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Assault on Kiev: Russian helicopters swoop above Ukraine's capital
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Canada
Booing the star spangled banner is just incredibly bad manners. Shame on Canadians for stooping so low. Take the high road you idiots. Boo with your wallets. Buy stuff made in Canada. Idiots! -
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Norway’s Energy Crisis Is a Warning the UK Cannot Ignore
Not everybody. How many inhabitants of Westminster are in that category ? -
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Biden’s Clemency Moves Sparked Backlash Within His Own Justice Department
As his presidency drew to a close, Joe Biden sought to correct what he and his advisers saw as a major injustice by commuting the sentences of thousands of individuals incarcerated for drug offenses. The decision was meant to be historic, a reflection of Biden’s belief in second chances and the need for criminal justice reform. However, within the Justice Department, the move triggered frustration and dismay, with officials arguing that many of those granted clemency had violent pasts and did not meet the department’s usual standards for such mercy. On his final Friday in office, Biden commuted nearly 2,500 prison sentences, stating that the decision would reunite individuals serving disproportionately harsh sentences for nonviolent offenses with their families and communities. “I have now issued more individual pardons and commutations than any president in U.S. history,” Biden declared. Despite the bold action, the process was met with sharp internal criticism. Only 258 of those granted clemency—around 10%—had been recommended by the Justice Department. According to an internal email dated January 18 and viewed by *The Wall Street Journal*, Biden’s list included individuals with violent histories who would not have qualified under the department’s usual guidelines. Elizabeth Oyer, the Justice Department’s pardon attorney, addressed the concerns in an email to U.S. attorneys across the country, acknowledging the frustration among prosecutors. “While I am a strong believer in the possibility of second chances through clemency, the process by which yesterday’s action was carried out was not what we had hoped and advocated for,” she wrote in the message, which was marked “confidential and law enforcement sensitive.” She further admitted, “I understand that some of the clemency grants are very upsetting.” Some of those granted commutations were released within days, while others will be freed in the coming months. In certain cases, Biden opted to reduce sentences rather than eliminate them entirely, leaving some inmates to serve additional years behind bars. However, concerns grew over the inclusion of individuals accused of severe crimes beyond drug offenses, including gang-related activities, sexual violence, and conspiracy to commit murder. “This action was not carried out in consultation with the Office of the Pardon Attorney and there was little coordination with the Department,” Oyer wrote in her email. She acknowledged that while many recipients were deserving of clemency, others were not, adding that the White House disregarded the Justice Department’s recommendations—choosing individuals who had been explicitly rejected while overlooking hundreds of those whom the department had endorsed. Oyer’s criticisms held particular weight within the department, given her background as a federal public defender. Her 2022 appointment was intended to bring a defense lawyer’s perspective to the clemency process and improve efficiency in reviewing petitions. The backlash to Biden’s commutations only intensified scrutiny of his last-minute executive decisions, adding to existing controversy over his pardons for family members. In addition to commuting sentences, Biden preemptively pardoned his son, Hunter Biden, who had been found guilty of gun offenses and pleaded guilty to tax charges, as well as his three siblings and their spouses, none of whom were facing legal charges at the time. The response to Biden’s actions underscores the tensions between the White House’s vision for justice reform and the Justice Department’s established protocols. While the commutations were celebrated by advocates for sentencing reform, they left many within the administration grappling with the ramifications of a clemency process that, in their view, was rushed and lacked proper oversight. Based on a report by WSJ 2025-02-04 -
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Keir Starmer’s GB Energy Jobs Promise Could Take Two Decades, Admits Company Boss
Labour’s plan to create 1,000 jobs in Aberdeen through its flagship GB Energy initiative could take up to 20 years, according to the company’s chairman. The state-owned energy firm, central to Labour’s green agenda, aims to help workers transition from the oil and gas sector while investing in renewable projects. However, Juergen Maier, appointed by Downing Street to lead the start-up, has acknowledged that delivering on this jobs pledge will be a long-term effort. Sir Keir Starmer has positioned GB Energy as a key element of Labour’s commitment to lowering household energy bills, promising reductions of up to £300. The initiative, headquartered in northeast Scotland, is part of a broader mission to provide lasting financial relief to families, rather than just short-term savings. Despite this ambitious vision, Maier, in his first broadcast interview, refrained from specifying when consumers would see tangible benefits. "I know that you are asking me for a date as to when I can bring that, but GB Energy has only just been brought into creation and we will bring energy bills down," Maier told Sky News, emphasizing the project's long-term nature. Unlike traditional energy suppliers, GB Energy will not provide power directly to households. Instead, it aims to fund renewable projects while attracting private investment. Labour hopes the initiative will play a key role in shifting the workforce away from oil and gas, but concerns remain among those currently employed in the industry. The Aberdeen and Grampian Chamber of Commerce estimates that around 50,000 local workers are involved in the sector, many of whom feel uncertain about the transition. Russell Borthwick, chief executive of the chamber, acknowledged the promise behind GB Energy but stressed the need for immediate progress. "I think the [GB Energy] ambition is good. It needs some quick wins. Right now, this city is nervous. We need to give the industry more confidence that things are going to start moving more quickly," he said. He added that while there have been positive discussions with GB Energy, the next six months will be crucial in demonstrating real action. The UK government has also maintained its stance on the 1,000-jobs target, with Energy Minister Michael Shanks MP recently reiterating that the ambition remains unchanged. However, when pressed on the timeline for job creation, Maier provided a cautious outlook. "Great British Energy itself is going to create over the next five years, 200 or 300 jobs in Aberdeen. That will be the size of our team," he said, suggesting that further expansion would take much longer. When asked directly if fulfilling the full 1,000-job commitment could take two decades, he confirmed, "Absolutely." Expanding on this, Maier explained: "Look, we grow these companies. Energy companies grow over 10 or 20 years, and we are going to be around in 20 years." His remarks underscore the scale of Labour’s ambition but also highlight the gradual nature of the transition. For now, Aberdeen remains in a state of anticipation, with local workers and industry leaders seeking clearer timelines and immediate actions to support the region’s evolving energy sector. Whether GB Energy can deliver on its promises within a reasonable timeframe remains to be seen. Based on a report by Sky News 2025-02-04 -
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EU Vows Strong Response to Trump’s Tariff Threats
The European Union has warned that it will "respond firmly" if former U.S. President Donald Trump moves forward with imposing tariffs that could impact its member states. The statement comes amid growing trade tensions between the U.S. and its global partners. A spokesperson for the EU stated that the 27-member bloc was unaware of any new tariffs being imposed on its products but stressed that the use of tariffs is harmful to all parties involved. “The EU would respond firmly to any trading partner that unfairly or arbitrarily imposes tariffs on EU goods,” the spokesperson said, according to Bloomberg. “There is a lot at stake.” The warning follows Trump’s recent decision to implement significant tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China. The executive order he signed enforces a 25 percent tariff on goods from Mexico and Canada, while Chinese imports will face a 10 percent tariff. The new measures are scheduled to take effect on Tuesday. Despite concerns over the economic consequences, Trump defended his decision, arguing that any financial hardship caused by the tariffs would be justified. He stated that the economic pain would be “worth the price.” Tensions between Trump and the EU have been escalating for months. In December, Trump threatened to impose tariffs on the EU unless it agreed to buy large quantities of American oil and gas to help offset the growing U.S. trade deficit. However, the EU already purchases substantial amounts of American energy, and additional supplies would not be available unless the U.S. significantly increased production. Further straining relations, Trump has previously expressed interest in acquiring Greenland, a territory owned by Denmark. Danish officials have repeatedly rejected the idea, with Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen having a reportedly "fiery" conversation with Trump over the matter. As trade disputes continue to unfold, the EU’s latest warning signals that it is prepared to take strong action if Trump follows through with imposing tariffs that affect European industries. Based on a report by The Hill 2025-02-04 -
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Trump Announces Halt to all U.S. Funding for South Africa
President Donald Trump declared on Sunday that he would cut off financial assistance to South Africa, citing concerns over the treatment of certain groups in the country, though he did not provide evidence for his claims. "South Africa is confiscating land, and treating certain classes of people VERY BADLY," Trump stated in a post on Truth Social. "The United States won't stand for it, we will act. Also, I will be cutting off all future funding to South Africa until a full investigation of this situation has been completed!" he added. In 2023, the United States allocated nearly $440 million in assistance to South Africa, according to the most recent data available from the U.S. government. South Africa currently holds the G20 presidency, which will later transition to the United States. Last month, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said he was not concerned about the country's relationship with Trump. He noted that he had spoken with Trump following the latter’s election victory and expressed his eagerness to collaborate with his administration. During his previous term, Trump had stated that the U.S. would investigate allegations of large-scale killings of white farmers in South Africa and violent land seizures, though the South African government at the time dismissed his claims as inaccurate. It remains unknown whether the Trump administration ever conducted such an investigation. Elon Musk, a close ally of Trump and a South African-born entrepreneur, has also expressed concern over the issue. In 2023, Musk reacted on X to a video showing a far-left South African political party singing an anti-apartheid song, "Kill the Boer," by claiming: "They are openly pushing for genocide of white people in South Africa." Based on a report by Reuters 2025-02-04
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