California Republican Rep. Doug LaMalfa passed away at the age of 65, reducing the House GOP majority. LaMalfa served on multiple committees and was previously in the California state assembly and senate. His death further tightens Speaker Mike Johnson’s already slim majority, as the House can only afford to lose two votes on party-line bills. A special election will be held to fill LaMalfa’s seat in a district that favored Trump in the 2024 election.
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Following the January 6th Capitol attack, initial expectations of accountability for Donald Trump and his allies were quickly dashed. Despite investigations and early distancing from Trump by some Republicans, Trump pardoned nearly 1,600 individuals involved and has avoided legal and political consequences. The failure of prosecutions, attributed to delays and the political landscape, allowed Trump to win re-election and reshape the federal legal system. This lack of accountability stands in stark contrast to how other countries have handled similar events, like the aftermath of the storming of government buildings in Brazil.
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The Trump administration announced a freeze on billions of dollars in social services funds for California, Colorado, Illinois, Minnesota, and New York. This action, totaling approximately $10 billion, includes programs like the Child Care and Development Fund, the Social Services Block Grant, and the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program. The decision follows unproven fraud allegations, specifically related to a child nutrition scheme in Minnesota, but officials have not clarified the specific reasons for the funding freeze. Critics, like Josh McCabe, have argued that this action will undermine efforts to protect program integrity and reduce improper payments.
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In response to renewed interest from the Trump administration in acquiring Greenland, European NATO leaders issued a joint statement asserting that Greenland’s future rests solely with its people and Denmark. The statement emphasized NATO’s commitment to Arctic security, with Denmark, including Greenland, as a key ally. This declaration, signed by leaders from eight European nations, directly countered Trump’s rhetoric and reaffirmed principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity, principles that included not using force. The White House has yet to respond, raising the potential for diplomatic strain amidst existing geopolitical tensions.
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As Congress reconvenes, Democratic lawmakers are scrutinizing the Justice Department’s failure to meet the deadline for a report on the Jeffrey Epstein files. The department missed the January 3 deadline to explain redactions and provide a list of unredacted government officials and politically exposed persons named in the released materials. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer accused the Justice Department of withholding information, citing heavily redacted documents and a lack of key details on alleged co-conspirators. The Justice Department has yet to fully comply with the law that mandates the full release of the Epstein files.
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72 percent worried US will become too involved in Venezuela: Survey.
The numbers are in, and it’s pretty clear: a significant majority of Americans, a whopping 72 percent, are worried about the US getting too involved in Venezuela. This isn’t just a casual concern; it reflects a deep-seated unease about potentially wading into another international quagmire. Honestly, it’s hard to disagree. Considering our history, and the potential pitfalls that seem to lie ahead, it’s not surprising that so many people are wary of further entanglement.
Across the political spectrum, the sentiment is strong. Even if the reasons vary, the worry seems to cut across the usual partisan lines.… Continue reading
Following an anti-war protest in Grand Rapids, Michigan, preschool teacher Jessica Plichta was arrested immediately after a TV interview criticizing Donald Trump. According to Plichta, she was the only one arrested despite roughly 200 demonstrators being present, and she claims the arrest occurred due to her comments about Venezuela. The Grand Rapids Police Department stated Plichta was arrested for obstructing a roadway and failing to obey a lawful command, while also disputing her claims. This incident has reignited debates around protest policing and free speech, especially considering the current political climate.
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HHS freezes $10 billion in child care funding for 5 Democratic states, alleging fraudulent programs. This situation feels like a heavy-handed move, doesn’t it? Freezing such a significant amount of funding – $10 billion – for child care in five states, California, Colorado, Illinois, Minnesota, and New York, is a really big deal, especially when the reasoning cited is alleged fraudulent programs. It’s tough to digest, particularly when the impact is felt directly by children and families who rely on those programs.
The very act of targeting “Democratic States” feels un-American, a sentiment that resonates strongly. The idea that any state, regardless of its political leaning, isn’t a part of the whole is something that gets under your skin.… Continue reading
On Monday morning, Arizona’s Supreme Court building was evacuated after the discovery of multiple vials containing a homemade explosive substance. The Department of Public Safety (DPS) responded to a report of a “suspicious package” at around 8 am, leading to the involvement of multiple agencies. Staff were sent home and the building was evacuated after the package in the mailroom tested positive for explosives. As a precaution, multiple buildings in the area, including the Department of Education, were also evacuated while the Phoenix Police Department led the investigation.
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A new lawsuit alleges that Grammy-winning gospel singer and pastor Donnie McClurkin sexually abused a young man, Giuseppe Corletto, over several years. Corletto, who sought out McClurkin for spiritual guidance after reading his book, claims the abuse began during “pray the gay away” sessions and escalated while he worked as McClurkin’s assistant. The lawsuit includes an email allegedly written by McClurkin admitting his actions. McClurkin’s attorney denies the allegations, stating they are “categorically false” and misrepresent the nature of their interactions.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood