President-elect Trump will be sentenced on January 10th for his “hush money” conviction, a case stemming from a $130,000 payment made to Stormy Daniels before the 2016 election. Justice Merchan’s decision rejects Trump’s claims of presidential immunity and dismissal arguments, despite the unprecedented nature of sentencing a president-elect. Although facing a potential four-year sentence, no jail time is anticipated by the court, and a virtual appearance is possible. The judge’s ruling also criticized Trump’s legal team’s rhetoric as potentially undermining the judiciary.
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President Biden blocked Nippon Steel’s $14.9 billion acquisition of US Steel, citing national security concerns and prioritizing domestic ownership of the steel industry. This decision, made despite opposition from the companies and Japanese officials, followed pressure from the United Steelworkers union and aligned with Biden’s campaign promises. The blocked merger raises questions about future foreign investment in the US and the viability of US Steel, which had warned of potential factory closures without the deal. Nippon Steel and US Steel have vowed to challenge the decision legally.
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President-elect Trump criticized the plan to fly the U.S. flag at half-staff during his inauguration, coinciding with the 30-day mourning period for President Carter ordered by President Biden. Trump, on Truth Social, incorrectly referred to the practice as “half mast” and claimed Democrats were gleeful about it, while the White House affirmed the order would remain in effect. Despite his past criticism of Carter, Trump has since acknowledged the former president’s legacy. The flag will be lowered in accordance with federal protocol established in 1954.
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Thousands are protesting in Washington D.C. this weekend to prevent Donald Trump’s inauguration, arguing that the 14th Amendment bars him from office due to his involvement in the January 6th Capitol riot. Led by Trump’s former staffer Jessica Denson and supported by legal experts, the “#14thNow” movement aims to pressure lawmakers to reject Trump’s electoral votes. Success would result in Vice President Kamala Harris becoming president. Legal scholars contend that sufficient congressional objection to Trump’s electoral votes, based on the 14th Amendment and the findings of the January 6th Committee, could disqualify him.
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America’s first Gilded Age (late 1800s) was marked by monopolies, political corruption fueled by wealthy elites, immense inequality, and anti-immigrant sentiment, mirroring current issues. Progressive reforms, including antitrust legislation, income and wealth taxes, and campaign finance restrictions, ultimately curbed these abuses. However, these reforms eroded over time, leading to a second Gilded Age characterized by similar problems. History shows that public pressure and political action can overcome such challenges, as demonstrated by the successes of the early 20th century.
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Donald Trump’s sentencing for 34 felony counts of falsifying business records, stemming from a hush-money payment to Stormy Daniels, is scheduled for January 10th. Judge Juan Merchan indicated that the sentence will likely be a conditional discharge, avoiding jail time, a fine, or probation. This decision follows Trump’s unsuccessful attempts to dismiss the case, citing presidential immunity and potential interference with his presidency. Despite the charges carrying a potential four-year prison sentence, legal experts previously deemed incarceration unlikely.
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A new AP-NORC poll reveals a significant shift in Republican confidence regarding election integrity. Following Donald Trump’s 2024 victory, approximately 60% of Republicans expressed considerable confidence in the national vote count, a substantial increase from October’s figures. This rise in confidence extends to state-level counts, and overall public confidence in the accuracy of the 2024 election is now around 60%, up from 50% in October. This contrasts sharply with the post-2020 period, marked by widespread Republican skepticism fueled by Trump’s unsubstantiated claims of election fraud.
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Lululemon’s post-holiday sale offers significant discounts on its popular athletic apparel. The event provides a strong incentive for consumers to renew their fitness routines after the holiday season. Deep discounts are available on a wide range of items, including leggings, tops, and outerwear. This sale presents a cost-effective opportunity to refresh workout wardrobes. Shoppers are encouraged to take advantage of the limited-time offer.
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Following the 2024 election, Nick Fuentes, despite briefly withdrawing support from Trump’s campaign due to perceived outside influence, delivered a vulgar message seemingly endorsing the Republican Party’s perceived dismissal of voters until the next election cycle. This statement follows Fuentes’ recent outspoken opposition to the H-1B visa program, contrasting sharply with Elon Musk’s support. Fuentes’ actions highlight the ongoing internal conflicts within the Republican party and the influence of far-right figures. His previous “Groyper war” declaration against the Trump campaign further contextualizes his post-election rhetoric.
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President-elect Trump’s claim that Gilded Age tariffs spurred economic growth is contradicted by economic historians. While tariffs were a major government revenue source during this period (due to the absence of income tax), research indicates that economic success was despite, not because of, high tariffs. Industries with high tariff protection experienced less productivity and innovation compared to those with less protection. Therefore, tariffs did not contribute to the rise of American manufacturing, and instead likely inflated prices for consumers.
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John Q. Hosedrinker