December 19, 2024: Fani Willis DISQUALIFIED, Mangione's New FEDERAL Indictment, Stopgap Measure SCRAPPED. PLUS...Is the Biden Admin Selling Off Sections of the Border Wall?
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Deep Dive
WHY was Fani Willis disqualified from the Georgia election interference case?
Fani Willis, the District Attorney prosecuting the Georgia election interference case against Donald Trump and others, was disqualified due to a romantic relationship with Nathan Wade, the special prosecutor she appointed to the case. This relationship created a significant appearance of impropriety, leading to Willis's disqualification.
What is the current status of the stopgap measure to avoid a government shutdown?
The stopgap measure, or continuing resolution, has been scrapped. A new, "clean" continuing resolution is expected to be released, focusing primarily on government funding and potentially disaster aid, without the numerous additional provisions of the previous version.
What was the proposed pay raise for Congress members, and why was it a source of confusion?
The proposed pay raise was 3.8%, not 40% as initially reported. The confusion arose from the fact that Congress has blocked automatic annual pay raises since 2009. The proposed measure omitted the language freezing pay, leading to the 3.8% increase based on the Employment Cost Index. This increase would not be retroactive.
What are the new federal charges against Luigi Mangione?
Luigi Mangione is facing federal charges including two counts of stalking, one count of murder through the use of a firearm, and another firearm offense.
What new information did the federal indictment against Mangione reveal?
The indictment detailed Mangione's movements before and after the shooting, including his arrival in NYC, stay at a hostel under a false name, and actions leading up to and following the shooting. It also revealed information from a notebook found on Mangione and a letter he allegedly wrote to the FBI claiming he acted alone and self-funded his actions.
Is the Biden administration selling sections of the border wall?
No, built sections of the border wall are not being sold. Unused border wall materials purchased between 2017 and 2022 are being redistributed to border states, federal agencies, or auctioned off to private companies, as mandated by the 2024 National Defense Authorization Act.
What is the status of the unused border wall materials?
Approximately 60% of the unused materials have been redistributed to states and federal agencies, while roughly 40% have been sold to GovPlanet, a private company, for auction.
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