News
Florida Judge Dismisses Trump Classified Documents Case
In a significant development, a Florida judge has dismissed the Justice Department’s classified documents case against former President Donald Trump. The decision comes shortly after an assassination attempt on Trump.
Judge Aileen Cannon granted Trump’s motion to dismiss the federal case, citing that the appointment of Special Prosecutor Jack Smith violated the Appointments Clause of the U.S. Constitution. This ruling marks a substantial victory for Trump, who had pleaded not guilty to several charges related to his handling of classified documents, including the willful retention of national defense information.
The case revolved around the discovery of dozens of classified files at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, found in various locations such as a shower and storage room, after he left the White House in 2021.
In her 93-page order, Judge Cannon stated, “The Court is convinced that Special Counsel’s Smith’s prosecution of this action breaches two structural cornerstones of our constitutional scheme—the role of Congress in the appointment of constitutional officers, and the role of Congress in authorizing expenditures by law.”
Trump faced 40 felony counts over his alleged mishandling of classified documents. However, Judge Cannon clarified that her decision applies only to this case and not to a second case overseen by Special Prosecutor Smith regarding alleged efforts to overturn the 2020 election.
Recently, Judge Cannon had indefinitely postponed the federal classified documents trial, citing significant questions over trial evidence.
Her decision comes as Republicans gather in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, for the Republican National Convention, where Trump will be officially named the party’s nominee for president later this week.
Following this dismissal, Mr. Smith has the option to appeal the ruling and request a new judge to be assigned to the case. So far, Mr. Smith has not publicly commented on the ruling.
Former President Donald Trump took to his social media platform on Monday to express his sentiments and broader demands. Trump declared that the dismissal “should be just the first step, followed quickly by the dismissal of ALL the Witch Hunts.
News
Macron to Address France After Historic Collapse of Barnier Government
French President Emmanuel Macron will deliver a national address on Thursday evening following the dramatic collapse of Prime Minister Michel Barnier’s government in a no-confidence vote. This marks the first time in over six decades that a French government has been brought down by parliament.
Barnier’s government fell late Wednesday after 331 MPs—well over the required 288—voted to censure him. The motion was backed by an unusual alliance between Marine Le Pen’s far-right faction and the left-wing New Popular Front. The catalyst for the no-confidence vote was Barnier’s decision to bypass parliament and push through the national budget using special executive powers.
Following protocol, Barnier tendered his resignation Thursday morning. He is expected to remain as caretaker prime minister until Macron appoints a successor, a process that could be drawn out due to sharp divisions among parliamentary factions.
Potential candidates for the role include Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu, Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau, and centrist veteran François Bayrou. However, political observers warn that reaching a consensus on a new leader may take weeks, as seen last summer when Gabriel Attal temporarily held the role for two months.
As France grapples with political turmoil, Macron remains constitutionally insulated from the fallout. Nevertheless, calls for his resignation and demands for early presidential elections are growing louder, particularly from opposition leaders. Macron, however, has firmly dismissed the possibility of stepping down or advancing the presidential election timeline.
News
Vancouver Stabbing Incident Leaves Multiple Victims, Suspect Shot by Police
Authorities in Vancouver have reported a stabbing incident involving multiple victims near the city’s central library. The suspect, who was shot by police, is in custody, but the extent of the injuries to both the victims and the suspect remains unclear.
The incident reportedly unfolded at a convenience store, with witnesses describing a chaotic scene. According to the CBC, at least two people were taken from the scene in ambulances, though official confirmation of the total number of injured has yet to be provided.
Footage obtained by Canadian Press shows officers aiming their weapons and firing over the counter of the store while shouting commands, including “move over.” Another video appears to capture first responders administering chest compressions on a man.
Police have not disclosed the motive or circumstances surrounding the attack, and investigations are ongoing.
News
South Korea Opposition Pushes to Impeach President Yoon
The political turmoil in South Korea deepened as Kim Yong-jin, a central committee member of the Democratic Party, declared that democracy must be preserved and called for President Yoon Suk Yeol to face charges of “crimes of rebellion.” The party also named Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun and Interior Minister Lee Sang-min as key figures involved in the controversial martial law declaration, advocating for their prosecution alongside the president.
Despite these accusations, the ruling People Power Party, to which President Yoon belongs, announced its decision to oppose any impeachment motion. To pass, the opposition requires at least eight of the 108 ruling party lawmakers to support the bill, a challenging but not impossible feat given the growing dissent.
The impeachment motion was introduced in the early hours of Thursday without any ruling party lawmakers present. Meanwhile, life in Seoul, including schools, banks, and government offices, continued as usual, but protests demanding President Yoon’s resignation have intensified. Demonstrators flooded the streets, chanting, “Arrest Yoon Suk Yeol,” and calling for justice.
Adding to the tension, the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions, the country’s largest labor organization, announced an indefinite strike, vowing to sustain the pressure until the president steps down.
-
News4 days ago
President Biden Pardons Son Hunter in Final Act of Clemency
-
News5 days ago
Trump Names Kash Patel as FBI Director
-
News2 days ago
Mysterious Flu-like Disease Claims 79 Lives in DR Congo
-
Sports4 days ago
Tragedy Strikes Guinea Football Match, Dozens Killed in Stadium Crush
-
General3 days ago
South Korea President Yoon says he will lift martial law
-
Sports4 days ago
McLaren Calls for Inquiry into Norris Penalty
-
News5 days ago
Namibia’s Opposition Rejects Election Results Amid Allegations of Malpractice
-
News1 day ago
Vancouver Stabbing Incident Leaves Multiple Victims, Suspect Shot by Police