Summary

Finnish Defense Minister Antti Häkkänen has urged NATO and the EU to strengthen protections for critical infrastructure after undersea internet cables between Finland and Germany were damaged, suspected to be sabotage.

Häkkänen emphasized Russia’s known capacity and intent for such actions but also noted reports of a Chinese vessel in the area during the incident.

This follows a pattern of Baltic Sea infrastructure attacks, including pipeline and cable damage last year.

Häkkänen called these attacks on undersea infrastructure in international waters a growing challenge for Western nations.

Summary

Ukraine fired US-made ATACMS missiles into Russia’s Bryansk region, marking the first time Ukraine has used these longer-range weapons to strike targets deep inside Russia.

The attack comes after the Biden administration authorized Ukraine to use these weapons against targets inside Russia.

In response, President Putin updated Russia’s nuclear doctrine, labeling aggression from non-nuclear states supported by nuclear powers as a joint attack on Russia.

Summary

Maxim Kuzminov, a Russian pilot who defected to Ukraine in 2023, was assassinated in Spain, raising questions about the reach of Kremlin retribution.

Celebrated in Kyiv for his defection, Kuzminov had received $500,000 and protection offers but moved to Spain against warnings.

Found dead with gunshot wounds in a Villajoyosa parking garage, his killing is widely attributed to Russian operatives.

Spanish authorities suspect Russian involvement but have made little progress in solving the case.

His death has dampened Ukraine’s efforts to encourage defections, highlighting the dangers faced by those who switch sides and reinforcing the Kremlin’s ability to eliminate enemies abroad.

Summary

“Academic pubs” are emerging as rare spaces for intellectual discussion in China’s major cities, allowing young, educated urbanites to discuss sensitive social and political topics in casual settings despite increasing censorship.

Inspired by similar Western trends, these events feature Chinese scholars and address topics from feminism to social science, often tackling ideas avoided in traditional academic environments.

However, concerns grow over their longevity due to China’s tightening restrictions on public discourse and cultural expression.

Organizers remain cautious, balancing openness with self-censorship to avoid political repercussions.

Summary

Russia launched a massive missile and drone attack on Ukraine, targeting energy infrastructure and cities nationwide, including Kyiv, Odesa, and Mykolaiv.

The assault, the largest since August, involved over 200 missiles and drones, including advanced Kinzhal and Zircon hypersonic missiles.

Ukrainian air defenses, aided by U.S.-made F-16 jets, intercepted 144 projectiles, but at least five people were killed.

The strikes caused power outages and emergency shutdowns as winter approaches, threatening millions.

Summary

Trump’s selection of Fox News host Pete Hegseth as defense secretary has alarmed senior military commanders, who fear Trump’s appointments indicate a shift toward an “America First” foreign policy with lasting impacts.

Trump’s approach emphasizes loyalty over experience and a transactional view of alliances, suggesting possible withdrawal from NATO, reduced support for Ukraine, and uncertainty over commitments to allies like Taiwan, South Korea, and Japan.

This strategy, reminiscent of pre-WWII isolationism, could undermine the US-led global order and potentially trigger a nuclear arms race as allies consider self-defense measures.

Summary

A group of masked men with Nazi flags protested outside a performance of “The Diary of Anne Frank” in Howell, Michigan, shouting antisemitic slurs.

Audience members were reportedly frightened and needed escorts to their cars. The Fowlerville Community Theatre, which staged the play, described the protesters' presence as a disturbing reminder of the fear faced by Holocaust victims.

The Anti-Defamation League condemned the display. The incident follows other recent displays of racism in the area.

Summary

The EPA finalized a rule to reduce methane emissions from oil and gas producers, which could be challenging for the Trump administration to overturn due to its inclusion in the Inflation Reduction Act.

Mandated by the Inflation Reduction Act, the rule aims to reduce methane—a potent greenhouse gas with over 80 times the warming potential of CO2—by penalizing companies for venting or flaring instead of capturing it.

This regulation, expected to cut 1.2 million metric tons of methane emissions, may be challenging for a potential Trump administration to repeal, as it would require Congressional action.

Summary

Democrats’ calls for unity are futile as Republicans, driven by fascist ideology, seek to suppress differences and maintain power through fear-mongering.

The Republican National Convention showcased this with chants of “fight fight fight” and speeches that vilified perceived enemies.

Trump and his supporters use “unity” as a euphemism for conformity, expecting marginalized groups to suppress their identities.

MAGA’s reliance on “enemies” fuels a cycle of manufactured outrage, and warns that Democrats’ calls for civility may inadvertently enable fascist tactics.

Summary

Rod Ashby, whose home was destroyed by Hurricane Helene, fell victim to a scam after wiring nearly $40,000 for a truck he needed to search for his missing wife, Kim.

The scammer impersonated a legitimate car dealership and created a copycat website to deceive Rod.

The family is struggling to cope with the loss of their home and Kim, who remains missing after the hurricane.

Summary

Avery Davis Bell faced severe complications with a miscarriage in Georgia, where restrictive abortion laws delayed her necessary medical care.

At 18 weeks pregnant, she was forced to wait for life-saving treatment due to Georgia’s abortion restrictions, which prevent immediate intervention unless a medical emergency escalates.

Bell’s experience highlights the risks imposed by post-Dobbs state laws, with maternal deaths rising faster in states with strict abortion bans.

The law’s impact on Bell’s experience highlights the inhumane consequences of abortion restrictions, which can lead to unnecessary suffering and even death.

Summary

The Biden administration has lifted a de facto ban on American military contractors working in Ukraine to help maintain U.S.-provided weapons like F-16 fighter jets and Patriot air defense systems.

This policy shift allows the Pentagon to hire American companies for on-the-ground support, aiming to speed up repairs and keep Ukrainian military equipment operational.

Contractors will be positioned far from front lines and will focus solely on equipment maintenance.

The plan’s future is uncertain under incoming President Donald Trump, who has pledged to quickly end the Ukraine-Russia conflict.