- The Washington Post admits that its story about Russia hacking the electric grid was fake news. The Washington Post now reports that the laptop, that was originally reported as being hacked by Russia, only had an employee connecting to a flagged IP address. [Link]
- Ben Swann breaks down the Countering Disinformations and Propaganda Act that was passed with the NDAA 2017. [Link]
- Obama plans to release 19 more Guantanamo Bay detainees before he leaves office. [Link]
- After Congressional Repersentives had received a lot of criticism, the House decided not to vote to weaken the Office of Congressional Ethics. [Link]
- The Pentagon announced that it will no longer be trying to recollect overpaid enlistment bonuses from members of the California National Gaurd. During the Iraq War, National Guardsmen were offered and paid too high of bonuses. The Pentagon was forcing vets to repay this money until an article about it sparked national outrage, and the Pentagon suspended the program. The Pentagon says it will still look to collect bonuses that were paid out where fraud was involved, or when the vet did not fulfill their commitment. [Link]
- Minimum wage increased for employees who receive tips will lead to restaurants hiring fewer employees. [Link]
- UK’s Ambassador to the EU unexpectantly resigns from the position. [Link]
- Add Greece to the countries starting a war on cash. Greek citizens will only be able to take tax deductions on purchases made with debit or credit cards. [Link]
- US Special Forces Operations have drastically increased in Africa. Over 17% of all Special Forces are now deployed in Africa. This is about 1,700 troops. The troops operate in 33 African countries. [Link]
- Military planes from the military force in East Libya attacked a plane from forces representing Western Libya. The country has had multiple competing governments and military forces since Gaddafi was killed in 2011. Some are concerned this attack is a sign that more fighting will come between the competing militias. [Link]
- The Syrian ceasefire continues to hold, however, Syrian rebels continue to complain that the government is violating the ceasefire by attacking al-Nusra. The rebels continue to refuse to attend peace talks. [Link]
- The al-Nusra Front’s headquarters in Syria was bombed killing 30 fighters. Nusra says the US coalition carried out the attack, but this is not confirmed. [Link]
- Troops loyal to President Hadi and fighters from al-Qaeda Arabian Peninsula clash in Southern Yemen leaving 26 dead. [Link]