After Breaking with GOP TWELVE TIMES to Confirm Biden’s Nominees, Toxic RINO Senator Lisa Murkowski Won’t Commit to Confirming Trump’s Picks

 Senator Lisa Murkowski from Alaska, known for often breaking party lines, was recently asked if she would confirm President Trump's Cabinet nominees during their confirmation hearings. She responded by saying it is "premature" to determine her position until the confirmation process is further along, stating that she is currently focused on learning more about the nominees.

Murkowski has a history of voting with Democrats, as she confirmed twelve of President Biden's nominees despite many Republican senators opposing them. She has been noted for frequently straying from party lines, ranking second among senators for such votes according to ProPublica data. Her notable votes include support for Biden's controversial nominee for the Department of Justice, Vanita Gupta, as well as for Ketanji Brown Jackson for the U. S. Supreme Court.

Murkowski won her recent reelection against a candidate endorsed by Trump, aided by Alaska's ranked choice voting system. She has faced criticism for her willingness to support nominees from the opposing party while remaining noncommittal on Trump's choices. 

https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2025/01/after-breaking-gop-twelve-times-confirm-bidens-nominees/

"This Is A Disaster": Fire Erupts At California Battery Storage Plant

 California is facing a new crisis as a major battery storage facility at the Moss Landing Power Plant caught fire, leading to evacuations in the area. This event comes amid ongoing wildfires in Los Angeles County. The plant, located around 100 miles south of San Francisco, contains thousands of lithium batteries that are difficult to extinguish. Local officials have described the incident as a disaster but do not anticipate the fire spreading beyond the facility.

More than 2,000 residents were evacuated due to fears of hazardous materials and potential chemical releases from the fire, which remains under investigation. Past incidents of fires at this facility highlight its crucial role in stabilizing California's power grid. The fire is occurring in the 300-MW Phase I energy storage facility, and satellite imagery indicates ongoing heat signatures.

As a precaution, residents in nearby areas are advised to close windows and doors and turn off air systems. Vistra, the company that owns the plant, expressed gratitude for the support of local emergency responders, emphasizing the safety of the community and personnel.

Elon Musk has criticized media reports linking the fire to Tesla, asserting that Tesla's operations are unaffected. There is currently no information on how the fire may impact the power grid or the overall operations at Moss Landing, presenting a setback for California’s green energy goals. 

https://www.zerohedge.com/commodities/disaster-fire-erupts-california-battery-storage-plant

If We Have a Strong Economy, Why Are Americans Struggling?

 The rise in 10-year yields is often attributed to a strong economy, but it overlooks the challenge of high inflation. High yields lead to increased borrowing costs for items like car loans and mortgages. With ongoing inflation from past economic stimulus, the solution might involve more monetary easing to support an economy already facing inflation issues. As Peter Schiff notes, the Federal Reserve seems to have lost control over long-term rates and may have to print money to buy long-term bonds.

Currently, the Fed lacks a clear strategy for managing stagnation. In a recent press conference, when asked about dealing with stagflation, Fed Chair Jerome Powell laughed off the idea, claiming that stagnation isn't a concern. However, the situation suggests otherwise, with uncertainty in the markets, especially after Trump's election, contributing to volatility.

Inflation, in addition to unreliable economic data like jobs reports, is driving the rise in yields. As Treasury yields and mortgage rates climb, everyday expenses increase, setting the stage for significant economic challenges in 2025. Central Banks may turn to gold to safeguard against issues created by government interventions.

Many Americans lack savings and live paycheck-to-paycheck, which impacts their voting behavior. Amid rising costs and government spending on foreign conflicts, citizens could lean toward different political candidates. Trump's past stimulus measures might have caused inflationary pressures, but central bank policies may continue to favor printing money, often leading to increased prices overall. 

https://www.schiffgold.com/commentaries/if-we-have-a-strong-economy-why-are-americans-struggling

An Embarrassment For Every Month: The Worst Blunders, Failures, And Flops Of Biden’s Final Year

 This summary reviews major controversies and criticisms surrounding President Joe Biden throughout the year, highlighting perceived failures and blunders in various areas, from immigration to public statements. It provides a month-by-month breakdown of the most significant issues faced by Biden's administration.

• January: The Biden administration struggled with illegal immigration, as Texas took measures to secure the border, leading to a lawsuit from the federal government against Texas for its actions.

• February: Biden faced scrutiny over classified documents found at his home, which was compounded by a special counsel's report that pointed to his mental state, leading to no prosecution due to his perceived vulnerability as an elderly person with memory issues.

• March: Biden failed to acknowledge the murder of Georgia nursing student Laken Riley during the State of the Union address, even confusing her name. Instead, he made controversial remarks about the suspect that detracted from the tragedy.

• April: On Easter Sunday, Biden declared it "Transgender Day of Visibility," which was criticized for overshadowing the Christian holiday, highlighting tensions between his administration and traditional values.

• May: Biden’s administration was accused of attempting to criminalize former President Donald Trump, culminating in Trump's conviction in a controversial case that raised concerns about the integrity of the justice system.

• June: Biden's first presidential debate was described as disastrous, leading to speculation about his viability in the race, ultimately leading to his dropping out a month later.

• July: Biden's campaign ended in turmoil, with a poorly timed social media announcement about withdrawing from the presidential race. The month also saw increased criticism for inadequate security measures that resulted in an assassination attempt on Trump.

• August: Biden's administration falsely claimed credit for the creation of 818,000 jobs, which later proved to be exaggerated and misleading.

• September: Biden's handling of Hurricane Helene’s aftermath in North Carolina drew criticism for lack of federal support, with accusations that his administration prioritized aid to illegal immigrants over American citizens.

• October: Biden insulted a large segment of the population by calling Trump supporters "garbage," leading to backlash and attempts to cover up the comment.

• November: The election served as a referendum on Biden's presidency, resulting in significant losses for Democrats and waning support for Biden's policies.

• December: Biden granted his son Hunter a sweeping pardon that raised questions about potential corruption, contradicting his earlier promises to ensure accountability.

Throughout the year, Biden's administration faced numerous challenges and controversies marked by perceived failures in handling immigration, public communication, and responses to crises. These issues not only impacted his administration's credibility but also shaped public perception and the political landscape heading into the election. 

https://thefederalist.com/2025/01/17/an-embarrassment-for-every-month-the-worst-blunders-failures-and-flops-of-bidens-final-year/

Pam Bondi and the J6 Defendants

 Pam Bondi's confirmation hearing for the role of attorney general in the Trump administration has stirred controversy among MAGA supporters, especially regarding the treatment of January 6 defendants. Though Bondi is well-qualified for the position, her comments on pardoning January 6 defendants created mixed feelings. She suggested that those accused of violence against police should be evaluated individually, rather than pardoning all of them as Trump previously promised on his first day in office.

While Trump has acknowledged the complexity of pardoning those who were violent, he highlighted the longer sentences that January 6 demonstrators received compared to others charged with similar offenses. Bondi emphasized the importance of reviewing case files before making any judgments, but expressed firm opposition to violence against police. The term “violent” is contentious, as many believe that accusations do not always align with actual actions taken by defendants.

The discussions brought up the difference between being accused and being convicted of violence, as many defendants feel they have been overcharged. There are instances where videos do not support the prosecutors' claims, and some officers who testified claimed they did not feel assaulted by the defendants. The legal definitions around terms like “resist” or “interfere” are debated, with prosecutors not always fully acknowledging facts that could favor the defendants.

There are claims of double standards in how different protests and riots have been treated by the government, with examples from past events showing that charges were dropped in some instances while January 6 participants face severe consequences. The frustration lies in the perception of hypocrisy in how left-wing protests were handled compared to January 6 events, raising questions about the fairness of judicial proceedings.

To bring balance to the process, there is a call for similar treatment of January 6 defendants as was given to other groups, including a review of the actions of prosecutors involved in these cases. Addressing this hypocrisy is seen as essential for achieving justice for those charged in connection with January 6. 

https://www.americanthinker.com/articles/2025/01/pam_bondi_and_the_j6_defendants.html

What Jack Smith Left Out

 A week before the presidential inauguration, Jack Smith released a "Final Report" about the prosecution of Donald Trump and his co-defendants related to the January 6th events. The report is meant to persuade the public of Trump's guilt but, instead, reveals Smith's incompetence and bias. Trump's lawyers, John Lauro and Todd Blanche, vehemently counter the report, highlighting violations of legal norms and the presumption of innocence.

• Smith's Overreach: Trump’s attorneys criticize Smith for overstepping by publicly declaring Trump’s guilt before a trial. They emphasize the importance of the presumption of innocence and cite the Justice Manual's prohibition against such declarations by prosecutors.

• Concerns About the Transition Act: Smith allegedly ignored the Presidential Transition Act, which prevents DOJ officials from interfering in a president-elect’s preparations for office.

• Incitement Allegations: Smith asserts Trump incited a riot on January 6, using the term "riot" numerous times. However, key military leaders' testimonies that Trump's instructions were to ensure safety on that day are absent in Smith's report.

• Ignored Evidence: Smith does not address certain exculpatory evidence, including statements from General Mark Milley and Secretary of Defense Christopher Miller contradicting claims of Trump's violent intentions.

• Social Media Impact: Smith criticizes Trump for his social media usage but overlooks that Trump's rhetoric also led to threats against him.

• False Claims About Court Decisions: Smith inaccurately claims all of Trump's fraud lawsuits were dismissed, while many were actually dismissed for procedural issues.

• Misrepresentation of DOJ Actions: Smith falsely asserts that DOJ found no support for Trump's fraud claims, ignoring that the DOJ rarely pursued investigations into those allegations.

• Unresolved Allegations of Fraud: Many claims regarding fraud and irregularities in states like Michigan, Arizona, Georgia, and Pennsylvania were overlooked by DOJ and Smith.

• Placeholder Electors: Smith mischaracterizes Trump's alternative electors as "fake," rather than acknowledging them as legally necessary placeholders, a practice used by both parties historically.

Smith’s report is criticized for fostering false accusations and ignoring fundamental legal principles, such as Trump’s right to a presumption of innocence and the provisions of the Presidential Transition Act. Furthermore, the report fails to acknowledge key evidence exonerating Trump and overlooks significant unresolved allegations of election fraud. The criticisms laid out by Trump's attorneys highlight a consistent pattern of political overreach by Smith, raising serious concerns about the implications of prosecutorial power on the justice system. Joe Fried, the author, brings attention to these issues and articulates the importance of restricting the prosecutorial power that he believes threatens the separation of powers. 

https://www.americanthinker.com/articles/2025/01/what_jack_smith_left_out.html

An Arctic Invasion for Much of the Nation Gets Underway Early This Weekend…Bitter Cold for Inauguration Day

 By early Tuesday, January 21st, much of the Northern U. S. is expected to experience extreme cold, with temperatures likely dropping to below zero in some areas. The cold wave is set to start over the weekend as air from Canada moves southward, impacting the central states, and eventually spreading toward the East Coast. This cold front will coincide with Inauguration Day, causing temperatures in Washington, D. C. to likely hover around 20 degrees, with a biting wind making it feel colder. Snow may also occur in the Mid-Atlantic region Sunday evening.

The Arctic air mass will spread quickly, and colder-than-normal weather that began earlier this month is predicted to become more severe. A significant drop in temperatures is anticipated across the nation, reaching even parts of Texas. A wave of low pressure could form along the Arctic boundary, potentially leading to snow accumulation in the Mid-Atlantic region.

By Inauguration Day, temperatures will be notably cold. For instance, the temperatures in D. C. are expected to be close to 20 degrees, possibly dropping to single digits by nighttime. Historical context is provided, recalling severely cold Inauguration Days in the past, such as January 20th, 1985, when an Arctic outbreak resulted in outdoor ceremonies being canceled due to extreme cold.

Mid-week into late January could see further storm development, as low pressure systems may form over the Gulf, pushing northward. This could bring significant snow and ice to the southern and eastern regions of the U. S. The weather pattern suggests that significant cold will persist, with potential storm systems appearing later in the week, as models indicate active weather conditions through the Gulf region.

With the bitter cold affecting large areas of the nation, January is on track to remain frigid, impacting plans and possibly leading to reminders about energy usage during such cold spells. The below-freezing temperatures and anticipated storms serve as a reminder of the typical winter weather patterns hitting the U. S.

Meteorologist Paul Dorian shared the outlook for this impending Arctic invasion, emphasizing the historical nature of similar weather events and the cold temperatures expected across many regions.

https://wattsupwiththat.com/2025/01/16/an-arctic-invasion-for-much-of-the-nation-gets-underway-early-this-weekend-bitter-cold-for-inauguration-day/