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 President Joe Biden has released nearly a dozen Yemeni prisoners from Guantanamo Bay as part of an effort to close the facility permanently. The Department of Defense announced that 11 detainees would be transferred to Oman. Among these prisoners are two individuals who previously worked as bodyguards for Osama bin Laden, the leader of Al-Qaeda and organizer of the 9/11 attacks. The released detainees, who have not been charged with any crimes, include Uthman Abd al-Rahim Muhammad Uthman, Moath Hamza Ahmed al-Alwi, Khalid Ahmed Qassim, and others. Al-Alwi is noted for having served on bin Laden’s security detail in Afghanistan and has been suggested to retain an "extremist mindset. " Al Sharabi, another released prisoner, was allegedly involved in a failed hijacking plot similar to the 9/11 attacks. All 11 individuals were captured shortly after the September 11 attacks, and their transfer aligns with a commitment made by Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin in September 2023. Des...

 Mike Benz has revealed how the federal government financially supports Reuters, which spreads government propaganda against “disinformation. ” Records show that the U. S. government has given the Thomas Reuters Foundation contracts worth $300 million. It seems strange for the government to fund a news organization, and this raises concerns about bias, as organizations receiving such money may skew coverage to align with government narratives. Benz’s comments highlight that Reuters has been particularly critical of Elon Musk, especially after he acquired X, which has challenged traditional media's control. This criticism is notable because it transcends typical political attacks from Democrat groups; it reveals a troubling relationship between government funding and journalistic integrity. The Twitter Files have exposed how censorship was driven not just by private companies, but was also influenced by the Biden government, showcasing a broader issue of government overreach into me...

 The New York state court judge overseeing Donald Trump's criminal case has scheduled sentencing for January 10, 2025, just ten days before his planned inauguration. By signaling his intention to possibly impose an unconditional discharge, the judge seems to acknowledge that the felony counts against Trump may not be valid. Judge Juan Merchan denied Trump’s motions to dismiss the charges and vacate the jury verdict, dismissing arguments about the case's legitimacy and the judge's own conflicts of interest. Trump's legal team insisted that the case was baseless and should be dropped, especially citing that the Manhattan District Attorney, who brought the charges, used improper evidence and was tied to political interests. Judge Merchan emphasized the urgency of sentencing before Trump takes office, citing that presidential immunity would likely apply after the inauguration, which could prevent any legal consequences from being enforced. Despite his statements about the n...

 Mike Brewster discusses concerns about Cast Vote Records (CVRs) and ballot privacy in electronic voting systems. He acknowledges that while CVRs alone may not identify voters, they can be linked to voters through additional documents like poll books and voter histories. Brewster highlights ongoing lawsuits in Texas related to these privacy issues, particularly focusing on countywide voting programs that allow out-of-precinct voting, which can compromise ballot secrecy. Brewster mentions his own experience as an election clerk, emphasizing that he may be the only voter from his precinct at a certain location, making it easy to identify his ballot. He explains that research has shown the potential to identify ballots for thousands of voters due to these voting programs. He notes a humorous story about a discrepancy in voting between a couple. The researchers aimed to use this information to challenge the countywide voting system, which Brewster believes enables election fraud. In a ...

 The Democratic National Committee released a statement on the fourth anniversary of January 6, accusing Donald Trump of inciting a violent mob that attacked the Capitol and law enforcement. They claim he posed a threat to democratic institutions. However, the narrative surrounding the event is contested. Supporters of Trump gathered peacefully at a rally where Trump urged them to march "peacefully and patriotically" to the Capitol. The subsequent chaos is attributed by some to actions taken by federal agents and Capitol Police. Reports indicate that Capitol Police used crowd control measures on the Trump supporters, which escalated tensions. A recent Inspector General report acknowledged the presence of 26 confidential informants from the Department of Justice at the Capitol that day. This report is seen as lacking transparency regarding the total number of agents involved. Despite the violence, it is suggested that the Capitol Police allowed some protesters to enter and nav...

 Four years after January 6, 2021, the response from the federal government is seen as worse than the day itself. On that date, many peaceful Trump supporters gathered outside the U. S. Capitol, where a small number clashed with police and entered the building. For Democrats, January 6 serves to validate their views against Trump and his supporters, portraying it as a grave threat to democracy, with claims that rioters killed officers and that Trump incited violence. However, these claims are disputed. Supporters argue that Trump called for a peaceful demonstration and urged for increased security, which was ignored. They believe the transfer of power was never at risk, and the only death was unjustified. The real issue, according to critics, is how the Biden administration has used the Justice Department and FBI to prosecute over 1,500 individuals involved in the protest. Reports indicate that federal prosecutors are still contemplating charges against an additional 200 people rel...

 The American medical system is notably unbalanced, favoring costly surgical procedures over basic public health services. The American Medical Association (AMA), representing physicians, has historically opposed single-payer health insurance since President Truman's proposal in 1945. Many doctors, however, wish for such a system today. The AMA also contributes to the disparity between primary care doctors, who are often overworked and underpaid, and specialists, who earn significantly more and enjoy better work-life balance. This imbalance is largely thanks to the AMA's Relative Value Scale Update Committee (RUC), which was designed to give the AMA control over Medicare's compensation structure. Created in 1991, the RUC sets values for medical procedures based on recommendations that the Department of Health and Human Services usually accepts. Despite primary care doctors making up over a third of the physician workforce, specialists dominate the RUC, leading to compensati...

 As Donald Trump returns to the White House, he promises to address issues of national security overreach. Meanwhile, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has not fully disclosed important information regarding its investigation into alleged Russian connections during Trump's first term. After a Freedom of Information request from RealClearInvestigations in August 2022, the FBI released a heavily redacted document on December 31, more than two years later. This document details a counterintelligence investigation initiated in May 2017, which suggested that Trump might be acting as an agent for Russia. The investigation aimed to determine if Trump had any connections or coordination with Russia and whether he obstructed FBI inquiries into Russian election interference. This investigation, ordered by then-acting FBI director Andrew McCabe one week after Trump's firing of James Comey, focused specifically on Trump, unlike the earlier inquiry, Crossfire Hurricane, which looked...

 Two Department of Homeland Security (DHS) agents in Utah, Nicholas Kindle and David Cole, are facing serious charges for allegedly selling seized drugs, including synthetic substances like “bath salts. ” From 2022 to 2024, they reportedly pocketed between $195,000 and $300,000 in profits from this illegal scheme. The agents supposedly stole drugs from DHS evidence lockers, falsely claiming they were needed for investigations, and sold them through a confidential informant. In addition to drug trafficking, Kindle and Cole are accused of stealing cash, a diamond ring, and a Peruvian antiquity from evidence, using encrypted apps to set up their deals. Their misconduct reportedly began as early as 2021, yet they were not fired after being arrested, raising significant concerns about accountability within federal law enforcement. Kindle is facing up to 25 years in prison for conspiracy related to drug distribution and theft. Cole, who has pleaded not guilty, could face 20 years. This c...

 When authorities focus on controlling the story rather than seeking truth, it damages public trust, hampers accountability, and puts the very people they serve at risk. Christopher Roach discusses these issues in the context of the 1992 film A Few Good Men, where the theme revolves around whether sometimes harmful rules are necessary for institutions like the military. In a key scene, defense attorney Tom Cruise confronts a Marine colonel, who defiantly states that the attorney cannot handle the truth. This reflects how authorities often spin narratives for what they believe are noble reasons, prioritizing their image over transparency. Recent events highlight this problem. For instance, a man with an ISIS flag attacked pedestrians in New Orleans, leading to multiple deaths. Officials initially refrained from labeling the attack as terrorism, and the media played down crucial details about the attacker’s background and motives, suggesting a trend of possible cover-ups. Many media ...

 The ongoing debate about whether offshore wind power is cheaper than gas power continues. A comprehensive analysis reveals discrepancies in the costs of both energy types, highlighting the complexities involved in the comparison. • Levelized Costs Misrepresentation: Discussions often reference official Levelized Costs published by BEIS in 2023, but critics argue that including carbon pricing for gas power is misleading, as it is a tax rather than a direct cost. • Cost Comparison Methodology: A valid comparison should weigh the total cost of wind power against the fuel cost of Combined Cycle Gas Turbine (CCGT) power stations. CCGT must maintain full operation during standby periods, meaning any additional costs arise only when generating electricity. • Current Energy Statistics: In 2023, gas power generated 101 TWh, constituting about one-third of total electricity in Great Britain. The projected gas price is around £24/MWh, translating to a generation cost of £45/MWh, with an annu...

This article discusses the challenges faced by the nuclear power sector in the U. S. , focusing on the role of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). It highlights a recent lawsuit from Texas, Utah, and Last Energy that seeks to challenge the NRC's regulations, which are seen as hindering the development of small modular reactors (SMRs). • Promise of Nuclear Power: Nuclear energy has significant potential for meeting global energy demands while reducing emissions. • NRC as a Barrier: The NRC is considered a major obstacle to innovation in nuclear power due to its stringent regulatory requirements that apply uniformly regardless of the reactor's size or risk. • Historical Context: The Atomic Energy Act of 1954 allowed for differentiation between reactors based on risk, but a 1956 decision to regulate all reactors equally has led to a cumbersome regulatory process. • Impact on Small Modular Reactors (SMRs): • SMRs are smaller and come equipped with advanced safety features, mak...

 Last week, journalist Alex Berenson reported that a young child died from "cardio-respiratory arrest" after receiving a dose of Moderna's Covid mRNA vaccine during its clinical trials. Despite government regulations that require reporting all trial information, the company failed to disclose this information for years while profiting significantly from its Covid vaccines. Moderna, led by CEO Stéphane Bancel, allegedly violated federal law by not reporting death and adverse event information related to its trials to clinicaltrials.gov. The company has the obligation to share all trial results, and not revealing a child's death could lead to civil action against it for attempting to conceal crucial facts. Pharmaceutical companies have largely avoided accountability for widespread misinformation that has resulted in numerous vaccine-related injuries. They have enjoyed protections under the PREP Act for vaccine injuries. However, those protections do not cover breaches o...

 In recent years, the quality of the New York Times has declined significantly, leading many to turn to the Wall Street Journal as a more reliable news source. A notable issue was the global Covid epidemic, which began in early 2020 and is estimated to have caused around thirty million excess deaths. During this time, the Times, along with other media outlets, promoted the idea that Covid was a natural virus and labeled those suggesting otherwise as conspiracy theorists. Donald G. McNeil, Jr. , a veteran Times journalist, faced job loss after being reported for his language during a student trip, despite his extensive work on Covid reporting. In May 2021, the narrative shifted when Nicholas Wade, a former science editor at the Times, published a detailed article suggesting Covid was man-made and likely leaked from a lab. His article challenged the prevailing view and had a profound impact on the media, leading to changes in how platforms like Facebook handled discussions about the ...

 U-Haul's annual Growth Index reveals important trends about migration in the U. S. In 2024, Tennessee, Florida, North Carolina, Texas, and South Carolina experienced the most one-way U-Haul rentals, indicating population growth. Conversely, Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, and California saw the highest net emigration. One common feature among the states gaining residents is that they voted red in the recent presidential election, while most of the states losing residents voted blue, with Pennsylvania having voted blue except for two elections since 1992. The impact of elections is evident, as shown by the significant outflow of Venezuelans due to poor conditions in their country. The situation there features severe economic decline, hyperinflation, and political oppression, which drives people to leave. While the effects of unfavorable policies in countries like Pakistan, Sudan, and Turkey are recognized, similar patterns in U. S. states often face skepticism. D...

 President Joe Biden has signed the bipartisan Social Security Fairness Act, which aims to enhance benefits for retired public sector workers while significantly increasing national debt. • The act removes the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO), which reduced retirement benefits for certain public sector workers. • By eliminating these provisions, over 2. 8 million retirees are expected to receive an average monthly increase of $360, with many also getting a lump sum for past benefits. • The Congressional Budget Office estimates the act will increase national debt by $196 billion, while some predict it may reach $233 billion, accelerating Social Security’s projected insolvency to 2034. • Critics argue that this act imposes a financial burden on taxpayers and undermines the Social Security system’s long-term stability. The signing of the Social Security Fairness Act represents a significant change in benefits for public sector retirees while...

 Several mainstream media outlets are being accused of misleading American parents regarding the law about COVID-19 vaccinations. Reports claim that a ruling by the Vermont Supreme Court allows schools to give COVID-19 vaccines to children without parental consent, even if parents have explicitly requested that their children not receive the vaccine. In August 2024, the Vermont Supreme Court ruled that a 6-year-old was vaccinated against his parents’ request, stating that the family could only pursue a federal claim if serious harm or death could be proven. Other legal options for violating parental rights and consent protections were entirely removed, yet many media outlets reported the opposite. The Associated Press published an article claiming that the Vermont ruling did not allow schools to vaccinate children without parental consent, but the ruling had indeed verified that they could do so. The court case, known as Politella v. Windham Southeast School District, confirmed tha...

 For the first time in over three decades, Congressional Democrats did not challenge a Republican presidential election result. This was noted by the Washington Times, marking a significant change from Democrats' past behavior, where they routinely objected to Republican victories. • Democrats have historically objected to Republican wins, including claims of voter suppression and election interference. • In 2016, Democrats made multiple objections based on allegations of Russian interference and voter fraud. • Recent statements from Democratic leaders indicate a newfound acceptance of election results, with Senator Charles Schumer emphasizing loyalty to the Constitution. • Representative Jamie Raskin, who previously objected to multiple electoral votes in Florida in 2016, now claims that respecting the certification process is vital for democracy. • The main reason for this shift in behavior is tactical. Democrats have decided that their previous strategy of challenging results is...

 It’s been four years since the January 6 riots of 2021, and it has become clear that the event was neither an insurrection nor a coup. The media and Washington elites cling to the “insurrection” label to cast themselves as victims and to portray ordinary Americans as a dangerous threat. They argue that an unorganized group of working-class activists posed a risk to the powerful federal government. Over these four years, the FBI has pursued these so-called “insurrectionists,” who have mostly faced charges for minor offenses like trespassing. A few have been convicted for actions that were legal for most of American history but have become offenses as the government has expanded its powers. Many of those involved in actual violence were convicted for using items like crutches or bear spray against police, with only a handful charged for possessing firearms at the Capitol. The response to the January 6 event has allowed the Capitol Police to increase their power and morph into someth...

 On his first day in office, President Joe Biden signed an executive order called “Modernizing Regulatory Review. ” This order, which was initially overlooked, has potentially the most significant impact of his presidency. It allows regulators to impose extensive new rules on businesses and individuals without concern for the costs. This move is seen as a way to unleash a new wave of regulations on a scale never before experienced in the U. S. Clyde Wayne Crews from the Competitive Enterprise Institute noted that this order weakened the White House Office of Management and Budget, previously a watchdog against excessive regulation. This agency has now become more supportive of regulation. The CEI publishes an annual guide, “10,000 Commandments,” detailing federal regulations. Evidence of Biden's regulatory approach can be found in the Federal Register, which recorded a historical high of 107,262 pages of rules in 2024, a 45% jump from his first year. In the previous year, Biden fin...

 The  "South Carolina Ping List"  has not been active in more than 16 months. It's time to get it going again, but with a different name and a more focused mission. My apologies in advance to long time Palmetto State Freepers who have been, and are still, active in trying to make South Carolina great again. This post is directed primarily to Freepers new to South Carolina, and new to our unbelievably screwed up RINO controlled GOP political BS. And, yes, I generally detest "politicians," especially RINO politicians. I know everyone has heard the old saying about the need to change both politicians and diapers frequently, for the same reasons. I'm looking for South Carolina Freepers who understand how bad South Carolina Republican politics are (or would like to learn more), and would like to work together within our spheres of influence to  Make South Carolina Great Again. It's 2025. Trump will be back in the White House in 13 days, God willing! That'...

 Seattle Public Schools is facing a significant increase in student homelessness. As of October, there are 2,235 homeless students this school year, which is a nearly 20% rise from last year's increase of 30%. This trend reflects a national rise in homelessness, as highlighted in a recent HUD report. In Washington state, over 41,000 students experienced homelessness during the 2023-24 school year, marking a nearly 15% increase. A support worker, Jenny Allen, attributes this rise in homelessness to high costs and limited affordable housing. The influx of immigrants and refugees, especially from South America, has also contributed to the situation. At Dunlap Elementary, a support worker named Rogers Greene, who has been helping unhoused students for eight years, is now assisting more families fleeing conflicts in Ukraine and Afghanistan. He describes the challenges these families face, including navigating a new environment, learning a new language, and figuring out how to meet their...

 The alleged lies spread by Liz Cheney and the January 6th Committee regarding the Capitol events of January 6, 2021. It also describes Cheney’s recent recognition and the investigations surrounding her actions during and after her congressional term. 1. Recognition Amid Controversy: Liz Cheney received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Biden, despite being referred for criminal charges related to witness tampering. 2. Allegations of Witness Tampering: A House report claims Cheney communicated with witness Cassidy Hutchinson without her lawyer, suggesting attempts to influence testimony. 3. Claims of Insurrection: The article argues that the term "insurrection" used to describe the events at the Capitol is misleading, as no defendants were charged with this crime. 4. Hyperbolic Statements: Cheney claimed in her memoir that democracy was nearly lost that day, but Congress resumed session hours later, indicating continuity of government was not compromised. 5. Tr...

 Our national debt exceeds $35 trillion, and reducing it requires urgent action beyond just balancing the budget. The federal government gathers revenue from many sources but spends more than it takes in, creating a deficit. The national debt also accounts for planned future expenditures that haven't been spent yet. To address the national debt quickly, suggestions are made for the 119th Congress and the Trump Administration as they finalize the FY-2025 federal budget. First, every federal agency should report new, unfilled positions or those vacant for four months. Hiring for these positions should be halted, especially within the IRS, and the corresponding budget funds should either be eliminated or redirected to pay down debt. All government contracts for mRNA stockpiles should be canceled due to safety concerns. Additionally, agencies should report unspent appropriated funds and incomplete obligations. Funding directed at "green" initiatives should be pulled, as these...

What’s the difference between weather and climate? According to the National Weather Service, weather is the atmosphere's state at a specific time and place, involving temperature, moisture, wind, and pressure. Climate, on the other hand, is the long-term average of these conditions over significant periods. In simple terms, weather is short-term (days to weeks), while climate is long-term (years to centuries). Currently, the weather is sunny and warm, but it was snowy and cold just a week ago. Some might call this climate change, but it’s just natural weather variation. The United Nations defines climate change as long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns, which can occur naturally but have significantly been driven by human activities since the 1800s, chiefly through fossil fuel consumption. The Earth’s temperature has fluctuated throughout its history, including significant changes 10,000 years ago when glaciers melted. The UN, however, claims humans are the primary ...

 The U. S. healthcare system is facing a significant crisis driven by corporate greed that began in the early 20th century. This shift prioritized profit over health care, leading to dramatically increasing costs and inequality in access to medical services. Healthcare spending in the U. S. rose from $200 billion in 1979 to over $4. 9 trillion in 2023. Despite the high expenditure, many people still lack access to affordable and quality care. The COVID-19 pandemic further accelerated healthcare spending, which increased by 10. 4 percent from 2019 to 2020, and has remained high ever since. The healthcare industry is primarily influenced by special interest groups and a powerful corporate class that favors economic gain over making care affordable and accessible to all. Historically, the relationship between capitalism and healthcare in America has led to increased costs and negative effects on consumer health. This trend can be traced back to the early 20th century when the medical ...

 Joe Biden is criticized for dishonoring the presidency as he prepares to leave office. Recently, he awarded the Presidential Citizens Award to Liz Cheney and Bennie Thompson, who are seen as partisan figures, and this has further diminished the honor. Biden's selections for the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian award, have also received backlash. The list of awardees includes many notable figures but also controversial ones like George Soros and Hillary Clinton. Soros, a prominent Democratic donor, is accused of supporting progressive prosecutors instead of focusing on violent crime, and there are calls for an investigation into his actions. Clinton, known for her polarizing role in politics and numerous scandals, is criticized for her past actions and lawlessness. Critics question whether she deserves the Medal of Freedom. Many individuals on the awards list are seen as Democratic supporters rather than those with significant achievements. There is ...

 In the past decade, there has been intense opposition to Donald Trump, which has led to attacks on civil liberties and the justice system from his opponents, mainly the left, which includes politicians, the media, and bureaucratic institutions. Despite Trump's unconventional approach and lack of a typical political background, his administration from 2017 to 2021 achieved success according to traditional measures in various areas. However, the left used his presidency as justification for significant assaults on civil liberties and free expression. There have been numerous attempts to undermine Trump, including two impeachments and efforts to remove him from ballots. This atmosphere of hostility led to actions that many view as conspiratorial. The legacy of these aggressive efforts could set dangerous precedents that threaten the republic. The investigation into alleged Russian collusion in the 2016 election stands out, as there was no evidence supporting these claims. The Clinton...

 Governments can come to power through violence or elections. Dictators, who often have military backgrounds, usually do not care about their people and may kill those who oppose them. Historical figures such as Hitler, Stalin, and Mao are examples of such dictators. It is stated that governments have caused more deaths than any disease or other reasons, with communism often cited for around 100 million deaths, though estimates vary widely. One commonly referenced source for death tolls under communist regimes is the "Black Book of Communism," which estimates more than 94 million deaths. The book’s main author, Stéphane Courtois, is criticized for his methodology and desire to reach a certain death count. Not all authors agree with Courtois's figures, suggesting some numbers were inflated. In the Soviet Union under Lenin and Stalin, significant death tolls occurred. Lenin's policies resulted in about 100,000 victims from the Red Terror and millions more during the Rus...

 The FDA has warned about 'DNA contamination' in Pfizer's mRNA COVID-19 vaccine that could be harmful to human health. The warning comes after a study conducted by three researchers at Centreville High School under FDA supervision. The research indicated that the levels of residual DNA found in the vaccine exceeded regulatory safety limits by 6 to 470 times, with DNA contamination potentially leading to mutations that could cause cancer. Dr. Kevin McKernan, who previously identified DNA contamination in vaccines, stated that this DNA could integrate into the human genome and disrupt genes related to cancer. The FDA has not provided comments on the study despite multiple requests. The new findings contradict previous dismissals by regulatory authorities regarding concerns about DNA contamination. Experts are calling for an immediate recall of the COVID-19 vaccines due to the alarming evidence. Nikolai Petrovsky, a biotechnology director, described the study's findings as...

 On January 6, 2025, Congress certifies Donald J. Trump’s victory. This event aims to change the negative perception associated with January 6, 2021, which some claim was exaggerated by Democrats and media as a major threat to the nation. The narrative framing January 6 as worse than historical tragedies is seen as misleading. Despite attempts to discredit Trump, the American public supported him, leading to Congress’s certification of his victory on the same day that is now viewed as a symbol of resilience against government oppression. The efforts of Democrats and bureaucrats to undermine Trump for years had little impact, and instead, their attempts to vilify him and his supporters have backfired, delegitimizing themselves. The Biden administration has labeled the activities on January 6 as a “deadly insurrection,” but the article argues that the actual victims were Trump supporters, highlighting the unfair treatment faced by individuals arrested for their participation. January...

 In 2020, President Trump seemed likely to win re-election due to a strong economy and low unemployment. However, the COVID-19 pandemic changed everything, hurting the economy and providing Democrats with a chance to challenge Trump's presidency, which contributed to Joe Biden's election victory. As Trump prepares to take office again, there are concerns about a possible new crisis, possibly linked to bird flu. Recently, there have been more reports about bird flu, and some fear that this could lead to a significant economic impact similar to COVID-19. A notable case in Canada involved a 13-year-old girl hospitalized with a mutated strain of H5N1 bird flu, marking Canada’s first human infection. She faced severe health issues, which highlight the potential dangers of this virus. Most bird flu cases in North America so far have been mild, but there is concern that the virus could mutate to cause more serious illness. Since March, there have been at least 66 reported infections i...

 On January 4, 2025, Manhattan Contrarian, authored by Francis Menton, discusses the unusual conclusion of Donald Trump's criminal prosecution that began with his conviction on May 30 for 34 felony counts of “falsifying business records. ” After various motions were denied by Judge Juan Merchan, sentencing was set for January 10, shortly before Trump's second inauguration. Menton describes the court's Order as bizarre, considering it is a significant criminal case involving a former President who was also a presidential candidate. Convictions for all 34 felony counts were achieved. The prosecution team was composed of highly experienced lawyers, suggesting a substantial investment of resources, estimated at over $10 million. In the Order, it was noted that an "unconditional discharge" was a potential outcome, meaning no penalty would be imposed. This raised questions about the necessity for extensive prosecution efforts if the result was simply to let Trump go fre...

 Jay Bratt, a key prosecutor involved in the investigation of former President Trump, has resigned from the Justice Department. His departure comes as Trump prepares to take office again and many government officials fear retaliation from Trump's upcoming appointees, including Pam Bondi as attorney general and Kash Patel as FBI Director. Bratt was known for his role in the Mar-a-Lago raid and for allegedly threatening Stanley Woodward, a lawyer for Trump's valet Walt Nauta. According to reports, Bratt tried to influence Nauta's lawyer to testify against Trump by threatening Woodward's professional future and suggesting he could sabotage Woodward's judicial nomination. This led to a complaint of prosecutorial misconduct filed by Woodward in court regarding Bratt's actions. In a recent development, Trump announced that Stanley Woodward will serve as a top legal advisor in his White House, marking a significant shift since Bratt reportedly tried to intimidate him. ...

 Justin Trudeau is likely to resign as leader of Canada’s Liberal Party, which would also lead to his removal as Prime Minister. Reports suggest he might announce his resignation by Monday before a significant caucus meeting on Wednesday. His leadership has faced criticism, and polls indicate Pierre Poilievre’s Conservative Party is on track for a significant election win in October. Sources indicate Trudeau's announcement could come before the caucus meeting, but they are not certain of the timing. The Liberal Party might aim for a new leader to change their public image before the elections, but Poilievre's popularity presents a challenge. With Trudeau's potential exit, the incoming Trump administration could see it as a setback for their international opposition. Trudeau's future includes two options: appointing an interim leader, allowing him to step down immediately, or holding a leadership vote that could take longer. Regardless of the outcome, Trudeau's polit...

 As early as Monday, President Joe Biden is expected to ban new offshore oil and gas development on 625 million acres of U. S. coastal territory. This decision comes just weeks before President-elect Donald Trump assumes office and may hinder his energy policies aimed at boosting fossil fuel production. The executive order, based on the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act, would prohibit new drilling rights in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans and the eastern Gulf of Mexico, although leasing would be allowed in other Gulf areas. Biden’s move leverages a provision that might make it difficult for future presidents to reverse the ban. Past attempts to undo similar bans, like those made by former President Barack Obama, have faced legal challenges. The expected order is perceived as an effort by environmental activists to undermine Trump, affecting his goal of enhancing domestic energy production. Trump has pledged to approve new drilling and reduce energy costs, claiming he would signifi...

 Public opinion on the deadly use of police force shows bias against the victim, Ashli Babbitt, in the aftermath of the January 6 Capitol riot. On that day, only one homicide occurred when Babbitt, an unarmed Trump supporter, was shot by police officer Michael Byrd, who had a questionable history with firearms and chose deadly force rather than a nonlethal response, despite the lack of an immediate threat. The reaction to Babbitt’s death was starkly different from that towards George Floyd's death six months earlier, which led to national outrage and calls for police reform. In contrast, many from the left celebrated Byrd as a hero and condemned Babbitt's actions as deserving of her fate. This highlights how partisan views can distort judgment and make it hard for individuals to apply consistent principles to similar situations. In 2021, the Department of Justice announced it found “insufficient evidence” to criminally prosecute Byrd for killing Babbitt, but did not determine t...