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New York Judge Rejects Trump’s Bid to Toss Out Hush Money Guilty Verdict 

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A New York judge has denied Donald Trump’s attempt to overturn his hush money conviction, rejecting his argument that presidential immunity protects him following his election victory. 

Judge Juan Merchan, who presided over the trial, ruled Monday that Trump’s motion to vacate the guilty verdict on immunity grounds was without merit. “Defendant’s motion to dismiss the indictment and verdict is denied,” Merchan wrote in the order. 

Trump’s legal team argued that the verdict should be dismissed based on a Supreme Court ruling on presidential immunity issued in July, which set new standards for shielding “official acts” of sitting or former presidents. Prosecutors, however, countered that the ruling does not apply to Trump’s actions in the hush money case, which they described as entirely personal conduct. 

Trump was found guilty in May on 34 counts of falsifying business records stemming from a hush money payment made by his former lawyer, Michael Cohen, to adult film actress Stormy Daniels during the final days of the 2016 presidential election. Daniels alleged a sexual encounter with Trump in 2006, a claim Trump has denied. 

In his ruling, Judge Merchan emphasized the strength of the evidence presented by the Manhattan District Attorney’s office. “The overwhelming evidence of guilt leaves this court no reason to disturb the verdict,” Merchan stated. He added that much of the evidence Trump’s defense called into question involved unofficial conduct, which is not protected under presidential immunity. 

“Even if this court were to consider all contested evidence as official conduct, its use as proof of personal acts—such as falsifying business records—does not infringe on the Executive Branch’s authority,” Merchan wrote. 

Following the decision, Trump spokesman Steven Cheung called the ruling “a direct violation of the Supreme Court’s decision on immunity” and criticized the case as unconstitutional. “This lawless case should have never been brought, and the Constitution demands that it be immediately dismissed,” Cheung said in a statement. 

While Merchan rejected this motion, Trump still has a broader motion pending and a newly raised argument regarding potential juror misconduct. The nature of the alleged misconduct was not disclosed, but Merchan instructed both legal teams to file public letters about the issue with necessary redactions. 

The sentencing for Trump’s hush money case had previously been postponed as the judge considered the defense’s motions. A new sentencing date has not yet been set. 

Trump, the president-elect, is scheduled to take office on January 20, adding political weight to the ongoing legal proceedings. 

Germany’s Scholz Loses Confidence Vote, Paving Way for Early February Election

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Chancellor Olaf Scholz failed to secure a confidence vote in the German Bundestag on Monday, setting the stage for an early election in February and plunging Germany, Europe’s largest economy, into political uncertainty. 

Scholz received support from only 207 lawmakers in the 733-seat lower house, with 394 voting against him and 116 abstaining. Falling well short of the required majority of 367, Scholz’s defeat marks a significant turning point for the country as it grapples with economic stagnation and political gridlock. 

The vote comes after the collapse of Scholz’s three-party coalition on November 6, when he dismissed his finance minister over disputes regarding how to address Germany’s economic struggles. With the government now operating as a minority, leaders of major political parties have agreed to hold elections on February 23, seven months earlier than originally planned. 

Under Germany’s post-World War II constitution, parliament cannot dissolve itself, so the decision now rests with President Frank-Walter Steinmeier. Steinmeier has 21 days to formally dissolve the Bundestag, a step expected to take place after Christmas. Once dissolved, elections must be held within 60 days. 

While formalities are pending, campaigning has already begun, as highlighted by the tense exchanges in Monday’s parliamentary session. 

In his address to lawmakers, Scholz, leader of the center-left Social Democrats (SPD), framed the upcoming election as a choice about Germany’s future direction. 

“This election will determine whether we, as a strong country, dare to invest in our future. Do we have confidence in ourselves and our potential, or do we risk our prosperity by delaying necessary reforms?” Scholz said. His campaign proposals include modernizing Germany’s strict debt rules, raising the national minimum wage, and reducing value-added tax on food. 

Friedrich Merz, leader of the center-right Union bloc and Scholz’s primary challenger, criticized the chancellor’s handling of the economy, calling it one of the country’s worst postwar crises. 

“You’re leaving Germany adrift during an economic downturn,” Merz argued. “Running up debt at the expense of future generations is no solution. You didn’t even mention the competitiveness of Germany’s economy in your speech.” 

On foreign policy, Scholz reaffirmed Germany’s role as Europe’s largest supplier of military aid to Ukraine but ruled out sending long-range Taurus cruise missiles or German troops. “We will do nothing to jeopardize our own security,” he stated. 

Merz, who supports the possibility of sending the missiles, pushed back but noted that Germany’s political leaders share the “absolute will” to see the war in Ukraine brought to an end as soon as possible. 

Recent polls show Scholz’s Social Democrats trailing far behind Merz’s opposition Union bloc, which currently leads the race. Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck of the Greens has also entered the contest, though his party remains in third place. 

Meanwhile, the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), led by Alice Weidel, is polling strongly but remains politically isolated, as other parties refuse to collaborate with it. 

Germany’s proportional electoral system makes coalition governments the norm, and no party is expected to secure a parliamentary majority on its own. The election will likely be followed by weeks of negotiations to form a stable coalition government. 

Confidence votes are unusual in Germany, a nation that places great value on political stability. This is only the sixth such vote since World War II. The most recent occurred in 2005, when then-Chancellor Gerhard Schröder triggered an early election, which resulted in a narrow victory for Angela Merkel. 

Germany now faces an uncertain political future, with economic challenges and foreign policy priorities set to dominate the upcoming election. 

Prince Andrew to Miss Royal Family Christmas After Chinese Spy Scandal

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Prince Andrew will not join the Royal Family at Sandringham for Christmas this year following a scandal linking him to an alleged Chinese spy, royal sources have confirmed. Instead, the Duke of York will remain at his Windsor residence, Royal Lodge, where he will spend the holiday with his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson.

The scandal erupted after a Chinese businessman, Yang Tengbo—identified in court documents as “H6”—lost an appeal last week against being barred from the UK on national security grounds. Yang, who has denied all allegations, had developed close ties with Prince Andrew, visiting Buckingham Palace, St. James’s Palace, and Windsor Castle as his guest.

Yang was also invited to Prince Andrew’s birthday party in 2020 and was reportedly told by a royal aide that he could represent the Duke’s interests with potential investors in China. Prince Andrew issued a statement last week saying he had ceased contact with Yang after being warned by security services and insisted that nothing of a sensitive nature was ever discussed.

Royal Fallout and Embarrassment
Sources close to the monarchy revealed that King Charles III and senior royals are “exasperated” by the latest controversy involving Andrew, as it heaps further shame on the Royal Family. The King was reportedly briefed by British intelligence regarding the potential security breach, raising concerns that Yang may have acted as a “gateway agent” to introduce Chinese intelligence operatives into the Duke’s network.

While Yang continues to deny the allegations, claiming he is a victim of rising political tensions between the UK and China, the scandal marks another embarrassing chapter for Andrew, who has faced intense scrutiny since stepping back from royal duties in 2019.

History of Scandal
The Duke’s reputation was severely damaged following his association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. In a disastrous 2019 BBC Newsnight interview, Andrew failed to address his links to Epstein or allegations made by Virginia Giuffre, who claimed Andrew had sex with her when she was 17 years old. Andrew later reached a 12 million pound out-of-court settlement with Giuffre but has consistently denied wrongdoing.

The Chinese spy scandal has only worsened Andrew’s already strained relationship with the monarchy. Despite attempts by King Charles to reconcile with his brother, including inviting him to join the family’s Christmas celebrations last year, Andrew’s latest troubles have reportedly forced the King’s hand.

Staying Away from Christmas Festivities
Sources confirmed that Prince Andrew will not attend this year’s royal gathering at Sandringham or the annual Buckingham Palace Christmas lunch for extended family members. A royal insider stated that the King and other family members are as exasperated as can be with the Duke over this latest issue. It is of grave embarrassment to him and the institution.

Despite being cut off financially and no longer receiving funds to cover his three million pound-a-year private security, Andrew had spent Christmas with the Royal Family last year. He was seen attending church services and mingling with royal fans—a stark contrast to this year’s decision to stay out of the public eye.

Yang Denies Allegations
Yang Tengbo, speaking through his legal team, maintained that the Home Office’s concerns are ill-founded, describing accusations that he is a spy as entirely untrue. He said he had decided to reveal his identity to counter misreporting and speculation surrounding his relationship with Andrew.

In his statement, Yang argued that he had been unfairly targeted due to deteriorating UK-China relations, saying that when relations are good, and Chinese investment is sought, he is welcome in the UK.

Looking Ahead
The ongoing scandal has sparked fresh questions about Prince Andrew’s judgment and his associations, with intelligence services continuing to investigate the matter. The fallout further isolates the Duke, who remains sidelined from royal duties and under intense public scrutiny.

Teen Shooter Kills 1 Teacher, 1 Student at Abundant Life Christian School; Multiple Injured

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A tragic shooting at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison, Wisconsin, claimed the lives of one teacher and one teenage student, with multiple others injured, Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes confirmed in a press conference today. 

At least two students remain in critical condition, while four others are recovering from non-life-threatening injuries, authorities reported. 

The suspected shooter, identified as a teenage student, was found dead at the scene. Police declined to disclose further details about the suspect, including the cause of death, pending an investigation by the medical examiner. Chief Barnes refrained from commenting on whether the shooter’s death was a suicide. 

According to Barnes, the shooting was confined to a single area of the school, though it remains unclear whether it was a classroom or a hallway. Responding officers discovered a handgun at the scene, though no additional information on the weapon has been provided. 

The Madison Police Department acted swiftly after receiving a 911 call earlier this morning. Coincidentally, a group of officers were participating in emergency training exercises just 3 miles away when the call came in. They immediately left the training site and arrived at the school to find multiple victims suffering from gunshot wounds. 

“What began as a training day became an actual event,” Barnes noted, emphasizing the rapid response of both the police and the fire department’s “special event team medics.” 

While police continue their investigation, they are not rushing students into immediate interviews. Barnes stressed the importance of allowing students time to process the tragedy before recounting their experiences. 

“We’re going to give them an opportunity to come in and speak to what they may have seen when they feel ready,” Barnes said. 

Authorities confirmed they have contacted the parents of the suspected shooter, but no further details about their involvement have been released. 

Chief Barnes expressed compassion for all affected parties, saying: 

“As difficult as today is, that’s still someone’s child that’s gone, that’s still someone that has to deal with what happened today. And so we want to ensure as much cooperation and understanding as we can.” 

Police have not yet determined a motive for the shooting. The crime scene remains on lockdown, and authorities are continuing to gather evidence. 

As the community mourns this devastating loss, additional support services are expected to be made available for students, staff, and families impacted by the tragedy. 

16-Year-Old Kills Family and Calls 911 to Confess; Police Say Teen Was “Extremely Intoxicated”

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A 16-year-old New Mexico boy has been charged with four counts of first-degree murder after allegedly killing his parents and two siblings, then drunkenly calling 911 to confess. 

According to authorities, the Valencia County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call at approximately 3:30 a.m. on Saturday, December 14, from a teenager who claimed to have killed his entire family. Deputies arrived at the Belén home to find 16-year-old Diego Leyva walking out of the residence with his hands raised in surrender. Police described him as “extremely intoxicated” but said he cooperated fully with their investigation. 

Inside the home, officers discovered a handgun on the kitchen table and the bodies of four victims. The victims have been identified as Leonardo Leyva (42), Adriana Bencomo (35)—the suspect’s parents—and his 14-year-old and 16-year-old brothers. Authorities believe all four died from gunshot wounds. 

The tragedy has rocked the local community. Adriana Bencomo, one of the victims, was an active member of the Valencia County Fire Department. In a statement, the department expressed that it was “shocked and saddened by this loss.” 

The Belén Consolidated Schools district, where Leyva was a student, responded by offering additional counseling services for grieving classmates and staff. Superintendent Lawrence Sanchez shared a statement on Sunday via Facebook: 

“We are deeply saddened and shocked by the tragic event involving the killing of his family by a BHS student this past Saturday. Our hearts go out to the victims, their loved ones, and everyone impacted by this devastating loss.” 

Sanchez emphasized the importance of addressing youth challenges and promoting mental health awareness to prevent similar tragedies in the future. “It is our collective responsibility to ensure our children and families feel safe, supported, and valued,” he concluded. 

Following his arrest, Leyva was transported to a hospital for detox. Once medically cleared, he was booked into the Juvenile Justice Center in Albuquerque on December 15. 

The New Mexico State Police (NMSP) Investigations Bureau and Crime Scene Team are continuing to investigate the case, processing evidence and conducting interviews to uncover what led to the tragic events. Their findings will be turned over to the district attorney’s office for prosecution. 

Trump Claims Turkey’s Erdogan Directed Syrian Rebels in ‘Unfriendly Takeover’ of Assad’s Regime 

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President-elect Donald Trump on Monday alleged that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan orchestrated the swift overthrow of Syria’s Bashar al-Assad regime on December 8. Trump’s remarks came during a press conference at his Mar-a-Lago resort, where he praised Erdogan’s strategic influence while raising questions about the region’s future. 

“The very smart Erdogan directed the rebellion that led to the overthrow of Syria’s brutal Assad regime,” Trump said, describing it as “another way to fight.” Trump asserted that Turkey was behind the rebel forces responsible for the regime’s collapse. “And those people that went in are controlled by Turkey, and that’s OK,” he added. 

When asked about the fate of the 900 American troops currently stationed in Syria, Trump remained non-committal, stating, “Nobody knows what the final outcome is going to be in the region.” However, he noted, “The one [Assad regime] side has been decimated.” 

Trump further described Erdogan as “a very smart guy” and characterized the situation as “an unfriendly takeover without a lot of lives being lost.” 

Despite Trump’s comments, Israeli officials cautioned the United States to remain vigilant regarding Erdogan’s leadership and Turkey’s growing influence. Knesset member Wasserman Lande specifically pointed to Turkey’s support for groups like Hamas and the Muslim Brotherhood, linking their influence to the incoming Syrian leadership. 

“Turkey, with Erdogan at the helm, is supportive of Hamas and supportive of the Muslim Brotherhood, which are the same thing,” she said, emphasizing concerns over Syria now being governed by Turkey-backed rebels. 

Lande urged the incoming Trump administration to monitor Erdogan closely, particularly given Turkey’s membership in NATO, which could provide the U.S. and allies leverage over Turkey’s actions. “The United States needs to put a huge vigilant watch on Erdogan, particularly because he’s a member of NATO,” she stated. 

TikTok Appeals to Supreme Court to Block U.S. Ban Over National Security Concerns 

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TikTok has filed an emergency appeal to the Supreme Court, urging justices to block a federal law that could ban the popular app in the United States unless its China-based parent company, ByteDance, sells its stake. The deadline for the law to take effect is January 19. 

TikTok’s legal team argued that a shutdown would significantly harm its U.S. user base, which exceeds 170 million people, and severely impact content creators who depend on the platform for income. The company estimates it could lose a third of its daily U.S. users and face substantial advertising revenue losses within a month. 

The case raises significant constitutional questions, particularly free speech rights protected under the First Amendment, pitted against the U.S. government’s stated *national security concerns*. Lawyers for TikTok and ByteDance claim that the law unfairly targets the platform and internet services supporting it. 

The emergency appeal first heads to Chief Justice John Roberts, who oversees cases from the District of Columbia Circuit. He is expected to seek input from all nine justices. 

Last week, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit denied TikTok’s request to block the law, allowing the case to advance to the Supreme Court. The panel had previously upheld the law unanimously, rejecting claims it violated free speech rights. 

If the Supreme Court does not intervene, the law will take effect on January 19, exposing app stores and hosting services offering TikTok to penalties. Enforcement of the ban would be overseen by the Justice Department. TikTok’s legal team, however, argued that the department may delay enforcement under the incoming administration, as President-elect Donald Trump previously vowed to “save TikTok” during his campaign. 

The Supreme Court’s decision could either temporarily freeze the law to allow further deliberation or reject the emergency appeal, enabling the ban to take effect as planned. 

At Least 3 Dead, Including Shooter, in Madison School Shooting

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A tragic shooting at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison, Wisconsin, has left three people dead, including a suspected juvenile shooter, and six others injured, according to the Madison Police Department. 

Officers responded to an active shooter call at the K-12 private school at 10:57 a.m. and discovered multiple victims with gunshot wounds. Police Chief Shon Barnes confirmed that the suspected shooter, who was found among the deceased, is believed to have been a student at the school. 

“Today is a sad, sad day,” Barnes said during a press briefing. “Not just for Madison, but for our entire country.” 

Seven injured individuals were transported to local hospitals after receiving lifesaving treatment at the scene. Authorities have not yet clarified how many of the injured are students or staff members. Police described the severity of injuries as ranging from minor to life-threatening. 

Law enforcement continues to investigate the incident, and no officers discharged weapons during their response. FBI Milwaukee is assisting local authorities on-site, while Buckeye Road, the street leading to the school, remains blocked off as police collect evidence. A public safety alert was issued around 11:20 a.m., urging the public to avoid the area. 

Parents gathered at a designated reunification site nearby as they awaited news of their children. A local resident reported hearing gunfire, adding to the chaos of the morning. 

The private Christian school, founded in 1978, serves approximately 335 students from kindergarten through 12th grade. It is part of the Impact Christian Schools network and prides itself on small class sizes and a respectful learning environment. 

The White House confirmed that President Joe Biden has been briefed on the shooting. Senior officials remain in communication with local authorities, offering federal support as needed. 

Abundant Life Christian School released a brief statement on social media requesting prayers for its community during this difficult time: “Prayers Requested! Today, we had an active shooter incident at ALCS. We are in the midst of following up. We will share information as we are able. Please pray for our Challenger Family.” 

The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities are expected to provide updates as more details emerge.

UK Government Approves $4.6 Billion Royal Mail Takeover by Czech Billionaire

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The British government approved on Monday the sale of Royal Mail’s parent company to a Czech billionaire, marking the first time in its 500-year history that the postal service will fall into foreign ownership. 

Authorities confirmed that the 3.6 billion-pound ($4.6 billion) acquisition of International Distribution Services (IDS), Royal Mail’s parent company, by Daniel Kretinsky’s EP Group, has been cleared to proceed. 

Kretinsky and IDS had initially agreed to the deal in May but needed formal approval under the UK’s national security laws, given the vital role of the postal service. 

Under the terms of the deal, Royal Mail will remain headquartered in the UK. The British government will also retain a “golden share” in the company, requiring its approval for any major changes to ownership, tax residency, or headquarters location. 

The takeover is expected to be finalized in early 2025. 

Royal Mail, one of the UK’s oldest institutions, was established in the 1500s as an exclusive service for the monarchy and royal court before evolving into a public postal service in the 1600s. 

Although privatized in 2013, Royal Mail has faced significant challenges in recent years as letter volumes continue to decline sharply amid changing communication habits.

Putin Claims Western Pressure Forces Russian Military Response

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FILE - Russian President Vladimir Putin speaks during a meeting at the Foreign Ministry in Moscow, on Friday, June 14, 2024. Putin says that Moscow isn't seeking quick gains in Ukraine and will stick to the current strategy of slow advances as it presses a grinding summer offensive. (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko, File)

Russian President Vladimir Putin accused Western powers Monday of forcing Russia to respond by pushing it toward its declared “red lines,” while warning of potential changes to Russian missile deployment policies.

Speaking at a defense officials meeting, Putin expressed serious concern over U.S. development and possible deployment of short and medium-range missiles. He threatened to remove Russia’s self-imposed restrictions on missile deployment if the U.S. proceeds with such installations.

The Russian leader referenced his military’s claimed capture of 189 settlements in Ukraine during 2024, while emphasizing that Russia’s nuclear arsenal serves purely deterrent purposes.

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