‘Connections’ December 24: Hints and Answers for Puzzle #562

A federal judge in Washington, D.C., temporarily blocked President Trump's executive order targeting the law firm Susman Godfrey, which represents Dominion Voting Systems. Judge Loren AliKhan criticized the order as a "shocking abuse of power," asserting it infringed on the firm's rights and free speech. This ruling highlights the ongoing conflict between the Trump administration and various law firms, with some firms supporting the president's initiatives while others, like Susman Godfrey, continue to contest his...

Fresh from a courtroom defeat regarding The Associated Press' access to the presidency, the White House introduced a restrictive media policy that limits access to Donald Trump for news agencies, particularly the AP, following a judge's ruling that the White House had violated the outlet's free speech. The new policy will alter "pool coverage" arrangements, giving press secretary Karoline Leavitt control over who can question the president while rotating wire service and print reporters for...

Summary of Inmate's Death in New York PrisonMultiple prison guards in New York have been indicted following the death of inmate Messiah Nantwi during a 22-day unauthorized strike by correctional officers. Nantwi, who died on March 1 after allegedly being severely beaten by guards at Mid-State Correctional Facility, prompted a special prosecutor to signal impending criminal charges against potentially nine officers. In the aftermath, seven officers resigned and 11 were suspended, as authorities investigate the...

In Chelsea, Michigan, the local community rallied together to assist Serendipity Books in relocating to a larger space, demonstrating their strong connection to the independent bookstore. Owner Michelle Tuplin's call for volunteers resulted in over 300 people forming a 350-foot human chain to transport 9,100 books in less than two hours, all while sharing joy and stories about the books. This heartwarming event showcased the town's spirit and love for literature, as the bookstore prepared...

Marshall Garrett, a 38-year-old Texas man, was arrested after his three Staffordshire mix dogs fatally attacked his neighbor, Harriette Phillips, 65, on March 23. Garrett faces three counts of criminal negligent failure to secure his dogs, which had a history of aggression, as evidenced by a prior incident where they nipped another neighbor. Following the attack, all three dogs were euthanized, and Garrett, who has a criminal record including a murder charge from a previous...

The federal government announced it is freezing over $2 billion in grants to Harvard University after the school refused demands from the Trump administration to audit student viewpoints and comply with other controversial policies aimed at combating antisemitism. Harvard's President Alan M. Garber criticized the demands as an unprecedented attempt to control the university's independence, while the administration's spokesperson defended the actions as necessary to address perceived antisemitism and prevent federal funding of discrimination. Similar...