January 1, Hunter Biden has a vulgar message for his critics

Good morning Americans,

President Biden’s son Hunter has a message for those who criticize the prices of his artwork. In an interview with the “Nota Bene” podcast, one of the hosts asked Hunter Biden what his response was to the people who condemn the prices of his work. “Other than ‘f— ’em’?” Biden asked facetiously. Biden’s artwork will sell in the Fall at an estimated price point between $75,000 and $500,000. “The value of an artist’s work is not necessarily determined by the price but the price is completely subjective … and has sometimes nothing to do with anything other than, you know, the moment,” he added.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said that her party’s $3.5 trillion bill should include immigration reform. “I do believe that immigration should be in the reconciliation, some piece of that, in the reconciliation,” Pelosi said. “We know we have a very good case for this to be included.” While the details are still unclear, the expectation is that the legislation will allocate funds to health, education, environment, and social programs. Democrats seek to pass the measure with a procedural tool known as budget reconciliation, which would allow them to bypass a 60-vote filibuster by Senate Republicans.

The Biden administration imposed another set of sanctions on Cuba, this time targeting their police force and its leaders for the suppression of protestors. “The Treasury Department will continue to designate and call out by name those who facilitate the Cuban regime’s involvement in serious human rights abuse,” Andrea Gacki, director of the Office of Foreign Assets Control, wrote in a statement. “Today’s action serves to further hold accountable those responsible for suppressing the Cuban people’s calls for freedom and respect for human rights.” Earlier this month, protestors took to the streets to demonstrate against their fragile economy that led to food and power shortages.

The Justice Department threatened to sue the governor of Texas over a recent order that allows state troopers to stop and turn back vehicles carrying migrants on the basis that they could increase the spread of COVID-19. “The order is both dangerous and unlawful,” Attorney General Merrick Garland wrote in a letter. Gov. Greg Abbott seemed to dismiss Garland’s letter in a statement that pointed blame at the White House for the ongoing migration crisis. “The Biden Administration is jeopardizing the health and safety of Texans on a daily basis by refusing to follow the law,” Abbott said.

In further Texas-related news, hospitals in the northern part of the state reported an increase in Covid-19 cases among pediatric patients. Hospital spokesperson Kim Brown says that as of July 28, Cook Children’s Medical Center had 14 Covid patients, with a seven-day positivity rate of 9 percent. Brown went on to add, “on June 2nd, our seven-day percent positivity rate was 1 percent and we were seeing less than 10 COVID-19 positive tests per day.” Cook Children’s Dr. Marc Mazade urged unvaccinated adults to get their shots to protect children not yet eligible for the vaccine.

Three members of the US’s Olympic fencing team wore pink masks following allegations of sexual misconduct against their teammate. Jake Hoyle, Curtis McDowald, and Yeisser Ramirez all wore pink masks before the start of the competition. Alex Hadzic, who has been accused of sexual assault, did not. Three women came forward shortly after Hadzic qualified for the Tokyo Games, alleging sexual impropriety in incidents that occurred between 2013 and 2015. Hadzic was barred from the team on June 2 but successfully appealed his suspension. The team lost to Japan on Friday, bringing their Olympic journey to an end.

Be well,

Fraser Dixon

Sources

• Hunter Biden blasts those criticizing price of his art: ‘F— ’em’
• Pelosi says Dems’ massive spending bill should include immigration reform
• Treasury slaps sanctions on Cuban police force and its leaders over crackdown on protests
• DOJ Threatens To Sue Texas Governor Over Using State Troopers To Turn Back Migrants
• Texas pediatric hospitals report uptick in COVID-19 patients
• US fencers wear pink masks after teammate accused of sexual misconduct