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Donald Trump Thinks Merrick Garland Is An Idiot

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In a letter to AG Merrick Garland, Trump’s lawyers wrote in part:

Preparing a report and releasing it to the public would violate the Presidential Transition Act and the Presidential immunity doctrine. The Act prohibits all officers and those acting as such, including the Attorney General and Smith, at least in his view of himself, from interfering with the ongoing transition process. Presidential immunity, which Smith conceded required pre-inauguration dismissal of his prosecutions, likewise prohibits criminal processes, including disclosures of any prosecutorial reports or statements, that would exacerbate stigma and public opprobrium surrounding the chief Executive and otherwise divert from the time and attention that is necessary to complete the transition and run the County.

Accordingly, releasing a report regarding Smith’s failed and abandoned election-interference efforts would violate the Act and Presidential immunity.

Finally, the release of any confidential report prepared by this out-of-control private citizen unconstitutionally posing as a prosecutor would be nothing more than a lawless political stunt designed to politically harm President Trump and justify the huge sums of taxpayer money Smith unconstitutionally spent on his failed and dismissed cases.

Under such circumstances, releasing Smith’s report is obviously not in the public interest—particularly in light of President Trump’s commanding victory in the election and the sensitive nature of the ongoing transition process. Accordingly, because Smith has proposed an unlawful course of action, you must countermand his plan and remove him promptly. If Smith is not removed, then the handling of his report should be deferred to President Trump’s incoming attorney general, consistent with the expressed will of the People.

In the view of many, Attorney General Garland bungled the entire Trump prosecution by waiting years to investigate Trump’s conduct surrounding and on 1/6, but Garland is not a moron, and only a fool would fall for the arguments that Trump’s lawyers offered in their letter.

The Trump argument that Jack Smith is not a legitimate prosecutor was based on a ruling by his number one fan, Judge Aileen Cannon. There are no other rulings to support Trump’s claim.

Trump’s arguments for withholding the report have no merit, and given Trump’s plans for the Department of Justice, it is urgent that Smith’s report and his evidence be made public.

Donald Trump could still face charges for his actions on 1/6 after his presidency ends if he lives to see the end of his presidency.

It is vital that there be a public record of what Trump is accused of doing.

The president-elect seems very worried about the release of Smith’s report. If he were innocent, there would be no reason for his concern.

1/6 will follow Trump wherever he goes, even back into the Oval Office.

Donald Trump can’t erase history, and he can’t escape 1/6.

What do you think of Trump’s efforts to block Jack Smith’s 1/6 report? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Leave a comment



This story originally appeared on Politicususa

HISTORY IS MADE: Today, Democrats Didn’t Object to Certifying a Republican Victory for the First Time Since 1988 | The Gateway Pundit

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For all of their talk about ‘our democracy’ Democrats have a horrible track record when it comes to certifying Republican wins. They usually object and that’s what everyone expected today.

Surprisingly, that didn’t happen today, and it was the first time since 1988. Can you believe it?

Here’s an important flashback:

Everything was different this time.

WJLA News reported:

Congress certifies Trump’s election victory with no objections

Lawmakers in Congress quickly certified President-elect Donald Trump’s November election victory over Vice President Kamala Harris in an objection-free ceremony that sets the stage for him to return to the White House in two weeks.

The largely ceremonial event inched the country one step closer to the culmination of Trump’s return to power after leaving office in defeat following the Capitol riot four years ago that had some Republicans questioning whether to find a new person to lead the party forward.

Congress quickly certified Trump’s 312-226 Electoral College victory over Harris with no objections, two weeks before Trump returns to the White House on Jan. 20 and become the country’s 47th president…

The certification was overseen by Harris, who is constitutionally obligated to preside over the joint session of Congress to formally count the Electoral College votes, another blunt reminder of her election loss to Trump. She has mostly stayed out of public view since losing the election as she weighs what the future holds for her, including another potential presidential run.

People noted the historic aspect on Twitter/x.

It truly was ‘too big to rig’ this time and everyone seems to know it.




This story originally appeared on TheGateWayPundit

Nine people dead after strong earthquake in China | World News

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At least nine people have died in a strong earthquake in China.

The 6.8 magnitude earthquake struck in a mountainous area in the autonomous Tibet region, near the border with Nepal, shortly after 9.05am on Tuesday, according to the China Earthquake Networks Centre.

The US Geological Survey (USGS) said it had recorded a 7.1 magnitude earthquake, centred in the Tibet region.

State broadcaster China Central Television (CCTV) cited the Ministry of Emergency Management for the number of dead, but did not say what caused their deaths.

The broadcaster said the epicentre was in the Tingri region, around 380 kilometres (240 miles) from Tibet’s capital Lhasa and about 23 kilometres (14 miles) from the region’s second-largest city of Shigatse – also known as Xigaze.

Tremors were also felt In Nepal’s capital, Kathmandu, as well as Bhutan and northern India.

Image:
The epicentre was reportedly about 23 kilometres (14 miles) from Shigatse – also known as Xigaze

The earthquake struck in an area where the Indian and Eurasian plates clash, causing uplifts which form the Himalayan mountains.

There have been 10 earthquakes of at least magnitude 6 in the area where Tuesday’s quake hit over the past century, the USGS said.

A 7.8 magnitude earthquake killed some 9,000 people and damaged about 1 million structures in Nepal in 2015.

This breaking news story is being updated and more details will be published shortly.

Please refresh the page for the fullest version.

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This story originally appeared on Skynews

National Zoo’s giant pandas make the most of DC’s winter storm : NPR

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A screenshot taken from the National Zoo’s feed of the giant pandas shows one of the 3-year-old bears playing in the show.

National Zoo/Screenshot by NPR


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National Zoo/Screenshot by NPR

The National Zoo’s latest giant panda residents basked in the downpour of snow that blanketed Washington, D.C., on Monday, giving onlookers a view into the playtime of the two furry bears ahead of their Jan. 24 public debut.

Video posted by the National Zoo showed 3-year-olds Bao Li, a boy; and Qing Bao, a girl, rolling around in the still-falling flurries and climbing up trees, seeming to enjoy the first D.C. snow of the year.

“This morning, about 5 inches of snow blanketed the Washington, D.C., area, including giant panda Bao Li and Qing Bao’s outdoor habitats,” the zoo wrote on X. “Flakes stuck to their fur as the bears frolicked and somersaulted.”

Pandas are native to mountainous regions of China where, according to Zoo Atlanta, temperatures can get cold. But the bears’ thick fur helps protect them from the adverse affects of chilly weather.

While the pandas made the best of the frozen wonderland, elsewhere across the Midwest and mid-Atlantic, the snow wreaked havoc on daily commutes and power grids.

Officials across the affected areas warned people to stay indoors amid at least four fatalities and dozens of injuries caused by the major snowstorm.




This story originally appeared on NPR

Thief shouted ‘No!’ before shooting of Johnny Wactor, police say

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When Johnny Wactor found three people in masks trying to steal the catalytic converter from his Toyota Prius last May, one of the thieves yelled “No!” before his “hot-headed” companion fired a single shot into the “General Hospital” actor’s chest, a detective testified Monday.

New details about the case came at a preliminary hearing for Robert Barceleau and Sergio Estrada, who are charged with murdering Wactor in downtown Los Angeles. The defendants, both 18, have pleaded not guilty.

In a jailhouse conversation secretly recorded by authorities, Estrada said he hadn’t wanted to “work” stealing catalytic converters with Barceleau, whom he called “hot-headed,” said Det. Justin Howarth of the Los Angeles Police Department. Estrada claimed he yelled at Barceleau not to shoot before Barceleau pulled the trigger, Howarth said.

Nicknamed “Smalls,” the 5-foot 6-inch, 110-pound Barceleau told an informant in a separate recording that he shot Wactor because the actor was “going after the homie” after finding them hoisting up his car to saw off its catalytic converter, Howarth said.

Wactor’s killers left behind a 2-ton, rapid-pump floor jack next to the Prius. Police found the fingerprints of three men on the jack, according to testimony: Barceleau, Estrada and Leonel Gutierrez.

Gutierrez has pleaded no contest to attempted robbery and grand theft. A fourth defendant, Frank “Littles” Olano, pleaded no contest to receiving stolen property and accessory after the fact. Gutierrez and Olano are due to be sentenced Jan. 15.

Olano told an informant he received six catalytic converters from Barceleau, Estrada and Gutierrez on the night Wactor was killed, Howarth testified.

About 20 minutes before the homicide, cameras maintained by USC’s Department of Public Safety captured the suspects stealing the catalytic converter from a car less than two miles from where Wactor had parked his 2013 Prius before heading to a shift tending bar at the Level 8 lounge in the Moxy Hotel.

Around 3:20 a.m., Wactor returned to his car with a co-worker, Anita Gibney, who told police they first thought the Prius was being towed. When they realized it was a theft, Gibney tried to discreetly take a photograph of the dark-colored sedan parked next to the Prius while Wactor confronted the thieves, LAPD Det. Keith Gonzales testified.

“That’s my car,” he said. “What are you doing?”

Then, Gibney said, she “heard a loud snap,” Gonzales testified. Wactor fell back into Gibney, who asked if he was OK.

“Nope,” Wactor said. “I’ve been shot.”

The actor, 37, was pronounced dead 14 minutes later from a single gunshot to the chest, Gonzales said.

Five hours after the homicide, Barceleau photographed himself brandishing a gun equipped with a laser sight, according to Howarth. Estrada posed with one arm around Barceleau, cash fanned out in his other hand.

In the jailhouse sting, Barceleau said he gave the gun used to kill Wactor to his father, who disposed of it, Howarth testified.

Barceleau and Estrada are members of the Dukes clique of the Florencia-13 gang, Howarth said. Barceleau is also charged with assaulting police and leading them on a high-speed chase 11 days after Wactor was killed.

In court papers, prosecutors wrote that Barceleau and two other suspects were burglarizing a car parked on 28th Street in South Los Angeles when two neighbors stepped onto a balcony to see what was going on.

Barceleau pointed the laser sight of his gun at them before fleeing, prosecutors allege. Chased by police, Barceleau drove 80 miles per hour toward an LAPD cruiser on Figueroa Street and evaded arrest, prosecutors wrote. Barceleau has pleaded not guilty and denied the allegations.

In a search warrant affidavit, Howarth said police suspected Barceleau, Estrada, Gutierrez and Olano in seven other crimes. According to his affidavit, they include a kidnapping and robbery at a cannabis dispensary in Chatsworth. Authorities also suspected the men of burglarizing a Melrose Avenue boutique called “Whole Lotta Cough Syrup,” a rare sneaker vendor in Encino, and pharmacies in Hollywood, North Hollywood and Sun Valley, although they have not been charged with these crimes.



This story originally appeared on LA Times

Plugable debuts three new docks during CES 2025

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Plugable unveils new docks at CES. Image source: Plugable

There are three new cutting-edge docking stations from Plugable, adding more displays and ports to your desk than ever before.

Even as Apple adds more ports to its laptops and desktops, it is never quite enough. Thankfully, companies like Plugable offer ways to push past external display limits or pack way more charging ports into a tiny space.

Plugable revealed three new products during CES 2025 — the 5 Display Dock, 10-port USB-C Charger, and DisplayLink Pro Quad Display Adapter. Each of these products will help users cut cable clutter and improve their workspace.

“At Plugable, we’re always aiming to push the boundaries of innovation, and with the launch of the PS-10CC and the UD-7400PD, we’re proud to introduce products that are truly first of their kind,” said Bernie Thompson, Founder and CTO of Plugable. “The PS-10CC is the world’s first 10-port USB-C charger with intelligent power allocation, and the UD-7400PD is the first docking station to support up to five external monitors — all designed to make users’ lives easier and more efficient.”

USB-C 5-Display Docking Station with HDMI 2.1 and 140W Charging

Connect up to 5 high-resolution displays to your MacBook Pro while providing 140W of charging. The UD-7400PD docking station, aka the 5 Display Dock, works with every M-series Mac, even ones that normally support only one display.

Desk setup with five monitors displaying 4K at 60Hz, a laptop, docking station, smartwatch, cables, lamp, and headphones, all on a sleek white surface.
Connect five external displays. Image source: Plugable

Connect three 8K, or one 8K and four 4K displays over the available combination of ports. There is an HDMI 2.1 port, HDMI 2.0 port, and three USB-C ports with DisplayLink.

Users will need to use DisplayLink software to use all five external displays, but the dock is essentially universally compatible. Additional ports in the front enable users to charge other devices like their iPhone.

Get the 5 Display Dock for $264.95 from Plugable.

USB-C PD 10-Port Priority Charger

The 10-port USB-C charger uses Plugable’s PriorityShare technology to intelligently distribute power across all connected devices. Prioritize charging order from left to right, and as each device reaches full charge, power is reallocated down the line.

A row of USB-C ports on a sleek device with a stack of various white charging adapters in the background on a dark surface.
Charge 10 devices in a night. Image source: Plugable

Connect any USB-C power supply from 18W to 100W, and the available power will be allocated to the connected devices. Usually, this would mean turning the incoming charge into a trickle as it was spread across each port, but PriorityShare handles it differently.

Even with the slowest 18W rating, devices will be charged in order until they are filled. Connect anything from your iPhone to your AirPods and wake up with everything charged.

Get the 10-port USB-C charger for $99.95 from Plugable.

USB-C Quad 4K HDMI Graphics Adapter with 100W PD charging

The DisplayLink Pro Quad Display Adapter is a travel-ready accessory that can connect four 4K 60Hz HDMI displays to a single USB-C port. The connected laptop and accessories get up to 100W passthrough charging.

Open green bag on a table with a partially visible laptop and a silver electronic device inside, featuring HDMI ports.
Add four displays to your M-series Mac. Image source: Plugable

The adapter works with any M-series Mac and adds four displays to your setup. It has an integrated USB-C cable for easy connection.

Users will need to use DisplayLink software to use all four external displays, but the dock is essentially universally compatible. It can be bus powered, but the included PD passthrough port allows 90W to charge the laptop while 10W is used to power the dock.

Get the DisplayLink Pro Quad Display Adapter for $124.95 from Plugable.



This story originally appeared on Appleinsider

Betrayal? Merab Dvalishvili Once Helped A Fighter ‘Live Like A Human,’ So Now He’s Training With UFC 311 Rival Umar Nurmagomedov

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UFC 311’s bad blood might have gotten worse.

In two weeks (Sat., Jan. 18, 2025), the first Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) pay-per-view (PPV) is going down inside the brand-new Intuit Dome in Los Angeles, California, and in the co-main event of UFC 311, Merab Dvalishvili will defend his Bantamweight title against rival Umar Nurmagomedov.

The two Bantamweights have had some serious bad blood since “The Machine” won the title, whether it be jawing at each other on social media, screaming at each other at press conferences, or even getting separated at said press conference.

Dvalishvili was even locked out of the UFC P.I. because of Nurmagomedov.

However, things might have taken a potentially “sad” turn.

Georgian reporter Giorgi Kokiashvili posted a picture revealing that one of Dvalishvilli’s friends is training with Nurmagomedov (and it’s not Belal).

“This pic broke my heart a little bit,” Kokiashvili wrote. “Magdi Amachov is helping Umar Nurmagomedov to prepare for Merab Dvalishvili. Merab helped Magdi to live like a human being in the US. He didn’t have a home, and Merab gave him a room for free in his own house and helped a lot. It’s just sad.”

“The people who said Merab and Aljo should fight each other despite being the best friends, are now saying this is totally OK,” he added. “Crazy world we live in. Wonder how much silver you guys need to sell your friends. Many Judas out there.”

It’s not the first time a fighter’s buddy has helped out an opponent, but this one might hit Dvalishvili a little closer to home, and he might even have something to say about it next week.

For what it’s worth, Amachov, an amateur MMA Fighter with a 2-1 record, posted on his Instagram that he wishes both fighters good luck. He said the champion helped him out in a bad time and that he has developed a good brotherly relationship with Nurmagomedov.





This story originally appeared on MMA Mania

Who Could Win at the Academy Awards? – Hollywood Life

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Image Credit: Getty Images

New Year, New Winners! As the year begins, so does award show season. Recently, the 2025 Golden Globes kicked off the lineup of Hollywood’s biggest award shows. From wins by actresses like Zoe Saldaña and Demi Moore to films such as Wicked taking home awards, many are wondering if nominees who left empty-handed will get another chance at the next major event.

Up next are the 2025 Oscars, hosted by TV personality and comedian Conan O’BrienAccording to Variety, the 61 year old stated, “America demanded it and now it’s happening: Taco Bell’s new Cheesy Chalupa Supreme. In other news, I’m hosting the Oscars.”

Can we expect repeat wins from Golden Globe winners, or will new faces take the stage to accept an Oscar? Find out more about the 2025 Oscar predictions below.

When Do the 2025 Oscar Nominations Come Out?

The Academy Awards will announce the nominations on Friday, January 17, 2025. The 97th annual event will take place on Sunday, March 2, 2025, beginning at 7:00 PM EST at the Dolby Theatre in Ovation Hollywood, Los Angeles, California.

Oscars 2025 Best Picture Predictions

LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 18: (L-R) Ethan Slater, Marissa Bode, Jeff Goldblum, Jonathan Bailey, Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Michelle Yeoh, Bowen Yang, Karis Musongole and Bronwyn James attend the "Wicked: Part One" European Premiere at The Royal Festival Hall on November 18, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)
Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images

According to Variety, Wicked is predicted to take the top spot for Best Motion Picture, followed by Conclave in second, The Brutalist in third, Anora in fourth, and Emilia Perez in fifth.

Who Won Best Picture at the 2025 Golden Globes?

The Brutalist won Best Motion Picture – Drama. During his acceptance speech, director Brady Corbet shared, according to AP News, “I was told that this film was un-distributable.” He added, “No one was asking for a three-and-half-hour film about a mid-century designer in 70mm. But it works.”

Meanwhile, the cast of Emilia Perez celebrated their win for Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy.

Other major winners included Wicked, which won the Golden Globe for Cinematic and Box Office Achievement. During his speech, director Jon M. Chu, as quoted by BBC, said, “We can still make art that is a radical act of optimism that is empowerment and that is joy – this means so much to all of us.”



This story originally appeared on Hollywoodlife

Presley Gerber Seems To Be Hinting That He Is Engaged To Lexi Wood

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pagesix

Presley Gerber, the son of Cindy Crawford and Rande Gerber, is trying to give the impression that he proposed to another model named Lexi Wood. I did it, guys!, On Tuesday, Presley, who is 23 years old, posted an Instagram carousel that featured a variety of photographs and videos of her parents, who are genetically fortunate.

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Guys, I did it. A voice could be heard saying, “I’ve discovered the one who makes me the happiest person I’ve ever been,” over the top of a video clip that displayed Wood donning a Gerber jersey.

In typical fashion for members of Generation Z, the possible announcement was veiled in mystery and interspersed with a variety of unrelated photographs, such as a close-up one of Presley holding onto Wood’s buttocks while she was wearing a bikini and another of her right eye.

Wood provided additional evidence that a proposal had taken place when she shared her beau’s post on Instagram Story and added emojis depicting a lock and key, a love, and an infinity symbol.

After that, the emerald-eyed beauty left a remark on Presley’s post, which said, “loving you,” and the Celine ambassador finished it by saying, “is the easiest thing I’ve ever done.”

The 21-year-old Kaia Gerber threw a party to celebrate what appeared to be an engagement between the two. Even though his comments section was inundated with expressions of joy, a few readers suggested that the couple goes on a LONG engagement.

On the other hand, some people were not convinced that Presley had even posed the question. What the what??? Someone remarked in response to his caption, to which another person reacted, reportedly grabbing her butt for us all to see.

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In an Instagram Story on Wednesday, Presley referred to Wood as his closest friend and girlfriend, contributing to the confusion surrounding the past few days’ events. After waiting an hour, she used her account to refer to him as her best friend and boyfriend.



This story originally appeared on Celebrityinsider

EasyJet launches winter route from UK airport to pretty European city | Travel News | Travel

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EasyJet has launched a new route to a popular European city that could be a perfect winter holiday for many people. 

The new route to Lyon in France adds another destination to easyJet’s growing network at Newcastle Airport.

One person who visited Lyon on Tripadvisor said: “Since my childhood I love Lyon city, but my favourite place is the old town of Lyon, ‘le Vieux Lyon’. 

“Lyon old town, known as Vieux Lyon, is situated across the Saone River from the “Presqu’ile” district. To walk with family or friends, it’s the perfect district.”

On top of year-round services to Amsterdam, Paris, Belfast and Bristol, the low-cost airline operates four flights a week to Palma and twice-weekly services to Alicante and Malaga. 

Flights to Geneva have also increased to three times a week, providing more options for passengers during the ski season. 

Brits will benefit from a new route which runs from Newcastle Airport to Lyon with easyJet.

The first flight departed on January 4, with the service operate weekly on Saturdays throughout January and February.

Skiers and snowboarders can hit the slopes at world-class ski resorts in the French Alps, with resorts like Alpe d’Huez and Val Thorens being close by.  

Lyon itself is a popular city break destination and offers something for everyone, from visiting iconic landmarks such as the Basilica Notre-Dame de Fourvière or exploring the Renaissance streets of Vieux Lyon.

Richard Knight, Chief Operating Officer at Newcastle Airport, said: “We are delighted to see further investment from easyJet with new weekly flights to Lyon. 

“This new route not only provides our customers with even more choice to visit one of France’s most vibrant cities but it also opens up convenient connections to the French Alps, making it an excellent choice for both week-long getaways and ski holidays. 

“We are confident the new route will be hugely popular with our customers and it complements the fantastic range of destinations passengers can fly to with easyJet from Newcastle Airport.”

Ali Gayward, easyJet’s UK Country Manager, said: “Our new service from Newcastle to Lyon provides our customers in the North of England with another convenient connection at great value fares to Europe’s top ski resorts.  

“With demand for flights to the Alps taking off, we’re sure this fantastic new route will prove popular this winter season and we look forward to welcoming passengers onboard.”

Flights to Lyon are available to book now with fares starting at £23.99 one-way. 



This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk