Trump interview: Although he has been canceling interviews with U.S. mainstream media because of fatigue, Donald Trump found the energy to participate in an interview with Saudi Arabia’s government-controlled media. Trump recently struck a deal to build a Trump Tower in Saudi Arabia. His son-in-law Jared Kushner was given $2 billion by the Saudi’s to manage for them. In the interview, Trump said that he’d deal with the terrorist group Hamas and that the families of hostages taken by Hamas should give up hope because he’s sure the hostages are all dead. He praised Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who has been accused of ordering the murder of Washington Post writer Jamal Khashoggi.
Social Security: The nonpartisan group Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget has issued a new report on Social Security and concludes that if Donald Trump’s policies regarding Social Security were to be put into effect Social Security benefits would have to be cut by one-third beginning in 2031. The report also finds that Trump’s policies to deport millions of immigrants would shrink the pool of workers who pay the Social Security taxes. The analysis shows the shortfall under Trump would be $950 billion.
Harvey Weinstein: Former Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein has bone marrow cancer, it was disclosed today. Weinstein currently is in jail awaiting trial on a new sex charge. He underwent emergency heart surgery last month. An appeals court has overturned his 2020 conviction on a sex charge and his retrial in that case is tentatively scheduled for next month. He has entered a not guilty plea. He is being held in jail at Rikers Island.
Secretary Blinken: Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in Israel today to make another attempt at arranging a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas. This is his 11th visit to the region since the Israel-Hamas war started a year ago. Shortly before Blinken arrived in Tel Aviv, Hezbollah launched more than dozen missiles at Israel from Lebanon. Lebanon’s Health Ministry said that 13 people were killed and about 50 wounded in an Israeli attack on a hospital in Beirut.
Arizona election: A county supervisor in Cochise County, Arizona, has pleaded guilty to failing to perform her duties as a result of her refusing to certify the results of the 2022 midterm election. Republican Supervisor Peggy Judd will be put on probation and required to pay a small fine. Her Republican colleague who also refused to certify the election is due to go on trial in January. A judge ultimately ordered the Republicans on the board of supervisors to certify the results of the election as required by law.
Target’s prices: Target said today it will reduce regular prices on more than 2,000 items across owned and national brands this holiday season, including food and beverages, everyday essentials, holiday gifts and items to prepare the home for the holidays. In May, Target announced it would cut prices on about 5,000 items, and said that it will have lowered prices on over 10,000 items during the year. Target operates about 2,000 retail stores in addition to selling over the internet.
