe65za_NPV2z8oZRrLy2OeHG0UWXEZnlquaFFPk9QnrWkW092hM3FPtc3dtWpsk9pUk84BEza97j$

# Military / Global
China’s Military Lashes Out At US: China’s defence ministry lashed out at the United States on Thursday, a week after their top military officials resumed high-level talks, criticising its continued meddling in the Asia Pacific region and saying it maintained a “Cold War” mindset.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.channelnewsasia.com/asia/chinas-military-lashes-out-us-after-breakthrough-talks-4014706?utm_source=Newswav&utm_medium=Website__;!!On18fmf1aQ!w3fzhHx5WXe4_YxVn26vLe65za_NPV2z8oZRrLy2OeHG0UWXEZnlquaFFPk9QnrWkW092hM3FPtc3dtWpsk9pUk84NhbVjJT$

South Korean troops practice responses to terror, drone attacks on Seoul streets: Seoul’s metropolitan government held an urban field exercise this week with the country’s military to prepare for threats against the roughly 10 million residents from North Korean attacks, the South Korean army said.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.cnn.com/2023/08/04/asia/south-korea-civil-defense-drill-intl-hnk/index.html__;!!On18fmf1aQ!w3fzhHx5WXe4_YxVn26vLe65za_NPV2z8oZRrLy2OeHG0UWXEZnlquaFFPk9QnrWkW092hM3FPtc3dtWpsk9pUk84GWmopoW$

Legal fight continues as Japanese government approves Marine runway permits on Okinawa: A Japanese Cabinet minister approved the design changes holding up construction on a Marine Corps runway at Camp Schwab, three days after the Okinawa governor ignored a court order to approve the changes himself.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://asia.nikkei.com/Politics/Okinawa-objection-overridden-as-Japan-greenlights-U.S.-base-move__;!!On18fmf1aQ!w3fzhHx5WXe4_YxVn26vLe65za_NPV2z8oZRrLy2OeHG0UWXEZnlquaFFPk9QnrWkW092hM3FPtc3dtWpsk9pUk84DLNWn4O$

Medvedev Announces Russia’s Plan to Seize Key Ukrainian Cities Including Odessa and Kyiv: In a statement on Telegram, he affirmed that Russia’s so-called special operation aims to continue, with its goals including the disarmament of Ukrainian forces and the rejection of neo-Nazism by the current Ukrainian state. Medvedev also stated that Russia intends to capture additional Ukrainian cities, specifically naming Odessa, Dnipro, Kharkiv, Mykolaiv, and Kyiv.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.dagens.com/news/medvedev-announces-russias-plan-to-seize-key-ukrainian-cities-including-odessa-and-kyiv__;!!On18fmf1aQ!w3fzhHx5WXe4_YxVn26vLe65za_NPV2z8oZRrLy2OeHG0UWXEZnlquaFFPk9QnrWkW092hM3FPtc3dtWpsk9pUk84Hq0uPX1$

# Sports
Girls’ stand against trans participation in sports sets up 2024 legal battle: High school female track athletes in Connecticut stood against the influx of transgender athletes seeking to compete against girls in school sports, setting up a defining legal battle of 2024. The case will be heard in federal district court and will be a defining moment in the debate, which has been ramped up by a string of injuries to female athletes at the hands of transgender athletes in recent months.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.thecentersquare.com/national/article_9c688582-9dd8-11ee-b184-fbbe48960cde.html__;!!On18fmf1aQ!w3fzhHx5WXe4_YxVn26vLe65za_NPV2z8oZRrLy2OeHG0UWXEZnlquaFFPk9QnrWkW092hM3FPtc3dtWpsk9pUk84KgBAh9v$

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Voices, The Peoples News No. 2023-12-29

Voices, The Peoples News

December 29, 2023
Published by Jedi Selman Since March 2000 to Inform and Educate
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This daily Voices, The Peoples News is posted through the blog function of www.MPEN-Ohio.net

# Border / Immigration / Migrants
Study: U.S. Anchor Baby Policy Ensures Easy Welfare Access for Illegal Aliens: Households headed by illegal aliens have a relatively easy time accessing taxpayer-funded welfare programs thanks to the nation’s anchor baby policy that gives birthright American citizenship to the United States-born children of illegal aliens, research concludes
https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2023/12/26/study-u-s-anchor-baby-policy-ensures-easy-welfare-access-illegal-aliens/

It is ‘obvious’ the Mexican president is calling the shots: Former Acting ICE Director: Former Acting ICE Director Tom Homan says Mexico won’t do anything to ‘slow the flow’ of migrants coming across the border on ‘The Story.’
https://www.foxnews.com/video/6343975592112

“We Have to Control Our Border”: Thomas Homan, Former Acting ICE Director: Thomas Homan served as acting director of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency for the Trump administration from Jan. 2017 until the end of this June. Under President Barack Obama, Homan led the Enforcement and Removal Operations division of ICE, which is in charge of deportations.
https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/frontline/article/we-have-to-control-our-border-thomas-homan-former-acting-ice-director/

# Covid / Pandemics / Biologicals
# Economy / Finance / Trade / Banks
The US national debt is now more than $33 trillion. What does that mean? The National Debt is the primary means by which wealth is transferred from the workers who create it, to the billionaires who plunder us. There are several ways this happens:
https://www.quora.com/The-US-national-debt-is-now-more-than-33-trillion-What-does-that-mean

America is now paying more in gross interest on its record $33 trillion debt than on national defense — here’s who holds the IOUs: In the current fiscal year, which begins in October, through end of November, the Treasury has thus far shelled out $168.8 billion in interest on its debt securities, while the Department of Defense spent $149.7 billion on military programs in the same period.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/markets/america-is-now-paying-more-in-gross-interest-on-its-record-33-trillion-debt-than-on-national-defense-here-s-who-holds-the-ious/ar-AA1mcnFR?ocid=winp1taskbar&cvid=e172282768ef423fb254d338fb037429&ei=239

Government Taking Social Security Payments From Children Sparks Fury: A year ago, an investigation by the Resolve Philly and The Philadelphia Inquirer found that the city DHS had taken $5 million in foster children’s Social Security payments between fiscal years 2016 and 2020 under a controversial legal practice that allowed it to transfer the fund into the city’s $5 billion general fund
https://www.newsweek.com/social-security-probe-overpayments-demands-money-back-sparks-fury-1832268

Social Security Demanded Over $40,000 Back From Texas Woman: ‘So Unfair’: “Social security waited almost two-and-a-half years and said she now owed over $40,000 within 30 days and stopped paying her entirely by the end of 2019.” In 2020 and 2021, Karen’s daughter worked as an essential worker full-time and lived alone because her parents were considered at high risk for COVID-19. The SSA acting commission, Kilolo Kijakazi, recently apologized after understanding that more than 2 million Americans have been sent overpayment notices, despite reporting a much lower number during a Congress hearing in October.
https://www.newsweek.com/social-security-demanded-40000-back-texas-woman-so-unfair-1856189#:~:text=%22Social%20security%20waited%20almost%20two,high%20risk%20for%20COVID%2D19

# Education / Schools
Missouri school board to reinstate Black history classes with new curriculum: “After thorough discussions, we believe there is an appropriate path forward to offer Black History and Black Literature with an updated curriculum standard in the 2024-2025 school year,” board President Adam Bertrand and Superintendent Kenneth Roumpos said. Francis Howell School District board first must approve a new curriculum “that is rigorous and largely politically neutral,” the board president and superintendent said in a statement Thursday to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch
https://mynorthwest.com/3944632/missouri-school-board-to-reinstate-black-history-classes-with-new-curriculum/

# Energy / Pipelines / Mining / Chemicals / Global
Hess quickly drops as Venezuela deploys soldiers amid Guyana dispute: Hess Corp., which is being acquired by Chevron (NYSE: CVX), quickly dropped 2.6% after Venezuelan President Nicholas Maduro said he has deployed soldiers on the country’s eastern Caribbean coast as neighbor Guyana received a warship from the UK amid a dispute over the Essequibo territory.
https://seekingalpha.com/news/4051035-hess-quickly-drops-as-venezuela-deploys-soldiers-amid-guyana-dispute

# Environment / Climate / Chemicals / Infrastructure
Massive Lizards Invading South Carolina Have State Officials Warning Residents to Be on High Alert: The South American tegu can grow up to 4 feet in length and live 20 years. A lizard species that can grow larger than many dogs and about half the length of an alligator has officials in South Carolina in warning mode. The South American tegu, a black and white or red lizard that can grow up to 4 feet long and weigh up to 10 pounds, has been spotted in 14 of South Carolina’s 46 counties.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/massive-lizards-invading-south-carolina-have-state-officials-warning-residents-to-be-on-high-alert/ar-AA1maJ7C?ocid=winp1taskbar&cvid=e172282768ef423fb254d338fb037429&ei=102

# General News
Maine becomes second state to disqualify Trump from ballot, heightening 2024 turmoil: Trump vows to appeal decision by Democrat Secretary of State Shenna Bellows.
https://justthenews.com/politics-policy/elections/maine-bars-trump-2024-ballot

Colorado to include Trump on 2024 primary ballot as state GOP appeals to Supreme Court: The Colorado GOP appealed decision to remove Trump from ballot on Wednesday. The Colorado secretary of state will include former President Donald Trump on the 2024 Colorado primary ballot after Republicans filed an appeal to the Supreme Court.
https://www.politico.com/news/2023/12/28/colorado-gop-pushes-trump-14th-amendment-issue-before-supreme-court-00133269

Egypt has presented a three-phase proposal for a truce between Israel and Hamas in Gaza: Israel’s divided war cabinet to discuss proposal. Hamas reported to reject suggestion of sharing power in Gaza. The proposal, which was presented to Israel, Hamas, the United States and European governments on Monday would see Israel fully withdraw from the Gaza Strip, all captives held by Hamas, and many Palestinian prisoners, freed, and a united technocratic Palestinian government installed in the enclave.
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/12/25/egypt-sets-out-plan-to-end-gaza-war-free-all-hostages

# Gov / Politics / Global
Prominent Zionists laud Biden’s remark that no Jew anywhere is safe without Israel: This war is not making Israelis safe or Jewish people safe anywhere in the world. It is widely viewed as being genocidal. The nightmare paradox is that through wiping out Palestinians in order to eliminate Hamas, Israel’s security threats will increase, endangering the survival of Israel itself.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/prominent-zionists-laud-bidens-remark-that-no-jew-anywhere-is-safe-without-israel/

Russia, India discuss joint production of weapons amid Ukraine war: India’s foreign minister met Wednesday with Russian President Vladimir Putin, who said relations between the countries are progressing even amid turbulent times
https://www.defensenews.com/global/asia-pacific/2023/12/28/russia-india-discuss-joint-production-of-weapons-amid-ukraine-war/

Mexican president disparages pro-democracy demonstrators: Mexico’s president lashed out Monday against demonstrators opposed to his plan to cut election funding, belittling their concerns about threats to democracy and dashing any hopes that he would try to ease rising political tensions. President Andrés Manuel López Obrador seemed to revel in the conflict, hurling insults at the tens of thousands of people who demonstrated over the weekend in Mexico City’s main plaza, calling them thieves and allies of drug traffickers.
https://apnews.com/article/politics-mexico-government-andres-manuel-lopez-obrador-protests-and-demonstrations-caribbean-02136caaf4142f35c636321bd4ea1d58

South Africa initiates case against Israel at International Court of Justice: The African country, a journalist noted, “fought for its own liberation against an apartheid regime supported for decades by the U.S.” South Africa takes a ‘historic’ new step to hold Israel accountable for its relentless bombardment and violent occupation of Gaza, calling on the International Court of Justice to declare that Israel has breached its obligations under the Genocide Convention.
https://www.commondreams.org/news/south-africa-israel-icj

Israeli Forces Fired on Aid Convoy in Gaza: “Our international convoy leader and his team were not injured but one vehicle sustained damage, aid workers should never be a target.” “Israeli soldiers fired at an aid convoy as it returned from northern Gaza along a route designated by the Israeli Army,” Thomas White, the Gaza director for UNRWA, the U.N. relief agency for Palestinian refugees, wrote on social media.
https://www.commondreams.org/news/gaza-aid-convoy

# Gov / Politics
Voters Request Expedited SCOTUS Review of Colorado Trump Case: “The critical question of Donald Trump’s eligibility, given his incitement of insurrection, should be resolved before primary voters cast their ballots,” said a watchdog group involved in the legal battle. “We have filed a motion asking the United States Supreme Court to expedite their consideration of the Colorado Republican Party’s appeal and any subsequent review on the issues so that the important question of Trump’s eligibility can be resolved before primary voters cast their ballots,” he added.
https://www.commondreams.org/news/trump-supreme-court#:~:text=%22We%20have%20filed%20a%20motion,their%20ballots%2C%22%20he%20added

Big Win for GOP as Judge Approves Georgia’s ‘Gerrymandered’ House Map: “Federal law requires an end to vote dilution and a real change for injured voters, not reshuffling the same deck,” said one plaintiffs’ attorney in the case. U.S. District Judge Steve Jone, an appointee of former Democratic President Barack Obama, handed Republicans a major win in his ruling, which found that Georgia’s General Assembly “fully complied with this court’s order requiring the creation of Black-majority districts in the regions of the state where vote dilution was found.”
https://www.commondreams.org/news/big-win-for-gop-as-judge-approves-georgia-s-gerrymandered-house-map#:~:text=U.S.%20District%20Judge%20Steve%20Jones,the%20state%20where%20vote%20dilution

U.S. senator calls for bombing Iran: Lindsey Graham wants the IRGC headquarters “blown off the map.” The US should bomb Iranian oil fields and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps HQ in retaliation for Houthi attacks on Red Sea shipping, Senator Lindsey Graham said on Thursday. In a Fox News interview, the South Carolina Republican argued that Tehran was behind both the attacks on US bases in Iraq and Syria and the harassment of Israeli-linked cargo ships in the Red Sea.
https://www.globalvillagespace.com/us-senator-calls-for-bombing-iran/

Blinken and Mayorkas Fly to Mexico and Discuss Amnesty for the Millions of Illegal Migrants in the U.S: Joe Biden has let in more illegal aliens into the United States than the population of New Jersey, the 11th largest state. And there are thousands and thousands more on the way.
https://nypost.com/2023/12/27/news/blinken-mayorkas-meet-mexico-prez-as-border-crossings-set-new-records/

Blinken, Mayorkas migrant mission to Mexico yields no action, amnesty teased for illegals in US: The US and Mexico released a joint statement on the ongoing migration crisis Thursday that was heavy on platitudes and support for asylum-seekers, but mentioned no enforcement action to stop a record-breaking wave of illegal immigration, and even teased the prospect of amnesty for those already here unlawfully.
https://nypost.com/2023/12/28/news/blinken-mayorkas-migrant-mission-to-mexico-yields-no-action-as-surge-grows/

The US could stop the war today if the Biden Administration wanted to, but it does not. The question is, why? One hundred and fifty-three member nations of the United Nations General Assembly agreed to a draft resolution calling for a ceasefire. The US voted “NO.” Is Pope Francis correct in saying this has “gone beyond war. This is terrorism” as he describes what is happening in Gaza? There are countless murders occurring in Gaza and the West Bank as the world holds it breath because Israel’s partner in the massacre, the United States, parked its aircraft carriers in the Gulf.
https://freepress.org/article/can-israel-survive-if-there-no-ceasefire

The West’s Inaction Over Ukraine Risks Dangerous Conclusions in Moscow: If the United States and EU allow funding to lapse, the consequences could threaten NATO’s core mission. In Washington, Congress has not moved on U.S. President Joe Biden’s request for $61 billion in aid, stalled by Republican demands for U.S.-Mexico border security funding. In the EU, Hungarian President Victor Orban vetoed a 50 billion euro support package. Ukraine’s ability to defend itself against ongoing Russian attacks hangs in the balance. If U.S. funding is allowed to lapse, European allies will be unable to make up the difference in weapons systems and ammunition for Ukraine’s needs.
https://carnegieendowment.org/2023/12/18/west-s-inaction-over-ukraine-risks-dangerous-conclusions-in-moscow-pub-91290?utm_source=ctw&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=buttonlink&mkt_tok=ODEzLVhZVS00MjIAAAGQLbFHgHQFgppvdrmH4sq32J00U36FXNYMCaC2u6yv_bPXKjnmZXQjJwlo_RIXAIPj3FBVICsMUWmAB_rlU0k9Atc6FT4E27F2PcQOtCggOdM

The Biden administration is quietly shifting its strategy in Ukraine: For two years, Biden and Zelenskyy have been focused on driving Russia from Ukraine. Now Washington is discussing a move to a more defensive posture. With U.S. and European aid to Ukraine now in serious jeopardy, the Biden administration and European officials are quietly shifting their focus from supporting Ukraine’s goal of total victory over Russia to improving its position in an eventual negotiation to end the war, according to a Biden administration official
https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2023/12/27/biden-endgame-ukraine-00133211

How Much Aid Has US Sent Ukraine Since War Began? The total amount of American military, financial and humanitarian aid to Ukraine since the war started on February 24, 2022, is over $79 billion according to the Kiel Institute for the World Economy, a German research institute that tracks international support for Kyiv. More than $75 billion in assistance to Ukraine
https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/how-much-aid-the-u-s-has-sent-to-ukraine-in-6-charts

The West may now have no option but to attack Iran: Houthi attacks on commercial shipping and US Navy vessels in the Red Sea threaten the global economy, endangering the vital Suez Canal trade route. Houthi attacks on commercial shipping and US Navy vessels in the Red Sea threaten the global economy, endangering the vital Suez Canal trade route. As if 14 such attacks in the past month, and against Israel directly, were not enough, Iran has now joined the fray.
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2023/12/28/the-west-may-now-have-no-option-but-to-attack-iran/#:~:text=Houthi%20attacks%20on%20commercial%20shipping,vital%20Suez%20Canal%20trade%20route

Texas Independence Fight Headed for Court: A pro-Texas independence movement has said it will take the state Republican party to court after it rejected its proposal to put the question of secession on the ballot in 2024. Rinaldi wrote: “The vast majority of petition signatures were invalid. A number of the signatures omitted one or all of the residence address, county of registration, and date of birth/voter registration number. Many contained invalid voter names. Only an estimated 8,300 of the purported 139,000 signatures were in the petition signer’s own handwriting.”
https://www.newsweek.com/texas-independence-republican-party-court-1856413#:~:text=A%20pro%2DTexas%20independence%20movement,on%20the%20ballot%20in%202024

More than three dozen House members not seeking re-election: While some of those leaving their House seats are vying for the Senate or different offices, others are simply getting ready for a life outside politics. Here are the House members who say they won’t be running for reelection in 2024.
https://thehill.com/homenews/house/4290891-here-are-the-house-incumbents-not-running-for-reelection-in-2024/

Steve Moore: This is the most important story in America right now: Steve Moore says Americans ditching blue states is ‘accelerating’ and warns they will be ‘bled to death’ if they don’t change on ‘The Bottom Line.’
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h6Gd9H3rPjw

Congressional stalemate: $858 billion for military, yet $12 billion child poverty aid stalled: A critical look at the Congressional impasse over funding $12 billion for Child Tax Credit expansion amid the approval of a colossal $858 billion military budget.
https://www.commondreams.org/news/2022/12/17/congress-just-passed-858-billion-military-budget-gop-blocking-12-billion-fight-child

# Legal / DOJ
That New Trump Phone Call Recording Sounds Pretty Bad, Huh? The RNC chair should probably not be saying that! While we did already know about this call, the basic facts of it came to light when Palmer testified to the Jan. 6 committee in 2021,the details of what exactly Trump and McDaniel said weren’t known until now.
https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2023/12/trump-michigan-tape-ronna-mcdaniel-2020-election-results.html

Trump Ally Who Was Indicted With Him in Georgia Says they Considered Chartering Private Jet to Fly Fake Elector Certificates to DC Ahead of January 6th
https://sg.news.yahoo.com/trump-campaign-scrambled-fake-electors-014250026.html

Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas to Face Lawsuit for Tax Fraud and Ethics Violations: For years, conservative billionaires have treated Supreme Court justice Clarence Thomas to opulent vacations and trips on their private jets. If these were anything other than disinterested gifts, then they’re taxable — and Thomas owes the IRS a huge bill.
https://jacobin.com/2023/12/clarence-thomas-is-committing-tax-fraud

Clarence Thomas: Here Are All The Ethics Scandals Involving The Supreme Court Justice Amid Unpaid RV Loan Revelations: Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas never repaid a “substantial portion” of a $267,230 loan he received from a wealthy friend to pay off a luxury RV, the Senate Finance Committee announced Wednesday—raising potential tax concerns—the latest revelation in a series of recent controversies involving Thomas, leading to calls for him to recuse himself from cases or be removed from office and for the court to impose a binding code of ethics.
https://www.forbes.com/sites/alisondurkee/2023/09/22/clarence-thomas-here-are-all-the-ethics-scandals-involving-the-supreme-court-justice-amid-koch-network-revelations/?sh=78ede2be5df7

# Medical / Health
Fake weight loss and diabetes drugs entering U.S. market: Health regulators are warning that counterfeit versions of the drug Ozempic and similar medicines used for weight loss and to treat diabetes are on the U.S. market. NBC News’ Stephanie Gosk has more details. The FDA is warning about counterfeit versions of the diabetes medication that’s also being used for weight loss. The agency has seized thousands of knockoffs of Ozempic, a drug approved for adults with type 2 diabetes. But because it leads to weight loss, there has been a rise in demand nationwide, which has led to the production of counterfeits.
https://news.yahoo.com/counterfeit-versions-ozempic-reported-nationwide-204122318.html

# Military / DOD
Business of War Is Booming as Orders Surge at Top Global Arms Firms: “The order books of the world’s biggest defense companies are near record highs,” a new Financial Times analysis reveals. The London-based newspaper analyzed the order books of the world’s 15 top arms makers and found their combined backlogs were $777.6 billion at the end of 2022—a 10% increase from 2020. According to FT: The trend’s momentum continued into 2023
https://www.commondreams.org/news/arms-trade-2666819054#:~:text=The%20London%2Dbased%20newspaper%20analyzed,trend’s%20momentum%20continued%20into%202023

US Navy warship downs Iranian-backed air assault in the Red Sea: The Navy’s USS Mason shot down one drone and one anti-ship ballistic missile in the Southern Red Sea that were fired by the Houthi rebels
https://www.spacewar.com/reports/US_Navy_warship_downs_Iranian-backed_air_assault_in_the_Red_Sea_999.html

U.S. Deploys Troops To European Country As Tensions Rise: Dozens of Iowa National Guard soldiers will depart for Kosovo on Friday to join a longstanding North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) peacekeeping mission at a time that the United States has warned of growing turbulence in the Balkans. The U.S. has provided more aid to Ukraine than any other NATO member, though the war has become a stalemate. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said in October that Putin could be seeking a diversion in the Balkans, where that month a gun battle between Kosovo and Serbian representatives led to the U.S. warning of rising tensions and violence in the region.
https://www.newsweek.com/us-deploys-troops-european-country-tensions-rise-1856164#:~:text=Dozens%20of%20Iowa%20National%20Guard,growing%20turbulence%20in%20the%20Balkans

# Military / Global
Army Commander Tells NATO Country to Prepare for War With Russia: The commander of the Dutch army on Thursday called on the Netherlands to become better prepared for a potential future war with Russia. “The Netherlands should be seriously afraid of war, and our society should prepare for it…Russia is getting stronger, ” Lieutenant General Martin Wijnen, commander of the Royal Netherlands Army, said in an interview with the newspaper De Telegraaf.
https://www.newsweek.com/army-commander-tells-nato-country-prepare-war-russia-1856340

# Nuclear
South Carolina nuclear plant’s cracked pipes get downgraded warning from nuclear officials: The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission downgraded its preliminary “yellow” warning for V.C. Summer Nuclear Station issued this October to a final “white” one after owner and operator Dominion Energy showed its generator could still run for six hours in an emergency, the agency announced Thursday.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/south-carolina-nuclear-plant-s-cracked-pipes-get-downgraded-warning-from-nuclear-officials/ar-AA1mcUZo?ocid=winp1taskbar&cvid=e172282768ef423fb254d338fb037429&ei=277

# Pharmaceuticals / Drugs
‘Frankenstein’ drug 10 times more powerful than fentanyl: “People can have drugs mailed to them or their business and then they can either take the drugs themselves or they deal in these dangerous drugs and other people unfortunately could be exposed, ingest it and die or have medical complications,” the undercover agent said. That makes it more challenging for officers to crack down on those selling it. Not much is known about the drug but investigators say more is coming to light every day. One small study did show the potent drug requires a higher dose of overdose reversal drugs like naloxone than fentanyl and there is no guarantee of survival.
https://www.newsnationnow.com/crime/nitazenes-colorado-opioid-fentanyl/

# Planetary
‘Devil comet’ hurtling towards Earth will erupt: A horned “Devil Comet” that’s been hurtling toward Earth is set to “blow” on Friday or Saturday, which would mark its second eruption in just over two weeks. “The last few outbursts have been on a 15-day cadence and we might be coming up to another one,” Nick James of the British Astronomical Association (BAA) told Spaceweather.com. The comet, known as 12P, is a cryovolcano, or cold comet, which erupts when a large amount of gas and ice amasses and combusts like frozen Coke can.
https://nypost.com/2023/12/29/lifestyle/earth-bound-devil-comet-set-to-explode-today-scientists/

# Space / NASA
Russia, NASA agree to continue joint ISS flights until 2025: The decision was taken “to maintain the reliability of the ISS as a whole.” Russian and U.S. space agencies have agreed to keep working together to deliver crews to the International Space Station (ISS) until at least 2025, Russian corporation Roscosmos said Thursday
https://phys.org/news/2023-12-russia-nasa-joint-iss-flights.html

US military space plane blasts off on another secretive mission: The Space Force’s reusable, robotic craft is carrying classified experiments. There’s no one on board. The U.S. military’s X-37B space plane blasted off Thursday on another secretive mission that’s expected to last at least a couple of years. Like previous missions, the reusable plane resembling a mini space shuttle carried classified experiments.
https://apnews.com/article/secret-space-plane-x-37b-4faa4c90a44b2cac111709af9106c6db

# Technology
Get Ready for a ‘Tsunami’ of AI at CES: CES, which kicks off January 9 in Las Vegas, will feature the usual assortment of new consumer tech products. This year, even more of that stuff will be empowered by machine intelligence. If you’re waiting for the hubbub over generative AI to die down, maybe pull up a chair.
https://www.oodaloop.com/briefs/2023/12/29/get-ready-for-a-tsunami-of-ai-at-ces/

# Veterans / VA
Despite backlog of veterans’ claims, VA using resources to help illegal immigrants: The U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (VA), despite having a backlog of hundreds of thousands of cases, is appropriating resources to provide medical care for illegal migrants, according to a July report.
https://wpde.com/news/nation-world/va-diverting-resources-to-give-migrants-medical-care-one-of-the-worst-insults-to-veterans-veteran-affairs-illegal-immigrants-immigration-southern-border-healthcare

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Attention Readers:

Due to the nature of independent content, Voices, The Peoples News cannot guarantee content validity.

Voices, The Peoples News No. 2023-12-28

Voices, The Peoples News

December 28, 2023
Published by Jedi Selman Since March 2000 to Inform and Educate
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This daily Voices, The Peoples News is posted through the blog function of www.MPEN-Ohio.net

# Indigenous
In a Major Shift, Northwest Tribes, not U.S. Officials, Will Control Salmon Recovery Funds: The Biden administration punted on key demands from Indigenous leaders to tear down hydroelectric dams hindering salmon. But tribes won control over $1 billion for other salmon efforts. Little Goose Dam near Starbuck, Washington, is one of four dams on the Lower Snake River the Biden administration could seek to remove.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.propublica.org/article/northwest-tribes-not-us-officials-will-control-salmon-recovery-funds__;!!On18fmf1aQ!0VjAHovaMvYdaK5n6uhmyGmRo1h8_2m81C0JM5VIumRglQrcTeb94IH7ajw1xh9kusz0xqSJPTiOUfDKg6ic82EGG-i_8mG-$

# Animals / Pets / Alerts / Recalls
Blue Ridge Beef had issued a voluntary recall of its Blue Ridge Beef Puppy Mix, due to Salmonella and Listeria Monocytogenes contamination
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.dogfoodadvisor.com/dog-food-recall/blue-ridge-beef-issues-voluntary-recall-of-blue-ridge-beef-puppy-mix-due-to-salmonella-and-listeria-monocytogenes-contamination/__;!!On18fmf1aQ!0VjAHovaMvYdaK5n6uhmyGmRo1h8_2m81C0JM5VIumRglQrcTeb94IH7ajw1xh9kusz0xqSJPTiOUfDKg6ic82EGG6enPsSy$

# Border / Immigration / Migrants
Texas begins flying migrants to sanctuary cities with first flight to Chicago: Over 82,000 migrants have been transported to cities by Texas so far. Fox was told that the first flight left El Paso on Tuesday afternoon with 120 migrants on board and arrived at Chicago’s O’Hare Airport later in the day. Sources in Abbott’s office told Fox that all migrants signed voluntary waivers, as they do when bussed.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.foxnews.com/politics/texas-begins-flying-migrants-to-sanctuary-cities-with-first-flight-to-chicago__;!!On18fmf1aQ!0VjAHovaMvYdaK5n6uhmyGmRo1h8_2m81C0JM5VIumRglQrcTeb94IH7ajw1xh9kusz0xqSJPTiOUfDKg6ic82EGGyJyEBts$

Buses respond to Chicago’s new penalties and restrictions by dropping migrants in secret locations: Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson’s deputy chief of staff, Cristina Pacione-Zayas, told The Chicago Tribune that bus companies are now no longer communicating about where they are dropping migrants in an effort to avoid city penalties. In an effort to show the seriousness of the border crisis, some Republican governors have sent buses of asylum seekers to Democratic-controlled states and sanctuary cities.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.foxnews.com/media/buses-respond-chicagos-penalties-restrictions-dropping-migrants-secret-locations?utm_source=Newswav&utm_medium=Website__;!!On18fmf1aQ!0VjAHovaMvYdaK5n6uhmyGmRo1h8_2m81C0JM5VIumRglQrcTeb94IH7ajw1xh9kusz0xqSJPTiOUfDKg6ic82EGGzjNMPcg$

Illinois communities weigh resolutions to block non-citizen arrivals: Up and down the state of Illinois, local elected officials are evaluating measures to block the acceptance of non-citizen migrants to their communities amid reports that buses from Texas continue to arrive. About
90 non-citizen migrants were dropped off in suburban Elmhurst https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.thecentersquare.com/illinois/article_1d6b697e-a4ff-11ee-bb29-33cef32c5b22.html__;!!On18fmf1aQ!0VjAHovaMvYdaK5n6uhmyGmRo1h8_2m81C0JM5VIumRglQrcTeb94IH7ajw1xh9kusz0xqSJPTiOUfDKg6ic82EGGzHx9NuN$

US, Mexico to keep border crossings open, Lopez Obrador says: Mexican and U.S. officials agreed to keep border crossings open, Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said on Thursday, following a visit by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken that focused on securing Mexico’s help to stem record-high migration.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.usnews.com/news/world/articles/2023-12-28/us-mexico-to-keep-border-crossings-open-lopez-obrador-says__;!!On18fmf1aQ!0VjAHovaMvYdaK5n6uhmyGmRo1h8_2m81C0JM5VIumRglQrcTeb94IH7ajw1xh9kusz0xqSJPTiOUfDKg6ic82EGG6kGennl$

# Economy / Finance / Trade / Banks
Walmart Shifts US Import Focus From China to India: Walmart is shifting more of its imports to the United States from India compared to previous years. In a bid to shift its reliance from the Chinese supply chains, multinational retail corporation Walmart is shifting its focus towards India. As per the data seen by news agency Reuters, the retailer imported one-quarter of its US imports from India between January and August 2023.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/walmart-shifts-to-india-cuts-china-imports/7377475.html__;!!On18fmf1aQ!0VjAHovaMvYdaK5n6uhmyGmRo1h8_2m81C0JM5VIumRglQrcTeb94IH7ajw1xh9kusz0xqSJPTiOUfDKg6ic82EGG-ZZnGTI$

# Education / Schools
St. Louis-Area School Board Votes To Drop Black History And Black Literature Classes: The Francis Howell School District school board voted to remove “Black History” and “Black Literature” Thursday. The courses were reportedly introduced in 2021 after students and staff members spoke up about experiencing discrimination at school.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://blavity.com/st-louis-area-school-board-votes-to-drop-black-history-and-black-literature-classes__;!!On18fmf1aQ!0VjAHovaMvYdaK5n6uhmyGmRo1h8_2m81C0JM5VIumRglQrcTeb94IH7ajw1xh9kusz0xqSJPTiOUfDKg6ic82EGG2kBhbkb$

Christian Conservatives Attack Satanic Church Over After-School Satan Clubs and Pagan Statues: A Satanic church with a long history of fighting for its First Amendment and religious freedom is fighting again in Iowa. The Church has a 10-year history of coming under attack for its after-school clubs. This time, it’s the Christian conservatives in Iowa.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://gistfest.com/christian-conservatives-attack-satanic-church-over-after-school-satan-clubs-and-pagan-statues/__;!!On18fmf1aQ!0VjAHovaMvYdaK5n6uhmyGmRo1h8_2m81C0JM5VIumRglQrcTeb94IH7ajw1xh9kusz0xqSJPTiOUfDKg6ic82EGG6_j4_Gb$

# Energy / Pipelines / Mining / Chemicals DTE Energy Facing Oversight of “Hardship-Inducing” Debt Collection Practices: The large utility must turn over details of its sales of customer debt, which previously were kept in the dark, but has fought off a ban on the practice. A 2022 investigation by Outlier Media and ProPublica detailed how DTE sold customer debt from closed accounts for pennies on the dollar over a period of nine years. Jefferson Capital Systems, a company that bought the debt, has sued Detroiters, garnished paychecks and income tax returns and put liens on homes
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.propublica.org/article/dte-energy-oversight-debt-collection-sales-michigan*:*:text=A*202022*20investigation*20by*20Outlier,and*20put*20liens*20on*20homes__;I34lJSUlJSUlJQ!!On18fmf1aQ!0VjAHovaMvYdaK5n6uhmyGmRo1h8_2m81C0JM5VIumRglQrcTeb94IH7ajw1xh9kusz0xqSJPTiOUfDKg6ic82EGG4ZBzSZm$

# Environment / Climate / Chemicals / Infrastructure
Texas companies skirt federal environmental laws with permit loopholes: In Texas, industrial facilities are avoiding stricter federal environmental regulations by classifying themselves as “minor” sources, raising concerns about air pollution and regulatory oversight.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.ehn.org/texas-companies-skirt-federal-environmental-laws-with-permit-loopholes-2666814049.html__;!!On18fmf1aQ!0VjAHovaMvYdaK5n6uhmyGmRo1h8_2m81C0JM5VIumRglQrcTeb94IH7ajw1xh9kusz0xqSJPTiOUfDKg6ic82EGG3GdaEGk$

Experts Expect $400M Accord to Spark More Aggressive Litigation Over ‘Forever Chemicals’ in Drinking Water: “[F]or the same reason that Jesse James robbed banks,” Lathrop GPM partner William G. Beck said, “the contingent fee lawyers got their hands on the money with tobacco, and then they got their hands on the money with opioids—the same lawyers. I do think it means that we’re going to see more and more [PFAS] litigation and it’s going to be more and more aggressive.”
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.law.com/njlawjournal/2023/07/13/experts-expect-400m-accord-to-spark-more-aggressive-litigation-over-forever-chemicals-in-drinking-water/?slreturn=20231128093049__;!!On18fmf1aQ!0VjAHovaMvYdaK5n6uhmyGmRo1h8_2m81C0JM5VIumRglQrcTeb94IH7ajw1xh9kusz0xqSJPTiOUfDKg6ic82EGG-FWSd_M$

The lasting damage ‘forever chemicals’ could do to American companies: The lasting damage ‘forever chemicals’ could do to American companies. “Forever” chemicals are proving to be extremely costly to the companies that produced them. 3M (MMM) and Dupont (DD) have agreed to pay more than $15 billion to settle claims that PFAS chemicals, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, caused harm.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://finance.yahoo.com/news/the-lasting-damage-forever-chemicals-could-do-to-american-companies-180036435.html__;!!On18fmf1aQ!0VjAHovaMvYdaK5n6uhmyGmRo1h8_2m81C0JM5VIumRglQrcTeb94IH7ajw1xh9kusz0xqSJPTiOUfDKg6ic82EGG0Lu90qj$

‘Forever chemicals’ were everywhere in 2023, Expect more litigation in 2024: Lawsuits accusing major chemical companies of polluting U.S.
drinking water with toxic PFAS chemicals led to over $11 billion in settlements. PFAS water testing finds at least 44 million people exposed, with more results pending https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.ewg.org/news-insights/news-release/2023/11/new-epa-data-show-millions-more-have-forever-chemicals-drinking__;!!On18fmf1aQ!0VjAHovaMvYdaK5n6uhmyGmRo1h8_2m81C0JM5VIumRglQrcTeb94IH7ajw1xh9kusz0xqSJPTiOUfDKg6ic82EGG4IG6Y2W$

# Environment / Climate / Infrastructure / Global Gold mining in the Amazon: the origin of the Yanomami health crisis: Centuries of exploitation and violation of rights, it seems that a consensus has been reached: preserving the Amazon is the only chance for human beings to survive on the planet and a unique opportunity for Brazil to reduce historic inequities and earn international respect and credibility.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10740397/__;!!On18fmf1aQ!0VjAHovaMvYdaK5n6uhmyGmRo1h8_2m81C0JM5VIumRglQrcTeb94IH7ajw1xh9kusz0xqSJPTiOUfDKg6ic82EGGzoBLeO4$

How Illegal Mining Caused a Humanitarian Crisis in the Amazon: The onslaught of illegal miners into Indigenous territory in the Brazilian Amazon has destroyed forest, polluted rivers, and brought disease and malnutrition to the Yanomami people. Now, the new Brazilian government is confronting a health crisis and moving to evict the miners.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://e360.yale.edu/features/brazil-yanomami-mining-malaria-malnutrition-lula__;!!On18fmf1aQ!0VjAHovaMvYdaK5n6uhmyGmRo1h8_2m81C0JM5VIumRglQrcTeb94IH7ajw1xh9kusz0xqSJPTiOUfDKg6ic82EGGzFsXY_T$

Hunger for gold means the Amazon has reached ‘tipping point’ of mercury contamination from illegal mining: Deforestation and degraded forests. Polluted and poisoned rivers. Invasion of Indigenous Lands. Violence against Indigenous Peoples. Exposure to illness. Lost lives and endangered traditional ways of life.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.greenpeace.org/international/story/59123/amazon-rainforest-mining-illegal/__;!!On18fmf1aQ!0VjAHovaMvYdaK5n6uhmyGmRo1h8_2m81C0JM5VIumRglQrcTeb94IH7ajw1xh9kusz0xqSJPTiOUfDKg6ic82EGGxWl15ke$

# Food / Farming / GMOs / Chemicals / Technology
Buzzkill: A bee researcher’s colonies kept dying, and she couldn’t figure out why. Then, she looked at the ethanol factory down the road. Later observations confirmed that her bees had been poisoned by water runoff and windblown dust from piles of pesticide-laden waste at the ethanol plant. It was an uncontrolled release of neonicotinoids, and she had put her bees right on its doorstep. Within a year, AltEn’s misdeeds would be exposed for everyone to see, provoking tough questions for government regulators and seed companies.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://thefern.org/2023/12/buzzkill/*:*:text=Later*20observations*20confirmed*20that*20her,**BFate__;I34lJSUl4oCc!!On18fmf1aQ!0VjAHovaMvYdaK5n6uhmyGmRo1h8_2m81C0JM5VIumRglQrcTeb94IH7ajw1xh9kusz0xqSJPTiOUfDKg6ic82EGG3ih2oHX$

EPA to propose new pesticide rule: The Biden administration indicated this week that it will propose allowing many common uses of a pesticide that has been linked to developmental delays in kids. The expected proposal follows a court ruling that tossed the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) ban on the pesticide, called chlorpyrifos
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://thehill.com/newsletters/energy-environment/4372699-epa-to-propose-new-pesticide-rule/*:*:text=The*20Biden*20administration*20indicated*20this,to*20developmental*20delays*20in*20kids.&text=The*20expected*20proposal*20follows*20a,on*20the*20pesticide*2C*20called*20chlorpyrifos__;I34lJSUlJSUlJSUlJSUlJSUlJQ!!On18fmf1aQ!0VjAHovaMvYdaK5n6uhmyGmRo1h8_2m81C0JM5VIumRglQrcTeb94IH7ajw1xh9kusz0xqSJPTiOUfDKg6ic82EGG84yhBOl$

# General News
Trump claims divine authority and threatens dictatorship in escalating rhetoric: Donald Trump’s recent public proclamations, in which he presents himself as a godly figure and explicitly threatens to behave like a dictator if re-elected, have raised concerns among experts and observers.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/opinion/trump-claims-divine-authority-and-threatens-dictatorship-in-escalating-rhetoric/ar-AA1m8lYs?ocid=winp1taskbar&cvid=7ba13eb2d75d4923a448beea37bb9faf&ei=18__;!!On18fmf1aQ!0VjAHovaMvYdaK5n6uhmyGmRo1h8_2m81C0JM5VIumRglQrcTeb94IH7ajw1xh9kusz0xqSJPTiOUfDKg6ic82EGG8UCLyuB$

Trump’s vow to only be a dictator on ‘day one’ follows growing worry over his authoritarian rhetoric: As Donald Trump faces growing scrutiny over his increasingly authoritarian and violent rhetoric, Fox News host Sean Hannity gave his longtime friend a chance to assure the American people that he wouldn’t abuse power or seek retribution if he wins a second term.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://ny1.com/nyc/all-boroughs/politics/2023/12/08/trump-s-vow-to-only-be-a-dictator-on–day-one–follows-growing-worry-over-his-authoritarian-rhetoric__;!!On18fmf1aQ!0VjAHovaMvYdaK5n6uhmyGmRo1h8_2m81C0JM5VIumRglQrcTeb94IH7ajw1xh9kusz0xqSJPTiOUfDKg6ic82EGG7dvU8Rf$

Poll: Trump leads Biden in Arizona, other swing states: Former President Donald Trump is leading President Joe Biden in a head-to-head matchup poll in several swing states, including
Arizona https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.thecentersquare.com/national/article_e8922cbc-a4de-11ee-8ec2-5751d02326fb.html__;!!On18fmf1aQ!0VjAHovaMvYdaK5n6uhmyGmRo1h8_2m81C0JM5VIumRglQrcTeb94IH7ajw1xh9kusz0xqSJPTiOUfDKg6ic82EGG8eInWct$

Colorado GOP asks SCOTUS to reject ruling preventing Trump from appearing on 2024 ballot: The Colorado Republican Party petitioned the US Supreme Court to overturn a state Supreme Court ruling that barred former President Donald Trump from appearing on Colorado’s 2024 primary ballot. “The Republican Party has been irreparably harmed by the decision” to deem Trump, 77, ineligible for the White House, the appeal, filed on behalf of the Colorado GOP by the nonprofit American Center for Law and Justice, states.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://nypost.com/2023/12/27/news/colorado-gop-asks-us-supreme-court-to-overturn-unprecedented-14th-amendment-ruling-and-keep-trump-on-states-2024-ballot/__;!!On18fmf1aQ!0VjAHovaMvYdaK5n6uhmyGmRo1h8_2m81C0JM5VIumRglQrcTeb94IH7ajw1xh9kusz0xqSJPTiOUfDKg6ic82EGG4pLohDA$

California Lt. Gov. calls for state to ‘explore every legal option’ to remove Trump from 2024 ballot: Disqualification lawsuits relating to Trump’s appearance on the ballot are pending in 13 states, including Texas, Nevada and Wisconsin. The gubernatorial candidate told the Secretary of State that California “must stand on the right side of history,” and is “obligated to determine” if the former president is ineligible to be on the ballot for the same reasons he was deemed ineligible in Colorado.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.foxnews.com/politics/california-lt-gov-calls-state-explore-every-legal-option-remove-trump-ballot__;!!On18fmf1aQ!0VjAHovaMvYdaK5n6uhmyGmRo1h8_2m81C0JM5VIumRglQrcTeb94IH7ajw1xh9kusz0xqSJPTiOUfDKg6ic82EGG8JO-Ub6$

# Gov / Politics / Global
Israeli Teen Jailed for Refusing to Take Part in Army’s ‘Criminal Attack’ on Gaza: “I believe that slaughter cannot solve slaughter,” said 18-year-old Tal Mitnick, who was sentenced to 30 days behind bars for refusing to participate in what a fellow draft resister called a “genocide” in Gaza.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.commondreams.org/news/conscientious-objector-israel__;!!On18fmf1aQ!0VjAHovaMvYdaK5n6uhmyGmRo1h8_2m81C0JM5VIumRglQrcTeb94IH7ajw1xh9kusz0xqSJPTiOUfDKg6ic82EGG1hSKFRg$

Russia Points North – “You Will Suffer First of All”: Mikhail Ulyanov, serving as the permanent representative of Russia to international organizations in Vienna, adds: “But since they are our neighbors, if God forbid there is any escalation, they will be the first to suffer.” Russia has repeatedly issued warnings against Finland recently, not only due to NATO membership. The fact that Finland closed its eastern border in November also provoked the Putin regime.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/russia-points-north-you-will-suffer-first-of-all/ar-AA1m8JY4*:*:text=Mikhail*20Ulyanov*2C*20serving*20as*20the,be*20the*20first*20to*20suffer.*22__;I34lJSUlJSUlJSUl!!On18fmf1aQ!0VjAHovaMvYdaK5n6uhmyGmRo1h8_2m81C0JM5VIumRglQrcTeb94IH7ajw1xh9kusz0xqSJPTiOUfDKg6ic82EGG8X3C_-e$

Putin Ally Found Dead After Falling From Third-Floor Window: It is the latest in a series of mysterious deaths involving prominent Russian figures since President Vladimir Putin’s forces invaded Ukraine last February.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.newsweek.com/vladimir-egorov-putin-ally-found-dead-window-1856059__;!!On18fmf1aQ!0VjAHovaMvYdaK5n6uhmyGmRo1h8_2m81C0JM5VIumRglQrcTeb94IH7ajw1xh9kusz0xqSJPTiOUfDKg6ic82EGGykdxBBl$

North Korea Ramps Up Preparations for War With US: North Korea is putting its munitions industry and nuclear weapons sector on a war footing, following months of raised tensions with the U.S. and NATO-aligned countries in the region, a run of missile tests and border activity. Pyongyang’s military and defense sectors will “further accelerate war preparations” in the face of “unprecedented anti-DPRK [North Korea] confrontation maneuvers of the U.S. and its vassal forces,” North Korea’s state media reported on Thursday.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.newsweek.com/north-korea-war-preparations-nuclear-missiles-us-south-korea-japan-1856028__;!!On18fmf1aQ!0VjAHovaMvYdaK5n6uhmyGmRo1h8_2m81C0JM5VIumRglQrcTeb94IH7ajw1xh9kusz0xqSJPTiOUfDKg6ic82EGGzHVWyo8$

Alarming surge in violence and human rights abuses in the West Bank: UN report’s findings: Record highs in fatalities and rights violations spark global concern.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.nationofchange.org/2023/12/28/alarming-surge-in-violence-and-human-rights-abuses-in-the-west-bank-un-reports-findings/__;!!On18fmf1aQ!0VjAHovaMvYdaK5n6uhmyGmRo1h8_2m81C0JM5VIumRglQrcTeb94IH7ajw1xh9kusz0xqSJPTiOUfDKg6ic82EGGzVuPHlT$

# Gov / Politics
Republicans Drafting Bills to Remove Joe Biden from Ballots in Georgia, Arizona, Pennsylvania: Three Republican state lawmakers are drafting legislation to remove Joe Biden from ballots in Georgia, Arizona, and Pennsylvania, Breitbart News exclusively learned Friday.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.newsweek.com/republicans-pull-trigger-plan-remove-joe-biden-ballots-1855042__;!!On18fmf1aQ!0VjAHovaMvYdaK5n6uhmyGmRo1h8_2m81C0JM5VIumRglQrcTeb94IH7ajw1xh9kusz0xqSJPTiOUfDKg6ic82EGG3rvfVf5$

Maine Supreme Court Rules Christie Ineligible for 2024 Ballot: Maine’s highest court has ruled that Republican presidential candidate Chris Christie will not appear on the 2024 ballot after his campaign failed to gather enough certified signatures from registered voters.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://trendingpoliticsnews.com/breaking-maine-supreme-court-rules-christie-ineligible-for-2024-ballot-mstef/__;!!On18fmf1aQ!0VjAHovaMvYdaK5n6uhmyGmRo1h8_2m81C0JM5VIumRglQrcTeb94IH7ajw1xh9kusz0xqSJPTiOUfDKg6ic82EGG4Q2-Y70$

Dems Target GOP State Lawmakers With Jan. 6 Credentials: House Republicans are releasing most of the security footage from the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol to the public, Speaker Mike Johnson announced Friday. Roughly 90 hours of footage had been posted on the House Administration Committee’s website by Friday afternoon, in a move that Democrats and left-leaning groups have called a threat to security. Starting Monday, members of the public will be able to set up in-person appointments to view the Capitol Police security footage in designated rooms within the Capitol complex.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://rollcall.com/2023/11/17/republicans-begin-releasing-jan-6-security-footage/__;!!On18fmf1aQ!0VjAHovaMvYdaK5n6uhmyGmRo1h8_2m81C0JM5VIumRglQrcTeb94IH7ajw1xh9kusz0xqSJPTiOUfDKg6ic82EGG1ujMGWN$

Right-wing extremism and the Cold War go hand-in-hand: U.S. “ironclad” support for militarism undercuts attempts to curb right-wing terrorism. From white supremacist violence in the West Bank to gendered violence in Olongapo, we can’t defeat at home what we export abroad
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.nationofchange.org/2023/12/28/right-wing-extremism-and-the-cold-war-go-hand-in-hand/__;!!On18fmf1aQ!0VjAHovaMvYdaK5n6uhmyGmRo1h8_2m81C0JM5VIumRglQrcTeb94IH7ajw1xh9kusz0xqSJPTiOUfDKg6ic82EGGwsMoeoH$

# Law Enforcment
Austin’s Soros-backed DA is slammed for allowing man who killed two people in SEVENTH drunk-driving incident is allowed to walk free because his charges were reduced. -Roberto Rangel was initially charged with two counts of intoxication manslaughter after an accident that killed Mark Narvaez and Kate Garcia. Three months after his arrest, his charge was reduced to a DWI.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-12886621/Austin-DA-slammed-allowing-man-killed-two-people-SEVENTH-drunk-driving-incident-allowed-bond-charges-reduced.html__;!!On18fmf1aQ!0VjAHovaMvYdaK5n6uhmyGmRo1h8_2m81C0JM5VIumRglQrcTeb94IH7ajw1xh9kusz0xqSJPTiOUfDKg6ic82EGG5RF0MlJ$

Idaho Murders: As a Small Town Grapples With Sinister Rumors, Media’s True-Crime Obsession Grows: While social media puts forth speculation and false information, channels like NewsNation are making a name in true-crime coverage.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.linkedin.com/posts/newsnationnetwork_idaho-murders-as-a-small-town-grapples-with-activity-7039301596832264192-QUJc__;!!On18fmf1aQ!0VjAHovaMvYdaK5n6uhmyGmRo1h8_2m81C0JM5VIumRglQrcTeb94IH7ajw1xh9kusz0xqSJPTiOUfDKg6ic82EGG8-hZdkg$

When Alabama Police Kill, Surviving Family Can Fight Years to See Bodycam Footage, There’s No Guarantee They Will: Alabama is among the most restrictive states for disclosing body-camera footage when police kill loved ones. Surviving family members often must go to court to get access to the video, and even if successful, they usually can’t share it publicly.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.propublica.org/article/police-body-camera-footage-alabama-restrictions*:*:text=Alabama*20is*20among*20the*20most,can’t*20share*20it*20publicly.&text=ProPublica*20is*20a*20nonprofit*20newsroom*20that*20investigates*20abuses*20of*20power__;I34lJSUlJSUlJSUlJSUlJSUl!!On18fmf1aQ!0VjAHovaMvYdaK5n6uhmyGmRo1h8_2m81C0JM5VIumRglQrcTeb94IH7ajw1xh9kusz0xqSJPTiOUfDKg6ic82EGG6f-LcJi$

# Legal / DOJ
Jack Smith’s special counsel status is unconstitutional, former attorney general tells SCOTUS: Former Attorney General Ed Meese has presented arguments to the Supreme Court that they should reject Special Counsel Jack Smith’s requests because he was unconstitutionally appointed in the first place. Meese, along with law professors Steven G. Calabresi and Gary S. Lawson, filed a friend-of-the-court brief to present the case that Attorney General Merrick Garland’s appointment of Smith, a private citizen, is in violation of the Appointments Clause of the Constitution.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://nypost.com/2023/12/22/news/special-counsel-in-trump-case-unconstitutional-former-reagan-attorney-general-ed-meese-says/__;!!On18fmf1aQ!0VjAHovaMvYdaK5n6uhmyGmRo1h8_2m81C0JM5VIumRglQrcTeb94IH7ajw1xh9kusz0xqSJPTiOUfDKg6ic82EGG5eRrJBy$

Jack Smith Worried About ‘Political Attacks’ at Trump Trial: Special counsel Jack Smith filed a motion Wednesday asking a judge to bar Donald Trump and his lawyers from injecting “political attacks” and conspiracy theories into his upcoming election subversion trial.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://thehill.com/regulation/court-battles/4379050-jack-smith-judge-trump-political-attacks-2020-election/__;!!On18fmf1aQ!0VjAHovaMvYdaK5n6uhmyGmRo1h8_2m81C0JM5VIumRglQrcTeb94IH7ajw1xh9kusz0xqSJPTiOUfDKg6ic82EGGz3p2jpp$

# Media
Assange gets ‘last chance’ U.S. extradition appeal date: The WikiLeaks founder faces a sentence of 175 years on charges of disclosing classified information if handed over by Britain
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.rt.com/news/589360-assange-gets-appeal-court-date/__;!!On18fmf1aQ!0VjAHovaMvYdaK5n6uhmyGmRo1h8_2m81C0JM5VIumRglQrcTeb94IH7ajw1xh9kusz0xqSJPTiOUfDKg6ic82EGG05fpnwT$

Social media companies made nearly $11 billion in advertising revenue from U.S.-based minors in 2022: “Our study suggests they have overwhelming financial incentives to continue to delay taking meaningful steps to protect children,” said one Harvard researcher:
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.commondreams.org/news/social-media-and-children__;!!On18fmf1aQ!0VjAHovaMvYdaK5n6uhmyGmRo1h8_2m81C0JM5VIumRglQrcTeb94IH7ajw1xh9kusz0xqSJPTiOUfDKg6ic82EGG1ZOrn1S$

# Medical / Health
Infections and Falls More Likely at Private Equity-Owned Hospitals: Patients at hospitals acquired by private equity firms saw a 25% increase in adverse events, new research shows.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/4378398-patient-infections-falls-spiked-in-hopsitals-owned-by-private-equity-study/__;!!On18fmf1aQ!0VjAHovaMvYdaK5n6uhmyGmRo1h8_2m81C0JM5VIumRglQrcTeb94IH7ajw1xh9kusz0xqSJPTiOUfDKg6ic82EGG7uTRgls$

# Military / DOD
Surface navy emphasizes frigates in its latest modernization plans: The U.S. Navy’s recent force structure study puts even greater importance on small combatants, the director of surface warfare said, a shift in priorities that could require the surface navy to rebalance its ongoing modernization plans
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.defensenews.com/naval/2023/12/27/surface-navy-emphasizes-frigates-in-its-latest-modernization-plans/__;!!On18fmf1aQ!0VjAHovaMvYdaK5n6uhmyGmRo1h8_2m81C0JM5VIumRglQrcTeb94IH7ajw1xh9kusz0xqSJPTiOUfDKg6ic82EGG8_QuiXN$

US announces new weapons package for Ukraine: It could be the final package of military aid to Ukraine unless Congress approves supplemental funding legislation that is stalled on Capitol Hill.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://apnews.com/article/ukraine-russia-war-weapons-funding-4de07e760905039359042d42e9e17500__;!!On18fmf1aQ!0VjAHovaMvYdaK5n6uhmyGmRo1h8_2m81C0JM5VIumRglQrcTeb94IH7ajw1xh9kusz0xqSJPTiOUfDKg6ic82EGG7bjUkKb$

# Military / Global
Ukraine Prepares Chemical Weapons Provocation, Russia Warns: The Ukrainians have acquired triethanolamine, a substance covered by the Convention on the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons. On Wednesday, Foreign Affairs Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova warned that Ukraine could carry out a dangerous provocation with chemical weapons to foment anti-Russian sentiments internationally.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.usnews.com/news/world-report/articles/2022-05-06/russia-claims-ukraine-poised-for-chemical-weapons-attack-as-analysts-fear-false-flag-operation__;!!On18fmf1aQ!0VjAHovaMvYdaK5n6uhmyGmRo1h8_2m81C0JM5VIumRglQrcTeb94IH7ajw1xh9kusz0xqSJPTiOUfDKg6ic82EGG7r24Vki$

NATO troops directly involved in Ukraine conflict – Russia –Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu has claimed that US, UK, and Polish military personnel are operating air defense and multiple launch rocket systems: Several NATO member states have boots on the ground in the Ukraine conflict, Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu has claimed. Western military personnel are operating certain weapons systems, he alleged, and that hundreds of the US-led military bloc’s satellites are providing surveillance data to Kiev.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-nato-europe-business-moscow-5b3ca7ea4e005c0908fb86b6d28f79d5__;!!On18fmf1aQ!0VjAHovaMvYdaK5n6uhmyGmRo1h8_2m81C0JM5VIumRglQrcTeb94IH7ajw1xh9kusz0xqSJPTiOUfDKg6ic82EGG_Sm5bMm$

NATO’s response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine: NATO condemns in the strongest possible terms Russia’s brutal and unprovoked war of aggression against Ukraine – which is an independent, peaceful and democratic country, and a close NATO partner. NATO and Allies continue to provide Ukraine with unprecedented levels of support, helping to uphold its fundamental right to self-defence.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/topics_192648.htm__;!!On18fmf1aQ!0VjAHovaMvYdaK5n6uhmyGmRo1h8_2m81C0JM5VIumRglQrcTeb94IH7ajw1xh9kusz0xqSJPTiOUfDKg6ic82EGG4tl96RE$

With hopes of victory fading, Ukraine’s war against Russia could get even harder in 2024: Intense fighting is likely to continue in the new year, with much hinging on the presidential election in the U.S., Ukraine’s largest military supporter.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.cnbc.com/2023/12/26/what-could-happen-in-the-russia-ukraine-war-in-2024.html__;!!On18fmf1aQ!0VjAHovaMvYdaK5n6uhmyGmRo1h8_2m81C0JM5VIumRglQrcTeb94IH7ajw1xh9kusz0xqSJPTiOUfDKg6ic82EGG02t6meL$

Israeli Military Censor Bans Reporting on These 8 Subjects: The highly unusual, English-language order for the Gaza war breaks from the secretive and informal way IDF censorship normally works. Weapons used by the Israel Defense Forces, security cabinet leaks, and stories about people held hostage by Hamas, these are some of the eight subjects the media are forbidden from reporting on in Israel, according to a document obtained by The Intercept.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://theintercept.com/2023/12/23/israel-military-idf-media-censor/*:*:text=December*2023*202023*2C*206*3A00*20a.m.&text=Weapons*20used*20by*20the*20Israel,document*20obtained*20by*20The*20Intercept__;I34lJSUlJSUlJSUlJSUlJQ!!On18fmf1aQ!0VjAHovaMvYdaK5n6uhmyGmRo1h8_2m81C0JM5VIumRglQrcTeb94IH7ajw1xh9kusz0xqSJPTiOUfDKg6ic82EGG4IAeNKp$

Israel Raids 10 Cities Across Occupied West Bank: At least one person was killed after Israeli troops launched a coordinated overnight assault on 10 cities including Hebron, Halhul, Nablus, Jenin, Tulkarem, el-Bireh, Jericho and notably the centre of Ramallah, which is the administrative headquarters of the Palestinian Authority.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/12/28/unparalleled-israeli-army-raids-ramallah-more-occupied-west-bank-cities__;!!On18fmf1aQ!0VjAHovaMvYdaK5n6uhmyGmRo1h8_2m81C0JM5VIumRglQrcTeb94IH7ajw1xh9kusz0xqSJPTiOUfDKg6ic82EGGw3BOBCn$

# Pharmaceuticals / Drugs
Doctors Warn Asthma Patients About An Inhaler Switch Coming On January 1st: Starting January 1, a drug that thousands of patients depend on to help them breathe will disappear from pharmacy shelves, and doctors are concerned patients may have delays switching to alternatives and getting them covered by insurance. Manufacturer GSK has said it’s discontinuing the branded asthma inhaler Flovent, and instead is making an “authorized generic” version, which is identical but without the same branding.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://wiba.iheart.com/content/2023-12-28-doctors-warn-asthma-patients-about-an-inhaler-switch-coming-on-january-1st/__;!!On18fmf1aQ!0VjAHovaMvYdaK5n6uhmyGmRo1h8_2m81C0JM5VIumRglQrcTeb94IH7ajw1xh9kusz0xqSJPTiOUfDKg6ic82EGG-CLhGYw$

Philips Recalled Breathing Machines in 2021. Chemicals of “Concern” Found in Replacement Machines Raised New Alarm: Amid a massive recall in 2021, the medical device maker Philips raced to overcome troubling questions about its replacement machines as customers waited for help. Global device maker Philips Respironics was pulling its popular sleep apnea machines and ventilators off the shelves after discovering that an industrial foam built into the devices to reduce noise could release toxic particles and fumes into the masks worn by patients.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.propublica.org/article/philips-recall-machines-chemicals-of-concern__;!!On18fmf1aQ!0VjAHovaMvYdaK5n6uhmyGmRo1h8_2m81C0JM5VIumRglQrcTeb94IH7ajw1xh9kusz0xqSJPTiOUfDKg6ic82EGG36L_S26$

# Technology
Tesla robot attacks an engineer at company’s Texas factory during violent malfunction, leaving ‘trail of blood’ and forcing workers to hit emergency shutdown button: Data show one in every 21 Giga Texas workers was injured on the job in 2022. An attorney aiding contract laborers at the factory tells DailyMail.com that there’s evidence Tesla under-reported accidents to state regulators
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-12869629/Tesla-robot-ATTACKS-engineer-companys-Texas-factory-violent-malfunction-leaving-trail-blood-forcing-workers-hit-emergency-shutdown-button.html__;!!On18fmf1aQ!0VjAHovaMvYdaK5n6uhmyGmRo1h8_2m81C0JM5VIumRglQrcTeb94IH7ajw1xh9kusz0xqSJPTiOUfDKg6ic82EGG5u2qmnz$

Senators demand Tesla recalls after ‘alarming’ Reuters reporting: In a significant development, U.S. Senators urge Tesla to take responsibility for vehicle defects, highlighting a systemic issue within the electric vehicle industry.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.nationofchange.org/2023/12/28/senators-demand-tesla-recalls-after-alarming-reuters-reporting/__;!!On18fmf1aQ!0VjAHovaMvYdaK5n6uhmyGmRo1h8_2m81C0JM5VIumRglQrcTeb94IH7ajw1xh9kusz0xqSJPTiOUfDKg6ic82EGG0tUCDDN$

# UFO Disclosure / Other
Pentagon Whistleblower Says The Government Is Hiding “Non-Human” Technology: David and investigative journalist Leslie Kean discuss new revelations about the government’s potential knowledge of UFOs. According to Kean and her co-author, a former U.S. intelligence official-turned-whistleblower recently gave Congress classified information about covert programs that he says possess intact and partially intact aircraft of non-human origin.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.levernews.com/lever-time-pentagon-whistleblower-says-the-government-is-hiding-non-human-technology/__;!!On18fmf1aQ!0VjAHovaMvYdaK5n6uhmyGmRo1h8_2m81C0JM5VIumRglQrcTeb94IH7ajw1xh9kusz0xqSJPTiOUfDKg6ic82EGG5k58aVY$

Why The New York Times, The Washington Post, and Politico Didn’t Publish a Seemingly Bombshell Report About UFOs: Monday U.S. Senator Marco Rubio said government workers with high security clearances had made UFO-related claims, leading to a bill’s provision to halt any reverse-engineering of alien crafts. News stories at the time noted “allegations of secret UFO retrieval and reverse-engineering programs” by former intelligence official turned whistleblower, David Grusch, a story which Vanity Fair traced to a “little-known” site called The Debrief.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://thedebrief.org/intelligence-officials-say-u-s-has-retrieved-non-human-craft/__;!!On18fmf1aQ!0VjAHovaMvYdaK5n6uhmyGmRo1h8_2m81C0JM5VIumRglQrcTeb94IH7ajw1xh9kusz0xqSJPTiOUfDKg6ic82EGG4K6Anf5$

# Weather
2023’s Costliest Weather Disasters Reveal ‘Double Inequality’ of Climate Crisis: “There is a global postcode lottery that is stacked against the poor,” Christian Aid’s chief executive said on the publication of the charity’s annual list of the year’s costliest climate-driven disasters. Populations that have emitted relatively little greenhouse gas disproportionately suffer the impacts of extreme weather events ranging from floods to storms to wildfires.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://earth.org/impact-of-2023s-costliest-climate-disasters-highly-unequal-new-research-shows/__;!!On18fmf1aQ!0VjAHovaMvYdaK5n6uhmyGmRo1h8_2m81C0JM5VIumRglQrcTeb94IH7ajw1xh9kusz0xqSJPTiOUfDKg6ic82EGG0qwcRj4$

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Attention Readers:

Due to the nature of independent content, Voices, The Peoples News cannot guarantee content validity.

Voices, The Peoples News No. 2023-12-27

Voices, The Peoples News

December 27, 2023
Published by Jedi Selman Since March 2000 to Inform and Educate
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This daily Voices, The Peoples News is posted through the blog function of www.MPEN-Ohio.net

# Border / Immigration / Migrants
Accommodating illegal migrants costing American taxpayers $451 billion, X users say it’s cheaper to build a wall: The controversial topic about building walls in the southern part of the United States in order to control the amount of illegals coming into the country has been around since the Trump administration.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/accommodating-illegal-migrants-costing-american-taxpayers-451-billion-x-users-say-it-s-cheaper-to-build-a-wall/ar-AA1m5HoV?ocid=winp1taskbar&cvid=baef6e5d1b274c16aa4e6cdf8c9e9c0e&ei=14__;!!On18fmf1aQ!3HHSC067lcJi-7-0iYDAifC7K1g_uoZidSwY_Y98Xh8zWoUEtUpGC47JIiMJbhRJgcawkeQQ5gAZnV3ADh9h6EXscDUnnhmz$

Texas plans to fly more migrants to Chicago after crack down on busses: One migrant bus was impounded and 96 citations were issued. Last week, the Texas Division of Emergency Management or TDEM, which handles migrant transports, chartered its first flight with migrants to Chicago to avoid growing restrictions over when and where migrants can be dropped off.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/texas/article-12902187/How-Texas-flew-migrants-flew-migrants-El-Paso-Chicago-busing-targeted-Illinois-officials.html__;!!On18fmf1aQ!3HHSC067lcJi-7-0iYDAifC7K1g_uoZidSwY_Y98Xh8zWoUEtUpGC47JIiMJbhRJgcawkeQQ5gAZnV3ADh9h6EXscGl1qohT$

Biden administration is ‘allowing the cartels to run the show’ at the US Southern border: Former Georgia congressman Doug Collins says that the Biden administration currently has an ‘open door policy’ at the border.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.foxnews.com/video/6343921825112__;!!On18fmf1aQ!3HHSC067lcJi-7-0iYDAifC7K1g_uoZidSwY_Y98Xh8zWoUEtUpGC47JIiMJbhRJgcawkeQQ5gAZnV3ADh9h6EXscG4I8uSP$

Blinken & Mayorkas Head to Mexico to Meet AMLO to Discuss Border Issues: Secretary of State Tony Blinken, Homeland Security chief Alejandro Mayorkas and White House homeland security adviser Liz Sherwood-Randall are meeting today with Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador in Mexico City. President Andrés Manuel López Obrador said he’s willing to work with U.S.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.newsnationnow.com/us-news/immigration/border-coverage/blinken-mayorkas-amlo-mexico/__;!!On18fmf1aQ!3HHSC067lcJi-7-0iYDAifC7K1g_uoZidSwY_Y98Xh8zWoUEtUpGC47JIiMJbhRJgcawkeQQ5gAZnV3ADh9h6EXscCdum1Rm$

# Education / Schools
‘Satan Club’ approved at Kansas high school: A Kansas high school approved a Satan worship club despite an online petition with over 7,000 signatures to stop group. Olathe School District this month approved a “Satan Club” after the club application “met the criteria.”
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2023/12/kansas-high-school-approves-satan-worship-club-despite/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=kansas-high-school-approves-satan-worship-club-despite__;!!On18fmf1aQ!3HHSC067lcJi-7-0iYDAifC7K1g_uoZidSwY_Y98Xh8zWoUEtUpGC47JIiMJbhRJgcawkeQQ5gAZnV3ADh9h6EXscOMkPVjn$

# Environment / Climate / Infrastructure The Upper Atmosphere Is Cooling, Prompting New Climate Concerns: A new study reaffirming that global climate change is human-made also found the upper atmosphere is cooling dramatically because of rising CO2 levels. Scientists are worried about the effect this cooling could have on orbiting satellites, the ozone layer, and Earth’s weather. While the blanket of air close to the Earth’s surface is warming, most of the atmosphere above is becoming dramatically colder. The same gases that are warming the bottom few miles of air are cooling the much greater expanses above that stretch to the edge of space
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://e360.yale.edu/features/climate-change-upper-atmosphere-cooling__;!!On18fmf1aQ!3HHSC067lcJi-7-0iYDAifC7K1g_uoZidSwY_Y98Xh8zWoUEtUpGC47JIiMJbhRJgcawkeQQ5gAZnV3ADh9h6EXscC3cRaZH$

# General News
Trump Bizarrely Shares Poll Listing ‘Dictatorship’ Priority: The word cloud comes from a J.L. Partners survey for the Daily Mail that asked 1,000 likely voters to use one word to describe what both Trump and President Biden want out of a second term. Trump shared his word cloud in an uncaptioned Truth Social post, which prominently featured words like “revenge,” “power, “economy” and “dictatorship” in large, brightly colored letters. Biden’s word cloud prominently featured words like “nothing,” “economy,” “democracy” and “peace.”
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.axios.com/2023/12/27/trump-word-cloud-revenge-dictatorship-second-term__;!!On18fmf1aQ!3HHSC067lcJi-7-0iYDAifC7K1g_uoZidSwY_Y98Xh8zWoUEtUpGC47JIiMJbhRJgcawkeQQ5gAZnV3ADh9h6EXscIXRHXJ0$

The corporate media won’t sound the alarm about the fascist threat posed by MAGA: Trump goes all in on Nazi rhetoric, and the media gives him another free pass. In any other America on any other timeline, a presidential candidate echoing the words of Adolf Hitler would soon be packing up for an early retirement. We clearly don’t live in any of those Americas, because former President Donald Trump got yet another free pass from the press after echoing fascist slogans during a rally in New Hampshire last week.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://thehill.com/opinion/campaign/4310834-trump-goes-all-in-on-nazi-rhetoric-and-the-media-gives-him-another-free-pass/__;!!On18fmf1aQ!3HHSC067lcJi-7-0iYDAifC7K1g_uoZidSwY_Y98Xh8zWoUEtUpGC47JIiMJbhRJgcawkeQQ5gAZnV3ADh9h6EXscC7emf16$

# Gov / Politics / Global
China Scholar Warns Relations With US Ally Facing ‘Point of No Return’: Tensions between China and the Philippines will continue to heat up over the next few years and could reach a “point of no return,” according to the head of a government-backed Chinese think tank.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.newsweek.com/china-philippines-us-treaty-ally-south-china-sea-territorial-dispute-1855664*:*:text=Tensions*20between*20China*20and*20the,government*2Dbacked*20Chinese*20think*20tank__;I34lJSUlJSUlJQ!!On18fmf1aQ!3HHSC067lcJi-7-0iYDAifC7K1g_uoZidSwY_Y98Xh8zWoUEtUpGC47JIiMJbhRJgcawkeQQ5gAZnV3ADh9h6EXscIxbwsku$

Russia warns Japan over providing Patriot air defence systems to Ukraine: A move by Japan to provide Patriot air defence systems to Ukraine will have “grave consequences” for Russia-Japan ties, Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said. Relations between Moscow and Tokyo, already difficult, have deteriorated sharply since Russia sent tens of thousands of troops into Ukraine in Feb. 2022. Japan has joined its Western allies in imposing sweeping economic sanctions on Russia.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.reuters.com/world/russia-warns-japan-over-providing-patriot-air-defence-systems-ukraine-2023-12-27/__;!!On18fmf1aQ!3HHSC067lcJi-7-0iYDAifC7K1g_uoZidSwY_Y98Xh8zWoUEtUpGC47JIiMJbhRJgcawkeQQ5gAZnV3ADh9h6EXscB9BAenN$

Named “The Monster of Kaliningrad,” this structure has intrigued those monitoring Russian military sites via publicly available satellite images: Located in Kaliningrad, a Russian enclave situated between Poland and Lithuania along the Baltic Sea, this structure’s strategic position is crucial for Russia in Eastern Europe, providing maritime access and significant military presence near NATO.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://apnews.com/article/iran-warship-navy-caspian-sea-79164ae32aa090a1579e74f595e7962f__;!!On18fmf1aQ!3HHSC067lcJi-7-0iYDAifC7K1g_uoZidSwY_Y98Xh8zWoUEtUpGC47JIiMJbhRJgcawkeQQ5gAZnV3ADh9h6EXscAlf746Z$

Israel widens offensive in central Gaza as Netanyahu refuses to discuss postwar plan. Security officials keen to arrange meeting as ‘time running out’, according to reports
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/dec/27/benjamin-netanyahu-israel-refuses-to-discuss-postwar-plan-for-gaza-strip__;!!On18fmf1aQ!3HHSC067lcJi-7-0iYDAifC7K1g_uoZidSwY_Y98Xh8zWoUEtUpGC47JIiMJbhRJgcawkeQQ5gAZnV3ADh9h6EXscPzp7rI9$

Israeli Military Plans to Change Nature of Gaza Warfare Within a Month, but Netanyahu May Have Other Plans The U.S. wants a buffer zone along the Gaza border and for Israel to change combat tactics – but there’s one obstacle: Netanyahu’s political situation and his concern over the future of his coalition
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/2023-12-20/ty-article/.premium/idf-plans-to-change-nature-of-gaza-warfare-within-a-month-but-netanyahu-has-other-plans/0000018c-83e5-d219-a5bf-b7fd63780000__;!!On18fmf1aQ!3HHSC067lcJi-7-0iYDAifC7K1g_uoZidSwY_Y98Xh8zWoUEtUpGC47JIiMJbhRJgcawkeQQ5gAZnV3ADh9h6EXscFJT0Pu_$

How Netanyahu Is Undermining Biden’s Gaza Strategy: Israel Prime Minister Netanyahu threw a political grenade at U.S. diplomacy during a recent press conference. Its explosion threatened to sabotage American efforts to put together a three-way, win-win, post-Gaza war regional architecture.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://time.com/6336245/benjamin-netanyahu-undermining-bidens-gaza-strategy/__;!!On18fmf1aQ!3HHSC067lcJi-7-0iYDAifC7K1g_uoZidSwY_Y98Xh8zWoUEtUpGC47JIiMJbhRJgcawkeQQ5gAZnV3ADh9h6EXscDl_NGuC$

# Gov / Politics
Biden Administration Announces New $250 Million Aid Package for Ukraine: The US State Department announced a $250 million Ukraine military aid package on Wednesday, the last such package the US will provide to Ukraine until Congress approves the Biden administration’s funding requests.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.defense.gov/News/News-Stories/Article/Article/3627204/dod-announces-aid-package-for-ukraine/__;!!On18fmf1aQ!3HHSC067lcJi-7-0iYDAifC7K1g_uoZidSwY_Y98Xh8zWoUEtUpGC47JIiMJbhRJgcawkeQQ5gAZnV3ADh9h6EXscL_o6qqg$

Sen. Susan Collins Pushing Gun Control for U.S. Troops: The proposed law is a response to the 2023 attacks in Lewiston, Maine, carried out by a U.S. Army Reserve member. The bill aims to ensure that military branches use state-level weapons restriction laws when they believe a service member poses a threat to themselves or others.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.analyzingamerica.org/2023/12/730608/__;!!On18fmf1aQ!3HHSC067lcJi-7-0iYDAifC7K1g_uoZidSwY_Y98Xh8zWoUEtUpGC47JIiMJbhRJgcawkeQQ5gAZnV3ADh9h6EXscK005RNW$

Biden Endangers U.S. Troops: Three more American service members are hurt, as U.S. bases became enemy drone catchers. It was going to happen sooner or later: American service members would be seriously hurt as Iran-backed militias conduct lethal target practice against U.S. bases in the Middle East. When will President Biden do his duty as Commander in Chief and protect Americans deployed abroad?
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/biden-endangers-u-s-troops/ar-AA1m4mIN?ocid=winp1taskbar&cvid=baef6e5d1b274c16aa4e6cdf8c9e9c0e&ei=80__;!!On18fmf1aQ!3HHSC067lcJi-7-0iYDAifC7K1g_uoZidSwY_Y98Xh8zWoUEtUpGC47JIiMJbhRJgcawkeQQ5gAZnV3ADh9h6EXscBkZwaUw$

GOP Rep. Fights Back Against Push To Disqualify Trump With New Bill: ‘Have A Very MAGA Christmas’: U.S. Representative Clay Higgins (R-LA) has proposed the “Presidential Ballot Integrity Act,” aimed at penalizing states that exclude a major party’s nominee from the Presidential ballot. If passed, the bill would render the electoral votes of such states invalid during the January 6th Congress count. Higgins, referencing the Colorado Supreme Court’s barring of Donald Trump from the primary ballot, cited the 14th Amendment’s Section 3, which restricts former officials engaged in insurrection from holding public office. In response, three states have introduced measures to remove Biden from their ballots, echoing a broader trend among Republicans reacting to pivotal legal decisions.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i8pprNNk9d0__;!!On18fmf1aQ!3HHSC067lcJi-7-0iYDAifC7K1g_uoZidSwY_Y98Xh8zWoUEtUpGC47JIiMJbhRJgcawkeQQ5gAZnV3ADh9h6EXscE6jdZqF$

Forget the gaudy Biden vs. Trump soap opera. What counts nationally: The DC party control, stupid! Not voting or voting third party in a razor-close purple state (as in 2016) empowers a dictatorial narcissist.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.nationofchange.org/2023/12/27/forget-the-gaudy-biden-vs-trump-soap-opera-what-counts-nationally-the-dc-party-control-stupid/__;!!On18fmf1aQ!3HHSC067lcJi-7-0iYDAifC7K1g_uoZidSwY_Y98Xh8zWoUEtUpGC47JIiMJbhRJgcawkeQQ5gAZnV3ADh9h6EXscB8-HLEu$

# Juvenile / Children / Youth
Michigan Enacts Laws to Reform Its Juvenile Justice System: The package of 19 bills signed by Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II aims to keep young people out of the court system and detention when they get in trouble and instead provide more funding for community-based help, such as family counseling and mental health treatment.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://thecrimereport.org/2023/12/13/michigan-leadership-enacts-laws-to-reform-michigan-juvenile-justice-system/__;!!On18fmf1aQ!3HHSC067lcJi-7-0iYDAifC7K1g_uoZidSwY_Y98Xh8zWoUEtUpGC47JIiMJbhRJgcawkeQQ5gAZnV3ADh9h6EXscBjnwqlg$

# Legal / DOJ
Senate Committee Authorizes Subpoenas of Harlan Crow and Leonard Leo as Part of Supreme Court Ethics Probe: The subpoenas ask for details on gifts, travel and other perks the two men provided or helped arrange for Supreme Court justices and their relatives, but Senate Democrats will need help from their GOP colleagues if Crow and Leo defy the subpoenas.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release/whitehouse-votes-to-authorize-issuing-subpoenas-to-harlan-crow-and-leonard-leo-as-part-of-supreme-court-ethics-probe__;!!On18fmf1aQ!3HHSC067lcJi-7-0iYDAifC7K1g_uoZidSwY_Y98Xh8zWoUEtUpGC47JIiMJbhRJgcawkeQQ5gAZnV3ADh9h6EXscMsn7BAY$

Trump is throwing ‘gasoline on the fire’ as judges face death threats: Former President Donald Trump’s constant attacks on the justice system as he faces down four criminal cases are putting judges in mortal danger, warned CNN law enforcement analyst John Miller. “Threats against judges in this country have skyrocketed; between 2016 and, I think 2018, they doubled,” said Miller. “Last year, for federal judges, just federal judges, that’s 2,700 federal judges, there were 4,500 threats that are serious enough to merit an investigation by the United States Marshals.”
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.rawstory.com/trump-threats-2666805400/__;!!On18fmf1aQ!3HHSC067lcJi-7-0iYDAifC7K1g_uoZidSwY_Y98Xh8zWoUEtUpGC47JIiMJbhRJgcawkeQQ5gAZnV3ADh9h6EXscONCES2u$

# Media
Vice News laid off over 100 staffers and shut down its flagship show, Vice News Tonight. Vice executives were paid over $1 million in bonuses the next day. That, in a nutshell, sums up the logic of the corporate-owned news media – and why nonprofit, independent journalism is so vitally needed right now.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.cnn.com/2023/11/09/media/vice-end-news-shows-layoffs/index.html__;!!On18fmf1aQ!3HHSC067lcJi-7-0iYDAifC7K1g_uoZidSwY_Y98Xh8zWoUEtUpGC47JIiMJbhRJgcawkeQQ5gAZnV3ADh9h6EXscFBcWCRz$

# Medical / Health
She was told her twin sons wouldn’t survive. Texas law made her give birth anyway: Miranda Michel, 26, couldn’t leave the state for an abortion. But she also couldn’t bear the idea of carrying a nonviable pregnancy to term.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.texastribune.org/2023/10/11/texas-abortion-law-texas-abortion-ban-nonviable-pregnancies/__;!!On18fmf1aQ!3HHSC067lcJi-7-0iYDAifC7K1g_uoZidSwY_Y98Xh8zWoUEtUpGC47JIiMJbhRJgcawkeQQ5gAZnV3ADh9h6EXscARGnhCW$

# Military / DOD
US Navy Battles Houthi Onslaught: 17 Attacks in One Day! The destroyer USS Laboon and F/A-18 Super Hornets from the USS Eisenhower carrier strike group shot down “twelve one-way attack drones, three anti-ship ballistic missiles, and two land attack cruise missiles in the Southern Red Sea that were fired by the Houthis over a 10-hour period,” the command said. The attack began at around 6:30 a.m. local time. US warships in the Red Sea have been battling a growing number of weapons fired by Houthi forces in Yemen over the past several weeks, including 17 drones and missiles during a 10-hour period on Tuesday alone.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.military.com/daily-news/2023/12/26/navy-defends-against-17-houthi-attacks-red-sea-shipping-over-just-10-hour-period.html/amp__;!!On18fmf1aQ!3HHSC067lcJi-7-0iYDAifC7K1g_uoZidSwY_Y98Xh8zWoUEtUpGC47JIiMJbhRJgcawkeQQ5gAZnV3ADh9h6EXscCjWbf6e$

# Military / Global
A new Iranian warship adds to the quiet naval buildup on the world’s largest lake: Iran introduced a new warship to its Caspian Sea fleet in early November, adding to a years-long naval buildup among the five countries that share the world’s largest lake. The Deilaman, a domestically produced 1,400-ton frigate, was added to the fleet in a ceremony at the end of November.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://apnews.com/article/iran-warship-navy-caspian-sea-79164ae32aa090a1579e74f595e7962f__;!!On18fmf1aQ!3HHSC067lcJi-7-0iYDAifC7K1g_uoZidSwY_Y98Xh8zWoUEtUpGC47JIiMJbhRJgcawkeQQ5gAZnV3ADh9h6EXscAlf746Z$

# Space / NASA
NASA’s Juno to Get Close Look at Jupiter’s Volcanic Moon Io on Dec. 30: The orbiter has performed 56 flybys of Jupiter and documented close encounters with three of the gas giant’s four largest moons. NASA’s Juno spacecraft will on Tuesday, Dec. 30, make the closest flyby of Jupiter’s moon Io that any spacecraft has made in over 20 years.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.space.com/nasa-juno-jupiter-moon-io-closest-july-30__;!!On18fmf1aQ!3HHSC067lcJi-7-0iYDAifC7K1g_uoZidSwY_Y98Xh8zWoUEtUpGC47JIiMJbhRJgcawkeQQ5gAZnV3ADh9h6EXscAMuQ6f5$

Japan’s SLIM space probe entered the Moon’s orbit on Monday in a major step towards the country’s first successful lunar landing, expected next month. The Smart Lander for Investigating Moon (SLIM) is nicknamed the “Moon Sniper” because it is designed to land within 100 metres (328 feet) of a specific target on the lunar surface. If successful, the touchdown would make Japan only the fifth country to have successfully landed a probe on the Moon, after the United States, Russia, China and India.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.spacedaily.com/reports/Japan_moon_lander_enters_lunar_orbit_999.html__;!!On18fmf1aQ!3HHSC067lcJi-7-0iYDAifC7K1g_uoZidSwY_Y98Xh8zWoUEtUpGC47JIiMJbhRJgcawkeQQ5gAZnV3ADh9h6EXscMeyM3Kr$

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Attention Readers:

Due to the nature of independent content, Voices, The Peoples News cannot guarantee content validity.

Voices, The Peoples News No. 2023-12-26

Voices, The Peoples News

December 26, 2023
Published by Jedi Selman Since March 2000 to Inform and Educate
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This daily Voices, The Peoples News is posted through the blog function of www.MPEN-Ohio.net

# Animals / Pets / Alerts / Recalls
Newly discovered hedgehog species diverged from others more than a million years ago: Researchers at Anhui Normal University, Wuhu, China, have announced the discovery of a new species within the hedgehog genus Mesechinus. The eastern China hedgehog species was found to be distinct from other regional hedgehogs across morphological and phylogenetic characteristics.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://phys.org/news/2023-12-reveals-species-soft-furred-hedgehogs-southeast.html__;!!On18fmf1aQ!0Zw1_HRXL9KHT1LEd_ynxhpmBhPoIWrFoTlFfFjql6T4YXDmJsHB95ov7Zl79Uh72BHtgkj4_TgfqxkCfkjGTQrRBObih0HM$

# Border / Immigration / Migrants
Biden can stop the migrant caravan heading to the border — if he cared: Mr. President, stop this caravan. An estimated 8,000 people set off on Christmas Eve from the southern Mexican city of Tapachula. Destination: the border that Joe Biden threw wide open and refuses to enforce. Biden will do what he always does, blame Congress. But the failure is his alone. If this group is able to walk into Arizona and Texas on live television and then hop a bus to the Port Authority, it sends the continuing message to the world: the United States has no border. Come on down.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://nypost.com/2023/12/25/opinion/biden-can-stop-the-migrant-caravan-heading-to-the-border-if-he-cared/__;!!On18fmf1aQ!0Zw1_HRXL9KHT1LEd_ynxhpmBhPoIWrFoTlFfFjql6T4YXDmJsHB95ov7Zl79Uh72BHtgkj4_TgfqxkCfkjGTQrRBFPoQBf8$

Migrants Breaking Records Signing Up for IDs in Effort to Become Official New York City Residents: Migrants in record numbers have signed up for New York City identification cards, a first step in becoming an official resident of the Big Apple, according to a report. The IDNYC cards, official photo IDs for New York City residents and available for people regardless of their immigration status, can be used for a variety of services, from applying for health insurance to Section 8 housing.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://themessenger.com/news/nyc-id-cards-migrants-nyc-records-sign-up-official-residents-new-york-city__;!!On18fmf1aQ!0Zw1_HRXL9KHT1LEd_ynxhpmBhPoIWrFoTlFfFjql6T4YXDmJsHB95ov7Zl79Uh72BHtgkj4_TgfqxkCfkjGTQrRBESUUERm$

# Bundy Rides Again
Ammon Bundy makes veiled threats while in hiding after $52m defamation ruling: After fleeing the state and failing to appear in court as part of a long-running defamation case against him, far-right activist Ammon Bundy posted a rambling 12-minute video to rage against Idaho officials he blames for a $52m verdict against him and his associates.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://ca.news.yahoo.com/ammon-bundy-makes-veiled-threats-184346187.html__;!!On18fmf1aQ!0Zw1_HRXL9KHT1LEd_ynxhpmBhPoIWrFoTlFfFjql6T4YXDmJsHB95ov7Zl79Uh72BHtgkj4_TgfqxkCfkjGTQrRBCeel-mx$

# Covid / Pandemics / Biologicals
Phillip Buckhaults, PhD on Heart Attacks, Autoimmunity and Cancer Linked to DNA Contamination of Pfizer mRNA COVID Shot: “The Pfizer mRNA [COVID] vaccine is contaminated with the plasmid DNA vector that was used as the template for in vitro transcription reaction. This DNA could be the cause of some of the rare but serious side effects like death from cardiac arrest.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.scstatehouse.gov/CommitteeInfo/SenateMedicalAffairsCommittee/PandemicPreparedness/Phillip-Buckhaults-SC-Senate-09122023-final.pdf__;!!On18fmf1aQ!0Zw1_HRXL9KHT1LEd_ynxhpmBhPoIWrFoTlFfFjql6T4YXDmJsHB95ov7Zl79Uh72BHtgkj4_TgfqxkCfkjGTQrRBJ4RS4v-$

# Energy / Pipelines / Mining / Chemicals
‘Major’ problem in Texas: How big polluters evade federal law and get away with it: When the Intercontinental Terminals Company sought a permit to expand its tank farm and terminal on the Houston Ship Channel in 2014, a reviewer with Texas’ environmental regulator expressed a long list of concerns. ITC, the reviewer for the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality wrote, appeared to be evading core provisions of federal environmental law by dividing its “major” facility among nominally separate “minor” permits, which have less stringent pollution standards requirements and require far less review.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://insideclimatenews.org/news/26122023/state-of-denial-texas-polluters-evade-federal-law/*:*:text=ITC*2C*20the*20reviewer*20for*20the,and*20require*20far*20less*20review__;I34lJSUlJSUlJSU!!On18fmf1aQ!0Zw1_HRXL9KHT1LEd_ynxhpmBhPoIWrFoTlFfFjql6T4YXDmJsHB95ov7Zl79Uh72BHtgkj4_TgfqxkCfkjGTQrRBEmQmpMW$

Biden needs a fast expansion of the electric grid. One project waited 17 years for its permits. U.S. climate goals will drift out of reach if expanding amounts of renewable electricity can’t reach cities and suburbs.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.politico.com/news/2023/12/25/biden-climate-agenda-hurdles-00126109__;!!On18fmf1aQ!0Zw1_HRXL9KHT1LEd_ynxhpmBhPoIWrFoTlFfFjql6T4YXDmJsHB95ov7Zl79Uh72BHtgkj4_TgfqxkCfkjGTQrRBPD7M4n5$

# Environment / Climate / Infrastructure
The climate treadmill speeds up at COP28, but critics say it’s still not going anywhere: The Dubai climate summit showed how fossil fuel companies and their allied politicians captured the un process. In the end, a clear statement on phasing out fossil fuels, sought by more than 100 countries at COP28, was replaced with weaker language suggesting a speedy transition away from oil, gas and coal energy, and much of the world was disappointed, with leader after leader from developing countries saying it was not enough
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://insideclimatenews.org/news/25122023/climate-treadmill-at-cop28-not-going-anywhere/*:*:text=In*20the*20end*2C*20a*20clear,saying*20it*20was*20not*20enough__;I34lJSUlJSUlJSU!!On18fmf1aQ!0Zw1_HRXL9KHT1LEd_ynxhpmBhPoIWrFoTlFfFjql6T4YXDmJsHB95ov7Zl79Uh72BHtgkj4_TgfqxkCfkjGTQrRBJefL7uj$

Uncontrolled chemical reactions fuel crises at LA County’s two largest landfills: Hundreds of feet underground, in a long-dormant portion of Chiquita Canyon landfill, tons of garbage have been smoldering for months due to an enigmatic chemical reaction. The highly unusual reactions at Los Angeles County’s two largest landfills have raised serious questions about the region’s long-standing approach to waste disposal and its aging dumps. These incidents have impaired pollution control systems, allowing toxic gases and polluted water to migrate into unwanted areas.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.latimes.com/environment/story/2023-12-12/mysterious-chemical-reactions-fuel-crisis-in-l-a-landfills__;!!On18fmf1aQ!0Zw1_HRXL9KHT1LEd_ynxhpmBhPoIWrFoTlFfFjql6T4YXDmJsHB95ov7Zl79Uh72BHtgkj4_TgfqxkCfkjGTQrRBMUeRzmN$

# Environment / Climate / Infrastructure / Global
Amazon drought: ‘We’ve never seen anything like this’: This year’s heat and drought in the Amazon intensify worries that it is approaching a tipping point. The Amazon rainforest experienced its worst drought on record in 2023. Many villages became unreachable by river, wildfires raged and wildlife died. Some scientists worry events like these are a sign that the world’s biggest forest is fast approaching a point of no return.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-67751685__;!!On18fmf1aQ!0Zw1_HRXL9KHT1LEd_ynxhpmBhPoIWrFoTlFfFjql6T4YXDmJsHB95ov7Zl79Uh72BHtgkj4_TgfqxkCfkjGTQrRBMVlTyr3$

# Gov / Politics / Global
Experts Warn Russia, China Forming Military Alliance To Counter US Dominance: ‘Would Present The United States With A Threat Unlike Any It Has Confronted: “A full-scale China-Russia alliance would present the United States with a threat unlike any it has confronted since the end of the Cold War,” writes Michta. The rivalry between the U.S. and China has been evident in various global conflicts.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.benzinga.com/news/23/12/36380487/experts-warn-russia-china-forming-military-alliance-to-counter-us-dominance-would-present-the-united__;!!On18fmf1aQ!0Zw1_HRXL9KHT1LEd_ynxhpmBhPoIWrFoTlFfFjql6T4YXDmJsHB95ov7Zl79Uh72BHtgkj4_TgfqxkCfkjGTQrRBLVPCpau$

Russia threatens to take US military bases in NATO territory as chilling warning issued: Vladimir Solovyov, a Russian broadcaster, issued the demand during a recent TV segment. In a clip shared on X by Eastern European media outlet Nexta, Solovyov said Moscow should capture American bases in Germany, Italy and Portugal.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.express.co.uk/news/world/1849208/russia-us-military-nato-vladimir-solovyov__;!!On18fmf1aQ!0Zw1_HRXL9KHT1LEd_ynxhpmBhPoIWrFoTlFfFjql6T4YXDmJsHB95ov7Zl79Uh72BHtgkj4_TgfqxkCfkjGTQrRBAmMTQkv$

Vladimir Putin’s top ally sparks atomic fears as he confirms nuclear weapons move complete: NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg on Thursday said Russian President Vladimir Putin has made “the world more dangerous” by his decision to walk away from international nuclear agreements.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.newsweek.com/russias-nuclear-weapons-move-sparks-nato-fears-1842761__;!!On18fmf1aQ!0Zw1_HRXL9KHT1LEd_ynxhpmBhPoIWrFoTlFfFjql6T4YXDmJsHB95ov7Zl79Uh72BHtgkj4_TgfqxkCfkjGTQrRBPvm5Hqf$

Brazil’s Congress Passes Bill to Pave Highway Through Heart of Amazon Rainforest: Brazilian lawmakers have approved a bill to allow conservation funds to be used to pave a highway — BR-319 — that cuts through the middle of the Amazon; researchers say the road could threaten the rainforest’s existence https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.ecowatch.com/brazil-amazon-rainforest-highway.html__;!!On18fmf1aQ!0Zw1_HRXL9KHT1LEd_ynxhpmBhPoIWrFoTlFfFjql6T4YXDmJsHB95ov7Zl79Uh72BHtgkj4_TgfqxkCfkjGTQrRBIlkaO0J$

Palestinians Say Netanyahu ‘Confessions’ Reveal Truth of ‘Genocidal War’ in Gaza: The Foreign Ministry said that the Israeli prime minister’s push for what he terms “voluntary migration” shows that ethnic cleansing of the besieged enclave is the real goal of the ongoing bombing and ground invasion.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.commondreams.org/news/netanyahu-voluntary-migration-gaza*:*:text=In*20a*20statement*20posted*20on,according*20to*20The*20Siasat*20Daily__;I34lJSUlJSUlJQ!!On18fmf1aQ!0Zw1_HRXL9KHT1LEd_ynxhpmBhPoIWrFoTlFfFjql6T4YXDmJsHB95ov7Zl79Uh72BHtgkj4_TgfqxkCfkjGTQrRBAfVwhVU$

Iraq Slams US Airstrikes as ‘Unacceptable Violation’ of Sovereignty: The Iraqi government called the latest round of U.S. bombing “a clear hostile act.” The Iraqi government on Tuesday accused the U.S. of an “unacceptable violation” of national sovereignty after the Biden administration launched a series of airstrikes purportedly targeting a militia group that’s seen as an Iranian proxy, a move that critics warned would further inflame tensions in the region and raise the risk of all-out war.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.commondreams.org/news/us-airstrikes-iraq*:*:text=The*20Iraqi*20government*20on*20Tuesday,in*20the*20region*20and*20raise__;I34lJSUlJSUlJQ!!On18fmf1aQ!0Zw1_HRXL9KHT1LEd_ynxhpmBhPoIWrFoTlFfFjql6T4YXDmJsHB95ov7Zl79Uh72BHtgkj4_TgfqxkCfkjGTQrRBHk8tzFF$

‘This Is on Biden’: Israel Ramps Up Gaza Assault After US Guts UN Resolution: “Thanks to the U.S. watering down the U.N. Security Council resolution adopted Friday, Israel’s leaders apparently feel no pressure to stop attacking civilians in Gaza.”
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.commondreams.org/news/israel-expands-gaza-assault*:*:text=Israeli*20Prime*20Minister*20Benjamin*20Netanyahu,a*20stop*20to*20the*20fighting__;I34lJSUlJSUlJQ!!On18fmf1aQ!0Zw1_HRXL9KHT1LEd_ynxhpmBhPoIWrFoTlFfFjql6T4YXDmJsHB95ov7Zl79Uh72BHtgkj4_TgfqxkCfkjGTQrRBEouIRho$

# Gov / Politics
Biden team wary of retaliating against Houthi attacks at sea: Some current and former officials are frustrated with U.S. statements that they believe are downplaying the threat. Senior Biden administration officials agree that striking Houthis in Yemen is the wrong course of action for now, per three U.S. officials, even though some military officers have proposed more forceful responses to the militants’ attacks in the Red Sea.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.politico.com/news/2023/12/06/biden-houthi-attacks-yemen-00130333__;!!On18fmf1aQ!0Zw1_HRXL9KHT1LEd_ynxhpmBhPoIWrFoTlFfFjql6T4YXDmJsHB95ov7Zl79Uh72BHtgkj4_TgfqxkCfkjGTQrRBMr1ejzM$

Biden Retaliates After Terrorist Attack in Iraq Against U.S: A drone attack by an Iran-affiliated terrorist group on a military base in Iraq early Monday morning left three U.S. service members wounded, the Pentagon said, and prompted President Biden to order retaliatory strikes.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.cbsnews.com/news/drone-attack-iraq-military-base-3-u-s-service-members-wounded-kataib-hezbollah-retaliatory-strikes/__;!!On18fmf1aQ!0Zw1_HRXL9KHT1LEd_ynxhpmBhPoIWrFoTlFfFjql6T4YXDmJsHB95ov7Zl79Uh72BHtgkj4_TgfqxkCfkjGTQrRBMw6QIm2$

Ron DeSantis Advisers Prepare To ‘Make The Patient Comfortable’ Ahead Of Dropping Out: NYT. If the Florida governor’s appeal was supposed to be Trump without the baggage, that’s not what voters saw.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.inquisitr.com/ron-de-santis-advisors-are-reportedly-prepare-him-to-drop-out-of-2024__;!!On18fmf1aQ!0Zw1_HRXL9KHT1LEd_ynxhpmBhPoIWrFoTlFfFjql6T4YXDmJsHB95ov7Zl79Uh72BHtgkj4_TgfqxkCfkjGTQrRBGXvnzaE$

The Dems’ Anti-DeSantis Has a Plan for 2024—And Maybe 2028: Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz is concocting the strategy for Democrats on how to take back as many governors’ mansions as possible in 2024.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.thedailybeast.com/tim-walz-is-the-dems-anti-desantis-and-he-has-a-plan-for-2024*:*:text=The*20Dems’*20Anti*2DDeSantis*20Has,for*202024**BAnd*20Maybe*202028&text=Minnesota*20Gov.*20Tim*20Walz*20is,And*20may*20have*20aspirations*20beyond__;I34lJSUlJeKAlCUlJSUlJSUlJSU!!On18fmf1aQ!0Zw1_HRXL9KHT1LEd_ynxhpmBhPoIWrFoTlFfFjql6T4YXDmJsHB95ov7Zl79Uh72BHtgkj4_TgfqxkCfkjGTQrRBPmAgnXJ$

NAACP Says Racist Redistricting Aims to Silence Black Voters: Federal lawsuit calls for new congressional and legislative districts respecting constitutional rights of Black voters. North Carolina voters and nonpartisan voting rights groups filed a lawsuit in federal court against the state legislature’s illegal gerrymandering of voting districts that attack the rights of Black North Carolinians.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.commoncause.org/north-carolina/democracy-wire/black-north-carolinians-voting-rights-groups-file-lawsuit-against-racially-discriminatory-nc-electoral-maps/__;!!On18fmf1aQ!0Zw1_HRXL9KHT1LEd_ynxhpmBhPoIWrFoTlFfFjql6T4YXDmJsHB95ov7Zl79Uh72BHtgkj4_TgfqxkCfkjGTQrRBLvHQDIq$

‘Deplorable’: Iowa’s GOP Governor Opts Out of Summer Food Program for Kids: “Announcing three days before Christmas that we’ve deliberately chosen not to feed hungry kids? The Dickensian parallels write themselves,” said the board chair of the Iowa Hunger Coalition.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.commondreams.org/news/iowa-food-program*:*:text=Iowa’s*20Republican*2Dled*20government*20sparked,assistance*20during*20the*20coming*20summer__;I34lJSUlJSUlJQ!!On18fmf1aQ!0Zw1_HRXL9KHT1LEd_ynxhpmBhPoIWrFoTlFfFjql6T4YXDmJsHB95ov7Zl79Uh72BHtgkj4_TgfqxkCfkjGTQrRBDQReDLH$

US is ‘creeping toward’ war with Iran after Hezbollah strikes: Robert Charles: National Security Council spokesperson Adrienne Watson said in a statement that Iranian-backed militia Kataib Hezbollah and other affiliated groups took credit for the attack on Christmas Day. One of the U.S. troops suffered critical injuries. After Biden was briefed on the situation and injuries, he ordered the Department of Defense to arrange retaliation options. The president ultimately directed strikes against three locations used by Kataib Hezbollah and associated groups “focused specifically on unmanned aerial drone activities,” Watson said. The response was carried out at approximately 4:45 a.m. in Iraq, nearly 12 hours after U.S. personnel were injured.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://news.yahoo.com/joe-biden-directs-airstrikes-against-132046911.html?fr=sycsrp_catchall__;!!On18fmf1aQ!0Zw1_HRXL9KHT1LEd_ynxhpmBhPoIWrFoTlFfFjql6T4YXDmJsHB95ov7Zl79Uh72BHtgkj4_TgfqxkCfkjGTQrRBDlT9PrH$

Biden ‘does not have a policy’ for Middle East, refuses to side with Israel or Palestinians: Gen. Anthony Tata: Retired U.S. Army Brigadier Gen. Anthony Tata weighs in on Biden foreign policy practices allegedly emboldening Iran and reports that the Biden administration initially planned to hide the Chinese spy flight from the American public.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.foxbusiness.com/video/6343876012112__;!!On18fmf1aQ!0Zw1_HRXL9KHT1LEd_ynxhpmBhPoIWrFoTlFfFjql6T4YXDmJsHB95ov7Zl79Uh72BHtgkj4_TgfqxkCfkjGTQrRBBkNMYtk$

US intervention in UN resolution escalates Israeli assault on Gaza: The recent escalation in Gaza, resulting from Israel’s intensified military actions, has led to a significant increase in civilian casualties and displacement. In the shadow of escalating violence in the Gaza Strip, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced plans to expand the Israeli military’s operations. This decision comes in the wake of the United States’ significant intervention in a United Nations Security Council resolution initially aimed at halting hostilities.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.nationofchange.org/2023/12/26/us-intervention-in-un-resolution-escalates-israeli-assault-on-gaza/__;!!On18fmf1aQ!0Zw1_HRXL9KHT1LEd_ynxhpmBhPoIWrFoTlFfFjql6T4YXDmJsHB95ov7Zl79Uh72BHtgkj4_TgfqxkCfkjGTQrRBJjwNDu7$

This is an act of war: K.T. McFarland: Former Trump Deputy National Security Adviser K.T. McFarland provides insight on foreign deterrence on ‘Kudlow.’
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/this-is-an-act-of-war-k-t-mcfarland/vi-AA1m42Ja?ocid=winp1taskbar&cvid=448d73077ac0414b89401ab515590c8b&ei=17__;!!On18fmf1aQ!0Zw1_HRXL9KHT1LEd_ynxhpmBhPoIWrFoTlFfFjql6T4YXDmJsHB95ov7Zl79Uh72BHtgkj4_TgfqxkCfkjGTQrRBDed1ooN$

# Legal / DOJ
How Republicans flipped America’s state supreme courts: State supreme courts were once dominated by Democrats. A concerted effort by right-wing groups has changed that — with massive implications for abortion, LGBTQ+ rights and elections.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://publicintegrity.org/politics/high-courts-high-stakes/how-republicans-flipped-americas-state-supreme-courts/__;!!On18fmf1aQ!0Zw1_HRXL9KHT1LEd_ynxhpmBhPoIWrFoTlFfFjql6T4YXDmJsHB95ov7Zl79Uh72BHtgkj4_TgfqxkCfkjGTQrRBL5JgWzu$

Lose the courts, lose the war: The battle over voting in North Carolina: The disparate impact of felony disenfranchisement. A court ruling granting the vote to people on probation, parole and post-release supervision for felony convictions shows how heavily disenfranchisement fell on North Carolina’s Black residents.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.wunc.org/politics/2023-08-07/lose-the-courts-lose-the-war-the-battle-over-voting-in-north-carolina__;!!On18fmf1aQ!0Zw1_HRXL9KHT1LEd_ynxhpmBhPoIWrFoTlFfFjql6T4YXDmJsHB95ov7Zl79Uh72BHtgkj4_TgfqxkCfkjGTQrRBMktd4cO$

America’s state supreme courts don’t look like America: The racial and ethnic makeup of state high court justices doesn’t match the nation’s. And the gap in representation has gotten worse. The data shows that in 1990, 92% of state high court justices were white — a figure that meant white justices were overrepresented by 16 percentage points when compared to the demographics of the nation as a whole.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://publicintegrity.org/politics/high-courts-high-stakes/americas-state-supreme-courts-dont-look-like-america/__;!!On18fmf1aQ!0Zw1_HRXL9KHT1LEd_ynxhpmBhPoIWrFoTlFfFjql6T4YXDmJsHB95ov7Zl79Uh72BHtgkj4_TgfqxkCfkjGTQrRBFnbupL4$

Ethics oversight of state supreme courts can be even more lax than scandal-plagued U.S. Supreme Court: North Carolina’s Supreme Court chief justice heard cases despite a conflict of interest. Experts say judicial ethics at state high courts everywhere don’t receive the scrutiny they deserve.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://ncnewsline.com/2023/12/12/not-just-the-u-s-supreme-court-ethics-troubles-plague-state-high-courts-too/__;!!On18fmf1aQ!0Zw1_HRXL9KHT1LEd_ynxhpmBhPoIWrFoTlFfFjql6T4YXDmJsHB95ov7Zl79Uh72BHtgkj4_TgfqxkCfkjGTQrRBF9yfSvz$

The Supreme Court’s Extreme Majority Risks Turning Back the Clock on Decades of Progress and Undermining Our Democracy: The Supreme Court’s extreme right-wing majority is poised to roll back long-standing rights and laws. This activism threatens public trust in the court and our democracy.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.americanprogress.org/article/the-supreme-courts-extreme-majority-risks-turning-back-the-clock-on-decades-of-progress/__;!!On18fmf1aQ!0Zw1_HRXL9KHT1LEd_ynxhpmBhPoIWrFoTlFfFjql6T4YXDmJsHB95ov7Zl79Uh72BHtgkj4_TgfqxkCfkjGTQrRBCEG1TGJ$

# Medical / Health
Georgia Medicaid Debacle Bolsters Progressive Case Against Work Requirements: “While state politicians continue playing games with people’s lives, Georgians are dying because they can’t afford the healthcare they need,” said Sen. Raphael Warnock. “Pathways to Coverage has cost Georgia more money and covers far fewer people than if the state simply joined 40 other states in expanding Medicaid.” In 2021, the Biden administration rescinded Trump-approved waivers that had allowed Georgia and other states to add work requirements to their Medicaid programs.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.commondreams.org/news/georgia-medicaid-work-requirements*:*:text=*22Pathways*20to*20Coverage*20has*20cost,requirements*20to*20their*20Medicaid*20programs__;I34lJSUlJSUlJSU!!On18fmf1aQ!0Zw1_HRXL9KHT1LEd_ynxhpmBhPoIWrFoTlFfFjql6T4YXDmJsHB95ov7Zl79Uh72BHtgkj4_TgfqxkCfkjGTQrRBMBkubBg$

# Military / DOD
US military says national security depends on ‘forever chemicals’: The Department of Defense relies on hundreds, if not thousands, of weapons and products such as uniforms, batteries, and microelectronics that contain PFAS, a family of chemicals linked to serious health conditions. Now, as regulators propose restrictions on their use or manufacturing, Pentagon officials have told Congress that eliminating the chemicals would undermine military readiness.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://themessenger.com/tech/pentagon-forever-chemicals-pfas-impact-national-security__;!!On18fmf1aQ!0Zw1_HRXL9KHT1LEd_ynxhpmBhPoIWrFoTlFfFjql6T4YXDmJsHB95ov7Zl79Uh72BHtgkj4_TgfqxkCfkjGTQrRBCxWqmE7$

M109A6 Paladin: U.S. army’s heavy hitter joins the fight in Ukraine: For the first time, the US will provide the Ukrainian army with 18 M109A6 Paladin 155mm tracked self-propelled howitzers.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://interestingengineering.com/ie-originals/military-mechanics/season-5/ep-8-m109a6-paladin-us-armys-heavy-hitter-joins-the-fight-in-ukraine__;!!On18fmf1aQ!0Zw1_HRXL9KHT1LEd_ynxhpmBhPoIWrFoTlFfFjql6T4YXDmJsHB95ov7Zl79Uh72BHtgkj4_TgfqxkCfkjGTQrRBErPnVQt$

# Military / Global
India’s navy deploys warships to Arabian Sea after tanker attack: Indian Navy to Deploy Guided Missile Destroyers After Strikes Off Its Coast. The Indian Navy will deploy guided missile destroyer ships in the Arabian Sea as a deterrent after an Israel-affiliated merchant vessel was struck off the Indian coast over the weekend.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/12/26/indias-navy-deploys-warships-to-arabian-sea-after-tanker-attack__;!!On18fmf1aQ!0Zw1_HRXL9KHT1LEd_ynxhpmBhPoIWrFoTlFfFjql6T4YXDmJsHB95ov7Zl79Uh72BHtgkj4_TgfqxkCfkjGTQrRBLjiNPGz$

How and why is China creating artificial islands in the south China sea? China has been working tirelessly to establish a nearly impenetrable anti-access/area-denial zone encompassing the vast majority of the South China Sea. The development of extensive infrastructure on these artificial landmasses is a critical component of this strategy. In addition to short-range weapons, China has also deployed long-range systems on some of these islands. The artificial islands were created by dredging sand onto reefs which were then concreted to make permanent structures.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1TAPq-hciLo__;!!On18fmf1aQ!0Zw1_HRXL9KHT1LEd_ynxhpmBhPoIWrFoTlFfFjql6T4YXDmJsHB95ov7Zl79Uh72BHtgkj4_TgfqxkCfkjGTQrRBOsDKwvz$

China’s Island Building in the South China Sea: Damage to the Marine Environment, Implications, and International Law: China’s island building activities may have violated some of its environmental commitments under international law; the ongoing case initiated by the Philippines at the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague regarding China’s claims and activities in the South China Sea is considering this possibility.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.uscc.gov/research/chinas-island-building-south-china-sea-damage-marine-environment-implications-and__;!!On18fmf1aQ!0Zw1_HRXL9KHT1LEd_ynxhpmBhPoIWrFoTlFfFjql6T4YXDmJsHB95ov7Zl79Uh72BHtgkj4_TgfqxkCfkjGTQrRBEIQnqVO$

Russia employs ‘superweapon’ against Ukraine for first time in months – UK: The AS-24 KILLJOY missile accelerates to Mach 4 (roughly 3,000 miles per hour) after launch and may reach speeds as fast as Mach 10 (roughly 7,673 miles per hour). The United Kingdom’s Defense Ministry last week published an intelligence update regarding Russia’s use of a “super weapon” in Ukraine.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.jpost.com/international/internationalrussia-ukraine-war/article-779532__;!!On18fmf1aQ!0Zw1_HRXL9KHT1LEd_ynxhpmBhPoIWrFoTlFfFjql6T4YXDmJsHB95ov7Zl79Uh72BHtgkj4_TgfqxkCfkjGTQrRBB-NMPcp$

Russia’s Using American Military Equipment in Ukraine War: Russia’s Using American Military Equipment in Ukraine War: Report. Russian soldiers are reportedly still getting their hands on Western-made military equipment despite the unprecedented sanctions that have been put in place since the beginning of the Russia-Ukraine war.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.newsweek.com/russia-using-american-military-equipment-ukraine-1855573*:*:text=Russia’s*20Using*20American*20Military*20Equipment*20in*20Ukraine*20War*3A*20Report,-Dec*2026*2C*202023&text=Russian*20soldiers*20are*20reportedly*20still,of*20the*20Russia*2DUkraine*20war__;I34lJSUlJSUlJSUlJSUlJSUlJSUlJQ!!On18fmf1aQ!0Zw1_HRXL9KHT1LEd_ynxhpmBhPoIWrFoTlFfFjql6T4YXDmJsHB95ov7Zl79Uh72BHtgkj4_TgfqxkCfkjGTQrRBDZHmvMd$

# Planetary
Mesopotamian bricks unveil the strength of Earth’s ancient magnetic field: Ancient bricks inscribed with the names of Mesopotamian kings have yielded important insights into a mysterious anomaly in Earth’s magnetic field 3,000 years ago, according to a new study involving University College London researchers. Ancient bricks inscribed with the names of Mesopotamian kings have yielded important insights into a mysterious anomaly in Earth’s magnetic field 3,000 years ago, according to a new study involving UCL researchers.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://phys.org/news/2023-12-mesopotamian-bricks-unveil-strength-earth.html__;!!On18fmf1aQ!0Zw1_HRXL9KHT1LEd_ynxhpmBhPoIWrFoTlFfFjql6T4YXDmJsHB95ov7Zl79Uh72BHtgkj4_TgfqxkCfkjGTQrRBPFwUVGu$

Challenging assumptions: The 8.5-year rhythm of Earth’s inner core: Researchers from China have confirmed the existence of an approximately 8.5-year Inner Core Wobble (ICW) in both polar motion and length-of-day variations, revealing a static tilt of about 0.17 degrees between the Earth’s inner core and mantle, challenging traditional assumptions and providing insights into the Earth’s internal dynamics and density distribution.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://phys.org/news/2023-12-assumptions-year-rhythm-earth-core.html*:*:text=Researchers*20from*20China*20have*20confirmed,providing*20insights*20into*20the*20Earth’s__;I34lJSUlJSUlJQ!!On18fmf1aQ!0Zw1_HRXL9KHT1LEd_ynxhpmBhPoIWrFoTlFfFjql6T4YXDmJsHB95ov7Zl79Uh72BHtgkj4_TgfqxkCfkjGTQrRBC0D9imv$

# Science
Research argues that Occam’s razor is an ‘essential factor that distinguishes science from superstition’: Occam’s razor—the principle that when faced with competing explanations, we should choose the simplest that fits the facts—is not just a tool of science. Occam’s razor is science, insists a renowned molecular geneticist from the University of Surrey.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://phys.org/news/2023-12-occam-razor-essential-factor-distinguishes.html*:*:text=7-,Research*20argues*20that*20Occam’s*20razor*20is*20an*20’essential,that*20distinguishes*20science*20from*20superstition’&text=Occam’s*20razor**Bthe*20principle*20that,just*20a*20tool*20of*20science__;I34lJSUlJSUlJSUlJSXigJQlJSUlJSU!!On18fmf1aQ!0Zw1_HRXL9KHT1LEd_ynxhpmBhPoIWrFoTlFfFjql6T4YXDmJsHB95ov7Zl79Uh72BHtgkj4_TgfqxkCfkjGTQrRBG0T8gU2$
See also: Occam’s razor: A guiding principle of logic exhorting us to keep things as simple as possible https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.newscientist.com/definition/occams-razor/*:*:text=Occam’s*20razor*20is*20a*20principle,should*20prefer*20the*20simpler*20one__;I34lJSUlJSUlJQ!!On18fmf1aQ!0Zw1_HRXL9KHT1LEd_ynxhpmBhPoIWrFoTlFfFjql6T4YXDmJsHB95ov7Zl79Uh72BHtgkj4_TgfqxkCfkjGTQrRBFDgXsxa$

# UFO Disclosure / Other
Many UFO whistleblowers ‘fearful’ after speaking out: A whistleblower claims the government retrieved non-human spacecraft. A congressman says lawmakers are going to try to hold hearings on UFOs. Whistleblower attorney: The government is not telling ‘the complete story’
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-12273635/Investigative-journalist-broke-Pentagon-UFO-story-reveals-whistleblowers-come-forward.html__;!!On18fmf1aQ!0Zw1_HRXL9KHT1LEd_ynxhpmBhPoIWrFoTlFfFjql6T4YXDmJsHB95ov7Zl79Uh72BHtgkj4_TgfqxkCfkjGTQrRBEfbmGVV$

What’s the deal with UFOs? The historical context of recent whistleblower claims: Former Pentagon employee David Grusch told Congress last week that UFOs are real and the U.S. government has been withholding knowledge of non-human life on Earth for nearly a century.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/whats-the-deal-with-ufos-the-historical-context-of-recent-whistleblower-claims__;!!On18fmf1aQ!0Zw1_HRXL9KHT1LEd_ynxhpmBhPoIWrFoTlFfFjql6T4YXDmJsHB95ov7Zl79Uh72BHtgkj4_TgfqxkCfkjGTQrRBHMFeMYb$

Why the UFO whistleblowers are getting a mixed reaction: Senate Intelligence Committee’s vice chairman, Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL), appears to think Grusch might be on to something.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/opinion/why-ufo-whistleblowers-getting-a-mixed-reaction__;!!On18fmf1aQ!0Zw1_HRXL9KHT1LEd_ynxhpmBhPoIWrFoTlFfFjql6T4YXDmJsHB95ov7Zl79Uh72BHtgkj4_TgfqxkCfkjGTQrRBHffcJsr$

U.S. recovered non-human ‘biologics’ from UFO crash sites, former intel official says: Three military veterans testified in Congress’ highly anticipated hearing on UFOs Wednesday, including a former Air Force intelligence officer who claimed the U.S. government has operated a secret “multi-decade” reverse engineering program of recovered vessels. He also said the U.S. has recovered non-human “biologics” from alleged crash sites. (increasingly, UAP refers to “anomalous” rather than “aerial” phenomena, to account for sightings in both air and water).
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.npr.org/2023/07/27/1190390376/ufo-hearing-non-human-biologics-uaps__;!!On18fmf1aQ!0Zw1_HRXL9KHT1LEd_ynxhpmBhPoIWrFoTlFfFjql6T4YXDmJsHB95ov7Zl79Uh72BHtgkj4_TgfqxkCfkjGTQrRBCPBaKX7$

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Attention Readers:

Due to the nature of independent content, Voices, The Peoples News cannot guarantee content validity.

Voices, The Peoples News No. 2023-12-24

Voices, The Peoples News

December 24, 2023
Published by Jedi Selman Since March 2000 to Inform and Educate
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
“There will be no Homeland Security until we realize that the entire
planet is our homeland. Every sentient being in the world
must feel secure.” – John Perkins
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This daily Voices, The Peoples News is posted through the blog function of www.MPEN-Ohio.net

# Animals / Pets / Alerts / Recalls
Blue Ridge Beef has expanded an earlier recall due to Salmonella and Listeria concerns, and there are multiple dog food and cat food brands included, such as their Kitten Mix, Kitten Grind, and Puppy Mix https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.petful.com/recalled/recalled-blue-ridge-beef-kitten-grind-blue-ridge-beef-kitten-mix-blue-ridge-beef-puppy-mix/__;!!On18fmf1aQ!1jjIQhzHJ1VJN5wdaDYMnj9z0rybpjRmTm4gcrZ8ODXDqa2D62URHdVbHaLkMxEFCpcpLCP8-KJzhU4b3mNYeHp0_IRinxe7$

# Border / Immigration / Migrants
Biden Admin Accused Of ‘Basically Providing Backdoor Amnesty’ For Illegal Migrants: The Biden Administration’s effort to maximize illegal immigration to the United States will crush Texas with the costs, crime, and upheaval from yet another surge of unvetted foreign aliens entering our country as Title 42 expires on May 11. Attorney General Paxton has issued the following statement …
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.texasattorneygeneral.gov/news/releases/paxton-issues-statement-catastrophic-illegal-immigration-surge-orchestrated-biden-administration__;!!On18fmf1aQ!1jjIQhzHJ1VJN5wdaDYMnj9z0rybpjRmTm4gcrZ8ODXDqa2D62URHdVbHaLkMxEFCpcpLCP8-KJzhU4b3mNYeHp0_PjNzXBS$

Federal Court Rules On Biden Admin’s Attempt To Remove Texas Border Protection Measures: Judge Alia Moses ruled in the federal government’s favor but chided the Biden administration for not allowing migrants to use international bridges to claim asylum.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.texastribune.org/2023/11/30/texas-border-concertina-wire-judge-ruling/__;!!On18fmf1aQ!1jjIQhzHJ1VJN5wdaDYMnj9z0rybpjRmTm4gcrZ8ODXDqa2D62URHdVbHaLkMxEFCpcpLCP8-KJzhU4b3mNYeHp0_HmigGiZ$

Democrats finally admit border crisis is a problem: Beijing’s top admiral issues the warning during teleconference talks with his US counterpart aimed at defusing tension in the region
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/oct/30/us-and-china-agree-to-cooperate-despite-tensions-over-south-china-sea__;!!On18fmf1aQ!1jjIQhzHJ1VJN5wdaDYMnj9z0rybpjRmTm4gcrZ8ODXDqa2D62URHdVbHaLkMxEFCpcpLCP8-KJzhU4b3mNYeHp0_L4hkS2o$

# Border / Immigration / Migrants / Global Russian Affiliated Airline Adds New European Stop Prompting NATO Fears of ‘Organized Rush of Refugees’: Arecent report by a German publication has shed light on an immigrant smuggling operation orchestrated by Russian President Vladimir Putin. The report claims Putin is using a fake airline, called “Southwind Airlines,” to smuggle illegal immigrants into Europe, with the assistance of Turkish connections.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/russian-affiliated-airline-adds-new-european-stop-prompting-nato-fears-of-organized-rush-of-refugees/ar-AA1lX5aV?ocid=winp1taskbar&cvid=4c900db870cc4ac5b77047d500cb62a4&ei=148__;!!On18fmf1aQ!1jjIQhzHJ1VJN5wdaDYMnj9z0rybpjRmTm4gcrZ8ODXDqa2D62URHdVbHaLkMxEFCpcpLCP8-KJzhU4b3mNYeHp0_DCp7Xn4$

Migrants are ‘seeing the truth’ of the Biden administration: How Biden, Mayorkas broke our Immigration system from the inside out. It truly is a broken system, and that’s because it is broken by design.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.heritage.org/immigration/commentary/how-biden-mayorkas-broke-our-immigration-system-the-inside-out__;!!On18fmf1aQ!1jjIQhzHJ1VJN5wdaDYMnj9z0rybpjRmTm4gcrZ8ODXDqa2D62URHdVbHaLkMxEFCpcpLCP8-KJzhU4b3mNYeHp0_PFRxQKB$

Immigration Crisis: Here’s Where Biden’s Policies Stand — And What Trump Wants To Do: Biden is trying to strengthen his immigration policies, while Trump vows record deportations. Many Americans are dissatisfied with how Biden is handling the immigration. In a recent Monmouth University Poll, 69% said they disapprove of Biden’s performance on immigration.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://themessenger.com/politics/immigration-crisis-heres-where-bidens-policies-stand-and-what-trump-wants-to-do__;!!On18fmf1aQ!1jjIQhzHJ1VJN5wdaDYMnj9z0rybpjRmTm4gcrZ8ODXDqa2D62URHdVbHaLkMxEFCpcpLCP8-KJzhU4b3mNYeHp0_AUXZHo3$

# Corporations / Industry
John Fetterman Leads Senators Demanding Joe Biden Save U.S. Steel from Foreign Acquisition: Sen. John Fetterman and other senators are urging President Biden’s administration to block the acquisition of U.S. Steel by Nippon Steel Corporation, a foreign company. They emphasize national security implications and the importance of keeping the iconic American steel company under American ownership.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.analyzingamerica.org/2023/12/728429/__;!!On18fmf1aQ!1jjIQhzHJ1VJN5wdaDYMnj9z0rybpjRmTm4gcrZ8ODXDqa2D62URHdVbHaLkMxEFCpcpLCP8-KJzhU4b3mNYeHp0_ELHDqEf$

# Education / Schools
Nevada school district sued after student has swastika carved into his back in antisemitic attack: The family of a Jewish student with autism in Las Vegas is suing the city’s school district after the then-17-year-old returned home with a swastika etched into his back.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/nevada-student-swastika-carved-back-b2468658.html__;!!On18fmf1aQ!1jjIQhzHJ1VJN5wdaDYMnj9z0rybpjRmTm4gcrZ8ODXDqa2D62URHdVbHaLkMxEFCpcpLCP8-KJzhU4b3mNYeHp0_D-4c9Iy$

‘After School Satan Club’ draws concern from Tennessee parents: “The Satanic Temple is a non-theistic religion that views Satan as a literary figure who represents a metaphorical construct of rejecting tyranny and championing the human mind and spirt. After School Satan Club does not attempt to convert children to any religious ideology.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.fox13memphis.com/news/after-school-satan-club-coming-to-memphis-elementary-school/article_31a7f0f0-991b-11ee-b7af-47f85d0b2244.html__;!!On18fmf1aQ!1jjIQhzHJ1VJN5wdaDYMnj9z0rybpjRmTm4gcrZ8ODXDqa2D62URHdVbHaLkMxEFCpcpLCP8-KJzhU4b3mNYeHp0_DAD-XvS$

# Energy / Pipelines / Mining / Chemicals
The law that will change the way millions of Americans get their power: ‘It’s a big deal’: Rural energy is getting a long overdue makeover. Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, the government has earmarked $10.7 billion to help make energy cleaner and more affordable for 42 million people across the country
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://news.yahoo.com/government-just-passed-law-change-114500452.html__;!!On18fmf1aQ!1jjIQhzHJ1VJN5wdaDYMnj9z0rybpjRmTm4gcrZ8ODXDqa2D62URHdVbHaLkMxEFCpcpLCP8-KJzhU4b3mNYeHp0_DJKLjwy$

In Alabama, What Does It Take to Shut Down a Surface Mine Operating Without Permits? Nearby residents and environmental activists complained to state regulators without redress. Alabama officials initially fined the company, but now they’ve signaled a green light ahead.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://insideclimatenews.org/news/24122023/alabama-surface-mine-operating-without-permits/__;!!On18fmf1aQ!1jjIQhzHJ1VJN5wdaDYMnj9z0rybpjRmTm4gcrZ8ODXDqa2D62URHdVbHaLkMxEFCpcpLCP8-KJzhU4b3mNYeHp0_IzmA8X2$

# Environment / Climate / Infrastructure
A BLM Proposal to Protect Wildlife Corridors Could Restore the West’s ‘Veins and Arteries’: Last winter’s deaths of thousands of Wyoming pronghorn increased interest in “conservation leases.” But where wildlife advocates see hope, energy and ranching interests fear an attack on the “Western way of life.”
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://insideclimatenews.org/news/23122023/blm-protect-wildlife-corridors-the-west/__;!!On18fmf1aQ!1jjIQhzHJ1VJN5wdaDYMnj9z0rybpjRmTm4gcrZ8ODXDqa2D62URHdVbHaLkMxEFCpcpLCP8-KJzhU4b3mNYeHp0_BIkgnXW$

# General News
Reporter asks Trump supporters to watch video of Trump’s anti-immigrant speech. See how they reacted: CNN’s Gary Tuchman talks to Trump supporters in Iowa – some who rely on migrant labor to run their businesses – about Trump’s latest anti-immigrant comments.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.local3news.com/regional-national/reporter-ask-trump-supporters-to-watch-video-of-trumps-anti-immigrant-speech-see-how-they/video_5ea92486-c1d6-547e-b1bd-7991f0ce123d.html__;!!On18fmf1aQ!1jjIQhzHJ1VJN5wdaDYMnj9z0rybpjRmTm4gcrZ8ODXDqa2D62URHdVbHaLkMxEFCpcpLCP8-KJzhU4b3mNYeHp0_DdWkxik$

‘Real Trump derangement syndrome’: MAGA supporters mocked as they call former prez ‘God’s appointee’ being ‘crucified’ by critics: Call one of his ravings sent out in the wee hours on his social media platform Truth Central deranged, and he’ll latch onto that word to use as invective against his political opponents. Trump is even trying to turn the tables on the increasing number of historians, journalists and politicians who warn that the former grifter in chief is an obvious threat to the continuation of our democracy. Yes, the twice-impeached ex-president who lies about and despises the free press and talks about suspending the Constitution now regularly claims that he is somehow protecting all of us from “Joe Biden’s war on democracy.”
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.salon.com/2023/12/10/trump-derangement-syndrome-is-real–but-its-not-what-they-say-it-is/__;!!On18fmf1aQ!1jjIQhzHJ1VJN5wdaDYMnj9z0rybpjRmTm4gcrZ8ODXDqa2D62URHdVbHaLkMxEFCpcpLCP8-KJzhU4b3mNYeHp0_GgKrs5H$

Trump Secretly Mocks His Christian Supporters: Former aides say that in private, the president has spoken with cynicism and contempt about believers. In speeches and interviews, President Donald Trump plays a champion of conservative religious values. But according to McKay Coppins’ recent Atlantic article, behind closed doors, Trump’s “comments about religion are marked by cynicism and contempt.”
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://radiowest.kuer.org/religion/2020-10-02/what-trump-really-says-about-religious-conservatives__;!!On18fmf1aQ!1jjIQhzHJ1VJN5wdaDYMnj9z0rybpjRmTm4gcrZ8ODXDqa2D62URHdVbHaLkMxEFCpcpLCP8-KJzhU4b3mNYeHp0_G5QPfEO$

Michael Cohen: ‘Trump will continue to ride this grift as long as he can’: “What he’s doing is he’s inciting his base. That’s really what it’s about because the more he incites them, the more money that they raise,” Cohen said in an interview with CNN’s Jim Acosta on Saturday.
“He will continue to ride this grift as long as he can,” Cohen added.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://thehill.com/regulation/court-battles/4375772-michael-cohen-trump-will-continue-to-ride-this-grift-as-long-as-he-can/__;!!On18fmf1aQ!1jjIQhzHJ1VJN5wdaDYMnj9z0rybpjRmTm4gcrZ8ODXDqa2D62URHdVbHaLkMxEFCpcpLCP8-KJzhU4b3mNYeHp0_MFXA4i_$

# Gov / Politics / Global
Vladimir Putin’s plan to ‘tear the US apart’ during 2024 election exposed: Mr Biden and Mr Trump will face each other for the second time after the divisive 2020 election, in which tensions culminated in the January 6 insurrection on Capitol Hill in 2021. An expert on Russia, Mark Galeotti, has warned that Putin will look to capitalize on the polarised debate in the US to “tear the country apart.”
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.the-express.com/news/world-news/122303/putin-united-states-biden-trump-russia-ukraine__;!!On18fmf1aQ!1jjIQhzHJ1VJN5wdaDYMnj9z0rybpjRmTm4gcrZ8ODXDqa2D62URHdVbHaLkMxEFCpcpLCP8-KJzhU4b3mNYeHp0_Ok-DFwB$

US warned it’s sleepwalking into disaster as China and Russia prepare to inflict chaos: A recent report by the Heritage Foundation warns that, of all the threats facing the United States, none have “grown as fast, or in a manner as difficult to understand, as the danger from cyberattacks.” As the duo write, America won’t be brought to its knees in one hour or one day; instead, it will be brought to its knees over the course of many hours, days, weeks, and years. Nations crippled by the effects of cyberwarfare die a death by a thousand cuts.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.express.co.uk/news/world/1848366/us-china-russia-cyber-attack-warning__;!!On18fmf1aQ!1jjIQhzHJ1VJN5wdaDYMnj9z0rybpjRmTm4gcrZ8ODXDqa2D62URHdVbHaLkMxEFCpcpLCP8-KJzhU4b3mNYeHp0_Ph8wlkh$

Japan will send Patriot missiles to the U.S.: Tokyo relaxes post-Second World War export ban on deadly weapons in defense systems deal that could help Ukraine in its war with Russia: Japan has agreed to send Patriot missiles to the U.S. in a break from its self-imposed ban on exporting deadly weapons since the end of the Second World War. The White House welcomed the decision that could help boost the missile stockpile Ukraine needs to defend itself from a Russian onslaught this winter.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.wsj.com/world/asia/japan-to-send-u-s-patriot-missiles-creating-deeper-pool-for-ukraine-air-defenses-ae8d4316__;!!On18fmf1aQ!1jjIQhzHJ1VJN5wdaDYMnj9z0rybpjRmTm4gcrZ8ODXDqa2D62URHdVbHaLkMxEFCpcpLCP8-KJzhU4b3mNYeHp0_MP3spOi$

Putin’s Private Army Accused of Sickening New Massacre: Wagner boss Yevgeny Prigozhin may be dead, but witnesses say Russian paramilitaries in the Central African Republic slaughtered dozens of people to secure access to a gold mine.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.thedailybeast.com/putins-private-army-accused-of-massacring-dozens-to-seize-gold-mine__;!!On18fmf1aQ!1jjIQhzHJ1VJN5wdaDYMnj9z0rybpjRmTm4gcrZ8ODXDqa2D62URHdVbHaLkMxEFCpcpLCP8-KJzhU4b3mNYeHp0_K_4pjnb$

Putin Initiates Action in NATO Country Today: According to Germany’s largest daily newspaper, Bild, Russia has established a new airline in Turkey. The intention is to organize a stream of refugees to Europe through the NATO country, thereby causing chaos on the continent. As early as today, December 23, the first airplane is supposed to have taken off.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/putin-initiates-action-in-nato-country-today/ar-AA1lX6bT?ocid=winp1taskbar&cvid=4c900db870cc4ac5b77047d500cb62a4&ei=11__;!!On18fmf1aQ!1jjIQhzHJ1VJN5wdaDYMnj9z0rybpjRmTm4gcrZ8ODXDqa2D62URHdVbHaLkMxEFCpcpLCP8-KJzhU4b3mNYeHp0_Ald65tJ$

Russia confirms use of prohibited chemical weapons: According to their latest assessment on December 23, Russian naval infantry units have confirmed the use of prohibited chemical weapons in the village of Krynky, located 30 kilometers northeast of Kherson. This act is a direct violation of the Chemical Weapons Convention, to which Russia is a signatory.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/russia-confirms-use-of-prohibited-chemical-weapons/ar-AA1lXO1Q?ocid=winp1taskbar&cvid=f2b8744f49794db69887969a4ccdfca4&ei=22__;!!On18fmf1aQ!1jjIQhzHJ1VJN5wdaDYMnj9z0rybpjRmTm4gcrZ8ODXDqa2D62URHdVbHaLkMxEFCpcpLCP8-KJzhU4b3mNYeHp0_MzSXIbb$

Chinese Media Warns Minor Incident Could ‘Spark War’ With US: A Chinese newspaper warned on Saturday in an editorial that the fragile relationship between the United States and China could result in a war between the two countries. The warning comes more than a month after President Joe Biden met with Chinese President Xi Jinping in San Francisco in November. Beijing’s top admiral issues the warning during teleconference talks with his US counterpart aimed at defusing tension in the region
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/oct/30/us-and-china-agree-to-cooperate-despite-tensions-over-south-china-sea__;!!On18fmf1aQ!1jjIQhzHJ1VJN5wdaDYMnj9z0rybpjRmTm4gcrZ8ODXDqa2D62URHdVbHaLkMxEFCpcpLCP8-KJzhU4b3mNYeHp0_L4hkS2o$

# Gov / Politics
There Is No Precedent for How Bad Biden’s Polls Are Right Now, It’s even worse than it looks: Genuine fear has set in among both Democratic insiders and the rank and file as the president trails Trump by 3 points
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2023/12/biden-trump-2024-campaign-polls-nyt-siena.html__;!!On18fmf1aQ!1jjIQhzHJ1VJN5wdaDYMnj9z0rybpjRmTm4gcrZ8ODXDqa2D62URHdVbHaLkMxEFCpcpLCP8-KJzhU4b3mNYeHp0_FLTDCYb$

Biden signs record-breaking $886 bln Pentagon budget, Ukraine included: The National Defense Authorization Act is an annual bill that both parties have supported for over 60 years. The 2024 budget won widespread bipartisan approval in both the Senate and the House of Representatives before heading to Biden’s desk.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://news.yahoo.com/biden-approves-record-886-billion-223656721.html__;!!On18fmf1aQ!1jjIQhzHJ1VJN5wdaDYMnj9z0rybpjRmTm4gcrZ8ODXDqa2D62URHdVbHaLkMxEFCpcpLCP8-KJzhU4b3mNYeHp0_M24OMd7$

‘Starving your own constituents’: Republicans’ plan to gut food stamps could end House majority: House Republicans’ pursuit of a far-right policy goal that would disproportionately affect millions of their own constituents may end up costing them their razor-thin majority in 2024. As part of their negotiations for the next farm bill, Republicans are insisting on instituting even stricter work requirements for the approximately 41 million recipients of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.alternet.org/starving-republicans-food-stamps/__;!!On18fmf1aQ!1jjIQhzHJ1VJN5wdaDYMnj9z0rybpjRmTm4gcrZ8ODXDqa2D62URHdVbHaLkMxEFCpcpLCP8-KJzhU4b3mNYeHp0_IYQnw87$

Biden Affirms Criminal Prosecution Possibility for Presidents: President Joe Biden said he “can’t think of one” reason presidents should receive absolute immunity from prosecution, as Republican frontrunner Donald Trump has claimed. Biden made the comment in response to a reporter’s question Saturday before departing the White House for Camp David, where he will spend Christmas.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.celebtattler.com/news/news/celebrities/33744/biden-affirms-criminal-prosecution-possibility-for-presidents/__;!!On18fmf1aQ!1jjIQhzHJ1VJN5wdaDYMnj9z0rybpjRmTm4gcrZ8ODXDqa2D62URHdVbHaLkMxEFCpcpLCP8-KJzhU4b3mNYeHp0_NBAS3FH$

# Legal / DOJ
Paramedics Who Sedated Elijah McClain Convicted in His Death: Two paramedics were convicted Friday in the 2019 death of Elijah McClain, who died after he was stopped by Aurora, Colorado, police and injected with the powerful sedative ketamine by the emergency medical services workers. McClain, a 23-year-old massage therapist, was walking home from a store on Aug. 24, 2019 when he was stopped by police and violently restrained. He was not armed or accused of committing a crime, but a 911 caller reported a man who seemed “sketchy.”
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2023/12/22/paramedics-found-guilty-in-death-of-elijah-mcclain/72016432007/__;!!On18fmf1aQ!1jjIQhzHJ1VJN5wdaDYMnj9z0rybpjRmTm4gcrZ8ODXDqa2D62URHdVbHaLkMxEFCpcpLCP8-KJzhU4b3mNYeHp0_H_zt5Gs$

Bombshell Report Alleges Jack Smith Was Unconstitutionally Appointed Special Counsel: Meese, along with law professors Steven G. Calabresi and Gary S. Lawson, filed a friend-of-the-court brief Wednesday to present the case that Attorney General Merrick Garland’s appointment of Smith, a private citizen, is in violation of the Appointments Clause of the Constitution
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://reason.com/volokh/2023/12/20/special-counsel-jack-smmiths-appointment-is-unconstitutional/__;!!On18fmf1aQ!1jjIQhzHJ1VJN5wdaDYMnj9z0rybpjRmTm4gcrZ8ODXDqa2D62URHdVbHaLkMxEFCpcpLCP8-KJzhU4b3mNYeHp0_CLdga-1$

# Military / DOD
The world’s top military powers each have fifth-gen jets, but Russia, China, and the US are all facing problems with their fighters: The Russian Su-57, Chinese J-20, and American F-35 are all facing various challenges. Business Insider spoke with several experts about what’s been holding these programs back.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.businessinsider.com/russia-china-us-militaries-fifth-gen-fighter-jets-problems-2023-12__;!!On18fmf1aQ!1jjIQhzHJ1VJN5wdaDYMnj9z0rybpjRmTm4gcrZ8ODXDqa2D62URHdVbHaLkMxEFCpcpLCP8-KJzhU4b3mNYeHp0_I5rszva$

# Military / Global
Putin’s navy makes sudden retreat from Black Sea as Ukraine left baffled: Russia has reportedly withdrawn most of its Black Sea Fleet from occupied Crimea in recent weeks following a series of successful Ukrainian attacks. The retreat of the Russian fleet is a serious setback for Vladimir Putin’s ongoing invasion and the latest indication that Ukraine is winning the Battle of the Black Sea.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/blogs/ukrainealert/putins-fleet-retreats-ukraine-is-winning-the-battle-of-the-black-sea/__;!!On18fmf1aQ!1jjIQhzHJ1VJN5wdaDYMnj9z0rybpjRmTm4gcrZ8ODXDqa2D62URHdVbHaLkMxEFCpcpLCP8-KJzhU4b3mNYeHp0_KluTFj4$

Chinese, Iranian and Indian Warships Are Now in the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden: While the US has unveiled a multinational naval force to protect merchant vessels in the Red Sea from Iranian-backed Houthi militia, India has stationed two guided-missile destroyers off the coast of Aden as part of maritime security in the north Arabian Sea.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/india-stations-two-destroyers-off-the-coast-of-aden-for-maritime-security-101702961948164.html__;!!On18fmf1aQ!1jjIQhzHJ1VJN5wdaDYMnj9z0rybpjRmTm4gcrZ8ODXDqa2D62URHdVbHaLkMxEFCpcpLCP8-KJzhU4b3mNYeHp0_BWIfpdS$

# Social
Nearly 200 Oklahoma City families face eviction just days before Christmas: Advocates said Oklahoma has one of the shortest windows when it comes to eviction cases. Right now, tenants only get a five-day notice before their eviction hearing.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.newsnationnow.com/us-news/midwest/oklahoma-city-evictions/*:*:text=(KFOR)*20**C20Nearly*20200*20hundred,notice*20before*20their*20eviction*20hearing__;I34l4oCUJSUlJSUlJQ!!On18fmf1aQ!1jjIQhzHJ1VJN5wdaDYMnj9z0rybpjRmTm4gcrZ8ODXDqa2D62URHdVbHaLkMxEFCpcpLCP8-KJzhU4b3mNYeHp0_MyKtIFW$

Oklahoma Town Plans to Ticket Homeless People: The Shawnee Board of City Commissioners voted 6-1 on Monday to prohibit anyone from sleeping outside, lying down, sitting down, or placing items in the right-of-way in Shawnee’s downtown area. The ordinance, called “Sit/Lie” by some, efforts to make the city safer for both residents and visitors, the city says.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://themessenger.com/news/shawnee-oklahoma-city-plans-ticket-sit-lie-homeless?utm_source=onsite&utm_medium=latest_news__;!!On18fmf1aQ!1jjIQhzHJ1VJN5wdaDYMnj9z0rybpjRmTm4gcrZ8ODXDqa2D62URHdVbHaLkMxEFCpcpLCP8-KJzhU4b3mNYeHp0_NcHF83C$

# Technology
Social Media Giants File Lawsuit to Stop Utah from Protecting Kids Online: A group representing TikTok, Meta and X sues Utah over strict new limits on app use for minors. Two laws signed in March by Republican Gov. Spencer Cox will prohibit minors from using social media between the hours of 10:30 p.m. and 6:30 a.m. unless authorized by a parent — and require age verification to open and maintain a social media account in the state. The restrictions are designed to protect children from targeted advertisements and addictive features that could negatively impact their mental health. Both laws take effect March 1, 2024.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://apnews.com/article/utah-social-media-teens-tiktok-meta-d11e981a04f38e7c2a96bf44226f991f__;!!On18fmf1aQ!1jjIQhzHJ1VJN5wdaDYMnj9z0rybpjRmTm4gcrZ8ODXDqa2D62URHdVbHaLkMxEFCpcpLCP8-KJzhU4b3mNYeHp0_GG5PS_e$

The Race to Put Brain Implants in People Is Heating Up: Thanks in part to Elon Musk, the field of brain-computer interfaces has captured both public and investor interest, with a cadre of companies now developing implantable devices.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2023-11-07/elon-musk-s-neuralink-brain-implant-startup-is-ready-to-start-surgery__;!!On18fmf1aQ!1jjIQhzHJ1VJN5wdaDYMnj9z0rybpjRmTm4gcrZ8ODXDqa2D62URHdVbHaLkMxEFCpcpLCP8-KJzhU4b3mNYeHp0_EEhmcSp$

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Attention Readers:

Due to the nature of independent content, Voices, The Peoples News cannot guarantee content validity.

Voices, The Peoples News No. 2023-12-21

Voices, The Peoples News

December 21, 2023
Published by Jedi Selman Since March 2000 to Inform and Educate
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This daily Voices, The Peoples News is posted through the blog function of www.MPEN-Ohio.net

# Border / Immigration / Migrants
US Civilians Are Taking Protection Of The Border Into Their Own Hands: Texas Civilians Joining Border Protection Unit Sparks Fears of ‘Vigilantes.’ New Republican legislation in the Texas House includes the option for average citizens to take action as part of a border policing unit aimed at countering illegal immigration.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.newsweek.com/texas-civilians-joining-border-protection-unit-sparks-fears-vigilantes-1799530__;!!On18fmf1aQ!1664cOEHvctYmERcC7fnDgSY4YVjRH5SL6CvrBoo_Qv9y8gpJatUnjRWgkoG7wTGC1VwXbfdPmwwj6V-CeBUSkSpEpIQhxS8$

Cartel Wars At The Border Pose Grave Danger For US Agents: The Mexican military seized the IEDs after a gun battle erupted between cartels vying for control of a border area used for drug smuggling. Federal enforcement issued a warning to border officers, saying they should “exercise extreme caution and should report any possible armed subjects approaching the border with possible explosive devices.”
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.analyzingamerica.org/2023/12/726763/__;!!On18fmf1aQ!1664cOEHvctYmERcC7fnDgSY4YVjRH5SL6CvrBoo_Qv9y8gpJatUnjRWgkoG7wTGC1VwXbfdPmwwj6V-CeBUSkSpEmmQmATD$

The southern border of the United States remains mired in chaos, disaster, and death. Contrary to claims by the Biden administration–in particular Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas–the border is not secure. Indeed, the day-to-day reality and the data make clear that America’s southern border is the furthest thing from secure and is enduring record levels of apprehensions, human trafficking, and drug seizures.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://americarenewing.com/issues/its-time-to-wage-war-on-transnational-drug-cartels/__;!!On18fmf1aQ!1664cOEHvctYmERcC7fnDgSY4YVjRH5SL6CvrBoo_Qv9y8gpJatUnjRWgkoG7wTGC1VwXbfdPmwwj6V-CeBUSkSpEoEBRmp2$

US Borders full of migrant’s litter, conservatives calling environmentalists to speak up: the federally-protected borderland in Arizona is overwhelmed by waste and human excrement due to an influx of illegal migrants, as revealed in photos and Border Patrol accounts. The Organ Pipe National Monument, housing endangered species, witnesses migrants awaiting law enforcement, lacking bathrooms. The area is littered with discarded documents and waste, reeking of excrement, posing health risks.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://theindependent.sg/us-borders-full-of-migrants-litter-conservatives-calling-environmentalists-to-speak-up/__;!!On18fmf1aQ!1664cOEHvctYmERcC7fnDgSY4YVjRH5SL6CvrBoo_Qv9y8gpJatUnjRWgkoG7wTGC1VwXbfdPmwwj6V-CeBUSkSpEpZ6rzCc$

Texas Gov. Flies 120 Migrants to Chicago Amid Ongoing Weaponization of Immigration by GOP: The flight comes after Chicago officials reportedly cracked down on buses coming from Texas with immigrant passengers. Since last year, Texas has bused over 80,000 immigrants to Democratic-led cities across the U.S.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.texastribune.org/2023/12/20/texas-plane-immigrants-chicago-greg-abbott-busing/__;!!On18fmf1aQ!1664cOEHvctYmERcC7fnDgSY4YVjRH5SL6CvrBoo_Qv9y8gpJatUnjRWgkoG7wTGC1VwXbfdPmwwj6V-CeBUSkSpEmWxiANq$

# Covid / Pandemics / Biologicals
# Economy / Finance / Trade / Banks
Social Security clawbacks drive some Americans into homelessness: A year after the federal government first cut off her disability benefits, Denise Woods drives nightly to strip malls, truck stops, and parking lots around Savannah, Georgia, looking for a safe place to sleep in her Chevy. The government terminated her disability payments without notice. According to letters sent by the Social Security Administration, the agency determined it had been overpaying Woods and demanded she send back nearly $58,000.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.arcamax.com/currentnews/newsheadlines/s-3027930__;!!On18fmf1aQ!1664cOEHvctYmERcC7fnDgSY4YVjRH5SL6CvrBoo_Qv9y8gpJatUnjRWgkoG7wTGC1VwXbfdPmwwj6V-CeBUSkSpEvDcguqm$

Senators demand answers from Social Security for clawbacks tied to COVID-19 relief: A group of U.S. senators is demanding answers from the Social Security Administration to address why the agency, in violation of its own policy, has been reducing and suspending people’s benefits because of the money they received as COVID-19 relief payments.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://kffhealthnews.org/news/article/senators-concern-social-security-clawbacks-covid-stimulus/*:*:text=Three*20U.S.*20senators*20on*20a,received*20covid*2D19*20relief*20payments__;I34lJSUlJSUlJQ!!On18fmf1aQ!1664cOEHvctYmERcC7fnDgSY4YVjRH5SL6CvrBoo_Qv9y8gpJatUnjRWgkoG7wTGC1VwXbfdPmwwj6V-CeBUSkSpEow2ASLI$

Senators Demand Answers From Social Security on Clawbacks Tied to COVID Relief: Three U.S. senators on a panel that oversees Social Security have called on the Social Security Administration to address a news report saying that, in violation of agency policy, people’s benefits were reduced or suspended because they received COVID-19 relief payments. The lawmakers, who include Senate Finance Committee Chairman Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), sent a letter to acting SSA Commissioner Kilolo Kijakazi saying they were “deeply concerned” and wanted answers to a list of questions.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://seniorspectrumnewspapers.com/senators-demand-answers-from-social-security-on-clawbacks-tied-to-covid-relief/__;!!On18fmf1aQ!1664cOEHvctYmERcC7fnDgSY4YVjRH5SL6CvrBoo_Qv9y8gpJatUnjRWgkoG7wTGC1VwXbfdPmwwj6V-CeBUSkSpEjJzhh-k$

# Energy / Pipelines / Mining / Chemicals Oil companies offer $382M for drilling rights in Gulf of Mexico in last offshore sale before 2025: Oil companies offered $382 million for drilling rights in the Gulf of Mexico on Wednesday after courts rejected the Biden administration’s plans to scale back the sale to protect an endangered whale species.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://apnews.com/article/gulf-oil-offshore-drilling-lease-biden-whale-be6009f1edba22e6e369aa9f1456ec16__;!!On18fmf1aQ!1664cOEHvctYmERcC7fnDgSY4YVjRH5SL6CvrBoo_Qv9y8gpJatUnjRWgkoG7wTGC1VwXbfdPmwwj6V-CeBUSkSpEnEgiYml$

West Texans rally against planned natural gas pipeline: Critics are calling on federal regulators to increase their scrutiny and oversight of the proposed pipeline, which would send gas from Texas to the Mexican coast for export to other countries.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.texastribune.org/2023/12/20/texas-saguaro-cross-border-natural-gas-pipeline/__;!!On18fmf1aQ!1664cOEHvctYmERcC7fnDgSY4YVjRH5SL6CvrBoo_Qv9y8gpJatUnjRWgkoG7wTGC1VwXbfdPmwwj6V-CeBUSkSpEh2hp9hV$

# Environment / Climate / Infrastructure
As the Arctic Warms, Its Waters Are Emitting Carbon: Since the 1970s, the Arctic has warmed at least three times faster than anywhere else on Earth, transforming its waters and ecosystems, the scientists said. Some of these changes promote more CO2 outgassing in the region, while others lead to more CO2 being absorbed.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/news/as-the-arctic-warms-its-waters-are-emitting-carbon__;!!On18fmf1aQ!1664cOEHvctYmERcC7fnDgSY4YVjRH5SL6CvrBoo_Qv9y8gpJatUnjRWgkoG7wTGC1VwXbfdPmwwj6V-CeBUSkSpEvEH_F40$

# General News
The Constitution’s Insurrection Clause threatens Trump’s campaign. Here’s how that’s playing out: Colorado’s Supreme Court decision to disqualify Donald Trump from the state’s ballot under a clause in the 14th Amendment marks the first time in history the provision has been used to prohibit someone from running for the presidency. The U.S. Supreme Court will likely have the final say on the matter, and their decision could have far-reaching consequences for Trump’s 2024 campaign
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://apnews.com/article/trump-insurrection-14th-amendment-2024-colorado-79373b5043976588b599fc00ede049e8__;!!On18fmf1aQ!1664cOEHvctYmERcC7fnDgSY4YVjRH5SL6CvrBoo_Qv9y8gpJatUnjRWgkoG7wTGC1VwXbfdPmwwj6V-CeBUSkSpEi9LtTqW$

Trump Tells High Court There’s No Need To Rush The Jan. 6 Case Against Him: Trump, though, would have the ability to end that prosecution if he returns to the White House before the case has concluded.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.huffpost.com/entry/trump-supreme-court-immunity_n_6580d75fe4b01d1b9534cf4d__;!!On18fmf1aQ!1664cOEHvctYmERcC7fnDgSY4YVjRH5SL6CvrBoo_Qv9y8gpJatUnjRWgkoG7wTGC1VwXbfdPmwwj6V-CeBUSkSpEgEmhCDq$

With voting now less than a month away, the non-Trump GOP presidential candidates are again opting not to exploit his greatest vulnerability: The continuing legal consequences of his Jan. 6 coup attempt. Meanwhile, President Joe Biden agreed with a key part of the Colorado high court’s ruling.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.huffpost.com/entry/trump-rivals-coup-attempt_n_65833454e4b04da984257ce2*:*:text=Partycapitol*20riot-,Non*2DTrump*20GOP*20Rivals*20Still*20Unwilling*20To*20Use*20Trump’s*20Jan,court*20rather*20than*20blame*20Trump__;I34lJSUlJSUlJSUlJSUlJQ!!On18fmf1aQ!1664cOEHvctYmERcC7fnDgSY4YVjRH5SL6CvrBoo_Qv9y8gpJatUnjRWgkoG7wTGC1VwXbfdPmwwj6V-CeBUSkSpEqwuTfEt$

Colorado GOP Threatens to Go Rogue If Trump Decision Stands: The Colorado Republican Party on Tuesday threatened to switch its presidential nominating process from a primary to a caucus system, following the state’s Supreme Court ruling Tuesday that rendered former President Trump ineligible to appear on the primary ballot. The Colorado GOP’s account on X, formerly Twitter, replied to a post from Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, who pledged to “withdraw from the Colorado GOP primary unless Trump is also allowed to be on the state’s ballot.”
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/4369749-colorado-gop-threatens-to-shift-to-caucus-system-over-trump-ruling/__;!!On18fmf1aQ!1664cOEHvctYmERcC7fnDgSY4YVjRH5SL6CvrBoo_Qv9y8gpJatUnjRWgkoG7wTGC1VwXbfdPmwwj6V-CeBUSkSpEr50m_gS$

Colorado’s Trump Ruling Gives SCOTUS a Shot at Redemption: A decision from Colorado on Tuesday will likely force the court to decide, very quickly by SCOTUS standards, if states can ban Trump from the ballot using the U.S. Constitution’s insurrection clause. It stayed the ruling until Jan. 4, with the option to keep the stay in place if the Supreme Court takes up the case before then.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.axios.com/2023/12/20/trump-supreme-court-colorado-ballot__;!!On18fmf1aQ!1664cOEHvctYmERcC7fnDgSY4YVjRH5SL6CvrBoo_Qv9y8gpJatUnjRWgkoG7wTGC1VwXbfdPmwwj6V-CeBUSkSpEl_15Uj4$

Government official forced to flee after Trump fans shared address online: court filing: A government official was forced to flee his home after one former President Donald Trump’s supporters shared his address online, according to information revealed in an unredacted gag order issued Wednesday
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.rawstory.com/unredacted-trump-gag-order/*:*:text=Kathleen*20Culliton,-Kathleen*20Culliton*20is&text=A*20government*20official*20was*20forced,unredacted*20gag*20order*20issued*20Wednesday__;I34lJSUlJSUlJSUlJQ!!On18fmf1aQ!1664cOEHvctYmERcC7fnDgSY4YVjRH5SL6CvrBoo_Qv9y8gpJatUnjRWgkoG7wTGC1VwXbfdPmwwj6V-CeBUSkSpEuY2RLTa$

“Fascism Out Loud”: Trump’s Escalating Racist Rhetoric & the Far Right’s Plan for a Slow Civil War: As the 2024 presidential election campaign heats up, Republican front-runner Donald Trump is escalating his racist rhetoric https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.democracynow.org/2023/12/21/jeff_sharlet_trump_blood_poisoning_project2025__;!!On18fmf1aQ!1664cOEHvctYmERcC7fnDgSY4YVjRH5SL6CvrBoo_Qv9y8gpJatUnjRWgkoG7wTGC1VwXbfdPmwwj6V-CeBUSkSpEg-G7_8V$

# Gov / Politics / Global
China has made ‘clear signals’ that they plan to go to war in Asia: Jonathan DT Ward:
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.foxbusiness.com/video/6343659480112__;!!On18fmf1aQ!1664cOEHvctYmERcC7fnDgSY4YVjRH5SL6CvrBoo_Qv9y8gpJatUnjRWgkoG7wTGC1VwXbfdPmwwj6V-CeBUSkSpEh004PHx$

Why North Korea’s Latest Nuclear Claims Are Raising Alarms: North Korea’s new wave of propaganda suggests that it has succeeded in miniaturizing its nuclear warheads and made its missiles easier to launch and harder to intercept. The claims, not fully corroborated, show the country is on a path that is worrying to its neighbors, and to the United States.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2023/06/02/world/asia/north-korea-nuclear.html__;!!On18fmf1aQ!1664cOEHvctYmERcC7fnDgSY4YVjRH5SL6CvrBoo_Qv9y8gpJatUnjRWgkoG7wTGC1VwXbfdPmwwj6V-CeBUSkSpEpusV9wK$

When Zionist militias, using advanced Western arms, conquered historic Palestine in 1947- 48, they expressed their victory through the deliberate humiliation of Palestinians. Much of that humiliation targeted women, in particular, knowing how the dishonor of Palestinian females represents, according to Arab culture, a sense of dishonor to the whole community. This strategy remains in use to this day.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.mintpressnews.com/urinating-prisoners-humiliation-functional-israel-war-palestinians/286504/__;!!On18fmf1aQ!1664cOEHvctYmERcC7fnDgSY4YVjRH5SL6CvrBoo_Qv9y8gpJatUnjRWgkoG7wTGC1VwXbfdPmwwj6V-CeBUSkSpEothDp9T$

# Gov / Politics
Amid U.N. Security Council Intrigue, U.S. Privately Moves To Block Another Option For International Accountability For Gaza: As bloodshed continues in Gaza, the Biden administration is finalizing plans to urge Switzerland to reject a request from Palestine to hold a conference on violations of the Geneva Conventions. This comes as the U.S. is simultaneously slow-rolling a U.N. Security Council resolution that would drastically increase the flow of humanitarian aid into the besieged strip
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.huffpost.com/entry/un-security-council-us-block-accountability-international-gaza_n_6583338ce4b04da984257b9c__;!!On18fmf1aQ!1664cOEHvctYmERcC7fnDgSY4YVjRH5SL6CvrBoo_Qv9y8gpJatUnjRWgkoG7wTGC1VwXbfdPmwwj6V-CeBUSkSpEp1XXZ1O$

U.S. Relationship With Netanyahu Government Has Turned Toxic: Biden Administration’s Relationship With Netanyahu Government Has Turned Toxic. Senior officials are working day and night toward a resolution to the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza, but they’re getting little help from Bibi—who’s supposed to be an ally.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://time.com/6267020/biden-netanyahu-relationship-turned-icy/__;!!On18fmf1aQ!1664cOEHvctYmERcC7fnDgSY4YVjRH5SL6CvrBoo_Qv9y8gpJatUnjRWgkoG7wTGC1VwXbfdPmwwj6V-CeBUSkSpEnCPnwkh$

The West is now at war with Iran and its proxies: Beefing up U.S. naval deployments is not enough to boost deterrence, Washington must also respond decisively to proxy attacks on its forces and increase economic pressure on Tehran. It has been a recurring theme of Iran’s innate hostility towards the West that, irrespective of the ayatollahs’ constant threats, Tehran has invariably shied away from provoking a direct confrontation.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.washingtoninstitute.org/policy-analysis/risks-wider-war-iran-and-its-proxies__;!!On18fmf1aQ!1664cOEHvctYmERcC7fnDgSY4YVjRH5SL6CvrBoo_Qv9y8gpJatUnjRWgkoG7wTGC1VwXbfdPmwwj6V-CeBUSkSpEuezDann$

US shouldn’t protect Chinese shipping in the Red Sea: The United States has established a maritime security initiative to confront Houthi rebel attacks on international shipping in the Red Sea. Two actions should now follow. First, President Joe Biden should order air and missile strikes against Houthi forces in Yemen. He should request that the United Kingdom, France, and Spain (also members of the initiative) participate in those strikes to lend them multinational credibility.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/opinion/us-shouldnt-protect-chinese-shipping-in-the-red-sea__;!!On18fmf1aQ!1664cOEHvctYmERcC7fnDgSY4YVjRH5SL6CvrBoo_Qv9y8gpJatUnjRWgkoG7wTGC1VwXbfdPmwwj6V-CeBUSkSpEkeH4YPb$

US stalls UN resolution amid rising Gaza crisis and Israeli war crime claims: The unfolding crisis in Gaza and the U.S.’s pivotal role in shaping the UN Security Council’s response underscore the complexities of international diplomacy and humanitarian intervention.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.nationofchange.org/2023/12/21/us-stalls-un-resolution-amid-rising-gaza-crisis-and-israeli-war-crime-claims/__;!!On18fmf1aQ!1664cOEHvctYmERcC7fnDgSY4YVjRH5SL6CvrBoo_Qv9y8gpJatUnjRWgkoG7wTGC1VwXbfdPmwwj6V-CeBUSkSpElaUo8H_$

FEC urges Congress to close foreign money loophole: The Federal Election Commission is urging Congress to close a loophole in federal law that allows foreign corporations to finance ballot measures.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.opensecrets.org/news/2023/12/fec-urges-congress-to-close-foreign-money-loophole*:*:text=The*20Federal*20Election*20Commission*20is,corporations*20to*20finance*20ballot*20measures__;I34lJSUlJSUlJQ!!On18fmf1aQ!1664cOEHvctYmERcC7fnDgSY4YVjRH5SL6CvrBoo_Qv9y8gpJatUnjRWgkoG7wTGC1VwXbfdPmwwj6V-CeBUSkSpEoAkGlEu$

# Legal / DOJ
A federal judge temporarily blocked a California law that would have banned carrying firearms in most public places starting next month, ruling that it violates the Second Amendment and deprives people of their ability to defend themselves and their loved ones.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://apnews.com/article/california-gun-laws-concealed-carry-c7ebb8506ed99f41b59455350647c0b6__;!!On18fmf1aQ!1664cOEHvctYmERcC7fnDgSY4YVjRH5SL6CvrBoo_Qv9y8gpJatUnjRWgkoG7wTGC1VwXbfdPmwwj6V-CeBUSkSpEhW_bmxg$

# Medical / Health
The Texas Supreme Court is calling on the state’s medical board to offer guidance to doctors on how to handle exceptions to Texas’ abortion laws. However, doctors say nonbinding guidance won’t be enough to give them reassurance.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.texastribune.org/2023/12/21/texas-medical-board-abortion/*:*:text=The*20Texas*20Supreme*20Court*20has,wouldn’t*20be*20enough*20reassurance__;I34lJSUlJSUl!!On18fmf1aQ!1664cOEHvctYmERcC7fnDgSY4YVjRH5SL6CvrBoo_Qv9y8gpJatUnjRWgkoG7wTGC1VwXbfdPmwwj6V-CeBUSkSpEuQe9tuH$

Texas abortion law’s wording is causing dangerous confusion over emergency medical exceptions, critics say: Emergency medical exceptions to the Texas abortion ban are extremely rare, and experts say the law leaves medical providers with their hands tied and puts patients at risk.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.cnn.com/2023/12/15/us/texas-abortion-ban-emergency-medical-exception/index.html__;!!On18fmf1aQ!1664cOEHvctYmERcC7fnDgSY4YVjRH5SL6CvrBoo_Qv9y8gpJatUnjRWgkoG7wTGC1VwXbfdPmwwj6V-CeBUSkSpEj3FHApL$

# Medical Technology
Bioprinting in 3D: Imagine someone needs a heart transplant and scientists take cells from that person to create an entire new heart for them. Research on the International Space Station is helping to bring that dream closer to reality. The Russian state space agency ROSCOSMOS launched equipment in 2018, 3D MBP, that included a magnetic printer called Organ.Aut. A series of experiments from 2018 through 2020 showed that this approach could create tissue constructs, helping to pave the way for additional research on producing artificial organs.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.spacedaily.com/reports/Bioprinting_in_3D_2023_Science_Wrap_999.html*:*:text=Bioprinting*20technology*20also*20could*20create,a*20binder*20on*20a*20film__;I34lJSUlJSUlJQ!!On18fmf1aQ!1664cOEHvctYmERcC7fnDgSY4YVjRH5SL6CvrBoo_Qv9y8gpJatUnjRWgkoG7wTGC1VwXbfdPmwwj6V-CeBUSkSpEnN7dHp7$

# Military / DOD
Biden prepares to launch missile strike on Houthi rebels amid crisis in Red Sea: The Biden administration has sent messages to the Houthi rebels in Yemen via several channels recently warning them to stop their attacks on ships in the Red Sea and against Israel, two U.S. officials said.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.axios.com/2023/12/14/us-warns-yemens-houthis-stop-red-sea-attacks__;!!On18fmf1aQ!1664cOEHvctYmERcC7fnDgSY4YVjRH5SL6CvrBoo_Qv9y8gpJatUnjRWgkoG7wTGC1VwXbfdPmwwj6V-CeBUSkSpEixA9hXy$

US officials frustrated by Biden administration’s response to attacks in Red Sea: An hours-long firefight involving U.S. commercial vessels in the Red Sea this weekend has left some U.S. officials frustrated by what they see as the Biden administration’s deliberate downplaying of a major threat to American forces. A U.S. Navy warship scrambled to respond to multiple distress calls on Sunday, as Houthi rebels in Yemen launched missiles and drones against three separate commercial vessels. The USS Carney fired back, taking down three unmanned aerial systems.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.politico.com/news/2023/12/04/biden-response-red-sea-attacks-00130018__;!!On18fmf1aQ!1664cOEHvctYmERcC7fnDgSY4YVjRH5SL6CvrBoo_Qv9y8gpJatUnjRWgkoG7wTGC1VwXbfdPmwwj6V-CeBUSkSpEnSObZgb$

Biden weighs up direct military strikes against Houthi sites in Yemen to avoid the $2million cost per shot of bringing down the rebel group’s attack drones in bid to protect trade routes through the Red Sea The Pentagon is keeping its cards close to its chest amid reports that officials have offered Biden an option for direct military strikes against Houthi rebels in Yemen, which could result in a standoff with Iran
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-12885435/biden-houthi-iran-military-strikes-red-sea.html__;!!On18fmf1aQ!1664cOEHvctYmERcC7fnDgSY4YVjRH5SL6CvrBoo_Qv9y8gpJatUnjRWgkoG7wTGC1VwXbfdPmwwj6V-CeBUSkSpEtsuNN_k$

# Military / Global
REIGN OF TERROR: Yemen will be a warzone ‘worse than Vietnam’ for US, Iran-backed Houthi chief warns after ‘missile strike plan’ revealed. The US is allegedly drawing up potential plans to strike Yemen, while its 10-country naval fleet takes shape in the Red Sea. The leader of the Iran-backed Houthi rebels has vowed to target American warships if President Biden orders missile strikes against its forces.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/25119316/yemen-arzone-worse-vietnam-houthi-chief/__;!!On18fmf1aQ!1664cOEHvctYmERcC7fnDgSY4YVjRH5SL6CvrBoo_Qv9y8gpJatUnjRWgkoG7wTGC1VwXbfdPmwwj6V-CeBUSkSpEqsKOPoi$

Iran warns US will face ‘problems’ with Red Sea task force plans: US and allies in talks to form multinational task force to address attacks by Iran-aligned Houthis on ships in Red Sea. Iran’s Defence Minister Mohammad Reza Ashtiani has warned that a planned United States-backed multinational task force to protect shipping in the Red Sea would face “extraordinary problems.”
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/12/14/iran-warns-us-of-problems-in-response-to-red-sea-task-force-plans__;!!On18fmf1aQ!1664cOEHvctYmERcC7fnDgSY4YVjRH5SL6CvrBoo_Qv9y8gpJatUnjRWgkoG7wTGC1VwXbfdPmwwj6V-CeBUSkSpEoKSU1GT$

# Space / NASA
NASA’s 3D-printed Rotating Detonation Rocket Engine Test a Success:
Engineers at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, successfully tested a novel, 3D-printed RDRE for 251 seconds (or longer than four minutes), producing more than 5,800 pounds of thrust. That kind of sustained burn emulates typical requirements for a lander touchdown or a deep-space burn that could set a spacecraft on course from the Moon to Mars
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.nasa.gov/centers-and-facilities/marshall/nasas-3d-printed-rotating-detonation-rocket-engine-test-a-success/__;!!On18fmf1aQ!1664cOEHvctYmERcC7fnDgSY4YVjRH5SL6CvrBoo_Qv9y8gpJatUnjRWgkoG7wTGC1VwXbfdPmwwj6V-CeBUSkSpEir8uFdy$

NASA Outlines Future Strategy for Post-ISS Microgravity Research Labs in LEO: In September 2022, the National Space Council directed NASA to “develop a plan for the next generation microgravity national lab in a commercial space station world.” NASA has been working to develop this strategy, to include considerations for establishing robust international partner pathways outlined in a report https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.spacedaily.com/reports/NASA_Outlines_Future_Strategy_for_Post_ISS_Microgravity_Research_Labs_in_LEO_999.html__;!!On18fmf1aQ!1664cOEHvctYmERcC7fnDgSY4YVjRH5SL6CvrBoo_Qv9y8gpJatUnjRWgkoG7wTGC1VwXbfdPmwwj6V-CeBUSkSpEji-eYU3$

China’s secret space plane emits strong signal to the ground when passing North America: satellite tracker: Strong emissions were detected at the frequency of 2280 megahertz while the uncrewed reusable plane was flying over British Columbia, Canada, where Scott Tilley is based, he told the South China Morning Post in an email on Tuesday. Ling Xin is a science journalist based in Ohio.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.scmp.com/news/china/science/article/3245815/chinas-secret-space-plane-emits-strong-signal-ground-when-passing-north-america-satellite-tracker?utm_source=Newswav&utm_medium=Website__;!!On18fmf1aQ!1664cOEHvctYmERcC7fnDgSY4YVjRH5SL6CvrBoo_Qv9y8gpJatUnjRWgkoG7wTGC1VwXbfdPmwwj6V-CeBUSkSpEhkjNMQp$

# Water
A Saudi company abusing water rights in the US lost its leases: Gov. Katie Hobbs on Tuesday defended the decision to strip a Saudi company of its right to lease state land to farm alfalfa for export, and get the water underneath it free, but had no answers to what will become of the nearly 3,500 acres after that.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.eacourier.com/news/state/saudi-firm-to-lose-lease-on-arizona-alfalfa-operation/article_d409fdee-63aa-11ee-9be7-875e2c10313b.html__;!!On18fmf1aQ!1664cOEHvctYmERcC7fnDgSY4YVjRH5SL6CvrBoo_Qv9y8gpJatUnjRWgkoG7wTGC1VwXbfdPmwwj6V-CeBUSkSpEujWg3CE$

Saudi company with alfalfa farms in Arizona to appeal governor’s move to revoke groundwater deal: Fondomonte leases thousands of acres of state-owned land for farming, and while numerous companies have similar agricultural leases, Fondomonte has become a lightning rod of sorts because the location of its leases allows it to pump water unchecked. Fondomonte Arizona grows alfalfa that it ships back to the Middle East to feed cows. Below-market-rate leases to the company first were reported by The Arizona Republic last year.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/arizona-investigations/2023/10/03/saudi-company-fondomonte-to-fight-arizona-termination-of-water-lease/71051063007/__;!!On18fmf1aQ!1664cOEHvctYmERcC7fnDgSY4YVjRH5SL6CvrBoo_Qv9y8gpJatUnjRWgkoG7wTGC1VwXbfdPmwwj6V-CeBUSkSpEpBkYBV5$

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Attention Readers:

Due to the nature of independent content, Voices, The Peoples News cannot guarantee content validity.

Voices, The Peoples News No. 2023-12-20

Voices, The Peoples News

December 20, 2023
Published by Jedi Selman Since March 2000 to Inform and Educate
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This daily Voices, The Peoples News is posted through the blog function of www.MPEN-Ohio.net

# Indigenous / Global
Why more than 60 Indigenous nations oppose the Line 5 oil pipeline: The 70-year-old pipeline, which just won a key permit, poses “an unacceptable risk of an oil spill into the Great Lakes.” Line 5 is an outdated oil-and-gas pipeline that poses unacceptable risks of an oil spill, especially as it travels along the lakebed through the Straits of Mackinac in a four-mile section known as the dual pipelines.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://grist.org/indigenous/why-more-than-60-indigenous-nations-oppose-the-line-5-oil-pipeline/__;!!On18fmf1aQ!2G4i-VZcJiZh-HJF_VtDu1yxwXMn4cK9zZuqCZYSpjvK6KXfM-bNmjaPMiBIpt2rUEqn_Gq88xVIRIN9mDes6DRSHMp6pqC_$

# Border / Immigration / Migrants
Immigrant rights groups sue Texas to halt law allowing arrests of migrants: The lawsuit asks judge to prevent the state from enforcing Bill 4, which authorizes Texas police to arrest immigrants suspected of crossing the border illegally.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.texastribune.org/2023/12/19/texas-immigration-law-lawsuit-border-aclu/__;!!On18fmf1aQ!2G4i-VZcJiZh-HJF_VtDu1yxwXMn4cK9zZuqCZYSpjvK6KXfM-bNmjaPMiBIpt2rUEqn_Gq88xVIRIN9mDes6DRSHB3O849j$

Chicago Suburb to Oust Immigrants From Hotel and YMCA in Policy Change: All migrants housed in two locations in Oak Park will be required to move out by Jan. 31, village officials disclosed Wednesday. The approximately 160 people at The Carleton of Oak Park hotel and the West Cook YMCA are to be notified of the eviction date this week.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/policy/immigration/chicago-suburb-evict-immigrants-hotel-ymca-change-policy__;!!On18fmf1aQ!2G4i-VZcJiZh-HJF_VtDu1yxwXMn4cK9zZuqCZYSpjvK6KXfM-bNmjaPMiBIpt2rUEqn_Gq88xVIRIN9mDes6DRSHB0Yi0hI$

# Censorship
Combating censorship: Pressley’s bill targets discriminatory book bans as civil rights violations: In a bold move against escalating book bans, Rep. Ayanna Pressley introduces a legislative response to safeguard diversity and freedom in literature. Specifically, the legislation would: Ensure primary and secondary schools have a library with a trained librarian; Require public libraries and school libraries to maintain a diverse collection of books; Classify discriminatory book bans as violations of federal civil rights laws https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.nationofchange.org/2023/12/20/combating-censorship-pressleys-bill-targets-discriminatory-book-bans-as-civil-rights-violations/__;!!On18fmf1aQ!2G4i-VZcJiZh-HJF_VtDu1yxwXMn4cK9zZuqCZYSpjvK6KXfM-bNmjaPMiBIpt2rUEqn_Gq88xVIRIN9mDes6DRSHPS3-h3s$

# Education / Schools
Steve Bannon Wants Kids to Use Guns to Defend Themselves From Bullies: On Tuesday, Bannon broadcast an episode of his podcast from Turning Point USA’s America Fest, during which he advocated for American children to receive firearms training in school, arguing that possessing guns would also help them combat bullying, a suggestion that drew cheers from the conservative crowd at the event.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.newsweek.com/steve-bannon-wants-kids-use-guns-defend-themselves-bullies-1853928__;!!On18fmf1aQ!2G4i-VZcJiZh-HJF_VtDu1yxwXMn4cK9zZuqCZYSpjvK6KXfM-bNmjaPMiBIpt2rUEqn_Gq88xVIRIN9mDes6DRSHFsBqF1x$

# Energy / Pipelines / Mining / Chemicals
Worried about safety, a small West Texas town challenges planned cross-border pipeline: A proposed pipeline has residents in the 2,000-person town of Van Horn on alert as concerns mount over lack of transparency and possible environmental risk. Critics are calling on federal regulators to increase their scrutiny and oversight of the proposed pipeline, which would send gas from Texas to the Mexican coast for export to other countries.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.ksat.com/news/texas/2023/12/20/worried-about-safety-a-small-west-texas-town-challenges-planned-cross-border-pipeline/__;!!On18fmf1aQ!2G4i-VZcJiZh-HJF_VtDu1yxwXMn4cK9zZuqCZYSpjvK6KXfM-bNmjaPMiBIpt2rUEqn_Gq88xVIRIN9mDes6DRSHJ2MAbfc$

Drilling under Pennsylvania’s ‘Gasland’ town has been banned since 2010. It’s coming back: One of Pennsylvania’s leading natural gas companies is poised to drill and frack in the rural community where it was banned for a dozen years for polluting the water supply.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://wtop.com/national/2023/12/drilling-under-pennsylvanias-gasland-town-has-been-banned-since-2010-its-coming-back/*:*:text=It’s*20coming*20back.,-The*20Associated*20Press&text=A*20year*20after*20pleading*20no,for*20polluting*20the*20water*20supply__;I34lJSUlJSUlJSUlJSU!!On18fmf1aQ!2G4i-VZcJiZh-HJF_VtDu1yxwXMn4cK9zZuqCZYSpjvK6KXfM-bNmjaPMiBIpt2rUEqn_Gq88xVIRIN9mDes6DRSHHmstf8g$

# Environment / Climate / Infrastructure
Republicans ask Supreme Court to review Antiquities Act: Lawmakers want the high court to take up litigation centered on Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument expansion and timber harvesting. House and Senate Republicans are urging the Supreme Court to take up a review of the Antiquities Act, arguing that former President Barack Obama “usurped Congress’s authority” to manage federal lands and warning that other presidents might do the same.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://subscriber.politicopro.com/article/eenews/2023/12/19/republicans-ask-supreme-court-to-review-antiquities-act-00132517__;!!On18fmf1aQ!2G4i-VZcJiZh-HJF_VtDu1yxwXMn4cK9zZuqCZYSpjvK6KXfM-bNmjaPMiBIpt2rUEqn_Gq88xVIRIN9mDes6DRSHB7deNv3$

“World’s biggest iceberg” weighs one trillion tons and is floating freely in the open seas: Called A23a, the platform of floating ice has a surface area of 1,500 square miles, a volume of 263 cubic miles and a mass just below one trillion tones. That makes it not only four times as big as Greater London, but a whopping 100 million times as heavy as the Eiffel Tower in Paris.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.earth.com/news/iceberg-that-weighs-more-than-the-eiffel-tower-is-floating-freely/__;!!On18fmf1aQ!2G4i-VZcJiZh-HJF_VtDu1yxwXMn4cK9zZuqCZYSpjvK6KXfM-bNmjaPMiBIpt2rUEqn_Gq88xVIRIN9mDes6DRSHOvOU0OH$

12% of bird species driven to extinction: Humans are probably responsible for the extinction of around 1,500 bird species over the past 126,000 years. Ecologists made the estimate by using a model that looked at documented extinctions, fossil records and predictions of species richness on 1,488 islands. The model suggested that around 1,300–1,500 bird species — about 12% of the total worldwide — have become extinct since the Late Pleistocene (which was an epoch roughly 126,000–12,000 years ago). Human activities are likely to have caused the vast majority of these extinctions.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-023-04065-4*:*:text=The*20model*20suggested*20that*20around,vast*20majority*20of*20these*20extinctions__;I34lJSUlJSUlJQ!!On18fmf1aQ!2G4i-VZcJiZh-HJF_VtDu1yxwXMn4cK9zZuqCZYSpjvK6KXfM-bNmjaPMiBIpt2rUEqn_Gq88xVIRIN9mDes6DRSHH041bFU$

# Gov / Politics / Global
Ukrainian trial demonstrates 2014 Maidan massacre was false flag: A massacre of protesters during the 2014 Maidan coup set the stage for the ouster of Ukraine’s elected president, Viktor Yanukovych. Now, an explosive trial in Kiev has produced evidence the killings were a false flag designed to trigger regime change.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://thegrayzone.com/2023/12/11/ukrainian-maidan-massacre-false-flag/__;!!On18fmf1aQ!2G4i-VZcJiZh-HJF_VtDu1yxwXMn4cK9zZuqCZYSpjvK6KXfM-bNmjaPMiBIpt2rUEqn_Gq88xVIRIN9mDes6DRSHEOHLhQL$

Everyone hates Zelensky and his WEF/Nazi dictatorship: Ukrainians tell MP they would give up citizenship to avoid conscription: Some 74% of men and 65% of women said they would opt to hand over their passports in Facebook surveys.| A majority of Ukrainians responding to a Facebook poll by a leading lawmaker have said they would be willing to renounce their citizenship in order to avoid being drafted into the military.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.rt.com/russia/589300-ukrainians-renounce-citizenship-bezuglaya/__;!!On18fmf1aQ!2G4i-VZcJiZh-HJF_VtDu1yxwXMn4cK9zZuqCZYSpjvK6KXfM-bNmjaPMiBIpt2rUEqn_Gq88xVIRIN9mDes6DRSHJikylRB$

Russia and China Lock Arms Again to Defy the West: Senior officials from Russia and China talked up the staying power of their partnership this week and vowed to press on with a trade relationship conducted without the U.S. dollar. Mikhail Mishustin, the Russian prime minister, visited Beijing for the second time this year. On Wednesday, he was given an audience with Chinese President Xi Jinping, who said deepening ties between the two nations was “a strategic choice,” according to China’s official Xinhua News Agency.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.newsweek.com/russia-china-mikhail-mishustin-beijing-visit-xi-jinping-1854005__;!!On18fmf1aQ!2G4i-VZcJiZh-HJF_VtDu1yxwXMn4cK9zZuqCZYSpjvK6KXfM-bNmjaPMiBIpt2rUEqn_Gq88xVIRIN9mDes6DRSHNVGGqsu$

# Gov / Politics
Republicans Don’t Want to Answer for Trump’s Racist Anti-Immigrant Rant: Trump’s defenders suggest he was merely talking about policy when he said immigrants were “poisoning the blood of the country.” But there was nothing ambiguous about his remarks. Republicans have for years relied on racist and xenophobic tropes to buttress their draconian anti-immigration policies and vision. Trump himself has promised a harsh crackdown on immigrants should he retake the presidency in 2024, one that includes mass deportations and a network of migrant detainment camps.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://au.news.yahoo.com/gop-sen-disappointed-trump-anti-192621670.html__;!!On18fmf1aQ!2G4i-VZcJiZh-HJF_VtDu1yxwXMn4cK9zZuqCZYSpjvK6KXfM-bNmjaPMiBIpt2rUEqn_Gq88xVIRIN9mDes6DRSHHJd6L8h$

Gen. Jack Keane: US military being ‘shut down’ here by Biden White House: Fox News senior strategic analyst Gen. Jack Keane reacts to growing Middle East tensions and Houthi attacks
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://finance.yahoo.com/news/gen-jack-keane-us-military-220144088.html__;!!On18fmf1aQ!2G4i-VZcJiZh-HJF_VtDu1yxwXMn4cK9zZuqCZYSpjvK6KXfM-bNmjaPMiBIpt2rUEqn_Gq88xVIRIN9mDes6DRSHNyUkn99$

# LGBTQ / Gender
The New “Lavender Scare,” How Fear and Prejudice Impacted a Nation in Crisis: On April 27th, 1953, United States President Dwight D. Eisenhower put into place Executive Order 10450.1. The purpose of the policy was to purge the federal government of anybody who did not fit the ideals of American morality during its era. While the document refrained from explicitly naming homosexuals as one of its targets, it did exclude anyone with “sexual perversion,” which was a euphemism for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer (LGBTQ+) people at that time.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://digitalcommons.georgiasouthern.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1113&context=aujh__;!!On18fmf1aQ!2G4i-VZcJiZh-HJF_VtDu1yxwXMn4cK9zZuqCZYSpjvK6KXfM-bNmjaPMiBIpt2rUEqn_Gq88xVIRIN9mDes6DRSHMjJ-_5h$

You’ve Probably Heard of the Red Scare, but the Lesser-Known, Anti-Gay ‘Lavender Scare’ Is Rarely Taught in Schools: In 1980 was the continuation of a policy launched nearly 30 years earlier, in 1953. Under President Dwight D. Eisenhower’s Executive Order 10450, the investigation, interrogation and systematic removal of gay men and lesbians from the federal government became policy. Known as the “Lavender Scare,” the policy was based on the unfounded fear that gay men and lesbians “posed a threat to national security because they were vulnerable to blackmail and were considered to have weak moral characters,” says historian David K. Johnson. According to him, this aspect of American history has largely been overlooked.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://time.com/5922679/lavender-scare-history/__;!!On18fmf1aQ!2G4i-VZcJiZh-HJF_VtDu1yxwXMn4cK9zZuqCZYSpjvK6KXfM-bNmjaPMiBIpt2rUEqn_Gq88xVIRIN9mDes6DRSHGCtMF-u$

The Lavender Scare: the shocking true story of an anti-LGBT witch-hunt: In an eye-opening new documentary, director Josh Howard reveals the horrifying state-sanctioned homophobia that once plagued the US https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.theguardian.com/film/2019/jun/18/the-lavender-scare-the-shocking-true-story-of-an-anti-lgbt-witch-hunt__;!!On18fmf1aQ!2G4i-VZcJiZh-HJF_VtDu1yxwXMn4cK9zZuqCZYSpjvK6KXfM-bNmjaPMiBIpt2rUEqn_Gq88xVIRIN9mDes6DRSHFmilyBY$

# Medical Science
America’s deadly flirtation with antiscience and the medical freedom movement: The initial United States government response to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic was marked by a frequent disconnect between government policies and the recommendations of scientific experts.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8011881/__;!!On18fmf1aQ!2G4i-VZcJiZh-HJF_VtDu1yxwXMn4cK9zZuqCZYSpjvK6KXfM-bNmjaPMiBIpt2rUEqn_Gq88xVIRIN9mDes6DRSHBhkQ-wl$

In a World First, a Patient’s Antibody Cells Were Just Genetically Engineered: That’s the idea behind a trial launched by Seattle-based biotech company Immusoft. The company announced today that its scientists have genetically programmed a patient’s B cells and put them back in his body in an effort to treat disease. It’s the first time engineered B cells have been tested in a person.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.healthleadersmedia.com/innovation/world-first-patients-antibody-cells-were-just-genetically-engineered__;!!On18fmf1aQ!2G4i-VZcJiZh-HJF_VtDu1yxwXMn4cK9zZuqCZYSpjvK6KXfM-bNmjaPMiBIpt2rUEqn_Gq88xVIRIN9mDes6DRSHCNQoLzl$

The Age of Crispr Medicine Is Here: Scientists have long imagined being able to correct defective genes to treat diseases at their source. Crispr offers a way to do that. It took just over 11 years—lightning fast for drug-development timelines—for Crispr to move from a tool used in laboratories to a real therapy that could be prescribed to patients.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://time.com/6343853/fda-crispr-treatment-sickle-cell/__;!!On18fmf1aQ!2G4i-VZcJiZh-HJF_VtDu1yxwXMn4cK9zZuqCZYSpjvK6KXfM-bNmjaPMiBIpt2rUEqn_Gq88xVIRIN9mDes6DRSHKSIcrye$

# Military / Global
U.S. deploys B-1B bomber after N.K. ICBM launch: The show of strength came after Kim Jong Un oversaw the launch of a ballistic missile capable of reaching any part of US mainland. The leader said his country would react to “confrontation with all-out confrontation.”
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://news.sky.com/story/us-deploys-bombers-in-response-to-north-korea-missile-tests-12751415__;!!On18fmf1aQ!2G4i-VZcJiZh-HJF_VtDu1yxwXMn4cK9zZuqCZYSpjvK6KXfM-bNmjaPMiBIpt2rUEqn_Gq88xVIRIN9mDes6DRSHN-wDrOT$

# Space
China’s Space Plane Puts Mysterious Objects In Earth Orbit: China’s Shenlong space plane caused intrigue this week after allegedly placing six unidentified objects into the Earth’s orbit shortly after taking off on its third mission. The Shenlong was launched on a Long March 2F rocket on December 14 at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in the Gobi Desert, according to China’s official news service Xinhua. The reusable robotic aircraft is on a mission whose detailed objectives have not been disclosed to the public.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.newsweek.com/china-space-objects-mysterious-earth-orbit-1853973__;!!On18fmf1aQ!2G4i-VZcJiZh-HJF_VtDu1yxwXMn4cK9zZuqCZYSpjvK6KXfM-bNmjaPMiBIpt2rUEqn_Gq88xVIRIN9mDes6DRSHODmCi0p$

Scientists stumped by mysterious anomaly found on far side of Moon: The Korean orbital spacecraft Pathfinder Lunor Orbiter during the Danuri mission encountered a peculiar anomaly that challenged prior understandings of the satellite. Scientists have proposed two hypotheses to explain this unusual phenomenon, yet neither of them has substantial evidence backing it, reports IFLScience.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://thedebrief.org/buried-on-the-far-side-of-the-moon-the-detection-of-a-mysterious-heat-emitting-object-leads-to-an-unexpected-discovery/__;!!On18fmf1aQ!2G4i-VZcJiZh-HJF_VtDu1yxwXMn4cK9zZuqCZYSpjvK6KXfM-bNmjaPMiBIpt2rUEqn_Gq88xVIRIN9mDes6DRSHKwbRQLj$

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Attention Readers:

Due to the nature of independent content, Voices, The Peoples News cannot guarantee content validity.

Voices, The Peoples News No. 2023-12-19

Voices, The Peoples News

December 19, 2023
Published by Jedi Selman Since March 2000 to Inform and Educate
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This daily Voices, The Peoples News is posted through the blog function of www.MPEN-Ohio.net

# Archaeology / Anthropology
# Border / Immigration / Migrants
New Yorker faces ICE deportation, despite being U.S. citizen: Pascal “Shakoure” Charpentier was born on an army base in Germany and has called New York City home for three decades, but he might not be able to much longer. Immigration and Customs Enforcement is trying to deport him for being a Haitian immigrant, despite having never been to Haiti.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.publicnewsservice.org/2023-12-19/immigration/new-yorker-faces-ice-deportation-despite-being-u-s-citizen/a87763-1*:*:text=Pascal*20*22Shakoure*22*20Charpentier*20was*20born,having*20never*20been*20to*20Haiti__;I34lJSUlJSUlJSUl!!On18fmf1aQ!yYF4bdVkz84XV6iQSNxQ1XFplJJvUUaiNoweRWYBCwwCzQ4e8Z7Q2xUKDrkz0n_Z_Sukv8_fPY76wfJRySaYX9JIGLrkClNk$

When ICE Tries to Deport Americans, Who Defends Them? “Some things happen for a reason,” he said, explaining his thinking. On the other hand, “I didn’t think that me being picked up by ice was a good reason” to leave behind a stockbroker job in New York for what would likely be permanent exile from the United States. Under the law, Busse was almost certainly a United States citizen. In the labyrinth that is U.S.
immigration law, certain immigrants automatically become citizens if, when they are minors, their parents become naturalized citizens.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.newyorker.com/news/daily-comment/when-ice-tries-to-deport-americans-who-defends-them__;!!On18fmf1aQ!yYF4bdVkz84XV6iQSNxQ1XFplJJvUUaiNoweRWYBCwwCzQ4e8Z7Q2xUKDrkz0n_Z_Sukv8_fPY76wfJRySaYX9JIGEGWHNtz$

U.S. wrongfully deports its own citizens: The New Yorker article by William Finnegan, “The Deportation Machine,” highlights many of the continuing systemic problems with ICE policies, including its use of the flawed Secure Communities program, the prevalence of racial profiling, lack of any right to appointed counsel for individuals in immigration court. This lack of counsel is particularly problematic for people, who, because of their mental disabilities, may not understand the immigration proceeding enough to be able to represent themselves adequately.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.aclu.org/news/immigrants-rights/yes-us-wrongfully-deports-its-own-citizens__;!!On18fmf1aQ!yYF4bdVkz84XV6iQSNxQ1XFplJJvUUaiNoweRWYBCwwCzQ4e8Z7Q2xUKDrkz0n_Z_Sukv8_fPY76wfJRySaYX9JIGGWnkjZX$

Abbott enacts law making illegal entry into Texas a state crime: Gov. Greg Abbott signed historic border security bills into law on Monday, including making illegal entry from a foreign country a state crime. The Texas law is the first of its kind in the country and is expected to be challenged in court, with many arguing it’s unconstitutional https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.texastribune.org/2023/12/18/texas-governor-abbott-bills-border-wall-illegal-entry-crime-sb3-sb4/__;!!On18fmf1aQ!yYF4bdVkz84XV6iQSNxQ1XFplJJvUUaiNoweRWYBCwwCzQ4e8Z7Q2xUKDrkz0n_Z_Sukv8_fPY76wfJRySaYX9JIGOMaxU_v$

Border Patrol suspends railroad crossings at two key ports of entry in Texas: U.S. Customs and Border Protection is closing international railroad bridges at two major ports of entry in Eagle Pass and El Paso, Texas, after a surge of more than 4,000 people illegally entered over a 48-hour period.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.thecentersquare.com/national/article_a02e69c4-9dd4-11ee-b1a6-bfc33fabf13c.html?a&seyid=108109*utm_source=thecentersquare.com&utm_campaign=*2Fnewsletters*2Flists*2Ft2*2Fnatinoal*2F&utm_medium=email&utm_content=headline__;PyUlJSUl!!On18fmf1aQ!yYF4bdVkz84XV6iQSNxQ1XFplJJvUUaiNoweRWYBCwwCzQ4e8Z7Q2xUKDrkz0n_Z_Sukv8_fPY76wfJRySaYX9JIGDKmaACs$

Mexican president says he’ll fight Texas migrant crossing law: Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador pledged to fight a new Texas law allowing state authorities to prosecute migrants entering the U.S. from Mexico.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://thehill.com/latino/4367752-mexican-president-to-fight-texas-migrant-crossing-law/__;!!On18fmf1aQ!yYF4bdVkz84XV6iQSNxQ1XFplJJvUUaiNoweRWYBCwwCzQ4e8Z7Q2xUKDrkz0n_Z_Sukv8_fPY76wfJRySaYX9JIGA5JBUQ3$

US-Mexico border at Eagle Pass faces ‘absolute collapse’: NO Border Patrol agents are patrolling large areas of border as 14,000 migrants enter city in a single day and agents are reassigned to guard them. NewsNation’s drone captured images of thousands of migrants waiting to be processed by Border Patrol agents, as large groups of more than 100 migrants crossed into Eagle Pass throughout the day, overwhelming agents and resources. Many of the migrants arrived on Sunday.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.newsnationnow.com/us-news/immigration/border-coverage/eagle-pass-unprecedented-migrant-surge-border-patrol/__;!!On18fmf1aQ!yYF4bdVkz84XV6iQSNxQ1XFplJJvUUaiNoweRWYBCwwCzQ4e8Z7Q2xUKDrkz0n_Z_Sukv8_fPY76wfJRySaYX9JIGLFFI2j-$

# Chemicals
Poisonous Pesticide overuse threatens bird species: Excessive use of toxic agricultural drugs has reduced varieties of native bird populations. According to data obtained by The Express Tribune from the Department of Zoology at the University of Punjab, a 69 per cent drop has been observed in the variety of bird populations over the past few decades with 240 birds species spotted in 1965 to only 74 recorded in the most recent survey carried out in 1997
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://tribune.com.pk/story/2450355/poisonous-harvest-pesticide-overuse-threatens-bird-species__;!!On18fmf1aQ!yYF4bdVkz84XV6iQSNxQ1XFplJJvUUaiNoweRWYBCwwCzQ4e8Z7Q2xUKDrkz0n_Z_Sukv8_fPY76wfJRySaYX9JIGEzo3BzU$

# Education / Schools
A Texas high school pilots the state’s first ever Asian American ethnic studies course, with a focus on Asian Americans’ contributions to U.S. History. The class where the celebration happened was an Asian American ethnic studies course being piloted at Round Rock High School this year, the first step for it to get full state approval. The course, the first of its kind in Texas, looks to educate students on how Asian Americans have impacted U.S. history. Texas currently offers three other ethnic courses statewide, focusing on Mexican American, African American and American Indian/Native American studies.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.texastribune.org/2023/12/19/asian-american-studies-texas-round-rock-isd/*:*:text=The*20class*20where*20the*20celebration,Americans*20have*20impacted*20U.S.*20history__;I34lJSUlJSUlJQ!!On18fmf1aQ!yYF4bdVkz84XV6iQSNxQ1XFplJJvUUaiNoweRWYBCwwCzQ4e8Z7Q2xUKDrkz0n_Z_Sukv8_fPY76wfJRySaYX9JIGKNx-A6q$

# Food / Farming / GMOs / Chemicals / Technology FDA’s human food chief does not think spiked lead in applesauce was an accident: FDA’s new DeputyC for Human Foods, has raised the possibility that the applesauce packages are “purposefully contaminated with lead.” Jones said the FDA’s investigation continues, but “all the signals we’re getting lead to an intentional act on the part of someone in the supply chain.”
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.foodsafetynews.com/2023/12/fdas-human-food-chief-does-not-think-spiked-lead-in-applesauce-was-an-accident/*:*:text=Jim*20Jones*2C*20FDA’s*20new*20DeputyC,someone*20in*20the*20supply*20chain.**B__;I34lJSUlJSUlJSXigJ0!!On18fmf1aQ!yYF4bdVkz84XV6iQSNxQ1XFplJJvUUaiNoweRWYBCwwCzQ4e8Z7Q2xUKDrkz0n_Z_Sukv8_fPY76wfJRySaYX9JIGEkWYBru$
See also: Officials in Ecuador continue an investigation into lead-tainted applesauce shipped to the U.S:
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.foodsafetynews.com/2023/12/officials-in-ecuador-continue-investigation-into-lead-tainted-applesauce-shipped-to-u-s/*:*:text=Officials*20from*20the*20FDA*20have,times*20higher*20than*20recommended*20levels__;I34lJSUlJSUlJQ!!On18fmf1aQ!yYF4bdVkz84XV6iQSNxQ1XFplJJvUUaiNoweRWYBCwwCzQ4e8Z7Q2xUKDrkz0n_Z_Sukv8_fPY76wfJRySaYX9JIGJMJEWwD$

Bean sprouts recalled after testing finds Listeria: Chang Farm of Whatley, MA is recalling 12 oz Nature’s Wonder Mung Bean Sprouts, with a sell-by date of Dec. 13, 2023, because of the presence of Listeria monocytogenes. The recall was initiated after a random sample was collected and analyzed by the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS)
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.foodsafetynews.com/2023/12/bean-sprouts-recalled-after-testing-finds-listeria/__;!!On18fmf1aQ!yYF4bdVkz84XV6iQSNxQ1XFplJJvUUaiNoweRWYBCwwCzQ4e8Z7Q2xUKDrkz0n_Z_Sukv8_fPY76wfJRySaYX9JIGIV81k0k$

Quaker Oats recalls granola bars and granola cereal over Salmonella concerns: The Quaker Oats Company is recalling certain granola bars and granola cereals because of potential Salmonella contamination. The products listed below are sold throughout the U.S., Puerto Rico, Guam and Saipan. As of the posting of this recall, Quaker has received no confirmed reports of illness related to the products covered by this recall.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.foodsafetynews.com/2023/12/quacker-oats-recalls-granola-bars-and-granola-cereal-over-salmonella-concerns/__;!!On18fmf1aQ!yYF4bdVkz84XV6iQSNxQ1XFplJJvUUaiNoweRWYBCwwCzQ4e8Z7Q2xUKDrkz0n_Z_Sukv8_fPY76wfJRySaYX9JIGG367YC7$

# Gov / Politics / Global
North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un Warns U.S. of Possible Nuclear Attack: The second U.S.-Republic of Korea Nuclear Consultative Group (NCG) convened in Washington on Friday for talks on nuclear deterrence as part of a commitment by the two countries to share more insight into planning in the event of conflict with North Korea. Pyongyang has developed and tested a range of ballistic missiles that can reach targets in South Korea, Japan and the U.S. mainland.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-warns-north-korea-against-nuclear-attacks-2023-12-16/__;!!On18fmf1aQ!yYF4bdVkz84XV6iQSNxQ1XFplJJvUUaiNoweRWYBCwwCzQ4e8Z7Q2xUKDrkz0n_Z_Sukv8_fPY76wfJRySaYX9JIGAahsjPx$

# Gov / Politics
Bernie Sanders to force vote on Israeli war crimes, ISI document blows up Pakistan’s case against Imran Khan: Sanders officially took the first step toward conditioning military aid to Israel.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://theintercept.com/2023/12/18/bernie-sanders-force-vote-israel-war-crimes/__;!!On18fmf1aQ!yYF4bdVkz84XV6iQSNxQ1XFplJJvUUaiNoweRWYBCwwCzQ4e8Z7Q2xUKDrkz0n_Z_Sukv8_fPY76wfJRySaYX9JIGGfMyuOg$

Rand Paul Wants To End Undeclared War In Syria: Kentucky Republican Sen. Rand Paul plans to force a vote this week on a joint resolution to remove all U.S. troops from Syria within 30 days, according to sources on Capitol Hill familiar with his plans. “The American people have had enough of endless wars in the Middle East,” Paul told The Intercept by email. “Yet, 900 U.S. troops remain in Syria with no vital U.S. interest at stake, no definition of victory, no exit strategy, and no congressional authorization to be there.”
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://theintercept.com/2023/12/05/rand-paul-syria-war-troops/__;!!On18fmf1aQ!yYF4bdVkz84XV6iQSNxQ1XFplJJvUUaiNoweRWYBCwwCzQ4e8Z7Q2xUKDrkz0n_Z_Sukv8_fPY76wfJRySaYX9JIGCfGe78T$

Biden Is Overseeing the Silent Death of the First Amendment: In early 2024, a new, grim chapter may be written in the annals of journalistic history. Julian Assange, the publisher of Wikileaks, could board a plane for extradition to the United States, where he faces up to 175 years in prison on espionage charges for the crime of publishing newsworthy information. The persecution of Assange is clear evidence that the Biden administration is overseeing the silent death of the First Amendment—with global consequences
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.thenation.com/article/politics/julian-assange-belmarsh-tribunal/__;!!On18fmf1aQ!yYF4bdVkz84XV6iQSNxQ1XFplJJvUUaiNoweRWYBCwwCzQ4e8Z7Q2xUKDrkz0n_Z_Sukv8_fPY76wfJRySaYX9JIGHxfZNQW$

Colorado Supreme Court Disqualifies ‘Insurrectionist’ Trump from 2024 Ballot: “Trump is disqualified from holding the office of president,” the state’s highest court found, citing his role in fomenting the January 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol. A divided Colorado Supreme Court on Tuesday declared former President Donald Trump ineligible for the White House under the U.S. Constitution’s insurrection clause and removed him from the state’s presidential primary ballot, setting up a likely showdown in the nation’s highest court to decide whether the front-runner for the GOP nomination can remain in the race.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://apnews.com/article/trump-insurrection-14th-amendment-2024-colorado-d16dd8f354eeaf450558378c65fd79a2__;!!On18fmf1aQ!yYF4bdVkz84XV6iQSNxQ1XFplJJvUUaiNoweRWYBCwwCzQ4e8Z7Q2xUKDrkz0n_Z_Sukv8_fPY76wfJRySaYX9JIGGIRxbXJ$

# Medical / Health
Largest Nursing Home in St. Louis Closes Suddenly, 170 Residents Forced Out Days Before Christmas: The largest nursing home in St. Louis closed abruptly last week, according to the union representing workers there, more than 170 people were moved to new homes without notifying relatives and staff did not receive their last paycheck.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://apnews.com/article/northview-nursing-home-closure-st-louis-78f24bc169ca7aaeed7aeb776e23dd80__;!!On18fmf1aQ!yYF4bdVkz84XV6iQSNxQ1XFplJJvUUaiNoweRWYBCwwCzQ4e8Z7Q2xUKDrkz0n_Z_Sukv8_fPY76wfJRySaYX9JIGM0dc1TY$

GOP states lead drive to boot poor kids off Medicaid: Sixty percent of kids who have lost Medicaid coverage this year came from just nine states, all of which are Republican-led, according to new data from the Biden administration. and the 10 states refusing the Affordable Care Act’s expansion of Medicaid to low-income adults have disenrolled more kids than all of the expansion states combined, the administration also reported.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.axios.com/2023/12/19/children-health-insurance-medicaid-unwinding__;!!On18fmf1aQ!yYF4bdVkz84XV6iQSNxQ1XFplJJvUUaiNoweRWYBCwwCzQ4e8Z7Q2xUKDrkz0n_Z_Sukv8_fPY76wfJRySaYX9JIGMFce0_-$

# Military / DOD
Pentagon Was Involved In Domestic Censorship Scheme, New CTIL Whistleblower Files Show: With the addition of “information” as a function of defense, DOD effectively declared that citizens’ perceptions, attitudes, decisions, and behaviors were subject to military scrutiny and manipulation. The Censorship Industrial Complex … aims to undermine and denigrate populist actors and movements through allegations that anti-government sentiment is linked to hate, conspiracy theories, or Russia.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://public.substack.com/p/pentagon-was-involved-in-domestic__;!!On18fmf1aQ!yYF4bdVkz84XV6iQSNxQ1XFplJJvUUaiNoweRWYBCwwCzQ4e8Z7Q2xUKDrkz0n_Z_Sukv8_fPY76wfJRySaYX9JIGNPnmoLD$

US launches naval force against Houthi attacks in Red Sea: A multinational naval force will be deployed in the Red Sea to defend against attacks from Houthis that have disrupted international shipping routes
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.dw.com/en/us-launches-red-sea-force-against-attacks-by-yemens-houthis/a-67764682*:*:text=A*20multinational*20naval*20force*20will,Lloyd*20Austin*20announced*20on*20Tuesday__;I34lJSUlJSUlJQ!!On18fmf1aQ!yYF4bdVkz84XV6iQSNxQ1XFplJJvUUaiNoweRWYBCwwCzQ4e8Z7Q2xUKDrkz0n_Z_Sukv8_fPY76wfJRySaYX9JIGCyqLxzd$

# Military / Global
The Real Force Behind the Houthis’ Attacks on U.S. Warships Isn’t Iran. It’s China: With increased purchases of sanctioned Iranian oil, China is making it possible for Tehran to financially support the Houthis and its other terrorist proxies, Hezbollah and Hamas.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.newsweek.com/real-force-behind-houthis-attacks-us-warships-isnt-iran-its-china-opinion-1853867*:*:text=Yet*20Iran*20is*20not*20the,terrorist*20proxies*2C*20Hezbollah*20and*20Hamas__;I34lJSUlJSUlJSU!!On18fmf1aQ!yYF4bdVkz84XV6iQSNxQ1XFplJJvUUaiNoweRWYBCwwCzQ4e8Z7Q2xUKDrkz0n_Z_Sukv8_fPY76wfJRySaYX9JIGKa_Sb76$

NATO Under Pressure to Send Troops After Germany Deploys Military: Following Germany’s decision to deploy troops to Lithuania amid the ongoing war in Ukraine, some NATO nations like the U.K. may be under more pressure to follow suit. Germany’s Federal Ministry of Defence announced that it had signed a deal with Lithuania to deploy troops to the area in an effort to protect NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) territory.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.newsweek.com/nato-pressure-germany-deploys-troops-1853716*:*:text=Following*20Germany’s*20decision*20to*20deploy,more*20pressure*20to*20follow*20suit__;I34lJSUlJSUlJQ!!On18fmf1aQ!yYF4bdVkz84XV6iQSNxQ1XFplJJvUUaiNoweRWYBCwwCzQ4e8Z7Q2xUKDrkz0n_Z_Sukv8_fPY76wfJRySaYX9JIGDqjkmYa$

The Taliban are now arms dealers: The U.S. military retreated from Afghanistan two years ago, leaving behind weapons that are now turning up in far-flung trouble spots. In markets that have sprung up across the southern and eastern badlands, merchants with Taliban permits are offering U.S.made automatic assault rifles and handguns for sale.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://foreignpolicy.com/2023/07/05/taliban-afghanistan-arms-dealers-weapons-sales-terrorism/__;!!On18fmf1aQ!yYF4bdVkz84XV6iQSNxQ1XFplJJvUUaiNoweRWYBCwwCzQ4e8Z7Q2xUKDrkz0n_Z_Sukv8_fPY76wfJRySaYX9JIGDWWmeQh$

Iran is taking aim at the West, and we have too few ships to stop it: Today we face a more serious threat. Current events in the Red Sea are not an accident, nor the work of rag-tag pirates. We are defending trade against a well-funded and highly equipped militia group – the Houthis – which is firing pot-shots and has boarded ships transiting the area. Some 12 per cent of global trade passes through the Red Sea. If that is cut off, or even hindered, then we have a major economic crisis on our hands.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://news.yahoo.com/iran-taking-aim-west-too-174527122.html__;!!On18fmf1aQ!yYF4bdVkz84XV6iQSNxQ1XFplJJvUUaiNoweRWYBCwwCzQ4e8Z7Q2xUKDrkz0n_Z_Sukv8_fPY76wfJRySaYX9JIGJZzCxuG$

Biden does nothing as Iran-backed Houthis humiliate us: The world’s lone superpower has been unable to protect one of the most important commercial arteries on Earth from a band of Third World rebels. Welcome to the latest humiliation of a Biden administration foreign policy premised on not being overly provocative toward our enemies.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://nypost.com/2023/12/19/opinion/biden-does-nothing-as-iran-backed-houthis-humiliate-us/__;!!On18fmf1aQ!yYF4bdVkz84XV6iQSNxQ1XFplJJvUUaiNoweRWYBCwwCzQ4e8Z7Q2xUKDrkz0n_Z_Sukv8_fPY76wfJRySaYX9JIGBeZ3e4E$

Putin Says Russia Is Upgrading Its Nuclear Arsenal: He added that Russia would attempt to increase its number of voluntary and contract soldiers by over 250,000. Putin boasts Russia has upgraded entire nuclear arsenal as he goads West over Ukraine ‘failures.’ Russian ordnance manufacturers on track to boost shell production to two million per year
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2023/12/19/putin-claims-russia-has-upgraded-its-entire-nuclear-arsenal/__;!!On18fmf1aQ!yYF4bdVkz84XV6iQSNxQ1XFplJJvUUaiNoweRWYBCwwCzQ4e8Z7Q2xUKDrkz0n_Z_Sukv8_fPY76wfJRySaYX9JIGHPfz_97$

# Social
Escalating crisis: A deep dive into America’s surging homelessness rates: Homelessness is a nationwide issue, but its impact varies significantly across states. A recent annual report by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) paints a stark picture of the nation’s struggle with homelessness, revealing that the numbers have climbed to their highest point since records began in 2007. This revelation comes amid growing concerns over the widening gap between income levels and housing affordability.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.nationofchange.org/2023/12/19/escalating-crisis-a-deep-dive-into-americas-surging-homelessness-rates/__;!!On18fmf1aQ!yYF4bdVkz84XV6iQSNxQ1XFplJJvUUaiNoweRWYBCwwCzQ4e8Z7Q2xUKDrkz0n_Z_Sukv8_fPY76wfJRySaYX9JIGAdjU7Rk$
See also:
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.huduser.gov/portal/sites/default/files/pdf/2023-AHAR-Part-1.pdf__;!!On18fmf1aQ!yYF4bdVkz84XV6iQSNxQ1XFplJJvUUaiNoweRWYBCwwCzQ4e8Z7Q2xUKDrkz0n_Z_Sukv8_fPY76wfJRySaYX9JIGBYfrU75$

# Water
California is set to approve regulations for transforming wastewater into pure drinking water: California’s State Water Resources Control Board is set to approve new regulations today that would allow suppliers to begin treating wastewater and providing it to households across the state. When a toilet is flushed in California, the water can end up in a lot of places — the ice in a skating rink, the manufactured snow on ski slopes, in pipes providing irrigation for farmland. And — coming soon — in your drinking glass.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.abc27.com/news/us-world/ap-california-set-to-become-2nd-state-to-ok-rules-for-turning-wastewater-into-drinking-water/__;!!On18fmf1aQ!yYF4bdVkz84XV6iQSNxQ1XFplJJvUUaiNoweRWYBCwwCzQ4e8Z7Q2xUKDrkz0n_Z_Sukv8_fPY76wfJRySaYX9JIGF8lldB5$

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Attention Readers:

Due to the nature of independent content, Voices, The Peoples News cannot guarantee content validity.

Voices, The Peoples News No. 2023-12-17

Voices, The Peoples News

December 17, 2023
Published by Jedi Selman Since March 2000 to Inform and Educate
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This daily Voices, The Peoples News is posted through the blog function of www.MPEN-Ohio.net

# Border / Immigration / Migrants
Arizona governor signs order deploying National Guard to state’s border: Arizona’s governor signed an executive order deploying National Guard troops stationed in the state to its southern border Friday. “With this Executive Order, I am taking action where the federal government won’t,” Gov. Katie Hobbs (D-Ariz.) said in a statement on the new order.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/4363866-arizona-governor-signs-order-deploy-national-guard-state-border/__;!!On18fmf1aQ!xwkds21sxB5YaK53PQpu0wXN1VeEuzWJ8b5j9WGMvm6mGgzCwMu3crwl8rZcQq5g9JGNUGpqIqO4HNXqEd2H8OS8WasWvigI$

Controversy in Denver as Illegal Immigrant Influx Increases Beyond 30,000: Areporter from Denver strongly criticized the city for becoming a “sanctuary” for illegal immigrants. Jimmy Sengenberger, speaking on GB News, mentioned that large groups of migrants are arriving by bus, putting a strain on the city’s resources. Recent reports indicate that over $33 million has been spent by Denver to support the increasing number of people, with many coming from Venezuela. Sengenberger also noted a notable “change” in the origin of the arriving migrants.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/controversy-in-denver-as-illegal-immigrant-influx-increases-beyond-30-000/ar-AA1lD38f?ocid=winp1taskbar&cvid=68b6cccfb9d44a7bb013ee548e812a7b&ei=101__;!!On18fmf1aQ!xwkds21sxB5YaK53PQpu0wXN1VeEuzWJ8b5j9WGMvm6mGgzCwMu3crwl8rZcQq5g9JGNUGpqIqO4HNXqEd2H8OS8WWtsCGLE$

Biden administration has ‘enriched’ and ‘emboldened’ the Mexican cartels: Fox News contributor Tom Homan joined ‘Fox & Friends Weekend’ to discuss the U.S. border crisis following an incident where 10 IEDs were found during a cartel gunfight.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.foxnews.com/video/6343305312112__;!!On18fmf1aQ!xwkds21sxB5YaK53PQpu0wXN1VeEuzWJ8b5j9WGMvm6mGgzCwMu3crwl8rZcQq5g9JGNUGpqIqO4HNXqEd2H8OS8WS8tGGQ9$

# Border / Immigration / Migrants / Global Mexican military seize TEN IEDs at the US-Mexico border at Tucson: Border patrol agents are warned to be ‘vigilant’ as America is faced with unprecedented migrant surge. The IEDs were found by Mexican authorities after Tucson border patrol observed gunshots at the U.S.-Mexico border and a Tucson supervisory border patrol agent arrested an armed person on the U.S. side who had a loaded AK-47 rifle, two loaded AK magazines, loose rounds and a handgun.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-12869691/IEDs-seized-Mexico-border.html__;!!On18fmf1aQ!xwkds21sxB5YaK53PQpu0wXN1VeEuzWJ8b5j9WGMvm6mGgzCwMu3crwl8rZcQq5g9JGNUGpqIqO4HNXqEd2H8OS8WUokWuZX$

Arizona governor, a Democrat, orders National Guard to the border: Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs on Friday ordered National Guard troops to the border with Mexico, saying the U.S. federal government’s recent decision to close a legal port of entry in her state “has led to an unmitigated humanitarian crisis.”
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.npr.org/2023/12/16/1219806441/arizonas-governor-is-sending-the-national-guard-to-the-border__;!!On18fmf1aQ!xwkds21sxB5YaK53PQpu0wXN1VeEuzWJ8b5j9WGMvm6mGgzCwMu3crwl8rZcQq5g9JGNUGpqIqO4HNXqEd2H8OS8WVQylJo4$

# Chemicals
‘Groundbreaking’ Legal Action Demands EPA Finally Ban Glyphosate: “EPA lacks a legal human health assessment of glyphosate to support its current use,” said a lawyer for the Center for Food Safety.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.commondreams.org/news/glyphosate-epa*:*:text=The*20Center*20for*20Food*20Safety,suspend*20the*20registration*20of*20glyphosate__;I34lJSUlJSUlJQ!!On18fmf1aQ!xwkds21sxB5YaK53PQpu0wXN1VeEuzWJ8b5j9WGMvm6mGgzCwMu3crwl8rZcQq5g9JGNUGpqIqO4HNXqEd2H8OS8WXfMozHI$

# Energy / Pipelines / Mining / Chemicals
‘Huge’: 1,600+ institutions holding $41trillion in assets have now divested from fossil fuels: The milestone, one campaigner said, should “give hope to folks that we are making an impact.” More than 1,600 institutions like universities, pension funds, and governments that hold more than $40.6 trillion in assets have now divested from fossil fuels, the Global Fossil Fuel Divestment Movement announced.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.commondreams.org/news/16000-divest-fossil-fuels*:*:text=More*20than*201*2C600*20institutions*20like,Fuel*20Divestment*20Movement*20announced*20Friday__;I34lJSUlJSUlJSU!!On18fmf1aQ!xwkds21sxB5YaK53PQpu0wXN1VeEuzWJ8b5j9WGMvm6mGgzCwMu3crwl8rZcQq5g9JGNUGpqIqO4HNXqEd2H8OS8WUKdHBF7$ .

# Energy / Pipelines / Mining / Chemicals / Global Philippines wants to start new energy exploration projects in South China Sea: Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr said his country is working to resolve “exploration issues” in the South China Sea so it could start new energy exploration projects in the resource-rich waterway to meet his nation’s energy needs. Philippine leader says his country is working to resolve “exploration issues” in the waterway so it could start energy projects to meet energy needs. In an interview with Japanese media on Saturday, Marcos Jnr said tensions in the sea have ‘increased rather than diminished’ in recent months
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3245365/south-china-sea-philippines-wants-start-energy-exploration-projects-waterway-says-marcos-jnr__;!!On18fmf1aQ!xwkds21sxB5YaK53PQpu0wXN1VeEuzWJ8b5j9WGMvm6mGgzCwMu3crwl8rZcQq5g9JGNUGpqIqO4HNXqEd2H8OS8WZZ18aFR$

# Environment / Climate / Infrastructure
White House Announces Historic Agreement to Study Dam Removal and Fund Fish Restoration The settlement temporarily ends a protracted fight over 14 dams on the Columbia River basin. Tribes argued in a 2021 lawsuit that the dams caused the sharp decline in native fish.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://insideclimatenews.org/news/15122023/todays-climate-white-house-tribes-settlement-study-dam-removal-fish-restoration/__;!!On18fmf1aQ!xwkds21sxB5YaK53PQpu0wXN1VeEuzWJ8b5j9WGMvm6mGgzCwMu3crwl8rZcQq5g9JGNUGpqIqO4HNXqEd2H8OS8WaHlwtP0$

Bizarre Plastic Rocks Now Found Across Five Continents: A bizarre new type of rock containing plastic has been found across the globe, formed mainly from plastic we have created and discarded. This deposit is a combination of rock and plastic polymers from human waste that have been compressed together. Plastic rocks have been found both on the coast and inland in 11 countries across 5 continents so far. They illustrate the extent of plastic pollution throughout the world, with one researcher telling Newsweek the rocks pose an imminent danger to ocean sustainability and ultimately to human health.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.newsweek.com/plastic-rocks-pollution-geology-discovered-map-1851193__;!!On18fmf1aQ!xwkds21sxB5YaK53PQpu0wXN1VeEuzWJ8b5j9WGMvm6mGgzCwMu3crwl8rZcQq5g9JGNUGpqIqO4HNXqEd2H8OS8WRpO-Uyo$

# Food Recalls / Alerts
Fresh Express recalls bagged spinach after state testing shows Listeria contamination: Fresh Express has issued a recall of Fresh Express Spinach, 8-ounce size, with product code G332 and a use-by date of Dec. 15, and Publix Spinach, 9-ounce size, with product code G332 and a use-by date of Dec. 14 because of possible contamination with Listeria monocytogenes.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.foodsafetynews.com/2023/12/fresh-express-recalls-bagged-spinach-after-state-testing-shows-listeria-contamination/*:*:text=Fresh*20Express*20has*20issued*20a,possible*20contamination*20with*20Listeria*20monocytogenes__;I34lJSUlJSUlJQ!!On18fmf1aQ!xwkds21sxB5YaK53PQpu0wXN1VeEuzWJ8b5j9WGMvm6mGgzCwMu3crwl8rZcQq5g9JGNUGpqIqO4HNXqEd2H8OS8WYm_6eee$

Consumer complaints lead to recall of more than 13 tons of TGI Fridays chicken bites: Simmons Prepared Foods Inc. of Van Buren, AR, is recalling 26,550 pounds of TGI Fridays boneless chicken bites products that may be contaminated with extraneous materials, specifically pieces of clear, hard plastic, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.foodsafetynews.com/2023/12/consumer-complaints-lead-to-recall-of-more-than-13-tons-of-tgi-fridays-chicken-bites/*:*:text=Simmons*20Prepared*20Foods*20Inc.*20of,Service*20(FSIS)*20announced*20today__;I34lJSUlJSUl!!On18fmf1aQ!xwkds21sxB5YaK53PQpu0wXN1VeEuzWJ8b5j9WGMvm6mGgzCwMu3crwl8rZcQq5g9JGNUGpqIqO4HNXqEd2H8OS8WSEDujlX$

# General News
After School Satan Clubs and pagan statues have popped up across US. What’s going on? Founded in 2013, Massachusetts-based The Satanic Temple has battled multiple districts, most recently in Pennsylvania, over its legal right to operate its After School Satan Clubs. The church, which is formally recognized by the IRS as a tax-exempt religious organization, often opens after-school programs in areas where Christian groups already operate, in an effort to counter Bible-based theology.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2023/12/16/satanic-temple-christian-controversy/71919541007/__;!!On18fmf1aQ!xwkds21sxB5YaK53PQpu0wXN1VeEuzWJ8b5j9WGMvm6mGgzCwMu3crwl8rZcQq5g9JGNUGpqIqO4HNXqEd2H8OS8Wa7Hz99m$

‘Read the First Amendment’: Ron DeSantis slammed for backing Michael Cassidy after satanic statue demolition: DeSantis vows to help man charged with beheading Iowa Capitol’s Satanic Temple statue
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/4362025-iowa-capitol-satanic-temple-statue-vandalism-desantis/__;!!On18fmf1aQ!xwkds21sxB5YaK53PQpu0wXN1VeEuzWJ8b5j9WGMvm6mGgzCwMu3crwl8rZcQq5g9JGNUGpqIqO4HNXqEd2H8OS8WZ8wE_WB$

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://constitution.congress.gov/constitution/amendment-1/*:*:text=Congress*20shall*20make*20no*20law,for*20a*20redress*20of*20grievances__;I34lJSUlJSUlJQ!!On18fmf1aQ!xwkds21sxB5YaK53PQpu0wXN1VeEuzWJ8b5j9WGMvm6mGgzCwMu3crwl8rZcQq5g9JGNUGpqIqO4HNXqEd2H8OS8WU08sHx5$

MSNBC host blown away by massive size of Russia intel file lost by Trump administration: During an MSNBC segment about a Russian intelligence file that went missing after Donald Trump lost the 2020 presidential election, host Alex Witt was stunned to find out it was not a simple file folder that could be easily misplaced. “Donald Trump was trying to declassify it,” Muldavin explained. “On January 19th this binder was going in and out of the White House because Donald Trump wanted to get that information out and into the hands of the right-wing media.”
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.rawstory.com/trump-missing-russia-file/*:*:text=During*20an*20MSNBC*20segment*20about,that*20could*20be*20easily*20misplaced__;I34lJSUlJSUlJQ!!On18fmf1aQ!xwkds21sxB5YaK53PQpu0wXN1VeEuzWJ8b5j9WGMvm6mGgzCwMu3crwl8rZcQq5g9JGNUGpqIqO4HNXqEd2H8OS8WXczGdDr$

# Gov / Politics / Global
China Launches Massive Cyber Attack On Critical US Infrastructure: A new report claims China has been initiating more cyber attacks and has a greater plan to cripple the U.S. through hacking.
Report: State-sponsored Chinese hackers may have breached US systems Experts: Long game to distract, infect American commerce and infrastructure The challenge is getting the U.S. caught up with China https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.newsnationnow.com/world/china/chinese-hackers-target-us-infrastructure-report/__;!!On18fmf1aQ!xwkds21sxB5YaK53PQpu0wXN1VeEuzWJ8b5j9WGMvm6mGgzCwMu3crwl8rZcQq5g9JGNUGpqIqO4HNXqEd2H8OS8WfuisCcD$

Israel Rounds Up Palestinians For Social Media Posts: A secretive task force run by Israeli Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir is detaining Palestinians, students and peace activists for social media posts. Detainees have been imprisoned in maximum security prisons for weeks.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://prospect.org/world/2023-12-12-palestinians-imprisoned-social-media-posts/__;!!On18fmf1aQ!xwkds21sxB5YaK53PQpu0wXN1VeEuzWJ8b5j9WGMvm6mGgzCwMu3crwl8rZcQq5g9JGNUGpqIqO4HNXqEd2H8OS8WRNtsuhV$

Finland joins NATO in historic shift, Russia threatens ‘counter-measures’: Finland formally joined NATO on Tuesday, its flag unfurling outside the military bloc’s Brussels headquarters, in a historic policy shift brought on by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine that drew a threat from Moscow of “counter-measures.” Finland’s accession, ending seven decades of military non-alignment, roughly doubles the length of the border the North Atlantic Treaty Organization shares with Russia and bolsters its eastern flank as the war in Ukraine grinds on with no resolution in sight.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/finland-set-join-nato-historic-shift-while-sweden-waits-2023-04-04/__;!!On18fmf1aQ!xwkds21sxB5YaK53PQpu0wXN1VeEuzWJ8b5j9WGMvm6mGgzCwMu3crwl8rZcQq5g9JGNUGpqIqO4HNXqEd2H8OS8WQ2dNQNR$

Chinese Media Issues Foreboding Warning to US: ‘Playing With Fire’: A Chinese newspaper issued a warning to the United States on Friday that it should stop “playing with fire” when it comes to China’s affairs in the South China Sea. As tensions between China and the Philippines grow in the South China Sea, the U.S. has made clear its alliance to the Philippines. In October, President Joe Biden reaffirmed the Mutual Defense Treaty of 1951 and pledged to respond militarily against any attack on Filipino servicemembers, including in the South China Sea.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.newsweek.com/chinese-media-issues-foreboding-warning-us-playing-fire-1853089__;!!On18fmf1aQ!xwkds21sxB5YaK53PQpu0wXN1VeEuzWJ8b5j9WGMvm6mGgzCwMu3crwl8rZcQq5g9JGNUGpqIqO4HNXqEd2H8OS8WXsQw6v6$

Another Country Occupied By Russia Might Get Dragged Into The Ukraine War: As Russia’s conflict with Ukraine continues, Abkhazia, a region in Georgia occupied by Russia, fears being drawn into the war.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.businessinsider.com/new-russian-naval-base-ukraine-war-georgia-2023-12__;!!On18fmf1aQ!xwkds21sxB5YaK53PQpu0wXN1VeEuzWJ8b5j9WGMvm6mGgzCwMu3crwl8rZcQq5g9JGNUGpqIqO4HNXqEd2H8OS8WZFEQUMD$

# Gov / Politics
Biden admin warns North Korea any nuke attacks against US, allies would seal the ‘end’ of Kim Jong Un’s regime: The Biden administration warned North Korea on Saturday any nuclear attacks against the United States or its allies would be “unacceptable” and seal the “end” of Kim Jong Un’s dictatorship. The statement came a day after the United States-Republic of Korea Nuclear Consultative Group met in Washington to discuss nuclear deterrence efforts and plan for a potential fight between the allied nations plan and North Korea.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://nypost.com/2023/12/16/news/biden-admin-warns-north-korea-any-nuke-attacks-against-us-allies-would-seal-the-end-of-kim-jong-uns-regime/__;!!On18fmf1aQ!xwkds21sxB5YaK53PQpu0wXN1VeEuzWJ8b5j9WGMvm6mGgzCwMu3crwl8rZcQq5g9JGNUGpqIqO4HNXqEd2H8OS8Wb-t1TUU$

Are the Democrats Sleepwalking to Disaster? Joe Biden has been an excellent president, but is also, I fear, the candidate least able to defeat Donald Trump. Other Democrats need to enter the race. It’s time for the president to step aside.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://prospect.org/politics/2023-12-11-democrats-sleepwalking-to-disaster/__;!!On18fmf1aQ!xwkds21sxB5YaK53PQpu0wXN1VeEuzWJ8b5j9WGMvm6mGgzCwMu3crwl8rZcQq5g9JGNUGpqIqO4HNXqEd2H8OS8WYhryrCm$

The Immigration Policy Spiral: President Biden is determined to strike a punitive deal on immigration that capitulates to the far right despite lacking support in the House. It’s not going to work. In 2023, senators and the White House are working tirelessly on an immigration package that is not at all comprehensive, offers no path to citizenship, and is mainly about locking up the border to asylum seekers and migrants, not substantially different from policies Donald Trump and Stephen Miller favor.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://prospect.org/politics/2023-12-15-immigration-policy-spiral/__;!!On18fmf1aQ!xwkds21sxB5YaK53PQpu0wXN1VeEuzWJ8b5j9WGMvm6mGgzCwMu3crwl8rZcQq5g9JGNUGpqIqO4HNXqEd2H8OS8WfMyrnpT$

Constitutional Convention: Time to wake up, people. It’s no longer just a dream—but a nightmare one step closer to happening. One of the right’s favorite fever dreams over the years has been to gut the US Constitution of many of its checks and balances and officially turn America into a legal oligarchy with a strongman presidency, nearly bulletproof legal immunity for the morbidly rich, and full personhood for corporations. As of this month, it’s no longer just a dream.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.commondreams.org/opinion/consitutional-convention__;!!On18fmf1aQ!xwkds21sxB5YaK53PQpu0wXN1VeEuzWJ8b5j9WGMvm6mGgzCwMu3crwl8rZcQq5g9JGNUGpqIqO4HNXqEd2H8OS8WTVlvwNA$

Florida GOP Ready to Boot Ziegler: ‘He’s Not Donald Trump’: Another member said they refused to approve any kind of payoff for Ziegler. “Christian’s about to learn a very important lesson that a lot of people have learned,” they said. “He’s not Donald Trump and he’s never gonna be Donald Trump.” “He needs to step down and take care of his soul and protect his family.”
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.thedailybeast.com/florida-gop-ready-to-boot-christian-ziegler-for-being-the-threesome-guy?ref=wrap__;!!On18fmf1aQ!xwkds21sxB5YaK53PQpu0wXN1VeEuzWJ8b5j9WGMvm6mGgzCwMu3crwl8rZcQq5g9JGNUGpqIqO4HNXqEd2H8OS8WVI5ERa_$

Senate Approves $886B Defense Spending Plan with Funding For Ukraine and Pay Rises For Troops: The Senate passed an $886 billion defense policy plan Wednesday, supported by President Joe Biden, that includes spending plans for Ukraine and annual pay raises for troops in a last-minute rush to authorize funding before the end of the year.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2023/12/13/senate-oks-886-billion-defense-bill-with-pay-raises-ukraine-aid/71840431007/__;!!On18fmf1aQ!xwkds21sxB5YaK53PQpu0wXN1VeEuzWJ8b5j9WGMvm6mGgzCwMu3crwl8rZcQq5g9JGNUGpqIqO4HNXqEd2H8OS8WSTECgDa$

Transitioning to dictatorship: What to watch for as we get closer to the 2024 election: After studying presidential transitions for over a decade, my attention shot to a consequential decision the Republican frontrunner will make in the next few weeks, if he hasn’t already. Though Trump has yet to announce who’s overseeing his pre-election transition planning, that person will ultimately determine whether Trump will realize his promise to be a dictator, should he win next year’s election.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://thehill.com/opinion/campaign/4362660-transitioning-to-dictatorship-what-to-watch-for-as-we-get-closer-to-the-2024-election/__;!!On18fmf1aQ!xwkds21sxB5YaK53PQpu0wXN1VeEuzWJ8b5j9WGMvm6mGgzCwMu3crwl8rZcQq5g9JGNUGpqIqO4HNXqEd2H8OS8WVHeyX9H$

Another Jim Jordan Opponent Announces His Retirement From Congress: The 48-year-old served as acting House speaker following Kevin McCarthy’s ouster and is chair of the Financial Services Committee. He has served in the House since 2005.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://spectrumlocalnews.com/nc/charlotte/politics/2023/12/05/patrick-mchenry-says-he-will-retire-from-congress__;!!On18fmf1aQ!xwkds21sxB5YaK53PQpu0wXN1VeEuzWJ8b5j9WGMvm6mGgzCwMu3crwl8rZcQq5g9JGNUGpqIqO4HNXqEd2H8OS8WfCRyEQq$

Trump insiders worried supporters may skip voting because victory is assured: According to a report from CNN, there are fears in the Trump camp that the recent endorsement of Haley by popular Gov. Chris Sununu (R) could cut into the former president’s lead so an all-out effort is being made to firm up his support. On the other hand, the report notes, Trump’s massive lead in polls has Trump insiders worried for a different reason.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.rawstory.com/trump-2666611476/__;!!On18fmf1aQ!xwkds21sxB5YaK53PQpu0wXN1VeEuzWJ8b5j9WGMvm6mGgzCwMu3crwl8rZcQq5g9JGNUGpqIqO4HNXqEd2H8OS8WSaZmWJf$

# Law Enforcment
Black Ohio woman criminally charged after miscarriage underscores the perils of pregnancy post-Roe: Her case was sent last week to a grand jury. It has touched off a national firestorm over the treatment of pregnant women, and especially Black women, in the aftermath of the U.S. Supreme Court’s Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization decision that overturned Roe v. Wade. Civil rights attorney Benjamin Crump elevated Watts’ plight in a post to X, formerly Twitter, and supporters have donated more than $100,000 through GoFundMe for her legal defense, medical bills and trauma counseling.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.usnews.com/news/health-news/articles/2023-12-16/black-ohio-woman-criminally-charged-after-miscarriage-underscores-the-perils-of-pregnancy-post-roe*:*:text=Dec.*2016*2C*202023*2C*20at*208*3A05*20a.m.&text=COLUMBUS*2C*20Ohio*20(AP)*20**B,began*20passing*20thick*20blood*20clots__;I34lJSUlJSUlJSUlJSXigJQlJSUl!!On18fmf1aQ!xwkds21sxB5YaK53PQpu0wXN1VeEuzWJ8b5j9WGMvm6mGgzCwMu3crwl8rZcQq5g9JGNUGpqIqO4HNXqEd2H8OS8Wb2W0whC$

# Legal / DOJ
Trump learns court ruling on Presidential Immunity in defamation lawsuit: A federal appeals court has ruled that former President Donald Trump gave up his right to argue that presidential immunity protects him from being held liable for statements he made in 2019 when he denied that he raped advice columnist E. Jean Carroll.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://apnews.com/article/trump-sexual-assault-defamation-trial-presidential-immunity-1794a1b9c32dbb83ec6de6f3342fca47__;!!On18fmf1aQ!xwkds21sxB5YaK53PQpu0wXN1VeEuzWJ8b5j9WGMvm6mGgzCwMu3crwl8rZcQq5g9JGNUGpqIqO4HNXqEd2H8OS8Wa9q4Sl3$

# Medical / Health
Doctors With Histories of Big Malpractice Settlements Work for Insurers, Deciding If They’ll Pay for Care: Doctors working for health insurers can rule on 10,000 or more requests for care a year. At least a dozen were hired by major insurance companies after being disciplined by state medical boards or making multiple or outsized malpractice payments.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.propublica.org/article/malpractice-settlements-doctors-working-for-insurance-companies*:*:text=Doctors*20working*20for*20health*20insurers,multiple*20or*20outsized*20malpractice*20payments__;I34lJSUlJSUlJQ!!On18fmf1aQ!xwkds21sxB5YaK53PQpu0wXN1VeEuzWJ8b5j9WGMvm6mGgzCwMu3crwl8rZcQq5g9JGNUGpqIqO4HNXqEd2H8OS8WavQkf-K$

The Hidden Fee Costing Doctors Millions Every Year: A powerful lobbyist convinced a federal agency that doctors can be forced to pay fees on money that health insurers owe them. Big companies rake in profits while doctors are saddled with yet another cost in a burdensome health care system.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.propublica.org/article/the-hidden-fee-costing-doctors-millions-every-year__;!!On18fmf1aQ!xwkds21sxB5YaK53PQpu0wXN1VeEuzWJ8b5j9WGMvm6mGgzCwMu3crwl8rZcQq5g9JGNUGpqIqO4HNXqEd2H8OS8WVNwiOzC$

After dropping Humana acquisition attempt, Cigna in talks to sell Medicare Advantage business amid competition: The two insurers were unable to reach an agreement. If it had gone through, the merger would have created a $140 billion industry giant that could position itself as a rival to the largest players. Cigna will instead be working toward more smaller, bolt-on deals that can build out its capabilities.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/payers/cigna-humana-merger-talks-put-ice-wsj__;!!On18fmf1aQ!xwkds21sxB5YaK53PQpu0wXN1VeEuzWJ8b5j9WGMvm6mGgzCwMu3crwl8rZcQq5g9JGNUGpqIqO4HNXqEd2H8OS8WXEgYyI3$

# Military / Global
Witnesses Say IDF Troops ‘Executed’ Women and Children in Gaza School: The Biden administration “must respond to the reported execution-style massacre of women, children, and babies,” said the spokesperson of a U.S. Muslim advocacy group.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://truthout.org/articles/civilians-reportedly-killed-execution-style-while-sheltering-in-a-gaza-school/__;!!On18fmf1aQ!xwkds21sxB5YaK53PQpu0wXN1VeEuzWJ8b5j9WGMvm6mGgzCwMu3crwl8rZcQq5g9JGNUGpqIqO4HNXqEd2H8OS8WUpi70GX$

Israeli bulldozers demolish tents, bury Palestinians alive: Israeli bulldozers have killed dozens of Palestinians by running over and crushing the tents in which they were taking shelter outside the Kamal Adwan Hospital in Gaza, Al-Jazeera reported on 16 December. “Dozens of displaced, sick and wounded people were buried alive.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://new.thecradle.co/articles-id/15754*:*:text=Israeli*20bulldozers*20have*20killed*20dozens,wounded*20people*20were*20buried*20alive__;I34lJSUlJSUlJQ!!On18fmf1aQ!xwkds21sxB5YaK53PQpu0wXN1VeEuzWJ8b5j9WGMvm6mGgzCwMu3crwl8rZcQq5g9JGNUGpqIqO4HNXqEd2H8OS8WajNRqjE$

# Pharmaceuticals / Drugs
Contaminated Vaccines: FDA Reportedly Finds Cleaning And Expiry Lapses At Moderna’s Massachusetts Facility: The agency’s report noted that eight batches of the “drug substance,” the active ingredient in mRNA vaccines, were produced using equipment that failed cleaning tests. While it’s unclear if these batches reached the public, they were identified as being for the COVID-19 vaccine.
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/23/12/36272737/contaminated-vaccines-fda-reportedly-finds-cleaning-and-expiry-lapses-at-modernas-massachusetts-__;!!On18fmf1aQ!xwkds21sxB5YaK53PQpu0wXN1VeEuzWJ8b5j9WGMvm6mGgzCwMu3crwl8rZcQq5g9JGNUGpqIqO4HNXqEd2H8OS8Wefjpebc$

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