President Trump, citing the USPS’s $9.5 billion fiscal year loss and substantial liabilities, has expressed interest in privatization. Discussions with his commerce secretary nominee, Howard Lutnick, indicate a potential overhaul impacting hundreds of thousands of federal employees and potentially disrupting shipping and supply chains. This plan, though lacking specifics, follows previous conflicts with the agency, including attempts to shift key functions to the Treasury Department. Despite its recent financial struggles, the USPS remains a highly-regarded institution with a long history and a recent success in handling mail-in ballots.
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Senator John Fetterman defended Donald Trump’s hush-money case and Hunter Biden’s legal troubles on Truth Social, calling both “bullshit” and advocating for pardons. He argued that weaponizing the judiciary damages public trust and increases political division, echoing similar comments made previously on ABC’s *The View*. This stance has drawn mixed reactions, with some praising his position while others, particularly progressives, strongly criticized his support for Trump and accused him of alienating his base. Fetterman’s recent actions, including this post, have caused increasing friction with his progressive supporters.
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The free press faces unprecedented challenges, with many news organizations succumbing to political pressure. HuffPost, however, remains committed to unbiased reporting and protecting its journalistic freedom. Continued operation depends on reader support; contributions, even creating a free account, directly aid in maintaining free access to news for all. The future of American democracy is inextricably linked to a robust and independent press.
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Odessa, Texas voters ousted three incumbent City Council members following the council’s passage of a controversial anti-trans bathroom ban. Craig Stoker, the city’s first openly gay council member, secured victory by focusing his campaign on infrastructure improvements. His win, along with that of Mayor-elect Cal Hendrick (who also focused on infrastructure), contrasted sharply with the incumbents’ focus on divisive social issues. The Ector County Republican Party’s decision to remain neutral in the local elections suggests a shift away from prioritizing such issues at the local level.
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As Senator Romney departs, he acknowledges the Republican Party’s transformation under Donald Trump’s influence, noting the dwindling number of “mainstream” Republicans. While he supported many of Trump’s policies, Romney cited character concerns as points of conflict, including Trump’s past legal battles and rhetoric. Despite this, Romney doesn’t anticipate retribution from Trump, believing a successful presidency will solidify a future for the party shaped by figures like J.D. Vance. Romney concludes his political career, emphasizing his legislative accomplishments and expressing a desire to pursue post-political endeavors.
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Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton sued New York doctor Margaret Carpenter, alleging she violated Texas’s near-total abortion ban by mailing abortion medication to a Texas resident. The lawsuit seeks $100,000 per violation, representing a novel attempt to enforce Texas abortion law outside of its borders. This action has drawn sharp rebuke from New York Attorney General Letitia James, who vowed to defend providers against such out-of-state legal attacks. The lawsuit’s success hinges on whether Texas can successfully assert jurisdiction over a New York physician’s actions.
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Following a judge’s order, President-elect Trump and ABC News host George Stephanopoulos will each give four-hour depositions next week in Trump’s defamation suit against ABC. The depositions, initially delayed, will proceed in person (Trump in Florida) and potentially remotely for Stephanopoulos. The suit stems from Stephanopoulos’s reporting on the E. Jean Carroll case, where Trump disputes the characterization of the jury’s finding. ABC’s attempts to dismiss the case based on fair reporting privilege were unsuccessful.
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New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham vehemently opposes President-elect Trump’s plan to utilize the National Guard for mass deportations, citing devastating consequences for families and the state’s economy. She vows to utilize all legal means to fight these deportations and will collaborate with other states in this effort. While rejecting mass deportations, Lujan Grisham supports increased federal agents to address criminal activity related to immigration and calls for Congress to pass a stalled bipartisan border security bill. Instead of mass deportations, the Governor advocates for more respectful rhetoric concerning immigrants and a focus on comprehensive immigration reform.
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Senator Bernie Sanders is launching a campaign targeting America’s wealthiest individuals, like Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos, for their role in a global oligarchy. This oligarchy, Sanders argues, manipulates the economy, influences elections, avoids taxes, and controls the government, hindering democracy and exacerbating global inequalities. He plans a series of discussions exposing this influence and the incoming administration’s ties to the billionaire class. Sanders contends that this oligarchic system undermines crucial issues like climate change and healthcare, ultimately prioritizing the wealthy elite over the common good. He asserts that addressing this oligarchy is paramount to restoring democratic principles and improving societal well-being.
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Nancy Pelosi is reportedly actively campaigning against Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s bid to become the top Democrat on the House Oversight Committee, instead supporting Gerry Connolly. This move, described by some as petty and infantilizing, pits the progressive wing against more established Democrats. The outcome will be determined by the Democratic Steering and Policy Committee’s recommendation followed by a caucus vote, with both Ocasio-Cortez and Connolly claiming sufficient support. The race highlights generational tensions within the Democratic party and the significant power the Oversight Committee will hold should Democrats regain the House.
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John Q. Hosedrinker