Introduction
Good morning, I’m Taylor Wilson, and today is Tuesday, January 7, 2025. This is The Excerpt, where we break down the latest headlines shaping the world. Today, we delve into:
- Donald Trump’s hush money sentencing developments.
- A bird flu-related death in Louisiana.
- President Biden’s new ban on offshore drilling.
Let’s get started.
Donald Trump’s Legal Troubles: Hush Money Sentencing
President-elect Donald Trump officially secured his second term in the White House yesterday when the Electoral College votes were read and certified during a joint session of Congress, presided over by Vice President Kamala Harris.
No objections were raised during the 30-minute ceremony. However, Trump faces ongoing legal battles, including the New York hush money case.
Case Overview
Trump was charged with 34 counts of falsifying business records to cover payments made to Stormy Daniels before the 2016 election. These payments were meant to silence claims of an alleged sexual encounter.
Michael Cohen, Trump’s former attorney, facilitated the payments, which were concealed in Trump Organization records. Trump denies the allegations and plans to appeal the conviction.
Recent Developments
Last week, New York Judge Juan Merchan denied Trump’s request to halt sentencing, scheduled for this Friday. While the sentencing under New York’s “unconditional discharge” provision carries no jail time, fines, or probation, it finalizes Trump’s status as a convicted felon unless overturned on appeal.
Bird Flu Death Reported in Louisiana
The Louisiana Department of Public Health confirmed the first U.S. death from bird flu yesterday.
Details
- The victim, over 65 years old with preexisting health conditions, contracted the disease after exposure to a mix of backyard poultry and wild birds.
- The current public health risk remains low, but individuals working with birds face higher exposure risks.
Bird flu, first detected in 1997, has gained traction in recent years, moving beyond wild bird populations.
Rudy Giuliani Held in Civil Contempt
Former Trump attorney Rudy Giuliani faces a significant setback in his legal troubles. A federal judge found him in contempt for failing to comply with financial obligations in a defamation case brought by Georgia election workers Ruby Freeman and Wandrea “Shaye” Moss.
Background
Giuliani was ordered to pay $148 million for defamation but failed to meet payment requirements, including turning over assets such as a Mercedes-Benz, a Manhattan apartment, and a Joe DiMaggio autographed baseball jersey.
Biden’s Offshore Drilling Ban
President Joe Biden took a landmark conservation step yesterday, permanently banning new offshore oil and gas drilling along most U.S. coasts.
Details of the Ban
- Applies to 625 million federal acres off the Atlantic, Pacific, and Eastern Gulf of Mexico coasts.
- Does not affect existing projects or drilling operations.
Legacy of Conservation
Biden has now conserved more U.S. land and water than any other president, totaling 670 million acres. His conservation efforts also include protections for areas in Alaska and the North Bering Sea.
Trump’s Response
President-elect Trump criticized the move, calling it “ridiculous” and promising to reverse it. However, legal experts suggest revoking such a ban could require congressional action.
McDonald’s Scales Back DEI Commitments
McDonald’s announced yesterday it would scale back its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.
Key Changes
- Ended goals to increase diversity in senior leadership.
- Paused supplier diversity programs and rebranded the diversity team as the Global Inclusion Team.
Broader Context
The changes follow the Supreme Court’s 2023 ruling against affirmative action and reflect growing skepticism of DEI programs among conservatives and corporate leaders.
Conclusion
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I’ll be back tomorrow with more headlines from USA Today.
