TL/DR –
Donald Trump defeated Nikki Haley in Iowa and New Hampshire and threatened to banish those who donate to her campaign from the MAGA movement. Trump is also facing a $10 million defamation lawsuit from E. Jean Carroll, who accuses him of sexually assaulting her in the 90s. In other news, Ohio lawmakers have voted to ban gender-affirming care for minors, a law prohibiting transgender children from accessing puberty blockers, hormone therapy, or gender-transition surgery, and stopping transgender athletes from competing in women’s sports.
Trump Steps Up Attacks on Rival Haley Despite Poll Wins
After besting Nikki Haley in Iowa and New Hampshire, Donald Trump intensified his attacks on his final competitor. He announced on Truth Social, his personal social-media outlet, that any donors to Ms Haley will be banned from the MAGA camp. Despite low poll numbers, Ms Haley pledges to continue campaigning, with her home state, South Carolina, hosting the next important contest.
Trump Says He Never Intended to Hurt E. Jean Carroll
“I merely wanted to protect myself, my family, and the presidency,” Mr Trump testified when asked if he had plans to hurt E. Jean Carroll, a writer suing him for defamation. Ms Carroll seeks $10m plus penalties, alleging Mr Trump falsely accused her of lying about a sexual assault claim from the 1990s.
World’s First Execution by Nitrogen Gas
Convicted murderer, Kenneth Eugene Smith became the first person globally to be executed by nitrogen gas. Despite appeals to the Supreme Court claiming cruel and unusual punishment, the execution in Alabama went ahead. Alabama and two other states have sanctioned nitrogen for executions due to difficulty obtaining lethal-injection drugs.
Ohio Lawmakers Vote to Ban Gender-Affirming Care for Minors
Legislators in Ohio moved to prohibit gender-affirming treatment for minors. The law, effective in 90 days, stops transgender children from accessing puberty blockers, hormone therapy, or gender-transition surgery. Transgender athletes are also barred from participating in women’s sports teams.
US to Begin Talks with Iraq to End Military Presence
US officials are soon to commence official dialogue with Iraq to conclude its military presence in the nation. The US army, present in Iraq since 2003, currently has approximately 2,500 troops stationed to deter a possible revival of the Islamic State. Iraq’s government has continually requested US withdrawal.
Florida Advances Legislation to Restrict Social Media Use by Minors
Florida’s House of Representatives has passed a bill aiming to limit minors’ access to select social-media platforms. The bill, now heading to the Senate, mandates companies to use third-party age-verification services to ensure users are 16 and terminate underage accounts. Similar laws in other states have faced court challenges, including that from a trade association representing Meta and Google.
Arizona Republican Chair Resigns Amid Scandal
Jeff DeWit, chairman of Arizona’s Republican Party, announced his resignation following a leaked recording where he allegedly offered Kari Lake, a Republican Senate candidate, money to drop out of the race. Ms Lake, a known 2020 election-denier, earlier stated, “he’s gotta resign.” Mr DeWit claimed he had been “set up” in a media post.
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New Age of News Anchor
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