The Morning Sixpack - January 16, 2025
Netanyahu stalls Gaza ceasefire, Trump publishes his blacklist, LA wildfires cost less than Musk'şnetworth ($275B), and Dems push for Trump doc report before it’s buried with Jimmy Hoffa.
BREAKING: Farewell to Mr. Baseball
Bob Uecker, the legendary voice of the Milwaukee Brewers and affectionately known as "Mr. Baseball," has passed away at the age of 90. The team announced his death on Thursday morning, calling it “one of the most difficult days in Milwaukee Brewers history.” Uecker, who had battled small cell lung cancer since 2023, was remembered by his family for his enduring enthusiasm and spirit even in the face of his illness. Over decades, Uecker became a beloved figure in baseball, comedy, and entertainment, leaving an indelible mark on each.
Uecker’s career was as colorful as his personality. A Milwaukee native, he played six seasons as a backup catcher in the majors, famously joking, “Career highlights? I had two: I got an intentional walk from Sandy Koufax and got out of a rundown against the Mets.” After his playing days, Uecker transitioned seamlessly into broadcasting, becoming the voice of the Brewers in 1971. His humorous and heartfelt storytelling made him a cherished figure, not just in Milwaukee but across the baseball world. As Brewers manager Craig Counsell put it, “There’s no single person in this franchise’s history who has been as iconic and as important as Bob Uecker.”
Beyond baseball, Uecker became a pop culture icon. Dubbed “Mr. Baseball” by Johnny Carson, he made over 100 appearances on The Tonight Show, starred in the sitcom Mr. Belvedere, and played the hilariously crass announcer Harry Doyle in Major League. Yet, through it all, Uecker’s heart remained in Milwaukee. “Baseball and broadcasting are in my blood,” he once said. His wry wit and signature call, “Juuuust a bit outside,” will echo in the hearts of fans forever.
Source: https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/43439250/beloved-brewers-broadcaster-bob-uecker-dies-age-90
Ceasefire Chaos: Netanyahu Delays Vote Over “Last-Minute Crisis”
In a move that surprised absolutely no one, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has postponed a crucial cabinet vote on a ceasefire deal with Hamas, citing what he called “last-minute concessions” by the group. Netanyahu claimed Hamas had reneged on parts of the agreement brokered by international mediators, stating, “The meeting will only happen once mediators notify Israel that all elements of the agreement have been accepted.” Of course, Netanyahu would pull a stunt like this, as the ink on the peace deal was barely dry before tensions escalated once again.
Hamas leaders fired back at Netanyahu’s accusations. Senior official Sami Abu Zuhri told Al-Arabi TV there was no truth to the claim that Hamas had backtracked, while Izzat al-Rishq reaffirmed the group’s commitment to the ceasefire. Meanwhile, the deal itself hangs in limbo, with the Israeli prime minister caught between international pressure to proceed and fierce opposition from his right-wing coalition. Some ministers have even threatened to leave the government if the agreement is finalized, a move that could topple Netanyahu’s fragile grip on power.
Adding to the chaos, violence has continued unabated since the ceasefire was announced. Israeli airstrikes killed 73 people and injured over 230 in Gaza overnight, according to Hamas-controlled emergency authorities. The conflict, which began in October 2023 with Hamas-led attacks on southern Israel, has already claimed more than 46,000 Palestinian lives and 405 Israeli soldiers, underscoring the devastating human toll of a war that seems far from over.
This last part sounds a lot like, “The beatings will continue until morale improves.”
Trump’s Real-Life ‘Blacklist’: Critics Slam Post-Election Loyalty Purge
In a move straight out of The Blacklist—only without James Spader’s charm or intrigue—Donald Trump has posted an actual “blacklist” online, detailing individuals he claims are unwelcome in his upcoming administration.
Critics argue this list underscores Trump’s demand for unwavering loyalty as he prepares to retake office. The president-elect, not one to shy away from theatrics, used his Truth Social platform to highlight his grievances with former allies, dubbing them with derogatory nicknames like “Dumb as a Rock” for John Bolton and making it clear that dissenters have no place in his government.
Trump’s post also celebrated his team’s hiring spree, boasting, “They are outstanding in every way, and you will see the fruits of their labor over the coming years. We will MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN, and it will happen very quickly!”
However, he added a stark warning for supporters: “Stop recommending candidates who worked with, or are endorsed by” a list of familiar critics, including former Vice President Mike Pence and ex-House Speaker Paul Ryan. For good measure, Trump dismissed anyone he diagnosed with “Trump Derangement Syndrome,” sarcastically concluding with, “Thank you for your attention to this matter!”
Meanwhile, reports have surfaced of Trump officials interrogating civil servants about their political affiliations, sparking fears of a loyalty purge.
The blacklist, complete with Trump’s signature drama, may be a preview of a government run like one of his reality shows—except this time, the stakes are higher, and the consequences will be far more serious.
Source: http://mydailygrind.news/donald-trump-posts-blacklist-online-and-critics-fear-the-same-thing
“Deportation at Light Speed”: Trump’s Bold Plan to Overhaul Immigration Sparks Controversy
President-elect Donald Trump is gearing up to launch a “light speed” deportation campaign immediately after taking the oath of office, according to senior aide Stephen Miller. With 11 million undocumented immigrants in the U.S., Trump’s plans are raising alarm among immigration advocates, business leaders, and immigrant communities. Critics argue that logistical hurdles, legal challenges, and economic fallout make his sweeping vision unworkable. Trump’s first priorities reportedly include deporting the 662,566 immigrants on U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) caseloads with criminal records, but the campaign could extend to those under temporary protected status or Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA).
The scale of Trump’s ambitions dwarfs his previous term, during which approximately 1.5 million deportations were carried out over four years. This time, Trump is signaling a more aggressive approach, targeting millions of immigrants who entered during the Biden administration and those with pending immigration cases. “We will remove everyone living illegally in the United States,” Trump has stated in recent interviews, igniting fears of widespread disruption and human rights violations. The nonpartisan Migration Policy Institute estimates that nearly 8 million people currently on ICE’s “non-detained docket” could be at risk, despite many having valid claims or pending hearings.
Logistical constraints could derail Trump’s plans, including a limited ICE workforce of 5,500 officers, constrained detention capacity, and resistance from “sanctuary” jurisdictions. Even willing nations such as Mexico and Guatemala may struggle to absorb large numbers of deportees. ICE’s reliance on private contractors and potential use of temporary facilities, including military bases, are among the strategies being discussed, but significant funding and political will are required to execute such a large-scale operation. Whether Trump can meet these lofty goals remains uncertain, but the repercussions for millions of families, the labor force, and the broader economy are undeniable.
Source: https://www.washingtonpost.com/immigration/interactive/2025/trump-immigrants-mass-deportations/
“California Inferno: LA Wildfires Rack Up $275 Billion in Catastrophic Damages”
The Los Angeles wildfires are wreaking unprecedented havoc, with damages estimated to soar between $250 and $275 billion. Over 12,300 structures have been destroyed, 40,000 acres burned, and at least 24 lives lost as high winds continue to stoke the flames. The financial toll, compounded by high property values in areas like Pacific Palisades, underscores the long-term economic strain on governments, insurers, and residents. “The damage is catastrophic,” noted a report by weather data platform AccuWeather, emphasizing the enormity of the rebuilding effort that could take years.
Beyond the staggering cost, the wildfires expose vulnerabilities in the system. Many LA residents face displacement, emotional trauma, and skyrocketing costs for rebuilding, as demand for contractors and materials outpaces supply. FEMA and federal aid will provide short-term relief, but Jeff Schlegelmilch, director of the National Center for Disaster Preparedness, warned, “FEMA is not designed to make you whole again.” Private insurers may cover some losses, but rising disaster risks have left thousands uninsured or reliant on California’s FAIR plan, meaning significant out-of-pocket expenses for many.
The long-term recovery effort will likely exacerbate inequities, as wealthier areas rebuild faster while vulnerable communities struggle. Drawing parallels to disasters like Hurricane Katrina, Schlegelmilch noted, “Those that are the most vulnerable before often see that vulnerability grow.” Future disaster preparedness measures, such as using fire-resistant materials and updating infrastructure, could mitigate risks, but these solutions require significant upfront investment. As California grapples with this crisis, the true cost—financial and human—will continue to unfold.
Want to ponder something that is spectacularly astonishing? If Elon Musk were to liquidate all his assets, he could pay for it all and still have HALF his networth left.
Crazy.
Source: https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/markets/ar-AA1xe86h
Trump’s Price Promise: Poll Shows Americans Aren’t Buying It
Donald Trump’s sweeping claims to tackle inflation and cut costs in his second term are falling flat with most Americans, according to a new AP-NORC poll. Only about 2 in 10 U.S. adults are “extremely” or “very” confident he’ll lower prices for essentials like groceries, housing, or health care in his first year.
Even some of Trump’s own supporters seem unconvinced, with fewer than half of Republicans expressing strong confidence in his ability to reduce costs. For a guy who brags about “making deals,” it seems many Americans are skeptical he can negotiate with the economy. Hint: He can’t, and won’t. He’s impotent.
While Trump fares slightly better on jobs, with 3 in 10 Americans feeling confident he’ll deliver employment gains (LOL!), the overall outlook isn’t glowing.
“FEMA is not designed to make you whole again,” Jeff Schlegelmilch of the National Center for Disaster Preparedness once said about disaster recovery—a sentiment that feels oddly applicable to Trump’s economic promises. His efforts to lower health care costs appear particularly dubious, with only 16% of Americans expecting real progress in that area. And given his track record of failed attempts to dismantle the Affordable Care Act, the skepticism is not surprising.
Still, Republicans remain optimistic, with 8 in 10 expecting a “great” or “good” presidency, despite mixed confidence in Trump’s economic chops.
Democrats are bracing for impact but with slightly less dread than during his first term (so says the news article—I ain’t buyin’ it).
While Trump’s campaign trail bluster might have fueled his return to the White House, this poll suggests Americans are setting their expectations somewhere between cautious optimism and outright doubt.
Dems Push Garland for Trump Doc Report, but It’s Headed for the DOJ Shredder
With just days left before Donald Trump is sworn in as Commander-in-Chief (again!), House Judiciary Democrats are making a last-ditch effort to pry loose Special Counsel Jack Smith’s report on Trump’s “alleged” mishandling of classified documents.
In a strongly worded letter to Attorney General Merrick Garland, Democrats, led by Rep. Jamie Raskin, argued that “the American people and Congress” deserve to know how Trump stashed military secrets at Mar-a-Lago and tried to keep the feds from finding them.
But here’s the catch: Garland, who has already released Smith’s report on Trump’s efforts to overturn the 2020 election, seems reluctant to drop Volume 2.
Why? Well, Garland says it could compromise the ongoing cases against Trump’s alleged accomplices, Walt Nauta and Carlos DeOliveira. Judge Aileen Cannon — a Trump appointee who previously tossed out Smith’s charges against Trump — has already barred Garland from releasing the report outside the Justice Department. In other words, it’s not looking great for the Democrats’ transparency crusade.
But here’s the deal: Once Trump takes over as POTUS on January 20, 2025, he’s going to tell the DOJ (HIS DOJ) to drop all the cases, including the one against his poolboys, Nauta and DeOliveira. So Garland should MOST DEFINITELY release the report NOW.
Otherwise, you can bet your ass that report will go more missing than Jimmy Hoffa.
Of course, Garland’s hesitation hasn’t stopped the Dems from turning up the pressure. “The American people now deserve the opportunity to read Volume 2 of Special Counsel Smith’s report,” Raskin and his colleagues insisted, knowing full well it’s unlikely to happen before Trump’s DOJ takes over and buries it faster than classified documents in a Mar-a-Lago bathroom.
Meanwhile, Trump and his allies are fighting tooth and nail to block even Congress from seeing the report, arguing it could lead to leaks (like that’s never happened before). With Judge Cannon set to hear the case Friday, the odds of this report seeing the light of day are about as slim as Trump declassifying documents “with his mind.”
Source: https://www.politico.com/live-updates/2025/01/16/congress/garland-trump-jack-smith-report-00198586