January 1, Census data indicates possible ‘bloodbath’ for GOP

Hello Americans,

Census data indicates that New York Democrats are poised to strengthen their political power and possibly wipe away Republican congressional seats. 2020 Census figures show that New York City’s population grew to a record 8.8 million people, while the more conservative upstate New York had a more tepid growth. New York Democrats have the final say on new congressional district maps, and experts think they may take the opportunity to redraw congressional lines to block in Dem victories for years to come. “I think New York could turn into a bloodbath for Republicans,” said Dave Wasserman, US House editor of the nonpartisan Cook Political Report. “Democrats could convert the existing 19-8 delegation into a 23-3 delegation through redistricting alone.”

Meanwhile, a recent poll indicates that many Republicans are uneasy about the country’s direction — and their party’s future. According to a survey from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, just 15% approve of Joe Biden, and 66% still say he was illegitimately elected. When it comes to their own party, 41% said they are optimistic about the future of the GOP, and 33% say they are pessimistic. “It’s nonstop,” said Dennis Herzog, a Wisconsin resident who identifies as a staunch Republican. “I don’t care who is in office. Just do what’s right for the people and stop picking certain sides.”

Former President Donald Trump took aim at the Biden administration amid the situation in Afghanistan, rising inflation, and the border crisis. “Tragic mess in Afghanistan, a completely open and broken Border, crime at record levels, oil prices through the roof, inflation rising, and taken advantage of by the entire world—DO YOU MISS ME YET?” Trump said in an emailed statement. Trump’s email arrived as the situation in Afghanistan continues to deteriorate. US officials believe the Taliban could capture Kabul within the next month, despite Biden’s previous estimation that it would take over a year after the withdrawal of troops.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announced that his state is rolling out a mobile unit to administer monoclonal antibody treatments to coronavirus patients. “There’s clear benefits to this early treatment for keeping people out of the hospital and reducing mortality,” DeSantis said. The treatment can be used to treat patients with mild to moderate symptoms who are 12 or older. The treatment is not suitable for those who have developed severe symptoms. The treatment is administered by intravenous infusion, and the process can take up to an hour. Former President Donald Trump received Regeneron’s monoclonal antibody treatment when he contracted COVID-19 last year.

A New Jersey man charged in the Nov. 2020 shooting death of an 18-year-old was released from prison two days before the murder as part of an effort to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Jerry D. Crawford, 25, who was serving time on burglary charges, was released on “public health emergency credits” to mandatory parole supervision on Nov. 4, according to state Department of Corrections officials. In the wake of deaths and escalating infection rates in state prisons, the emergency plan enabled thousands of inmates to be released early.

81-year-old David Lidstone was arrested for refusing to vacate his cabin in the New Hampshire woods, where he’s lived for almost 30 years. Lidstone’s solar panel-adorned cabin lies near the Merrimack River, where he has grown his own food, cut his own firewood, and tended to his animals. “River Dave,” as he’s known by locals, is accused of squatting for 27 years, as the owner of the land seeks to tear down the cabin. Lidstone has been in jail since July 15 on a civil contempt sanction. “You came with your guns, you arrested me, brought me in here, you’ve got all my possessions. You keep ’em,” Lidstone told a judge. “I’ll sit here with your uniform on until I rot, sir.”

Stay safe,

Fraser Dixon

Sources

• Census data fallout: How New York Dems could create ‘bloodbath’ for GOP
• AP-NORC poll: Many Republicans uneasy about party’s future
• ‘Do you miss me yet?’: Trump slams Biden over Afghanistan, inflation
• Florida Gov. DeSantis Expands Monoclonal Antibody Treatments Amid COVID-19 Spike
• NJ inmate freed early due to COVID is charged with murder 2 days later
• Off-grid New Hampshire man jailed for refusing to vacate cabin of 27 years