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WASHINGTON – One year after the Jan. 6, 2021 , U.S. Capitol attack, Attorney General Merrick Garland said the Justice Department was committed to holding accountable all perpetrators “at any level” for “the assault on our democracy.” That bold declaration won't apply to at least one person: Donald Trump. Special counsel Jack Smith's move on Monday to abandon the federal election interference case against Trump means jurors will likely never decide whether the president-elect is criminally responsible for his attempts to cling to power after losing the 2020 campaign. The decision to walk away from the election charges and the separate classified documents case against Trump marks an abrupt end of the Justice Department’s unprecedented legal effort that once threatened his liberty but appears only to have galvanized his supporters. Recommended Videos The abandonment of the cases accusing Trump of endangering American democracy and national security does away with the most serious legal threats he was facing as he returns to the White House. It was the culmination of a monthslong defense effort to delay the proceedings at every step and use the criminal allegations to Trump's political advantage, putting the final word in the hands of voters instead of jurors. “We always knew that the rich and powerful had an advantage, but I don’t think we would have ever believed that somebody could walk away from everything,” said Stephen Saltzburg, a George Washington University law professor and former Justice Department official. “If there ever was a Teflon defendant, that’s Donald Trump.” While prosecutors left the door open to the possibility that federal charges could be re-filed against Trump after he leaves office, that seems unlikely. Meanwhile, Trump's presidential victory has thrown into question the future of the two state criminal cases against him in New York and Georgia. Trump was supposed to be sentenced on Tuesday after his conviction on 34 felony counts in his New York hush money case , but it's possible the sentencing could be delayed until after Trump leaves office, and the defense is pushing to dismiss the case altogether. Smith's team stressed that their decision to abandon the federal cases was not a reflection of the merit of the charges, but an acknowledgement that they could not move forward under longstanding Justice Department policy that says sitting presidents cannot face criminal prosecution. Trump's presidential victory set “at odds two fundamental and compelling national interests: On the one hand, the Constitution’s requirement that the President must not be unduly encumbered in fulfilling his weighty responsibilities . . . and on the other hand, the Nation’s commitment to the rule of law,” prosecutors wrote in court papers. The move just weeks after Trump's victory over Vice President Kamala Harris underscores the immense personal stake Trump had in the campaign in which he turned his legal woes into a political rallying cry. Trump accused prosecutors of bringing the charges in a bid to keep him out of the White House, and he promised revenge on his perceived enemies if he won a second term. “If Donald J. Trump had lost an election, he may very well have spent the rest of his life in prison,” Vice President-elect JD Vance, wrote in a social media post on Monday. “These prosecutions were always political. Now it’s time to ensure what happened to President Trump never happens in this country again.” After the Jan. 6 attack by Trump supporters that left more than 100 police officers injured, Republican leader Mitch McConnell and several other Republicans who voted to acquit Trump during his Senate impeachment trial said it was up to the justice system to hold Trump accountable. The Jan. 6 case brought last year in Washington alleged an increasingly desperate criminal conspiracy to subvert the will of voters after Trump's 2020 loss, accusing Trump of using the angry mob of supporters that attacked the Capitol as “a tool” in his campaign to pressure then-Vice President Mike Pence and obstruct the certification of Democrat Joe Biden's victory. Hundreds of Jan. 6 rioters — many of whom have said they felt called to Washington by Trump — have pleaded guilty or been convicted by juries of federal charges at the same courthouse where Trump was supposed to stand trial last year. As the trial date neared, officials at the courthouse that sits within view of the Capitol were busy making plans for the crush of reporters expected to cover the historic case. But Trump's argument that he enjoyed absolute immunity from prosecution quickly tied up the case in appeals all the way up to the Supreme Court. The high court ruled in July that former presidents have broad immunity from prosecution , and sent the case back to the trial court to decide which allegations could move forward. But the case was dismissed before the trial court could got a chance to do so. The other indictment brought in Florida accused Trump of improperly storing at his Mar-a-Lago estate sensitive documents on nuclear capabilities, enlisting aides and lawyers to help him hide records demanded by investigators and cavalierly showing off a Pentagon “plan of attack” and classified map. But U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon dismissed the case in July it on grounds that Smith was illegally appointed . Smith appealed to the Atlanta-based 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, but abandoned that appeal on Monday. Smith's team said it would continue its fight in the appeals court to revive charges against Trump's two co-defendants because “no principle of temporary immunity applies to them.” In New York, jurors spent weeks last spring hearing evidence in a state case alleging a Trump scheme to illegally influence the 2016 election through a hush money payment to a porn actor who said the two had sex. New York prosecutors recently expressed openness to delaying sentencing until after Trump's second term, while Trump's lawyers are fighting to have the conviction dismissed altogether. In Georgia, a trial while Trump is in office seems unlikely in a state case charging him and more than a dozen others with conspiring to overturn his 2020 election loss in the state. The case has been on hold since an appeals court agreed to review whether to remove Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis over her romantic relationship with the special prosecutor she had hired to lead the case. ____ Associated Press reporter Lisa Mascaro in Washington contributed.rich9 link 。

Traveller and Gypsies say they have 'lost faith' in the police after hordes of children were kicked out of Manchester city centre on Saturday. Those involved told the Manchester Evening News they 'would never trust a policeman again' following the chaotic scenes which saw crowds of children 'pushed' onto trains and forced to leave the city. It came after Greater Manchester Police signed a dispersal order allowing them to turn people away from much of the city centre area. Police have said they were acting on intelligence that groups of people were en route to Manchester on trains 'causing antisocial behaviour'. But those caught up in the response said they were made to feel 'worthless' and have consequently 'lost confidence' in the police. READ MORE: What really happened in town on Saturday afternoon One Traveller told the M.E.N she would 'never trust a policeman again' after her experience. Mary Kate Price, 17, a college student from Wigan , went to the city centre on Saturday with her cousin and elder sister. She said when they arrived at Victoria station at about 1.40pm they were met by a 'ring' of police officers who were putting children and teenagers straight back on trains. They were approached by a female police officer who asked where they were going, then allowed them through. She said they then tried to get into the Arndale through the Exchange Square entrance but were stopped from doing so by a 'big police guy'. "He stood right in front of me and wouldn't let me in. I asked why and he said 'We don't let Gypsies on our premises'." Mary Kate said she witnessed police arrest a teenage lad outside the Arndale and force him onto the floor. One teenager says she saw a lad being arrested by police outside the Arndale (Image: Submitted) "He was just standing up for his rights. He didn't touch that police officer. They flung him against the wall." And she says she also saw police officers kettle a group of Travellers, including children as young as nine or 10, on Corporation Street outside the Arndale, resulting in siblings getting separated from each other. She says her phone ran out of battery so she wasn't allowed onto the platforms at Victoria to get a train home and had to ring her brother for a lift, but says she has cousins and friends who were put on trains to Huddersfield and Clitheroe. Mary Kate said her experience had made her lose trust in the police. "It made me feel like we were worthless, like we didn't have a right to be on this planet. Before the police here in Wigan had always treated us with respect, but now I would never trust a policeman again, I wouldn't go to them for help because of the way were were treated." Children were herded onto trains at Manchester Victoria station (Image: Jonny O'Brien) Donna, 38, said she had also lost trust after seeing the way her 15-year-old daughter was treated. She travelled to Manchester from Barnsley with her two daughters, aged 15 and ten and two nieces aged 12 and seven, for a day out Christmas shopping. She told the M.E.N she had parked in the Arndale car park, and enjoyed a day out with the younger children while her teenage daughter explored by herself. She said she texted her daughter at around 6:30pm telling her to meet back at the car - but she received a call from the teenager telling her police wouldn't let them back inside the centre. Donna said she walked to the main entrance to ask officers to let the group in with her. However, she says when she got there, officers refused to listen to her and told the children to 'keep walking'. She added her youngest daughter and 12-year-old niece then walked down the steps to try and meet the 15-year-old, but were not allowed to rejoin her at the door, where they had just come from. Donna claims police officers 'pushed' them back and said: "You're not allowed back in". "I kept saying, they're with me," she told the M.E.N. "I was trying to explain, I'm trying to go home but I'm parked in the Arndale. But they were having none of it." Donna says she was made to exit the building to be reunited with her daughter, and walk in the rain all the way round to the other side of the centre to get back in. "On the way home my teenage daughter said she were scared to stop and speak to her friends," she continued. "She said 'we were literally scared to pick our heads up and speak to the police officers and make eye contact with them." She said she has been left 'concerned' about whether her daughter would now feel able to approach the police for help in a dangerous situation. "If I let her go out in town and she's scared of a police officer, who is she going to go to for support?" she said. "I'm 38 years old, so I'm used to a bit of discrimination in my lifetime. But it's got to the point now I've seen this with my own two eyes, how bad it's getting. Donna said the incident has impacted her daughter's confidence and made her worried about how she might be treated in the future. "We were planning on doing a trip to London for Winter Wonderland, and she's not sure if she wants to do that now," she said. "It has had a big impact on her confidence in the police, and that's what has worried me the most. "My youngest daughter asked - 'why do they do that to us though Mum?'". Assistant chief constable Rick Jackson said in a statement: “We are aware of social media videos circulating, and comments from the Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller communities concerning our policing of a dispersal order in Manchester city centre yesterday. Our priority is always to protect public safety by preventing incidents of violence and disorder. "Due to intelligence of groups causing anti-social behaviour on trains on the way into Manchester and similar reports rising around the city centre, alongside increasing footfall, we issued a dispersal order. This included plans for officers to re-route arriving groups back home. "Shortly after, officers responded to several disturbances in the city centre and intervened in altercations between groups. We understand there are feelings of mistreatment and confusion amongst the groups of people for being turned away yesterday, and we are determined to address these concerns by working closely with the Mayor’s office to engage these communities in Manchester and further afield."Man Utd star singled out for making 'under-12 mistakes' as Ruben Amorim spared

Eight people were shot, three of them fatally, when gunfire erupted Monday during a house party in Chicago, sending screaming people fleeing from the home, authorities and a witness said. Officers responded about 2:10 p.m. and found that eight people had been shot during a “social gathering” at the home in the city's southwest Chicago Lawn neighborhood, said Chicago's police Chief of Patrol Jon Hein. He said the victims were four men and four women between the ages of 20 and 35. Police said a 26-year-old man and two other men were pronounced dead and a 27-year-old woman who was shot in the head was hospitalized in critical condition. A 24-year-old woman who was shot six times was hospitalized in serious condition. Three others — two men ages 31 and 25 and a 21-year-old woman — who were shot were in good condition, police said. It's not the first time police have been called to the home, Hein said, and a neighbor who lives on the block, El Towers, said parties are often hosted there. Towers said he heard at least 10 gunshots followed by people running from the home, screaming, the Chicago Sun-Times reported. Hein did not provide any information about the shooter or shooters, who remained at large Monday evening, and he was unable to provide a potential motive for the attack. “We’re going to solve this crime and find the individuals that are responsible for this heinous, terrible incident,” Hein told reporters at the scene. Chicago Police had no updates as of Tuesday morning, according to the department's communications office.Which Stock Will Soar Higher? AI Champions Face Off

Former U.S. president Jimmy Carter, once called a 'pretty good Canadian,' dies at 100

Arsenal defender Gabriel rubbed salt in the wounds of Sporting Lisbon by mocking superstar Viktor Gyokeres' iconic celebration. The Brazilian powered a header home from an inviting Declan Rice corner for Arsenal 's third of their Champions League clash against Sporting. But it wasn't just the goal that had fans talking. As Gabriel wheeled away to celebrate with his teammates by the corner flag, he interlocked his fingers and covered his face with them. It was a familiar celebration made famous by Sporting marksman Gyokeres , who has had plenty of opportunities to wheel it out this term given he's scored 33 times in just 25 appearances for club and country this term. Fans on social media couldn't believe Gabriel had the chutzpah to openly copy Gyokeres' iconic celebration in front of the Sporting faithful. One fan said on X: "LOOOOL Gabriel said Gyokeres come get your celee back." Sports broadcaster Nubaid Haroon wrote: "Nah Gabriel is rude loool whys be beefing Gyokeres." Another posted: "Gabriel pocketing Gyokeres for 45 minutes before notching a goal and doing Gyokeres' celebration." This fan then stated: "Gabriel Magalhaes pulling out Gyokeres' celebration right in his own backyard—this guy’s a certified menace." Gyokeres, linked with a reunion with Ruben Amorim at Manchester United, looked a far cry from the goal machine he has been this term as Arsenal dominated the opening half of the Champions League tie. The Gunners hit the lead in the seventh minute through Gabriel Martinelli as he tapped home Jurrien Timber's low cross. There was a brief VAR check to assess whether Timber had made his run too early, but the Dutchman timed it to perfection as the goal stood. Arsenal then doubled their advantage 15 minutes later via Kai Havertz. Thomas Partey threaded a perfect pass between several Sporting defenders and into the path of Bukayo Saka on the right flank. Sporting goalkeeper Franco Israel rushed out in an attempt to smother the ball, but Saka cheekily poked it through his legs and Havertz was on hand to tap home. It was the German's 100th goal in his club career. Gabriel added the third on the stroke of half time, leaving Sporting with a serious mountain to climb going into the second half.Bijan Robinson takes the direct snap and finds the opening at the goal line to bring the Atlanta Falcons level with the Washington Commanders on Sunday Night Football. The Commanders’ decision to go for it on fourth-and-2 pays off, as Jayden Daniels hits Olamide Zaccheaus in the end zone to put Washington up 7-0 after the extra point in the first quarter. Steve Kornacki examines the NFC No. 1 seed probabilities, and explains how the loser of the Detroit Lions vs. Minnesota Vikings Week 18 matchup will drop to the No. 5 seed. Mike Florio provides insight on the status of Kenny Pickett and what options the Eagles have at QB entering Week 18. Mike Florio provides insight on Baker Mayfield's TD catch that got thrown into the stands, which was aimed at getting the ball back for Payne Durham, as well as why the Bucs are all rooting for the Commanders. Steve Kornacki hits the big board to discuss what the Los Angeles Rams need to win the NFC West this season and if the Seattle Seahawks have any chance to clinch the division title. Steve Kornacki breaks down the AFC wild card chances for the Denver Broncos, Miami Dolphins and Cincinnati Bengals as all teams are vying for a spot. Maria Taylor FaceTimes Pro Football Hall of Famer Eric Dickerson to discuss why he doesn't want to see Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley break his NFL rushing record. Josh Allen explains why although the Bills would like to get out to a faster start, he's proud of the team for their statement win over the Jets in Week 17 Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley FaceTimes Maria Taylor to discuss closing in on Eric Dickerson's NFL rushing record, and what it would mean to break the record against his former team in Week 18. Saquon Barkley explains why "you can't be great without the greatness of others," after the Eagles set up the RB to reach 2,000 rushing yards this season. Baker Mayfield unpacks the Bucs' 48-14 win over the Panthers in Week 17 and explains why it's important to set up Mike Evans to try to have a 1,000-yard season. Matthew Berry & Co. reveal their favorite DraftKings Sportsbook player prop bets for Sunday night's clash between Michael Penix Jr.'s Falcons and Jayden Daniels' Commanders.

Pure Storage Announces Third Quarter Fiscal 2025 Financial ResultsOklahoma State picks up transfer portal commitment from TCU quarterbackAP News Summary at 5:21 p.m. ESTVERMILLION, S.D. — North Dakota State couldn't hold a late lead as South Dakota scored the game-winning points in the closing seconds. Javion Phelps caught a 25-yard touchdown with 12 seconds remaining to lift the No. 4-ranked Coyotes to a 29-28 victory against the No. 1-ranked Bison in Missouri Valley Football Conference play at the DakotaDome. NDSU (10-2, 7-1 MVFC) had its 10-game winning streak snapped. The Bison couldn't hold on to their 11-point lead that they built with less than five minutes remaining in the fourth quarter. Bison quarterback Cam Miller completed 10 of 22 passes for 174 yards and a touchdown and also rushed for 82 yards and a TD in 19 attempts. NDSU shared the conference crown with South Dakota and South Dakota State. The Bison could have earn the MVFC title outright with the victory. Below are scenes from Saturday's dramatic showdown:

Two-thirds of Wild's top line back together with Eriksson Ek’s returnThe Minnesota Wild’s in-game entertainment folks make sure that no matter what happens on the ice, home games are quite a spectacle of music and light. But after nearly a month, Wild forward Joel Eriksson Ek had done more than enough of watching the show. On Sunday, Eriksson Ek returned to the Wild lineup after missing the previous 11 games with a lower-body injury. ADVERTISEMENT “It’s never fun being injured. So yeah, happy to be back for sure,” said Eriksson Ek, following the team’s morning skate at TRIA Rink. During a Dec. 3 home win over Vancouver, Eriksson Ek left the ice during overtime after a collision with Canucks winger Jake DeBrusk. “I think we hit each other’s knees,” Eriksson Ek said. “So yeah, just an unlucky play.” The Wild went 5-6-0 with their top-line center missing, including a season-worst, four-game losing streak. While Kirill Kaprizov missed a second consecutive game and his third of the season on Sunday, Minnesota coach John Hynes struck an optimistic note about getting two-thirds of the team’s standard top line back together to face Ottawa. “It was nice that he had a full practice yesterday and feels good, so getting him back is obviously always a benefit,” he said. “With who he is as a player, who he is as a guy and what he means to our team, it’s good.” In 22 games with the Wild this season, Eriksson Ek has five goals and eight assists for 13 points, normally playing center between Kaprizov and Mats Zuccarello, when all three are healthy. That has been a rarity this season, as the trio has combined to miss 29 games among the 37 that the Wild have played. ADVERTISEMENT World Juniors 2026 prep underway While the Ottawa Senators were in Minnesota on Sunday, around two dozen folks from the State of Hockey are in Ottawa this week, attending the 2025 World Junior Hockey Championship and planning for a year from now when the world’s best young hockey talent comes to Minnesota. The Senators’ home rink and a secondary site in Ottawa are hosting the 2025 event, while starting in December 2025 the games will be played at 3M Arena at Mariucci in Minneapolis and Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul. The Twin Cities last hosted the World Juniors — which is considered second only to the Olympics among global hockey events — in 1982, with the since-demolished Met Center used as one of the rinks. The group visiting Ottawa included officials from both local arenas, several people from Minnesota Sports and Events and Minnesota hockey legend Lou Nanne, who is one of the local ambassadors for the 2026 World Juniors. ______________________________________________________ This story was written by one of our partner news agencies. Forum Communications Company uses content from agencies such as Reuters, Kaiser Health News, Tribune News Service and others to provide a wider range of news to our readers. Learn more about the news services FCC uses here .