Former special counsel Jack Smith appeared publicly before the House Judiciary Committee on Thursday, offering a stark assessment of the state of American democracy and sharply criticizing actions taken by President Donald Trump following his return to office. Smith, who previously led two federal prosecutions involving Trump, warned lawmakers that the failure to impose accountability for attempts to overturn the 2020 presidential election could have lasting and potentially catastrophic consequences. In his testimony, Smith said ongoing threats to US democracy remain unresolved because efforts to challenge the legitimacy of the 2020 election were never fully adjudicated in court. He described the conduct he investigated as criminal in nature and argued that the absence of accountability risks normalizing behavior that undermines constitutional processes. Smith’s remarks framed his past investigations as necessary safeguards rather than political actions, emphasizing that the justice system has a responsibility to confront efforts to subvert lawful elections. Republican lawmakers on the committee rejected that characterization. Chairman Jim Jordan accused Smith and other officials of pursuing Trump through prosecutions, impeachments, and investigations driven by partisan motives. Jordan argued that the cases reflected an effort to “get” Trump rather than a neutral application of the law, a claim Smith disputed during the hearing by reiterating that prosecutorial decisions were based on evidence and legal standards. Smith also delivered pointed criticism of Trump’s decision to issue mass pardons to individuals charged in connection with the January 6, 2021 attack on the US Capitol. On his first day back in office, Trump granted clemency to all defendants in the case, including hundreds who were accused or convicted of assaulting law enforcement officers. Smith said he could not understand why anyone would pardon individuals who attacked police officers, noting that at least 140 officers were injured during the violence, with some requiring hospitalization. He described the officers who defended the Capitol as heroes and said pardoning their attackers sends troubling signals about respect for law enforcement. The hearing also revisited unresolved issues surrounding Smith’s investigation into Trump’s handling of classified documents. Democratic members highlighted limits on Smith’s ability to discuss the findings of that probe due to a court order issued by Aileen Cannon, who presided over the case. Smith explained that the order restricts the Justice Department from releasing or discussing details from his final report while related matters were pending. Under questioning from Vermont Representative Becca Balint, Smith confirmed that the order was imposed when charges against two Trump employees were still active. Those cases were later dismissed by the Justice Department under the Trump administration. Although advocacy groups and media organizations have sought the release of the classified documents report, Cannon ruled in late December that it would remain sealed for now, with a provision allowing limited disclosure beginning in February. Trump has since requested that the restriction be made permanent. Smith’s testimony underscored deep divisions in Washington over accountability, the rule of law, and the legacy of January 6. While Republicans framed the investigations as political overreach, Smith maintained that confronting efforts to overturn an election is essential to preserving democratic institutions. His appearance before Congress marked a rare public defense of the prosecutions he led and a renewed warning that unresolved challenges to democratic norms continue to pose serious risks to the nation.

India on Friday issued a firm response to a message written by Zohran Mamdani, stating that elected representatives in democracies should respect the independence of judicial institutions in other countries and refrain from commenting on ongoing legal matters. The reaction followed the circulation of a handwritten note addressed to jailed activist Umar Khalid, who is accused in connection with the 2020 Delhi riots case. At a regular press briefing, the Ministry of External Affairs underscored that public office carries responsibilities that require restraint, particularly on sensitive judicial issues. Responding to questions on the matter, Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs, said India expects public representatives to be respectful of the independence of the judiciary in other democracies. He added that expressing personal views or prejudices on such matters does not befit those holding public office and that attention should instead remain on the duties entrusted to them by their constituents. The remarks came after a photograph of the note written by Mamdani was shared publicly by a close associate of Khalid. The message, written on the day Mamdani was ceremonially sworn in as mayor of New York City, conveyed personal sentiments and support for Khalid. According to those familiar with the interaction, the note was handed to Khalid’s parents during their visit to the United States in December 2025. The development has drawn attention in India amid ongoing legal proceedings related to the violence that erupted in parts of the national capital in February 2020. Earlier this month, the Supreme Court of India declined to grant bail to Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam, observing that the two stood on a qualitatively different footing compared with other accused, given the nature of the allegations and the evidence cited by the prosecution. In the same order, the apex court granted bail to several other accused, including Gulfisha Fatima, Meeran Haider, Shifa Ur Rehman, Mohd Saleem Khan and Shadab Ahmad, noting that their alleged roles appeared limited in scope. The court, however, made it clear that similar relief could not be extended to Khalid and Imam at this stage. Officials indicated that India’s response was rooted in principle rather than politics, emphasizing the need for mutual respect among democratic institutions across borders. The government maintained that judicial processes in India are governed by law and evidence, and external commentary by foreign public figures on active cases is neither appropriate nor constructive. The episode has also highlighted the sensitivities surrounding international commentary on domestic legal matters, particularly in high-profile cases. Indian officials reiterated that while democratic societies value free expression, elected representatives are expected to exercise caution and uphold the norms of diplomatic and institutional respect when addressing issues beyond their jurisdiction.

India marked another defining moment in its space journey as the powerful Bahubali rocket successfully blasted off carrying the heaviest satellite ever launched by the country. The Launch Vehicle Mark-3 M6 mission lifted off from the second launch pad at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, showcasing India’s growing dominance in heavy-lift and commercial space missions. The 43.5-metre-tall LVM3 rocket, supported by two massive S200 solid boosters, took t

Global competition in the satellite internet market is intensifying as Europe and China prepare to launch large-scale projects aimed at rivaling Elon Musk’s Starlink network. The developments mark a significant shift in the global communications landscape, with governments and private aerospace firms seeking to establish independent systems to reduce reliance on the American provider. Europe’s leading aerospace manufacturers have reached an agreement to combine their satellite p

Roger León’s life story is one of vision, perseverance, and deep connection to his hometown of Newark, New Jersey. Born and raised in the city, he grew up attending Newark’s public schools, learning early on the value of education and community. Today, he stands as the superintendent of Newark Public Schools, leading the same system that shaped his earliest dreams. León’s journey from a local student to the city’s first Latino superintendent is a story of commitment to service and t

Ryan Crouser completed one of the most remarkable comebacks in athletics history as he secured a third consecutive world championship shot put gold medal at the World Athletics Championships Tokyo 2025. The American star, who had not competed all season due to an elbow injury, stunned the field with a winning throw of 22.34 metres. His incredible performance mirrored his three Olympic gold medals and underlined his status as one of the greatest shot putters of all time. Despite entering the c

Italian fashion legend Giorgio Armani, who passed away on September 4 at the age of 91, left behind not just a legacy of timeless style but also a carefully planned future for his empire. With an estimated net worth of $11.8 billion, Armani’s will, made public by the Italian press, revealed how his foundation, family, and even global luxury giants will shape the brand’s future. The Armani Foundation inhe

The decades-old Tirumala Pink Diamond controversy has finally been resolved with the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) releasing its investigation findings. Director Muniratnam Reddy confirmed that the necklace offered by the Mysore Maharaja to Lord Venkateswara never contained a pink diamond. Palace records and inputs from Mysore Maharani Pramoda Devi verified that the ornament was crafted in Delhi for ₹8,500 and was set with rubies and other stones, but

Residents of Greenville in Hunt County have faced weeks of confusion and frustration after a cyberattack disrupted the city’s technology systems, including utility billing. The incident left many unable to view or pay their bills, raising concerns at the height of the summer when electricity usage was at its peak. City officials have now confirmed that while systems are gradually coming back online, the investigation into the breach and its perpetrators remains ongoing. The br

A family celebration in Balch Springs, Texas that was meant to be a joyful occasion ended in tragedy when a fight between relatives turned deadly. According to police, a man was shot and killed shortly after midnight during a baptism gathering attended by many family members and close friends. Authorities identified the victim as 35-year-old Cristian Gabriel Montes, who was discovered with multiple gunshot wounds at a

At Yankee Stadium, a ceremonial first pitch became far more than a pregame tradition when Connecticut resident Stew Leonard Jr. took the mound to honor the memory of his late son, Stew Leonard III. Wearing a specially made jersey bearing the number 38, Leonard delivered the pitch in a heartfelt tribute, marking what would have been his son’s 38th birthday. The poignant moment resonated with spectators, players, and staff, underscoring the deep connections b

Starbucks has announced that it will phase out its pick-up only concept stores across the United States as part of a strategic review of its North American portfolio. The decision, revealed during an earnings call by CEO Brian Niccol, reflects the company’s renewed focus on delivering a warm, community-centered coffeehouse experience while maintaining digital convenience. The pick-up only concept was first introduced in 2019 to cater to customers who preferred ordering through

CF Montréal pulled off one of the biggest surprises of Leagues Cup 2025 by defeating Mexico’s Club León 7-6 on penalties after a thrilling 1-1 draw at Stade Saputo. Forward Prince Owusu delivered a second-half equalizer that set the tone for a momentum-shifting performance, as Montréal began their campaign in dramatic fashion. Entering the tournament as underdogs, CFMTL stunned the star-studded León side, taking two of three p

In a touching moment that has captured hearts across the globe, a Chicago family’s thoughtful gesture and clever planning led to an unforgettable encounter with Pope Leo XIV during their recent trip to Rome. The Munoz family, visiting Italy together, took it upon themselves to bring a piece of Chicago to the Vatican. Their tribute came in the form of custom-made “Da Pope” shirts, creatively styled with Chicago Bears colors and inspired by the city’s iconic cultural the

Google is offering eligible college students in India a chance to access its premium AI Pro plan for free, valued at Rs 19,500. This generous offer is designed to help students across various fields, providing them with a suite of advanced tools to assist with studying, creative work, and personal projects. The AI Pro plan includes features such as the Gemini 2.5 Pro AI model, the Veo 3 video generation tool, and 2TB of cloud storage, all aimed at boosting pro

  Dolton, Illinois – In a move that has stirred both local and international attention, the Village of Dolton has announced plans to acquire the boyhood home of Pope Leo XIV—formerly Robert Francis Prevost—through the legal authority of eminent domain. The modest brick residence, located at 212 East 141st Place, is being described as a “piece of papal history” by a national auction house currently listing the home. However, prospective buyers hopin

In a moment of deep historical and global significance, Robert Francis Prevost, a 69-year-old Chicago native, has been elected as Pope Leo XIV, the first American to assume the papacy. The announcement has sparked widespread reactions across the United States, particularly from political leaders, with President Donald Trump calling the election a "great honour" and highlighting its importance for the nation. Trump praised the pope’s American roots and said the appo

Vatican City has witnessed a historic moment as the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics welcomed a new spiritual leader—Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost. With this election, the Church marks a new chapter by choosing the first American-born pope in its two-thousand-year history. Born in Chicago and aged 69, Pope Leo XIV is a prominent member of the Augustinian order and has served both in the United States and extensively abroad. Most recently, he headed the Vatican o

A shocking case of fraud has come to light in Chhattisgarh's Bastar region, where a man, Virendra Joshi, allegedly opened a bank account in the name of actress Sunny Leone and has been receiving Rs 1,000 every month under the Mahtari Vandan Yojana, a government scheme aimed at providing financial assistance to married women. The fraud was discovered in Talur village, raising serious concerns about the verification process and the accountability of officials handling the scheme.