The Justice Department just indicted Hunter Biden again.
Remind me.
In September, a special counsel indicted the president’s son on three federal gun charges. That case could be going to trial next year after a plea deal between Hunter and federal prosecutors fell through. Now, special counsel David Weiss — appointed by Attorney General Merrick Garland back in August — filed nine criminal charges against Hunter for a variety of alleged tax crimes. That includes failing to file and pay taxes, evasion of a tax assessment, and filing a false or fraudulent tax return. In a 56-page indictment, federal prosecutors say Hunter failed to pay $1.4 million in taxes from 2016 to 2019. Instead, the president's son allegedly spent his money on “drugs, escorts and girlfriends, luxury hotels and rental properties.”
What are people saying?
The White House declined to comment. In a statement, Hunter's attorney, Abbe Lowell, said there'd be no charges “if Hunter’s last name was anything other than Biden.” Lowell added that Hunter has since paid all of his taxes in full. If convicted, the president's son faces a max of 17 years in prison. The indictment comes as House Republicans are expected to vote next week on authorizing their impeachment inquiry into President Biden. For months, House Republicans have accused the Biden family of shady business practices and illegally profiting from Biden’s time as VP. The Biden admin has called the impeachment efforts “illegitimate.”
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This is the second time the president’s son has been hit with criminal charges by the Justice Department. It also raises the likelihood that he will face a second criminal trial — as his father campaigns for reelection.
Texas. Yesterday, a judge ruled that Kate Cox — a pregnant Texas woman — can get an emergency abortion in the state. Earlier this week, the 31-year-old sued Texas, asking for a court order to allow the procedure. Cox is 20-weeks pregnant and her fetus has been diagnosed with the fatal genetic condition trisomy 18. Texas law bans nearly all abortions. But her doctors have said that seeing the pregnancy through poses a risk to her health and future fertility. Now, a district judge issued a temporary restraining order that protects Cox and the medical professionals carrying out the procedure from being prosecuted. The Texas AG’s office could try to get a higher court to intervene and said Cox doesn’t qualify for a medical exemption. It comes as the Texas Supreme Court will rule on a bigger abortion case that could clarify exceptions in the state's abortion law.
Who's ready to move forward…
Rep. Jamaal Bowman (D-NY). Yesterday, the House censured Bowman for setting off a fire alarm in a House office building earlier this year. A video shows Bowman pulling the alarm in September — the same day the House was set to vote on avoiding a government shutdown. Rep. Lisa McClain (R-MI) introduced the motion, accusing Bowman of blocking a vote on the GOP bill. Bowman said he accidentally pulled the fire alarm, “mistakenly thinking it would open the door.” He already pleaded guilty to a false fire alarm charge and will pay the maximum fine of $1,000. Now, Bowman is the third lawmaker to be censured by the GOP-led House this year. See: Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA) and Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-MI).
Who walked out…
Washington Post journalists. Yesterday, more than 750 journalists and staffers went on a 24-hour strike, marking the largest labor protest at the company in nearly 50 years. The strike comes a little after 18 months of contract negotiations and after higher ups warned employees of layoffs if more people didn’t take voluntary buyouts. The Post Guild union is seeking pay equity, raises that correspond with the record inflation, and remote work policies.
What’s wishing upon a star…
CosMc's. This week, McDonald’s new spinoff brand is opening its first location in a Chicago suburb. The menu features Churro Frappes,S'mores Cold Brews, and classics like the Egg McMuffin. McDonald’s is testing the waters with 10 pilot locations by 2024. This comes as the fast food chain plans to open 10,000 new McDonald’s restaurants worldwide by 2027. No word yet if all broken ice cream machines will be repaired by then.
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Opening doors for her career…Casey R (NY). She recently opened her own finance consulting firm and plans to help small to medium companies grow.
(Some) Birthdays…Dana Jacobson (DC), Ricki Dorman (CA), Dana Spector (FL), Gail Javarah Wamba Flynn (WA), Courtney Couillard (NY), Carris Dougherty (FL), Thao Tran (FL), Shannon Choquet (MD), Emily Ridgway (OH), Noelle Gauthier (CT), Kelly Holz (MD), Jenn Huang (IL), Amy Miller (OH), Neha Gupta (FL), Laura Hutchins (NC)
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