It's Thursday morning, what do we know?
Ginni Thomas, the January 6th hearings & the battle for Sievierodonetsk continues
What do we know?
The Federal Reserve raised interest rates by ¾ of a point on Wednesday, its most aggressive rate hike since 1994. The Fed had been planning a modest raise in rates but Friday’s report that the Consumer Price Index had risen to 8.6% prompted the more dramatic 75 basis point increase
In the United States, the price for a dozen eggs has risen 33% year over year and gas prices have risen by 50% over the same period. The average American family is spending $500 more per month than they were last June for the same items
Economists speculate that the interest rate hike and high inflation could raise unemployment rates above 4% by 2023. More hikes are possible later this year
What do we know in Ukraine?
Heavy fighting continues in Sievierodonetsk, as Russia focuses most of its attention on taking full control of the strategically critical industrial city
A planned evacuation of 500 civilians from the Azot chemical plant in Sievierodonetsk failed to materialize. Ukrainian officials canceled the evacuation when it became clear the civilians would be evacuated to Russian controlled territory, rather than Ukrainian territory
With Russian forces largely focused around Sievierodonetsk, Ukraine has launched offensives to retake territory in the south. Notably, Ukraine has launched offensives between the southern cities of Mykolaiv and Russian-occupied Kherson
Russia attacked an area near Lviv, in western Ukraine with precision, long-range Kalibr missiles. The attack reportedly destroyed a depot containing US and European weapons and military supplies. Russia has increased attacks on Western supplies throughout Ukraine
The House January 6th Committee
The focus of Thursday’s hearing, scheduled to convene at 1 p.m. EST, will be on Trump’s efforts to coerce former V.P. Mike Pence to reject the slate of electors from several swing states and throw the typically pro forma process into chaos and, consequently, Biden’s victory into doubt
Among the details the committee will highlight, concerns among Pence’s staff about the Vice President’s safety on the eve of January 6th. Witnesses will testify that among staff and Secret Service agents on Pence’s detail, there were concerns that the V.P.’s life could potentially be in danger
The Washington Post is reporting that the January 6th Committee has obtained emails between Ginni Thomas, wife of Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, and John Eastman, author of the legal memo advising Donald Trump on how he might remain in power. According to The Post, Thomas’ participation in events surrounding January 6th and the larger conspiracy are more extensive than previously known