02/22/23

Good morning! It’s Wednesday, February 22nd. Ash Wednesday. Also National Margarita Day. So, you know… celebrate what you want, how you want.

And now, the news.

Trump Crime Update Time

-via NY Times

Let’s start with a story that’ll bring joy into your heart. Light to your eyes. A spark on a cold night. A bath after a long week. A good book, a good friend… just a general sense of happiness. That’s right, because we’re starting with…

TRUMP CRIME UPDATE TIME

(Well well well edition)

In case excellent southern accent didn’t give it away, today’s Trump Crime Update Time is all about Georgia’s special grand jury investigation into the time that Trump, being the loser that he is (that’s not bullying, that’s just an accurate assessment when I look at the things he’s tried to do and not accomplished – like running businesses, selling steaks, attempting to win the presidential election, and, of course… gaining his father’s love) – so Trump lost the election but called up the Secretary of State in Georgia and straight up told him – hey man, just find me the votes.

And Brad Raffesburger, who definitely doesn’t want EVERYONE in Georgia to vote but will, at least, do that actual bare minimum and not change the votes of people who snuck through and were able to cast their constitutionally promised votes anyway, said no.

But Trump couldn’t let it go so, in addition to his call, he also had others – like US Senator, and cartoon of what the most clichéd southerner in the world would be, Lindsay Graham make calls and put the pressure on.

But this Special Grand Jury is looking specifically at Trump’s initial call as the focal point. Everything else is just… bonus info. During their investigation, they heard testimony from 70 witnesses over the course of seven months. Trump was not one of those witnesses.

But all of that is backstory. That’s what ya need to know so that you understand how I have rarely clicked a link as fast as I did, when this headline came across my screen. You would have thought they’d finally announced the Chuck movie, for how fast I moved.

Because yesterday, in an interview, the Georgia Grand Jury’s forewoman announced they are recommending the indictments of MULTIPLE people in this case. Now, the report remains mostly sealed, except what we talked about last week, but the names themselves are still sealed. And on top of that, the special grand jury doesn’t have indictment powers. So next this will go to Fani Willis, the Fulton County DA, who will make those charging decisions.

So now the question is… okay but WHO are they suggesting should get charged? Again, we don’t know for sure. But we don’t need to work too hard to imagine who, thanks to some sweet sweet quotes from the forewoman:

First of all, we know this: “it’s not a short list.”

When asked if Trump specifically is named, this was her response: “You’re not going to be shocked. It’s not rocket science,” adding “you won’t be too surprised.”

Finally, she said this: “I will tell you that if the judge releases the recommendations, it is not going to be some giant plot twist.” Adding, “you probably have a fair idea of what may be in there. I’m trying very hard to say that delicately.”

It’s now in DA Willis’ hands. So… here’s hoping she moves as quickly as it seems like she wants to.

EPA Steps In

-via NPR

The EPA announced on Tuesday that it is stepping in and taking control of the Ohio train derailment cleanup.

As community members worry about the chemicals the derailment put into the air, crews are still working to clean up last month’s accident that was likely caused by a mechanical failure.

EPA’s involvement means Norfolk Southern, the company that owned the train, must identify and clean up contaminated soil and water resources, pay for the costs of work performed by the EPA and reimburse the agency for additional cleaning services offered to residents and businesses.

They will also have to attend AND participate in public meetings, something the company has failed, over concerns for their employee’s safety.

Failure to follow any of this will allow the EPA to step in, do the work, and charge Norfolk Southern three times the cost.

Update on Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine

-via Washington Post and CNN

As part of his trip in support of Ukraine ahead of the one-year anniversary (other people are using that word too!) of Russia’s invasion, President Biden delivered a big ol speech in Warsaw on Tuesday.

As he did when he stood next to President Zelensky on Monday, he started with a strong message: “Kyiv stands strong.”

Biden also, rightfully so, accused Russia of committing “crimes against humanity,” which is actually a legal designation that was first used to charge nazi’s after WWII and defined by crimes such as murder, enslavement, deportation, torture and rape, that are “committed as part of a widespread or systematic attack directed against any civilian population, with knowledge of the attack.”

So… seems like he probably had some right to say it.

Meanwhile, Russian President Putin announced in a speech that Russia will suspend participation in the New START nuclear arms reduction treaty, which is the last nuclear proliferation treat it has with America. He said that, while he is not withdrawing fully, he will no longer allow NATO countries to inspect its nuclear arsenal.

Additionally, and this is news but it is also a bummer… NATO says it is increasingly concerned that China may be planning to provide Russia with lethal support. A concern probably not helped by the knowledge that China’s top diplomat landed in Russia on Tuesday.

Democratic Governors Team Up

-via AP News

Let’s end with something that’ll help us feel a little better. It has nothing to do with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine but let’s call it what it is – that story’s scary if we think about it for too long. So let’s talk about this: Democratic governors in 20 states are teaming up to launch a streaming network that’ll air only the 1999 WB Series Jack & Jill, as well as the 2000 NBC sitcom Ed. Both of which are great shows, neither of which are streaming anywhere.

No wait, I’m sorry. That’s not right. I mean, correct they’re not streaming but that’s not the network they’re starting.

It’s a network to strengthen abortion access! Way more important!

Led by Gov. Newsom, the Reproductive Freedom Alliance will allow governors and their staffs to share best practices and affirm abortion rights for the 170 million Americans who live in those states.

Additionally, this should allow for services that would help those who don’t live within those 20 states.

Your evergreen reminder that elections matter. And you matter – your bodily autonomy matters. The fight for it is never over.

And that’s it. That’s the news!

I’m proud of margaritas. So proud in fact, and this will be on TikTok and probably Instagram but here is a margarita-adjacent recipe I highly recommend if you like tequila, like margaritas, but are either watching calories and carbs (not that you need to!) or just don’t like a sweet drink:

Measure with your heart but it’s tequila, like ¾ oz lime (depending on how much tequila you put in there), a good amount of ice, and lime la croix to the top. Stir it, and hit it with some salt there on the top. You can salt or tajin your rim, should you be so inclined. But even if you don’t, don’t sleep on that hit of salt at the end.

And that’s a Kimarita.

And I’m proud of that drink but even more than that… because you are also a very good idea and a key ingredient for a good time… I’m proud of you.