U.S. and world news for Jan. 9

Stock market crash: Donald Trump says he hopes the stock market crashes in the next 12 months. Such an event would destroy the investments and retirement accounts of millions of Americans and set up numerous U.S. companies for financial ruin. Trump expressed his wish for an economic disaster to take place during an interview with former Fox News commentator Lou Dobbs that was streamed on a website founded by Trump supporter Mike Lindell, also known as the “My Pillow guy.” Fox canceled Dobbs’ show early in 2021. Dobbs and Fox News had been sued for defamation by a Venezuelan businessman over statements made by Dobbs.

Immunity appeal: An appeals court in Washington, D.C., was hearing arguments today over whether Donald Trump is immune from prosecution for what he did to try to overturn the 2020 election so he could remain in power after his term as president expired. Trump takes the position that presidents cannot be prosecuted for crimes they commit while in office. Trump was planning to attend the court session even though his presence is not required. Trump’s trial in the case brought by Special Counsel Jack Smith is due to start March 4. The start could be delayed if the appeals court does not rule quickly. It is expected that no matter how the appeals court rules the losing side will ask the U.S. Supreme Court to take the case and decide the question of whether Trump can be put on trial.

Florida GOP: Florida’s Republican Party has thrown out its chairman Christian Ziegler and replaced him with the party’s vice chairman, Evan Power. Ziegler is under investigation on a rape charge. The Florida GOP last month demanded that Ziegler resign, but he refused to do so. The vote to oust him came at a special meeting yesterday. Ziegler admitted to having sex with the accuser but said it was consensual.

Blinken in Israel: U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken was in Israel today for talks on what would happen in Gaza if and when the fighting ends. Blinken had met with leaders of Arab countries that had promised to help rebuild Gaza. The U.S. has been pushing for the Palestinian Authority to govern Gaza, an idea that Israel rejects. Blinken also wants to avoid continued attacks involving Israel and the terrorist organization Hezbollah that is based in Lebanon.

Door plugs: Alaska Airlines and United Airlines report they have found lose parts, including bolts, on door plugs on Boeing 737 MAX 9 aircraft in their fleets. A door plug, which is a panel used to fill the space not used by an emergency exit window, blew out of an Alaska Airlines MAX 9 causing a sudden depressurization. The FAA has grounded 171 MAX 9 jets for inspections under an Emergency Airworthiness Directive. Boeing was due to hold a virtual meeting of all employees today to discuss safety.

Austin’s condition: A Defense Department spokesman, Air Force Major General Pat Ryder, says Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin has been moved out of intensive care and is in what’s described as a “more private area of the hospital.” Austin was hospitalized after experiencing severe pain following an elective medical procedure. The nature of the procedure has not been disclosed. Austin’s hospitalization was not disclosed to most of his colleagues, other government officials and the public for several days. The White House was not notified until three days after the fact.