UT: Tyler Robinson, accused of shooting Charlie Kirk, appears in courtroom for first time in person

Source: Salt Lake Tribune

“Tyler James Robinson, the Utah man charged with the fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University, was in court in person for the first time on Thursday …. Before Thursday, Robinson had attended his hearings via a video feed from the Utah County jail, where he has been held since he was arrested in September. Three issues were argued on Thursday: a request from the media for access to what occurred during a closed hearing on Oct. 22; a request from prosecutors to amend or clarify the publicity or ‘gag’ order in the case, which governs attorneys and the media; and a request from a group of news organizations, spearheaded by The Salt Lake Tribune, who have asked Graf to allow them to weigh in on any closure requests or any other proposed limitations.” (12/11/25)

https://www.sltrib.com/news/2025/12/11/tyler-robinson-accused-shooting/

Thomas L. Knapp

Congress must fix hemp ban that threatens Kentucky farmers

Source: Bluegrass Institute
by Jimmy Higdon

“Kentucky’s hemp sector has become a national model, built on bipartisan cooperation and guided by regulatory oversight from the Department of Agriculture. This provision puts all of that at risk.” (12/11/25)

https://www.bluegrassinstitute.org/congress-must-fix-hemp-ban-that-threatens-kentucky-farmers/

Thomas L. Knapp

Is Trump the New Nero?

Source: TomDispatch
by Liz Theoharis

“As more of the Epstein files are released, reminding us of Donald Trump’s close association with Jeffrey Epstein and the young people he abused and trafficked, as well as the president’s ongoing array of misogynist insults and actions (like calling journalist Catherine Lucey ‘piggy’ and name-calling Marjorie Taylor Greene to the point where she jumped ship), what keeps coming to my mind are the sexual exploits of authoritarians throughout history. As a scholar of the New Testament and the origins of Christianity, I have a special interest in the lives of the Roman emperors — in particular, the notorious Emperor Nero. According to historians of antiquity (trigger warning here!), Emperor Nero was known to use and abuse many people, especially women, allegedly murdering two of his wives and his aunt while sleeping with a Vestal Virgin and — yes! his mother before he killed her.” (12/11/25)

https://tomdispatch.com/is-trump-the-new-nero/

Steve Trinward

Tanzania: Opposition calls for transitional government after disputed election

Source: ABC News

“Tanzania’s main opposition party called Thursday for the establishment of a transitional government after a disputed election that it was barred from taking part in, saying the current government has ‘no legitimacy.’ John Heche, vice chair of the opposition party Chadema, said the United Nations and African continental bodies should oversee a transitional government and a fresh, fair election. He said the Oct. 29 election, which the ruling party won by more than 97%, was null and void, and called for the dissolution of the Tanzanian electoral body.” (12/11/25)

https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/tanzania-opposition-calls-transitional-government-after-disputed-election-128315997

Thomas L. Knapp

Why a ceasefire is not enough: A call to block the bombs

Source: Philadelphia Inquirer
by LInda Holtzman

“This Hanukkah, while Jews around the world prepare to light the menorah and bring light into the darkest days of winter, our celebration of hope and resilience remains in the shadow of Israel’s ongoing genocide of Palestinians in Gaza. And, nearly two months into a U.S.-brokered ceasefire, I am still protesting. Hanukkah, which in Hebrew means dedication, tells the story of Jewish peoples’ resistance to an oppressive empire, and of a miracle that kept candles aflame for eight days and eight nights when there was only enough oil for one. It is a story that resonates to this day, and it is in the spirit of hope, light, and miracles that I find myself rededicating to the struggle for Palestinian liberation.” (12/11/25)

https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/gaza-ceasefire-israel-palestinian-solidarity-hannukah-20251211.html

Thomas L. Knapp