politics

We speak with the husband and sister of Ayşenur Ezgi Eygi, the 26-year-old Turkish American activist killed by Israeli forces in the occupied West Bank in September, who have criticized the Biden administration for failing to independently investigate her death. The recent University of Washington graduate was fatally shot in the head after taking part in a weekly protest against illegal Israeli settlements in the town of Beita, which she attended as an international observer. Witnesses say she was shot by an Israeli sniper after the demonstration had already dispersed. Members of Eygi’s family spoke with Secretary of State Antony Blinken earlier this week but left the meeting with little hope the U.S. would hold Israel accountable. “Accountability starts with an investigation by the U.S. of the killing of one of its own citizens by an ally,” says Eygi’s husband Hamid Ali. “The answer to the question of why my wife is not getting justice is because Israel enjoys this level of impunity throughout its existence that no other country, no other state in the world enjoys.”

“COL raise for me but not for thee.”

Summary

The House Ethics Committee voted to release its report on former Rep. Matt Gaetz, reversing an earlier decision to withhold it.

The report, expected after Congress adjourns for the year, concludes a years-long investigation into allegations including sexual misconduct, drug use, and misuse of campaign funds, all of which Gaetz denies.

The decision follows Gaetz’s resignation after being briefly considered for attorney general by Donald Trump.

Speaker Mike Johnson opposed the report’s release, but some Republicans sided with Democrats to make it public. Gaetz plans to join One America News Network in January.

Summary

Progressives criticized House Democrats for choosing Rep. Gerry Connolly over Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez for the top Democratic seat on the House Oversight Committee.

The 131-84 vote, reportedly influenced by former Speaker Nancy Pelosi, sparked backlash against the party’s “gerontocracy,” with critics like MSNBC’s Joy Reid and others arguing it prioritizes seniority over fresh ideas.

Connolly defended the decision, citing his experience, but progressives argued it reflects the Democratic Party’s resistance to change, hindering its ability to address future challenges and energize younger voters.

Summary

Donald Trump has escalated his attacks on the press, filing lawsuits against outlets like the Des Moines Register and CBS over alleged fraud and defamation.

These moves come amid his broader campaign to weaken press freedoms, including efforts to overturn New York Times v. Sullivan, a landmark ruling protecting journalists from frivolous lawsuits.

While some media outlets have caved under pressure, Trump's critics warn this undermines free speech.

Legal battles and backlash from alleged ties between pro-Trump groups and pollsters could complicate his crusade. Trump remains emboldened by his legal and political maneuvers.

Summary

Donald Trump has sued the Des Moines Register and pollster J Ann Selzer, alleging consumer fraud and "election interference" over a November poll showing Kamala Harris leading him in Iowa by three points.

Trump, who ultimately won the state by 13 points, claims the poll was intentionally misleading and seeks damages and restrictions on the newspaper’s polling practices.

Gannett, the paper’s parent company, dismissed the lawsuit as baseless.

The suit adds to Trump’s ongoing legal actions against media outlets, including CBS News, Simon & Schuster, and Bob Woodward, over similar allegations.

Summary

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) lost her bid to lead Democrats on the House Oversight Committee, defeated 131-84 by Rep. Gerry Connolly in a secret caucus vote.

Reports suggest former Speaker Nancy Pelosi actively lobbied against AOC, backing Connolly by making calls and using political capital to sway votes.

Connolly, 74, cited his experience and record as decisive factors in his victory, despite progressive disappointment over AOC’s loss.

Supporters viewed AOC’s bid as a chance to revitalize Democratic strategy, calling the outcome a missed opportunity for the party.

Summary

Donald Trump’s lawyers allege “grave juror misconduct” in his New York criminal case, where he was convicted on 34 felony counts. Their claims, based on a juror’s report, remain vague and heavily redacted.

Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg’s office dismissed the allegations as inaccurate hearsay, and Judge Juan Merchan stated he cannot act on them unless properly sworn evidence is submitted.

Separately, Merchan denied Trump’s motion to dismiss the case on presidential immunity grounds.

This prompted Trump to criticize the judge and case as a “rigged hoax” on Truth Social.

Sigh...

Right when he's completely useless, he pushes for this. Pathetic and disingenuous.

He's sooooo close to understanding the problem but fucked it all up and going to screw us all in yet another way.