The Department of Labor announced three settlements this week involving child labor violations at meatpacking plants, totaling over $8 million in penalties. These agreements, with QSI, Perdue Farms, and JBS Foods, follow a pattern of underage workers being employed in dangerous conditions, often by cleaning contractors. While companies like QSI dispute the findings, the Labor Department emphasizes the responsibility of all entities in the supply chain to prevent child labor exploitation. This recent flurry of settlements underscores the ongoing problem and the administration’s commitment to combating it, while also highlighting the need for continued vigilance.
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President Trump signed executive orders aiming to recognize only two sexes (male and female) and eliminate federal DEI programs deemed “radical and wasteful.” The gender order mandates the use of “sex” instead of “gender” in official documents, impacting passports and visas, and restricts taxpayer funding for gender-transition healthcare. A second order targets the dismantling of DEI initiatives within federal agencies, focusing on environmental justice programs and equity-related grants. These actions, announced on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, are framed as a return to merit-based systems, while opponents argue they represent a setback for racial and social justice and anticipate legal challenges.
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During the presidential inauguration, President Trump deviated from tradition by not placing his hand on the Bibles held by the First Lady. He opted to use both a family Bible and the Lincoln Bible for the oath of office. Unlike prior presidents, his left hand remained at his side during the swearing-in ceremony. This marked a departure from the customary use of a single Bible for the oath.
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At a recent rally, President-elect Trump credited Elon Musk’s purported expertise in Pennsylvania’s voting systems for his landslide victory in the state. This statement, widely circulated online, prompted accusations from Trump critics of election rigging and spurred speculation about potential voter fraud. The claims have drawn sharp rebukes from Democrats, including a sitting congresswoman, who allege a confession to criminal activity. Newsweek has reached out to both the Trump transition team and Elon Musk for comment.
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Fan Weiqu and Xu Jiajin, perpetrators of deadly attacks in Zhuhai and Wuxi respectively, resulting in a combined death toll exceeding 40, were executed on Monday. Fan, driven by divorce-related anger, used his car to kill at least 35, while Xu, fueled by academic and professional frustrations, stabbed eight to death. These “revenge on society crimes” prompted President Xi Jinping to call for preventative measures. Both death sentences, handed down in December, were swiftly carried out following Supreme Court approval.
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Completion of the Transalpine Pipeline (TAL) expansion eliminates Czech Republic’s reliance on Russian oil imports. This project, costing 1.5 billion Czech koruna ($61 million), doubles the country’s oil import capacity to eight million tons annually via the TAL and IKL pipelines. The increased capacity ensures a secure oil supply from Western sources. The initiative, funded by Mero, effectively ends Russian leverage over Czech oil supplies.
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President Biden commuted Leonard Peltier’s sentence, releasing him from prison after decades of advocacy from Indigenous activists and human rights groups who claimed his conviction was unjust. This decision, which was opposed by law enforcement who cited the 1975 murders of two FBI agents, grants Peltier clemency but not a pardon. The commutation considers Peltier’s age, health issues, and lengthy imprisonment, culminating in a historic moment for Indigenous communities. His release follows years of lobbying efforts and support from various prominent figures and organizations.
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President Trump plans to issue a series of executive orders on his first day in office addressing immigration. Key actions include ending birthright citizenship for children of undocumented immigrants, despite potential legal challenges stemming from the 14th Amendment. Additionally, the orders will reinstate the “Remain in Mexico” policy, end “catch and release,” and declare a national emergency at the border, authorizing the deployment of armed forces for border wall construction. Further measures include suspending refugee resettlement, increasing migrant vetting, and designating certain criminal organizations as global terrorists.
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Following a cordial greeting from outgoing President Biden, Donald Trump was sworn in as the 47th president, marking a deeply divisive moment in American history. Trump’s inauguration, held amidst tight security and protests, featured an address outlining plans to reverse policies through executive orders, including increased oil production and stricter immigration measures. His administration will be defined by a right-wing agenda and controversial figures, underscored by preemptive pardons issued by Biden to protect those targeted by the new president. The event’s significance is highlighted by the stark contrast between Trump’s return to power and the events of January 6th, 2021.
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President Biden issued preemptive pardons to three siblings, two spouses, and several other individuals, including Dr. Fauci and Gen. Milley, citing concerns about politically motivated investigations. These pardons, announced shortly before President-elect Trump’s inauguration, aimed to protect those targeted from the damaging effects of baseless probes, regardless of guilt or innocence. The president stated that such investigations can cause irreparable harm to reputations and finances. This action, while breaking with historical norms, follows precedent of outgoing presidents granting eleventh-hour pardons, including family members.
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John Q. Hosedrinker