It's Monday morning, what do we know?
Ukrainians continue to offer stiff resistance as the second January 6th hearing convenes
What do we know in Ukraine?
The Russian onslaught in the industrial city of Sievierodonetsk continues. Russian separatists claim they have destroyed the last path of retreat for Ukrainian troops, forcing Ukrainian troops to either surrender or die fighting, but Ukraine says one escape route remains open
Russian gains in the city have been costly for both sides, as the battle continues building to building. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says Ukraine is losing about 100 soldiers per day. While Russian casualties are lower, they are nonetheless significant
Ukraine remains greatly outgunned in Donbas despite significant military support from the US and Western allies. For example, while the US has committed to sending 220,000 rounds of ammunition to Ukraine, Russia is firing approximately 50,000 rounds per day into Ukrainian positions. In other words, the total ammunition in the latest US military aid package is enough to match Russia….for four days
Russia’s successes come as much of the world’s attention wanes. Despite the public’s short attention span, world leaders remain committed to Ukraine’s defense. And through it all, Ukrainians have maintained their sense of humor
The House January 6th Committee
The January 6th Committee is holding its second televised hearing this morning
Former Trump campaign manager Bill Stepien was expected to testify but will not be able to attend, as his wife went into labor this morning. Instead, his lawyer will read a prepared statement. As a result of Stepien’s cancelation, the hearing will be delayed
Chris Stirewalt, the former Fox News political editor, who was fired for projecting Arizona for Biden (a projection that proved correct) will testify before the committee today. Stirewalt, who now works at the American Enterprise Institute and writes for The Dispatch has a piece up this morning explaining why he agreed to speak with the committee, you can read it here
The focus of today’s hearing will be on Trump’s misinformation campaign falsely claiming the election was stolen, known colloquially as the Big Lie. According to Liz Cheney, the committee will show that Donald Trump “engaged in a massive effort to spread false and fraudulent information”
The third hearing, scheduled for Wednesday afternoon, will focus on Trump’s attempts to intimidate the Department of Justice into spreading his false stolen election claims
Testimony will include details of Trump's efforts to elevate Jeffrey Clark, an environmental lawyer at DOJ and Trump loyalist, to acting attorney general. Clark had drafted a letter to send out to Georgia and several other swing states, saying falsely that the Justice Department had “identified significant concerns that may have impacted the outcome of the election.”
What else do we know?
20 Senators, 10 Republicans and 10 Democrats, announced a tentative bipartisan agreement on gun legislation. The bill, which falls short of what many Democrats wanted, was still hailed as a constructive first step. Among the provisions in the bill are:
A framework to help states create and implement ‘red flag’ laws meant to keep guns out of the hands of those who may pose a threat to themselves or others
Investments to increase mental health and suicide prevention programs
An end to the so-called ‘boyfriend loophole’, which would keep guns out of households with a history of domestic violence
Enhanced background check for individuals under 21 years of age
Tightening and clarifying laws requiring gun sellers to register as Federally Licensed Firearm dealers. Registered dealers are required to conduct background checks under federal law
Investments in school security
Despite criticisms from those on the far left, who wanted a total ban on assault weapons (something that was never in the cards), the bill has been widely praised. In an interview with The New York Times, T. Christian Heyne, the vice president for policy at Brady: United Against Gun Violence, said “The fact that a group this large is coming together to get it done shows that we’re in a historic moment.” And John Feinblatt, the president of Everytown for Gun Safety, said, “it will be the most significant piece of gun safety legislation to make it through Congress in 26 long and deadly years.”
Inflation reached a 40 year high of 8.6% in May, after April’s fall to 8.3%. Making matters worse, the price of gas hit an all-time high nationally of slightly more than $5 per gallon, according to AAA
Good one, Adam. Happy Monday!