The free press faces significant threats, jeopardizing America’s future. HuffPost remains committed to unbiased reporting despite increasing political pressure on news organizations. Continued operation depends on reader support; contributions, even small ones, are vital. Readers can help by creating a free account and logging in while accessing content.
Special counsel Jack Smith is expected to conclude his investigations into President-elect Trump’s criminal cases before Trump’s inauguration. Smith may issue a comprehensive report detailing the evidence gathered, potentially circumventing the inability to prosecute a sitting president. This report could be released even if the cases are dismissed, as Attorney General Garland has indicated he would release any such report. The possibility of self-pardons and the legal implications are still unresolved.
North Korea may end up sending 100,000 troops to fight alongside Russia in the war in Ukraine. This staggering number represents a significant portion of North Korea’s military, and the potential consequences are deeply unsettling. The sheer scale of this potential deployment suggests a level of desperation, both on the part of Russia, needing additional manpower, and North Korea, potentially seeking to alleviate its chronic food shortages through a drastic reduction in its population.
The deployment of such a large number of North Korean troops could dramatically alter the course of the war. Russia’s strategy, described as a “Stalingrad strategy,” seems to rely on overwhelming the enemy with sheer numbers, even at a high cost in human life.… Continue reading
Former U.S. Attorney Barbara McQuade warns that if Donald Trump’s classified documents case is dropped and he returns to the presidency, key American allies may cease sharing sensitive intelligence. This stems from concerns that Trump’s past handling of classified information, much of it originating from foreign governments, demonstrates a lack of trustworthiness. The potential loss of this crucial intelligence sharing would severely compromise national security. Co-hosts of the #SistersInLaw podcast concur, emphasizing the international ramifications of a potential Trump second term and the impact on foreign intelligence cooperation.
J. Ann Selzer, head of Selzer & Co., is retiring from election polling after a 30-year career marked by high accuracy, as evidenced by an A+ rating from Nate Silver. Her final poll did not align with election results, a humbling experience in a field of estimation. Selzer’s work with various news organizations and clients will continue, focusing on projects beyond election forecasting. She emphasizes her commitment to truth and accuracy throughout her career and personal life.
The initial response to Donald Trump’s rise was strategically flawed, mischaracterizing him as an aberration rather than a transformative phenomenon. This led to Democrats prioritizing “normal” governance, neglecting crucial preemptive measures like electoral reform or challenging Trump’s actions more aggressively. A shift is needed from adhering to traditional norms to utilizing all available legal tools to counter Trump’s authoritarian tendencies, even if it means employing unconventional tactics. This includes proactive legal challenges to anticipated Trump policies, filling key positions, and utilizing executive powers before the transition of power. Ultimately, a more forceful, proactive approach is necessary to effectively impede Trump’s agenda.
Several letters address Donald Trump’s election victory, attributing it not to Democratic failures or economic hardship, but to voters’ disregard for his character flaws. Contributors highlight a lack of civic education as a contributing factor to this apathy, arguing that many voters prioritized self-interest over the common good, despite potentially harming their own economic well-being. Other letters discuss diverse topics including the accountability of universities, the environmental impact of animal agriculture, vaping regulations, and the financial dealings of the British Royal Family. Finally, several letters offer anecdotal counterpoints to recent news stories.
Masked individuals marching through an Ohio neighborhood while openly displaying swastika flags is deeply unsettling. This blatant display of Nazi symbolism is not only offensive but also a stark reminder of the resurgence of extremist ideologies in certain segments of society. The fact that these individuals chose to conceal their identities behind masks raises serious questions about their motivations and intentions.
The anonymity provided by the masks suggests a calculated attempt to avoid accountability and potential consequences for their actions. It speaks to a level of fear or shame associated with publicly espousing such hateful beliefs, even within a community potentially sympathetic to their cause.… Continue reading
Letter: Blame for the coming catastrophe is on Trump voters. This assertion, while seemingly straightforward, ignores a complex web of contributing factors. While Trump voters undeniably bear a significant portion of responsibility, assigning blame solely to them is an oversimplification of a deeply troubled political landscape.
The notion that a “catastrophe” is imminent is widely shared, fueled by legitimate concerns about the potential consequences of another Trump administration. This fear is not unfounded; his previous term was marked by divisive rhetoric, policy reversals, and attacks on democratic norms. However, pinning all responsibility on his supporters overlooks the actions and inactions of other groups.… Continue reading
After a delay in counting absentee and provisional ballots, Democrat Allison Riggs has edged out Republican Jefferson Griffin by a mere 24 votes in the North Carolina Supreme Court race. This extremely narrow margin emerged following the processing of late-arriving ballots by county election boards. While county certifications are complete, several counties require additional time to finalize their counts, leaving the outcome uncertain pending further review and potential recounts. The final result will significantly impact the court’s partisan balance, currently 5-2 Republican.
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood