U.S. and world news for Dec. 29

Trump off Maine ballot: Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows, a Democrat, unilaterally decreed that former President Donald Trump will not appear on the ballot for the state’s Republican presidential primary, claiming that “he is not qualified to hold the office of the president” based on the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution that prevents those who “engaged in insurrection or rebellion” from holding public office. Separately, California Secretary of State Shirley Weber, a Democrat, included Trump on the list of candidates for the Republican primary despite pressure to keep him off the ballot.

501 Israeli soldiers killed since Oct. 7: The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have experienced the loss of 501 soldiers since the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas terrorists. The Jerusalem Post reported that in addition to the soldiers, 57 officers and policemen of the Israel Police were also killed in the battles to contain and defend the settlements, along with about 10 soldiers of Shin Bet security force. More than 300 of the soldiers were killed on Oct. 7, with the death toll rising since that day.

Mayor Adams’ new rules for migrant buses: New York City Mayor Eric Adams has issued an emergency executive order that will restrict the arrivals of buses bringing migrants from Texas. Under the execute order, bus operators who are paid by a “third party” to transport the migrants must provide notice of at least 32 hours before their expected arrival. Bus operators must also provide information on the number of passengers who are children and how many individuals will need emergency services once they arrive. Bus drivers will be required provide their name and information on the bus, and they will only be allowed to drop off passengers during certain hours at designated locations.

Mortgage rates tumble: Mortgage rates continued to drop below the 7% mark, according to the latest data from Freddie Mac. The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 6.61% as of Dec. 28, down from last week when it averaged 6.67%; it averaged 6.42% last year at this time. The 15-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 5.93%, down from last week when it averaged 5.95%; it averaged 5.68% one year earlier. Freddie Mac Chief Economist Sam Khater stated there is now “a nascent rebound in the housing market.”

Binance’s very good year: Binance, the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange, grew its user base by 30% during 2023, adding 40 million accounts to reach a new total of 170 million. According to a CoinDesk report, Binance CEO Richard Teng credited the expansion on the strength of cryptocurrency trading and the willingness by investors to look beyond the company’s $4.3 billion settlement last month with U.S. regulators that included the exiting of founder Changpeng “CZ” Zhao from the leadership position. Teng noted that “net inflows have been very robust” and added that Binance continued to attract strong interest from institutional investors.

Christie launches attack ad against Trump: Chris Christie is calling attention to his campaign for the Republican presidential nomination with a new advertisement that features a blistering attack on former President Donald Trump. “Some people say I should drop out of this race,” said Christie in the advertisement, which is airing in New Hampshire. “Really? I’m the only one saying Donald Trump is a liar. He pits Americans against each other.” Christie also warned that Trump will “burn America to the ground to help himself.” The former New Jersey governor is generating 3.2% support in national polls, compared to Trump’s 63.1% status.

University chancellor fired over porn appearances: University of Wisconsin-La Crosse Chancellor Joe Gow was fired from his job after it was discovered he co-starred with his wife in pornographic videos that appeared on the OnlyFans and LoyalFans website. The Wall Street Journal reported the Gows also appeared in a YouTube channel called “Sexy Happy Cooking” that co-starred adult film performers and authored two books under pseudonyms detailing their work in clothing-free entertainment. Universities of Wisconsin President Jay Rothman said Gow brought “significant reputational harm” to the university system, adding that “his actions were abhorrent.”

Cover photo courtesy of Chris Christie’s Facebook page