Latest News
January 1, MSNBC’S Maddow: NRA ‘Implosion’ Is Second Biggest Story of 2019, After Impeachment

This Day in History | 1972
Former President Harry Truman dies at his home in Independence, Missouri.
Good Morning Middle Americans,
We hope you had a lovely Christmas and Hanukkah with your friends and family. We are back on the grind today (it’s not really a grind 😉 – bringing you what we think are some of the most important stories of the day to keep you informed.
One of those stories today includes a take from Rachel Maddow, host of MSNBC’s highest rated program. Maddow says the ‘implosion’ at the National Riffle Association would have been the biggest story of the year if it weren’t for this whole impeachment saga. We at Middle American News aren’t sure if we agree, but she does make a compelling argument. And what has happened at the NRA in 2019, raises a lot of questions about the future of the gun lobbying group.
And WOW – is all we can say about Rudy Giuliani’s most recent interview with New York Magazine. Several people have speculated about Rudy’s drinking during his controversial interviews. In this interview, he and writer Oliva Nuzzi have bloody Mary’s and what comes next is really something.
– Fraser Dixon
Rachel Maddow: If Not for Impeachment, NRA Implosion Would’ve Been the Story of 2019
(Mediaite) – If not for impeachment, MSNBC host Rachel Maddow argued on Tuesday that the “slow-motion car crash” and internal implosion occurring at the National Rifle Association would be the top political story of the year.
Beginning in the spring of this year, headlines have cropped up over the past months detailing massive unrest and structural issues at the NRA, including a civil war between the organization’s advocacy side and their revenue side, the advertising firm Ackerman McQueen, as the NRA filed a lawsuit against the Oklahoma City-based agency after they attempted to depart from the largest pro-gun group in the nation. Things became so bad at the NRA that the organization warned its members in August that they may be forced to file for bankruptcy.
Read more about Maddow’s take on impeachment from Mediaite here
Rudy Giuliani: I’m More of a Jew than (George) Soros
(New York Magazine) – As the black SUV came to a stop on 33rd Street in Manhattan, its lights flashing, a pale hand stretched through the open window of the passenger door and gave a little wave. It was attached to Rudy Giuliani, who smiled from behind his tortoiseshell sunglasses. He apologized for being late. “Couldn’t go on sidewalks like I used to,” he said, mourning a perk of his past life as mayor.
It was early in the afternoon on Sunday, December 8, and Giuliani had just returned from Ukraine, where he said he was looking for information to undermine the case to impeach his client, President Donald Trump.
“We snuck out of Kiev to escape having to answer a lot of questions,” he said, though it wasn’t clear if he meant from the press or government officials. “They all thought we were going to leave on Friday morning, and I organized a private plane to go to Vienna on Thursday night.”
Read more of Giuliani’s wild interview from New York Magazine here
GOP Senator ‘Disturbed’ by McConnell Impeachment Remark
(AP) – U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, a Republican from Alaska, said she was disturbed to hear Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell say there would be “total coordination” between the White House and the Senate over the upcoming presidential impeachment trial.
“And in fairness, when I heard that I was disturbed,” Murkowski told KTUU Tuesday before saying there should be distance between the White House and the Senate in how the trial is conducted.
To me it means that we have to take that step back from being hand in glove with the defense, and so I heard what leader McConnell had said, I happened to think that that has further confused the process.”
In a recent interview with Fox News’ Sean Hannity, McConnell, a Kentucky Republican, described his planning with the White House.
Carolina Couple Calls 911 on Vacuum Thought to be Intruder
(WKTR) – A Forsyth North Carolina County couple called 911 thinking an intruder was in their home — but it turned out to be something far less threatening.
Just after midnight, a couple heard loud noises coming from the downstairs of their home on Lewisville-Clemson Road. Thinking it was an intruder, they hid in their closet and called 911.
When deputies searched the home, all they found was a robotic vacuum. It had somehow turned itself on, got stuck and began banging on a wall.
The Seven Biggest Stories of the Year Countdown
#7) The US Women’s National Soccer Team and Equal Pay Push
#6) Internet Censorship
(CNN) – At the start of this year, as Zimbabwe cut off internet access across the country following anti-government protests, the internet pressure group Keep It On warned that such “shutdowns must never be allowed to become the new normal.”
Twelve months later, however, that’s exactly where we are.
Read more about the rise of internet censorship here

Latest News
Federal Judge Overrules Ban on Drag Queens

A federal judge in Texas has handed down a ruling, stating the new law restricting public drag performances is a violation of constitutional speech rights. This ruling has resulted in the permanent discontinuation of the law’s enforcement.
U.S. District Judge David Hittner wrote in his decision, “Not all people will like or condone certain performances,” drawing a parallel between the varying preferences for performances to differing tastes in music or comedy, and emphasizing that these differences do not negate First Amendment protections.
This law is not a standalone case, with Texas being one of over a dozen states that have attempted to implement restrictions on drag shows, a move seen as part of broader Republican initiatives to regulate LGBT behaviors. Similar laws have been enacted in three other states.
Judge Hittner labeled the Texas law as discriminatory and vague, specifying that drag performances are not obscenely intrinsic and are a form of expressive speech, thus protected by the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.
The American Civil Liberties Union of Texas, drag performers, and Pride march organizers united in a legal battle, filing a lawsuit in Houston’s federal court to challenge this law. They argue modern drag, a form of expressive musical and dance performance, has its roots in LGBT venues.
The office of the Texas attorney general defended the law, which, among other things, banned the display of exaggerated male or female sexual characteristics in public or where minors could see, asserting it is essential for protecting children from “sexually explicit” content. Those found violating could face fines and up to one year in jail.
However, critics of the law believe it has been written so broadly that it could potentially criminalize performances by pop stars and cheerleaders and is directly targeting LGBT performers.
In alignment with this ruling, other federal judges in states like Tennessee, Florida, and Montana have also struck down similar drag restrictions, citing them as free-speech violations.
As our loyal readers, we encourage you to share your thoughts and opinions on this issue. Let your voice be heard and join the discussion below.
Featured
Michelle Obama Earns $750,000 for One-Hour Speech

Former First Lady Michelle Obama recently commanded a staggering $750,000 for delivering a one-hour speech at a tech fair in Munich. This lucrative speaking engagement was held on the sidelines of the annual Oktoberfest beer festival.
Mrs. Obama addressed around 5,000 attendees, discussing pushing past self-doubt and emphasizing the importance of inclusivity and diversity.
According to sources close to the conference organizers, the former First Lady “topped the list” of desired participants “year after year,” prompting the organizers to “pull out all the stops” to secure her presence.
This massive sum is nearly double the annual earnings of the current President, Joe Biden, illuminating the high demand and esteem for Mrs. Obama in the international speaking circuit.
The event, named ‘Bits and Pretzels’, is a three-day gathering focused on entrepreneurial endeavors and features speakers who share their success stories. It brings together founders of national and international companies and has hosted other notable figures, including former German soccer star turned entrepreneur, Oliver Kahn. Michelle Obama’s fellow speakers at the event revered her presence, noting it as a significant highlight.
Senator Ted Cruz has been vocal about his speculations regarding Mrs. Obama’s political future, especially considering her enduring popularity and high approval ratings.
He stated on his podcast, “In August of 2024, the Democrat kingmakers [may] jettison Joe Biden and parachute in Michelle Obama.”
This statement comes amidst the circulating concerns about President Biden’s age and cognitive abilities, making the possibility of Mrs. Obama’s candidacy a tantalizing scenario for many.
Michelle Obama’s enduring appeal is evident from her consistent high approval ratings during her White House years and beyond. A recent YouGov poll highlighted that 77 percent of people still have a favorable opinion of her, compared to a mere 15 percent unfavorable.
This wide support stems from her initiatives and engagements during her tenure as the First Lady and her ongoing work promoting inclusivity and diversity.
Since leaving the White House, the Obamas have engaged in numerous lucrative speaking engagements and signed a $65 million publishing deal with Penguin for their memoirs. They have also ventured into production with their company ‘Higher Ground’, signing a significant contract with Netflix.
Michelle Obama continues to influence and inspire through her work, and her high-profile appearances are eagerly anticipated and well-compensated, as demonstrated by her recent engagement in Munich.
While the former First Lady has denied any intentions to run for office, her widespread popularity and the high demand for her insights keep the rumors alive.
The considerable fee for her recent speaking engagement underscores her enduring influence and the significant impact she continues to have on discussions about diversity and inclusivity globally.
Despite her high earnings and popularity, Michelle Obama and her family continue to receive Secret Service protection, a provision reinstated by President Obama in 2013. The law ensures lifetime protection for former presidential spouses and their family members, reversing a 1994 statute that capped such protection at ten years.
Michelle Obama remains a figure of immense influence and respect, commanding significant attention and compensation for her appearances. Her ongoing work and the discussions around her possible future political endeavors keep her at the forefront of national and global conversations.
As our loyal readers, we encourage you to share your thoughts and opinions on this issue. Let your voice be heard and join the discussion below.
Latest News
Tragic Discovery: Deadly Trap Door Found in Bronx Day Care

A heart-wrenching scene unfolded in a Bronx day care. A 1-year-old lost his life, and three others were injured. Investigators believe the exposure to fentanyl is to blame.
Investigators executed a search warrant, revealing a trap door in the play area of the day care apartment. Hidden inside were large quantities of fentanyl and other narcotics.
Authorities unveiled that a kilo of fentanyl was stored on playmats. A device to press drugs into bricks was also discovered, painting a grim picture of the day care’s dual life.
Owner Grei Mendez and her tenant Carlisto Acevedo Brito are currently facing murder charges. They’re in federal custody, held without bail, connected to horrifying federal drug trafficking charges.
A grand jury in the Bronx has returned an indictment related to the tragic events. However, the specific charges remain sealed pending arraignment.
District Attorney Darcel Clark passionately voiced her commitment to seek justice. “Every single person in this county feels what they feel, that they entrusted day care center to take care of their children,” she said.
Mayor Eric Adams was visibly upset about the horrifying incident. “This is total madness that we lost a child to this dangerous substance,” he exclaimed, calling for a full national assault on this drug.
The day care, catering to children between 6 weeks and 12 years old, had passed a city inspection just last week. Despite this, a secret life of drug conspiracy thrived behind closed doors.
Mendez’s attorney claims her only crime was renting a room to someone who had a kilo of fentanyl. However, the presence of drug paraphernalia raises haunting questions.
Officials remain vigilant and are conducting thorough investigations. It’s crucial to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the children who are victims of this tragic incident.
What We Think
This is just downright heartbreaking and maddening. Little kids, innocent lives, and then there’s this poison, this fentanyl, in their safe space. The trust parents put in day cares, completely shattered. It makes one question, how many more places are like this, running dual lives?
These revelations, they just bring forth the need for stricter, much stricter, oversights and regulations. Folks ought to be able to trust that their kids are safe, that they are cared for when they’re away.
And to the folks responsible, if they’re guilty, they better face the full force of the law. The safety of our little ones should never be compromised, never.
As our loyal readers, we encourage you to share your thoughts and opinions on this issue. Let your voice be heard and join the discussion below.
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