News

Special Counsel dismisses federal cases against Trump

Special Counsel dismisses federal prosecutions of Trump, citing policy against prosecuting sitting presidents; state-level cases pending.

Published

1 year ago

November 26, 2024

ticker NEWS

Special Counsel Jack Smith has moved to dismiss federal prosecutions of former President Trump, citing a longstanding Justice Department policy against prosecuting a sitting president.

Smith emphasized that this prohibition is absolute and independent from the nature of the alleged crimes or the strength of government evidence.

Earlier this year, a judge dismissed a case involving classified documents, ruling that Smith’s appointment was unlawful.

Although Smith’s office appealed this decision, it has now withdrawn this appeal.

A representative for Trump characterised Smith’s dismissal as a significant win for the rule of law, marking an end to a controversial period in U.S. history.

Smith was appointed special counsel in November 2022, shortly after Trump’s announcement for a presidential run. With the elections completed, Smith’s team is working to conclude the federal cases before he is expected to resign.

State felonies

While federal cases are dismissed, two state-level prosecutions are still pending. In New York, Trump was convicted of 34 state felonies related to hush money payments, but sentencing has been postponed as he seeks to overturn the conviction.

In Georgia, an election-interference case is also facing challenges, having been stalled due to attempts to disqualify the district attorney and the implications of Trump’s presidential election.

Both cases could potentially falter following Smith’s recent actions.

News

Ukraine and Russia set for U.S.-brokered peace talks in Abu Dhabi

Published

20 hours ago

February 2, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has confirmed that new peace talks with Russia will take place in Abu Dhabi later this week. The discussions are part of U.S.-led efforts to find a path toward ending the ongoing war.

Zelenskyy emphasised that Ukraine is prepared for meaningful dialogue aimed at achieving peace. The announcement comes after weeks of uncertainty over the timing of the meeting.

U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff described prior discussions with Russian officials as productive, though major disagreements over territorial issues remain unresolved.

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News

Tensions rise as Iran threatens conflict and U.S. increases naval forces

Iran warns of regional conflict, labels European armies terrorists; U.S. boosts naval presence as both sides consider negotiations.

Published

22 hours ago

February 2, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Iran warns of regional conflict, labels European armies terrorists; U.S. boosts naval presence as both sides consider negotiations.

Iran has warned of a potential regional conflict if the U.S. launches an attack, while labelling European armies as terrorists. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei insisted that threats from President Trump will not intimidate the Iranian people.

The U.S. has ramped up its naval presence in the Middle East in response to mounting threats, amid speculation over Iran’s next moves. Iranian officials have denied claims of imminent naval exercises in the Strait of Hormuz, adding to global uncertainty.

#MiddleEastCrisis #IranUS #Geopolitics #NavalTensions #Trump #AyatollahKhamenei #EuropeanUnion #GlobalConflict

News

Carlos Alcaraz becomes youngest man to complete career Grand Slam

Carlos Alcaraz, at 22, stuns tennis by winning the Australian Open, defeating Djokovic, and celebrating with a kangaroo tattoo.

Published

22 hours ago

February 2, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Carlos Alcaraz, at 22, stuns tennis by winning the Australian Open, defeating Djokovic, and celebrating with a kangaroo tattoo.

Carlos Alcaraz has stunned the tennis world by winning the Australian Open, becoming the youngest man to complete a Career Grand Slam at just 22 years old.

The world number one beat Novak Djokovic in a thrilling four-set match, finishing 2-6, 6-2, 6-3, 7-5. Djokovic missed out on claiming his 25th Grand Slam title. To mark the milestone, Alcaraz revealed he plans to add a new tattoo of a kangaroo on his leg, joining his existing Eiffel Tower and Wimbledon strawberry tattoos.

#CarlosAlcaraz #AustralianOpen #GrandSlam #TennisHistory #NovakDjokovic #SportsNews #TennisTattoo #YoungChampion