Special Counsel Jack Smith’s report details Donald Trump’s alleged attempts to interfere with the 2020 election, outlining charges of conspiracy to defraud the United States and obstruct official proceedings. These charges stemmed from efforts to overturn the election results. However, the Department of Justice declined to prosecute Trump due to its longstanding policy against indicting a sitting president. The report itself is now publicly available.
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To address Spain’s housing crisis, the government proposes a new tax of up to 100% on properties purchased by non-EU residents, aiming to prioritize housing for Spanish citizens. This unprecedented measure, modeled after similar policies in Denmark and Canada, targets the significant number of properties acquired by non-EU buyers for investment purposes. The plan, part of a broader housing affordability initiative, also includes tax breaks for affordable housing providers, public housing expansion, and stricter regulations on short-term rentals. Further details regarding implementation and parliamentary approval remain pending.
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The Baltic Sea undersea sabotage incidents have undeniably heightened tensions between NATO and Russia, pushing the world closer to a potentially catastrophic conflict. The lack of a clear culprit and the ambiguity surrounding the events only exacerbate the situation, creating a fertile ground for escalating mistrust and aggressive posturing. This isn’t just about damaged pipelines; it’s about a breakdown in international norms and a dangerous power vacuum that could easily spiral out of control.
The incident’s ambiguous nature itself is alarming. The lack of definitive attribution fuels speculation and allows each side to interpret the events to support their existing narratives.… Continue reading
The Special Counsel’s report delivered a stark conclusion: Donald Trump would have been convicted in the election interference case, had he not been elected President. This assertion, contained within the report’s final section, carries significant weight, especially considering the Department of Justice’s high conviction rate. The report unequivocally states that sufficient admissible evidence existed to secure and uphold a conviction. This isn’t a matter of speculation; the report directly assesses the strength of the case and its potential for success in a trial setting.
The report highlights that the decision to dismiss the indictment wasn’t based on a lack of evidence or weakness in the prosecution’s case.… Continue reading
Following the death of Ramy Elgaml during a police chase in November 2024, protests erupted across several Italian cities, fueled by recently released video footage of the incident. These demonstrations, organized by the Italian Anti-Racist Coordination, escalated in Bologna, where protesters vandalized a synagogue with antisemitic graffiti including the slogan “Justice Free Gaza.” The attack drew strong condemnation from Israeli and Italian officials, including the Italian Prime Minister, who denounced the violence and emphasized that the tragedy should not justify such actions. Several police officers were injured during the protests.
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Facing its first annual loss in 24 years, due largely to Western sanctions stemming from the war in Ukraine, Gazprom is considering a significant restructuring. A board member’s proposal suggests a 40% reduction in its St. Petersburg headquarters staff, decreasing the headcount from 4,100 to 2,500. This measure, aiming to align Gazprom’s management-to-employee ratio with Rosatom’s, is driven by a need to reduce management costs, currently at approximately $486.5 million annually. The savings would potentially fund performance bonuses for retained employees, and increased reliance on automation and digitalization.
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Pam Hemphill, a 69-year-old Idaho woman convicted for her role in the January 6th Capitol riot, publicly rejected a potential pardon from Donald Trump. Following media appearances where she condemned the attack and Trump’s role, she reported being harassed by MAGA supporters, including alleged attempts to interfere with her probation. Despite this, Hemphill stated her intention to continue speaking out, citing increased resolve. Her conviction included two months imprisonment, three years of supervised release, and restitution for damages to the Capitol building.
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Three Russian oil tankers, part of a “shadow fleet” designed to circumvent sanctions, are reportedly stranded off the coast of China. These vessels, carrying over two million barrels of oil, were prevented from docking following recent, extensive U.S. sanctions targeting Russia’s energy sector. This action aims to reduce Russia’s ability to fund its war in Ukraine by limiting access to crucial revenue streams. The tankers’ inability to offload their cargo highlights the effectiveness of the sanctions and potentially foreshadows challenges for Russia’s ability to maintain trade with China.
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Nine individuals face charges for looting in areas ravaged by the Palisades and Eaton fires, with one additionally charged with arson in Azusa. Authorities recovered some stolen property, including an Emmy award, and allege that one suspect caused a hit-and-run during an arrest. These incidents, alongside nearly 60 arrests for looting and curfew violations, highlight the exploitation of the disaster by criminals. Increased security measures, including curfews and National Guard deployment, are in place to deter further criminal activity.
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Donald Trump’s return to power on January 20th necessitates continued robust reporting. HuffPost remains committed to providing fearless coverage of the new administration. However, unrestricted access to this critical information requires reader support to maintain a paywall-free model. Readers can contribute financially or simply create a free account to help sustain this vital public service.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood