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Today's Political News Compilation - Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025
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Why Mike Johnson’s bid to remain House speaker could be a struggle despite Trump’s support
By FARNOUSH AMIRIUpdated 1:30 PM CST, January 2, 2025
WASHINGTON (AP) — Mike Johnson is fighting for his political life, again.
The Louisiana Republican’s hold on the House speaker’s gavel and his position as second in line to the presidency will be tested Friday when a new Congress convenes and House Republicans weigh whether to reelect him to the post.
The challenge, as always, is that Johnson will need almost every Republican vote to win.
Johnson has a singular asset in his favor: President-elect Donald Trump endorsed him for speaker in a social media post at the start of the week. But it’s uncertain whether Trump’s blessing will be enough to persuade far-right Republicans who have at times grown frustrated with Johnson’s leadership and who are prone to demand concessions when their votes become essential.
Johnson, 52, ascended to the speakership in October 2023 almost by accident after Republicans struggled to replace Kevin McCarthy following the unprecedented removal of the California Republican from the job. Several contenders tried and failed before Republicans settled on Johnson, who is well liked across the conference. ...
READ THE FULL STORY - AP
House to vote on rule making it harder to oust speaker
The threshold that allowed a single member to trigger a no-confidence vote to remove the speaker will be increased to nine members.
www.cbsnews.comAn Army veteran's path to radicalization followed divorces and struggling businesses in Texas
Shamsud-Din Jabbar seemed smart, quiet and devout to those around him. He grew up in Texas, joined the U.S.
apnews.com
Biden awards Presidential Citizens Medal to Liz Cheney, Bennie Thompson, who led Jan. 6 select committee
Rep. Bennie Thompson, a Mississippi Democrat, and former Rep. Liz Cheney, a Wyoming Republican, served as chair and vice chair of the House Jan. 6 select committee.
www.cbsnews.com
Trump and GOP allies falsely blame New Orleans attack on immigration failures
The driver who killed at least 14 people and injured 30 was a U.S. citizen from Texas.
www.nbcnews.comBiden awards the 2nd highest civilian award to leaders of the Jan. 6 committee and 18 others
President Joe Biden has awarded the second-highest civilian medal to Liz Cheney and Bennie Thompson, leaders of the congressional investigation into the Capitol riot.
apnews.com
Trump says he's not changed his mind on H-1B visas as debate rages within MAGA coalition
President-elect Donald Trump said on Tuesday that he has not changed his mind on the H-1B visa program, as it continues to spark debate within the Republican/MAGA coalition.
Court strikes down US net neutrality rules
The ruling marks a significant moment in the long running battle over how to regulate internet providers.
www.bbc.com
Clarence Thomas won’t face Justice Department referral over ethics - Washington Examiner
The Judicial Conference rejected Democrats' bid to refer Thomas to the Justice Department, citing his amended disclosures and limits on its authority over the high court.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
The 119th Congress begins tomorrow. Here's what to know for the 2025 session.
The 119th Congress begins Friday with Republicans in full control of the House and Senate for the first time since 2019. Here's what to know.
www.cbsnews.comFBI releases new video of a suspect planting a pipe bomb near DNC offices on eve of the Capitol riot
The FBI is releasing new information about a suspect who planted pipe bombs four years ago outside the offices of the Democratic and Republican national committees near the Capitol.
apnews.com
FBI releases timeline of suspect Shamsud-Dim Jabbar's New Orleans attack
As a portrait begins to emerge of the suspect behind the deadly New Orleans attack, federal investigators have laid out a timeline of events.
Updates: New massacre in Gaza as Israel kills more than 60 Palestinians
These were the updates on Israel’s war on Gaza for Thursday, January 2.
Soldier shot self in head before Cybertruck exploded outside Trump's Las Vegas hotel, officials say
Matthew Livelsberger was a member of the Army’s elite Green Berets, according to an Army statement.
apnews.com
Analysis: No love lost between Trump and Biden as inauguration looms | CNN Politics
Things could be a little frosty inside the president’s armored limo on the morning of January 20.
www.cnn.com
Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry faces backlash for restaurant photo after deadly terror attack
Gov. Jeff Landry is under scrutiny for posting a cheerful photo of him outside a New Orleans restaurant hours after the deadly truck attack.
www.usatoday.com
New Orleans victims' families seek answers in deadly New Years attack
The family of one 25-year-old victim says they have had "zero information" about how he was killed.
www.bbc.com
NYE terrorist attacks renew concern over military members’ radicalization - Washington Examiner
Two veterans are accused of perpetrating terrorist attacks on New Year's Eve, bolstering concerns over the lethality of radicalized military members.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Judicial body won't refer Clarence Thomas to Justice Department over ethics lapses
The head of the Judicial Conference said there is legal uncertainty over whether it has the authority to refer complaints about Supreme Court justices.
www.nbcnews.com[URL...
Latest Political News Feed
DOJ agrees not to reveal names of FBI agents who worked on Jan. 6 cases
Washington — The Justice Department said the federal government would not publicly release the names of FBI agents who worked on the now-closed investigation into the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol, according to a court order filed Friday.
The Justice Department and a group of unnamed FBI agents reached an agreement in which the government said it would not disclose a list of the agents' names that was compiled by the FBI and transmitted to the Justice Department on Tuesday unless there is two days' notice given to the agents.
The two sides...
Continue reading...The Justice Department and a group of unnamed FBI agents reached an agreement in which the government said it would not disclose a list of the agents' names that was compiled by the FBI and transmitted to the Justice Department on Tuesday unless there is two days' notice given to the agents.
The two sides...
WA Democrats reportedly block move to nix 48-hour scholastic assault reporting requirement
A new Washington state bill characterized as a repeal of the state’s Parents Bill of Rights now includes a provision allowing information to be essentially withheld from parents regarding assaults of their children for up to 48 hours.
State Sen. Claire Wilson, D-Federal Way, attested to the Washington State Standard the bill overall "doesn’t change any rights" and is a "cleanup bill" that updates health privacy provisions to align with current law.
In a House Education Committee hearing this week, one lawmaker unsuccessfully attempted to undo the...
Continue reading...State Sen. Claire Wilson, D-Federal Way, attested to the Washington State Standard the bill overall "doesn’t change any rights" and is a "cleanup bill" that updates health privacy provisions to align with current law.
In a House Education Committee hearing this week, one lawmaker unsuccessfully attempted to undo the...
Lawmakers demand Bondi's DOJ investigate Biden's post-Election Day dismissal of green energy fraud lawsuit
EXCLUSIVE: Republican lawmakers are calling on the Trump administration to investigate President Biden's dismissal of a lawsuit claiming millions in fraud from a green energy project the day after the 2024 election.
In 2011, President Barack Obama's Treasury Department granted Tonopah Solar Energy, LLC hundreds of millions of dollars for the construction of a green energy solar plant, the Crescent Dunes Solar Energy Project, in Nevada.
However, the energy group was eventually sued by CMB Export, LLC for alleged fraud involving approximately $275...
Continue reading...In 2011, President Barack Obama's Treasury Department granted Tonopah Solar Energy, LLC hundreds of millions of dollars for the construction of a green energy solar plant, the Crescent Dunes Solar Energy Project, in Nevada.
However, the energy group was eventually sued by CMB Export, LLC for alleged fraud involving approximately $275...
FBI, DOJ strike agreement in lawsuit over January 6 agent list amid fears of retaliation
The Justice Department and FBI agents reached an agreement Friday in federal court after the FBI filed a lawsuit seeking to block the Trump administration from releasing information about its agents involved in the Jan. 6 investigation.
According to the text of the deal, the Trump administration cannot release information about the agents who investigated the January 6, 2021, U.S. Capitol riot without giving plaintiffs at least two days' notice so that the matter can be considered again in federal court.
It does not, however, place such a time...
Continue reading...According to the text of the deal, the Trump administration cannot release information about the agents who investigated the January 6, 2021, U.S. Capitol riot without giving plaintiffs at least two days' notice so that the matter can be considered again in federal court.
It does not, however, place such a time...
Army recruiting is up, but data show trend began before the election, former Army official says
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Sen. Tom Cotton attributed increased Army recruiting numbers to "America First" leadership and "the Trump effect."
However, data indicates that recruiting numbers began to improve months before the U.S. Presidential election, according to a former official.
"You had some number of young men and women who didn't want to join the army over the last four years under Joe Biden and Christine Wormuth, the former secretary of the Army, when they thought it was more focused on Wokeness and DEI and climate change," Cotton...
Continue reading...However, data indicates that recruiting numbers began to improve months before the U.S. Presidential election, according to a former official.
"You had some number of young men and women who didn't want to join the army over the last four years under Joe Biden and Christine Wormuth, the former secretary of the Army, when they thought it was more focused on Wokeness and DEI and climate change," Cotton...
'BACK TO PLASTIC!': Trump vows executive order ending 'ridiculous' push for paper straws
President Donald Trump is planning to end bans and restrictions on plastic straws, according to his recent post on Truth Social.
"I will be signing an Executive Order next week ending the ridiculous Biden push for Paper Straws, which don't work," Trump posted Friday. "BACK TO PLASTIC!"
If signed, the executive order would affect laws in several Democratic-run states that currently have bans or restrictions on single-use plastic straws, such as California, Colorado, New York, Maine, Oregon, Vermont, Rhode Island and Washington.
The impending...
Continue reading..."I will be signing an Executive Order next week ending the ridiculous Biden push for Paper Straws, which don't work," Trump posted Friday. "BACK TO PLASTIC!"
If signed, the executive order would affect laws in several Democratic-run states that currently have bans or restrictions on single-use plastic straws, such as California, Colorado, New York, Maine, Oregon, Vermont, Rhode Island and Washington.
The impending...
Hamas names next hostages to be released
The three civilians will be exchanged for more Palestinian prisoners in the latest swap on Saturday.
Continue reading...Sudan army makes huge gains as it seeks to recapture war-torn capital
"Shrapnel and stray ammunition are falling on my neighbourhood," a doctor tells the BBC.
Continue reading...Sexual violence against children in Haiti rises by 1,000%, UN says
Unicef says gangs are inflicting "unimaginable horrors on children".
Continue reading...Venezuela calls US seizure of plane 'brazen theft'
The US says the Venezuelan aircraft was involved in violations of US export control and sanctions laws.
Continue reading...Watch: Passenger train engulfed by flames in Pennsylvania
More than 300 people were safely evacuated after a fire started under the first car of the train.
Continue reading...Trump considering sale of U.S. Steel to Nippon Steel
President Trump is considering allowing Japan's Nippon Steel to complete its $14.1 billion acquisition of U.S. Steel, according to multiple sources.
Approval of the transaction isn't definite, and Mr. Trump has not made a final decision, sources say.
He is meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba Friday and is expected to discuss the merger, along with automotive issues and tariffs. In the Oval Office, seated next to the Japanese prime minister, Mr. Trump told reporters he hasn't changed his mind on the sale.
It's not immediately known...
Continue reading...Approval of the transaction isn't definite, and Mr. Trump has not made a final decision, sources say.
He is meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba Friday and is expected to discuss the merger, along with automotive issues and tariffs. In the Oval Office, seated next to the Japanese prime minister, Mr. Trump told reporters he hasn't changed his mind on the sale.
It's not immediately known...
Trump and the 'unitary executive': The presidential power theory driving his 2nd term
President Trump's flurry of executive actions and orders spark a critical question: Does he have the power he claims to have?
Continue reading...Trump to hold press conference with Japanese prime minister
Washington — President Trump is holding a joint press conference with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba Friday, as Japan's Nippon Steel hopes the Trump administration will allow a nearly $15 billion bid for U.S. Steel to move forward.
Mr. Trump met with the CEO of U.S. Steel, David Burritt, at the White House on Thursday. The Biden administration blocked the sale of U.S. Steel to Nippon Steel last month, and Nippon Steel hopes the Trump administration will allow the sale to proceed, despite Mr. Trump's previous vow to also block the deal. U.S...
Continue reading...Mr. Trump met with the CEO of U.S. Steel, David Burritt, at the White House on Thursday. The Biden administration blocked the sale of U.S. Steel to Nippon Steel last month, and Nippon Steel hopes the Trump administration will allow the sale to proceed, despite Mr. Trump's previous vow to also block the deal. U.S...