Trump’s Side Gig, It’s Britney bitch, & Insurrection: Headlines, January 5

House Dems: Trump pocketed millions from foreign governments as president

House Democrats released a report based on documents from Trump’s accounting firm and a federal agency, revealing that Trump’s businesses received at least $7.8 million in payments from foreign governments and entities while he was in office. The Democrats alleged that these payments violated the Constitution’s Foreign Emoluments Clause, which prohibits federal officials from accepting gifts or benefits from foreign countries without congressional approval.

China rents whole floors in Trump Tower, Russian Oligarchs stay at Mar-a-Lago, and North Korea bought millions of “Make America Great Again” hats.

Britney Spears: I’m a ghostwriter now and I love it

Britney Spears has confirmed that she has no plans to release a new album, despite rumors. She says she is happy to write songs for other people as a ghostwriter, and that her memoir was published with her approval.

The first think Britney had to find out: a ghostwriter doesn’t have to be dead.

Trump’s 2024 Bid Under Fire: More Voters Challenge His Ballot Access

Voters in Illinois and Massachusetts have filed challenges to remove Donald Trump from the 2024 ballot under the 14th Amendment’s insurrectionist ban, which bars anyone who engaged in or supported insurrection against the US from holding office. The US Supreme Court is expected to review a Colorado ruling that found Trump ineligible to run for office, which could settle the matter for the whole country.

Trump’s lawyers have a big challenge trying to get a favorable ruling from the Supreme Court. For starters, their client doesn’t know how to spell “insurrection.”

Denmark’s Queen, Times Square, and Robot Judges: Headlines for Tuesday, January 2

Queen Margrethe to abdicate after 52 years, says ‘now is the right time’

Denmark’s Queen Margrethe II announced her abdication in her New Year’s speech, saying she will hand over the throne to her son, Crown Prince Frederik, on January 14, 2024. The 83-year-old monarch cited her age, health, and the changing times as the reasons for her decision, and thanked the Danish people for their support.

In addition to Denmark, soon-to-be King Frederik also will become King of Greenland. However, to keep that title, once a year he has to fight the Abominable Snow Monster.

abominable-snow-monster

New York City rang in 2024 with Sparkle and Security

New York City held its annual massive New Year’s Eve celebration in Times Square Sunday night, with a dazzling ball drop and tight security measures. Hundreds of thousands of people joined the party, while the NYPD and the FBI assured there were no credible threats to the city.

The one security threat that nobody could protect against in the crowd: a drunk peeing on your shoes.

Roberts Touts AI in Courts, Dodges Ethics and Trump Issues

Chief Justice John Roberts praised the potential of artificial intelligence to improve access and efficiency in the federal courts but warned of the risks and limitations of relying on it. He did not comment on the ethical practices of the Supreme Court justices or the legal cases involving Donald Trump, which could affect the 2024 election.

Roberts’ biggest issue with AI is that billionaires can’t bribe robots.

The GOP and Catholicism

With the confirmation hearing for Coney Barrett, the GOP has tried to claim the Democrats are making an issue of her Catholic faith.

But the Democrats have nominated Catholics to run for President: Al Smith, JFK, John Kerry, and Biden.

Of course, the GOP has nominated Catholics for the White House, too. Like… Um…

Well maybe they can pick one for 2024.