A federal judge in Texas has blocked the Biden administration from selling unused border wall materials, a decision that former President Donald Trump has praised as a victory. The ruling comes after Trump filed a legal brief last week opposing what he called “fire sales” of the materials to private parties.
The decision by Judge Drew Tipton follows recent legislation passed by Congress as part of the National Defense Authorization Act. This law required the Biden administration to dispose of unused border wall materials, but specified that they could only be sold or donated to southern border states for maintaining existing barriers, not building new ones.
Trump announced the court decision on his social media platform, TruthSocial, where he claimed the ruling would lead to an investigation into the sales. He also expressed gratitude to Texas and Missouri for their support in the case. Trump, who is currently the president-elect, has stated his intention to rebuild the border wall if he returns to office, describing the previous sales of materials as “almost a criminal act.”
The former president connected the border wall issue to broader concerns about national security, including drug trafficking and illegal immigration. He argues that maintaining and rebuilding the border wall is essential for addressing these challenges.
About the author
Ferry Services Resume After Six Weeks of Disruption, But Delays Hit Holyhead Reopening
Ferry services to and from Holyhead Port have resumed after being disrupted for over six weeks due to damage sustained during Storm Darragh in early December. The storm caused significant damage to terminals 3 and 5 at the Welsh port, with terminal 5 operating on a temporary basis upon reopening. The Irish Ferries ship WB Yeats arrived in Dublin Port from Holyhead this morning, marking the resumption of services. However, the initial restart was not without problems. Ger Hyland, President of the Irish Road Haulage Association (IRHA), reported a three-hour delay for the second ferry from Dublin to Holyhead due to an electrical fault at the port. Hyland expressed concern about the port's readiness, citing the large backlog of freight on the Welsh side. He emphasized the potential for "huge disaster" for the haulage sector, passengers, and Ireland's imports […]
David Balogun January 16, 2025
Conor McGregor Named in Civil Lawsuit Alleging Sexual Assault at NBA Finals
Conor McGregor, the mixed martial arts fighter and former UFC champion, is facing a civil lawsuit alleging sexual assault at the Kaseya Center (formerly FTX Arena and American Airlines Arena) in Miami during the NBA Finals on June 9, 2023. The plaintiff alleges that McGregor assaulted her in a bathroom at the venue and is seeking unspecified damages from both McGregor and the Miami Heat Limited Partnership, the arena's ownership group. McGregor has denied the allegations through a spokesperson, dismissing them as a "shakedown." While the Miami Police Department initiated an investigation following a report filed on June 11, 2023, the Florida State Attorney’s Office declined to file criminal charges in October 2023. This declination does not preclude the pursuit of a civil suit, which has a different standard of proof than criminal proceedings. The lawsuit also details […]
David Balogun January 16, 2025
Hollyoaks ‘Bad Boy’ Paul Danan Dies at 46
Paul Danan, best known for his role as Sol Patrick in the British soap opera Hollyoaks, has died at the age of 46, his management has confirmed. Danan portrayed the "bad boy" character on the Channel 4 show from 1997 to 2001 and subsequently became a familiar face on reality television. Independent Creative Management shared a statement with the PA news agency, expressing their sadness at Danan's passing and describing him as "a beacon of light to so many." They requested privacy for his family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time. Beyond Hollyoaks, Danan participated in the reality dating show Celebrity Love Island in both 2005 and 2006. He also appeared on Celebrity Big Brother (Channel 5) in 2017, where he was an early evictee and expressed hope that the show would revive his career. He frequently […]
David Balogun January 16, 2025
Bandits Kill Three Telecom Workers in Kebbi State
Four people were killed in a bandit attack at a telecommunications construction site near the Nigeria-Niger border, Kebbi State police confirmed Saturday. The victims included three Airtel Communications employees and one local resident. The attack occurred on January 10 at approximately 8:47 pm in Gumki village, Arewa Local Government Area, where the workers were installing a surveillance mast for the Nigeria Immigration Service. The attackers, identified as suspected members of the Lakurawa bandit group, targeted the construction site. Kebbi State Police Commissioner Bello Sani and Immigration Service Comptroller Muhammad Bashir Lawali responded immediately to the incident, overseeing the transfer of victims' bodies to Sir Yahaya Memorial Hospital in Birnin Kebbi. In response to the attack, the Police Commissioner has strengthened security in the area by deploying additional tactical teams specifically tasked with targeting the Lakurawa bandits. He also organized a […]
David Balogun January 11, 2025
‘The Right Man Won’t Be Scared’, Dancer Kaffy Speaks on Love After Divorce
Popular Nigerian dancer Kafayat Shafau, known professionally as Kaffy, has addressed speculation about dating following her 2022 separation from Joseph Ameh. The dancer and author dismissed the notion that successful women intimidate potential partners, stating confidently that the right man will approach her without fear. "A man who knows what he wants goes for it," Kaffy explained in an interview with Saturday Beats. While acknowledging that women can be successful independently, she emphasized that wanting companionship is natural, though not desperate. "Any man who has me is blessed," she added, reflecting her strong sense of self-worth. Speaking about her separation from Ameh, Kaffy maintained a remarkably mature perspective. Rather than assigning blame, she described it simply as two people no longer being in agreement. She emphasized the importance of prioritizing mental well-being, especially as a parent, over staying in an […]
David Balogun January 11, 2025
Road Rage Incident in Temiskaming Shores, Canada
A 37-year-old suspect from Englehart, Ontario, has been charged in connection with a road rage incident that took place in Temiskaming Shores. The alarming event, captured on the victim’s dash cam, shows a white Toyota Rav 4 intentionally chasing and eventually ramming into the victim’s vehicle. The incident occurred on December 30th at around 1 p.m. at the intersection of Highway 11 and Highway 65 in Temiskaming Shores. In a news release on Friday, the Temiskaming Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) stated: "The Temiskaming Ontario Provincial Police is seeking assistance from the public in locating anyone having video/dash camera footage in relation to collisions and erratic driving" linked to this incident. Following the collision, OPP officers made several attempts to stop the suspect's vehicle, ultimately deploying a spike belt. This action successfully halted the vehicle, and the driver was arrested without […]
David Balogun January 11, 2025
Related
Trump Economic Plans Could Trigger Global Market Meltdown IMF Warns
The International Monetary Fund has issued a warning about potential global economic impacts from upcoming US policies under President-elect Donald Trump. According to the IMF, proposed tariffs could escalate trade tensions, reduce investment, affect market pricing, and disrupt established supply chains. While acknowledging that tariffs, tax cuts, and deregulation might boost US economic performance initially, the organization cautions this could lead to an inflationary boom followed by a downturn, potentially weakening the reliability of US Treasury bonds as a safe investment. The IMF projects global growth at 3.3% for both 2025 and 2026, below the historical average of 3.7%. The 2025 forecast remains largely stable from previous predictions, with higher anticipated US growth offsetting lower growth expectations in other major economies. For the UK, the IMF projects 1.6% economic growth in 2025, slightly up from its October prediction of 1.5%, […]
Ayoola Atitebi January 17, 2025
UK’s Borrowing Costs Soar to 16-Year High as Chancellor Jets Off to China!
Chancellor Rachel Reeves faces crucial financial decisions as UK borrowing costs reach their highest level in 16 years, according to former Bank of England deputy governor Sir John Gieve. Reeves, who committed to not borrowing for day-to-day spending and reducing debt relative to national income, must now navigate between increasing borrowing, raising taxes, or reducing public spending. The UK's 10-year borrowing costs have climbed to levels not seen since 2008, while the pound has dropped below $1.22 against the dollar. Unlike typical scenarios where higher borrowing costs strengthen the pound, analysts suggest broader concerns about the UK economy affect sterling's value. The Treasury has maintained that markets continue to operate normally, ruling out emergency intervention. The global rise in government borrowing costs stems from investor concerns about U.S. economic policies and inflation risks. Sir John Gieve noted that UK yields […]
Peter Atitebi January 10, 2025
Legal Dispute Unfolds Between General Hydrocarbons Limited and First Bank of Nigeria
General Hydrocarbons Limited (GHL), the operator of OML 120 in Deep Offshore Nigeria, has addressed its ongoing legal dispute with First Bank of Nigeria Limited (FBN), highlighting their complex business relationship. According to a statement released Friday by GHL Board Chairman Nduka Obaigbena, the companies entered into a Subrogation Agreement whereby GHL provided financial assistance to FBN, helping address its Non-Performing Loans (NPLs). This partnership subsequently enabled the exploration and development of OML 120. The collaboration has faced challenges, with GHL alleging that FBN breached obligations under both the Subrogation and Tripartite Agreements. The matter is currently being addressed through court proceedings and arbitration. While GHL reports obtaining a favorable court judgment, they state that FBN has not complied with the ruling. GHL maintains its financial stability and operational capability, citing achievements in oil and gas discoveries. The company acknowledges […]
Peter Atitebi January 10, 2025
Historic Fires Devastate Hollywood Area as Pacific Palisades ‘Wiped Off the Map’
Devastating bushfires across Los Angeles have killed at least five people and forced 180,000 residents to evacuate, with several historic areas under threat. Five separate fires are burning, including one near Hollywood Boulevard and another that has devastated parts of the iconic Sunset Boulevard.The Pacific Palisades fire has become the most destructive in LA history. Film director Jon Turteltaub described the situation grimly, saying the affluent suburb has been essentially erased. Of the five active fires, three remain completely uncontained, including the Palisades fire (17,234 acres), the Eaton fire (10,600 acres), and a smaller Sunset fire (43 acres) near Hollywood's historic district. The crisis emerged from a "perfect storm" of conditions, according to LA Mayor Karen Bass. Following heavy rains and vegetation growth in early 2024, severe drought hit southern California. Combined with unusually high winter temperatures and winds exceeding […]
David Balogun January 9, 2025
Steel Giant’s CEO Makes Desperate Appeal to Trump After Biden’s $15B Deal Rejection
The $15 billion acquisition of U.S. Steel by Japan's Nippon Steel has hit a significant roadblock after President Biden blocked the deal, citing national security concerns. Following the decision, both companies have initiated legal action against the administration. U.S. Steel CEO David Burritt has turned to President-elect Donald Trump, hoping for a different outcome under the incoming administration. During a CNBC interview, Burritt expressed optimism about Trump's potential business-oriented perspective on the deal, despite Trump's opposition to the acquisition. The deal has garnered mixed responses from stakeholders. Twenty mayors and community leaders from Pennsylvania and Indiana supported the acquisition in a December letter. However, United Steelworkers International opposed the deal and welcomed Biden's decision to block it. Burritt defended the acquisition's merits, stating that any national security concerns could be addressed. He argued that the deal would strengthen national security, […]
Peter Atitebi January 7, 2025
Bensons Property Group Enters Voluntary Administration
Australian property developer Bensons Property Group (BPG) has entered voluntary administration, citing challenging conditions in the construction industry, including rising interest rates and construction costs. However, the company assures that its ongoing projects will not be affected. KordaMentha has been appointed as voluntary administrators, while McGrath Nicol will act as receivers and managers, overseeing the company's operations during this period. BPG intends to continue trading throughout the administration and receivership, with a proposal to be presented to creditors. The company emphasizes its commitment to protecting its employees, trade creditors, and apartment buyers, ensuring the delivery of its $1.5 billion development pipeline, which includes over 1,000 new homes. BPG clarified that this action only involves BPG itself and not other entities within its broader group. All projects currently under BPG management, many already under construction, will proceed as planned. Managing Director […]
David Balogun December 28, 2024
Be the first to leave a comment