Global markets and 2023 on a mostly high note.

Plus Maine becomes the second state to kick Donald Trump off its GOP primary ballot and will preview

five developments that could shape 2024 from key elections to geopolitical flashpoints.

You have to remember that the US is a treaty ally of the Philippines.

So in a serious situation, it would be hard for the United States

to sit on the sidelines.

It's Friday, December 29th. I'm Luke Vargas for the Wall Street Journal and this is

what's news. The top headlines and business stories moving your world today. Maine's top election official has barred Donald Trump from appearing on the state's primary ballot, citing his actions surrounding the January 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. capital following his loss in the 2020 presidential election.

The decision yesterday by Maine Secretary of State Shenanbellows, a Democrat, marks the second time that a

state has knocked the Republican former president off its ballot following last week's

decision by Colorado's highest court.

Both decisions invoked the same section of the 14th Amendment that disqualifies from public

office, those who swore to defend the Constitution, and then engaged in insurrection

or rebellion against the U.S.

Meanwhile in California, the Secretary of State there has included the former President on the list of candidates

for the state's March 5 primary despite facing pressure to reject his candidacy.

Trump has denied engaging in an insurrection and has accused his political opponents of trying

to disenfranchise voters with dubious legal arguments.

A Trump campaign spokesman described the main decision as atrocious and said the campaign will quickly

file a legal objection in state court to prevent it from taking effect.

It's

global markets are already closed.

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