President Biden issued a historic act of clemency, commuting the sentences of approximately 1,500 individuals previously on home confinement due to the COVID-19 pandemic and pardoning 39 individuals convicted of nonviolent crimes. This represents the largest single-day use of clemency in modern presidential history, exceeding even President Obama’s previous record. The commutations focused on those who had completed at least a year of home confinement, reflecting efforts to mitigate COVID-19 spread in prisons. Further clemency actions are expected before Biden leaves office.
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The IRS’s new free direct tax filing system, funded by the Inflation Reduction Act, aims to simplify tax preparation for Americans. However, 27 House Republicans urged President-elect Trump to terminate the program, citing concerns about government overreach and a potential conflict of interest for the IRS. They argue the program gives the IRS an incentive to maximize tax revenue rather than ensure fair taxation. This initiative is part of broader Republican efforts to curtail increased IRS funding.
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Following President Yoon Suk Yeol’s controversial declaration of martial law, his own party, the People Power Party (PPP), has reversed its initial stance and now supports impeachment proceedings. This decision, made after failed attempts to persuade the President to resign, significantly increases the likelihood of a successful impeachment vote, potentially as early as Saturday. The impeachment motion, driven by widespread public anger and accusations of treason, alleges that Yoon abused his power and committed insurrection. The president, however, maintains his actions were necessary to address a political stalemate and has vowed to fight the impeachment.
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Travis Timmerman, a Missouri man missing since May, was found in Damascus, Syria, after being released from Syrian prison following the overthrow of President Assad. He claimed to have entered Syria on a pilgrimage, was detained for months, and described his imprisonment as a time of personal growth. After his release, he wandered the streets of Damascus before being located by NBC News. U.S. officials are aware of the situation and are offering support, though Timmerman has yet to contact his family.
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President Biden granted clemency to nearly 1,800 individuals, representing the largest single-day act of clemency in modern history. This included approximately 1,500 commutations for those who completed home confinement sentences initiated during the COVID-19 pandemic and 39 pardons for nonviolent offenses. The actions followed a pardon for Biden’s son, Hunter, and are expected to be followed by further clemency grants before the end of his term. These actions reflect Biden’s stated commitment to providing second chances and addressing sentencing disparities.
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A Yukon couple was awarded $10,000 in small claims court after Air Canada’s overbooking led to a three-day travel ordeal. The airline repeatedly breached Air Passenger Protection Regulations, failing to provide promised alternative flights and adequate communication, resulting in lost vacation time and additional expenses. The judge deemed Air Canada’s actions “shameful,” highlighting the airline’s failure to fulfill its duty of care and utilize human oversight in its booking system. This decision emphasizes the need for improved airline communication and accountability under the existing regulations.
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The free press faces unprecedented challenges, with many news organizations succumbing to political influence. HuffPost, however, remains committed to unbiased reporting and refuses to compromise its journalistic integrity. Continued operation depends on reader support, urging contributions to maintain free access to news. Even those unable to donate are encouraged to create a free account to aid in sustaining HuffPost’s mission.
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Following the Labour Party’s general election victory, Tesla lobbied the UK government to increase taxes on petrol car drivers. This proposal, outlined in a letter from Tesla’s European boss to the roads minister, suggested using the revenue to fund electric vehicle subsidies and extend electric vehicle mandates to lorries. The letter expressed support for Labour’s decarbonization goals, despite Musk’s later public criticisms of the UK government. This lobbying effort aimed to bolster Tesla’s market position and profitability within the UK.
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Following Trump’s conviction on 34 felony counts related to hush-money payments, his motion to dismiss the case was opposed by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg. Bragg argued that presidential immunity does not apply and suggested a temporary delay in proceedings to avoid interfering with presidential duties, not a dismissal. Both Bragg and the New York attorney general’s office contend the case will not impede Trump’s official functions. The dispute’s resolution could extend into Trump’s presidency, potentially delaying sentencing until after his term.
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In response to President-elect Trump’s impending tariffs on Canadian imports, Ontario Premier Doug Ford threatened to cut off energy supplies to the U.S., impacting states such as Michigan, New York, and Wisconsin. This drastic measure is considered a retaliatory option alongside other planned counter-tariffs on American goods, a strategy coordinated between Ottawa and all Canadian provinces. The federal government presented a border security plan aimed at addressing Trump’s concerns, a plan Premier Ford deemed a “good start” but emphasized the need for swift implementation. Despite a recent meeting between Prime Minister Trudeau and President Trump, tensions remain high, fueled by Trump’s continued jabs at Canada and Trudeau’s previous comments about the U.S. election.
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John Q. Hosedrinker