According to released testimony, former special counsel Jack Smith believed Donald Trump was “most culpable” for the January 6 riot and would have been convicted. Smith’s investigation, which relied heavily on Republican witnesses, concluded that Trump engaged in a criminal scheme to overturn the 2020 election, inciting the violence at the Capitol. Smith asserted that Trump’s actions, including pressuring officials to alter election results and refusing to condemn the rioters, caused and exploited the events of that day. Despite the DOJ’s efforts, Trump’s 2024 election victory ended the criminal case.
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Consumer habits are rapidly shifting as shoppers adapt to economic pressures and evolving priorities. Recent data reveals a growing preference for budget-friendly options, with discount retailers and used-item marketplaces experiencing increased popularity. Furthermore, the convenience of online shopping continues to thrive, even as in-person retail experiences make a comeback. Ultimately, these trends indicate a more cost-conscious and flexible approach to consumption, shaped by both financial constraints and the desire for value and accessibility.
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The REAL ID Act, enacted in 2005, aimed to establish uniform standards for state IDs for security purposes, yet the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) now considers it unreliable for confirming U.S. citizenship. This is despite REAL IDs requiring proof of citizenship for issuance. In a court filing, DHS admitted REAL IDs’ unreliability, and that agents may disregard the ID as proof of citizenship. This stance, revealed in response to a lawsuit regarding an instance of racial profiling, raises questions about the REAL ID’s effectiveness and its adherence to the Fourth Amendment.
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The House Judiciary Committee released a full transcript and video of Jack Smith’s closed-door deposition, which detailed his reasons for indicting Donald Trump. Smith testified that there was significant evidence proving Trump’s involvement in a “criminal scheme” to overturn the 2020 election and repeated attempts to obstruct justice. During the deposition, Smith emphasized that Trump’s false claims were not protected by the First Amendment and that the former president knew the claims were untrue. Smith also addressed Trump’s attacks on Justice Department employees and his commitment to conducting a nonpartisan investigation.
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According to a recent Wall Street Journal report, teenage spa workers from Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago allegedly made house calls to Jeffrey Epstein’s mansion. The report indicates that Trump instructed staff to treat Epstein favorably, despite him not being a club member. However, the house calls reportedly ceased in 2003 after an 18-year-old worker accused Epstein of sexual pressure, prompting Trump to ban him from spa services. The article also mentions a recent release of documents by the Department of Justice which contained unfounded and false claims against Trump, in addition to mentioning a disturbing account from a former limo driver.
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The European Court of Human Rights has questioned the UK’s decision to revoke Shamima Begum’s citizenship, focusing on the state’s responsibility towards potential trafficking victims. Begum, who joined ISIS at 15, was later stripped of her citizenship due to national security concerns. The court is examining whether the Home Office considered Begum’s potential as a trafficking victim before making the decision, as the court is questioning the UK’s failure to consider the grooming and trafficking of a school child in London. The UK government maintains its decision was justified to protect national security and will be defended.
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HHS freezing child care payments to all states after Minnesota fraud allegations: Official, is the news that has everyone buzzing, and honestly, it’s a bit of a head-scratcher. The core issue here is that the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has put a freeze on child care funding for all states, citing fraud allegations stemming from Minnesota. Now, on the surface, this might seem like a simple case of cracking down on misbehavior, but when you dig a little deeper, the implications are much more complex and, frankly, troubling.
The most immediate concern, and one that is probably shared by millions of parents, is the potential impact on families.… Continue reading
AP News reports that thieves stole a significant amount of property, estimated to be worth between 10 million and 90 million euros, from safety deposit boxes inside a German bank vault in Gelsenkirchen. Approximately 2,700 customers were affected, with over 3,000 safety deposit boxes broken into, representing more than 95% of the bank’s inventory. Police believe a large drill was used to breach the vault’s basement wall, and investigators are reviewing witness statements and video footage from a nearby parking garage. The bank branch remained closed, and each safety deposit box is insured for 10,300 euros unless the customer has additional private insurance.
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On January 1st, a new wave of artistic works entered the public domain, marking the end of their 95-year copyright terms. Iconic characters such as Betty Boop and Blondie, along with Mickey Mouse’s dog Pluto (initially known as Rover), were among the many works that became freely available for use. In addition, the first appearances of Nancy Drew, Sam Spade, and Miss Marple in book form also entered the public domain. This year’s entries also include the Marx Brothers’ “Animal Crackers,” the German film “The Blue Angel,” and several classic songs like “Embraceable You” and “Georgia on My Mind.”
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ACA subsidies that lower monthly insurance premiums for millions of Americans are set to expire, and the consequences are looking pretty grim. One analysis estimates that the cost of insurance for those who get financial assistance could jump by a staggering 114%, leading to average premiums soaring from roughly $888 to a whopping $1,904. That’s a massive increase, and it’s not just a number; it translates to real-world hardship for a lot of people.
This expiration isn’t happening by accident. It’s an active choice, a decision that will make it harder for millions to afford basic healthcare. The political implications are significant, and the midterms could become a critical test of voter sentiment on this issue.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood