Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg filed an 82-page motion opposing Donald Trump’s attempt to dismiss his hush-money case before his January 20 inauguration. Bragg argues that Trump’s “history of malicious conduct,” including threats and attacks on the judicial process, precludes dismissal and that “president-elect immunity” does not exist. The motion emphasizes the seriousness of Trump’s crimes, which involved falsifying business records to conceal a hush-money payment made shortly before the 2016 election, and their impact on the integrity of the electoral process. Bragg requests either pre-inauguration sentencing or a postponement until after Trump’s second term.
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New Jersey’s newly enacted Freedom to Read Act prohibits the removal of books from public libraries and schools based on content or author views, unless developmentally inappropriate for certain age groups. The law, signed by Governor Phil Murphy, protects intellectual freedom and counters a national trend of book bans, which disproportionately target books featuring people of color and LGBTQ+ individuals. The act establishes a review process for addressing concerns about library materials and safeguards library staff from legal repercussions. This legislation ensures equitable access to learning resources and reinforces the right of individuals to choose their reading material.
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The Biden administration announced its support for a new Syrian government that renounces terrorism, disarms, and protects minority rights, following the collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s regime. This support will involve collaboration with Syrian groups and regional partners, even potentially including the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham rebel group, despite its terrorist designation. Simultaneously, Israel launched significant airstrikes in Syria, seizing a Golan Heights buffer zone, actions the White House deemed necessary for national security. The U.S. is navigating this volatile situation while also targeting remaining ISIS fighters and supporting ongoing efforts to secure a Gaza ceasefire.
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In a significant move, the US has provided $20 billion in economic aid to Ukraine, financed by seized Russian assets. This substantial contribution, part of a larger G7 commitment, ensures that Russia bears the financial burden of its war. The funds, channeled through the World Bank, are restricted to non-military uses due to congressional limitations. This aid’s continuation remains uncertain given the incoming administration’s expressed skepticism towards continued financial support for Kyiv.
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The purportedly efficiency-focused “Department of Government Efficiency” (DOGE), headed by Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, proposes drastic government cuts totaling $2 trillion. Their plan targets programs like veterans’ benefits and the NIH, while neglecting far larger sources of waste. Instead of addressing the Pentagon’s inefficiencies or the massive cost of wasteful tax breaks, DOGE’s focus appears to be on slashing essential services and privatizing government functions. Significant tax loopholes, such as those benefiting private retirement plans and capital gains, represent trillions in lost revenue and disproportionately benefit the wealthy.
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A Baphomet statue erected by The Satanic Temple in Concord, NH, was vandalized within 48 hours of its unveiling. The incident sparked controversy, with Mayor Byron Champlin expressing disapproval of both the statue and the city’s decision to grant a permit, citing concerns about an “anti-religious agenda.” Rep. Ellen Read defended the display as upholding First Amendment rights regarding religious pluralism. Champlin intends to create a city committee to review policies on unattended displays to prevent similar future conflicts.
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A federal judge in Oregon blocked Kroger and Albertsons’ $25 billion merger, citing concerns that the deal would lessen competition and harm consumers by raising prices. The judge rejected the companies’ argument that the merger would improve their competitiveness against larger retailers like Walmart and Amazon, finding that supermarkets operate in a distinct market. The proposed divestiture of 579 stores was deemed insufficient to address competition concerns. This decision marks a significant setback for the companies and has major implications for future antitrust enforcement.
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An Inspector General report revealed that the Trump Justice Department secretly obtained phone and text records from 43 congressional staffers and two members of Congress during leak investigations, exceeding previously reported scope. While the DOJ claimed no political motivation, the report criticizes the department’s disregard for separation of powers by targeting individuals solely due to their lawful access to classified information. The investigation also uncovered violations of DOJ policy regarding the secret acquisition of reporters’ records from major news outlets, including a failure to consult the appropriate review committee. These actions, which did not lead to charges, raise concerns about potential chilling effects on congressional oversight and the erosion of checks and balances.
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Luigi Mangione, a 26-year-old Ivy League graduate, was arrested in Pennsylvania and charged with the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. Mangione, who displayed erratic behavior in court, is fighting extradition to New York. A handwritten document recovered from him expressed anger towards corporate greed and the healthcare industry, and he is believed to have acted alone. He was identified by a McDonald’s customer and apprehended by police, who found a firearm consistent with the murder weapon and fraudulent identification documents in his possession.
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One hundred elite dairy goats from Saint Petersburg have been shipped to North Korea via Khasan, Russia, as part of an ongoing exchange of livestock between the two countries. This shipment follows previous deliveries of horses and cows, totaling over 2,200 animals since November 2022. The animals are believed to aid in alleviating North Korea’s food shortages, potentially as compensation for North Korean troop deployment to Russia. These livestock transfers, alongside other animal gifts, symbolize the strengthening relationship between the Russian and North Korean regimes.
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John Q. Hosedrinker