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ATLANTA — Already reeling from their November defeats, Democrats grappled Monday with President Joe Biden’s pardoning of his son for federal crimes, with some calling the move misguided and unwise after the party spent years slamming Donald Trump as a threat to democracy who disregarded the law. The president pardoned Hunter Biden late Sunday evening, reversing his previous pledges with a grant of clemency that covers more than a decade of any federal crimes his son might have committed. The 82-year-old president said in a statement that his son’s prosecution on charges of tax evasion and falsifying a federal weapons purchase form were politically motivated. “He believes in the justice system, but he also believes that politics infected the process and led to a miscarriage of justice,” White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Monday. She, along with Biden and other White House officials, insisted for months that Hunter Biden would not get a pardon. That explanation did not satisfy some Democrats, angry that Biden’s reversal could make it harder to take on Trump, who argues that indictments and a conviction against him were a matter of Biden and Democrats turning the justice system against him. “This is a bad precedent that could be abused by later Presidents and will sadly tarnish his reputation,” Colorado Gov. Jared Polis wrote on social media. Rep. Greg Stanton, D-Ariz., posted: “This wasn’t a politically motivated prosecution. Hunter committed felonies and was convicted by a jury of his peers.” Certainly, the president has Democratic defenders who note Trump’s use of presidential power to pardon a slew of his convicted aides, associates and friends, several for activities tied to Trump’s campaign and first administration. “Trump pardoned Roger Stone, Steve Bannon, Michael Flynn and Paul Manafort, as well as his son-in-law’s father, Charles Kushner — who he just appointed US ambassador to France,” prominent Democratic fundraiser Jon Cooper wrote on social media. Democratic National Committee Chairman Jaime Harrison said there “is no standard for Donald Trump, and the highest standard for Democrats and Joe Biden.” Harrison pointed to Trump’s apparent plans to oust FBI Director Christopher Wray and replace him with loyalist Kash Patel and suggested the GOP’s pursuit of Hunter Biden would not have ended without clemency. First lady Jill Biden said Monday from the White House: “Of course I support the pardon of my son.” Get local news delivered to your inbox!

Bengals keep confidence and playoff hopes high as they head for a showdown with PittsburghSit-ins against Parachinar killings continue at 14 locations in Karachi. KARACHI - As protest sit-ins by the religious-political party Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen (MWM) continued in parts of Karachi over deadly tensions in Parachinar, the Sindh government on Sunday appealed to religious scholars to help end the demonstrations. “Jirga has decided on the Kurram issue now the protest sit-ins in Karachi should end,” Sindh government spokesperson Sadia Javed said in a televised statement issued earlier this evening. Travelling has become a nightmare for a number of citizens as traffic gets clogged at different points and the commuters have to take a diversion, which further aggravates the traffic situation on other arteries as well. The protest demonstrations, which have continued for six consecutive days, are being held at 14 different locations, including major thoroughfares. In addition to other areas, demonstrations are currently taking place at Numaish Chowrangi, Natha Khan Bridge on Sharea Faisal, in front of KDA Flats in Surjani Town, Golimar, Power House Chowrangi, near Safari Park on University Road, Korangi No. 21⁄2, Five Star Chowrangi in North Nazimabad, Abul Hassan Isphani Road, Kamran Chowrangi in Gulistan-e-Jauhar, Incholi Society, and near Ayesha Manzil. The traffic police, however, said that alternative routes have been provided to facilitate the commuters. The protests stem from the deteriorating security situation in Parachinar, where clashes have resulted in over 130 fatalities since November, the point of the recent escalation of conflict between two tribal groups. In today’s statement, the Sindh government spokesperson urged the protesting party to “realise the sufferings of Karachi citizens” as they are facing deep troubles due the road closures. She pointed out that life in Karachi has been paralysed due to protests, adding that even ambulances had been facing trouble in reaching certain areas. “If you [protesters] want to continue the sit-ins, move it to a ground or [road] outside the Press Club,” Javed added, assuring the government’s readiness to provide facilities. Nisar Khuhro calls on federal govt to withdraw from controversial canal project Karachi police chief meets MWM leaders In a separate development, Karachi police chief Javed Alam Odho and Commissioner Syed Hassan Naqvi visited the protest site on the main MA Jinnah Road near Numaish. During their visit, they also met the leaders of the religious-political party to hold talks. The police chief urged the protesting party to confine its sit-in to Drigh Road as the commuters were facing immense trouble. Separately, while addressing a press conference, senior MWM leader Hassan Zafar Naqvi said that the protests were peaceful in nature, adding: “Our sit-ins are free from sectarianism and open to individuals from all backgrounds. People from various walks of life are joining us in solidarity.” Despite the prolonged demonstration, Hassan clarified that the participants were not presenting any specific demands for negotiations. “We are not here to push forward any demands; our protest is a testament to our stance and principles,” he stated. He said that they are willing to end sit-ins in Karachi if the Parachinar protest is called off. “We have staged these sit-ins at the request of Allama Raja Nasir Abbas and will end them upon his directive,” he added. Kamran Tessori announces grand fireworks at Governor House on New Year’s eve Speaking about the challenges faced in Parachinar, Hassan highlighted that the region is grappling with basic issues. Even helicopters lack fuel and gas to operate effectively, he remarked, underscoring the urgent need for attention to these problems. The MWM leader reaffirmed the peaceful nature of the demonstrations and their purpose. “Our protests are non-violent and aim to raise our voices against all forms of oppression,” he said. However, he expressed concern over the negative propaganda being circulated against their sit-ins. “There is a deliberate campaign to malign our peaceful demonstrations,” Hassan added. He warned the Sindh government not to exploit their ongoing protests for political gains. He clarified that it was not a protest organised by any political party. Instead, it is a protest for the oppressed, and people from all walks of life are participating, he added. Sindh govt will not compromise on its water rights: Shazia Marri “If we call for sit-ins across Sindh, the government will not be able to stop them,” the MWM leader added, hinting at the expanding circle of protests. Reiterating the peaceful and inclusive nature of the demonstrations, Hassan claimed that their protests have not disrupted daily life. “We have kept one lane open at every protest site, ensuring that no businesses are affected,” he stated. A day earlier, Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab slammed continuous blockades of roads in Karachi “under the guise of protest”, saying it was an inappropriate act. The mayor also rebuked the protestors for damaging newly-constructed roads. “Who allowed them to damage the roads constructed recently in New Karachi,” he said, while speaking to reporters. Murtaza said the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government should resolve the issue of Parachinar. However, he added, blocking arteries would not serve the purpose. He lamented that if anything happened anywhere in the country, demonstrations are staged and roads are closed in Karachi. Police arrest man for killing friend Meanwhile, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah appealed to the demonstrators to avoid causing hardship for the public, saying: “Blocking roads in Karachi and Sukkur will not resolve the Parachinar issue.” Parachinar, located in Kurram, is a tribal district near the Afghan border with a population of around 600,000. It has long been a hotspot for conflict. Recent clashes have triggered a humanitarian crisis, with shortages of medicine and oxygen exacerbated by the closure of the highway connecting Parachinar to Peshawar. In a relief effort, the Sindh governor’s office announced that a helicopter carrying medical supplies and other aid had reached Parachinar. These provisions were sent on the Sindh governor’s directive to address the growing crisis. Tags: sindh govt seeks ulema mwm sit

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Nawaz Sharif always think for welfare of people: MNA KheealWhite House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre claimed Monday that President Biden pardoned his son Hunter Biden of tax and gun crimes because “war politics” prompted Hunter’s prosecution — while insisting the Justice Department is not broadly politically biased, as President-elect Donald Trump claims. Jean-Pierre used the term “war politics” three times as she fielded fiery questions aboard Air Force One from journalists as Biden, 82, flew to Angola for an official visit hours after the pardon, which Biden said was necessary because his son was being “selectively, and unfairly, prosecuted.” “Karine, when the president says that the justice system is infected with politics, how deep is the rot and how much of the blame does the president take on himself for the fact that his own Justice Department, his appointees, have allowed it to get this bad?” a reporter asked. Jean-Pierre claimed that Biden “believes in the Justice Department.” “He just said it’s infected with politics!” the journalist exclaimed. “So how deep is the rot? How many selective prosecutions are there at the DOJ?” the journalist pressed. “What I can speak to is this particular case, which is Hunter Biden, who has the last name of the president,” she said. “There were political opponents who were very clear and very vocal about going after his son.” Later Monday, first lady Jill Biden declined to weigh in on the purported politicization when responding to a shouted question about the pardon at a White House Christmas party. “Of course I support the pardon of my son,” she told a reporter. On Monday, US District Judge Maryellen Noreika indicated in a court filing that she intends to accept the president’s pardon related to the firearm charges that were adjudicated in Delaware. “Upon docketing of the pardon, the Court intends to terminate the proceedings against Defendant,” the court filings said. Meanwhile, special counsel David Weiss issued a filing in opposition to the defendant’s motion to dismiss the tax evasion charges in California, noting that “the defendant did not docket the pardon nor has the government seen it.” “If media reports are accurate, the Government does not challenge that the defendant has been the recipient of an act of mercy. But that does not mean the grand jury’s decision to charge him, based on a finding of probable cause, should be wiped away as if it never occurred,” Weiss and his team wrote. Hunter initially agreed to a probation-only plea deal last June — after IRS whistleblowers Gary Shapley and Joseph Ziegler turned up the heat on DOJ leadership by alleging preferential treatment to shield the first family. Attorneys for people accused of similar crimes derided that plea deal as a slap on the wrist, pointing to prison time given to their clients — and Hunter ultimately walked away from the deal when prosecutors balked at his courtroom demand last July for broad immunity for past conduct. After charges were refiled, a Delaware jury in June convicted Hunter Biden of three gun felonies and the first son pleaded guilty to bilking the government of $1.4 million in taxes from foreign relationships in which Joe Biden was involved. He was awaiting sentencing in both cases. Jean-Pierre did not note that charges were brought by a Justice Department controlled by his own appointees, including Attorney General Merrick Garland. “The president took action because of how politically infected these cases were,” Jean-Pierre told incredulous members of the press pool. “Hunter was singled out and because his last name was Biden, because he was the president’s son, that’s what we saw,” she said. A different reporter pressed: “The system doesn’t get corrupted by politics for people whose name is not Biden?” “You’re twisting and misrepresenting what I’m saying. I’m talking about a particular issue right now,” Jean-Pierre said. At one point, a journalist asked, “Does the president believe now and agree with President-elect Trump that the justice system has been weaponized for political purposes and that it needs root and branch reform?” “No. Read the president’s statement. Seriously, read the president’s statement. He said he believes in the Department of Justice. He does. He says it in his statement. He also believes that war politics infected the process and it led to a miscarriage of justice,” she said. In at-times-tense exchanges, Jean-Pierre said Biden is not seeking the resignation of Garland, despite his leadership of the department during what Bide and Jean-Pierre repeatedly claimed there would be no clemency for the first son — arguing that it was important to respect the legal system and bashing Trump for alleging that four criminal cases brought against him were motivated by politics. Jean-Pierre said that Biden simply changed his mind over Thanksgiving. “Hunter Biden was singled out because his dad is the president, that’s what we’re talking about here, and that’s what we have been seeing for the past several years,” Jean-Pierre claimed on Air Force One. Journalists peppered Biden’s top spokesperson on the apparent double standard benefitting Hunter Biden over ordinary Americans. “The next round of pardons could come for those who are waiting and have been waiting for some time and aren’t Hunter Biden. How soon could we expect to see this?” one reporter asked. “You can expect more announcements to come,” she deflected. “The United States has more people in prison than any country on Earth. Some are facing a death penalty that the president himself said he would get rid of and has not gotten rid of. Can we expect that other people who are in prison, whose clemency petitions are sitting at the White House, are going to have their cases see the same care and attention that the president gave his own son?” another stated. “The judge said it wasn’t political pressure,” yet another pressed. “So the president, in his statement, is he not undermining the judge and the judicial system that he promised would be independent?” Jean-Pierre did not directly answer. Clemency advocates expressed outrage over the pardon — which comes as Biden has failed to fulfill his campaign-trail pledge to release from prison the estimated more than 2,000 federal marijuana inmates. “With only two months left in office, the president has yet to fulfill his promise to free people still incarcerated for marijuana offenses, many of whom are people of color without the privilege and connections Hunter enjoys,” Mission Green founder Weldon Angelos told The Post. “Shockingly, Biden has now pardoned more turkeys than people who are locked up for marijuana offenses — making his inaction on this critical issue even more appalling... It’s likely these individuals will have to wait for the next president to deliver justice.” Even leading Democrats tore into Biden for the pardon. Mark Penn, a former adviser to Bill and Hillary Clinton, tweeted: “Disgraceful Pardon. This was not a pardon of just Hunter Biden but of Joe Biden himself as his son ran a scheme with Joe’s brother to shakedown adversaries of over $20 million and then didn’t even pay taxes on it. And the loot was distributed even to grand children. And this is yet another of the many issues the American public was shamefully gaslighted over.” Colorado Gov. Jared Polis was the first Democrat to denounce the move on Sunday night. “While as a father I certainly understand President @JoeBiden’s natural desire to help his son by pardoning him, I am disappointed that he put his family ahead of the country,” Polis tweeted. “This is a bad precedent that could be abused by later Presidents and will sadly tarnish his reputation. When you become President, your role is Pater familias of the nation. Hunter brought the legal trouble he faced on himself, and one can sympathize with his struggles while also acknowledging that no one is above the law, not a President and not a President’s son.” Rep. Greg Stanton (D-Ariz.) contradicted Biden’s claim in his pardon statement that his son had been the victim of “selective prosecution.” “I respect President Biden, but I think he got this one wrong,” Stanton tweeted. “This wasn’t a politically-motivated prosecution. Hunter committed felonies, and was convicted by a jury of his peers.” Johns Hopkins political science professor Daniel Schlozman wrote: “For eight years, Democrats, in their institutionalist defense of democracy, have claimed to oppose special favors for the Dear Leader’s family and retinue. This pardon is a bad move and rank hypocrisy.” Originally published as White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre claims ‘war politics’ is the reason for Hunter Biden pardon, insists DOJ isn’t weaponised as Trump claims

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has urged his players to let their performances do the talking, rather than making bold statements on social media. Following Sunday's heavy defeat at Liverpool , City's players have been vocal about their determination to bounce back, with Ruben Dias promising fans that they will see the team's "warriors" spirit and Kyle Walker vowing never to give up on winning more trophies. However, Guardiola has emphasised the importance of results over rhetoric, stating in Tuesday's press conference: "It's just words," and "I know they want it, I don't have doubts about that, but we are not getting results - and you have to get results." He added: "They're not going to come to me and saying they don't believe any more. I would like to help them to find a way to be consistent and win games. Otherwise, I would not decide that I want to be with these players longer." Despite acknowledging the pressure that comes with poor results, Guardiola remains committed to his role, adding: "I accept it and we try to help them. I want to be here and if they want me, then fine." The Spaniard also expressed concerns that City's period of dominance could be drawing to a close following the worst run of his managerial career. Guardiola, who has scooped an astounding 18 trophies in eight years, acknowledged their recent struggles with the team going winless in their last seven games. Last year, Guardiola steered City to a spectacular fourth consecutive Premier League title – his third since taking over, mirroring Manchester United 's historic Treble in the process. However, this term City’s form has dipped dramatically, leaving Guardiola to concede that it may signal the decline of his illustrious side. Currently languishing in fifth place and trailing leaders Liverpool by 11 points, their quest for another Premier League crown seems increasingly unrealistic. In light of questions about whether his squad believes their golden period might be waning, Guardiola confessed: "I don't know. I cannot answer this question." Ahead of City's match against Nottingham Forest, he added, "We will try to extend it as much as possible. We're in December, with many games to play. But when it is going to finish, it is going to finish. "I want to prove we are still an incredible football club. Sooner or later it's going to be the end, but I will try to extend it as much as possible for the best of my club." Recalling earlier triumphs, Guardiola stated, "But even when we were celebrating the Treble, I said it was going to end, but I'd try to continue to push my players, and they responded unbelievably well. "This season, due to many circumstances, everything dropped. If it's the end or not, time will tell."

— BIRTH NAME: James Earl Carter, Jr. — BORN: Oct. 1, 1924, at the Wise Clinic in Plains, Georgia, the first U.S. president born in a hospital. He would become the first president to live for an entire century . — EDUCATION: Plains High School, Plains, Georgia, 1939-1941; Georgia Southwestern College, Americus, Georgia, 1941-1942; Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, 1942-1943; U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis, Maryland, 1943-1946 (class of 1947); Union College, Schenectady, New York, 1952-1953. — PRESIDENCY: Sworn-in as 39th president of the United States at the age of 52 years, 3 months and 20 days on Jan. 20, 1977, after defeating President Gerald R. Ford in the 1976 general election. Left office on Jan. 20, 1981, following 1980 general election loss to Ronald Reagan. — POST-PRESIDENCY: Launched The Carter Center in 1982. Began volunteering at Habitat for Humanity in 1984. Awarded Nobel Peace Prize in 2002. Taught for 37 years at Emory University, where he was granted tenure in 2019, at age 94. — OTHER ELECTED OFFICES: Georgia state senator, 1963-1967; Georgia governor, 1971-1975. — OTHER OCCUPATIONS: Served in U.S. Navy, achieved rank of lieutenant, 1946-53; Farmer, warehouseman, Plains, Georgia, 1953-77. — FAMILY: Wife, Rosalynn Smith Carter , married July 7, 1946 until her death Nov. 19, 2023. They had three sons, John William (Jack), James Earl III (Chip), Donnel Jeffrey (Jeff); a daughter, Amy Lynn; and 11 living grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. Source: Jimmy Carter Library & MuseumIncoming U.S. president Donald Trump is brushing off Ontario's threat to restrict electricity exports in retaliation for sweeping tariffs on Canadian goods, as the province floats the idea of effectively barring sales of American alcohol. On Wednesday, Premier Doug Ford said Ontario is contemplating restricting electricity exports to Michigan, New York state and Minnesota if Trump follows through on a threat to impose a 25 per cent tariff on imports from Canada. "That's OK if he that does that. That's fine," Trump told American network CNBC when asked Thursday about Ford's remarks on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange. "The United States is subsidizing Canada and we shouldn't have to do that," Trump added. "And we have a great relationship. I have so many friends in Canada, but we shouldn't have to subsidize a country," he said, claiming this amounts to more than US$100 annually in unspecified subsidies. Meanwhile, an official in the Ford government says it's considering restricting the Liquor Control Board of Ontario from buying American-made alcohol. The province says the Crown agency is the largest purchaser of alcohol in the world. The province also says it could restrict exports of Canadian critical minerals required for electric-vehicle batteries, and bar American companies from provincial procurement. Ford doubled down Thursday on the idea of cutting off energy exports. The province says that in 2013, Ontario exported enough energy to power 1.5 million homes in those three states. "It's a last resort," Ford said. "We're sending a message to the U.S. (that if) you come and attack Ontario, you attack livelihoods of people in Ontario and Canadians, we are going to use every tool in our tool box to defend Ontarians and Canadians. Let's hope it never comes to that." Ontario Energy Minister Stephen Lecce said the province would rather have co-operation with the U.S., but has mechanisms to "end power sale into the U.S. market" the day Trump takes office on Jan. 20. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith ruled out following suit. "Under no circumstances will Alberta agree to cut off oil and gas exports," she said. "Our approach is one of diplomacy, not threats." Michael Sabia, president and CEO of Hydro-Quebec, said "it's not our current intention" to cut off Quebec's exports to Massachusetts or New York state, but he conceded it might be possible. "Our intention is to respect those contracts, both because they're legally binding, but also because it's part of, in our view, a sound relationship with the United States," he said. "It's a questionable instrument to use in a trade conflict." Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew would not directly say whether Manitoba would threaten to withhold hydroelectric exports. "We are preparing our list and starting to think through what those options should look like," he said. "I'm not going to make specific news today about items that we're looking at." Kinew added that some premiers felt retaliatory measures wouldn't work in a call Trudeau held Wednesday. Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Andrew Furey said "we have no interest in stopping" the export of energy to the U.S., adding that a trade war would hurt both countries. "We hope it is just bluster; we're preparing as if it is not," he said. Canada supplies more oil to the U.S. than any other country. About 60 per cent of U.S. crude oil imports are from Canada, and 85 per cent of U.S. electricity imports as well. Canada sold $170 billion worth of energy products last year to the U.S. It also has 34 critical minerals and metals the Pentagon is eager for. Trump has threatened to impose a 25 per cent tax on all products entering the United States from Canada and Mexico unless they stem the flow of migrants and drugs. Canadian officials have said it is unfair to lump Canada in with Mexico. U.S. customs agents seized 43 pounds of fentanyl at the Canadian border last fiscal year, compared with 21,100 pounds at the Mexican border. Canada since has promised more border security spending to address Trump's border concerns. Ford said that will include more border and police officers, as well as drones and sniffer dogs. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 12, 2024. -- With files from The Associated Press, Liam Casey in Toronto, Lisa Johnson in Edmonton and Steve Lambert in Winnipeg.