Political analyst Mark Halperin expressed skepticism on Tuesday regarding the likelihood of California Governor Gavin Newsom running for president in 2028, despite the governor’s rising popularity among Democratic voters. A recent Emerson College poll showed Newsom trailing only Vice President Kamala Harris, who leads the 2028 Democratic field with 37% support, while Newsom holds 7%.
Judge Shelley M. Richmond Joseph, who previously faced felony charges for allegedly aiding an illegal migrant’s escape from federal immigration authorities, is once again under scrutiny. The Massachusetts Commission on Judicial Conduct filed formal charges Monday, accusing Joseph of “willful judicial misconduct” and actions “unbecoming” of a judicial officer. The charges are now before the state Supreme Judicial Court.
President-elect Donald Trump has reaffirmed his opposition to the proposed $14.9 billion acquisition of U.S. Steel by Japanese company Nippon Steel. Trump pledged to block the deal, continuing the stance taken by the Biden administration earlier this year. He proposed stronger tariffs and tax incentives to reinvigorate the iconic steel company and prevent it from relocating its operations out of Pittsburgh.
China announced Tuesday a ban on exporting certain minerals and metals to the U.S., escalating the ongoing trade and tech war. The targeted materials—germanium, gallium, antimony, and superhard substances—are vital for manufacturing semiconductors, batteries, and military hardware.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has expressed a growing interest in peace negotiations with Russia, reportedly considering a deal that would trade NATO membership for the surrender of Russian-occupied territories.
The Supreme Court will hear arguments Wednesday in U.S. v. Skrmetti, a pivotal case challenging Tennessee’s 2023 ban on gender-affirming care for minors to include hormone treatments and puberty blockers.
President-elect Donald Trump has pledged to prioritize the release of American hostages held by Hamas, declaring that there would be "all hell to pay" if they are not freed before his January 20 inauguration.
Senator Joe Manchin called on President Joe Biden to issue a pardon for President-elect Donald Trump, citing the need for balance following Biden’s controversial pardon of his son, Hunter Biden. Speaking to CNN, the West Virginia independent suggested a blanket pardon for Trump to "clean the slate."
