Biden: US working on 6-week cease-fire deal in Gaza
The United States is continuing to work on a deal that would see a temporary pause in the fighting in Gaza and the release of the remaining hostages taken by Hamas. President Joe Biden spoke of the plan during a joint news conference with King Abdullah of Jordan at the White House on Monday, Feb. 12.
“…the United States is working on a hostage deal between Israel and Hamas which would bring immediate and sustained period of calm to Gaza for at least six weeks, which we could then take the time to build something more enduring. Over the past month, I’ve had calls with Prime Minister Netanyahu, as well as the leaders of Egypt and Qatar, to push this forward,” Biden said.
“The key elements of the deal are on the table. There are gaps that remain, but I’m encouraging Israeli leaders to keep working to achieve the deal. The United States will do everything possible to make it happen.”
The Jordan leader said an Israeli invasion in Rafah “is certain to create another humanitarian catastrophe.” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said a ground operation in Rafah will move forward once a plan is in place to move people from the city.
Trump asks Supreme Court to weigh in after immunity claim denied: The Morning Rundown, Feb. 13, 2024
After his immunity claim was rejected by an appeals court, former President Donald Trump is asking the Supreme Court to weigh in. And Tiger Woods is putting Nike in the past, announcing a new clothing line of his own. These stories and more highlight The Morning Rundown for Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2024.
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Donald Trump turns to Supreme Court after immunity claim denied
Former President Donald Trump is turning to the Supreme Court as he claims immunity from prosecution over acts he allegedly committed while serving in the White House. On Monday, Feb. 12, Trump’s legal team urged the high court to pause his criminal case that accuses the former president of trying to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election.
It’s not known when the justices will decide on a pause in the election interference case. The former president has pleaded not guilty to the charges filed by special counsel Jack Smith. No trial date has been set as of yet, with the original date of Mar. 4 being postponed due to the appeals.
“…the United States is working on a hostage deal between Israel and Hamas which would bring immediate and sustained period of calm to Gaza for at least six weeks, which we could then take the time to build something more enduring. Over the past month, I’ve had calls with Prime Minister Netanyahu, as well as the leaders of Egypt and Qatar, to push this forward,” Biden said. “The key elements of the deal are on the table. There are gaps that remain, but I’m encouraging Israeli leaders to keep working to achieve the deal. The United States will do everything possible to make it happen.”
CIA Director William Burns is expected in Egypt on Tuesday, Feb. 13, to discuss the hostage deal further. Both the president and King Abdullah called on Israel to refrain from a planned ground operation in the Gaza town of Rafah, where more than one million displaced Palestinians are sheltering.
The Jordan leader said an Israeli invasion in Rafah “is certain to create another humanitarian catastrophe.” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said a ground operation in Rafah will move forward once a plan is in place to move people from the city.
1 killed, 5 wounded in shooting at NYC subway stop
Police said shots rang out after an argument between two groups of teens escalated. The identities of the victims have not yet been released, but police said a 34-year-old man was killed while a 14-year-old girl and 15-year-old boy, along with a 28-year-old, 29-year-old, and 71-year-old, were wounded. At least four of the wounded were said to have serious injuries.
Police are looking for the person who pulled the trigger and have not ruled out the possibility of multiple shooters.
Northeast braces for storm that could bring biggest snowfall in 2 years
New York City issued its first winter storm warning since 2022 and switched public schools to virtual learning. In Boston, classes are canceled at all public schools ahead of the storm. The mayors of both cities urged drivers to stay off the roads.
Tiger Woods unveils new ‘Sun Day Red’ clothing line
After ending his 27-year relationship with Nike in January, Tiger Woods promised there would be another chapter to his story, and now we know what that is. The 15-time major golf champion unveiled a new lifestyle brand on Monday, Feb. 12, called “Sun Day Red,” in partnership with TaylorMade.
It’s another historic mark for Super Bowl LVIII, which saw the Kansas City Chiefs defeat the San Francisco 49ers in overtime to become back-to-back champions. Next year’s Super Bowl in New Orleans will air on Fox.
3 US soldiers killed in Jordan drone strike identified: The Morning Rundown, Jan. 30, 2024
The Defense Department identifies the three U.S. soldiers killed in a drone strike at a base in Jordan as officials investigate how the attack happened. And Elon Musk says his Neuralink startup has successfully implanted a computer chip into a human’s brain for the first time. These stories and more highlight The Morning Rundown for Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2024.
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3 U.S. soldiers killed in Jordan drone strike identified
The identities of the three U.S. soldiers who were killed in an attack on a military base in Jordan on Sunday, Jan. 28, have been released as the investigation is revealing new details. The Defense Department said 46-year-old Sgt. William Jerome Rivers, 23-year-old Spc. Breonna Moffett and 24-year-old Spc. Kennedy Sanders, all from Georgia, were killed by an unmanned aerial drone attack on the troops’ sleeping quarters in the early morning hours.
"We are deeply saddened by the loss of our three Army Soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving their country in Jordan. Our prayers are with these loyal and courageous Soldiers’ families, friends, and the entire 718th Engineer Company – we honor their selfless…
The Biden administration blamed an Iranian-backed militia group for the attack, the first in which American soldiers have been killed since the start of the Israel-Hamas war. Iran has denied it was behind the strike. White House National Security spokesperson John Kirby echoed President Joe Biden’s comments a day earlier. Kriby said the U.S. would respond.
“We do not seek another war. We do not seek to escalate,” Kirby said. “But we will absolutely do what is required to protect ourselves, to continue that mission, and to respond appropriately to these attacks.”
All three soldiers who died were part of Operation Inherent Resolve, tasked with defeating ISIS in the region. The strike is believed to be the deadliest attack on U.S. service members since 13 Americans were killed in Afghanistan in 2021.
Six-week pause in war proposed for release of more hostages
Talks of another pause in the war between Israel and Hamas are in the early stages. Still, officials said the framework to deal is expected to be presented to Hamas that would see a six-week stoppage in fighting and the release of more hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners.
I met with @MBA_AlThani_ in Washington, DC, to discuss efforts to secure the release of all the remaining hostages held by Hamas. We are thankful for Qatar’s partnership and indispensable role in mediating. pic.twitter.com/ngdqwM5miY
The terms were drafted by representatives of the United States, Israel, Qatar, and Egypt on Sunday, Jan. 28, in Paris. CIA Director William Burns was among those working on the plan that Qatar would present to Hamas officials, and they would then send back a response.
“We are hoping actually, to relay this proposal to Hamas and to get them to a place where they engage positively and constructively in the process.” Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al Thani said during an Atlantic Council webinar.
Officials told the New York Times the early framework called for Hamas to release elderly hostages as well as any remaining women and children during the pause in fighting. When asked on Monday, Jan. 29, about the plan, Secretary of State Antony Blinken replied, “The less said, the better.” He added the proposal on the table is a “compelling one” and “there is some real hope going forward.”
IRS contractor sentenced to 5 years for leaking Trump’s tax records
I acted out of a sincere, if misguided, belief I was serving the public interest.
Charles Edward Littlejohn
Prosecutors said Littlejohn leaked tax data to the New York Times and ProPublica between 2018 and 2020; prosecutors called the leaks “unparalleled in the IRS’s history” and argued that Littlejohn applied to be an IRS contractor to get Trump’s tax returns and figured out how to search for records without sounding alarms.
“I acted out of a sincere, if misguided, belief I was serving the public interest,” Littlejohn said.
Littlejohn was also fined $5,000 and will be under three years of supervised release following his prison sentence. Judge Reyes said the crime was so extraordinary that the punishment must “deter others who might feel an obligation to break the law.”
Cyberattack targets government systems where Trump faces election interference charges
A cyberattack targeted Fulton County, Georgia, government systems, where former President Donald Trump faces election interference charges. According to a Fulton County official, the attack, which is being investigated by law enforcement, targeted devices that use county servers, including those used by District Attorney Fani Willis’ Office.
A county commissioner said there is no indication that any sensitive information about employees or citizens has been leaked, and there is no timeline for when the threat will end and when systems will be restored.
The attack comes as Willis faces filing deadlines in the election interference case against Trump. This week, Willis will be heard in front of a judge as to why she should not be disqualified from prosecuting the case following allegations that she had a relationship with the special prosecutor she hired to work on the Trump case.
Elon Musk says Neuralink has implanted computer chip in first human
Musk said initial results showed “promising neuron spike detection” but gave no further details on the procedure or the patient. In May of 2023, Neuralink announced it received approval from the FDA to conduct its first-in-human clinical study.
🧠 Elon Musk announced the first successful Neuralink brain chip implant in a human. Think about telling someone 10 years ago that by 2024, we'd be on the brink of unlocking telepathy…
In a follow-up post, Musk said the first Neuralink product called “telepathy” will enable the patient to use a phone or computer to control any device just by thinking. Musk said initial users will be those who have lost the use of their limbs.
Pilot believes he may have found Amelia Earhart’s long-lost plane
Tony Romeo, a former Air Force intelligence officer, said he and his crew at Deep Sea Vision may have discovered the long-lost wreckage of Earhart’s twin-engine aircraft after scanning more than 5,200 square miles of ocean floor.
The $11 million expedition used an underwater drone to capture a sonar image resembling the shape of an airplane near Howland Island, halfway between Australia and Hawaii. Earhart was set to land on the island for refueling during her 1937 flight, in which she had hoped to be the first pilot to circumnavigate the globe.
Because the images are blurry, Romeo said his team will return to the site later this year to take clearer photos to confirm if it is indeed the long-lost plane.
Alabama becomes first state to execute inmate using nitrogen gas: The Morning Rundown, Jan. 26, 2024
The first nitrogen gas execution in U.S. history is conducted in Alabama. And a grocery chain is recalling packages of cookies after officials say mislabeling led to a woman’s death. These stories and more highlight The Morning Rundown for Friday, Jan. 26, 2024.
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The state aborted its first attempt to execute Smith through lethal injection in 2022 after failing to place the IV line. After that, Smith’s lawyers requested nitrogen gas be used in the future as Alabama is one of three states to approve the method.
Governor Kay Ivey has the authority to stop Mr. Smith’s execution by nitrogen gas; or any other method proposed. And she must exercise that power. https://t.co/1gT5elc4ih
The Alabama Attorney’s General Office called it the “most painless and humane method of execution known to man.”
Prison officials said the execution started at 7:53 p.m. local time, with Smith breathing nitrogen gas through a mask. Smith was declared dead at 8:25 p.m. Media witnesses said he appeared conscious for several minutes into the execution. Corrections officials said it appeared Smith was holding his breath as long as he could.
“And then, there’s also information out there, he struggled against his restraints a little bit, but there’s some involuntary movement and some agonal breathing,” said John Hamm, Alabama Department of Corrections Commissioner. “So, that was all expected, and then the side effects that we’ve seen of nitrogen hypoxia. So nothing was out of the ordinary of what we were expecting.”
According to media witnesses, Smith used his last words to say, “Alabama caused humanity to take a step backward.”
One son of Elizabeth Sennet, the woman killed in the murder-for-hire plot, was at the execution and said Smith’s debt has been paid.
CIA director heads to Europe to negotiate Gaza hostage release, cease-fire
More than 100 days into the Israel-Hamas war, pressure on both parties to agree to a cease-fire from world leaders is mounting. CIA Director William Burns is expected to travel to France to meet with Israeli intelligence officials along with Qatari and Egyptian officials in an attempt to broker a deal for the release of the more than 100 hostages still being held by Hamas in Gaza. Among them are said to be six male Americans.
Burns’ trip will mark the fourth round of such negotiations, as he has traveled to Qatar twice in November and Poland once in an effort to get a hostage deal done.
Previous negotiations fell short of a deal, however, with Hamas adamant that hostages would only be released in exchange for an end to the war, the release of Palestinian prisoners, and Israeli troops withdrawing from Gaza. An offer that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected.
"These are not conditions meant for human beings" @JulietteTouma
“Hamas is demanding, in exchange for the release of our hostages, the end of the war, the withdrawal of our forces from Gaza, the release of the murderers and rapists of the Nukhba and leaving Hamas in place,” Netanyahu said. “I am not prepared to accept such a mortal blow to the security of Israel; therefore, we will not agree to this.”
In a statement on Jan. 18, marking the 100th day of the war, President Joe Biden made a promise to Americans who have loved ones being held captive in Gaza, saying the U.S. “will never stop working to bring Americans home.”
Trump takes stand in defamation trial, closing arguments set to begin
On Friday, Jan. 26, jurors in New York will hear closing arguments in the defamation trial of former President Donald Trump. The jury of nine will then begin deliberating on how much money, if any, the former president will have to pay magazine columnist E. Jean Carroll in damages after he denied her allegations of sexual abuse.
Trump briefly took the witness stand in his defense on Thursday, Jan. 25. His testimony lasted less than five minutes. Trump has denied any wrongdoing and claims he has never met Carroll.
Last year, Carroll was awarded $5 million in damages after a jury in a separate trial found Trump liable for battery and defamation. This current case concerns comments made by Trump in 2019 after Carroll first publicly accused him of attacking her. Carroll is seeking at least $10 million in damages this time.
Peter Navarro sentenced to four months in prison for contempt of Congress
The judge told Navarro he was not the victim, despite Navarro calling his conviction politically motivated. Navarro was also fined more than $9,000. Navarro quickly appealed, claiming he didn’t comply with the subpoena because Trump had invoked executive privilege, meaning his conversations with the former president were confidential. Navarro remains out of jail for now – as the judge decides whether he can remain free during the appeal process.
Mislabeled cookies lead to death of New York dancer, lawyers said
A grocery chain is recalling packages of cookies after officials said mislabeling led to the death of a woman in New York who was allergic to peanuts. According to the victim’s attorneys, the 25-year-old woman, originally from the United Kingdom, who moved to New York to pursue a ballet dancing career, died on Jan. 11 from anaphylactic shock resulting from a severe allergic reaction.
The cookies were sold at the grocery chain Stew Leonard’s, which has since issued a recall. Health officials in Connecticut, where the victim purchased the cookies, are warning others with a nut allergy to dispose of them. The CEO of Stew Leonard’s claimed the wholesaler, Cookies Unlimited, did not notify them of the change in the cookie’s recipe. Cookies Unlimited has disputed those allegations.
20-year-old golfing sensation decides to turn pro after PGA Tour win
Because of his win, Dunlap was granted the opportunity to join the PGA Tour through the 2026 season. He called his choice the “easiest, hardest decision” that he’s ever had to make. Dunlap is set to make his professional debut on Feb. 1 at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am.
Prosecutors allege that Menendez helped a New Jersey developer, Fred Daibes, broker a multimillion-dollar investment in a real estate project with a Qatar-based company that prosecutors said is tied to the royal family, according to the indictment. Daibes is listed as a co-defendant on the indictment.
“Menendez provided Daibes with these statements so that Daibes could share them with the Qatari Investor and a Qatari government official associated with the Qatari Investment Company,” the indictment said.
According to prosecutors, text messages between Daibes and Menendez about the scheme were discovered, along with messages and photos sent via encrypted app regarding expensive watches. Prosecutors allege that Daibes asked Menendez “how about one of those” referring to images of luxury watches ranging in price from $9,990 to $23,990.
Menendez has pleaded not guilty to the charges, and his lawyers responded to the recent indictment by saying the new allegations “stink of desperation.”
Back in September, Menendez was indicted on bribery charges; prosecutors said he and his wife pocketed hundreds of thousands of dollars in bribes that included cash, gold bars, payments toward a home mortgage, and luxury car payments, among others listed in the original indictment. Menendez has stepped down as Foreign Relations chair but remains on the committee; his trial is scheduled for May 2024.
Egypt is proposing a plan to end the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas, with both sides not yet rejecting the idea. Israel’s war cabinet met on Monday night, Dec. 25, to discuss the multi-step plan, according to Israeli officials.
According to reports, the proposal calls for a pause in the fighting of up to two weeks to allow for the release of 40 to 50 Israeli hostages, including children, women, and the elderly, in exchange for the release of approximately 140 Palestinians imprisoned in Israel.
The pause would be followed by the creation of a transitional government for the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, consisting of several Palestinian factions, including Hamas and the Palestinian Authority. Israel and Hamas would then negotiate an “all-for-all” deal that would see the release of all remaining hostages in return for all Palestinian prisoners, Israel’s military withdrawing from Gaza, and Palestinian militant groups halting rocket attacks at Israel.
Hamas must be destroyed, Gaza must be demilitarized, and Palestinian society must be deradicalized.
Benjamin Netanyahu, Israeli Prime Minister
The Egyptian plan was shared with Israel, Hamas, Qatar, and the U.S. last week. Though a proposal may be in discussion, Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu gave no sign of a possible deal in the works, telling troops in Northern Gaza on Monday, Dec. 25, “We’re not stopping, the war continues until the end.”
In an op-ed piece published in The Wall Street Journal later in the day, Netanyahu outlined three things he sees are needed to be accomplished for peace: “Hamas must be destroyed, Gaza must be demilitarized, and Palestinian society must be deradicalized.”
US strikes Iran-backed groups after drone attack on servicemembers in Iraq: The Morning Rundown, Dec. 26, 2023
America retaliates against Iran-backed militant groups following an attack on U.S. servicemembers in Iraq. And, as of today, Dec. 26, some of Apple’s most popular watches are no longer for sale. These stories and more highlight The Morning Rundown for Tuesday, Dec. 26, 2023.
US strikes Iran-backed groups after attack injures 3 US servicemembers in Iraq
The United States has fired retaliatory strikes against Iranian-backed militia groups in Iraq following a drone attack hours earlier that injured three U.S. servicemembers at an airbase in northern Iraq. One of the servicemembers was critically injured.
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The strikes were carried out around 4:45 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 26, local time, less than 13 hours after the attack on U.S. personnel. National Security Council spokeswoman Adrienne Watson said President Joe Biden was alerted of the attack on the air base and ordered the Pentagon and top security aids to prepare response options.
According to a statement by Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, the strikes targeted three facilities used by Kataib Hezbollah, who claimed credit for the drone attack, and affiliated groups. The U.S. Central Command said “a number of Kataib Hezbollah militants” were likely killed.
…the president and I will not hesitate to take necessary action to defend the United States, our troops, and our interests. There is no higher priority
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin
U.S. troops in the Middle East have come under dozens of attacks since the war between Israel and Hamas began on Oct. 7. Austin said in addition to the drone incident, the strikes were in response to the series of attacks against U.S. servicemembers in Iraq and Syria by Iranian-sponsored militias.
“And let me be clear – the president and I will not hesitate to take necessary action to defend the United States, our troops, and our interests. There is no higher priority,” Austin said. “While we do not seek to escalate conflict in the region, we are committed and fully prepared to take further necessary measures to protect our people and our facilities.”
Egypt proposes a plan to end Israel-Hamas war
Egypt is proposing a plan to end the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas, with both sides not yet rejecting the idea. Israel’s war cabinet met on Monday night, Dec. 25, to discuss the multi-step plan, according to Israeli officials.
According to reports, the proposal calls for a pause in the fighting of up to two weeks to allow for the release of more Israeli hostages, including children, women, and the elderly, in exchange for the release of approximately 140 Palestinians imprisoned in Israel.
The pause would be followed by the creation of a transitional government for the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, consisting of several Palestinian factions, including Hamas and the Palestinian Authority. Israel and Hamas would then negotiate an “all-for-all” deal that would see the release of all remaining hostages in return for all Palestinian prisoners, as well as Israel’s military withdrawing from Gaza and Palestinian militant groups halting rocket attacks at Israel.
The Egyptian plan was shared with Israel, Hamas, Qatar, and the U.S. last week. Though a proposal may be in discussion, Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu gave no sign of a possible deal in the works, telling troops in Northern Gaza on Monday, Dec. 25, “We’re not stopping, the war continues until the end.”
In an op-ed piece published in The Wall Street Journal later in the day, Netanyahu outlined three things he sees are needed to be accomplished for peace, “Hamas must be destroyed, Gaza must be demilitarized, and Palestinian society must be deradicalized.”
Congress consistently works 3 to 4 days in Washington
Congress is currently on holiday break, and members won’t be back in Washington D.C. until Jan. 8, for what will surely be a busy start to their year with debates over Ukraine and Israel aid, border security, and keeping the government running still to be settled. Straight Arrow News’ political correspondent Ray Bogan looked at the typical workweek of members of Congress, who consistently work three to four days a week in D.C., with travel days on Mondays and Thursdays.
Some lawmakers tell Straight Arrow News that consistently leaving has a negative impact on getting work done and building bipartisanship. You can find Ray’s full report, including reactions from members of Congress, here.
Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene was the target of swatting on Christmas Day
A swatting attempt targeting Republican Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene’s home on Christmas Day was sniffed out by local authorities. According to law enforcement, a man from New York called the suicide prevention hotline claiming he had shot his girlfriend and was going to kill himself at the congresswoman’s Georgia home.
“I was just swatted. This is like the 8th time. On Christmas with my family here. My local police are the GREATEST and shouldn’t have to deal with this,” Greene wrote.
Law enforcement also confirmed that Greene has been the target of swatting in the past, where callers report fake emergencies to draw a large armed police response to her home. Congressman Brandon Williams of New York also posted on social media that he was a target of swatting on Christmas, too. Williams said police were investigating.
Judge rules bonuses lawsuit against X will move forward
A federal judge has ruled that another lawsuit brought against the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, will move forward and head to trial. Elon Musk’s company is accused of not paying out more than $5 million in bonuses to staff after his takeover in October 2022.
X argued in court that an oral promise should not be binding and Texas law should apply to the case since that is where the employee lives. But the judge ruled against the social media giant and said the case could move forward based on California law — as the company is based in San Francisco.
Latest Apple watch no longer sold in stores over patent dispute
If you found the latest Apple watch under your Christmas tree yesterday, Dec. 25, you may have one of the last ones to be sold. As of today, Dec. 26, the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 are no longer available in Apple stores.
While Apple has pulled the disputed watches from the market, it said it is “pursuing a range of legal and technical options to ensure that Apple Watch is available to customers.” But if you’re still looking to buy an Apple Watch, the ruling does not affect older models, like the Apple Watch SE, which are still available.
10 Americans, fugitive released in prisoner swap with Venezuela: The Morning Rundown, Dec. 21, 2023
Ten Americans and a fugitive are released from Venezuelan custody as part of a prisoner exchange between the two countries. And two media giants begin talks about a potential merger. These stories and more highlight The Morning Rundown for Thursday, Dec. 21, 2023.
10 Americans, fugitive released from Venezuelan custody in prisoner swap
Ten Americans imprisoned in Venezuela have been released as part of a prisoner swap between the two countries on Wednesday, Dec. 20. The White House said six of the Americans were wrongfully detained, and they are now back on U.S. soil.
As we welcome home our fellow citizens, I must also remind all Americans of the long-standing warning against traveling to Venezuela. Americans should not travel there.
President Biden
The deal also included the return of a fugitive known as “Fat Leonard.” Malaysian businessman Leonard Francis fled to Venezuela in 2022 while under house arrest in San Diego after pleading guilty to what is considered to be one of the biggest bribery scandals in U.S. Navy history.
Francis admitted he offered more than $500,000 in cash bribes to Navy officials so they could steer business to his company in Asia. Also, as part of the prisoner exchange, the U.S. freed Alex Saab, a close ally of Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro, who was charged with money laundering in Florida in 2019.
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The swap is the latest agreement between the two nations. In October, the U.S. lifted some sanctions on Venezuela’s oil industry after the country’s government promised to open its 2024 presidential election to opponents of Maduro.
“As we welcome home our fellow citizens, I must also remind all Americans of the long-standing warning against traveling to Venezuela,” President Biden said in a statement following the prisoner swap.” Americans should not travel there.”
Israel says 3 hostages can be heard on video days before accidental shooting
More evidence is being uncovered after three hostages were mistakenly killed by Israeli troops last week in Gaza. The Israeli military said late Wednesday, Dec. 20, that the voices of the three hostages could be heard on video that was recorded approximately five days before the shooting but recovered a few days after.
The military said the video, which has not been released, was captured on a GoPro camera attached to one of its dogs. The dog was sent into a building and was killed by Hamas militants, but the camera kept recording. Israel’s military said its soldiers killed the militants inside the building, and that allowed the hostages to escape. Days later, the three hostages were shot dead by Israeli troops after being mistaken as a threat. The military said it will soon release the results of its investigation into the accidental killing, which it said violated its rules of engagement.
The death of the three hostages prompted renewed calls for a pause in the fighting from many in Israel as well as nations like the United States. On Wednesday, Dec. 20, Hamas leaders arrived in Egypt to talk of another temporary cease-fire and a deal for Hamas to release more Israeli hostages in exchange for imprisoned Palestinians in Israel.
Judge blocks California law banning guns in public places
On Wednesday, Dec. 20, a federal judge blocked a California law that would ban carrying firearms in public places starting on Jan. 1. U.S. District Judge Cormac Carney wrote in his ruling that the law violates the Second Amendment and would “unconstitutionally deprive” people with concealed carry permits of their right to defend themselves and their families.
The law was signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) in September and would have prohibited guns at places like public parks, playgrounds, zoos, churches, and banks. Judge Carney called the law “repugnant to the Second Amendment and openly defiant of the Supreme Court.”
Meanwhile, California Attorney General Rob Bonta said the state will appeal the judge’s ruling, adding it “would endanger communities by allowing guns in places where families and children gather.”
Trump asks Supreme Court to stay out of immunity dispute for now
“Haste makes waste” is what former President Trump’s attorneys wrote to the Supreme Court on Wednesday, Dec. 20, asking for SCOTUS to let the debate over presidential immunity play out in the lower courts first. The debate revolves around special counsel Jack Smith’s case against the former president, charged with a “criminal scheme” to overturn the 2020 election results.
The United States recognizes that this is an extraordinary request. This is an extraordinary case.
Jack Smith
Trump’s team argues he cannot be prosecuted for trying to overturn the election and that former presidents cannot face criminal charges for conduct related to their official responsibilities. Last week, Jack Smith urged the high court to rule on Trump’s claim in an expedited manner before lower courts have a chance to rule on it so as not to delay the trial; Smith said the issue is of high public importance.
“The United States recognizes that this is an extraordinary request,” Smith wrote. “This is an extraordinary case.”
Trump’s team contends this issue must play out in the lower courts first before the Supreme Court steps in. Trump has pleaded not guilty to the charges, and a trial date is set for March 4th for now. If Trump is reelected on Nov. 5, he could seek to pardon himself of any federal crimes.
Warner Bros. Discovery in talks to merge with Paramount
According to multiple reports, Warner Bros. Discovery and Paramount are in talks of a potential merger. As first reported by Axios, sources say the CEOs of the two companies met over lunch on Tuesday, Dec. 19, at Paramount’s New York City headquarters for several hours, where they discussed the possible deal. The merger between the two media giants would mean combining their streaming services, Max and Paramount+, to compete better with Netflix and Disney+.
Paramount would bring its TV assets like CBS and Nickelodeon to join WBD’s operations, which include CNN and HBO. On the movie front, Warner Bros. Pictures has the DC Universe and Lord of the Ring film franchises. Paramount’s properties include Mission Impossible and Star Trek.
The deal could mean WBD buying Paramount or its Paramount company, National Amusements. Sources said both options are on the table.
‘2024’ display arrives in Times Square for New Year’s Eve ball drop
With only a few days left in the year, New York City is getting ready to ring in 2024, and on Wednesday, Dec. 20, one crucial part of the city’s tradition arrived in Times Square. The numerals “2024” were delivered after the lighted display took a coast-to-coast road trip from California that began earlier this month, covering more than 2,800 miles.
The numbers were tested, ensuring they’d light up the sky when the ball dropped and the clock hit midnight on New Year’s. Before being raised atop Times Square on Friday, Dec. 22, the numerals will remain on display for visitors to see up close.
Israel, Hamas negotiating second temporary cease-fire for hostage release
Israel is now open to a second temporary cease-fire, offering a pause in the war for one week and additional humanitarian aid in exchange for hostages taken by Hamas. Israel is demanding the release of more than three dozen hostages, and the country reports that over 100 people are still being held captive.
This is first time Israel has put an offer on the table since November’s pause. However, it is unknown when Hamas will be open to a deal after the group said no more hostages would be released unless Israel permanently ends the war.
Both Egypt and Qatar are playing key roles in negotiating between Israel and Hamas. The BBC reported that Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh has traveled to Cairo, potentially signaling a significant stage in the second round of negotiations.
While Hamas wants Israel to call back its troops for good, Israel said that will only happen when Hamas is destroyed following the Oct. 7 attacks.
According to media reports in Israel, Israel is asking for the remaining women hostages be released, along with men who are elderly and in need of urgent medical attention.
Doctors who have treated hostages report patients being branded, echoing how Jews were treated during the Holocaust. Doctors also said there was a significant amount of sexual abuse and evidence of physical and mental torture.
A prominent Jew here in America, comedian Jerry Seinfeld, met with some of the hostages who were released during the first temporary cease-fire. Seinfeld promised families he would raise awareness about the torture hostages are being experiencing from Hamas.
Seinfeld wore a dog tag around his neck that said, “Bring them home.”
Iran upgrading air force with jets from Russia no one else wants
For the first time in more than 30 years, Iran is buying new fighter jets. Well, not new, but new to them. In addition to some fourth-generation Su-35s, Iran is buying some Mi-28 attack helicopters from Russia and training aircraft as well.
The deal was first announced a year ago, but Mehdi Farahi, Iran’s deputy defense minister, said the agreement is now finalized. A timeline for when exactly the aircraft will be delivered is still up in the air.
The Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force currently maintains a small fleet of older fighter jets that, quite frankly, wouldn’t stand a chance in modern air combat. So, even though the Su-35 is considered by many to be the most over-hyped fourth-generation aircraft on the market, they will still be the most advanced fighters Iran’s air force has ever flown.
Russia touts its flankers as “fourth-generation plus plus” multi-role fighters; supposedly superior to the U.S.-made F-16.
Su-35s are fast and highly maneuverable. They can carry a fairly extensive amount of armament and can operate at day or night in most weather conditions.
A skilled pilot flying a flanker would present a challenge to another fourth-generation aircraft, but they are not on the same level. And Su-35s don’t hold a candle next to fifth-generation fighters like the F-22 or F-35.
More than one aerospace expert called the Su-35’s sensors and radars the “least capable” in its class.
An analysis from 2020 showed the fighter’s maximum targeting range was around just 155 miles. The mapping feature alone on the F-16’s radar has a greater range than that. And the targeting systems on fifth-gen fighters, like the ones flown by the U.S. and Israel, can engage targets beyond the visible horizon.
Even though Russia hasn’t officially confirmed the deal with Iran, it’s believed the planes being bought were originally built for Egypt’s air force.
In 2018, Egypt ordered 24 Su-35s, a deal at the time worth $2 billion. But Egypt withdrew from the agreement after the U.S. threatened sanctions. The planes were still made, however, and apparently now have a new home.
Egypt isn’t the only country to back out of a deal to buy Su-35s from Russia over the last decade. The United Arab Emirates thought about buying some but went with the French-made Rafales instead.
Algeria, Indonesia, Turkey, and Vietnam all showed some initial interest in flying flankers, and all ended up with something else.
India is still looking to upgrade its air force, but there again, the French-made Rafale appears to be the frontrunner.
And Russia can’t put all the blame on the U.S. or the West for killing those deals. The Su-35’s recent battlefield performance isn’t exactly dominant.
At least five Su-35 flankers were shot down in Ukraine by a country with a notably smaller air force. One of the downed flankers was part of the now infamous “five aircraft in five minutes” saga where a single Ukrainian PATRIOT air defense system shot down three Russian helicopters and two Russian jets in the span of just five minutes.
If Iran plans to use its newly acquired flankers against Israel, which is a growing possibility considering the condition of the Middle East, the fight would be short lived. Israel has plenty of modern air defense systems, including PATRIOT missile batteries, which will make quick work of the older Russian aircraft.