The former police chief in charge of Spain’s economic crimes unit has been arrested after officers found €20 million ($21.2 million) stashed in the walls of his house. The arrest was linked to the country’s largest ever cocaine bust, local media reported. Oscar Sanchez Gil was arrested last week along with 15 other people, AFP reported on Wednesday, citing Spanish media. The arrests came a month after 13 tons of cocaine were found in a container of bananas seized at Spain’s southern port of Algeciras. The haul, which originated in Ecuador, was the largest ever drug shipment seized in Spain, and the second-largest in the EU, Spain’s National Police announced earlier this month. Officers investigating the shipment quickly discovered links between the importers and Sanchez Gil, and ordered a search of his home near Madrid. They found €20 million in cash hidden in the walls of the property, and €1 million in his office, AFP reported. Sanchez Gil’s romantic partner, who is also a police officer, was among the 15 others arrested. The detainees have been charged with drug trafficking, bribery, money laundering, corruption and membership of a criminal organization, police sources told the news agency.

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Donald Trump is considering establishing a “warrior board” to review senior officers in the US military and weed out “woke generals”, according to reports. A draft executive order under consideration by the president-elect’s transition team would set up a board of retired senior officials to audit top brass that do not meet standards of “leadership capability, strategic readiness, and commitment to military excellence”.

"The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong." — Mahatma Gandhi

"When you hold a grudge, you want someone else's sorrow to reflect your level of hurt, but the two rarely meet." — Steve Maraboli

The European Union may redirect tens of billions of euros earmarked for supporting its poorer member states to defense, the Financial Times reported on Tuesday, citing EU officials. The potential policy shift follows the election of Donald Trump as the next US president and calls for NATO members in the EU to boost their own defense spending as the Ukraine conflict continues.

“According to available information, the Americans and the British are viewing the sabotage on the Nord Stream pipelines as one of many methods to advance their economic interests. They could attack other infrastructure facilities, including undersea fiber optic cables that provide communications throughout the world,” Patrushev stated.

“Generally speaking, it is surprising how eager the current generation of European politicians are in inviting war to their territory. Notably, to the obvious delight of the Americans and against the wishes of their own peoples,” added Medvedev, who currently serves as deputy chair of the Russian Security Council.

"At a time of growing regional instability in the Middle East, largely the result of the militancy of Iranian proxies, the threats posed by Iran's weaponized PBA program can no longer be overlooked," Matthew Levitt, a senior fellow at the Washington Institute think tank, wrote in an article for the Combatting Terrorism Center at West Point.

If you're not on your own presidential race to success you're lagging behind; character separates men from brutes and if you're not developing your own character don't be surprised when it gets tested.

If you claim to suffer from PTSD because a former President takes office you're clouded by your own partisan judgement and you should resign immediately because you just declared yourself mentally unfit to work; this means you will probably lose retirement benefits and pension funds although you could recieve some compensation after a long period of litigation. Avoid partisan insurrection if you work for the FED.

"The southern border is the biggest national security vulnerability I've seen in my lifetime. It should be a nonpartisan issue. People shouldn't be making death threats against me, hating on me. Securing the border should be a nonpartisan issue," he said. "And we're going to do it ...I don't care what people's opinions are, we're going to get it done." - Director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Thomas Homan.

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Dozens of homes in Southern California’s Ventura County were set alight in a sweeping wildfire that burned through thousands of acres of land in just a matter of hours midweek, prompting authorities to send more than 14,000 evacuation notices across the region. The Mountain Fire began early Wednesday near the small community of Somis and, driven by winds gusting over 60 mph, soon damaged or destroyed homes in the nearby Camarillo area some 40 miles northwest of Los Angeles, Cal Fire said. The flames have seared through more than 20,600 acres of land, according to Cal Fire.

Russia has amassed a large force of tens of thousands — including recently arrived North Korean troops — to carry out an assault on the Ukrainian positions in Russia’s Kursk region expected in the coming days, a US official told CNN on Sunday.

Trump advised Putin not to escalate the war in Ukraine and reminded him of "Washington's sizeable military presence in Europe", the Post reported.

The 4B Movement in South Korea, advocating for the rejection of marriage, childbirth, dating, and heterosexual relationships, has sparked significant debate. While it represents a critical pushback against entrenched patriarchy and gender inequality, there are also concerns about the potential negative consequences of this movement. 1. Exacerbating the Declining Birth Rate South Korea's birth rate is already among the lowest in the world, with a fertility rate of 0.7 children per woman as of 2023, far below the replacement level of 2.1. If more women choose not to marry or have children, this trend could worsen, leading to a shrinking population. This demographic decline could have severe economic consequences, including labor shortages, increased burdens on social welfare systems, and a declining tax base. Aging Population Crisis: South Korea is facing a rapidly aging population, which puts pressure on the younger generation to support the elderly. A further decline in birth rates could intensify this problem, leading to an unsustainable economic model. 2. Impact on Social Cohesion The 4B Movement’s rejection of traditional social structures like marriage and family can challenge social cohesion. In South Korean culture, family has long been considered a fundamental unit of society, providing emotional, financial, and social support. By opting out of these traditional structures, there may be an increase in social isolation, particularly among the elderly who rely on family support. This could also lead to a breakdown in intergenerational connections. 3. Economic Consequences The economic implications of a large portion of the population choosing not to marry or have children could be profound. A declining population could slow economic growth, reduce consumer demand, and lead to a smaller workforce. Real Estate and Housing Market: With fewer families being formed, there could be reduced demand for family-sized housing, impacting the real estate market and potentially leading to economic instability. Long-term Productivity: A declining population could also mean fewer young people entering the workforce, which could hamper South Korea’s long-term productivity and global economic competitiveness. 4. Social Stigma and Gender Relations The movement has sparked polarization between genders, with some men perceiving it as a direct attack on traditional masculinity and their role in society. This has led to the rise of anti-feminist sentiments among certain male groups, resulting in increased gender tensions. The potential for social backlash could lead to deeper societal divides, with the risk of inciting hostility or even violence against women who are part of or support the movement. 5. Mental Health Concerns Choosing to remain single and childless may lead to increased social isolation for some women, particularly in a culture where family and community ties are highly valued. This could have negative implications for mental health, especially as women grow older. Loneliness and Elder Care: Without the traditional family support system, single women may face challenges in terms of care and companionship in their later years, potentially increasing rates of loneliness and depression. 6. Potential for Extremism Critics argue that the 4B Movement, while empowering for some, could be seen as promoting radical separatism by completely rejecting men and heterosexual relationships. This approach might inadvertently alienate potential allies and could hinder progress toward genuine gender equality. There’s a risk that the movement could shift from being a platform for female empowerment to one of exclusion and division, limiting constructive dialogue between genders. 7. Undermining Efforts to Address Gender Inequality By advocating for opting out of traditional structures rather than reforming them, the 4B Movement may be seen as avoiding the problem rather than addressing systemic gender inequality. Critics argue that instead of rejecting marriage and family, efforts should focus on making these institutions more equitable and supportive of women's rights. There is a concern that the movement might sideline broader feminist goals such as workplace equality, reproductive rights, and combating gender-based violence, by focusing on personal lifestyle choices rather than systemic change. Conclusion The 4B Movement reflects a powerful critique of South Korea’s patriarchal society, highlighting legitimate grievances around gender inequality, social pressures, and economic barriers faced by women. However, its radical stance and the potential societal consequences it carries present complex challenges. While it is essential to support women's autonomy and freedom to choose their own paths, a balance must be struck to avoid unintended social, economic, and demographic repercussions. Addressing the root causes of gender inequality, such as discriminatory workplace policies, lack of support for working mothers, and cultural pressures, may offer a more sustainable path toward achieving gender justice without risking broader societal fallout.

International hunger experts have said there is "a strong likelihood" that famine is imminent in parts of northern Gaza where Israeli forces are conducting a major military offensive. The Famine Review Committee called the situation in the north of the Strip "extremely grave and rapidly deteriorating" and said all actors in the war must take immediate action "within days not weeks" to avert a humanitarian disaster.