As we head into what feels like day 75 of January, a view to what’s ahead. As always thanks again to those who have supported with a paid subscription and make my work here and on social media possible.
The aftermath and fallout from the police slaying of Tyre Nichols
The nation plunged once again into heartbreak, anguish and outrage when video footage was released of the brutal killing of young father, budding photographer and avid skateboard enthusiast Tyre Nichols by five police officers in Memphis, Tennessee. There are widespread calls for reform and accountability, but will they really go anywhere?
Anti-trans laws gain steam
Utah became the first, but likely will not be the last, state this year to outright deny gender affirming care for transgender youth. The way the governor couched the move is even more cynical and disturbing. Why have trans people become the target of the right, and what’s being done to stop this dehumanizing and dangerous legislation?
Removal of Democratic House members from committees
Speaker Kevin McCarthy made good on his promise to boot Reps. Adam Schiff (D-CA) and Eric Swallwell (D-CA) from the House Select Intelligence Committee. But to kick Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) off the Foreign Affairs Committee, he’ll need a full House vote…and he may lack the votes to pull it off. I’ll count up the votes this week. That pesky narrow majority!
Peter Navarro’s contempt trial gets underway
Navarro hopes that no one is paying attention, but as a result of this trial, he could be convicted and sentenced much like Bannon was and face jail time. Trump had offered him zero help, at least until recently. But is Trump’s half-hearted toss of a life preserver to Navarro really going to sway the judge?
Charging decisions are imminent in Georgia
Every Tuesday I wonder if this will be the day the Fulton County grand jury comes out with indictments or packs it up and goes home. Indications are the former, based on arguments presented during the recent hearing on whether to release the investigative grand jury’s report to the public. DA Fani Willis says don’t do it—because defendants are entitled to a fair trial. Wait, did she say there will be defendants?
George Santos, because of course
Deepening legal problems for the Fabulist GOP House member signal trouble ahead and likely criminal indictments. It turns out that many of his donors aren’t real, and others who are listed never actually donated to his campaign. Should we put up a head of lettuce soon? What lies yet still romaine?
So many stories bubbling already, but if you’ve got questions, throw them in the comments and I’ll add them to the mix of my thinking and research!
Have a great rest of your weekend—
Jay
P.S. Moment of honesty here: New paid supporters of this substack have fallen off sharply lately, so if you’ve been meaning to upgrade from free, consider stepping up today!
I was asked just now why I upgraded to paid. I upgraded because I want Mr. Kuo to succeed. He is generous with his free articles. I couldn’t believe my luck that I got to read this good stuff for free for so long. He is engaging because of the unmistakable ring of truth he puts forth and because of the style of his pen. He’s easy to follow. I don’t have to reread everything to figure out what he’s saying. Hats off and thank you to Jay Kuo.
I think McCarthy is afraid these super intelligent Dems will only show exactly how stupid he and his mob really are. But what he’s doing is disgusting and shouldn’t be permitted.