Trump settlement:Â The Washington Post reported this morning that lawyers for Donald Trump wanted to settle the Mar-a-Lago documents case with the Justice Department to avoid Trump being indicted but Trump refused to allow them to work out a deal. The report says that various lawyers over a period of two years were urging Trump to return the classified government documents and settle but he repeatedly refused to do so.
Abbott sends migrants to LA: Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has sent a busload of 42 immigrants from Texas to Los Angeles, a 23-hour trip during which the bus did not stop so they could eat, get fresh water or use restrooms. Immigrant advocates in Los Angeles reported that one of the people sent to LA was supposed to go to New York to keep an appointment with immigration officials. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass referred to Abbott as a petty politician playing with human lives.
Glenda Jackson dies at 87:Â Actress Glenda Jackson has died in London at age 87. The cause of death was not disclosed but she had been ill recently. Jackson had just co-starred with Michael Caine in a new movie, “The Great Escaper.” Jackson won Academy Awards for her performances in “Women in Love” and “A Touch of Class.”
Junk fees:Â President Biden had a meeting with executives from major U.S. companies such as the concert promoter Live Nation and Airbnb scheduled at the White House to announce steps being taken by the companies to do away with hidden surprise fees that consumers are forced to pay. The White House noted that Biden criticized junk fees during his State of the Union Address. The companies selected to be praised by Biden have promised to fully disclose upfront any fees that will be tacked on to the prices of what they sell.
Body parts ring:Â The United States Attorney”™s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that five people were indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of conspiracy and interstate transport of stolen goods. It’s alleged that a nationwide network of individuals bought and sold human remains stolen from Harvard Medical School and an Arkansas mortuary. One of those indicted was Cedric Lodge, who managed the morgue for the Anatomical Gifts Program at Harvard Medical School.
Interest rates: While the U.S. Federal Reserve decided yesterday not to go ahead right now with another interest rate increase, the European Central Bank this morning raised interest rates to a 22-year high of 3.5%. Inflation in the 20 European countries that use the Euro has now eased to 6.1%. U.S. Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell indicated the Fed may raise interest rates two more times this year, likely reaching no more than 5.87% by the end of the year.
Cover photo of Glenda Jackson from “Mary, Queen of Scots” courtesy of Universal Pictures
