Good morning and welcome to RedState’s Morning Minute – a quick look at what stories are trending right now and a look ahead to what the day might bring. We’re in the middle of the first full week of the modern year and there’s a lot going on. Consider this your one-stop shop for news to aid you start your day.
UP IN THE MORNING
Red-hot at RedState
WATCH: Donald Trump expels a reporter who was framed for criticizing Jimmy Carter/Panama Canal
In my opinion, Democrats and the press lost the civility, decency, and modern tone argument long ago and have about as much credibility to talk about the issue as Bill Clinton did to talk about the sanctity of marriage.
The Panama Canal Treaties were “wimpy pulp”
And for the record, there is no solid evidence that the United States gained popularity around the world or in Latin America by handing over the Panama Canal Zone to Panama.
Trudeau insists Canada won’t become 51st state, Musk claps back: ‘Girl, you’re not the governor anymore’
Hopefully Canada’s modern Prime Minister (or Governor) will understand that Trump is grave – whitewashing the US taxpayer will no longer be tolerated.
Trending in TownHall media
Musk’s reaction to the resurfaced threat from the British police with “Absolute Gold”.
Nobody has shot redcoats here for a few centuries, but if the British police don’t feel comfortable reliving the past, we’re always content to oblige.
Denmark hits back at Trump: How do we like you now, tough guy?
I think they’re going to need a bigger bear.
Elizabeth Warren finds one of those right-wing extremists the Biden regime warned us about
Her endless letter to Hegseth is part of her effort to preserve and protect the far-left, deeply politicized Defense Department created in the last two Democratic administrations.
How do you know the LA County wildfire will be catastrophic?
Prayers, folks. This fire will be terrible. Will the National Guard be deployed in the meantime? Who is responsible?
GIGANTIC face plant: The New York Times headline in Meta’s “Fact-Checkers” is unintentional hilarity
What we know for sure is that no one believes the “fact checkers” anymore.
And that The New York Times inadvertently rivals The Babylon Bee as America’s leading parody publication.
WHAT’S UP?
Today on Capitol Hill…
The House passed the Laken Riley Act on Tuesday along party lines, 264-159, and the measure now heads to the Senate — where at least one Democrat has already signaled support for it.
Meanwhile, other Senate Democrats are too concentrated to “clarifying” the scope of the modern president’s military powers (no doubt purely for altruistic reasons).
President-elect Donald Trump will be on the Hill on Wednesday to meet with Senate Republicans. At the heart of their discussions will be agreement on a plan to advance Trump’s agenda, starting with immigration and tax cuts.
And the body of former President Jimmy Carter now lies in state in the Capitol Rotunda. Funeral services for him will be held at the National Cathedral on Thursday.
This afternoon, Congress joined the Carter family and the nation in honoring the life of President Carter.
May we follow His call and live our lives “as if Christ were coming this afternoon.” pic.twitter.com/LavH2q1ana
– Speaker Mike Johnson (@SpeakerJohnson) January 8, 2025
What’s going on in the White House?
President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill will return to the White House from Los Angeles, California on Wednesday. Biden’s plans to give a speech on Tuesday in Thermal, California, about the creation of two national monuments honoring Native American tribes were scuppered amid the massive wildfire outbreak fueled by arid conditions and extremely robust winds.
Full court press…
Lots of moving topics on the Trump legal front as Lawfarepalooza breathes its last. On Tuesday, Judge Aileen Cannon temporarily ordered (former) Special Counsel Jack Smith to release his “final report” (on his prosecution of the former and future president). The matter now awaits a decision from the 11th Circuit.
Meanwhile, in New York, the Appellate Division sided with Judge Juan Merchan and rejected Trump’s request to stay the ruling, currently scheduled for Friday. Merchan has signaled he will likely sentence Trump to an “unconditional discharge,” meaning the conviction will stay with him but no incarceration or severe punishment will be imposed. Anyway, everything is being appealed and it will probably take quite a while for everything to be sorted out.
In more encouraging legal news for Trump, Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis was ordered to pay over $20,000 in fines to Judicial Watch for attorneys’ fees and costs related to its disclosure lawsuit against her office.
UPCOMING ATTRACTIONS
As mentioned above, former President Jimmy Carter’s funeral will take place on Thursday at the National Cathedral. President Biden will attend and then travel to Rome to visit Pope Francis.
As the 119th Congress In full swing, leaders of both chambers need to consider how they will address the issue of the debt ceiling and government funding (as the current CR expires on March 14).
Morning rumination
Since delayed Tuesday afternoon, I’ve been watching the horrific images and videos emerging from Los Angeles. The destruction is overwhelming and, given the circumstances, appears to be continuing today. I can only hope and pray that those in the path of the fires can be brought to safety. I’m not sure we’re prepared for what much of the LA area will look like when the smoke clears. My heart aches for friends and family in the area and for everyone affected by this. Please keep her in your prayers.
View from the sky over LA.
Pacific Palisades and Malibu went up in flames. Absolutely terrible. pic.twitter.com/Q5O8XgEHng— Dan Hellie (@DanHellie) January 8, 2025
All the smoke detectors in our house go off and send data to our iPhones.
I couldn’t believe our pretty little house in the hills had lasted this long. It feels like losing a loved one.
– James Woods (@RealJamesWoods) January 8, 2025
LIGHTER COST
I understand you, Mr. Vehicle.
This vehicle was extremely irritated by the snow. pic.twitter.com/cAjopJGnXA
— Massimo (@Rainmaker1973) January 7, 2025
Bonus/happier snow fun…
Never too ancient!!! pic.twitter.com/zz9ACnuyA5
– Jen (@JPo1369) January 7, 2025
