Israel, Hamas Agree to Ceasefire to End Gaza War
Is the bitter conflict really winding down? “Hamas and Israel have reached a deal for a ceasefire in Gaza that mediators said would take effect on Sunday and include a release of hostages held there during 15 months of bloodshed that devastated the Palestinian enclave and inflamed the Middle East,” Reuters reports.
Pulling Out: “The complex phased accord outlines a six-week initial ceasefire with the gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip, where tens of thousands have been killed. Hostages taken by militant group Hamas, which controls Gaza, would be freed in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel,” the wire service writes. “Israel’s acceptance of the deal will not be official until it is approved by the country’s security cabinet and government, with votes slated for Thursday, an Israeli official said. The accord was expected to win approval despite opposition from some hardliners in Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition government.” Related: Peace on the Horizon?
Biden Warns of Oligarchy Threat in Farewell Address
The man whose White House tenure personified Washington establishment politics is worried about the “unchecked influence” of Big Money. On Wednesday, President Joe Biden gave his farewell address to the nation. “Speaking from behind the Resolute Desk in the Oval Office, Biden said he was proud of what his administration accomplished as the country climbed out of the coronavirus pandemic and made investments in the economy, infrastructure, gun safety, climate change and more,” ABC News reports.
‘Powerful Forces’: He also voiced a warning to Americans. “Today, an oligarchy is taking shape in America of extreme wealth, power and influence that literally threatens our entire democracy, our basic rights and freedoms, and a fair shot for everyone to get ahead,” Biden asserted. “Powerful forces want to wield their unchecked influence, to eliminate the steps we’ve taken to tackle the climate crisis, to serve their own interest for power and profit,” he continued. “We must not be bullied into sacrificing the future, the future of our children and our grandchildren, must keep pushing forward and push faster. There’s no time to waste.” Related: Joe Biden’s Legacy Hits the Wall …
Liberty Nation News: The Beltway and Beyond
BREAKING: DeSantis Announces New Florida Senator - The governor makes up the Senate numbers. - Read Now!
Biden’s Unwanted Parting Gift to Trump: Rising Oil Prices - The lame-duck administration is jockeying with crude to pump up the market. - Read Now!
Legacy Media – On the Eve of Destruction? - How the good old boys handle the new Trump administration will tell us a lot. - Read Now!
Biden’s Swan Song: Oligarchs and Omissions - High in theatrics, low in facts. - Read Now!
MAGA Claims the GOP - Not your Grandfather’s Republican Party. - Watch Now!
Stacey Abrams’ Org. Pays Hefty Fine Over 2018 Campaign
They broke the law. “A nonprofit organization founded by Stacey Abrams has agreed to pay a $300,000 fine for violating campaign finance laws over its spending in support of the Georgia Democrat’s candidacy during the 2018 governor’s race,” NBC News reports.
16 Violations Admitted: “The Georgia Ethics Commission voted unanimously Wednesday to impose the penalty after it found that the New Georgia Project, which Abrams founded in 2013, and the affiliated New Georgia Project Action Fund had not disclosed their campaign contributions and spending after they advocated for Abrams in the race, which she lost to Gov. Brian Kemp,” the network relates. “The commission’s executive director, David Emadi, said at the meeting Wednesday that the groups had admitted to 16 violations of law. The groups failed to disclose $4.2 million in contributions during the 2018 election and $3.2 million in spending to bolster Abrams’ bid for governor and to boost candidates for other statewide offices during the primaries and the general election, according to a copy of a consent order signed by attorneys for the groups.” Related: What Happened to Stacey Abrams?
FDA Bans Red Dye Regularly Found in US Food Brands
And President-elect Donald Trump’s Make America Healthy Again agenda hasn’t even started yet. “The Food and Drug Administration announced Wednesday it had decided to revoke Red 3’s authorization to be added to foods, over concerns about how the food coloring dye has been linked to cancer in laboratory animals,” CBS News reports.
One Less Ingredient: “FDA officials have telegraphed the decision for months. While the agency has long said that it did not think evidence of Red 3 causing cancer applied to humans, officials said their hand was forced by a law requiring the agency to pull additives that are cancerous in animals,” the network details. “Hundreds of food brands, including products ranging from candy and fruit cups to snack chips and tomato sauce, have contained Red 3 at some point, according to databases maintained by the US Department of Agriculture and the nonprofit Environmental Working Group, as well as nutrition labels disclosed by food companies.” Related: David vs Goliath: Amish Farmer Prevails Over Feds in Court …
Report: Michelle Obama Can’t ‘Pretend’ to Bear Trump
She just can’t do it. “Shortly after Michelle Obama announced her plan to stay home during [President-elect] Donald Trump’s inauguration, a source familiar with her thinking tells People that the former first lady would not want to fake a smile for someone whom she still considers a threat to American democracy,” the celebrity-watching magazine reports.
Doesn’t Like Him: “There’s no overstating her feelings about [Trump]. She’s not one to plaster on a pleasant face and pretend for protocol’s sake,” the source told People. “Michelle doesn’t do anything because it’s expected or it’s protocol or it’s tradition.” The magazine also indicated that Mrs. Obama does not enjoy being in the spotlight. “She served in the public eye and did all the public good that she could for eight years as first lady,” the source stated. “You’ll see her when she has a project or cause to promote but she doesn’t feel the need to be a public figure anymore.” Related: Michelle Obama: Blacks Cower in Fear in Trump’s Racially Hostile America …
