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Hunter Biden tax plea deal in turmoil as prosecutors withdraw

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Hunter Biden’s legal case took an unexpected twist as his lawyers revealed that federal prosecutors had backed out of a prearranged deal that would have seen him pleading guilty to tax-related offenses.

The deal, which included a recommended no-jail sentence, was revoked by prosecutors on Friday. This comes amidst the ongoing criminal investigation into Hunter Biden, son of U.S. President Joe Biden.

In a new filing with the Delaware federal court, Hunter Biden’s legal team highlighted the abrupt withdrawal of the tax plea deal. However, they also emphasized that a separate agreement related to a gun-related crime remains intact. The gun agreement allows Hunter Biden to avoid conviction for the crime.

District Court Judge Maryellen Noreika, who oversees the case, directed U.S. Attorney for Delaware David Weiss to respond to the filing by Tuesday noon Eastern Time.

Tax case

The saga of Hunter Biden’s legal troubles has taken various turns. His expected guilty plea on July 26 for failure to pay federal income taxes was derailed due to concerns raised by Noreika regarding the terms of the agreements presented. The tax-related charges pertained to his failure to pay taxes on income exceeding $1.5 million in 2017 and 2018.

The sudden withdrawal of the tax plea deal coincided with Weiss’ appointment as special counsel by U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland. This appointment followed the failure of plea talks between Hunter Biden’s legal representatives and Weiss’ prosecution team.

The tax-related plea deal is not the only aspect of the case that faced complications. Prosecutors had also offered Hunter Biden a diversion agreement to drop charges related to possessing a firearm while being a drug user, subject to certain conditions. These conditions were met with skepticism by Noreika during the July 26 hearing.

Notably, a significant sticking point for Noreika was the requirement for her to decide whether Hunter Biden violated the terms of the gun agreement, rather than the U.S. Department of Justice. This provision aimed to depoliticize the situation and prevent any influence from the potential 2024 presidential election.

As the legal proceedings continue, Hunter Biden’s legal team has expressed confidence in reaching a resolution in due course. The case remains a subject of keen interest due to its implications and connections to the highest levels of U.S. political power.

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Trump picks loyalist Miller for key immigration role

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President-elect Donald Trump has named longtime adviser Stephen Miller as Deputy Chief of Policy in his new administration.

Vice President-elect JD Vance congratulated Miller, calling him “a fantastic pick” on social media.

Miller, known for his hardline stance on immigration, has been a central figure in Trump’s policy decisions, including the 2018 family separation policy.

He was also a prominent voice in crafting Trump’s speeches during the first administration.

Since leaving the White House, Miller has led America First Legal, a group aimed at countering the Biden administration’s policies.

Miller’s role will likely shape the administration’s direction on immigration and conservative values.

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Biden and Harris honor U.S. veterans on solemn Veterans Day

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President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris observed Veterans Day together by laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

The solemn ceremony marked their first joint appearance since Harris’s election loss, underscoring their dedication to honouring the nation’s veterans.

Biden then addressed a crowd at Arlington National Cemetery’s ceremonial amphitheater, reflecting on the service and sacrifice of military members and their families.

In what he said was his final address there as Commander in Chief, Biden called leading and defending the nation’s military “the greatest honor” of his life.

He also announced expanded health care coverage under the PACT Act for veterans exposed to toxic burn pits.

Biden concluded by honouring veterans as “the finest fighting force in the history of the world.”

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Fragments found after Qantas jet suffers engine failure

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Firefighters responded to a grassfire at Sydney Airport after a Qantas flight suffered an engine failure shortly after takeoff.

The Brisbane-bound Boeing 737-800 made an emergency landing on Friday with only one working engine.

Fire crews found small metal fragments in the grass along Runway 34R, where the plane experienced the failure.

Superintendent Mark Jenkins of Airservices Australia said the grassfire stretched along most of the 2.4-kilometer runway.

Sixteen firefighters battled the blaze, which was fanned by strong winds, alongside support from Fire and Rescue NSW.

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau is investigating the incident and has collected fragments from the engine for analysis.

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