Reports indicate that former President Donald Trump considered pardoning Ghislaine Maxwell, a move spurred by concern over her potential revelations about his decades-long friendship with Jeffrey Epstein. Trump and Epstein shared a close relationship, with both men reportedly involved in similar activities. Ultimately, Trump did not issue a pardon due to pushback from his advisors. Maxwell was later convicted on sex trafficking charges and sentenced to 20 years in prison.
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Edward Kelley, who received a pardon for his involvement in the January 6th Capitol attack, has been sentenced to life in prison for plotting to attack FBI agents and incite a “civil war.” Prosecutors revealed Kelley created a “kill list” of law enforcement officials and distributed it to a co-conspirator. Despite the pardon, which did not cover the separate conspiracy case, Kelley was convicted on conspiracy charges, and the court determined he posed a continued threat. This case highlights the consequences of actions that followed the January 6th attack and emphasizes that pardons do not absolve individuals of all crimes.
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In a significant development, a January 6th defendant, Edward Kelley, received a life sentence for plotting to murder FBI special agents who investigated him. Despite a pardon by former President Trump, a federal judge ruled the pardon did not extend to Kelley’s murder plot. Prosecutors highlighted Kelley’s lack of remorse and outlined his detailed plans to target law enforcement, including forming a militia and conducting drills. While Kelley’s lawyer argued for a lesser sentence, pointing out that no one was directly harmed, the court ultimately imposed the severe penalty, with a co-conspirator, Austin Carter, awaiting sentencing next month.
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Despite Sean “Diddy” Combs’ ongoing sex trafficking and racketeering trial, Donald Trump refused to rule out a potential pardon. While stating he hasn’t spoken to Combs in years and is unaware of any formal pardon requests, Trump indicated a willingness to consider the facts of the case. He emphasized that his decision wouldn’t be based on personal relationships, and that he would assess whether Combs was mistreated. Combs, who pleaded not guilty, faces a potential life sentence if convicted.
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Governor Whitmer expressed deep disappointment over President Trump’s consideration of pardoning Adam Fox and Barry Croft Jr., who were convicted of plotting to kidnap her. The men were sentenced to lengthy prison terms for their plot, fueled by anger over COVID-19 restrictions, despite claims of entrapment being rejected by the court. Trump’s comments dismissing the convictions as a “railroad job” and his potential pardon are viewed as undermining efforts to condemn political violence. Whitmer plans to convey her concerns directly to the White House.
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U.S. Army Air Forces Cpl. Glenn H. Hodak, a B-29 gunner shot down over Tokyo in March 1945, has been accounted for after being identified among remains from the Tokyo Military Prison. Captured after his plane crashed, Hodak perished in a massive fire that destroyed the prison in late May 1945. His remains, initially buried in a mass grave and later interred as Unknown at Manila American Cemetery, were identified through a combination of dental, anthropological analysis, and DNA sequencing as part of the DPAA’s Tokyo Prison Fire Project. Hodak will receive a burial in Spring Creek, Pennsylvania.
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The recent GOP pardons related to the January 6th Capitol riot have sparked outrage, particularly from Democratic leadership. The sheer number of individuals pardoned, many of whom were involved in violent acts against law enforcement and the Capitol building itself, is deeply concerning. This action sends a dangerous message, minimizing the severity of the insurrection and potentially encouraging further acts of political violence.
This wave of pardons directly contradicts previous rhetoric from the GOP about upholding the rule of law and condemning political violence. The hypocrisy is glaring, a stark contrast between their public statements and their actions. It’s a blatant disregard for the seriousness of the events of that day, the damage inflicted, and the trauma experienced by those who were directly affected, including law enforcement personnel.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood