President-elect Trump aims to end birthright citizenship via executive order, mandating at least one US citizen parent for automatic citizenship and denying benefits to children of two undocumented parents. Legal experts overwhelmingly believe this action would violate the 14th Amendment and the precedent set by *United States v. Wong Kim Ark*, rendering it likely unsuccessful in court. The proposed order could affect millions of children in mixed-status families, disproportionately impacting those of Mexican and Central American descent. Ending birthright citizenship would require a constitutional amendment, a politically improbable feat.
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Following Russia’s updated nuclear doctrine and Ukraine’s first use of US-supplied long-range missiles against Russian territory, the UK Prime Minister reaffirmed unwavering support for Ukraine. This commitment includes continued military aid, such as the recently supplied Storm Shadow missiles and funding for new drones. Despite Russia’s nuclear threats, the UK’s stance remains resolute, emphasizing its dedication to Ukrainian sovereignty and the necessity of ending the war. The G20 summit’s communique, while described as “disappointing” by Downing Street, ultimately affirmed support for Ukraine’s territorial integrity.
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Late-night hosts skewered Donald Trump’s rapid and unconventional cabinet selection process, described by some as a “White House Tinder” system, highlighting the appointment of controversial figures like Matt Gaetz. They criticized Republicans’ apparent willingness to overlook ethical concerns and exploit loopholes to protect Trump’s agenda, contrasting this with Democrats’ perceived inaction. The hosts emphasized the hypocrisy of Republicans’ silence on Gaetz’s alleged sex trafficking investigation, and the overall disregard for established norms and procedures. This contrasted sharply with the hosts’ depictions of Democrats’ approaches, which were characterized as ineffective.
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President-elect Trump’s proposed tax cuts, heavily favoring the wealthy, would be offset by cuts to social safety net programs like Medicaid and SNAP. Advisers are considering stricter work requirements and spending caps for these programs, potentially impacting millions of low-income Americans. This plan would exacerbate existing inequality, as the tax cuts would disproportionately benefit the richest 5%, while the cuts to social programs would harm the poorest. The proposed changes include increased Medicaid eligibility checks and limitations on SNAP benefits, risking the loss of healthcare and food assistance for many vulnerable families.
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President-elect Trump has nominated Dr. Mehmet Oz to lead the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Oz, a former heart surgeon and unsuccessful Senate candidate, will collaborate with Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the nominee for Health and Human Services Secretary, to address the “illness industrial complex.” This nomination, if confirmed by the Senate, would place Oz in charge of programs providing health insurance to over half the U.S. population, including Medicare, Medicaid, and the Affordable Care Act. This appointment follows other Trump nominations of well-known media figures.
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To bolster its defense capabilities, Ukraine announced plans to significantly increase domestic production of long-range drones and missiles, aiming for at least 30,000 drones and 3,000 cruise missiles/hybrids next year. This initiative, supported by recent U.S. aid, is intended to offset artillery shortages and counter Russian drone attacks. Development includes the domestically produced Palianytsia missile-drone, already deployed against Russia, and a new technology center will support this effort. This surge in domestic production comes as Ukraine seeks to expand its long-range capabilities while Western arms supplies remain subject to restrictions.
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The Los Angeles City Council unanimously approved a sanctuary city ordinance, codifying existing protections for immigrants by prohibiting city resources from being used for immigration enforcement and preventing information sharing with federal authorities. This measure, supported by Mayor Bass, aims to protect immigrant communities and ensure they can safely report crimes without fear of deportation. While the city already largely avoids cooperation with federal immigration authorities, the ordinance formally enshrines these protections into law, mirroring similar state-level legislation in California. The ordinance’s passage comes in anticipation of potential increased immigration enforcement under the current administration.
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Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene has renewed her call for a “national divorce” between states supporting Donald Trump’s agenda and those that do not, citing disagreements over border security, government spending, and social issues. Greene’s proposal, which she previously voiced in 2023, suggests a separation between “red” and “blue” states, even suggesting restrictions on voting rights for Democrats relocating to Republican-controlled states. This divisive rhetoric has been interpreted by some as advocating for a second American Civil War. Greene, a staunch Trump ally, maintains that this is a necessary response to what she perceives as an attack by the Democratic party and its supporters.
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Investigations into severed Baltic Sea data cables are focusing on the Chinese bulk carrier Yi Peng 3. The vessel’s proximity to both cable damage sites—a Swedish-Lithuanian and a Finnish-German cable—around the time of the incidents is raising concerns. Maritime tracking data places the ship near the affected areas on Sunday and Monday. This marks the second such probe into potential sabotage of undersea cables in recent months, heightening anxieties in Europe.
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An investigation into Clinton Community Schools head football coach Casey Randolph, encompassing 21 claims of misconduct, substantiated five allegations, including homophobic slurs and forcing a student to wrestle against medical advice. While many students and parents voiced strong support for Randolph at a school board meeting, citing his positive impact, others shared accounts of harmful behavior, expressing disappointment with the board’s decision to close the matter. The conflicting testimonies highlight a deeply divided community grappling with the consequences of the investigation’s findings.
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John Q. Hosedrinker