Special Counsel Jack Smith resigned from the Justice Department on January 10, 2025, following the completion of his investigation into President-elect Trump’s alleged 2020 election interference. Smith’s final report, submitted on January 7th, is expected to be released soon, though a portion remains temporarily restricted pending a court decision. The report covers allegations of election interference and mishandling of classified documents; however, the latter portion will not be released while charges against co-defendants remain pending. Trump, who had been indicted and pleaded not guilty before the charges were dismissed, frequently criticized Smith.
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Following Maduro’s contested re-election, the U.S. increased the bounty on him to $25 million, with similar rewards offered for other high-ranking Venezuelan officials. Simultaneously, new visa restrictions were imposed on officials deemed responsible for undermining Venezuela’s electoral process and human rights abuses. These actions, coordinated with Canada, the EU, and the UK, target individuals enabling Maduro’s alleged repression and fraudulent claim to power. The sanctions include eight Venezuelan officials from key economic and security sectors. This international effort rejects Maduro’s legitimacy and supports the Venezuelan people’s desire for new leadership.
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In April, German authorities arrested an Iraqi couple, Twana H.S. and Asia R.A., on charges of enslavement, torture, and war crimes. The couple, alleged members of ISIS, are accused of holding two Yazidi girls, aged 5 and 12, as slaves between 2015 and 2017. Prosecutors allege the man repeatedly raped both girls, while the woman participated in their abuse and the girls suffered severe physical violence. The prosecution contends these actions were intended to destroy the Yazidi religion.
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The Vatican has issued new guidelines permitting gay men to pursue the priesthood in Italy, provided they maintain celibacy. These guidelines, approved by Italian bishops, represent a shift from a 2016 instruction barring men with “deep-seated homosexual tendencies.” While sexual orientation will be considered during the discernment process, it will not be the sole determining factor. The extent to which these revised guidelines will be adopted internationally remains uncertain.
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Following an E. coli outbreak linked to Taylor Farms, a McDonald’s supplier, FDA inspectors uncovered numerous violations at their Colorado facility. The inspection report cited significant food debris, inadequate cleaning procedures, and improper sanitation practices, including infrequent handwashing and insufficient drying of equipment after sanitization. These issues, documented in a Form 483, raised concerns about cross-contamination and potential health risks. While Taylor Farms stated they addressed the issues and the FDA did not take administrative action, the violations prompted McDonald’s to indefinitely cease sourcing onions from the facility.
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In response to devastating wildfires fueled by strong winds in Southern California, 783 incarcerated firefighters have been deployed to assist Cal Fire. These inmates, trained in 30+ state fire camps, are integral to California’s wildfire response, sometimes comprising up to 30% of the firefighting force. Their work includes crucial tasks such as cutting fire lines and removing fuel, despite earning low wages of $5.80-$10.24 per day, plus hourly hazard pay. While the work is physically demanding and offers limited financial benefits, incarcerated firefighters express pride in contributing to community safety and protecting lives and property.
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Leroy Ramos, a 47-year-old MARTA employee, was fatally shot over a $2.50 fare in Decatur, Georgia. Police arrested two individuals but continue searching for the gunman responsible for this senseless killing. His family and colleagues remember him fondly, highlighting his kind nature and dedication to his family. The Amalgamated Transit Union is advocating for increased safety measures for MARTA drivers, including more police presence and improved driver protection, following this tragic incident.
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In response to devastating wildfires in Los Angeles County, Mexico is deploying a support team to aid in firefighting efforts. This team comprises personnel from the National Forestry Commission and the Ministry of Defense, their deployment following diplomatic discussions between Mexican and U.S. officials. The team is currently finalizing immigration paperwork for entry into the United States. Mexico’s assistance is motivated by humanitarian concerns and the significant Mexican population in the affected region.
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Michael Scheuer, a former Disney menu production manager, pleaded guilty to computer fraud and aggravated identity theft for hacking into Disney’s menu-creation software. He falsified allergen information, potentially endangering customers with severe allergies, and made other malicious alterations including adding a swastika to a menu and replacing wine region information with mass shooting locations. Although some altered menus were printed, Disney identified and isolated them before distribution and subsequently abandoned the compromised software. Following his termination, Scheuer also launched a denial-of-service attack targeting former colleagues.
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The Department of Justice’s new report on the 1921 Tulsa race massacre reveals that the attack was a coordinated, military-style assault, not mere mob violence, perpetrated by white Tulsans with the complicity of law enforcement. The 126-page report details the systematic destruction of Greenwood, the murder of hundreds of Black residents, and the subsequent denial of justice and compensation to survivors. While acknowledging the impossibility of prosecuting any living perpetrators, the report aims to provide a full accounting of this horrific event and facilitate community reconciliation. The investigation included interviews with survivors and descendants, along with examination of primary source materials.
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John Q. Hosedrinker