President-elect Trump’s new cryptocurrency, “$TRUMP,” has rapidly increased in value, potentially making him one of the world’s richest individuals. The token, marketed through the Trump Organization affiliate CIC Digital LLC, launched at $10 and quickly reached $70, with the Trump Organization retaining 80% ownership. Despite disclaimers stating the token is non-political, concerns exist regarding ethical conflicts of interest given its connection to Trump’s presidency and the potential for leveraging his office for personal profit. The rapid increase in value and Trump’s prior pro-crypto campaign rhetoric raise significant questions about the propriety of this venture.
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Vivek Ramaswamy, recently appointed to co-lead the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) with Elon Musk, is expected to leave the position to pursue a gubernatorial campaign in Ohio. Internal friction within DOGE, stemming from Ramaswamy’s perceived lack of participation, contributed to his departure. This follows a failed attempt by Ramaswamy to secure Ohio’s vacant Senate seat. Despite briefly collaborating with Musk on DOGE plans, their partnership proved short-lived.
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Trevor Smith, known as rapper Busta Rhymes, faces a misdemeanor charge of third-degree assault in New York City. The charge stems from a January 10th incident in Brooklyn where Smith allegedly punched a 50-year-old man multiple times in the face, causing facial swelling. The victim reported the assault to police, leading to Smith’s desk appearance ticket. Smith is scheduled for a court appearance on February 3rd.
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Arvada reached a $2 million settlement in a wrongful death lawsuit stemming from the 2021 police shooting of pregnant Destinee Thompson. The lawsuit, filed by Thompson’s family in 2023, followed the officer’s fatal shooting of the 27-year-old mother during a response to a reported shoplifting incident. While the District Attorney declined to file criminal charges, the city concluded the settlement in July. The settlement’s finalization was recently reflected in court records.
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A newly announced 100-year UK-Ukraine partnership agreement, including military cooperation in the Azov Sea, has drawn sharp criticism from Russia. Moscow views the Azov Sea as its internal water and considers the agreement a publicity stunt, vowing firm resistance to any joint UK-Ukraine activity there. The Kremlin specifically expressed concern over potential British military deployment in the region. This rejection underscores persistent tensions over the strategically vital Azov Sea and foreshadows potential obstacles to the strengthened UK-Ukraine cooperation.
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Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) told Meet the Press that federal disaster relief for California’s wildfires is not guaranteed. He linked funding to a review of what he termed “foolish policy decisions.” The conditional offer suggests disaster aid may be contingent upon policy changes in California. Johnson’s statement highlights a potential political impasse over wildfire relief funding.
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Rapper Snoop Dogg’s performance at a pro-Trump “Crypto Ball” sparked significant backlash from fans. This follows Snoop’s previous criticisms of Trump, including a music video depicting him shooting a Trump-like clown and a song titled “Make America Crip Again.” The event, which cost attendees between $2,500 and $5,000, celebrated Trump as the “first crypto president,” despite his past criticisms of cryptocurrency. Snoop’s apparent shift in allegiance has prompted widespread condemnation online, with many accusing him of prioritizing financial gain over his prior political stances.
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Over 100 Hezbollah and other militant group weapons caches have been discovered by UNIFIL forces in southern Lebanon, located within close proximity to UN peacekeepers. Despite a November 2024 ceasefire agreement mandating Israeli withdrawal and Lebanese army deployment, Israeli military operations, including airstrikes and demolitions, continue. Hezbollah has threatened renewed attacks if Israeli forces do not fully withdraw within the stipulated timeframe. The United States, a broker of the ceasefire, has urged Israel to avoid actions that could jeopardize the agreement.
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Over 80 deaths and 20 injuries resulted from attacks in Colombia’s Catatumbo region, following the collapse of peace talks with the ELN. These attacks, targeting civilians including peace negotiators, forced thousands to flee their homes, seeking refuge in mountains or government shelters. The Colombian government has demanded a cessation of hostilities and access for humanitarian aid, while the ELN blames former FARC members for initiating the violence. The conflict stems from a power struggle over coca cultivation in the strategic border region.
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A new bipartisan bill banning TikTok in the U.S. unless sold to a U.S. owner went into effect, leading to the app’s immediate suspension and removal from app stores. President-elect Trump initially suggested a 90-day extension, a proposition opposed by several senators who emphasized the law’s strict requirements for any extension. While Trump later clarified his desire to bring TikTok back online, Representative Mike Johnson affirmed the administration’s intention to enforce the law, requiring a sale to a U.S. entity to ensure national security. This legal requirement necessitates a divestiture of ByteDance’s ownership to comply with the ban.
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John Q. Hosedrinker