On Thursday, the French Navy, supported by allies, intercepted a Russian oil tanker in the Mediterranean Sea suspected of violating international sanctions and operating under a false flag. The vessel was boarded and searched on the high seas, with documents confirming suspicions of irregularity. President Emmanuel Macron stated the ship was diverted and would be escorted for further verification, emphasizing the commitment to enforcing sanctions and upholding international law. This action targets Russia’s “shadow fleet,” which is believed to be financing the war against Ukraine.
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Jack Smith tells Congress Trump was guilty ‘beyond a reasonable doubt,’ and frankly, it feels like stating the obvious. The sheer volume of evidence, the testimonies, the actions witnessed by the entire nation – it all points in one undeniable direction. The January 6th Congressional Hearings laid it all out for everyone to see. The depth of the alleged crimes, the blatant disregard for the law, and the impact on the foundations of democracy are all alarming.
The fact that there’s a debate over Trump’s guilt feels absurd. We saw the footage, we heard the words, and we witnessed the aftermath.… Continue reading
Former South Korean Prime Minister Han Duck-soo was sentenced to 23 years in prison for his involvement in the failed martial law declaration orchestrated by former President Yoon Suk Yeol. The court determined that Han played an active role in creating the illusion of a legitimate cabinet meeting to approve the unconstitutional decree, despite having a constitutional duty to prevent the insurrection. Evidence presented included Han’s attempt to destroy incriminating documents and his lack of remorse during the trial, leading the judge to order his immediate detention. The ruling represents the first judicial recognition of the martial law attempt as an insurrection, with Han having the right to appeal.
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In a speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy criticized Europe’s approach to security, including its reliance on NATO and its handling of situations like the recent military mission to Greenland. He questioned Europe’s readiness to defend itself, suggesting that the limited deployment to Greenland sends a weak message to Russia and China. Zelenskyy also accused Europe of inaction regarding Iran and urged them to take measures against the Russian shadow fleet, as the U.S. has done, and to hold Vladimir Putin accountable more swiftly.
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According to an internal memo obtained by the Associated Press, federal immigration officers are now claiming the authority to enter homes without a judge’s warrant, a significant departure from established guidelines. This shift is based on the interpretation of administrative warrants, specifically Form I-205, which are signed by immigration officials. The legality of this practice hinges on whether these administrative warrants satisfy Fourth Amendment requirements for home entry, a question complicated by Supreme Court precedent and the availability of legal recourse for those affected. While the policy may be legally questionable, the ability to challenge it in court may be limited due to the restricted scope of Bivens remedies.
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Elizabeth Holmes, the former Theranos CEO convicted of defrauding investors, has requested an early release from prison through a petition filed with the Department of Justice. Holmes is currently serving an 11-year sentence, set to end in December 2031, following her 2022 conviction and 2023 prison entry. This request follows a US appeals court upholding her convictions and the $452 million in restitution owed to victims, stemming from the collapse of Theranos, a company once valued at $9 billion. The final decision on the request rests with the president, who has previously granted clemency to other high-profile figures.
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Special Counsel Jack Smith asserted that Donald Trump engaged in criminal activity. Smith’s investigation revealed that Trump was not seeking truthful information regarding the 2020 election results, and Smith’s office did not engage in any spying activities. Legal experts analyzed Smith’s testimony and his ongoing cases against Trump, with many noting Smith’s composed demeanor. Discussions surrounding Trump’s potential use of military force were also addressed, specifically concerning Greenland.
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Spain’s proposal to create a joint EU army, especially given the backdrop of rising global instability and a potential dispute over Greenland, is a fascinating and complex issue. The idea, as Spain’s Foreign Minister articulated, is to establish a unified military force as a deterrent. The notion of a “coalition of the willing,” with key players like France, Germany, Italy, and Spain at the core, seems like a pragmatic starting point. It’s probably unrealistic to expect all 27 EU member states to sign up immediately, and starting with a core group could be a good approach, preventing a backlash.
One of the central arguments revolves around the necessity for the EU to develop greater strategic autonomy, particularly as doubts grow about the continued reliability of the United States.… Continue reading
In his first public testimony before the House Judiciary Committee, former Special Counsel Jack Smith defended his decision to bring criminal charges against Donald Trump. Smith stated that he stood by his decisions, asserting that the investigation revealed proof beyond a reasonable doubt of Trump’s criminal activity. He elaborated on the charges, mentioning Trump’s efforts to overturn the 2020 election results and the illegal retention of classified documents, including sensitive national security information stored in insecure locations. Smith emphasized his commitment to the rule of law, indicating that he would prosecute a former president based on the same facts today and that no one should be above the law.
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China has declined an invitation from the United States to join the proposed Gaza Board of Peace. The Chinese Foreign Ministry stated that it remains committed to the United Nations-centered international system. The Board, proposed by former US President Donald Trump, aims to mediate global conflicts and is part of a larger peace plan for the Middle East. While Trump claimed widespread acceptance, China’s rejection underscores a divergence in approaches to international diplomacy and conflict resolution.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood
Can ICE Enter Your Home With an Administrative Warrant? Legally, No; Practically, Yes.
According to an internal memo obtained by the Associated Press, federal immigration officers are now claiming the authority to enter homes without a judge’s warrant, a significant departure from established guidelines. This shift is based on the interpretation of administrative warrants, specifically Form I-205, which are signed by immigration officials. The legality of this practice hinges on whether these administrative warrants satisfy Fourth Amendment requirements for home entry, a question complicated by Supreme Court precedent and the availability of legal recourse for those affected. While the policy may be legally questionable, the ability to challenge it in court may be limited due to the restricted scope of Bivens remedies.
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