By WYATTE GRANTHAM-PHILIPS NEW YORK (AP) — A ransomware attack that hit a major software provider last week caused disruptions for a handful of companies over recent days, from Starbucks to U.K. grocery giant Morrisons. Blue Yonder, which provides supply chain technology to a range of brands worldwide, said that it experienced disruptions to services it manages for customers on Thursday, which the third-party software supplier determined to be “the result of a ransomware incident.” Some systems went offline, impacting clients using Blue Yonder’s software. A spokesperson for Starbucks, for example, said that the chain’s ability to manage barista schedules and track hours was disrupted — meaning store leaders across North America are currently being instructed to use manual workarounds. Starbucks maintained that the outage is not impacting how customers are served and that ensuring workers get paid for all hours worked is a top priority. While the company continues to work towards full recovery, the spokesperson added that Starbucks was able to process payroll again as of Tuesday morning. Two of the U.K.’s biggest grocers, Morrisons and Sainsbury’s, were also affected — with both telling CNN over the weekend that they had turned to contingency plans to keep operations flowing. A spokesperson for Morrisons confirmed to The Associated Press that the outage “impacted our warehouse management systems for fresh and produce” and that it was continuing to operate on back up systems Tuesday. Sainsbury’s, meanwhile, said Tuesday that its service was restored. Blue Yonder declined to disclose how many of its customers were impacted by the hack. In a statement sent to the AP, a spokesperson maintained that it had notified “relevant customers” and would continue to communicate as needed. The spokesperson also maintained that recovery efforts were still underway — noting that Blue Yonder “has been working diligently together with external cybersecurity firms to make progress,” including the implementation of several defensive and forensic protocols. Blue Yonder’s website touts an extensive global roster of customers — including Gap, Ford and Walgreens. Walgreens and Gap were not impacted following the ransomware attack, spokespeople for the companies said. Ford shared that it was investigating whether the incident affected its operations earlier this week, but had no further updates when reached Tuesday. Blue Yonder, based in Arizona, is a subsidiary of Japan’s Panasonic Corp. Panasonic acquired the supply chain software firm in September 2021.
Hard to believe we’ve arrived at yet another installment of the Biblioracle Book Awards in which I reflect back on my 12 months of reading and invent awards for books published in the 2024 calendar year. As a reminder, my awards are both completely definitive and entirely meaningless. (This is true of all awards.) This week we’re looking at nonfiction, with fiction spread over the next two weeks after that. In general, I cover much less nonfiction in this space than fiction because my nonfiction reading is fit to purpose. Rather than ranging freely, as I do with fiction, I tend to seek out books that will help me better make sense of the world I’m living in. My nonfiction reading clusters around the year’s obsessions. In that spirit, the nonfiction Biblioracle Book Awards for 2024 are themed by the categories where I was doing my most searching for wisdom. If you’re searching like me, these may be good books for you. Because I was writing a book of my own on the impact of generative AI on our reading and writing lives (“More Than Words: How to Think About Writing in the Age of AI” coming Feb. 5, 2025) I read many books in this category. Two stood out. “Filterworld: How Algorithms Flattened Culture” by Kyle Chayka explores how, without us being fully aware of the shift, the sorting of the media and even experiences we’re exposed to happens through aggregated, non-human calculations. Chayka questions if these processes are good for human flourishing and the answer seems to be: no. “AI Snake Oil: What Artificial Intelligence Can Do, What It Can’t and How to Tell the Difference” by Arvind Narayanan and Sayash Kapoor is a highly accessible book by two experts that I recommend to anyone who has to make an informed decision about how to (or not) integrate this technology into their lives or organizations. “Disillusioned: Five Families and the Unraveling of America’s Suburbs” by Benjamin Herold is a close portrait of how the American Dream died, turning our schools, our streets and our society into a zero-sum game. Written with depth and compassion for the lived experiences of the people navigating what it means to do everything “right” and still find the doors of opportunity closed in your face. “When the Clock Broke: Con Men, Conspiracists, and How America Cracked Up in the Early 1990s” by John Ganz is a work of historical analysis from a delightfully sharp interrogator. Read it for yourself and you’ll see some definite links to the present. “Fearless Speech: Breaking Free from the First Amendment” by Mary Anne Franks has a provocative title and is indeed a provocative book from a scholar and law professor at George Washington University Law School. It opened my eyes to the deep importance of making sure everyone has a right to be heard, and how the First Amendment by itself may not be sufficient. At its heart, Lydia Millet’s “We Loved it All: A Memory of Life” is a book about the way humans are a threat to the natural world around us: plants, animals and even our fellow humans. In a way, it’s an elegy for what we’ve lost with more losses yet to come. And yet, because of the reverence with which Millet holds the world’s wonders, and the love that courses through these essays, you cannot help but feel as though hope lives and great things are always possible, as long as we draw breath. John Warner is the author of “Why They Can’t Write: Killing the Five-Paragraph Essay and Other Necessities.” Twitter @biblioracle Book recommendations from the Biblioracle John Warner tells you what to read based on the last five books you’ve read. 1. “War” by Bob Woodward 2. “Confronting the Presidents ” by Bill O’Reilly and Martin Dugard 3. “How the World Ran out of Everything: Inside the Global Supply Chain” by Peter S. Goodman 4. “When the Clock Broke: Con Men, Conspiracists, and How America Cracked Up in the Early 1990s” by John Ganz 5. “John Quincy Adams: A Man for the Whole People” by Randall Woods — Jerry N., Naperville Jerry says he reads history, so I’m going to give him a book that takes on the full history of the United States of America, Jill Lepore’s “These Truths.” 1. “The Giver of Stars” by Jojo Moyes 2. “Remarkably Bright Creatures” by Shelby Van Pelt 3. “The Marriage Portrait” by Maggie O’Farrell 4. “Hamnet” by Maggie O’Farrell 5. “The Briar Club” by Kate Quinn — Marie C., Chicago These books are mostly recent, so I’m going back for one that endures and definitely fits Marie’s reading habits, “Possession” by A.S. Byatt. 1. “Cracking the Nazi Code: The Untold Story of Agent A12 and the Solving of the Holocaust Code” by Jason Bell 2. “In the Garden of Beasts: Love, Terror, and an American Family in Hitler’s Berlin” by Erik Larson 3. “All the Light We Cannot See” by Anthony Doerr 4. “Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI” by David Grann 5. “The House of Secrets” by Brad Meltzer and Tod Goldberg — Terry P., Elmhurst For Terry, I’m going to recommend a one-of-a-kind World War II novel, “Life After Life” by Kate Atkinson. Get a reading from the Biblioracle Send a list of the last five books you’ve read and your hometown to biblioracle@gmail.com .Merchlist, the UAE’s premier provider of custom branded merchandise, corporate gifting, and uniforms, is transforming how businesses elevate their brand presence and build stronger relationships with clients and employees. With a proven track record of serving over 2,500 organizations across the UAE and Saudi Arabia, Merchlist has become the trusted partner for impactful corporate gifting, promotional products, and professional uniforms. Offering over 1,000 customizable products, Merchlist combines innovation, sustainability, a and convenience to help businesses create high-quality branded merchandise with ease. said , Co-Founder of Merchlist. Merchlist offers an expansive range of customizable products to suit every business need. From eco-friendly gifts and promotional items to professional uniforms, Merchlist’s diverse portfolio ensures that companies can find the perfect products to represent their brand. • : Custom branded pens, notebooks, and tote bags to enhance visibility at trade shows and events. • : High-end gift sets, custom gift boxes, and tech gadgets with company logos to strengthen client relationships. • : Branded apparel and accessories for celebrating milestones and fostering employee loyalty. • : Stylish and functional workwear, including shirts, caps, and jackets, that help employees represent their brand with confidence. Merchlist’s intuitive online platform is designed to make customization effortless. Businesses can upload their logos, add personalized designs, and preview products in real-time, ensuring every item reflects their brand identity perfectly. said . Whether businesses need small batches or large-scale orders, Merchlist’s platform streamlines the process, ensuring quick turnaround times and unmatched precision. As businesses prioritize sustainability, Merchlist is leading the way with an extensive range of eco-friendly products. From reusable water bottles and bamboo-based stationery to biodegradable packaging, Merchlist helps companies align their branding efforts with their environmental values. • : Bottles, mugs, and tumblers that reduce single-use plastic waste. • : Bamboo pens, tech gadgets, and notebooks crafted from renewable materials. • : Minimal and recyclable packaging for gift sets and promotional items. added . Merchlist’s arm ensures a commitment to quality, reliability, and innovation has made it the preferred choice for businesses across the UAE and Saudi Arabia. Serving industries such as retail, finance, healthcare, and education, Merchlist offers tailored solutions to meet the unique needs of its clients. • : Executive gifts and branded items for client engagement. • : Uniforms, branded packaging, and giveaways for customer loyalty. • : Branded merchandise and uniforms for employees, students, and stakeholders. Merchlist’s success is built on its ability to deliver exceptional products and services that resonate with its clients. Key differentiators include: • : Over 1,000 customizable options to suit every need and budget. • : A user-friendly platform for seamless personalization. • : Eco-friendly products that align with corporate environmental goals. • : Reliable production times and free delivery for tight deadlines. As businesses seek innovative ways to engage their audiences and enhance brand loyalty, Merchlist is at the forefront of the corporate gifting and branded merchandise industry. By combining cutting-edge technology, sustainability, and an unwavering commitment to quality, Merchlist is redefining what it means to make a lasting impression. Follow Emirates 24|7 on
Joe Douglas is gone. Robert Saleh already was fired. Aaron Rodgers could be next to leave the New York Jets. Douglas lost his job as the general manager on Tuesday, six weeks after the head coach was replaced following a 2-3 start. The Jets have gone 1-5 under interim coach Jeff Ulbrich so owner Woody Johnson sent Douglas packing. Rodgers has played more like a 40-year-old quarterback coming off an Achilles tendon injury than a four-time NFL MVP. He's expressed a desire to play another season. The big question is whether the Jets will want him back. Maybe they'll decide to take one more shot at a playoff run with Rodgers while having him mentor a rookie quarterback. Or, they could start fresh. There are significant contract ramifications either way. Rodgers is slated to make a non-guaranteed $37.5 million in 2025 with a dead cap hit of $49 million as his salary cap total goes from $17.1 million to $23.5 million. The Jets could spread the dead money over two years by releasing Rodgers with the use of post-June 1 designation. He has a no-trade clause in his contract so they would need his permission to make a deal. If Rodgers doesn't retire and New York's new regime wants a clean slate, here are potential destinations for the future first-ballot Hall of Famer: SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS: This could only happen if Brock Purdy's shoulder injury is more significant than is known. Rodgers is a native of northern California and grew up a Niners fan. Returning home to help San Francisco win its sixth Super Bowl has to be attractive. Playing for coach Kyle Shanahan surrounded by playmakers Christian McCaffrey, Deebo Samuel and George Kittle would be a quarterback's dream. Again, Purdy is the team's present and future. And, he's resilient. Purdy rebounded from elbow surgery following his rookie season to start Week 1 last year and ended up finishing fourth in MVP voting, leading the 49ers to the Super Bowl. Purdy also is due for a contract extension and a major raise so the salary cap makes this even more of a longshot. But never say never in the NFL. MINNESOTA VIKINGS: Sam Darnold has been more than a stopgap, helping the Vikings (8-2) to an impressive start. J.J. McCarthy is the future, however, and Darnold will be a free agent after the season. If the Vikings fall short of a Super Bowl and Rodgers shows over the final six weeks that he can play championship football, this could be a fit. The Vikings could let McCarthy sit and learn for another year, especially coming off a knee injury that required a second surgery earlier this month. NEW YORK GIANTS: Rodgers wouldn't have to move. The Giants will need a quarterback after benching Daniel Jones and eventually releasing him. They could draft a quarterback in the first round and have him learn behind Rodgers for a season. That'll depend on which pick New York ends up with because it's a thin draft class. Unlike the Jets, the Giants (2-8) haven't made any coaching or GM changes yet. If it's status quo with GM Joe Schoen and coach Brian Daboll, one year with Rodgers isn't unrealistic. LAS VEGAS RAIDERS: They also need a quarterback. Brock Bowers could set an NFL record for most catches by a tight end if he had Rodgers next season. The Raiders (2-8) are aiming for a high pick to get a shot at a quarterback of their choice. New minority owner Tom Brady believes rookie quarterbacks need time to develop and learn. The seven-time Super Bowl champion would have to be in favor of having Rodgers start and tutor a youngster. TENNESSEE TITANS: If Will Levis doesn't prove over the final seven games that he can be a No. 1 quarterback, the Titans (2-8) will be in the QB market and likely have a high draft pick. It's another scenario where Rodgers would fit as a one-year bridge. Get local news delivered to your inbox!
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The Harrier EV is slated for launch before the end of this fiscal year, marking a significant addition to Tata’s electric vehicle lineup Tata Motors confirmed a while ago that the Harrier EV will be launched in India before the current financial year ends. Meanwhile, the Sierra EV and the Avinya are slated for release in the following fiscal year, although their exact launch timelines remain under wraps. It is expected that the internal combustion engine version of the Sierra will debut shortly after the electric variant’s introduction. The Sierra ICE could make its debut as early as H2 2025. Tata might adopt a strategy similar to the Curvv lineup where the EV version hit the market first, followed by the ICE variant. While official specifications remain undisclosed, the Sierra ICE is likely to feature the familiar 2.0L four-cylinder diesel engine that powers the Harrier and Safari. The turbo diesel mill delivers 170 PS of maximum power and 350 Nm of peak torque, mated to either a six-speed manual or a six-speed torque converter automatic transmission. Additionally, Tata Motors might offer the new 1.5L TGDi turbocharged petrol engine as an option. The possibility of a 4×4 configuration cannot be ruled out, adding to the Sierra ICE’s versatility and appeal. Also Read: Updated Tata Tiago & Tigor To Launch At Auto Expo 2025 The next-gen Sierra has been showcased on several occasions with the production version staying true to the concept’s design cues. Meanwhile, the Harrier EV made its conceptual debut at the 2023 Auto Expo, followed by the near-production version’s reveal at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2024. The Harrier EV will offer single and dual electric motor configurations, providing a 4WD setup that enhances its off-roading potential. Furthermore, the upcoming zero-emission models will deliver a driving range of over 500 km on a single charge. Strengthening its EV portfolio, Tata Motors entered into a MoU with Jaguar Land Rover in late 2023. This collaboration allows Tata to leverage JLR’s Electrified Modular Architecture platform, encompassing advanced electrical systems, e-drive units, battery technologies, and manufacturing expertise. Also Read: 4 Brand New Electric Cars From Tata Motors – Big Launches Incoming! These resources will play a critical role in shaping Tata’s premium electric vehicle lineup, especially within the Avinya series. The company is also focusing on equipping its upcoming EVs with high-energy-density batteries, aiming to deliver faster charging times and enhanced overall performance.
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WASHINGTON — When President-elect Donald Trump announced he would impose sweeping tariffs on key trading partners on his first day in office, he signaled a return to a favorite strategy: a reverse carrot-and-stick that applies the stick of dire consequences in order to force countries to give him what he wants. In this case, that means a tougher crackdown on illegal migration and the movement of drugs into the U.S. The risk of applying this tactic to foreign trade is that the whole U.S. economy is so reliant on the status quo that any miscalculation could have damaging consequences, especially in California and other trade-dependent states. To some extent, that happened in Trump’s first term, when selective tariff increases set off costly trade wars with China and others. The fallout from tariffs could have major damaging effects on California’s globally integrated economy, affecting thousands of businesses and many more jobs, consumer prices and choices of goods. And, if trading partners retaliate, tariff increases could hurt the state’s sales of farm goods, electronics, transportation equipment and other leading exports. Mexico and Canada are the top two destinations for California exports, and China and Mexico account for a bulk of the state’s imports. Even uncertainty over such possibilities can cause havoc in financial markets and raise fears of higher prices, as well as disruptions to vital businesses dependent particularly on Mexico and the Pacific Rim. Trump posted on his Truth Social site late Monday that on his first day on the job he would impose 25% tariffs on all goods from Canada and Mexico, and also tack on an additional 10% levy on Chinese imports. He said these countries — which are the United States’ top three trading partners — would be paying the price for not doing enough on illegal migration and drugs flowing into the U.S. “This Tariff will remain in effect until such time as Drugs, in particular Fentanyl, and all Illegal Aliens stop this Invasion of our Country!” Trump wrote. The reality is that illegal border crossings from Mexico have fallen dramatically in recent months as the Biden administration has tightened up especially on asylum arrivals. And U.S. drug seizures along the Southwest border have changed little in recent years, according to Department of Homeland Security statistics. For years, China has been a major producer of fentanyl coming into the U.S., and Trump said in his post that Beijing has failed to clamp down on drug suppliers as it had promised. Canada is not a big source of illicit drugs or illegal migration into the U.S., although there has been a sharp increase in unauthorized crossings along the northern border in the last year, driven in large part by Indians. Trump didn’t explain why Canada was targeted, but some analysts said he may be viewing the drug and migration situation as a North American problem. U.S. stock markets, which had been on a run in recent days, opened mixed Tuesday but ended the day higher, suggesting that investors are familiar with Trump’s playbook and that these three countries could avoid the tariffs if they present a credible plan to curb the drug supplies and secure the borders, said analysts at Capital Economics. Mexico staved off a similar Trump threat over illegal migration in 2019. But Trump’s salvo just three weeks after the election, plus his frequent campaign promises of hiking tariffs, suggests that he will move more quickly in carrying out his trade agenda than in his first term. Trump has said he would slap tariffs of 10% to 20% on goods from around the world, and up to 60% on imports from China. The consequences could be dire for California’s economy, given its heavy trade with China and Mexico. Imports from China ($120 billion) and Mexico ($62 billion) accounted for a full 40% of the $450 billion worth of products from the world that entered California last year. And Mexico, Canada and China rank as the state’s top three export markets. Overall, international trade and investment and related commerce employ hundreds of thousands of Californians and are a major economic engine for the state. At the Port of Los Angeles, China’s share of all cargo, as measured by containers, has fallen to 43% from 57% in 2022. But the Port of L.A., the busiest in the nation, has kept growing in overall volume due to increased shipments from other Pacific Rim countries. With U.S.-China relations worsening over the last decade, many manufacturers in California, as elsewhere, shifted at least some production and suppliers away from China to other sites in Asia and also to Mexico. But the scale of tariffs that Trump is announcing, whether 10% across the globe or separate duties on Chinese, Mexican and Canadian goods, would be too great for other countries to make up. Much of U.S. imports from China and Mexico are consumer goods and intermediate parts that go into autos, appliances and other products. Southern California apparel companies have for years been sending clothes to be sewn and finished in Mexico, duty-free. Vehicle components often cross North American borders back and forth several times before final assembly — and tariffs added along the way will mean higher prices for everybody. Now those long-established supply chains may be in jeopardy as analysts expect Trump to try to remake trade deals with North American partners, among others, using tariffs and the big American economic market as leverage. “It’s going to be a jolt to the system, and at the end of the day it will be impactful to consumer pocketbooks,” said Rachel Michelin, president of the California Retailers Assn. She said her member companies have been trying to get ahead of higher tariffs by ordering products before Trump takes office. “From a California perspective, it’s going to be alarming because the cost of living here is higher,” Michelin said. “We really are pricing people out of living in California.” In Trump’s first term, China and other countries hit back by raising tariffs on sensitive American farm goods, including soybean and wine. But overall trade also slowed, with U.S. companies scurrying to file for tariff exemptions and trying to curry favor with his administration for relief. Jock O’Connell, a California trade specialist at Beacon Economics, said the Trump administration’s trade skirmishes with China in 2017 caused a dramatic falloff in the state’s trade volume. California exporters learned to diversify their markets. This time around, he said, the state may have even fewer options. . “There’s not going to be a lot of political payoff” in helping California, O’Connell said. “Can you imagine [Gov.] Newsom flying to Washington to meet with trade officials in the White House to deal with tariffs?” Greg Danenhauer, co-owner of Parker Boiler, a manufacturer in City of Commerce, said he still buys some steel and cast iron burners from China, but overall looks to China for less than 18% of his supplies, compared with as much as 25% in 2016. Parker Boiler also buys temperature controls and other products from Mexico. Danenhauer said Trump’s earlier tariffs on Chinese products actually helped level the playing field for domestic makers such as himself. And he’s not worrying about higher tariffs down the road. “To me, everybody is panicked about it,” he said. “But we don’t know yet” what’s coming, he said. Dan Ujczo, a trade lawyer at the Ohio-based firm Thompson Hine, drew a distinction between Monday’s tariff announcement, which he said was “very tactical and transactional, targeted for a specific purpose,” and Trump’s plans on universal tariffs and those aimed at China. The latter “are more transformative or transitional when it comes to global trade,” he said, adding that they are likely to be proposed later and closer to when tax cuts and other fiscal plans are ready. During his first term, Trump often used threats such as high tariffs to browbeat America’s allies into concessions. On defense policy, for instance, he famously raised doubts about continued U.S. participation in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization; European allies responded by boosting their contributions to the cost of mutual defense. Chinese imports are already subject to U.S. tariffs of 10% to 25% stemming from Trump’s actions in his first term and which were left in place by President Biden. That helped Mexico overtake China in 2021 as the United States’ top two-way trading partner. Still, the United States’ biggest trade deficit, by far, remains with China, in excess of $279 billion last year, according to the Census Bureau. Trump’s tariffs announced Monday, if implemented, would almost certainly cause significant disruptions for industries and raise consumer costs for gas, autos and all sorts of other products, possibly reigniting inflation, which appeared to be a key factor in his election victory. The U.S. imported a total of about $1.3 trillion worth of goods from those three countries last year, and about two-thirds of that amount came in tariff-free, thanks to the U.S. free trade agreement with Mexico and Canada. Despite that trade pact, experts said Trump could impose the tariffs by using the statutory authority under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act of 1977, which he cited extensively in his first term, including in his dealings with Mexico and China. Whether tactical or not, the tariff threats could escalate — Mexico already said it could retaliate with counter-tariffs. And some economists warned that Trump’s plans could backfire. “It’s a reckless grenade toss,” said Michael Clemens, an economics professor at George Mason University who specializes in international migration. “Harming American consumers and workers with a trade war will do nothing at all to address their concerns about immigration and drugs.”
Beacon Technology Market to Witness Excellent Revenue Growth Owing to Rapid Increase in DemandWASHINGTON (AP) — 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. 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 get 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 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.