07/27/23
Good morning! It’s Thursday, July 27th.
National Chili Dog Day.
I wish it was National Chilly Kim Day. Because uh… because it’s really hot, ya know?
And now, the news.
Hunter Biden Plea Deal
Let’s do most confusing story first! Get it outta the way!
Hunter Biden’s plea deal, under which he pled guilty to a pair of misdemeanor tax charges to avoid prosecution on gun charge, is now up the in air as the judge in the case deferred her approval on Wednesday.
Everything seemed to be going swimmingly until the judge questioned whether the deal would mean Hunter would be immune from prosecution for other possible crimes, which the two sides agreed it wouldn’t but still the judge wasn’t satisfied and asked the two sides to insert language that limits the scope of immunity.
So now things are delayed again, with Hunter entering a not guilty plea.
It’s all very unsettled and, frankly, confusing. But that’s where things stand right now, with Hunter’s lawyers estimating that this new deal with take about two weeks to figure out.
Ohio Police Office Fired
-via NBC News
Ryan Speakman, the officer who told his police dog to attack an unarmed Black man who had his hands up in surrender, has been fired from the Circleville, Ohio police department.
Good. Now charge him with crimes!
Manhattan Construction Crane
-via CBS News
At least twelve people were injured Wednesday morning when a construction crane in Manhattan caught fire and then fell, smashing into the building across the street.
The injured include three firefighters. None of the injuries have been described as life-threatening.
Giuliani Admits Lies
-via AP News
Former America’s Mayor, Rudy Giuliani, has admitted that he lied when he said two Georgia election workers committed ballot fraud during the count of the 2020 election.
That’s great Rudy. Three years later, after they received death threats and had to appear on stand in the House investigation of the January 6th insurrection, I’m so glad you could do the bare minimum and admit you lied.
Also he says the lies were protected by the First Amendment.
To which the First Amendment said: “Hey man, leave me out of it. Your whole vibe after your little losing friend lost was to actively disregard the Constitution. Don’t try and act like we’re friends now!”
He also says his lie didn’t cause any damage to the ballot workers, who are currently suing Guiliani for defamation.
Kevin Spacey Ruling
-via AP News
A UK jury has acquitted Kevin Spacey of sexual assault on Wednesday.
I have nothing else to say about that.
Sinead O’Connor
-via NY Times
Singer Sinead O’Connor, the Irish singer-songwriter known best for her incredible cover of Prince’s “Nothing Compares 2 U,” died on Wednesday. She was 56 years old.
Mitch McConnell
-via NPR
In a press conference Wednesday afternoon, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell was talking and then just… suddenly… wasn’t. For at least a full 30 seconds he literally just froze mid-sentence before being shuffled off to the side by his fellow Republicans.
He did return to the podium a few minutes later and said he was fine and we really don’t know more than that. Did it look bad? Yeah, it didn’t look great. That’s for sure.
But you know – I’m no doctor. What do I know?
When we know more, we’ll know more.
World Cupdate
-via Google
And finally, your World Cupdate! US played Netherlands on Wednesday night.
The group stage continues on, with our next match against Portugal on the 1st (which is also when Vietnam will play Netherlands – as a reminder, Portugal, Vietnam, and Netherlands are all in our group, so that game matters also).
Knockout stage begins with the round of 16 on August 4th.
And that’s it. That’s the news.
As always, I’m proud of our national team.
Also I guess chili dogs? I don’t know…
But more than that… more than chili dogs! Because… I mean… do you even really need a reason? I’m proud of you.