Contrary to initial concerns, New York City’s luxury real estate market is booming, defying predictions of an exodus of wealthy residents. Signed contracts for Manhattan homes over $4 million saw significant increases in November, according to data from Douglas Elliman and Miller Samuel. This surge in high-end sales contradicts the narrative of wealthy individuals fleeing due to the potential election of a socialist mayor, as indicated by real estate leaders. Jonathan Miller, president and CEO of Miller Samuel, cites strong Wall Street bonuses as a reason for wealthy buyers to come to or stay in New York.
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The Trump administration has controversially justified the killing of suspected cocaine smugglers as “unlawful combatants” in an “armed struggle” against the United States, even if they are unarmed and pose no immediate threat. In a specific instance, Adm. Frank M. Bradley ordered a second missile strike on survivors of an initial strike on a drug smuggling boat. According to reports, this second strike was carried out because the survivors had radioed for help and were seen as still “in the fight.” Critics argue the second strike was a war crime, violating the law-of-war rules regarding shipwrecked individuals. This defense reveals the complexities of applying the law of war to a scenario that, according to the article, doesn’t really exist.
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After a federal judge dismissed the initial charges, a grand jury declined to indict New York Attorney General Letitia James in a mortgage fraud case for the second time. The Justice Department, however, may seek indictment a third time, indicating the intensity of their efforts. The charges stemmed from accusations of false statements and bank fraud, but were initially thrown out due to the unlawful appointment of the prosecutor. The defense argued the appointment of Trump’s handpicked prosecutor was invalid, and the case has been met with claims of selective and vindictive prosecution.
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President Donald Trump issued a “full and unconditional pardon” for Tim Leiweke, co-founder of Oak View Group, who was indicted earlier this year on charges of rigging the bidding process for an arena at a public university. Leiweke, who pleaded not guilty to the charges, faced a potential 10-year prison sentence and a $1 million fine. Leiweke, represented by former Rep. Trey Gowdy, had previously criticized Trump. The pardon comes amidst a series of surprising clemency moves and was announced shortly after OVG named a new permanent CEO following Leiweke’s resignation.
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A recent Pentagon Inspector General’s report details Defense Secretary Hegseth’s actions, revealing he had a unique system installed in his secure office to access his personal cell phone. This system, which mirrored the phone’s content and connected it to a monitor and keyboard, was created to allow the secretary access to non-official communications. The report stemmed from an investigation into Hegseth’s use of Signal to share sensitive information about US airstrikes, potentially risking the safety of US military personnel. The investigation concluded that Hegseth’s actions created a risk to operational security, despite the secretary’s claims of no endangerment.
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Recent polling data indicates a significant shift in sentiment among the MAGA base, with nearly half of Americans blaming the former Republican president for the current cost-of-living crisis. Astonishingly, a substantial 37% of Trump voters report never having experienced such financial hardship. This dissatisfaction is reflected in his low approval ratings and has fueled Democratic successes in recent elections. The shift in voter sentiment is evident in the narrower margin of victory for a Republican candidate in a special congressional election in Tennessee, suggesting a potential erosion of GOP support.
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On Tuesday, President Trump pardoned sports and entertainment executive Tim Leiweke, who was indicted in July for allegedly rigging the bidding process for an arena at a public university in Austin, Texas. Leiweke, the co-founder of Oak View Group, had pleaded not guilty and was slated to stand trial next year. The pardon, posted on a justice department website, represents the fifth one granted by Trump to powerful individuals in the past week, with no official reasoning provided. The indictment alleged that Leiweke’s actions deprived the university and taxpayers of the benefits of competitive bidding.
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This holiday season, many Americans are experiencing a lack of celebration due to the impacts of the Trump administration’s policies. The article aims to amplify the voices of those negatively affected and ensure their experiences are acknowledged. Readers are encouraged to join in holding the administration accountable for its decisions. Further engagement with the article is available for members.
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Senator Mark Kelly has become the first lawmaker to require personal armed guards due to threats made by former President Donald Trump. These threats, which included calls for Kelly’s hanging, followed a video where Kelly reminded military members they can refuse illegal orders. As a result of the attacks, both Kelly and his wife, former Rep. Gabby Giffords, have received numerous threats, prompting heightened security. This situation has elevated Kelly’s profile, potentially positioning him for a future presidential run, while also drawing criticism of Trump’s rhetoric from both sides of the aisle.
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The bombs placed near the Capitol on the eve of the January 6th insurrection, though undetonated, were viable devices capable of inflicting harm. While no motive has been confirmed, the suspect has reportedly expressed support for anarchism. Conspiracy theories surrounding the case have flourished, with some claiming the bombs were a distraction or an “inside job.” The long duration of the investigation has likely contributed to the persistence of these theories, potentially complicating the aftermath of the arrest.
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John Q. Hosedrinker
Trump Falls Asleep During Peace Agreement Signing
The bombs placed near the Capitol on the eve of the January 6th insurrection, though undetonated, were viable devices capable of inflicting harm. While no motive has been confirmed, the suspect has reportedly expressed support for anarchism. Conspiracy theories surrounding the case have flourished, with some claiming the bombs were a distraction or an “inside job.” The long duration of the investigation has likely contributed to the persistence of these theories, potentially complicating the aftermath of the arrest.
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