Donald Trump’s lawyers reviewed a draft of Special Counsel Jack Smith’s report and threaten legal action if it’s released, arguing Smith lacks the authority to do so due to a prior court ruling deeming his appointment unlawful. Co-defendants Nauta and De Oliveira, citing potential prejudice to their ongoing cases, joined the legal challenge, requesting Judge Cannon block the report’s release. The defense claims the draft presents a biased narrative, and insufficient redactions would further harm their ability to receive a fair trial. While the Justice Department plans to share a redacted version with Congress, Trump’s legal team seeks pre-release notification to pursue legal action.
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Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) sparked online ridicule after baselessly alleging that Democrats planned to steal the presidential election certification for Donald Trump. Mace’s video, posted on X, claimed Democrats consistently object to election certifications and vowed to prevent any such theft. Critics swiftly dismissed her claims as hyperbolic and attention-seeking, noting the uneventful certification process, in stark contrast to the January 6th, 2021 Capitol riot. The certification concluded peacefully, highlighting the contrast between Mace’s rhetoric and the reality of the event.
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Ten years after a deadly attack by Islamist gunmen, Charlie Hebdo released a special edition commemorating the event. The edition features a cartoon celebrating the paper’s resilience and includes the results of a caricature contest mocking God and religious leaders, reflecting the paper’s defiant stance on freedom of expression. A survey included in the edition reveals that a significant portion of French respondents believe in the fundamental right to caricature and mock religious beliefs. This anniversary edition also reprints a controversial 2005 cover and highlights the ongoing debate surrounding the paper’s satirical approach and its implications.
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A Tennessee law mandating age verification for pornographic websites was largely blocked by a federal judge who ruled it violated First Amendment rights and would be ineffective at preventing minors’ access. The judge cited the effectiveness of parental controls and the potential for circumvention via VPNs. While the state is appealing, the ruling follows similar legal challenges in other states, with the Supreme Court set to hear arguments on a related Texas law. The law’s opponents argue it is unconstitutional and ineffective, while supporters maintain it protects children.
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Chief Justice Roberts’ year-end report uses images of civil rights-era judges, like J. Waties Waring, to deflect criticism of contemporary judicial decisions. This tactic, also employed by Judge Edith Jones, falsely equates modern judicial opponents to those who faced violent backlash for upholding civil rights. Sherrilyn Ifill argues this comparison is ahistorical and inaccurate, highlighting the stark difference between judges who risked their safety and standing to advance justice and those facing criticism today. This appropriation of civil rights history ignores the systemic racism faced by civil rights advocates and minimizes the severity of the modern critiques. The comparison is ultimately a misguided attempt to shield controversial rulings from legitimate scrutiny.
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Following Austria’s September election, President Alexander Van der Bellen mandated Freedom Party leader Herbert Kickl to form a new government, marking a potential first far-right government since WWII. This decision followed failed attempts to form a coalition without the Freedom Party, which won 28.8% of the vote. Coalition talks between the Freedom Party and the People’s Party are underway, though their success is uncertain, and a new election is a possibility. The Freedom Party’s platform includes anti-immigration policies, opposition to sanctions against Russia, and a push for greater Austrian autonomy from the EU.
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Senior British politicians from Labour, the Conservatives, and Reform UK have privately urged Donald Trump’s allies to reconsider his relationship with Elon Musk due to Musk’s inflammatory statements about UK politics, including endorsing a far-right figure and calling for the imprisonment of the Prime Minister. This unprecedented meddling in British affairs by a senior US figure, particularly given Musk’s anticipated key role in the Trump administration, is causing concern across the political spectrum and risks damaging the UK-US relationship. The concerns highlight a rare cross-party consensus in Britain regarding Musk’s actions and their potential impact on Trump’s image. Despite Trump’s spokesperson reaffirming their friendship, Musk’s falling out with Nigel Farage has fueled speculation that his alliance with Trump may also fracture.
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Kim Jong-Un’s regime has banned hot dogs in North Korea, classifying their sale or consumption as treasonous, potentially resulting in detention and forced labor. This ban, impacting even the popular Budae-jjigae soup containing hot dogs, is part of a broader crackdown on Western culture, including other foods like sushi and items such as designer goods and electronics. The ban reflects the North Korean government’s ongoing suppression of freedoms and contributes to existing food insecurity within the country. This action underscores the regime’s severe human rights abuses, including torture and imprisonment.
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Louisiana reported the first U.S. death from bird flu, a person over 65 with underlying health conditions who had contact with infected birds. The CDC confirmed the death and noted a genetic mutation in the virus within the patient. While 66 U.S. cases have been reported since March, most were mild, unlike this severe case. Although human-to-human transmission isn’t currently evident, the virus’s widespread presence in animals necessitates continued caution and preventative measures.
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John Q. Hosedrinker