Arms sale to Israel again dodges Congressional approval. “For the second time this month the Biden administration is bypassing Congress to approve an emergency weapons sale to Israel as Israel continues to prosecute its war against Hamas in Gaza under increasing international criticism. The State Department said Friday that Secretary of State Antony Blinken had told Congress that he had made a second emergency determination covering a $147.5 million sale for equipment, including fuses, charges and primers, that is needed to make the 155 mm shells that Israel has already purchased function. ….The emergency determination means the purchase will bypass the congressional review requirement for foreign military sales.” https://www.yahoo.com/news/biden-administration-once-more-bypasses-200133481.html
Social media blamed for influencing, instead of reflecting, public sentiment. “Young people are overwhelmingly unhappy about U.S. policy on the war in Gaza? Must be because they get their “perspective on the world on TikTok” — at least according to Senator John Fetterman, a Democrat who holds a strong pro-Israel stance. This attitude is shared across the aisle. “It would not be surprising that the Chinese-owned TikTok is pushing pro-Hamas content,” Senator Marsha Blackburn said. ….Consumers are unhappy with the economy? Surely, that’s TikTok again, with some experts arguing that dismal consumer sentiment is a mere “vibecession” — feelings fueled by negativity on social media rather than by the actual effects of inflation, housing costs and more. ….Back in 2008 and 2012, Facebook and big data were credited with helping Barack Obama win his presidential races. After his 2012 re-election, I wrote an article calling for regulations requiring transparency and understanding and worried whether ‘these new methods are more effective in manipulating people’. I concluded with ‘you should be worried even if your candidate is — for the moment — better at these methods’. The Democrats, though, weren’t having any of that, then. The data director of Obama for America responded that concerns such as mine were ‘a bunch of malarkey‘.” https://www.nytimes.com/2023/12/27/opinion/young-voters-tiktok.html
Congress reviewing U.S. government ‘watchlists’. “Earlier this month CBS News broadcast an in-depth report confirming that more than two million names (up from 1.75 million names in 2019) are now on U.S. government blacklists (euphemistically described as ‘watchlists’) restricting travel and other rights. CBS also interviewed some of the U.S. citizens who, without ever being accused of any crime or having their day in court, and for no reason they know or that the government will tell them, have been stopped at gunpoint, delayed, or prevented from flying. Less than a week later, the Senate Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee (HSGAC) released a detailed staff report on the same issue, ‘Mislabeled as a threat: How the terrorist watchlist & government screening practices impact Americans‘. The Chair of the HSGAC, Sen. Gary Peters (D-MI), also sent a formal request to the Inspectors General of each of the federal departments that participate in the ‘Watchlisting Council’, asking [them] to ‘coordinate on an assessment of the full implementation of the Terrorist Screening Dataset’. ….The same day, five other Senators and eight members of the House of Representatives sent a joint letter about ‘watchlisting’ practices to the heads of the Department of Justice, FBI, Department of Homeland Security, Transportation Security Administration, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and several other agencies. The joint letter asks for answers ‘no later than January 9, 2024’ to a long list of questions about how many people are on U.S. government watchlists, how many have been added and removed, what procedures have been followed, what data has been collected or purchased about these people, what if any redress is available to them, and what the criteria for adding names are supposed to be. ….If members on Congress want to do something about the problem of travel blacklists, not just talk about it, a good way to start would be to reintroduce and bring to a vote the Freedom to Travel Act, which was introduced in 2021 but never got a hearing or a vote.” https://papersplease.org/wp/2023/12/26/congress-watches-the-watchlists-but-will-congress-act/
Donald Trump not the first non-Confederate candidate to be barred from office under the 14th Amendment. “In 1910, [socialist Victor Berger] won a seat in Congress representing Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and served a single two-year term. After being defeated in 1912, Berger remained active in left-wing politics and opposed America’s entry into the First World War. In 1918, he was convicted (along with several other Socialist [Party] organizers) of having violated the Espionage Act of 1917, which effectively criminalized any criticism of the war effort. Officially, Berger was found guilty of 26 ‘disloyal acts’ related to a series of editorials published by the Milwaukee Leader, a paper Berger helped run, arguing against America’s involvement in the war. Despite that conviction—or perhaps because of it—Berger was elected to Congress again in 1918. His campaign called for the country to respect free speech and freedom of the press, and he continued to push for an ‘early, general, lasting and democratic peace’. ….Congress refused to seat Berger when he showed up to work in January 1919, on the grounds that his Espionage Act conviction was tantamount to engaging in insurrection against the country. The vote was nearly unanimous, 311-1, with the lone dissenting vote cast by a Wisconsin Republican. A special election was held in December 1919 to fill the still-vacant seat, and Berger won again—this time earning even more votes than he had a year earlier. Again, a majority in Congress voted to block Berger from taking his seat. ….the U.S. Supreme Court decided that [Judge Kenesaw] Landis should have recused himself from [Berger’s Espionage Act] case due to [anti-German] prejudice and threw out Berger’s conviction on the grounds that he did not receive a fair trial. Vindicated, Berger again ran for Congress in 1922 and won. This time he was seated without controversy, and he subsequently won reelection in 1924 and 1926.” https://reason.com/2023/12/29/trump-wouldnt-be-the-first-non-confederate-barred-from-office-by-the-14th-amendment/
Russia’s barrage of missiles and drones targeted Ukrainian industrial and military sites, about 30 killed. “Gen. Valery Zaluzhny, Ukraine’s top commander, said the attacks had also targeted critical industrial and military facilities. ….In the center of [Kyiv], the Artem factory, which the Ukrainian authorities say manufactures missiles and aircraft parts, was engulfed in columns of smoke. ….A few miles away, columns of thick black and white smoke billowed from a warehouse. Firefighters were also at work there, and intermittent loud bangs could be heard from inside.” https://www.nytimes.com/2023/12/29/world/europe/russia-ukraine-missile-attacks.html Loud ‘bangs’ you say? What kind of warehouse was it? They couldn’t say, it’s classified. (sarcasm)
Illinois cops no longer allowed to pull over motorists just because of air freshener hanging from rear view mirror. “Starting Monday, police there no longer will be allowed to pull over motorists solely because they have something hanging from the rearview mirror of the windshield. That means air fresheners, parking placards and, yes, even those [fuzzy] dice…. A North Carolina law will require pornographic website operators to confirm viewers are at least 18 years old by using a commercially available database. The law lets parents sue companies if their children were allowed to access the pornography. ….[Hawaii] is replacing gender-specific terms in state law; ‘mother’ is being replaced with ‘birthing parent’ and ‘father’ with ‘non-birthing parent’. In Colorado, new buildings wholly or partly owned by government entities will be required to have on every floor where there are public restrooms at least one that does not specify the gender of the users.” https://apnews.com/article/new-state-laws-guns-pornography-fuzzy-dice-86da1fccd5717e9ec234863bf1f9f037 Is it called ‘Birthing Parents Day’ now? “Under [California’s] AB 1084, major retailers or any company with 500 or more employees [will] be required to have a gender-neutral display for children’s toys in their store and have it clearly labeled as such. The law applies to retailers operating inside the state of California. Companies who fail to maintain a gender-neutral toy aisle face a civil penalty of $250 for the first time and $500 for each subsequent penalty.” https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/california/new-california-laws-2024/103-dce5d230-0a65-4313-a69a-12a0eabba816
Austin caller who reported ‘man with a rifle’ is fatally shot after pointing BB gun at responding officers. “When two uniformed APD officers arrived at the scene minutes later, they reported seeing [Konrad] Khorshahian pointing what looked like a rifle at them as they drove through the lot. ….APD says the officers took cover and repeatedly ordered Khorshahian to drop the weapon over the next few minutes. ….Khorshahian yelled for the officers to shoot him. ….one officer fired his gun, striking and killing Khorshahian. Investigators later determined the man had been carrying a BB gun rifle, not a real rifle.” https://cbsaustin.com/news/local/man-called-police-on-himself-before-fatal-shooting-at-ne-austin-complex-apd-says
California to cover all undocumented residents under state’s health insurance plan. “For the first time, undocumented immigrants of all ages will qualify for Medi-Cal, California’s version of the federal government’s Medicaid program for low-income people. The new guidelines will make California the only state to fund comprehensive health care for undocumented immigrants beginning Jan.1, 2024. ….The program expansion is expected to provide health coverage for about 700,000 undocumented residents between the ages of 26 and 49, according to Sen. Durazo. In 2015, the state began to allow undocumented children to receive health care through Medi-Cal and then in 2019, the eligibility guidelines were extended to include those 26 years old or younger. In May 2022, a California law allowed undocumented adults 50 or older to receive health care through the program.” https://ktla.com/news/california/california-to-become-first-state-to-offer-health-insurance-to-all-eligible-undocumented-adults/ This actually makes a lot of sense, because otherwise you’ve got people with untreated tuberculosis or cholera running around, maybe making your lunch or using your grocery cart just before you grabbed it.
Hazardous waste facility in Bridgeport, CT explodes. “Fire officials said the building belongs to Tradebe Environmental, a company that disposes and recycles hazardous waste. Tradebe Environmental confirmed one of their tanks exploded and further say they are cooperating and working closely with first responders and regulators. ….Officials say three people were injured and sent to local hospitals. Two were being treated for burns and one was being treated for smoke inhalation. ….Fire marshals said the building was secure and residents were allowed back into their homes. Air quality testing proved the air was safe.” https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/bridgeport-explosion-tradebe-environmental-plant/
Gov. Kathy Hochul sides with insurance companies and businesses, vetoes bill that would have allowed damages for emotional suffering in wrongful death lawsuits. “New York is one of just a few states that account only for economic loss in wrongful death lawsuits. Almost all states allow family members to be compensated for emotional loss. ….The legislation would have enabled families who file lawsuits over a loved one’s wrongful death to be compensated for funeral expenses, for some medical expenses related to the death and for grief or anguish incurred as a result, in addition to pecuniary losses.” https://apnews.com/article/new-york-kathy-hochul-wrongful-death-veto-841382c4e62618e422a6fd88574eca22
New Jersey man faces terrorism charges after posting about ‘jihad in the U.S.’ on X, traveling to Africa to join Islamist extremist group. “The FBI has arrested Karrem Nasr, 23, of New Jersey for allegedly attempting to provide material support to the African-based terrorist organization al Shabaab after they claim he became inspired to wage Jihad following the October 7 terrorist attacks [on Israel]. ….According to the complaint, Nasr flew from Egypt to Kenya on December 14 to try and join the terrorist organization, charging documents say. Nasr was allegedly communicating with an FBI confidential source in which he said the number one enemy was ‘evil America’ and in social media posts in November he allegedly posted on X ‘jihad on your home turf. Coming soon to a US location near you’ followed by plane, bomb and fire emojis.” https://www.nbcnewyork.com/investigations/fbi-arrest-karrem-nasr-terror-new-jersey-al-shabaab/4990419/ You can always spot the hard-core terrorists, because they’re the ones who brag about carrying out future attacks on social media. (sarcasm)
Oregon hospital calls police to have man ‘with no medical problems’ removed, who then dies while being transported. “As officers entered [Providence Milwaukie Hospital], [Jean] Descamps was groaning and not responding to questions. He appeared to not be in good health despite hospital staff’s claims there were no medical problems and he was cleared for release. ‘He was pleasant, he was conversant the entire time until right when his discharge arrived,’ a staffer said. ‘He’s not thriving but there’s no medical reason for him to be here anymore. and it’s all behavioral, yep, 100% behavioral.’ ….Eventually police handcuffed him and got him into a wheelchair to take him to the police cruiser. They decide to take him to the behavioral health center. ….But shortly after they arrived and talked with him, they realized he was unresponsive. Within seconds officers pulled Descamps from the cruiser, removed his cuffs and began CPR. But despite their efforts, he was pronounced dead after 11:30 p.m.” https://www.koin.com/local/clackamas-county/milwaukie-body-cam-released-in-transport-death/ Wanna bet Mr. Descamps didn’t have health insurance?
Iowa and Oklahoma National Guard troops deploying to Kosovo. “Thirty-three members of Detachment 1, Company C (Medevac), 2-211th General Support Aviation Battalion, based in Waterloo, departed following a community send-off ceremony held at the support facility on Big Rock Road. According to a news release, ‘Their primary mission will be to conduct live aerial medevac operations, refueling and maintenance support to U.S., coalition and Kosovo security forces.'” https://wcfcourier.com/news/local/waterloo-national-guard-deployment-medevac-unit-kosovo/article_b3d0d65c-a5a8-11ee-a419-8719c6301442.html “Around 50 Oklahoma Army National Guardsmen will deploy overseas to Kosovo in support of Operation Joint Guardian. It is a NATO-led international peacekeeping force in Kosovo that is comprised of 27 partner nations. The Tulsa, Oklahoma unit specifically will provide the air transport and air assault capabilities with UH60M Blackhawk helicopters to the Area of Operations.” https://okcfox.com/news/local/oklahoma-national-guards-charlie-company-prepares-for-kosovo-peacekeeping-mission
South Africa asks International Court of Justice to charge Israel with genocide, impose ceasefire. “South Africa’s official proceedings application addressed to the Registrar of the ICJ in The Hague, in the Netherlands, requests that the Court indicate provisional measures ‘to ensure Israel’s compliance with its obligations under the Genocide Convention not to engage in genocide, and to prevent and to punish genocide.’ ….’Israel has engaged in, is engaging in and risks further engaging in genocidal acts against the Palestinian people in Gaza.’ The official document also condemns Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups for taking hostages and targeting civilians.” https://www.businessinsider.com/south-africa-accuses-israel-of-genocide-asks-un-court-intervene-2023-12
UNICEF: More than 1,000 children in Gaza have had limbs amputated. “Due to the… blockade imposed by Israel on the enclave, and a dearth of anaesthetic, electricity and running water, health workers are forced to perform these surgeries in unhygienic conditions without painkillers. ….The confirmed Palestinian death toll from ongoing Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip has surged to 21,110, the health ministry in the territory said on Wednesday, with 70 percent of the casualties women and children. An additional 54,536 have also been wounded in Israeli attacks on the besieged enclave.” https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/war-gaza-israel-palestine-over-1000-children-have-limbs-amputated-unicef
Democratic presidential primary challengers will debate on January 8th. “The debate between self-help author [Marianne] Williamson and [Minnesota congressman Dean] Phillips is set to be held at the New England College on 8 January, and moderated by Josh McElveen, former political director of radio station WMUR, two weeks before the state holds its primary. ….Like the Republican candidates who have been debating without their frontrunning candidate, Donald Trump, the mission is something of a death watch, lest either the Democrat or the Republican frontrunner fail to make it to next year’s presidential vote, and as a symbolic marker of the widespread dissatisfaction with both candidates. Williamson is polling at 12% and Philips at 4%, according to a Quinnipiac University poll published last month. Another puts Phillips at 17% and Williamson at 6%.” https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/dec/29/democratic-primary-debate-new-hampshire-marianne-williamson-dean-phillips
Most Illinois sheriffs say they won’t enforce state ban on military-style rifles. “Since the start of the year, a majority of county sheriffs in Illinois have stated that they don’t plan to enforce the Protect Illinois Communities Act, a sweeping ban on assault weapons and high-capacity ammunition magazines state lawmakers passed in January. What the sheriffs oppose specifically is PICA’s effect on private assault weapon owners. The law not only prohibited the sale and purchase of new assault weapons and high-capacity magazines, but also forbid, with some exceptions, their private ownership. One of those exceptions was a grandfather measure ensuring those who already owned assault weapon could keep their guns and weapon accessories so long as they registered them with the Illinois State Police before New Year’s Day, 2024. Since the registration portal opened in October, [only] about 52,000 people have done so. After New Years Day, at least in theory, anyone found owning an unregistered assault weapon or extended magazine could face criminal penalties. But in the days after Democratic Gov. J. B. Pritzker signed PICA into law, sheriffs across the state issued statements saying they believe the bans violate the Second Amendment. Though a few sheriffs who opposed the ban, like Will County Sheriff Mike Kelley, simply voiced their opposition without saying what it means in practical terms, dozens of others weren’t so coy. ….Courthouse News reached out to multiple Illinois state attorneys, specifically in counties where sheriffs had opposed the assault weapon ban, to ask if they would consider action against their county sheriffs. Only one, the office of DuPage County State’s Attorney Bob Berlin, responded, and even then, it was only to decline to comment.” https://www.courthousenews.com/illinois-has-banned-assault-weapon-ownership-but-local-sheriffs-say-they-wont-enforce-it-now-what/
California appeals court rules in favor of plaintiffs seeking police misconduct records. “When SB 1421 went into effect on Jan. 1, 2019, numerous police unions sued to stop demands for records. ….In a 30-page opinion, Justice Carin Fujisaki wrote that [Senate Bill 1421] indeed applies retroactively and ‘supersedes state law disclosure exemptions’ that ‘pose a direct conflict with its decree that records within its scope are not confidential and shall be made available to the public.’ The only exception to this, the appellate court found, would be attorney-client communications. Justices Ioana Petrou and Victor Rodriguez concurred with the opinion.” https://www.courthousenews.com/california-must-disclose-old-police-misconduct-records-appellate-court-rules/
Local leader of Alexei Navalny’s anti-corruption group sentenced to nine years in prison. “A Russian court on Friday sentenced Ksenia Fadeyeva, who led jailed opposition leader Alexei Navalny’s now-banned organization in the Siberian city of Tomsk, to almost a decade in prison, her supporters said. This is the latest in a string of heavy sentences against Russia’s opposition, with the Kremlin doubling down on the repression of civil society since launching a military operation in Ukraine in 2022.” https://www.courthousenews.com/russian-court-jails-navalny-ally-fadeyeva-for-nine-years/
Progressive News Service 