🔍 Former career US diplomat charged with secretly spying for Cuban intelligence for decades

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🗓️ Alright, so today is December 5th, and here's a neat little piece of trivia for you: On this day, way back in 1933, something pretty significant happened in the U.S. - the 21st Amendment was ratified, which officially ended Prohibition. That's right, after 13 long years, the nationwide ban on the sale, production, and transportation of alcohol was finally lifted. Can you imagine? This day marked a huge change in American society and culture. It was a big win for those who enjoyed a good drink and a historical shift in how the country dealt with alcohol.

🔍 Former career US diplomat charged with secretly spying for Cuban intelligence for decades

In a shocking revelation, Manuel Rocha, a former career American diplomat, was charged with being a secret agent for Cuba, dating back to 1981, the year he joined the U.S. foreign service. This discovery represents a significant betrayal in U.S. foreign service history. Rocha, who wept in Miami federal court, faced charges of "clandestine activity" for Cuba, including meetings with Cuban intelligence operatives and providing false information to U.S. officials. The complaint against Rocha, however, was short on specifics about how he assisted Cuba.

The case against Rocha is largely based on his own admissions to an undercover FBI agent, where he expressed admiration for Fidel Castro and referred to the U.S. as the "enemy." Rocha boasted about his over 40 years as a Cuban mole within U.S. foreign policy circles. To conceal his identity, Rocha referred to Cuba as "the island" and maintained a facade of being a "right-wing person." This revelation is particularly striking, considering Rocha's high-ranking positions in Bolivia, Argentina, and the U.S. Interests Section in Havana.

Rocha's deception extended beyond his government service into his private sector career, including as an adviser to U.S. Southern Command. The FBI uncovered Rocha's relationship with Cuba through undercover meetings, during which Rocha used counter-surveillance techniques. He made several significant statements during these meetings, including references to Cuba's downing of planes sent by Miami-based exile group Brothers to the Rescue in 1996. Rocha's arrest and charges underscore a rare but serious case of a U.S. official accused of aiding Cuban intelligence, marking a severe breach of trust in the U.S. diplomatic service. (Source)

👨‍👦 Dozens of ‘Flash Dads’ Cheer On Students Arriving at Schools in Kentucky–For 7 Years Giving High Fives and Support

Imagine this: It's a typical Wednesday morning at a Louisville elementary school, but there's an added buzz in the air. This is thanks to a group called the "Flash Dads," a bunch of volunteer fathers who make it their mission to cheer on the students. They're a diverse group, from all walks of life, ready with fist bumps and high fives. It's an initiative by the Jefferson County Public Schools to lift the kids' spirits, and it's been going strong for seven years now.

These Flash Dads have a knack for making everyone's day a little brighter. The school staff has noticed that when the dads show up, the whole mood shifts positively. The kids are more upbeat, and there's a noticeable boost in the school environment. It's amazing what a simple gesture of support can do for a child's day.

And it's not just about the high fives. This whole thing is about giving kids a great start to their day, a burst of positive energy right when they step into school. It's a small act, but it sets a tone of warmth and community, something that both the kids and the school greatly appreciate. (Source)

✨ Quote of the day

Hey there, ace detective! I've got a little challenge for you today. Do you think you can sleuth out the source of this quote?

Psst! The answer you're seeking is hiding at the bottom of the newsletter, so scroll down but not to fast 👇

✨Chart of the day

How Much Do Americans Trust the Media? (Source)

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📰 Want to know what else is going down in this Wild World of ours?

• Moody’s cut China’s credit outlook to negative on rising debt risks (Source)

• A Spanish man accused of teaching North Korea how to evade US sanctions using cryptocurrencies faces 20 years in prison (Source)

• Unknown traders appear to have anticipated October 7 Hamas attack, research finds (Source)

• ‘We are out of money': White House pushes to pass stalled Ukraine aid (Source)

🎭 Yo, peeps! Time for the joke of the day!

📸 Feast Your Eyes on Today's Stunning Snapshot Series: The Ever-Gorgeous Christina Hendricks

Here's a neat fact about Christina Hendricks: Before she became well-known for her acting, she was a hand model! Yep, that's right. The hands holding the rose on the cover of the "American Beauty" movie poster? Those are Christina's. It's pretty cool to think that her hands were famous before the rest of her became a star on shows like "Mad Men." Goes to show, you never know where your career will take you!

Let's get right back to the main event we've all been waiting for: those smoking hot Christina Hendricks Instagram pictures!

🔍Guess the Celeb Challenge!

Get your celebrity detective hats on because it's time for a game of "Can you guess this 🔥celeb?"

Give me the Answer I can't wait any longer!

🔥 Hottest Celeb Tournament 4 #GameON

ROUND 2: Billie Eilish vs Rachel McAdams

Cast your vote on Twitter.

Full brackets and results.

🎥 Check out this captivating YouTube video on Bob Marley

If you are not inspired by this, I don't know what will!

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🔎 Answer to the quote challenge

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