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Replacing margarine, butter, egg, yogurt, cheese and processed meats with avocados is linked to a lower risk of heart attacks, a new study finds. Eating avocados reduced the risk of heart attacks in both men and women, including when eaten in place of butter, cheese or processed meats, a new study found. Cardiovascular disease is a leading killer worldwide, taking nearly 18 million lives every year, according to the World Health Organization. In the United States alone, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says heart disease takes a life every 36 seconds. Eating at least two servings of avocado a week reduced the risk of having a heart attack by 21% when compared to avoiding or rarely eating avocados. However, there was not an equivalent benefit in reducing the risk for stroke, according to the study published Wednesday in the Journal of the American Heart Association. A serving of avocado, which is a fruit, was defined as “½ avocado or ½ cup of avocado, which roughly weighs 80 grams,” said study author Lorena Pacheco, a postdoctoral research fellow in the department of nutrition at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health in Boston. “Although no one food is the solution to routinely eating a healthy diet, this study is evidence that avocados have possible health benefits,” said Cheryl Anderson, chair of the American Heart Association’s Council on Epidemiology and Prevention, in a statement. Anderson was not involved in the study. “We desperately need strategies to improve intake of AHA-recommended healthy diets — such as the Mediterranean diet — that are rich in vegetables and fruits,” said Anderson, who is also professor and dean of the Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science at University of California San Diego. The study followed more than 68,000 women and 41,000 men who were enrolled in two long-term government studies on risk f
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Replacing margarine , butter , egg , yogurt , cheese and processed meats with avocados is linked to a lower risk of heart attacks , a new study finds . Eating avocados reduced the risk of heart attacks in both men and women , including when eaten in place of
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butter , cheese or processed meats , a new study found . Cardiovascular disease is a leading killer worldwide , taking nearly 18 million lives every year , according to the World Health Organization . In the United States alone , the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says heart disease takes a life every 36 seconds . Eating at least two servings of avocado a week reduced the risk of having a heart attack by 21 % when compared to avoiding or rarely eating avocados . However , there was not an equivalent benefit in reducing the risk for stroke , according to the study published Wednesday in the Journal of the American Heart Association . A serving of avocado , which is a fruit , was defined as “ ½ avocado or ½ cup of avocado , which roughly weighs 80 grams , ” said study author Lorena Pacheco , a postdoctoral research fellow in the department of nutrition at Harvard T.H . Chan School of Public Health in Boston . “ Although no one food is the solution to routinely eating a healthy diet , this study is evidence that avocados have possible health benefits , ” said Cheryl Anderson , chair of the American Heart Association ’ s Council on Epidemiology and Prevention , in a statement . Anderson was not involved in the study . “ We desperately need strategies to improve intake of AHA-recommended healthy diets — such as the Mediterranean diet — that are rich in vegetables and fruits , ” said Anderson , who is also professor and dean of the Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science at University of California San Diego . The study followed more than 68,000 women and 41,000 men who were enrolled in two long-term government studies on risk f
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Acclaimed director Jafar Panahi has become the third Iranian filmmaker to be arrested in the country in less than a week, following the detention of Mohammad Rasoulof and Mostafa Aleahmad last Friday. Acclaimed director Jafar Panahi has become the third Iranian filmmaker to be arrested in the country in less than a week. Panahi, 62, who won the Golden Bear at the Berlin International Film Festival in 2015 for his film “Taxi,” was arrested in Tehran on Monday when he went to the prosecutor’s office to check on filmmaker Mohammad Rasoulof, Iran’s semi-official news agency Mehr reported. Rasoulof, a fellow Golden Bear winner in 2020 for “There Is No Evil,” and his colleague Mostafa Aleahmad were arrested last Friday, accused of attempting to “inflame and disrupt the psychological safety of the community,” according to the semi-official Fars News Agency. Reuters, citing the IRNA state news agency, reported that the pair were among a group of filmmakers who had signed a letter calling on the security forces to lay down their weapons during protests that followed the deadly collapse of a 10-story building in the city of Abadan on May 23. Human Rights Watch said the arrests were part of a “crackdown … on peaceful dissent amid the deterioration of economic conditions and what appears to be a deadlock in reviving the international community’s nuclear deal with Iran.” HRW described Rasoulof as an outspoken critic who was previously sentenced in an Iranian court to “one year in prison and a two-year ban on making films on the charge of ‘propaganda against the system’ for the content of his movies.” The filmmakers’ arrests have drawn international condemnation. On Monday, the Cannes Film Festival issued a statement demanding “the immediate release” of Panahi and of Rasoulof and Aleahmad, who it said were “protesting against violence against civilians in Iran.” “The Festival de Cannes strongly condemns these arrest
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Acclaimed director Jafar Panahi has become the third Iranian filmmaker to be arrested in the country in less than a week , following the detention of Mohammad Rasoulof and Mostafa Aleahmad last Friday . Acclaimed director Jafar Panahi has become the third Iranian filmmaker to be arrested in the country
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in less than a week . Panahi , 62 , who won the Golden Bear at the Berlin International Film Festival in 2015 for his film “ Taxi , ” was arrested in Tehran on Monday when he went to the prosecutor ’ s office to check on filmmaker Mohammad Rasoulof , Iran ’ s semi-official news agency Mehr reported . Rasoulof , a fellow Golden Bear winner in 2020 for “ There Is No Evil , ” and his colleague Mostafa Aleahmad were arrested last Friday , accused of attempting to “ inflame and disrupt the psychological safety of the community , ” according to the semi-official Fars News Agency . Reuters , citing the IRNA state news agency , reported that the pair were among a group of filmmakers who had signed a letter calling on the security forces to lay down their weapons during protests that followed the deadly collapse of a 10-story building in the city of Abadan on May 23 . Human Rights Watch said the arrests were part of a “ crackdown … on peaceful dissent amid the deterioration of economic conditions and what appears to be a deadlock in reviving the international community ’ s nuclear deal with Iran. ” HRW described Rasoulof as an outspoken critic who was previously sentenced in an Iranian court to “ one year in prison and a two-year ban on making films on the charge of ‘ propaganda against the system ’ for the content of his movies. ” The filmmakers ’ arrests have drawn international condemnation . On Monday , the Cannes Film Festival issued a statement demanding “ the immediate release ” of Panahi and of Rasoulof and Aleahmad , who it said were “ protesting against violence against civilians in Iran. ” “ The Festival de Cannes strongly condemns these arrest
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Ariana Grande has brought some festive sparkle to young patients across Manchester in England once again, after donating gifts to children’s hospitals in the city this Christmas. The One Last Time singer has had a long-standing relationship with Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital Charity since the Manchester Arena attack in 2017, in which 22 people were killed. On Monday, the hospital charity took to social media sharing pictures of dozens of colorful gifts beneath a Christmas tree, and thanking the pop singer. “Thank you Ariana! We were so excited to receive Christmas gifts for young patients across our hospitals from Ariana Grande,” it posted on its Twitter and Instagram pages. The donated gifts were distributed to babies, children and teenagers on pediatric wards at Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital, Trafford Hospitals, Wythenshawe Hospital and North Manchester General Hospital. “It’s so wonderful that Ariana has once again been so thoughtful and made this special donation to our family of hospitals,” Tanya Hamid, interim director of Manchester Foundation Trust Charity, said in the Instagram post. “We know Manchester, and in particular Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital, holds a special place in Ariana’s heart,” she added. Last year, the 29-year-old gifted 1,000 presents to children in Manchester who were patients over Christmas, and in 2020, gave a £100 ($120.82) Amazon voucher to every young patient at Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital and Manchester Royal Infirmary, according to local media outlet Manchester Evening News. Over the past five years, Grande has maintained close ties with Manchester, even becoming an honorary citizen following her One Love Manchester benefit concert, held to raise money for the victims of the Arena attack just weeks after the bombing.
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Ariana Grande has brought some festive sparkle to young patients across Manchester in England once again , after donating gifts to children ’ s hospitals in the city this Christmas . The One Last Time singer has had a long-standing relationship with Royal Manchester Children ’ s Hospital Charity since
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the Manchester Arena attack in 2017 , in which 22 people were killed . On Monday , the hospital charity took to social media sharing pictures of dozens of colorful gifts beneath a Christmas tree , and thanking the pop singer . “ Thank you Ariana ! We were so excited to receive Christmas gifts for young patients across our hospitals from Ariana Grande , ” it posted on its Twitter and Instagram pages . The donated gifts were distributed to babies , children and teenagers on pediatric wards at Royal Manchester Children ’ s Hospital , Trafford Hospitals , Wythenshawe Hospital and North Manchester General Hospital . “ It ’ s so wonderful that Ariana has once again been so thoughtful and made this special donation to our family of hospitals , ” Tanya Hamid , interim director of Manchester Foundation Trust Charity , said in the Instagram post . “ We know Manchester , and in particular Royal Manchester Children ’ s Hospital , holds a special place in Ariana ’ s heart , ” she added . Last year , the 29-year-old gifted 1,000 presents to children in Manchester who were patients over Christmas , and in 2020 , gave a £100 ( $ 120.82 ) Amazon voucher to every young patient at Royal Manchester Children ’ s Hospital and Manchester Royal Infirmary , according to local media outlet Manchester Evening News . Over the past five years , Grande has maintained close ties with Manchester , even becoming an honorary citizen following her One Love Manchester benefit concert , held to raise money for the victims of the Arena attack just weeks after the bombing .
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The House select committee investigating January 6, 2021, has come to an agreement with Ginni Thomas, the conservative activist and wife of Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, to be interviewed by the panel in the coming weeks, according to a source close to the committee. Ginni Thomas’ attorney, Mark Paoletta, confirmed the voluntary interview in a statement, saying, “As she has said from the outset, Mrs. Thomas is eager to answer the Committee’s questions to clear up any misconceptions about her work relating to the 2020 election. ]She looks forward to that opportunity.” Democratic Rep. Bennie Thompson of Mississippi, who chairs the panel, told CNN on Thursday the committee does not yet have the interview with Thomas scheduled. Members of the panel have long said they are interested in speaking with Thomas, particularly after CNN first reported text messages she exchanged with then-Trump White House chief of staff Mark Meadows prior to January 6 about overturning the election. But in the months since those messages emerged, there has been little indication that compelling her to testify was a top priority for the panel despite subsequent evidence that Thomas also encouraged state lawmakers in Arizona and Wisconsin to overturn Joe Biden’s legitimate electoral win. Thomas attended the rally that preceded the attack on the US Capitol, as she said in an interview with the Washington Free Beacon, where she stressed that her and her husband’s professional lives are kept separate. She also said that she had left the gathering before the protesters turned violent. She has also been publicly critical of the House January 6 investigation, calling on House GOP leaders to boot from their conference the two Republicans serving on the select committee. In June, Paoletta said in a letter to the committee that he did not “believe there is currently a sufficient basis to speak with” Thomas. “I am askin
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The House select committee investigating January 6 , 2021 , has come to an agreement with Ginni Thomas , the conservative activist and wife of Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas , to be interviewed by the panel in the coming weeks , according to a source close to the committee
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. Ginni Thomas ’ attorney , Mark Paoletta , confirmed the voluntary interview in a statement , saying , “ As she has said from the outset , Mrs. Thomas is eager to answer the Committee ’ s questions to clear up any misconceptions about her work relating to the 2020 election . ] She looks forward to that opportunity. ” Democratic Rep. Bennie Thompson of Mississippi , who chairs the panel , told CNN on Thursday the committee does not yet have the interview with Thomas scheduled . Members of the panel have long said they are interested in speaking with Thomas , particularly after CNN first reported text messages she exchanged with then-Trump White House chief of staff Mark Meadows prior to January 6 about overturning the election . But in the months since those messages emerged , there has been little indication that compelling her to testify was a top priority for the panel despite subsequent evidence that Thomas also encouraged state lawmakers in Arizona and Wisconsin to overturn Joe Biden ’ s legitimate electoral win . Thomas attended the rally that preceded the attack on the US Capitol , as she said in an interview with the Washington Free Beacon , where she stressed that her and her husband ’ s professional lives are kept separate . She also said that she had left the gathering before the protesters turned violent . She has also been publicly critical of the House January 6 investigation , calling on House GOP leaders to boot from their conference the two Republicans serving on the select committee . In June , Paoletta said in a letter to the committee that he did not “ believe there is currently a sufficient basis to speak with ” Thomas . “ I am askin
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CVS will reduce prices on its store-branded menstrual products nationwide and pay the sales taxes on those products in a dozen states. Starting Thursday, CVS
(CVS) will drop prices by 25% on CVS
(CVS) Health and Live Better tampons, menstrual pads, liners and cups. The chain last week also began paying sales taxes for customers on period products in 12 states — Arkansas, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Missouri, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Wisconsin and West Virginia. CVS said it cannot cover the taxes in other states that levy them due to laws preventing third parties from paying taxes on a customer’s behalf. Dr. Padmini Murthy, the global health lead for the American Medical Women’s Association, commended CVS, but said the company should go a step further and reduce prices on all of the menstrual products it sells. “This move will highlight their commitment to addressing women’s health and pave the way for reducing menstrual inequity,” Murthy said in an email to CNN, “and not just to promote the use of CVS products.” The price cuts from CVS are the latest step in a growing effort to close the gap between the cost of women’s and men’s personal health items, and eliminate sales taxes on feminine hygiene products, which are often known as the “pink tax” or “tampon tax.” Advocates in recent years have pushed for states to eliminate sales taxes on women’s products. Twenty-three states exempt such items from taxes, according to the Alliance for Period Supplies, an advocacy organization working to expand access to menstrual supplies. “Too often period products are taxed as luxury items and not recognized as basic necessities,” the organization said. “Period products are taxed at a similar rate to items like decor, electronics, makeup and toys.” Menstrual products can be a big expense for women and have grown more costly in recen
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CVS will reduce prices on its store-branded menstrual products nationwide and pay the sales taxes on those products in a dozen states . Starting Thursday , CVS ( CVS ) will drop prices by 25 % on CVS ( CVS ) Health and Live Better tampons , menstrual pads ,
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liners and cups . The chain last week also began paying sales taxes for customers on period products in 12 states — Arkansas , Georgia , Hawaii , Louisiana , Missouri , South Carolina , Tennessee , Texas , Utah , Virginia , Wisconsin and West Virginia . CVS said it can not cover the taxes in other states that levy them due to laws preventing third parties from paying taxes on a customer ’ s behalf . Dr. Padmini Murthy , the global health lead for the American Medical Women ’ s Association , commended CVS , but said the company should go a step further and reduce prices on all of the menstrual products it sells . “ This move will highlight their commitment to addressing women ’ s health and pave the way for reducing menstrual inequity , ” Murthy said in an email to CNN , “ and not just to promote the use of CVS products. ” The price cuts from CVS are the latest step in a growing effort to close the gap between the cost of women ’ s and men ’ s personal health items , and eliminate sales taxes on feminine hygiene products , which are often known as the “ pink tax ” or “ tampon tax. ” Advocates in recent years have pushed for states to eliminate sales taxes on women ’ s products . Twenty-three states exempt such items from taxes , according to the Alliance for Period Supplies , an advocacy organization working to expand access to menstrual supplies . “ Too often period products are taxed as luxury items and not recognized as basic necessities , ” the organization said . “ Period products are taxed at a similar rate to items like decor , electronics , makeup and toys. ” Menstrual products can be a big expense for women and have grown more costly in recen
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A federal judge said the seizure “is just the beginning of the reckoning that awaits those who would facilitate Putin’s atrocities” A 255-foot luxury yacht owned by a Russian billionaire was seized by Spanish law enforcement on Monday at the request of US officials, according to the Justice Department. The Russian, Viktor Vekselberg, has close ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin, and his case marks the first seizure by a newly formed US task force that’s dedicated to cracking down on sanctions violators in response to Russia’s war in Ukraine. The US Justice Department said the $90 million superyacht, dubbed “Tango,” was seized based on alleged violations of US bank fraud, money laundering and sanctions statutes. Its seizure happened on Spain’s Mallorca island in the Mediterranean, according to court documents. The US judge who allowed the seizure, Magistrate Judge Zia Faruqui, issued a scathing eight-page order in which he cited Putin’s “murder of civilians” and destruction of Ukraine’s cities. “The seizure of the Target Property is just the beginning of the reckoning that awaits those who would facilitate Putin’s atrocities. Neither the Department of Justice, nor history, will be kind to the Oligarchs who chose the wrong side,” Faruqui wrote. Faruqui concluded his order with a reference to a March CNN article that detailed the damage to Snake Island, where Ukrainian defenders famously responded to the threat of Russian invasion with the words: “Russian warship, go f*** yourself.” “The Department of Justice’s seizure echoes the message of the brave Ukrainian soldiers of Snake Island,” Faruqui wrote. US Attorney General Merrick Garland said Monday’s seizure “will not be the last.” “Together, with our international partners, we will do everything possible to hold accountable any individual whose criminal acts enable the Russian government to continue its unjust war,” he said in a statement.
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A federal judge said the seizure “ is just the beginning of the reckoning that awaits those who would facilitate Putin ’ s atrocities ” A 255-foot luxury yacht owned by a Russian billionaire was seized by Spanish law enforcement on Monday at the request of US officials , according
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to the Justice Department . The Russian , Viktor Vekselberg , has close ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin , and his case marks the first seizure by a newly formed US task force that ’ s dedicated to cracking down on sanctions violators in response to Russia ’ s war in Ukraine . The US Justice Department said the $ 90 million superyacht , dubbed “ Tango , ” was seized based on alleged violations of US bank fraud , money laundering and sanctions statutes . Its seizure happened on Spain ’ s Mallorca island in the Mediterranean , according to court documents . The US judge who allowed the seizure , Magistrate Judge Zia Faruqui , issued a scathing eight-page order in which he cited Putin ’ s “ murder of civilians ” and destruction of Ukraine ’ s cities . “ The seizure of the Target Property is just the beginning of the reckoning that awaits those who would facilitate Putin ’ s atrocities . Neither the Department of Justice , nor history , will be kind to the Oligarchs who chose the wrong side , ” Faruqui wrote . Faruqui concluded his order with a reference to a March CNN article that detailed the damage to Snake Island , where Ukrainian defenders famously responded to the threat of Russian invasion with the words : “ Russian warship , go f * * * yourself. ” “ The Department of Justice ’ s seizure echoes the message of the brave Ukrainian soldiers of Snake Island , ” Faruqui wrote . US Attorney General Merrick Garland said Monday ’ s seizure “ will not be the last. ” “ Together , with our international partners , we will do everything possible to hold accountable any individual whose criminal acts enable the Russian government to continue its unjust war , ” he said in a statement .
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Twitter owner Elon Musk spoke out on Saturday evening about the so-called “Twitter Files,” a long tweet thread posted by journalist Matt Taibbi, who had been provided with details about behind-the-scenes discussions on Twitter’s content moderation decision-making, including the call to suppress a 2020 New York Post story about Hunter Biden and his laptop. During a two-hour long Twitter Spaces session, Musk said a second “Twitter Files” drop will again involve Taibbi, along with journalist Bari Weiss, but did not give an exact date for when that would be released. His first drop, which was advertised by Musk as a bombshell and ‘awesome,’ was instead largely seen as lackluster. The session, which Musk said he had joined from his private jet, was rife with technical difficulties. Musk – who claims to have not read the released files himself – said the impetus for the original tweet thread was about what happened in the run-up to the 2020 presidential election and “how much government influence was there.” Taibbi’s first thread reaffirmed how, in the initial hours after the Post story about Hunter Biden went live, Twitter employees grappled with fears that it could have been the result of a Russian hacking operation. It showed employees on several Twitter teams debating over whether to restrict the article under the company’s hacked materials policy, weeks before the 2020 election. While some questioned the basis for the decision, others within the company said the circumstances surrounding the story were unclear and recommended caution, according to screenshots of internal communications shared by Taibbi. The emails Taibbi obtained are consistent with what former Twitter site integrity head Yoel Roth told journalist Kara Swisher in an onstage interview last week. Taibbi said the contact from political parties happened more frequently from Democrats, but provided no internal docu
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Twitter owner Elon Musk spoke out on Saturday evening about the so-called “ Twitter Files , ” a long tweet thread posted by journalist Matt Taibbi , who had been provided with details about behind-the-scenes discussions on Twitter ’ s content moderation decision-making , including the call to suppress a
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2020 New York Post story about Hunter Biden and his laptop . During a two-hour long Twitter Spaces session , Musk said a second “ Twitter Files ” drop will again involve Taibbi , along with journalist Bari Weiss , but did not give an exact date for when that would be released . His first drop , which was advertised by Musk as a bombshell and ‘ awesome , ’ was instead largely seen as lackluster . The session , which Musk said he had joined from his private jet , was rife with technical difficulties . Musk – who claims to have not read the released files himself – said the impetus for the original tweet thread was about what happened in the run-up to the 2020 presidential election and “ how much government influence was there. ” Taibbi ’ s first thread reaffirmed how , in the initial hours after the Post story about Hunter Biden went live , Twitter employees grappled with fears that it could have been the result of a Russian hacking operation . It showed employees on several Twitter teams debating over whether to restrict the article under the company ’ s hacked materials policy , weeks before the 2020 election . While some questioned the basis for the decision , others within the company said the circumstances surrounding the story were unclear and recommended caution , according to screenshots of internal communications shared by Taibbi . The emails Taibbi obtained are consistent with what former Twitter site integrity head Yoel Roth told journalist Kara Swisher in an onstage interview last week . Taibbi said the contact from political parties happened more frequently from Democrats , but provided no internal docu
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Prosecutors in Colorado are reviewing the June fatal police shooting of a 22-year-old man who was armed with a knife and had called 911 for roadside assistance, according to officials and family attorneys. The Clear Creek County Sheriff’s Office received a “motorist assist” call on June 10 at 11:21 p.m., the sheriff’s office said in a news release. Responding deputies found a car that appeared to have been in an accident along with its driver. “The driver and sole occupant, an adult white male, immediately became argumentative and uncooperative with the Deputies and had armed himself with a knife,” the news release from the sheriff’s office said. “Additional law enforcement officers arrived and for over an hour tried to bring the situation to a peaceful resolution. Deputies were able to break out the car windows and remove one knife. The suspect rearmed himself with a rock and a second knife.” Christian Glass, from Boulder, Colorado, had an accident on the side of the road, called 911 for help and was “fully contained in his vehicle and presenting no threat,” according to his family. In a news conference Tuesday, Glass’ parents said their son didn’t carry weapons, and the knives were rock tools used for carving rocks as a form of art. In 911 call audio released by the family, Glass tells the dispatcher “I have a weapon on me. I will throw them out the window as soon as an officer gets here” and continues to describe having two knives, a hammer and a rubber mallet. Body camera video of the incident released by the family shows Glass offering to throw the weapons out of the car and a responding officer telling him not to do so. “He actually offered to throw his rock knives and his tools out of the window so they wouldn’t be worried. But they told him no and he obeyed,” Glass’ mother, Sally Glass, said. CNN has reached out to the Clear
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Prosecutors in Colorado are reviewing the June fatal police shooting of a 22-year-old man who was armed with a knife and had called 911 for roadside assistance , according to officials and family attorneys . The Clear Creek County Sheriff ’ s Office received a “ motorist assist ” call
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on June 10 at 11:21 p.m. , the sheriff ’ s office said in a news release . Responding deputies found a car that appeared to have been in an accident along with its driver . “ The driver and sole occupant , an adult white male , immediately became argumentative and uncooperative with the Deputies and had armed himself with a knife , ” the news release from the sheriff ’ s office said . “ Additional law enforcement officers arrived and for over an hour tried to bring the situation to a peaceful resolution . Deputies were able to break out the car windows and remove one knife . The suspect rearmed himself with a rock and a second knife. ” Christian Glass , from Boulder , Colorado , had an accident on the side of the road , called 911 for help and was “ fully contained in his vehicle and presenting no threat , ” according to his family . In a news conference Tuesday , Glass ’ parents said their son didn ’ t carry weapons , and the knives were rock tools used for carving rocks as a form of art . In 911 call audio released by the family , Glass tells the dispatcher “ I have a weapon on me . I will throw them out the window as soon as an officer gets here ” and continues to describe having two knives , a hammer and a rubber mallet . Body camera video of the incident released by the family shows Glass offering to throw the weapons out of the car and a responding officer telling him not to do so . “ He actually offered to throw his rock knives and his tools out of the window so they wouldn ’ t be worried . But they told him no and he obeyed , ” Glass ’ mother , Sally Glass , said . CNN has reached out to the Clear
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Former President Donald Trump is wading deeper into the midterms as several key Senate battlegrounds tighten, with his new super PAC pouring nearly $4 million into several races on Wednesday. The latest spending spree by MAGA Inc. comes on the heels of contentious debates between Senate candidates in Ohio, Arizona and Georgia that saw Trump-endorsed candidates battle with their Democratic opponents over topics ranging from abortion and guns to the economy and election integrity. According to AdImpact, the former President’s group has placed another $3.8 million in television ad buys in Ohio, Pennsylvania, Georgia, Nevada and Arizona, all home to Trump-backed Senate candidates. A person familiar with the matter said Trump’s group may make additional investments before the November 8 election if public and internal polls show different races tightening further over the three remaining weeks until Election Day. Trump has spent the past several months facing intense pressure from fellow Republicans to boost his financial investments in critical midterm races amid frustrations that he was sitting on a mountain of unused cash that could make a difference in races that are likely to be won on the margins. It wasn’t until his new super PAC released a series of campaign ads earlier this month that GOP allies finally had their wish granted. All together, Trump’s allies expect his midterm spending to stretch into the tens of millions by Election Day, including the $8.4 million his Save America leadership PAC has previously given to candidates and committees this cycle. That would still be a fraction of what some other Republican groups have committed to spending in the 2022 cycle. The Senate Leadership Fund, a group linked to Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, is on track to spend more than $196 million in digital and television advertising this cycle, according to data from AdImpact, while the
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Former President Donald Trump is wading deeper into the midterms as several key Senate battlegrounds tighten , with his new super PAC pouring nearly $ 4 million into several races on Wednesday . The latest spending spree by MAGA Inc. comes on the heels of contentious debates between Senate candidates
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in Ohio , Arizona and Georgia that saw Trump-endorsed candidates battle with their Democratic opponents over topics ranging from abortion and guns to the economy and election integrity . According to AdImpact , the former President ’ s group has placed another $ 3.8 million in television ad buys in Ohio , Pennsylvania , Georgia , Nevada and Arizona , all home to Trump-backed Senate candidates . A person familiar with the matter said Trump ’ s group may make additional investments before the November 8 election if public and internal polls show different races tightening further over the three remaining weeks until Election Day . Trump has spent the past several months facing intense pressure from fellow Republicans to boost his financial investments in critical midterm races amid frustrations that he was sitting on a mountain of unused cash that could make a difference in races that are likely to be won on the margins . It wasn ’ t until his new super PAC released a series of campaign ads earlier this month that GOP allies finally had their wish granted . All together , Trump ’ s allies expect his midterm spending to stretch into the tens of millions by Election Day , including the $ 8.4 million his Save America leadership PAC has previously given to candidates and committees this cycle . That would still be a fraction of what some other Republican groups have committed to spending in the 2022 cycle . The Senate Leadership Fund , a group linked to Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell , is on track to spend more than $ 196 million in digital and television advertising this cycle , according to data from AdImpact , while the
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Officials are offering rewards for information on people who may have harmed two dolphins that later died in Texas and Florida. NOAA Fisheries, a division of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, announced up to $20,000 for information on anybody who harassed a sick dolphin last month on Quintana Beach in Texas. The bottlenose dolphin was stranded alive on the beach on April 10 and was pushed back into the water as beachgoers tried to swim with and ride the animal, the Texas Marine Mammal Stranding Network said in a Facebook post. “She ultimately stranded and was further harassed by a crowd of people on the beach where she later died before rescuers could arrive on scene,” the network said. Officials have obtained footage of the harassment in Texas that may help in identifying the people involved, NOAA said. The Marine Mammal Protection Act prohibits the harassing, harming, killing or feeding of wild dolphins. Harassing, harming, killing or feeding wild dolphins is punishable by up to $100,000 in fines and up to 1 year in jail per violation, the agency said. Meanwhile, an adult dolphin died in March after she impaled in the head with a spear-like object on Fort Myers Beach, NOAA officials said, citing the dolphin’s autopsy. The agency is also offering a reward of up to $20,000 for information about that incident. The animal was apparently in a begging position for feeding when it was attacked while still alive. She appeared to have died from the trauma, NOAA said in a statement. “Begging is not a natural behavior for dolphins and is frequently associated with illegal feeding. People can help prevent future harm to wild dolphins by not feeding or attempting to feed them,” it said. The agency – whose mission is stewardship of ocean resources and habitats – advised people to avoid interacting with stranded marine animals because they ma
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Officials are offering rewards for information on people who may have harmed two dolphins that later died in Texas and Florida . NOAA Fisheries , a division of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration , announced up to $ 20,000 for information on anybody who harassed a sick dolphin last
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month on Quintana Beach in Texas . The bottlenose dolphin was stranded alive on the beach on April 10 and was pushed back into the water as beachgoers tried to swim with and ride the animal , the Texas Marine Mammal Stranding Network said in a Facebook post . “ She ultimately stranded and was further harassed by a crowd of people on the beach where she later died before rescuers could arrive on scene , ” the network said . Officials have obtained footage of the harassment in Texas that may help in identifying the people involved , NOAA said . The Marine Mammal Protection Act prohibits the harassing , harming , killing or feeding of wild dolphins . Harassing , harming , killing or feeding wild dolphins is punishable by up to $ 100,000 in fines and up to 1 year in jail per violation , the agency said . Meanwhile , an adult dolphin died in March after she impaled in the head with a spear-like object on Fort Myers Beach , NOAA officials said , citing the dolphin ’ s autopsy . The agency is also offering a reward of up to $ 20,000 for information about that incident . The animal was apparently in a begging position for feeding when it was attacked while still alive . She appeared to have died from the trauma , NOAA said in a statement . “ Begging is not a natural behavior for dolphins and is frequently associated with illegal feeding . People can help prevent future harm to wild dolphins by not feeding or attempting to feed them , ” it said . The agency – whose mission is stewardship of ocean resources and habitats – advised people to avoid interacting with stranded marine animals because they ma
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Late New York City rapper Biggie Smalls is getting a very New York celebration for what would have been his 50th birthday: a MetroCard. Strap-hangers can purchase MetroCards emblazoned with the hiphop legend’s face at four stations in Brooklyn on Saturday, according to a press release from the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA). The artist, also known by the stage name Notorious B.I.G., was born Christopher Wallace on May 21, 1972, in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn. After releasing two Grammy-nominated studio records, Wallace was shot and killed at 24 in Los Angeles. His murder is still unsolved. Special-edition MetroCards aren’t the only way the city is celebrating Biggie’s birthday. The Empire State Building will also light up in red and white and feature a spinning crown on its mast to honor the rapper’s legacy, according to a news release. Members of Wallace’s family, including his children T’yanna Wallace and Christopher Wallace, Jr., mother Voletta Wallace, and widow Faith Evans, participated in a lighting ceremony Friday, says the release. “From one icon to another, the Empire State Building is honored to celebrate the life and legacy of the Notorious B.I.G. with an authentic experience for his family, friends, and fans in the heart of New York City,” said Abigail Rickards of the Empire State Building in the release. T’yanna Wallace announced on Instagram that she will host a pop-up at Lilly’s Pizza Bar in Brooklyn. In early June, the Lincoln Center will honor the rapper’s work with a free “orchestral tribute,” according to its website.
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Late New York City rapper Biggie Smalls is getting a very New York celebration for what would have been his 50th birthday : a MetroCard . Strap-hangers can purchase MetroCards emblazoned with the hiphop legend ’ s face at four stations in Brooklyn on Saturday , according to a press
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release from the Metropolitan Transportation Authority ( MTA ) . The artist , also known by the stage name Notorious B.I.G. , was born Christopher Wallace on May 21 , 1972 , in Bedford-Stuyvesant , Brooklyn . After releasing two Grammy-nominated studio records , Wallace was shot and killed at 24 in Los Angeles . His murder is still unsolved . Special-edition MetroCards aren ’ t the only way the city is celebrating Biggie ’ s birthday . The Empire State Building will also light up in red and white and feature a spinning crown on its mast to honor the rapper ’ s legacy , according to a news release . Members of Wallace ’ s family , including his children T ’ yanna Wallace and Christopher Wallace , Jr. , mother Voletta Wallace , and widow Faith Evans , participated in a lighting ceremony Friday , says the release . “ From one icon to another , the Empire State Building is honored to celebrate the life and legacy of the Notorious B.I.G . with an authentic experience for his family , friends , and fans in the heart of New York City , ” said Abigail Rickards of the Empire State Building in the release . T ’ yanna Wallace announced on Instagram that she will host a pop-up at Lilly ’ s Pizza Bar in Brooklyn . In early June , the Lincoln Center will honor the rapper ’ s work with a free “ orchestral tribute , ” according to its website .
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A Vietnam-era veteran in Massachusetts can call himself lucky for life after winning six lottery prizes of $25,000 a year for life – in the same drawing. Raymond Roberts Sr., of Fall River, matched the first five numbers on six tickets he bought for a Lucky for Life drawing last week. He played a combination of anniversary dates and birthdays as his numbers – the same ones he’s been playing in lottery games for more than 20 years, the Massachusetts Lottery said. “Roberts cited ‘intuition’ as his reason for purchasing multiple tickets with the same numbers,” the lottery said. Roberts chose the $390,000 cash option for five of his prizes, totaling $1.95 million before taxes. He chose the annuity option for the sixth prize, giving him 20 annual payments of $25,000 before taxes. According to the lottery, Roberts plans to use part of his winnings to buy a motorcycle. Roberts’ win also means a windfall six times over for the store where he bought the winning tickets: $30,000, or $5,000 for each ticket, the lottery said.
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A Vietnam-era veteran in Massachusetts can call himself lucky for life after winning six lottery prizes of $ 25,000 a year for life – in the same drawing . Raymond Roberts Sr. , of Fall River , matched the first five numbers on six tickets he bought for a Lucky
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for Life drawing last week . He played a combination of anniversary dates and birthdays as his numbers – the same ones he ’ s been playing in lottery games for more than 20 years , the Massachusetts Lottery said . “ Roberts cited ‘ intuition ’ as his reason for purchasing multiple tickets with the same numbers , ” the lottery said . Roberts chose the $ 390,000 cash option for five of his prizes , totaling $ 1.95 million before taxes . He chose the annuity option for the sixth prize , giving him 20 annual payments of $ 25,000 before taxes . According to the lottery , Roberts plans to use part of his winnings to buy a motorcycle . Roberts ’ win also means a windfall six times over for the store where he bought the winning tickets : $ 30,000 , or $ 5,000 for each ticket , the lottery said .
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There is a shift happening in the housing market. After more than a year of soaring demand, exploding home prices and increasing real estate sales, the market finally seems to be cooling off. “The housing market isn’t crashing, but it is experiencing a hangover as it comes down from an unsustainable high,” said Taylor Marr, Redfin deputy chief economist. Mortgage rates have increased more than two and a half percentage points this year. And the higher costs of financing a home have changed the calculations for many would-be homebuyers. As a result, year-over-year home sales have been dropping in recent months. In a Fannie Mae survey on homebuyer sentiment, a record 79% of respondents said it’s a bad time to buy a home. “While a lot of home sellers are already dropping their prices, more homeowners will likely decide to stay put now that the mortgage rate on a new home is significantly higher than their current one,” said Marr. While the market is still very strong by historical standards, here are five reasons to believe the tide is turning. With demand for homes outstripping supply, the inventory of homes for sale had been consistently declining year-over-year during the pandemic housing boom, said Danielle Hale, chief economist at Realtor.com. “We were talking about low inventory in 2019 and it kept getting worse.” But in May the inventory started moving in a different direction, according to Realtor.com’s data, and the most recent week saw active listings up 13% from last year. “Seeing the number of homes increase is great news for buyers,” said Hale. “It shifts the trend and they are seeing more homes. It should help balance the market, slowing down home price growth and increasing the time on the market.” In addition to the high costs pushing prospective buyers out of the market, part of the reason there are more listings is that more homeowners are deciding to sell, Hale said. More new listings ent
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There is a shift happening in the housing market . After more than a year of soaring demand , exploding home prices and increasing real estate sales , the market finally seems to be cooling off . “ The housing market isn ’ t crashing , but it is experiencing
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a hangover as it comes down from an unsustainable high , ” said Taylor Marr , Redfin deputy chief economist . Mortgage rates have increased more than two and a half percentage points this year . And the higher costs of financing a home have changed the calculations for many would-be homebuyers . As a result , year-over-year home sales have been dropping in recent months . In a Fannie Mae survey on homebuyer sentiment , a record 79 % of respondents said it ’ s a bad time to buy a home . “ While a lot of home sellers are already dropping their prices , more homeowners will likely decide to stay put now that the mortgage rate on a new home is significantly higher than their current one , ” said Marr . While the market is still very strong by historical standards , here are five reasons to believe the tide is turning . With demand for homes outstripping supply , the inventory of homes for sale had been consistently declining year-over-year during the pandemic housing boom , said Danielle Hale , chief economist at Realtor.com . “ We were talking about low inventory in 2019 and it kept getting worse. ” But in May the inventory started moving in a different direction , according to Realtor.com ’ s data , and the most recent week saw active listings up 13 % from last year . “ Seeing the number of homes increase is great news for buyers , ” said Hale . “ It shifts the trend and they are seeing more homes . It should help balance the market , slowing down home price growth and increasing the time on the market. ” In addition to the high costs pushing prospective buyers out of the market , part of the reason there are more listings is that more homeowners are deciding to sell , Hale said . More new listings ent
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A growing number of countries are threatening to snub the US-hosted Summit of the Americas next month, amid controversy over its guest list. The summit, organized this year by US President Joe Biden’s administration, was intended to convene leaders from across the Americas in Los Angeles to discuss common policy issues. As host country, the United States has the right to draw up its guest list. In April, US Assistant Secretary of State Brian Nichols told reporters that authoritarian Cuba, Nicaragua, and Venezuela were unlikely to be invited. The high-level conference would instead focus on the Western Hemisphere’s democracies, Nichols said. While White House officials emphasize that the guest list is not yet finalized, even democratically elected leaders in the region are now warning that they won’t attend the summit if not all countries are invited. Notably, President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador of neighboring Mexico has said that if other countries in the Americas are excluded, he would stay home in solidarity. “If they’re excluded, if not all are invited, a representative from the Mexican government would go, but I wouldn’t,” Lopez Obrador said during his regular news conference last Tuesday. Lopez Obrador’s threats appear to have caused Washington to reconsider their position. On Monday, Lopez Obrador said Mexico is “in dialogue” with the US. “At least, they [United States] have acted in a respectful manner, there has not been a total, cutting rejection,” he said. The Summit of the Americas has taken place every three years since 1994 – an opportunity for the US to shape policy and solidify partnerships in the region. Cuba was excluded until 2015, when then-US President Barack Obama seemed to close a chapter of the cold war, sitting down with Cuban leader Raul Castro in Panama. The island returned to the conference in 2018 – though the welcome was much chillier from the then-Trump
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A growing number of countries are threatening to snub the US-hosted Summit of the Americas next month , amid controversy over its guest list . The summit , organized this year by US President Joe Biden ’ s administration , was intended to convene leaders from across the Americas in
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Los Angeles to discuss common policy issues . As host country , the United States has the right to draw up its guest list . In April , US Assistant Secretary of State Brian Nichols told reporters that authoritarian Cuba , Nicaragua , and Venezuela were unlikely to be invited . The high-level conference would instead focus on the Western Hemisphere ’ s democracies , Nichols said . While White House officials emphasize that the guest list is not yet finalized , even democratically elected leaders in the region are now warning that they won ’ t attend the summit if not all countries are invited . Notably , President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador of neighboring Mexico has said that if other countries in the Americas are excluded , he would stay home in solidarity . “ If they ’ re excluded , if not all are invited , a representative from the Mexican government would go , but I wouldn ’ t , ” Lopez Obrador said during his regular news conference last Tuesday . Lopez Obrador ’ s threats appear to have caused Washington to reconsider their position . On Monday , Lopez Obrador said Mexico is “ in dialogue ” with the US . “ At least , they [ United States ] have acted in a respectful manner , there has not been a total , cutting rejection , ” he said . The Summit of the Americas has taken place every three years since 1994 – an opportunity for the US to shape policy and solidify partnerships in the region . Cuba was excluded until 2015 , when then-US President Barack Obama seemed to close a chapter of the cold war , sitting down with Cuban leader Raul Castro in Panama . The island returned to the conference in 2018 – though the welcome was much chillier from the then-Trump
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There’s an eerie silence inside the Picketts’ living room Wednesday evening as the couple packs up to leave. The sun is on its way down, and without electricity the narrow, two-bedroom mobile home on San Carlos Island will soon be dark again, lit only dimly by the couple’s few candles. Next to the front door, 83-year-old Pat Pickett has stacked a small cardboard box on a stool by her open fridge. It’s quickly filling up as she lists out loud to her husband, Leslie, what they’ll need to take with them to the shelter: wash cloths, toothbrushes, a change of clothes. She’s taking a bag of gummy bears, too. The candy helped her quit smoking more than two decades ago and still helps calm her nerves. And, of course, shampoo, for the first shower they’ll take in more than a week. She’s excited, she says, to finally get her hair in order. As they follow each other up and down the hallway at the heart of the house, there’s no mention of the chaos around them. Most of the furniture was lifted and tossed by Hurricane Ian’s floodwaters and now lies randomly strewn around the home. An armchair balances on the dining table, a television set sits on its side against the living room wall, portraits of the sea hang crooked. A thin line that’s etched on every wall – about halfway to the ceiling – is a constant reminder of how high the floodwaters reached. On various pieces of furniture, coin-sized patches of bright green mold that sprouted up only get bigger each day. CDs of Janis Joplin and Dean Martin rest on a muddy rug that covers part of the wood tiling. Loose papers of family recipes are laid out on the surviving tables. The corner kitchen Pat keeps crossing, lit only by a window above the sink, is lined with debris and bowls from the cabinets that she’s tried to empty and dry out. There’s still a lingering stench she hates in there, likely f
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There ’ s an eerie silence inside the Picketts ’ living room Wednesday evening as the couple packs up to leave . The sun is on its way down , and without electricity the narrow , two-bedroom mobile home on San Carlos Island will soon be dark again , lit
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only dimly by the couple ’ s few candles . Next to the front door , 83-year-old Pat Pickett has stacked a small cardboard box on a stool by her open fridge . It ’ s quickly filling up as she lists out loud to her husband , Leslie , what they ’ ll need to take with them to the shelter : wash cloths , toothbrushes , a change of clothes . She ’ s taking a bag of gummy bears , too . The candy helped her quit smoking more than two decades ago and still helps calm her nerves . And , of course , shampoo , for the first shower they ’ ll take in more than a week . She ’ s excited , she says , to finally get her hair in order . As they follow each other up and down the hallway at the heart of the house , there ’ s no mention of the chaos around them . Most of the furniture was lifted and tossed by Hurricane Ian ’ s floodwaters and now lies randomly strewn around the home . An armchair balances on the dining table , a television set sits on its side against the living room wall , portraits of the sea hang crooked . A thin line that ’ s etched on every wall – about halfway to the ceiling – is a constant reminder of how high the floodwaters reached . On various pieces of furniture , coin-sized patches of bright green mold that sprouted up only get bigger each day . CDs of Janis Joplin and Dean Martin rest on a muddy rug that covers part of the wood tiling . Loose papers of family recipes are laid out on the surviving tables . The corner kitchen Pat keeps crossing , lit only by a window above the sink , is lined with debris and bowls from the cabinets that she ’ s tried to empty and dry out . There ’ s still a lingering stench she hates in there , likely f
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Inflation has made it hard to pay for much with a buck these days. Wouldn’t it make more sense to start paying with $2 bills instead? Inflation has made it hard to buy much with a buck these days. $1 pizza has disappeared. Dollar stores aren’t dollar stores anymore. So wouldn’t it make more sense to start paying with $2 bills instead? “If you had a $2 bill, perfect,” said Heather McCabe, a writer and $2 bill evangelist who runs the blog Two Buckaroo chronicling her spending with twos and other people’s reactions. “It’s a very useful thing to pay for a small amount.” Yet the $2 note is the unloved child of paper currency. It’s considered a curiosity to some and scorned by others in the United States. The myths around the $2 bill — nicknamed “Tom” by fans because it features Thomas Jefferson’s portrait on the front — are endless. Many Americans think $2 bills are rare, are not printed anymore or have gone out of circulation. The Treasury Department’s Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) will print up to 204 million $2 bills this year, based on an annual order from the Federal Reserve System. There were 1.4 billion $2 bills in circulation in 2020, according to the latest data from the Federal Reserve. But $2 bills account for just 0.001% of the value of the $2 trillion worth of currency in circulation. BEP doesn’t have to request new $2 bills each year, like it does for other bills. That’s because $2 bills are used so infrequently and last longer in circulation. The Fed orders them every few years and works down the inventory. “Many Americans have pretty dubious assumptions about the $2 bill. Nothing happened to the $2 bill. It’s still being made. It’s being circulated,” McCabe said. “Americans misunderstand their own currency to the extent they don’t use it.” The United States first issued $2 bills beginning in 1862, around the time the federal government first started printing paper money. Alexander Hamilton’s
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Inflation has made it hard to pay for much with a buck these days . Wouldn ’ t it make more sense to start paying with $ 2 bills instead ? Inflation has made it hard to buy much with a buck these days . $ 1 pizza has disappeared
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. Dollar stores aren ’ t dollar stores anymore . So wouldn ’ t it make more sense to start paying with $ 2 bills instead ? “ If you had a $ 2 bill , perfect , ” said Heather McCabe , a writer and $ 2 bill evangelist who runs the blog Two Buckaroo chronicling her spending with twos and other people ’ s reactions . “ It ’ s a very useful thing to pay for a small amount. ” Yet the $ 2 note is the unloved child of paper currency . It ’ s considered a curiosity to some and scorned by others in the United States . The myths around the $ 2 bill — nicknamed “ Tom ” by fans because it features Thomas Jefferson ’ s portrait on the front — are endless . Many Americans think $ 2 bills are rare , are not printed anymore or have gone out of circulation . The Treasury Department ’ s Bureau of Engraving and Printing ( BEP ) will print up to 204 million $ 2 bills this year , based on an annual order from the Federal Reserve System . There were 1.4 billion $ 2 bills in circulation in 2020 , according to the latest data from the Federal Reserve . But $ 2 bills account for just 0.001 % of the value of the $ 2 trillion worth of currency in circulation . BEP doesn ’ t have to request new $ 2 bills each year , like it does for other bills . That ’ s because $ 2 bills are used so infrequently and last longer in circulation . The Fed orders them every few years and works down the inventory . “ Many Americans have pretty dubious assumptions about the $ 2 bill . Nothing happened to the $ 2 bill . It ’ s still being made . It ’ s being circulated , ” McCabe said . “ Americans misunderstand their own currency to the extent they don ’ t use it. ” The United States first issued $ 2 bills beginning in 1862 , around the time the federal government first started printing paper money . Alexander Hamilton ’ s
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If a recession were to arrive in the United States, there would normally be evidence of pain at America’s biggest lenders. But so far, top banks aren’t seeing major signs of weakness, even as they admit they’re bracing for tougher times ahead. Coming next week: Earnings from Goldman Sachs, Bank of America, Netflix and Tesla. What’s happening: Results from JPMorgan Chase, Wells Fargo and Citigroup reveal that while Wall Street has been hit hard by the deep market slump, Main Street is humming along. Credit card spending still looks healthy. While banks are putting aside more money to cover bad loans, they aren’t seeing significant problems yet. “If you didn’t look at anything else — you just looked at the bank numbers — you wouldn’t be thinking there’s a recession around the corner,” Mark Conrad, a portfolio manager at Algebris Investments, told me. Step back: JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon freaked out investors last month when he predicted an economic “hurricane” caused by the war in Ukraine, rising inflation pressures and interest rate hikes from the Federal Reserve. A plunge in dealmaking has sharply reduced the amount of money investment bankers are bringing in after a blockbuster 2021. Investment banking revenue at JPMorgan fell 61% last quarter. At Morgan Stanley, it dipped 55%. “That was expected to be a weak spot, and it was,” Stephen Biggar, an analyst at Argus Research, told me. “They just didn’t get many deals closed.” But elsewhere, activity looked solid. Credit and debit card spending is up 15% year-over-year, JPMorgan said. While consumers are shelling out much more money on gas, travel and dining still jumped a “robust” 34%. “You can see how resilient the consumer is in the US through the elevated payment rates and the low level of credit losses,” Citi CEO Jane Fraser said on a call with analysts. There’s also still strong demand among companies for loans, even as executives say thei
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If a recession were to arrive in the United States , there would normally be evidence of pain at America ’ s biggest lenders . But so far , top banks aren ’ t seeing major signs of weakness , even as they admit they ’ re bracing for tougher
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times ahead . Coming next week : Earnings from Goldman Sachs , Bank of America , Netflix and Tesla . What ’ s happening : Results from JPMorgan Chase , Wells Fargo and Citigroup reveal that while Wall Street has been hit hard by the deep market slump , Main Street is humming along . Credit card spending still looks healthy . While banks are putting aside more money to cover bad loans , they aren ’ t seeing significant problems yet . “ If you didn ’ t look at anything else — you just looked at the bank numbers — you wouldn ’ t be thinking there ’ s a recession around the corner , ” Mark Conrad , a portfolio manager at Algebris Investments , told me . Step back : JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon freaked out investors last month when he predicted an economic “ hurricane ” caused by the war in Ukraine , rising inflation pressures and interest rate hikes from the Federal Reserve . A plunge in dealmaking has sharply reduced the amount of money investment bankers are bringing in after a blockbuster 2021 . Investment banking revenue at JPMorgan fell 61 % last quarter . At Morgan Stanley , it dipped 55 % . “ That was expected to be a weak spot , and it was , ” Stephen Biggar , an analyst at Argus Research , told me . “ They just didn ’ t get many deals closed. ” But elsewhere , activity looked solid . Credit and debit card spending is up 15 % year-over-year , JPMorgan said . While consumers are shelling out much more money on gas , travel and dining still jumped a “ robust ” 34 % . “ You can see how resilient the consumer is in the US through the elevated payment rates and the low level of credit losses , ” Citi CEO Jane Fraser said on a call with analysts . There ’ s also still strong demand among companies for loans , even as executives say thei
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New York Mayor Eric Adams has claimed that some migrants are being “forced” on buses from Texas, as 14 more asylum seekers arrived in the city Sunday on another bus sent by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott. Fifty-four asylum seekers arrived in New York Friday on board a bus from Texas, according to the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs. Abbott’s office indicated that New York is now a designated “drop-off location for the busing strategy as part of the governor’s response to the Biden administration’s open border policies overwhelming Texas communities,” according to a statement released Friday announcing the arrival of the first bus. “It’s unimaginable, what the governor in Texas has done,” Adams told reporters Sunday. “When you think about this country, a country that has always been open to those who were fleeing persecution and other intolerable conditions, we’ve always welcomed that. And this governor is not doing that in Texas, but we are going to set the right message, the right tone, of being here for these families.” On Monday, Adams called it a “mean and cruel thing.” Abbott claimed in a statement Monday, though, that the asylum seekers freely chose to go to New York, “having signed a voluntary consent waiver, available in multiple languages, upon boarding that they agreed on the destination.” “What’s horrific is the thousands of illegal immigrants overrunning and overwhelming our border communities with populations smaller than a New York City borough, and Mayor Adams is hypocritically upset about welcoming a few dozen into his sanctuary city,” Abbott said. “If the mayor wants a solution to this crisis, he should call on President Biden to take immediate action to secure the border—something the President continues failing to do.” A fierce critic of the Biden administration’s immigration policies, Abbott began sending hundreds of willing migrants on buses to Washington
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New York Mayor Eric Adams has claimed that some migrants are being “ forced ” on buses from Texas , as 14 more asylum seekers arrived in the city Sunday on another bus sent by Texas Gov . Greg Abbott . Fifty-four asylum seekers arrived in New York Friday on
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board a bus from Texas , according to the Mayor ’ s Office of Immigrant Affairs . Abbott ’ s office indicated that New York is now a designated “ drop-off location for the busing strategy as part of the governor ’ s response to the Biden administration ’ s open border policies overwhelming Texas communities , ” according to a statement released Friday announcing the arrival of the first bus . “ It ’ s unimaginable , what the governor in Texas has done , ” Adams told reporters Sunday . “ When you think about this country , a country that has always been open to those who were fleeing persecution and other intolerable conditions , we ’ ve always welcomed that . And this governor is not doing that in Texas , but we are going to set the right message , the right tone , of being here for these families. ” On Monday , Adams called it a “ mean and cruel thing. ” Abbott claimed in a statement Monday , though , that the asylum seekers freely chose to go to New York , “ having signed a voluntary consent waiver , available in multiple languages , upon boarding that they agreed on the destination. ” “ What ’ s horrific is the thousands of illegal immigrants overrunning and overwhelming our border communities with populations smaller than a New York City borough , and Mayor Adams is hypocritically upset about welcoming a few dozen into his sanctuary city , ” Abbott said . “ If the mayor wants a solution to this crisis , he should call on President Biden to take immediate action to secure the border—something the President continues failing to do. ” A fierce critic of the Biden administration ’ s immigration policies , Abbott began sending hundreds of willing migrants on buses to Washington
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The Justice Department has secured a settlement with Chevron Phillips to make upgrades at three of its Texas petrochemical plants. The Justice Department has secured a settlement with the chemical company Chevron Phillips to make upgrades at three of its Texas petrochemical plants amid allegations that it violated the Clean Air Act and state air pollution control laws. Chevron Phillips is accused of failing to properly operate and monitor its industrial flares – a process by which certain industrial plants burn off harmful pollutants and greenhouse gas. The settlement will require Chevron Phillips to install pollution control and emissions monitoring equipment at the three facilities in Cedar Bayou, Port Arthur, and Sweeney, Texas. The Justice Department estimated that Chevron Phillips will spend $118 million to resolve the allegations against the company to make the necessary upgrades and perform the compliance measures. The company will also pay a $3.4 million civil penalty, according to the Justice Department. “The pollutants addressed by the settlement can cause significant harm to public health,” the Justice Department said in a news release. “[Volatile organic compounds] are a key component in the formation of smog or ground-level ozone, a pollutant that irritates the lungs, exacerbates diseases such as asthma, and can increase susceptibility to respiratory illnesses, such as pneumonia and bronchitis.” The department also noted that persistent exposure to benzene — a carcinogen — can cause leukemia and affect reproductive health in women. “Chevron Phillips Chemical strives to ensure compliance, especially regarding flaring, and we are fully committed to environmental stewardship,” a spokesperson for the company said in a statement. “We are pleased to have this matter settled with the EPA and are making additional investments to proact
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The Justice Department has secured a settlement with Chevron Phillips to make upgrades at three of its Texas petrochemical plants . The Justice Department has secured a settlement with the chemical company Chevron Phillips to make upgrades at three of its Texas petrochemical plants amid allegations that it violated the
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Clean Air Act and state air pollution control laws . Chevron Phillips is accused of failing to properly operate and monitor its industrial flares – a process by which certain industrial plants burn off harmful pollutants and greenhouse gas . The settlement will require Chevron Phillips to install pollution control and emissions monitoring equipment at the three facilities in Cedar Bayou , Port Arthur , and Sweeney , Texas . The Justice Department estimated that Chevron Phillips will spend $ 118 million to resolve the allegations against the company to make the necessary upgrades and perform the compliance measures . The company will also pay a $ 3.4 million civil penalty , according to the Justice Department . “ The pollutants addressed by the settlement can cause significant harm to public health , ” the Justice Department said in a news release . “ [ Volatile organic compounds ] are a key component in the formation of smog or ground-level ozone , a pollutant that irritates the lungs , exacerbates diseases such as asthma , and can increase susceptibility to respiratory illnesses , such as pneumonia and bronchitis. ” The department also noted that persistent exposure to benzene — a carcinogen — can cause leukemia and affect reproductive health in women . “ Chevron Phillips Chemical strives to ensure compliance , especially regarding flaring , and we are fully committed to environmental stewardship , ” a spokesperson for the company said in a statement . “ We are pleased to have this matter settled with the EPA and are making additional investments to proact
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A new program in Utah will provide short-term housing for pets whose owners are going through treatment for drug or alcohol abuse. The program is a collaboration between Ruff Haven Crisis Center, a nonprofit providing short-term care for pets whose owners are experiencing crises, and Odyssey House, Utah’s largest addiction program. The partnership launched three weeks ago, Kristina Pulsipher, executive director and co-founder of Ruff Haven, told CNN. For the most part, the shelter specializes in short-term stays, which makes it hard to work with clients undergoing addiction treatment, who often need to stay for longer than the 60 or 90 days pets usually stay at Ruff Haven. Collaborating with Odyssey House has allowed them to “work past that.” “Having the knowledge that their pets are safe while they’re working for themselves provides that additional feeling of support for them to focus on recovery,” Pulsipher said. Ruff Haven plans to accommodate around 10-12 clients through the partnership with Odyssey, according to Pulsipher. The housing for addiction patients, like all the nonprofit’s services, is completely free of charge. The shelter opened in June 2020, Pulsipher noted. Although they did not intend to launch during the pandemic, “We happened to open our doors at a very significant time, when the need was greater than ever,” Pulsipher said. “We saw that this need wasn’t being filled, and we thought maybe we can keep pets with their families, keep them out of shelters.” Ruff Haven launched with a focus on crisis sheltering, often for clients who were hospitalized or experiencing domestic violence and other crises. Now the shelter mostly works with clients experiencing housing insecurity. And in addition to providing short-term housing for clients’ pets while they work to get back on their feet, they also provide community pet vaccination clinics and other veterina
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A new program in Utah will provide short-term housing for pets whose owners are going through treatment for drug or alcohol abuse . The program is a collaboration between Ruff Haven Crisis Center , a nonprofit providing short-term care for pets whose owners are experiencing crises , and Odyssey House
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, Utah ’ s largest addiction program . The partnership launched three weeks ago , Kristina Pulsipher , executive director and co-founder of Ruff Haven , told CNN . For the most part , the shelter specializes in short-term stays , which makes it hard to work with clients undergoing addiction treatment , who often need to stay for longer than the 60 or 90 days pets usually stay at Ruff Haven . Collaborating with Odyssey House has allowed them to “ work past that. ” “ Having the knowledge that their pets are safe while they ’ re working for themselves provides that additional feeling of support for them to focus on recovery , ” Pulsipher said . Ruff Haven plans to accommodate around 10-12 clients through the partnership with Odyssey , according to Pulsipher . The housing for addiction patients , like all the nonprofit ’ s services , is completely free of charge . The shelter opened in June 2020 , Pulsipher noted . Although they did not intend to launch during the pandemic , “ We happened to open our doors at a very significant time , when the need was greater than ever , ” Pulsipher said . “ We saw that this need wasn ’ t being filled , and we thought maybe we can keep pets with their families , keep them out of shelters. ” Ruff Haven launched with a focus on crisis sheltering , often for clients who were hospitalized or experiencing domestic violence and other crises . Now the shelter mostly works with clients experiencing housing insecurity . And in addition to providing short-term housing for clients ’ pets while they work to get back on their feet , they also provide community pet vaccination clinics and other veterina
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The decision by Germany to halt the certification of Nord Stream 2 underscores the critical role US natural gas can play on the world stage, former top energy regulator Neil Chatterjee told CNN on Tuesday. “We are a gas superpower. We just need to be able to get it out of the ground and get it to market,” Chatterjee, who served as America’s top federal energy regulator until November 2020, said in a phone interview. The United States is the world’s largest producer of natural gas and last year for the first time it became the No. 1 exporter of liquefied natural gas (LNG), surpassing Australia and Qatar. Chatterjee, a Republican nominated to lead the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission by former President Donald Trump, complained that regulators are making it harder to export LNG at a time when US allies need it to reduce reliance on Russia. “I’ve been so frustrated by actions taken by my former colleagues, putting up more obstacles to get the infrastructure necessary to get natural gas to our allies,” Chatterjee said, referring to recent actions by FERC. Germany announced Tuesday it would halt the certification of Nord Stream 2 after Russia ordered troops into parts of eastern Ukraine. The 750-mile pipeline, completed in September, was supposed to supply badly-needed gas from Russia to Germany. Chatterjee, now an industry advisor to private equity giant KKR, expressed doubt that the pipeline won’t eventually get the green light from German regulators. “I don’t buy it, Germany’s announcement today,” Chatterjee said. “It’s just a matter of when Nord Stream 2 is certified. It’s already built. I think this is posturing.” Chatterjee added that Germany and Europe remain “dependent” on Russian gas. “I have a hard time seeing them following through with this threat, particularly in the absence of alternatives,” he said. “This plays into Putin’s hands. Putin controls the timing on wh
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The decision by Germany to halt the certification of Nord Stream 2 underscores the critical role US natural gas can play on the world stage , former top energy regulator Neil Chatterjee told CNN on Tuesday . “ We are a gas superpower . We just need to be able
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to get it out of the ground and get it to market , ” Chatterjee , who served as America ’ s top federal energy regulator until November 2020 , said in a phone interview . The United States is the world ’ s largest producer of natural gas and last year for the first time it became the No . 1 exporter of liquefied natural gas ( LNG ) , surpassing Australia and Qatar . Chatterjee , a Republican nominated to lead the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission by former President Donald Trump , complained that regulators are making it harder to export LNG at a time when US allies need it to reduce reliance on Russia . “ I ’ ve been so frustrated by actions taken by my former colleagues , putting up more obstacles to get the infrastructure necessary to get natural gas to our allies , ” Chatterjee said , referring to recent actions by FERC . Germany announced Tuesday it would halt the certification of Nord Stream 2 after Russia ordered troops into parts of eastern Ukraine . The 750-mile pipeline , completed in September , was supposed to supply badly-needed gas from Russia to Germany . Chatterjee , now an industry advisor to private equity giant KKR , expressed doubt that the pipeline won ’ t eventually get the green light from German regulators . “ I don ’ t buy it , Germany ’ s announcement today , ” Chatterjee said . “ It ’ s just a matter of when Nord Stream 2 is certified . It ’ s already built . I think this is posturing. ” Chatterjee added that Germany and Europe remain “ dependent ” on Russian gas . “ I have a hard time seeing them following through with this threat , particularly in the absence of alternatives , ” he said . “ This plays into Putin ’ s hands . Putin controls the timing on wh
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Students are heading to another school year amid the Covid-19 pandemic, but this time, there seem to be fewer discussions and fretting about masks and other mitigation measures – despite a rise of infections sweeping the country. Most of the largest public school districts in the United States are not requiring masks for the new school year, making masking “optional” as students return to classes and the highly transmissible BA.5 subvariant spreads. Across the country, “schools have become more relaxed in their mask policies,” said Gladys Cruz, president-elect of the School Superintendents Association and district superintendent for Questar III in New York. Although there is the possibility that such policies could change if Covid-19 case rates rise or fall, everyone in a district might not be receptive to change, Cruz said. “The possibility of mandating masks is there, in case of a surge, but I would have to say that it’s going to be much more difficult to implement that mask mandate if it came down to that because we have been without masks now for long periods,” said Cruz, whose district starts school in early September. In its guidance for schools, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends universal indoor masking in K-12 schools and early education programs that are in counties with a high Covid-19 community level. Almost half – 45.8% – of US counties are at high Covid-19 community levels, according to CDC data. Among the top 500 K-12 school districts, based on enrollment, in the United States, about 98% do not require masks, according to the data company Burbio’s school policy tracker. Many of the nation’s largest school systems – including Los Angeles Unified, City of Chicago, Miami-Dade County and Clark County in Nevada – start school in August. Meanwhile, Covid-19 cases are rising across the United States once again, driven by the Omicron subvariant BA.5, th
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Students are heading to another school year amid the Covid-19 pandemic , but this time , there seem to be fewer discussions and fretting about masks and other mitigation measures – despite a rise of infections sweeping the country . Most of the largest public school districts in the United
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States are not requiring masks for the new school year , making masking “ optional ” as students return to classes and the highly transmissible BA.5 subvariant spreads . Across the country , “ schools have become more relaxed in their mask policies , ” said Gladys Cruz , president-elect of the School Superintendents Association and district superintendent for Questar III in New York . Although there is the possibility that such policies could change if Covid-19 case rates rise or fall , everyone in a district might not be receptive to change , Cruz said . “ The possibility of mandating masks is there , in case of a surge , but I would have to say that it ’ s going to be much more difficult to implement that mask mandate if it came down to that because we have been without masks now for long periods , ” said Cruz , whose district starts school in early September . In its guidance for schools , the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends universal indoor masking in K-12 schools and early education programs that are in counties with a high Covid-19 community level . Almost half – 45.8 % – of US counties are at high Covid-19 community levels , according to CDC data . Among the top 500 K-12 school districts , based on enrollment , in the United States , about 98 % do not require masks , according to the data company Burbio ’ s school policy tracker . Many of the nation ’ s largest school systems – including Los Angeles Unified , City of Chicago , Miami-Dade County and Clark County in Nevada – start school in August . Meanwhile , Covid-19 cases are rising across the United States once again , driven by the Omicron subvariant BA.5 , th
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Questions of propriety about the fifth season of “The Crown” premiering two months after Queen Elizabeth II’s death are largely eclipsed by other issues, as the Netflix series reloads with new prestige talent in key roles and old troubles, while feeling more disjointed than usual. The result is an uneven campaign that reinforces a sense the Emmy-winning series risks extending its reign too long. That theme is among the juiciest bits of palace intrigue in the new season, as Prince Charles (Dominic West) chafes about his heir-in-waiting status and openly discusses “Queen Victoria Syndrome,” a reference to his mother, the Queen (Imelda Staunton), being too rooted in the past and tradition to meet the shifting demands of a modern monarchy. Of course, the season begins in 1991, so there’s the tantalizing knowledge that Elizabeth would retain that title for another three decades, and that Charles is about to badly damage his public image thanks to the breakup of his marriage to Diana (Elizabeth Debicki), who perfectly captures Diana’s pensive, vaguely sad gaze. The character fares less well in terms of emotional insights, since she’s portrayed less sympathetically this time around, at least in her naivete about the hell that speaking publicly about the Royal Family would unleash. The discomfort associated with those public flareups falls upon the new Prime Minister, John Major (Jonny Lee Miller), who recognizes the dynamics of what’s happening better than the key players, which doesn’t make his role any less uncomfortable for him. Writer/producer Peter Morgan again wades into all kinds of situations over the 10 episodes, including the unlikely friendship that develops between Prince Philip (Jonathan Pryce, who plays a large role) and Penny Knatchbull (Natascha McElhone), the much-younger wife of Philip’s godson, which begins as he seeks to console her over the tragic death of her da
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Questions of propriety about the fifth season of “ The Crown ” premiering two months after Queen Elizabeth II ’ s death are largely eclipsed by other issues , as the Netflix series reloads with new prestige talent in key roles and old troubles , while feeling more disjointed than
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usual . The result is an uneven campaign that reinforces a sense the Emmy-winning series risks extending its reign too long . That theme is among the juiciest bits of palace intrigue in the new season , as Prince Charles ( Dominic West ) chafes about his heir-in-waiting status and openly discusses “ Queen Victoria Syndrome , ” a reference to his mother , the Queen ( Imelda Staunton ) , being too rooted in the past and tradition to meet the shifting demands of a modern monarchy . Of course , the season begins in 1991 , so there ’ s the tantalizing knowledge that Elizabeth would retain that title for another three decades , and that Charles is about to badly damage his public image thanks to the breakup of his marriage to Diana ( Elizabeth Debicki ) , who perfectly captures Diana ’ s pensive , vaguely sad gaze . The character fares less well in terms of emotional insights , since she ’ s portrayed less sympathetically this time around , at least in her naivete about the hell that speaking publicly about the Royal Family would unleash . The discomfort associated with those public flareups falls upon the new Prime Minister , John Major ( Jonny Lee Miller ) , who recognizes the dynamics of what ’ s happening better than the key players , which doesn ’ t make his role any less uncomfortable for him . Writer/producer Peter Morgan again wades into all kinds of situations over the 10 episodes , including the unlikely friendship that develops between Prince Philip ( Jonathan Pryce , who plays a large role ) and Penny Knatchbull ( Natascha McElhone ) , the much-younger wife of Philip ’ s godson , which begins as he seeks to console her over the tragic death of her da
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Charles’ track record suggests a different reading of duty altogether. Against the backdrop of uncertainty left by his mother’s loss, this could rupture the institution that he has sworn to uphold, writes Holly Thomas. The general consensus was that it was surprisingly good. When Britain’s new King – a title the public is still getting to grips with — addressed the nation for the first time on Friday, there was some apprehension as to what his tone might be. A more outspoken, less conformist figure than Queen Elizabeth II, King Charles III had in his previous role as Prince tended to sidestep tradition and put his own spin on things. In the end, he toed the line. He paid tribute to his “dear mama,” and vowed to emulate her unwavering commitment to “lifelong service.” All in all, the message was touching and dignified, no small feat for a man in the bizarre position of having to hold out for the death of a parent to begin the job of a lifetime. The persistent theme was duty. This was also the watchword of his mother’s seven-decade-long stewardship, and so the British public might be forgiven for assuming it knows what it means. But words are open to interpretation, and while the Crown may be hereditary, a monarch’s sense of duty is not. For the Queen, duty translated to impartiality, discretion and predictability. A woman we could set our watches by – a largely mute, always seemly figurehead. She did not always succeed, and her approach was not failsafe insurance against public scrutiny. Charles’ track record suggests a different reading of duty altogether. Against the backdrop of uncertainty left by his mother’s loss, this could rupture the institution that he has sworn to uphold. As Prince, Charles regularly saw fit to express his convictions on topics ranging from climate change to herbal remedies. Most infamously, he lobbied the government directly via his so-called “spider memos” of 2004
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Charles ’ track record suggests a different reading of duty altogether . Against the backdrop of uncertainty left by his mother ’ s loss , this could rupture the institution that he has sworn to uphold , writes Holly Thomas . The general consensus was that it was surprisingly good
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. When Britain ’ s new King – a title the public is still getting to grips with — addressed the nation for the first time on Friday , there was some apprehension as to what his tone might be . A more outspoken , less conformist figure than Queen Elizabeth II , King Charles III had in his previous role as Prince tended to sidestep tradition and put his own spin on things . In the end , he toed the line . He paid tribute to his “ dear mama , ” and vowed to emulate her unwavering commitment to “ lifelong service. ” All in all , the message was touching and dignified , no small feat for a man in the bizarre position of having to hold out for the death of a parent to begin the job of a lifetime . The persistent theme was duty . This was also the watchword of his mother ’ s seven-decade-long stewardship , and so the British public might be forgiven for assuming it knows what it means . But words are open to interpretation , and while the Crown may be hereditary , a monarch ’ s sense of duty is not . For the Queen , duty translated to impartiality , discretion and predictability . A woman we could set our watches by – a largely mute , always seemly figurehead . She did not always succeed , and her approach was not failsafe insurance against public scrutiny . Charles ’ track record suggests a different reading of duty altogether . Against the backdrop of uncertainty left by his mother ’ s loss , this could rupture the institution that he has sworn to uphold . As Prince , Charles regularly saw fit to express his convictions on topics ranging from climate change to herbal remedies . Most infamously , he lobbied the government directly via his so-called “ spider memos ” of 2004
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President Joe Biden on Tuesday took the rare step of weighing in on a controversial Florida bill that would ban certain discussions about sexual orientation and gender identity in the classroom, telling LGBTQ kids that he has their back. “I want every member of the LGBTQI+ community — especially the kids who will be impacted by this hateful bill — to know that you are loved and accepted just as you are. I have your back, and my Administration will continue to fight for the protections and safety you deserve,” Biden tweeted Tuesday evening. The message from the White House on Tuesday condemning Republicans for advancing the bill was a rare step as Biden and his aides called the bill part of a larger trend of GOP leaders across the country taking actions to treat students like political pawns. Republicans in Florida have advanced legislation, which opponents have dubbed the “Don’t Say Gay” bill, that states school districts “may not encourage discussion about sexual orientation or gender identity in primary grade levels or in a manner that is not age-appropriate or developmentally appropriate for students.” It is not clear what would be considered “age” or “developmentally” appropriate. Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis appeared to voice support for the measure on Monday. The legislation would hurt kids who need the most protection in school and are “already vulnerable to bullying and violence just for being themselves,” said Kevin Munoz, White House assistant press secretary, in a statement. “But make no mistake – this is not an isolated action. Across the country, we’re seeing Republican leaders take actions to regulate what students can or cannot read, what they can or cannot learn, and most troubling, who they can or cannot be,” Munoz added. “This is politics at its worse, cynically treating our students as pawns in a game and not people who deserve
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President Joe Biden on Tuesday took the rare step of weighing in on a controversial Florida bill that would ban certain discussions about sexual orientation and gender identity in the classroom , telling LGBTQ kids that he has their back . “ I want every member of the LGBTQI+ community
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— especially the kids who will be impacted by this hateful bill — to know that you are loved and accepted just as you are . I have your back , and my Administration will continue to fight for the protections and safety you deserve , ” Biden tweeted Tuesday evening . The message from the White House on Tuesday condemning Republicans for advancing the bill was a rare step as Biden and his aides called the bill part of a larger trend of GOP leaders across the country taking actions to treat students like political pawns . Republicans in Florida have advanced legislation , which opponents have dubbed the “ Don ’ t Say Gay ” bill , that states school districts “ may not encourage discussion about sexual orientation or gender identity in primary grade levels or in a manner that is not age-appropriate or developmentally appropriate for students. ” It is not clear what would be considered “ age ” or “ developmentally ” appropriate . Republican Gov . Ron DeSantis appeared to voice support for the measure on Monday . The legislation would hurt kids who need the most protection in school and are “ already vulnerable to bullying and violence just for being themselves , ” said Kevin Munoz , White House assistant press secretary , in a statement . “ But make no mistake – this is not an isolated action . Across the country , we ’ re seeing Republican leaders take actions to regulate what students can or can not read , what they can or can not learn , and most troubling , who they can or can not be , ” Munoz added . “ This is politics at its worse , cynically treating our students as pawns in a game and not people who deserve
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Four years ago, Twitter cofounder and then-CEO Jack Dorsey laid out four key focus areas that would propel the company’s growth. Among them: promoting “healthy conversation” on the platform. After years of criticism for Twitter’s apparent failures to prevent its platform from turning toxic, Dorsey acknowledged the scourge of “abuse, harassment, troll armies,” as well as bots, misinformation campaigns and “increasingly divisive echo chambers” on the social network, and he called on researchers to help improve the situation. “We think it is a growth vector over the long term, and it’s the right thing to do for the people on Twitter, and also for the world,” Dorsey said on the company’s earnings call for the fourth quarter of 2018 of the focus on the “health” of the platform. In the years since, Twitter
(TWTR) has made significant progress toward that goal, including banning many accounts promoting abuse and spam, adding labels for false or misleading information, banning the misgendering of transgender people and launching a team dedicated to studying and increasing transparency around the technology that determines what content is promoted on the site. Just last week, Twitter
(TWTR) said it would embrace third-party tools for users to help prevent harassment. But some who’ve been following the work Twitter has done in recent years worry it could be unraveled now that billionaire Elon Musk has succeeded in his bid to acquire Twitter in a deal worth about $44 billion. Musk, a controversial Twitter user with a history of erratic behavior on and off the platform, has called for freer speech on the social network and policies that would favor leaving up most tweets and accounts. “If in doubt, let the speech exist,” Musk said in an on-stage interview at the TED conference earlier this month. “If it’s a gray area, I would say, let
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Four years ago , Twitter cofounder and then-CEO Jack Dorsey laid out four key focus areas that would propel the company ’ s growth . Among them : promoting “ healthy conversation ” on the platform . After years of criticism for Twitter ’ s apparent failures to prevent its
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platform from turning toxic , Dorsey acknowledged the scourge of “ abuse , harassment , troll armies , ” as well as bots , misinformation campaigns and “ increasingly divisive echo chambers ” on the social network , and he called on researchers to help improve the situation . “ We think it is a growth vector over the long term , and it ’ s the right thing to do for the people on Twitter , and also for the world , ” Dorsey said on the company ’ s earnings call for the fourth quarter of 2018 of the focus on the “ health ” of the platform . In the years since , Twitter ( TWTR ) has made significant progress toward that goal , including banning many accounts promoting abuse and spam , adding labels for false or misleading information , banning the misgendering of transgender people and launching a team dedicated to studying and increasing transparency around the technology that determines what content is promoted on the site . Just last week , Twitter ( TWTR ) said it would embrace third-party tools for users to help prevent harassment . But some who ’ ve been following the work Twitter has done in recent years worry it could be unraveled now that billionaire Elon Musk has succeeded in his bid to acquire Twitter in a deal worth about $ 44 billion . Musk , a controversial Twitter user with a history of erratic behavior on and off the platform , has called for freer speech on the social network and policies that would favor leaving up most tweets and accounts . “ If in doubt , let the speech exist , ” Musk said in an on-stage interview at the TED conference earlier this month . “ If it ’ s a gray area , I would say , let
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New wife, new reality show. HGTV, which is owned by CNN’s parent company, has announced that Tarek El Moussa is teaming up with his wife, Heather Rae El Moussa, for a show with the working title, “The Flipping El Moussas.” “We are so excited to bring viewers into our world to see the ins and outs of our day-to-day lives,” the couple said in a statement. “Fans can watch us as we go from making breakfast for the kids in the morning, to making business deals by the afternoon. The cameras are capturing our journey like never before and we can’t wait to share it all.” Tarek El Moussa formerly starred with his ex-wife Christina on the hit show “Flip or Flop.” Heather Rae El Moussa found fame as one of the cast members on Netflix real estate series, “Selling Sunset.” “Tarek and Heather’s story resonates with millions of followers across their social media platforms,” Jane Latman, president, Home & Food Content and Streaming, Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc., said. “This new series will delve deeper into their lucrative business ventures and dynamic personal lives and will deliver the flipping tips and real estate expertise viewers have come to expect from the magnetic pair.”
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New wife , new reality show . HGTV , which is owned by CNN ’ s parent company , has announced that Tarek El Moussa is teaming up with his wife , Heather Rae El Moussa , for a show with the working title , “ The Flipping El Moussas.
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” “ We are so excited to bring viewers into our world to see the ins and outs of our day-to-day lives , ” the couple said in a statement . “ Fans can watch us as we go from making breakfast for the kids in the morning , to making business deals by the afternoon . The cameras are capturing our journey like never before and we can ’ t wait to share it all. ” Tarek El Moussa formerly starred with his ex-wife Christina on the hit show “ Flip or Flop. ” Heather Rae El Moussa found fame as one of the cast members on Netflix real estate series , “ Selling Sunset. ” “ Tarek and Heather ’ s story resonates with millions of followers across their social media platforms , ” Jane Latman , president , Home & Food Content and Streaming , Warner Bros . Discovery , Inc. , said . “ This new series will delve deeper into their lucrative business ventures and dynamic personal lives and will deliver the flipping tips and real estate expertise viewers have come to expect from the magnetic pair . ”
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Lawmakers are beginning to see the contours of a gun deal taking shape in the US Senate even as both sides admit there is far more work to do to convince lawmakers to get behind a narrow package that will be far less robust than Democrats had hoped for and a heavy lift for Republicans from red states, where any changes to gun laws can be met with stiff resistance. On Tuesday during a private GOP lunch, Sen. John Cornyn of Texas walked his members through what could be included in the package, a process that members inside said was cordial and left most members in “listening mode.” But the bigger test has yet to come, as Cornyn and his fellow Republican negotiator Thom Tillis of North Carolina will have to sell any deal to the rest of their conference. A narrow set of changes to gun laws is still under consideration, including hardening school security, providing more funding for mental health care, ensuring that juvenile records can be considered when a person between ages 18 and 21 wants to buy a high-powered semi-automatic weapon like an AR-15 and providing federal incentives for states to pass so-called red flag laws. Those laws, which currently exist in 19 states, allow a judge to temporarily take away the guns of someone who is deemed a threat to themselves or others. But it’s still not clear whether there will be enough Republican support to include all of those provisions and the working group, which also includes Democratic Sens. Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona and Chris Murphy of Connecticut, has yet to announce a deal. “I think it’s way too soon to start predicting how many are going to vote for it,” Minority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky said Tuesday about the GOP vote total. “We don’t have an agreement yet, and so I don’t want to speculate about how many of my members might support it. Step 1 is to try to get a deal, as I’ve said repeatedly. I hope that’ll be sooner rather than later.” One
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Lawmakers are beginning to see the contours of a gun deal taking shape in the US Senate even as both sides admit there is far more work to do to convince lawmakers to get behind a narrow package that will be far less robust than Democrats had hoped for and
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a heavy lift for Republicans from red states , where any changes to gun laws can be met with stiff resistance . On Tuesday during a private GOP lunch , Sen. John Cornyn of Texas walked his members through what could be included in the package , a process that members inside said was cordial and left most members in “ listening mode. ” But the bigger test has yet to come , as Cornyn and his fellow Republican negotiator Thom Tillis of North Carolina will have to sell any deal to the rest of their conference . A narrow set of changes to gun laws is still under consideration , including hardening school security , providing more funding for mental health care , ensuring that juvenile records can be considered when a person between ages 18 and 21 wants to buy a high-powered semi-automatic weapon like an AR-15 and providing federal incentives for states to pass so-called red flag laws . Those laws , which currently exist in 19 states , allow a judge to temporarily take away the guns of someone who is deemed a threat to themselves or others . But it ’ s still not clear whether there will be enough Republican support to include all of those provisions and the working group , which also includes Democratic Sens . Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona and Chris Murphy of Connecticut , has yet to announce a deal . “ I think it ’ s way too soon to start predicting how many are going to vote for it , ” Minority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky said Tuesday about the GOP vote total . “ We don ’ t have an agreement yet , and so I don ’ t want to speculate about how many of my members might support it . Step 1 is to try to get a deal , as I ’ ve said repeatedly . I hope that ’ ll be sooner rather than later. ” One
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Russian state gas producer Gazprom withdrew a threat to reduce gas supplies to Moldova from Monday but said it reserved the right to lower or halt flows in future if Moldova failed to make agreed payments. Last week, Gazprom accused Ukraine of withholding gas supplies which pass through the country on the way to Moldova — something Kyiv denied — and said it could start reducing those flows from Monday. In its latest statement, Gazprom said that Moldovan natural gas company Moldovagaz had paid for gas deliveries in November, adding that it had received payment for what it called gas destined for Moldovan customers but which remained in Ukraine. However, Gazprom accused Moldova of “regular violations” of payment obligations and added: “Gazprom reserves the right to lower or to fully suspend supplies in case of payment violation.” Vadim Ceban, head of Moldovagaz, said on Monday that the advance November gas bill had doubled to $42 million amid increased gas demand by the breakaway Moldovan region of Transdniestria, where Russian troops are stationed. He said Moldovagaz had paid this. In a sign that flows were uninterrupted, Gazprom said separately on Monday that it will ship 42.2 million cubic meters (mcm) of gas to Europe via Ukraine on Monday, only slightly down from Sunday’s level of 42.6 mcm. Both figures include flows to Moldova.
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Russian state gas producer Gazprom withdrew a threat to reduce gas supplies to Moldova from Monday but said it reserved the right to lower or halt flows in future if Moldova failed to make agreed payments . Last week , Gazprom accused Ukraine of withholding gas supplies which pass through
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the country on the way to Moldova — something Kyiv denied — and said it could start reducing those flows from Monday . In its latest statement , Gazprom said that Moldovan natural gas company Moldovagaz had paid for gas deliveries in November , adding that it had received payment for what it called gas destined for Moldovan customers but which remained in Ukraine . However , Gazprom accused Moldova of “ regular violations ” of payment obligations and added : “ Gazprom reserves the right to lower or to fully suspend supplies in case of payment violation. ” Vadim Ceban , head of Moldovagaz , said on Monday that the advance November gas bill had doubled to $ 42 million amid increased gas demand by the breakaway Moldovan region of Transdniestria , where Russian troops are stationed . He said Moldovagaz had paid this . In a sign that flows were uninterrupted , Gazprom said separately on Monday that it will ship 42.2 million cubic meters ( mcm ) of gas to Europe via Ukraine on Monday , only slightly down from Sunday ’ s level of 42.6 mcm . Both figures include flows to Moldova .
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The Federal Reserve means business when it comes to tightening monetary policy. After raising its benchmark interest rate by half a percentage point earlier this month – the first rate hike of that magnitude in more than two decades – investors should brace for more of this medicine, the central bank’s meeting minutes showed Wednesday. Rate changes have traditionally been in quarter-percentage-point increments. “Most participants judged that 50 basis point increases in the target range would likely be appropriate at the next couple of meetings,” according to minutes from the early May meeting of the Federal Open Market Committee, the Fed’s policymaking arm. Market participants already expected as much. After all, the Fed is trying to combat the highest inflation rate in 40 years, even as economic data showed some easing of price pressures in April. “We’re going to have two consecutive 50 basis point hikes over the next few meetings. If it’s less, the market will think the Fed doesn’t take [the economic situation and high inflation] seriously. If it’s more, [the market] will think it’s worse than we thought,” said David Rubenstein, co-founder and co-chairman of the Carlyle Group, during a panel at the World Economic Forum in Davos earlier this week. That said, the minutes made the Fed appear even more hawkish in the context of the past week, according to Thomas Simons, money market economist at Jefferies. Financial markets have witnessed some turbulence since the Fed meeting at the start of the month, and certain economic data – including consumer sentiment – was weaker than expected. The next policy-setting Fed meetings are scheduled for mid-June, late July and late September. But the Fed’s actions won’t simply turn off the tap when it comes to inflation. “When inflation gets in to the system, it takes a while to get in, but it takes a lot longer to get it out,” Rubenstein said. Fed Chairman Jerome Po
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The Federal Reserve means business when it comes to tightening monetary policy . After raising its benchmark interest rate by half a percentage point earlier this month – the first rate hike of that magnitude in more than two decades – investors should brace for more of this medicine ,
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the central bank ’ s meeting minutes showed Wednesday . Rate changes have traditionally been in quarter-percentage-point increments . “ Most participants judged that 50 basis point increases in the target range would likely be appropriate at the next couple of meetings , ” according to minutes from the early May meeting of the Federal Open Market Committee , the Fed ’ s policymaking arm . Market participants already expected as much . After all , the Fed is trying to combat the highest inflation rate in 40 years , even as economic data showed some easing of price pressures in April . “ We ’ re going to have two consecutive 50 basis point hikes over the next few meetings . If it ’ s less , the market will think the Fed doesn ’ t take [ the economic situation and high inflation ] seriously . If it ’ s more , [ the market ] will think it ’ s worse than we thought , ” said David Rubenstein , co-founder and co-chairman of the Carlyle Group , during a panel at the World Economic Forum in Davos earlier this week . That said , the minutes made the Fed appear even more hawkish in the context of the past week , according to Thomas Simons , money market economist at Jefferies . Financial markets have witnessed some turbulence since the Fed meeting at the start of the month , and certain economic data – including consumer sentiment – was weaker than expected . The next policy-setting Fed meetings are scheduled for mid-June , late July and late September . But the Fed ’ s actions won ’ t simply turn off the tap when it comes to inflation . “ When inflation gets in to the system , it takes a while to get in , but it takes a lot longer to get it out , ” Rubenstein said . Fed Chairman Jerome Po
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Texas school districts have begun receiving donated posters and framed copies of the national motto, “In God We Trust,” that they will now be required to display in accordance with a new state law. The law says a public elementary or secondary school or an institution of higher education “must” display a durable poster or framed copy of the motto in a “conspicuous place” in each building if the poster or framed copy is “donated for display at the school or institution” or “purchased from private donations and made available to the school or institution.” State Sen. Bryan Hughes, a Republican co-author of the law, tweeted last week, “The national motto, In God We Trust, asserts our collective trust in a sovereign God.” The people and organizations behind the donations have wasted no time in sending them out to schools. The Carroll Independent School District in Southlake, a suburb of Dallas, on Monday received “In God We Trust” framed posters for each school in the district from Patriot Mobile, which describes itself as “America’s only Christian conservative wireless provider.” Scott Coburn, the company’s chief marketing officer, told the school board, “Patriot Mobile is honored to donate these posters to CISD and we’re very excited to see them amongst all of our schools.” The posters will be displayed in the front entrance areas of each Carroll ISD campus, Brandie Egan, the district’s communications coordinator, told CNN. Some in the community object, including the Southlake Anti-Racism Coalition (SARC). “SARC is disturbed by the precedent displaying these posters in every school will set and the chilling effect this blatant intrusion of religion in what should be a secular public institution will have on the student body, especially those who do not practice the dominant Christian faith,” the community group said in a statement following the donation. Hughes
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Texas school districts have begun receiving donated posters and framed copies of the national motto , “ In God We Trust , ” that they will now be required to display in accordance with a new state law . The law says a public elementary or secondary school or an
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institution of higher education “ must ” display a durable poster or framed copy of the motto in a “ conspicuous place ” in each building if the poster or framed copy is “ donated for display at the school or institution ” or “ purchased from private donations and made available to the school or institution. ” State Sen. Bryan Hughes , a Republican co-author of the law , tweeted last week , “ The national motto , In God We Trust , asserts our collective trust in a sovereign God. ” The people and organizations behind the donations have wasted no time in sending them out to schools . The Carroll Independent School District in Southlake , a suburb of Dallas , on Monday received “ In God We Trust ” framed posters for each school in the district from Patriot Mobile , which describes itself as “ America ’ s only Christian conservative wireless provider. ” Scott Coburn , the company ’ s chief marketing officer , told the school board , “ Patriot Mobile is honored to donate these posters to CISD and we ’ re very excited to see them amongst all of our schools. ” The posters will be displayed in the front entrance areas of each Carroll ISD campus , Brandie Egan , the district ’ s communications coordinator , told CNN . Some in the community object , including the Southlake Anti-Racism Coalition ( SARC ) . “ SARC is disturbed by the precedent displaying these posters in every school will set and the chilling effect this blatant intrusion of religion in what should be a secular public institution will have on the student body , especially those who do not practice the dominant Christian faith , ” the community group said in a statement following the donation . Hughes
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The chief of the embattled Aurora, Colorado, police department – who took over during the fallout over death of Elijah McClain – was fired Wednesday amid concerns that the city’s manager said were about management and leadership. “There are two main themes that continue to rise up as top of concerns: overall management and overall leadership,” City Manager Jim Twombly said at a news conference, adding that he would not get into specifics, but “it’s an overall evaluation based on a lot of input.” The decision to fire chief Vanessa Wilson raised concerns among at least one city council member who says the city manager was under pressure to fire the chief. Wilson’s attorney pointed to an editorial in a local newspaper, published Wednesday, that called the move a “political hit job.” The announcement comes weeks after an outside consulting firm – which has also come under scrutiny – released a preliminary report in mid-March that “identified an issue of significant concern regarding backlogged police records,” a report that Twombly said was not the reason for Wilson’s firing, and again puts the Aurora Police Department in the national spotlight. The department has been reeling for years after three of its officers were indicted on charges of manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide in the death of McClain, a 23-year-old Black man who was stopped in August 2019 by police while walking home from a store, placed in a carotid hold and then injected with ketamine. The move led to a 14-month investigation by the state’s attorney general that determined the department has a pattern of practicing racially biased policing and excessive force, and has failed to record legally required information when interacting with the community. Twombly had announced the decision in a statement earlier Wednesday, saying Wilson had been relieved of her duties and the city had launched
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The chief of the embattled Aurora , Colorado , police department – who took over during the fallout over death of Elijah McClain – was fired Wednesday amid concerns that the city ’ s manager said were about management and leadership . “ There are two main themes that continue
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to rise up as top of concerns : overall management and overall leadership , ” City Manager Jim Twombly said at a news conference , adding that he would not get into specifics , but “ it ’ s an overall evaluation based on a lot of input. ” The decision to fire chief Vanessa Wilson raised concerns among at least one city council member who says the city manager was under pressure to fire the chief . Wilson ’ s attorney pointed to an editorial in a local newspaper , published Wednesday , that called the move a “ political hit job. ” The announcement comes weeks after an outside consulting firm – which has also come under scrutiny – released a preliminary report in mid-March that “ identified an issue of significant concern regarding backlogged police records , ” a report that Twombly said was not the reason for Wilson ’ s firing , and again puts the Aurora Police Department in the national spotlight . The department has been reeling for years after three of its officers were indicted on charges of manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide in the death of McClain , a 23-year-old Black man who was stopped in August 2019 by police while walking home from a store , placed in a carotid hold and then injected with ketamine . The move led to a 14-month investigation by the state ’ s attorney general that determined the department has a pattern of practicing racially biased policing and excessive force , and has failed to record legally required information when interacting with the community . Twombly had announced the decision in a statement earlier Wednesday , saying Wilson had been relieved of her duties and the city had launched
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A South Carolina man has been charged with murder after authorities say he” fired multiple random rounds at passing vehicles,” resulting in the death of 8-year-old Quarius Dunham. A South Carolina man has been charged with murder after authorities say he “fired multiple random rounds at passing vehicles,” resulting in the death of an 8-year-old boy, according to a news release from Florence County Sheriff’s Office. On Saturday, May 28, deputies with the Sheriff’s Office responded to a call of multiple shots fired at cars on Old River Road in Florence, South Carolina, the release stated. When deputies arrived they found a vehicle containing two victims – including the 8-year-old passenger – suffering from gunshot wounds. The victims were transported to an area hospital for medical treatment, however, the child – who the release identified as Quarius Naqua Dunham – died from his injuries. The child’s father, the driver of the vehicle, was struck in the leg. His injuries were not believed to be life-threatening, authorities said. According to CNN affiliate WBTW, the child’s mother was also in the car but was not injured. The family, who are from New Hampshire, were in South Carolina for vacation, WBTW reported. The suspect, who authorities identified as Charles Montgomery Allen, was located a short time later by a Florence County Sheriff’s Office SWAT team. He was taken into custody following a “brief standoff” at his residence, the release stated. He has been charged with murder, attempted murder, discharging a firearm into an occupied vehicle and possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime. The Sheriff’s Office news release states that, as yet, “no motive has been determined for the shooting.” Allen is being held without bond at the Florence County Detention Center.
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A South Carolina man has been charged with murder after authorities say he ” fired multiple random rounds at passing vehicles , ” resulting in the death of 8-year-old Quarius Dunham . A South Carolina man has been charged with murder after authorities say he “ fired multiple random rounds
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at passing vehicles , ” resulting in the death of an 8-year-old boy , according to a news release from Florence County Sheriff ’ s Office . On Saturday , May 28 , deputies with the Sheriff ’ s Office responded to a call of multiple shots fired at cars on Old River Road in Florence , South Carolina , the release stated . When deputies arrived they found a vehicle containing two victims – including the 8-year-old passenger – suffering from gunshot wounds . The victims were transported to an area hospital for medical treatment , however , the child – who the release identified as Quarius Naqua Dunham – died from his injuries . The child ’ s father , the driver of the vehicle , was struck in the leg . His injuries were not believed to be life-threatening , authorities said . According to CNN affiliate WBTW , the child ’ s mother was also in the car but was not injured . The family , who are from New Hampshire , were in South Carolina for vacation , WBTW reported . The suspect , who authorities identified as Charles Montgomery Allen , was located a short time later by a Florence County Sheriff ’ s Office SWAT team . He was taken into custody following a “ brief standoff ” at his residence , the release stated . He has been charged with murder , attempted murder , discharging a firearm into an occupied vehicle and possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime . The Sheriff ’ s Office news release states that , as yet , “ no motive has been determined for the shooting. ” Allen is being held without bond at the Florence County Detention Center .
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Top Biden administration officials met in-person with the Taliban on Saturday for the first time since al Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri was killed by the US in his apartment in Kabul in late July, two officials familiar with the talks said. The administration sent the CIA’s deputy director and the top State Department official responsible for Afghanistan to the Qatari capital of Doha for the talks with the Taliban delegation which included their head of intelligence, Abdul Haq Wasiq. After Zawahiri was killed in a strike, the US accused the Taliban of a “clear and blatant violation of the Doha agreement, “brokered by the Trump administration, which said that the Taliban would not harbor terrorists if US forces withdrew from Afghanistan, which they did in August 2021. After a US drone fired fatal Hellfire missiles at Zawahiri, American officials accused Taliban leaders from the Haqqani network of knowing about Zawahiri’s whereabouts while the Taliban angrily condemned the operation. Since then, the US has continued to engage with the Taliban, including negotiating the release of US citizen Mark Frerichs. But senior officials had not met face-to-face since a few days before Zawahiri was killed on July 31. The presence of CIA Deputy Director David Cohen and the Taliban’s Wasiq at the meeting on Saturday indicates an emphasis on counterterrorism. The White House last month called cooperation with the Taliban on counterterrorism “a work in progress.” Cohen was accompanied by the State Department’s Special Representative for Afghanistan, Tom West, who has often led engagement with the Taliban since the US withdrawal last year. Frerichs was released almost three weeks ago after more than two years in captivity, with help from Qatar. Administration officials said they said spent months negotiating with the Taliban for his release and had warned
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Top Biden administration officials met in-person with the Taliban on Saturday for the first time since al Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri was killed by the US in his apartment in Kabul in late July , two officials familiar with the talks said . The administration sent the CIA ’ s
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deputy director and the top State Department official responsible for Afghanistan to the Qatari capital of Doha for the talks with the Taliban delegation which included their head of intelligence , Abdul Haq Wasiq . After Zawahiri was killed in a strike , the US accused the Taliban of a “ clear and blatant violation of the Doha agreement , “ brokered by the Trump administration , which said that the Taliban would not harbor terrorists if US forces withdrew from Afghanistan , which they did in August 2021 . After a US drone fired fatal Hellfire missiles at Zawahiri , American officials accused Taliban leaders from the Haqqani network of knowing about Zawahiri ’ s whereabouts while the Taliban angrily condemned the operation . Since then , the US has continued to engage with the Taliban , including negotiating the release of US citizen Mark Frerichs . But senior officials had not met face-to-face since a few days before Zawahiri was killed on July 31 . The presence of CIA Deputy Director David Cohen and the Taliban ’ s Wasiq at the meeting on Saturday indicates an emphasis on counterterrorism . The White House last month called cooperation with the Taliban on counterterrorism “ a work in progress. ” Cohen was accompanied by the State Department ’ s Special Representative for Afghanistan , Tom West , who has often led engagement with the Taliban since the US withdrawal last year . Frerichs was released almost three weeks ago after more than two years in captivity , with help from Qatar . Administration officials said they said spent months negotiating with the Taliban for his release and had warned
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The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health is recommending residents avoid swimming and surfing at multiple ocean beaches because of sewage discharge. Closure signs have been posted at RAT (Right After Torrance/Redondo) Beach in the southernmost section of Torrance Beach, and that closure will remain in effect until bacterial levels meet health standards, the department said in a release. The closed beach is about 30 miles southwest of downtown Los Angeles. The department also issued warnings to swimmers at Santa Monica Pier, Redondo Beach Pier and Mother’s Beach in Marina Del Rey due to bacterial levels that exceed health standards. Those areas are still open. The warning means that “bacteria levels in the beach water may cause illness, and local health officers are recommending to the public to stay out of the water in areas where the signs are visible,” according to the State Water Resources Control Board. The news comes as a prolonged record-setting heat wave continues to swelter the Golden State.
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The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health is recommending residents avoid swimming and surfing at multiple ocean beaches because of sewage discharge . Closure signs have been posted at RAT ( Right After Torrance/Redondo ) Beach in the southernmost section of Torrance Beach , and that closure will remain
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in effect until bacterial levels meet health standards , the department said in a release . The closed beach is about 30 miles southwest of downtown Los Angeles . The department also issued warnings to swimmers at Santa Monica Pier , Redondo Beach Pier and Mother ’ s Beach in Marina Del Rey due to bacterial levels that exceed health standards . Those areas are still open . The warning means that “ bacteria levels in the beach water may cause illness , and local health officers are recommending to the public to stay out of the water in areas where the signs are visible , ” according to the State Water Resources Control Board . The news comes as a prolonged record-setting heat wave continues to swelter the Golden State .
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More than 300 people stayed overnight at the El Paso Convention Center in Texas, as the community works to accommodate a growing number of migrants, El Paso’s Strategic Communications Director Laura Cruz-Acosta told CNN via email Saturday. The city recently declared a state of emergency as thousands of migrants have arrived in the city in anticipation of Title 42, a Trump-era border policy, possibly being overturned. In order to aid the migrants, El Paso Office of Emergency Management activated its Emergency Operations Center on Monday, according to a news release by the city. The move came after the El Paso City Council had unanimously approved an emergency ordinance, which extends the disaster declaration issued by El Paso Mayor Oscar Leeser on December 17. The ordinance will now remain in effect until January 17. Meanwhile, the Department of Homeland Security has warned migrants against illegal immigration in the midst of cold weather, saying in a statement the agency would continue to “fully enforce our immigration and public health laws at the border.” “As temperatures remain dangerously low all along the border, no one should put their lives in the hands of smugglers, or risk life and limb attempting to cross only to be returned,” the statement said. The local disaster declaration allows the community to take actions such as formally implementing provisions of emergency plans, and, if necessary, implementing economic stabilization measures such as price, wage, and rent controls, the release said. The declaration also allows for selected codes and ordinances to be suspended, which would allow the use of facilities such as schools to be used as shelters. “Right now, we have about 1,000 beds set up in the Convention Center,” Cruz-Acosta told CNN via email. “We can expand the Convention Center to accommodate up to approximately 1,500.” El Paso was also recently awarded an additional $4.39 million in
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More than 300 people stayed overnight at the El Paso Convention Center in Texas , as the community works to accommodate a growing number of migrants , El Paso ’ s Strategic Communications Director Laura Cruz-Acosta told CNN via email Saturday . The city recently declared a state of emergency
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as thousands of migrants have arrived in the city in anticipation of Title 42 , a Trump-era border policy , possibly being overturned . In order to aid the migrants , El Paso Office of Emergency Management activated its Emergency Operations Center on Monday , according to a news release by the city . The move came after the El Paso City Council had unanimously approved an emergency ordinance , which extends the disaster declaration issued by El Paso Mayor Oscar Leeser on December 17 . The ordinance will now remain in effect until January 17 . Meanwhile , the Department of Homeland Security has warned migrants against illegal immigration in the midst of cold weather , saying in a statement the agency would continue to “ fully enforce our immigration and public health laws at the border. ” “ As temperatures remain dangerously low all along the border , no one should put their lives in the hands of smugglers , or risk life and limb attempting to cross only to be returned , ” the statement said . The local disaster declaration allows the community to take actions such as formally implementing provisions of emergency plans , and , if necessary , implementing economic stabilization measures such as price , wage , and rent controls , the release said . The declaration also allows for selected codes and ordinances to be suspended , which would allow the use of facilities such as schools to be used as shelters . “ Right now , we have about 1,000 beds set up in the Convention Center , ” Cruz-Acosta told CNN via email . “ We can expand the Convention Center to accommodate up to approximately 1,500. ” El Paso was also recently awarded an additional $ 4.39 million in
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Russia’s space agency, Roscosmos, will no longer deliver Russian-made rocket engines to the United States, Roscosmos head Dmitry Rogozin said on state television, ending a decades-long relationship between US and Russian rocket makers. The US military is racking up deals with commercial rocket companies to explore the idea of using rockets typically tasked with launching satellites or astronauts to shuttle military cargo around the world at record speeds. “Today we have made a decision to halt the deliveries of rocket engines produced by NPO Energomash to the United States,” Rogozin said, according to the Russian news site Tass. “Let me remind you that these deliveries had been quite intensive somewhere since the mid-1990s,” Rogozin said. Tass reported that the ban will apply to RD-180 engines that power US-based United Launch Alliance’s (ULA) Atlas V rockets. ULA’s CEO, Tory Bruno, however said via Twitter that ULA has already taken delivery of the RD-180s it needs in the near-term, and he does not foresee the fallout from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine having any impact on ULA’s operations. ULA, a private space transport company, is in the process of abandoning its line of Atlas rockets in favor of a new line of rockets, called Vulcan, that will use engines made by Jeff Bezos’ US-based rocket company Blue Origin. It’s not clear when that rocket will be ready to fly. The ban also applies to RD-181 engines that are used on Northrop Grumman’s Antares rockets, according to Russian state media. Those rockets are used to power uncrewed resupply missions to the International Space Station. Northrop Grumman did not immediately respond to requests for comment. “As of today, there were plans to deliver an additional 12 RD-181 engines in 2022-2024 and talks were also held with the United States on the delivery of RD-181M engines with improved operational characteristics, but we believe that in
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Russia ’ s space agency , Roscosmos , will no longer deliver Russian-made rocket engines to the United States , Roscosmos head Dmitry Rogozin said on state television , ending a decades-long relationship between US and Russian rocket makers . The US military is racking up deals with commercial rocket
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companies to explore the idea of using rockets typically tasked with launching satellites or astronauts to shuttle military cargo around the world at record speeds . “ Today we have made a decision to halt the deliveries of rocket engines produced by NPO Energomash to the United States , ” Rogozin said , according to the Russian news site Tass . “ Let me remind you that these deliveries had been quite intensive somewhere since the mid-1990s , ” Rogozin said . Tass reported that the ban will apply to RD-180 engines that power US-based United Launch Alliance ’ s ( ULA ) Atlas V rockets . ULA ’ s CEO , Tory Bruno , however said via Twitter that ULA has already taken delivery of the RD-180s it needs in the near-term , and he does not foresee the fallout from Russia ’ s invasion of Ukraine having any impact on ULA ’ s operations . ULA , a private space transport company , is in the process of abandoning its line of Atlas rockets in favor of a new line of rockets , called Vulcan , that will use engines made by Jeff Bezos ’ US-based rocket company Blue Origin . It ’ s not clear when that rocket will be ready to fly . The ban also applies to RD-181 engines that are used on Northrop Grumman ’ s Antares rockets , according to Russian state media . Those rockets are used to power uncrewed resupply missions to the International Space Station . Northrop Grumman did not immediately respond to requests for comment . “ As of today , there were plans to deliver an additional 12 RD-181 engines in 2022-2024 and talks were also held with the United States on the delivery of RD-181M engines with improved operational characteristics , but we believe that in
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A shooting during a ballgame at an Atlanta park Sunday left two people dead and four wounded, including a 6-year-old who was in critical condition, Atlanta police said. The violence began during a baseball or softball game at Dunbar Recreational Center inside Rosa L. Burney Park in southwest Atlanta around 7 p.m. Sunday, Deputy Chief Charles Hampton said. The game was interrupted by an argument that escalated to an exchange of gunfire, and six people were shot, he said. A man in his 30s and an adult woman were shot and killed, while a 6-year-old was struck and transported to Children’s Egleston Hospital in critical condition, Hampton said. The other four victims were in stable condition, he said. Police released images of a person of interest, whom they previously identified as a suspect in error, and are asking the public to help identify them by contacting the Atlanta Police Department’s homicide unit or submitting a tip to Crime Stoppers. The Atlanta Police Department release indicates that those who provide information about the case may be eligible for a potential reward of up to $2,000. After first publicly identifying the individual as a suspect on Monday, the Atlanta Police Department corrected its characterization to a person of interest Tuesday morning. Atlanta police Sgt. John Chafee told CNN in an email that the department’s homicide investigators labeled him as a person of interest, but that the Public Affairs Office incorrectly labeled him as a suspect in Monday’s release. Investigators want to identify and speak with the individual to help further their investigation, he said. Police are still investigating what happened and what relationship, if any, the six victims had to each other, Hampton said. “As we’ve said countless times, we’re just asking the citizens just to find a way to resolve conflict without weapons. We’re just asking people to step aw
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A shooting during a ballgame at an Atlanta park Sunday left two people dead and four wounded , including a 6-year-old who was in critical condition , Atlanta police said . The violence began during a baseball or softball game at Dunbar Recreational Center inside Rosa L. Burney Park in
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southwest Atlanta around 7 p.m. Sunday , Deputy Chief Charles Hampton said . The game was interrupted by an argument that escalated to an exchange of gunfire , and six people were shot , he said . A man in his 30s and an adult woman were shot and killed , while a 6-year-old was struck and transported to Children ’ s Egleston Hospital in critical condition , Hampton said . The other four victims were in stable condition , he said . Police released images of a person of interest , whom they previously identified as a suspect in error , and are asking the public to help identify them by contacting the Atlanta Police Department ’ s homicide unit or submitting a tip to Crime Stoppers . The Atlanta Police Department release indicates that those who provide information about the case may be eligible for a potential reward of up to $ 2,000 . After first publicly identifying the individual as a suspect on Monday , the Atlanta Police Department corrected its characterization to a person of interest Tuesday morning . Atlanta police Sgt . John Chafee told CNN in an email that the department ’ s homicide investigators labeled him as a person of interest , but that the Public Affairs Office incorrectly labeled him as a suspect in Monday ’ s release . Investigators want to identify and speak with the individual to help further their investigation , he said . Police are still investigating what happened and what relationship , if any , the six victims had to each other , Hampton said . “ As we ’ ve said countless times , we ’ re just asking the citizens just to find a way to resolve conflict without weapons . We ’ re just asking people to step aw
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China is urging college graduates to seek jobs in the countryside as youth unemployment in urban areas soars to the highest level in history. Local governments should attract college graduates to work as village officials, according to a joint statement issued last week by the ministries of education, finance, civil affairs, and human resources and social security. The government will offer tax incentives and loans to college graduates who start businesses to serve the rural community, the statement added. Similar benefits will be offered to existing small businesses in villages that hire college graduates, including in fields such as housekeeping and elderly care. Typically, college graduates in China prefer to work for well-paying companies in major cities, and there is a significant income gap between rural and urban areas. But this is not the first time in recent years that the government has urged them to seek employment in the nation’s vast but less developed countryside. In July 2020, when the initial coronavirus outbreak hit the Chinese economy, authorities encouraged college graduates to move to rural areas, rather than clustering in cities and fighting for limited job opportunities. These appeals have reminded many on Chinese social media of a government initiative in the tumultuous days of the founder of Communist China, Mao Zedong. Known as the “Up to the Mountains and Down to the Countryside Movement,” the original policy was launched by Communist leaders in the 1960s, ostensibly to move privileged urban youth to far-flung corners to learn about farming and politics from poverty-stricken peasants. The result: China’s “lost generation” who squandered their best years in the countryside. But, this year, students are running out of options. Chinese college graduates are facing the toughest graduation season as a record 10.76 million are set to finish college in the next two months.
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China is urging college graduates to seek jobs in the countryside as youth unemployment in urban areas soars to the highest level in history . Local governments should attract college graduates to work as village officials , according to a joint statement issued last week by the ministries of education
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, finance , civil affairs , and human resources and social security . The government will offer tax incentives and loans to college graduates who start businesses to serve the rural community , the statement added . Similar benefits will be offered to existing small businesses in villages that hire college graduates , including in fields such as housekeeping and elderly care . Typically , college graduates in China prefer to work for well-paying companies in major cities , and there is a significant income gap between rural and urban areas . But this is not the first time in recent years that the government has urged them to seek employment in the nation ’ s vast but less developed countryside . In July 2020 , when the initial coronavirus outbreak hit the Chinese economy , authorities encouraged college graduates to move to rural areas , rather than clustering in cities and fighting for limited job opportunities . These appeals have reminded many on Chinese social media of a government initiative in the tumultuous days of the founder of Communist China , Mao Zedong . Known as the “ Up to the Mountains and Down to the Countryside Movement , ” the original policy was launched by Communist leaders in the 1960s , ostensibly to move privileged urban youth to far-flung corners to learn about farming and politics from poverty-stricken peasants . The result : China ’ s “ lost generation ” who squandered their best years in the countryside . But , this year , students are running out of options . Chinese college graduates are facing the toughest graduation season as a record 10.76 million are set to finish college in the next two months .
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UK workers have suffered the biggest drop in their spending power in more than 20 years as prices keep soaring. Average real wages — which account for inflation — fell by 3% between April and June compared with the same period last year, according to data from the Office for National Statistics published Tuesday. “The real value of pay continues to fall. Excluding bonuses, it is still dropping faster than at any time since comparable records began in 2001,” Darren Morgan, director of economic statistics at the ONS, said in a tweet. Regular pay (excluding bonuses) was up 4.7% between April and June, the ONS said, but with prices rising at a much faster rate, employees are left worse off. Inflation has soared to 9.4%, a 40-year high, pushing the Bank of England to raise interest rates six times since December, and prices are projected to go even higher later this year. On Tuesday, data firm Kantar said that UK grocery price inflation hit 11.6% over the past four weeks, the highest level it had seen in 14 years of tracking the data. Average annual shopping bills are up by £533 ($640). Colossal rises in energy bills — the average annual bill has already jumped 54% this year to hit nearly £2,000 ($2,410) — have plunged millions of Britons into a cost-of-living crisis, forcing many to choose between “heating or eating.” Further pain is on the way. Annual energy bills for millions of households could top £5,000 ($6,000) next spring, according to estimates by research firm Auxilione. “As real wages fall, the pressure on low-income families grows ever greater. It’s simply not right that people are having to make increasingly impossible decisions about which essentials to give up,” the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, an anti-poverty charity, said in a Tuesday tweet. UK workers have been clamoring for pay rises in recent months to manage the squeeze. In June, thousands of rail workers went on strike to dema
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UK workers have suffered the biggest drop in their spending power in more than 20 years as prices keep soaring . Average real wages — which account for inflation — fell by 3 % between April and June compared with the same period last year , according to data from
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the Office for National Statistics published Tuesday . “ The real value of pay continues to fall . Excluding bonuses , it is still dropping faster than at any time since comparable records began in 2001 , ” Darren Morgan , director of economic statistics at the ONS , said in a tweet . Regular pay ( excluding bonuses ) was up 4.7 % between April and June , the ONS said , but with prices rising at a much faster rate , employees are left worse off . Inflation has soared to 9.4 % , a 40-year high , pushing the Bank of England to raise interest rates six times since December , and prices are projected to go even higher later this year . On Tuesday , data firm Kantar said that UK grocery price inflation hit 11.6 % over the past four weeks , the highest level it had seen in 14 years of tracking the data . Average annual shopping bills are up by £533 ( $ 640 ) . Colossal rises in energy bills — the average annual bill has already jumped 54 % this year to hit nearly £2,000 ( $ 2,410 ) — have plunged millions of Britons into a cost-of-living crisis , forcing many to choose between “ heating or eating. ” Further pain is on the way . Annual energy bills for millions of households could top £5,000 ( $ 6,000 ) next spring , according to estimates by research firm Auxilione . “ As real wages fall , the pressure on low-income families grows ever greater . It ’ s simply not right that people are having to make increasingly impossible decisions about which essentials to give up , ” the Joseph Rowntree Foundation , an anti-poverty charity , said in a Tuesday tweet . UK workers have been clamoring for pay rises in recent months to manage the squeeze . In June , thousands of rail workers went on strike to dema
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Here’s what else you need to know to Get Up to Speed and On with Your Day. It’s Groundhog Day, and according to tradition, we’ll get six more weeks of winter if furry Phil sees his shadow. Shadow or not, forecasts are showing a powerful storm brewing that threatens to bring a potentially crippling combination of snow and ice across much of the US. More than 90 million people are currently under winter weather alerts from the Rockies to New England. Here’s what you need to know to Get Up to Speed and On with Your Day. (You can also get “5 Things You Need to Know Today” delivered to your inbox daily. Sign up here.) Russian President Vladimir Putin says the US and NATO have “ignored” the Kremlin’s key security concerns over Ukraine. For weeks, Putin had said little publicly about the crisis sparked by Russia’s buildup of tens of thousands of troops near Ukraine’s border, which has raised fears of a possible invasion. At a news conference yesterday, Putin said three key requirements remain unmet and also accused the US directly of attempting to draw Russia into an armed conflict to force “allies in Europe to impose the very tough sanctions” against them, or to “draw Ukraine into NATO.” Putin did not offer any solutions during his comments, but he did say he was open to more talks. Children younger than 5 in the US could soon begin receiving Covid-19 vaccinations. Pfizer and BioNTech are requesting emergency use authorization for their two-dose Covid-19 vaccine for children age 6 months up to 5 years. The companies are aiming to complete their submission process within the coming days, which will then be reviewed by the FDA’s vaccine advisory committee on February 15. The Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine is already authorized for use in people as young as 5, and the approval would be the first Covid-19 vaccine available for the youngest children. Since the start of the pandemic, at least 11.4
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Here ’ s what else you need to know to Get Up to Speed and On with Your Day . It ’ s Groundhog Day , and according to tradition , we ’ ll get six more weeks of winter if furry Phil sees his shadow . Shadow or not
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, forecasts are showing a powerful storm brewing that threatens to bring a potentially crippling combination of snow and ice across much of the US . More than 90 million people are currently under winter weather alerts from the Rockies to New England . Here ’ s what you need to know to Get Up to Speed and On with Your Day . ( You can also get “ 5 Things You Need to Know Today ” delivered to your inbox daily . Sign up here . ) Russian President Vladimir Putin says the US and NATO have “ ignored ” the Kremlin ’ s key security concerns over Ukraine . For weeks , Putin had said little publicly about the crisis sparked by Russia ’ s buildup of tens of thousands of troops near Ukraine ’ s border , which has raised fears of a possible invasion . At a news conference yesterday , Putin said three key requirements remain unmet and also accused the US directly of attempting to draw Russia into an armed conflict to force “ allies in Europe to impose the very tough sanctions ” against them , or to “ draw Ukraine into NATO. ” Putin did not offer any solutions during his comments , but he did say he was open to more talks . Children younger than 5 in the US could soon begin receiving Covid-19 vaccinations . Pfizer and BioNTech are requesting emergency use authorization for their two-dose Covid-19 vaccine for children age 6 months up to 5 years . The companies are aiming to complete their submission process within the coming days , which will then be reviewed by the FDA ’ s vaccine advisory committee on February 15 . The Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine is already authorized for use in people as young as 5 , and the approval would be the first Covid-19 vaccine available for the youngest children . Since the start of the pandemic , at least 11.4
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Despite making up one quarter of the world’s population, Muslims are severely underrepresented on television – and when they are represented, they’re depicted as shallow stereotypes, according to a new study. Researchers from the University of Southern California’s Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism analyzed over 200 TV series that aired between 2018 and 2019, hoping to understand how Muslims were portrayed on popular shows. They found that only 1% of speaking characters were Muslim – whereas 25% of the world’s population is Muslim. And across the 200 TV series, only 12 series regulars were Muslim, the study found. Seven of those Muslim series regulars were perpetrators or targets of physical violence – part of the pervasive stereotyping of Muslim characters, according to the researchers. The research focused on scripted, episodic series from the US, United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand. A total of 87% of the shows studied didn’t include even one Muslim speaking character, says the study. The Muslims that were portrayed tended to follow stereotypes – and they lacked the diversity that characterizes the real Muslim population, according to the study. Over half of Muslim speaking characters were men, and they were mostly Middle Eastern. Very few Muslims were identified with the LGBTQ community and none were shown with a disability, the researchers found. The researchers identified several tropes that dominated the depiction of Muslim characters on TV. Muslims tended to be depicted as “foreign,” speaking accented English or not speaking English at all. Almost a third of Muslim speaking characters were violent against other characters – and 40% were the targets of violence. Muslim women tended to be depicted as “fearful and endangered,” according to the study. They were shown mostly as the victims of threats and violence.
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Despite making up one quarter of the world ’ s population , Muslims are severely underrepresented on television – and when they are represented , they ’ re depicted as shallow stereotypes , according to a new study . Researchers from the University of Southern California ’ s Annenberg School
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for Communication and Journalism analyzed over 200 TV series that aired between 2018 and 2019 , hoping to understand how Muslims were portrayed on popular shows . They found that only 1 % of speaking characters were Muslim – whereas 25 % of the world ’ s population is Muslim . And across the 200 TV series , only 12 series regulars were Muslim , the study found . Seven of those Muslim series regulars were perpetrators or targets of physical violence – part of the pervasive stereotyping of Muslim characters , according to the researchers . The research focused on scripted , episodic series from the US , United Kingdom , Australia , and New Zealand . A total of 87 % of the shows studied didn ’ t include even one Muslim speaking character , says the study . The Muslims that were portrayed tended to follow stereotypes – and they lacked the diversity that characterizes the real Muslim population , according to the study . Over half of Muslim speaking characters were men , and they were mostly Middle Eastern . Very few Muslims were identified with the LGBTQ community and none were shown with a disability , the researchers found . The researchers identified several tropes that dominated the depiction of Muslim characters on TV . Muslims tended to be depicted as “ foreign , ” speaking accented English or not speaking English at all . Almost a third of Muslim speaking characters were violent against other characters – and 40 % were the targets of violence . Muslim women tended to be depicted as “ fearful and endangered , ” according to the study . They were shown mostly as the victims of threats and violence .
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Chris Rock is still not saying how he feels about getting slapped by Will Smith, but he is still making passing jokes about the incident. The comedian was on stage in Atlanta on Friday night as part of his “Chris Rock Ego Death World Tour,” hours after Smith posted a nearly six-minute video saying he’s “deeply remorseful” for slapping Rock during the Academy Awards in March. Rock has made subtle nods to the slap in comedy shows in the months since, but he has not publicly addressed it at length. He took the same approach during his performance on Friday. “Everybody is trying to be a f—ing victim. If everybody claims to be a victim, then nobody will hear the real victims,” Rock said. “Even me getting smacked by Suge Smith … I went to work the next day, I got kids.” He later quipped, “Anyone who says words hurt has never been punched in the face.” Smith charged the stage and hit Rock after he made a joke about his wife, Jada Pinkett Smith’s hairstyle, who suffers from alopecia. In the video posted on his social media accounts, a solemn Smith starts with a message on screen: “Over the last few months, I’ve been doing a lot of thinking and personal work. … You asked a lot of fair questions that I wanted to take some time to answer,” it reads. Smith sighs then offers his thoughts about an altercation that made headlines worldwide and tarnished his image. He explains why he didn’t apologize to Rock during his Oscar win acceptance speech for best actor in “King Richard.” “I was fogged out by that point,” he says. “It’s all fuzzy.” Smith says he’s tried to contact Rock, but he indicated he’s not ready to talk and will reach out when he is. “So I will say to you Chris, I apologize to you. My behavior was unacceptable and I’m here whenever you are ready to talk.” Smith also apologized to Rock’s family, including his mother, family and his brother, Tony Rock, who starred in the 2007 sit
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Chris Rock is still not saying how he feels about getting slapped by Will Smith , but he is still making passing jokes about the incident . The comedian was on stage in Atlanta on Friday night as part of his “ Chris Rock Ego Death World Tour , ”
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hours after Smith posted a nearly six-minute video saying he ’ s “ deeply remorseful ” for slapping Rock during the Academy Awards in March . Rock has made subtle nods to the slap in comedy shows in the months since , but he has not publicly addressed it at length . He took the same approach during his performance on Friday . “ Everybody is trying to be a f—ing victim . If everybody claims to be a victim , then nobody will hear the real victims , ” Rock said . “ Even me getting smacked by Suge Smith … I went to work the next day , I got kids. ” He later quipped , “ Anyone who says words hurt has never been punched in the face. ” Smith charged the stage and hit Rock after he made a joke about his wife , Jada Pinkett Smith ’ s hairstyle , who suffers from alopecia . In the video posted on his social media accounts , a solemn Smith starts with a message on screen : “ Over the last few months , I ’ ve been doing a lot of thinking and personal work . … You asked a lot of fair questions that I wanted to take some time to answer , ” it reads . Smith sighs then offers his thoughts about an altercation that made headlines worldwide and tarnished his image . He explains why he didn ’ t apologize to Rock during his Oscar win acceptance speech for best actor in “ King Richard. ” “ I was fogged out by that point , ” he says . “ It ’ s all fuzzy. ” Smith says he ’ s tried to contact Rock , but he indicated he ’ s not ready to talk and will reach out when he is . “ So I will say to you Chris , I apologize to you . My behavior was unacceptable and I ’ m here whenever you are ready to talk. ” Smith also apologized to Rock ’ s family , including his mother , family and his brother , Tony Rock , who starred in the 2007 sit
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Newly downgraded US intelligence suggests the Russian mercenary group Wagner has assumed expanded influence and is recruiting convicts – including some with serious medical conditions – from prisons to supplement Moscow’s flagging military. The group recently took delivery of arms from North Korea, a top US official said, a sign of its growing role in the war in Ukraine. And the US believes Wagner could be locked in a power battle with the Russian military itself as it jockeys for influence with the Kremlin. “In certain instances, Russian military officials are actually subordinate to Wagner’s command,” said John Kirby, the strategic communications coordinator at the National Security Council. “It’s pretty apparent to us that Wagner is emerging as a rival power center to the Russian military and other Russian ministries.” The revelations about the Wagner group came a day after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s historic visit to Washington, where he thanked the United States for its military assistance and said more was needed to fend off Russian advances. Wagner has emerged as a key player in the 10-month conflict. The group is often described as President Vladimir Putin’s off-the-books troops. It has expanded its footprint globally since its creation in 2014, and has been accused of war crimes in Africa, Syria and Ukraine. On Wednesday, the US applied new restrictions on Wagner’s access to technology exports. Kirby said the US estimates Wagner currently has about 50,000 personnel deployed inside Ukraine, of which 40,000 could be convicts recruited from Russian prisons. He said the group was spending $100 million per month to fund its operations in Ukraine. The group’s founder, Yevgeny Prigozhin, has even traveled personally to Russian prisons to recruit convicts himself to go to the front lines and fight. Some of them suffer from “serious medical conditi
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Newly downgraded US intelligence suggests the Russian mercenary group Wagner has assumed expanded influence and is recruiting convicts – including some with serious medical conditions – from prisons to supplement Moscow ’ s flagging military . The group recently took delivery of arms from North Korea , a top US
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official said , a sign of its growing role in the war in Ukraine . And the US believes Wagner could be locked in a power battle with the Russian military itself as it jockeys for influence with the Kremlin . “ In certain instances , Russian military officials are actually subordinate to Wagner ’ s command , ” said John Kirby , the strategic communications coordinator at the National Security Council . “ It ’ s pretty apparent to us that Wagner is emerging as a rival power center to the Russian military and other Russian ministries. ” The revelations about the Wagner group came a day after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky ’ s historic visit to Washington , where he thanked the United States for its military assistance and said more was needed to fend off Russian advances . Wagner has emerged as a key player in the 10-month conflict . The group is often described as President Vladimir Putin ’ s off-the-books troops . It has expanded its footprint globally since its creation in 2014 , and has been accused of war crimes in Africa , Syria and Ukraine . On Wednesday , the US applied new restrictions on Wagner ’ s access to technology exports . Kirby said the US estimates Wagner currently has about 50,000 personnel deployed inside Ukraine , of which 40,000 could be convicts recruited from Russian prisons . He said the group was spending $ 100 million per month to fund its operations in Ukraine . The group ’ s founder , Yevgeny Prigozhin , has even traveled personally to Russian prisons to recruit convicts himself to go to the front lines and fight . Some of them suffer from “ serious medical conditi
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Real-life cats, possibly the most disinterested animals on the planet, are getting into gaming. Cats, possibly the most disinterested animals on the planet, are getting into gaming. “Stray,” a new game from BlueTwelve Studio and Annapurna Interactive publishing for PlayStations 4 and 5, allows you to play as a cat living in a dystopian world. Turns out, it’s so realistic looking, housecats have been caught staring at it and mimicking it for hours on end. Players are rewarded by existing as a cat in the game. You can do all the things that make cats, well, cats. Gamers can meow, wander around outside, clean themselves, sleep a lot, scratch furniture, knock things off tables, eat. “Stray” players have been posting their own cats watching the game on social media, copying the cats in the game, staring at screens. There’s even a Cats Watching Stray Twiiter account now, with gamers posting their cats reacting to the game. One woman posted a video of her cat blocking the screen, writing, “My cat wont let me play this game.” One fan has a houseful of cats gathered around the television watching together, writing, “Let’s start meow button.” In the game, human players can also meow on command with the push of a button. One gamer’s cat started meowing back. Online reviews for the game have been mostly positive … or should we say pawsitive. Had to. Meow.
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Real-life cats , possibly the most disinterested animals on the planet , are getting into gaming . Cats , possibly the most disinterested animals on the planet , are getting into gaming . “ Stray , ” a new game from BlueTwelve Studio and Annapurna Interactive publishing for PlayStations 4
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and 5 , allows you to play as a cat living in a dystopian world . Turns out , it ’ s so realistic looking , housecats have been caught staring at it and mimicking it for hours on end . Players are rewarded by existing as a cat in the game . You can do all the things that make cats , well , cats . Gamers can meow , wander around outside , clean themselves , sleep a lot , scratch furniture , knock things off tables , eat . “ Stray ” players have been posting their own cats watching the game on social media , copying the cats in the game , staring at screens . There ’ s even a Cats Watching Stray Twiiter account now , with gamers posting their cats reacting to the game . One woman posted a video of her cat blocking the screen , writing , “ My cat wont let me play this game. ” One fan has a houseful of cats gathered around the television watching together , writing , “ Let ’ s start meow button. ” In the game , human players can also meow on command with the push of a button . One gamer ’ s cat started meowing back . Online reviews for the game have been mostly positive … or should we say pawsitive . Had to . Meow .
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Popeyes started the chicken sandwich wars in 2019 — and it’s adding a new entree to the battle. The $4.99 Buffalo Ranch Chicken Sandwich is available for a limited time starting Tuesday, and it features classic ingredients with a twist: hand-battered crispy chicken on a brioche bun with pickles, but topped with a new sauce that’s a mix of buttermilk ranch and spicy buffalo. When Popeyes first launched its chicken sandwich three years ago, the product sold out within a couple of weeks. Customers again turned out in droves when the sandwich returned to menus a few months later, once Popeyes had secured more supply of the ingredients. Since then, the chicken sandwich has been a hugely important item for Popeyes. In 2020, the chain’s restaurants open at least 17 months jumped 13.8%, thanks in part to customer interest in the chain’s chicken sandwich. But Popeyes’ runaway success with the chicken sandwich has significantly increased competition. McDonald’s, KFC, Wendy’s and others have launched their own new chicken offerings, and those efforts are paying off. “Chicken sandwich volumes remain pressured by competitors which … started making their sandwich debuts in early 2021,” said Jose Cil, CEO of Popeyes’ parent company Restaurant Brands International
(QSR), during a February analyst call. In the first three months of this year, sales at stores open at least 17 months fell 3%, according to financial results posted Tuesday. In the United States, sales at those restaurants fell 4.6%. As rivals’ efforts continue to weigh on sales, Popeyes is hoping the Buffalo Ranch Chicken Sandwich will entice customers. Popeyes has also used its own original chicken sandwich as inspiration for other new products. In February 2021, the chain introduced a limited-time fish version made with flounder. The following summer, it added chicken nuggets to the menu. And in October, Popeyes partnered with
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Popeyes started the chicken sandwich wars in 2019 — and it ’ s adding a new entree to the battle . The $ 4.99 Buffalo Ranch Chicken Sandwich is available for a limited time starting Tuesday , and it features classic ingredients with a twist : hand-battered crispy chicken on
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a brioche bun with pickles , but topped with a new sauce that ’ s a mix of buttermilk ranch and spicy buffalo . When Popeyes first launched its chicken sandwich three years ago , the product sold out within a couple of weeks . Customers again turned out in droves when the sandwich returned to menus a few months later , once Popeyes had secured more supply of the ingredients . Since then , the chicken sandwich has been a hugely important item for Popeyes . In 2020 , the chain ’ s restaurants open at least 17 months jumped 13.8 % , thanks in part to customer interest in the chain ’ s chicken sandwich . But Popeyes ’ runaway success with the chicken sandwich has significantly increased competition . McDonald ’ s , KFC , Wendy ’ s and others have launched their own new chicken offerings , and those efforts are paying off . “ Chicken sandwich volumes remain pressured by competitors which … started making their sandwich debuts in early 2021 , ” said Jose Cil , CEO of Popeyes ’ parent company Restaurant Brands International ( QSR ) , during a February analyst call . In the first three months of this year , sales at stores open at least 17 months fell 3 % , according to financial results posted Tuesday . In the United States , sales at those restaurants fell 4.6 % . As rivals ’ efforts continue to weigh on sales , Popeyes is hoping the Buffalo Ranch Chicken Sandwich will entice customers . Popeyes has also used its own original chicken sandwich as inspiration for other new products . In February 2021 , the chain introduced a limited-time fish version made with flounder . The following summer , it added chicken nuggets to the menu . And in October , Popeyes partnered with
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Experts are eyeing a promising solution to reduce planet-warming emissions: your neighborhood big-box stores and shopping malls. As the US attempts to wean itself off its heavy reliance on fossil fuels and shift to cleaner energy sources, many experts are eyeing a promising solution: your neighborhood big-box stores and shopping malls. The rooftops and parking lot space available at retail giants like Walmart, Target and Costco is massive. And these largely empty spaces are being touted as untapped potential for solar power that could help the US reduce its dependency on foreign energy, slash planet-warming emissions and save companies millions of dollars in the process. At the IKEA store in Baltimore, installing solar panels on the roof and over the store’s parking lot cut the amount of energy it needed to purchase by 84%, slashing its costs by 57% from September to December of 2020, according to the company. (The panels also provide some beneficial shade to keep customers’ cars cool on hot, sunny days.) As of February 2021, IKEA had 54 solar arrays installed across 90% of its US locations. Big-box stores and shopping centers have enough roof space to produce half of their annual electricity needs from solar, according to a report from nonprofit Environment America and research firm Frontier Group. Leveraging the full rooftop solar potential of these superstores would generate enough electricity to power nearly 8 million average homes, the report concluded, and would cut the same amount of planet-warming emissions as pulling 11.3 million gas-powered cars off the road. The average Walmart store, for example, has 180,000 square feet of rooftop, according to the report. That’s roughly the size of three football fields and enough space to support solar energy that could power the equivalent of 200 homes, the report said. “Every roofto
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Experts are eyeing a promising solution to reduce planet-warming emissions : your neighborhood big-box stores and shopping malls . As the US attempts to wean itself off its heavy reliance on fossil fuels and shift to cleaner energy sources , many experts are eyeing a promising solution : your neighborhood
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big-box stores and shopping malls . The rooftops and parking lot space available at retail giants like Walmart , Target and Costco is massive . And these largely empty spaces are being touted as untapped potential for solar power that could help the US reduce its dependency on foreign energy , slash planet-warming emissions and save companies millions of dollars in the process . At the IKEA store in Baltimore , installing solar panels on the roof and over the store ’ s parking lot cut the amount of energy it needed to purchase by 84 % , slashing its costs by 57 % from September to December of 2020 , according to the company . ( The panels also provide some beneficial shade to keep customers ’ cars cool on hot , sunny days . ) As of February 2021 , IKEA had 54 solar arrays installed across 90 % of its US locations . Big-box stores and shopping centers have enough roof space to produce half of their annual electricity needs from solar , according to a report from nonprofit Environment America and research firm Frontier Group . Leveraging the full rooftop solar potential of these superstores would generate enough electricity to power nearly 8 million average homes , the report concluded , and would cut the same amount of planet-warming emissions as pulling 11.3 million gas-powered cars off the road . The average Walmart store , for example , has 180,000 square feet of rooftop , according to the report . That ’ s roughly the size of three football fields and enough space to support solar energy that could power the equivalent of 200 homes , the report said . “ Every roofto
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Lady Gaga’s dog walker was shot and her dogs stolen last year in an attack caught on home surveillance footage. One of the suspects was mistakenly released from custody Wednesday. One of the men charged in the shooting of Lady Gaga’s dog walker last year was mistakenly released from police custody Wednesday because of a “clerical error,” the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department confirmed to CNN. James Howard Jackson is one of five people charged for their alleged involvement in the February 2021 shooting and robbery. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department is now investigating Jackson’s “inadvertent release” from their custody after his scheduled court appearance on Wednesday. “Defendant Jackson attended court proceedings at the Clara Shortridge Criminal Justice Center on Tuesday, April 5, 2022, and was released from custody on Wednesday, April 6, 2022, due to a clerical error,” LASD said in a statement to CNN. LASD said the Major Crimes Bureau is actively searching for Jackson, who is facing attempted murder and robbery charges. CNN has reached out to the Los Angeles District Attorney’s office to determine if Jackson has legal representation. Home surveillance footage obtained by CNN shows the dog walker, Ryan Fischer, walking on Sierra Bonita Avenue before a light-colored sedan pulls up next to him and two men get out. Three men, including Jackson, had allegedly been driving around Los Angeles looking for French bulldogs when they spotted Fischer with Lady Gaga’s dogs, according to a felony criminal complaint. After two of the men jumped out of the car, they began to choke and hit Fischer in an attempt to take the dogs from him, the complaint says. In the video, Fischer can be heard yelling, “No, no” as he struggles with the two attackers. One of the men then shot Fischer and the trio fled with the two dogs, named Koji and Gustav. The dogs were later returned to
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Lady Gaga ’ s dog walker was shot and her dogs stolen last year in an attack caught on home surveillance footage . One of the suspects was mistakenly released from custody Wednesday . One of the men charged in the shooting of Lady Gaga ’ s dog walker last
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year was mistakenly released from police custody Wednesday because of a “ clerical error , ” the Los Angeles County Sheriff ’ s Department confirmed to CNN . James Howard Jackson is one of five people charged for their alleged involvement in the February 2021 shooting and robbery . The Los Angeles County Sheriff ’ s Department is now investigating Jackson ’ s “ inadvertent release ” from their custody after his scheduled court appearance on Wednesday . “ Defendant Jackson attended court proceedings at the Clara Shortridge Criminal Justice Center on Tuesday , April 5 , 2022 , and was released from custody on Wednesday , April 6 , 2022 , due to a clerical error , ” LASD said in a statement to CNN . LASD said the Major Crimes Bureau is actively searching for Jackson , who is facing attempted murder and robbery charges . CNN has reached out to the Los Angeles District Attorney ’ s office to determine if Jackson has legal representation . Home surveillance footage obtained by CNN shows the dog walker , Ryan Fischer , walking on Sierra Bonita Avenue before a light-colored sedan pulls up next to him and two men get out . Three men , including Jackson , had allegedly been driving around Los Angeles looking for French bulldogs when they spotted Fischer with Lady Gaga ’ s dogs , according to a felony criminal complaint . After two of the men jumped out of the car , they began to choke and hit Fischer in an attempt to take the dogs from him , the complaint says . In the video , Fischer can be heard yelling , “ No , no ” as he struggles with the two attackers . One of the men then shot Fischer and the trio fled with the two dogs , named Koji and Gustav . The dogs were later returned to
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Details continue to emerge about the May 14 shooting at a Buffalo, New York, supermarket and the 18-year-old who authorities say is responsible. Thirteen people – 11 of whom are African American – were shot, according to city officials, who have said the massacre was racially motivated, pointing in part to racist writing purportedly by the suspect. Ten were killed, while three victims suffered non-life-threatening injuries. The suspect – identified as Payton S. Gendron, an 18-year-old White man – surrendered to police. He pleaded not guilty to a charge of first-degree murder later that day, per Buffalo City Court Chief Judge Craig Hannah. Erie County District Attorney John Flynn said he expected to file additional charges. On June 1, a grand jury returned a 25 count indictment against Gendron. He is facing 10 counts of first-degree murder, 10 counts of second-degree murder as a hate crime and three counts of attempted murder as a hate crime, according to court documents. Gendron is also facing a charge of domestic terror and a weapons charge, court documents state. Gendron pleaded not guilty to the indictment, his attorney said in court Thursday afternoon. The FBI is investigating the shooting as both a hate crime and a case of racially motivated violent extremism, said Stephen Belongia, FBI special agent in charge of the Buffalo field office. Federal prosecutors are also working to bring charges against Gendron, law enforcement officials say. Here’s what we know about the shooting and the investigation. When the suspect arrived at the Tops Friendly Markets on Jefferson Avenue about 2:30 p.m., he was “very heavily armed,” according to Buffalo Police Commissioner Joseph Gramaglia. “He had tactical gear, he had a tactical helmet on, he had a camera that he was livestreaming what he was doing.” The suspect first opened fire in the store’s parking lot, aut
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Details continue to emerge about the May 14 shooting at a Buffalo , New York , supermarket and the 18-year-old who authorities say is responsible . Thirteen people – 11 of whom are African American – were shot , according to city officials , who have said the massacre was
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racially motivated , pointing in part to racist writing purportedly by the suspect . Ten were killed , while three victims suffered non-life-threatening injuries . The suspect – identified as Payton S. Gendron , an 18-year-old White man – surrendered to police . He pleaded not guilty to a charge of first-degree murder later that day , per Buffalo City Court Chief Judge Craig Hannah . Erie County District Attorney John Flynn said he expected to file additional charges . On June 1 , a grand jury returned a 25 count indictment against Gendron . He is facing 10 counts of first-degree murder , 10 counts of second-degree murder as a hate crime and three counts of attempted murder as a hate crime , according to court documents . Gendron is also facing a charge of domestic terror and a weapons charge , court documents state . Gendron pleaded not guilty to the indictment , his attorney said in court Thursday afternoon . The FBI is investigating the shooting as both a hate crime and a case of racially motivated violent extremism , said Stephen Belongia , FBI special agent in charge of the Buffalo field office . Federal prosecutors are also working to bring charges against Gendron , law enforcement officials say . Here ’ s what we know about the shooting and the investigation . When the suspect arrived at the Tops Friendly Markets on Jefferson Avenue about 2:30 p.m. , he was “ very heavily armed , ” according to Buffalo Police Commissioner Joseph Gramaglia . “ He had tactical gear , he had a tactical helmet on , he had a camera that he was livestreaming what he was doing. ” The suspect first opened fire in the store ’ s parking lot , aut
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There’s no deadline for the justices to rule. Title 42 remains in place at the moment. The Biden administration told the Supreme Court Tuesday that the justices should reject an emergency bid by a group of GOP-led states to keep the controversial Trump-era border restriction known as Title 42 in effect while legal challenges play out. But it also asked for the court to delay the ending of Title 42 until at least December 27, citing ongoing preparations for an influx of migrants and the upcoming holiday weekend. The administration said that the states, led by Arizona, do not have the legal right to challenge a federal district court opinion that had vacated the program and ordered its termination by Wednesday. Chief Justice John Roberts temporarily froze that deadline on Monday, and asked the parties involved in the lawsuit, the Justice Department and the American Civil Liberties Union, to weigh in. Until the Supreme Court issues an order – which can come at any time, although the court has no deadline – the authority will remain in place. Since March 2020, Title 42 has allowed US border agents to immediately turn away migrants who have crossed the southern border illegally, all in the name of Covid-19 prevention. There have been nearly 2.5 million expulsions – mostly under the Biden administration, which has been bracing for an influx of arrivals if the authority lifts. The last-minute legal wrangling comes as federal officials and border communities have been bracing for an expected increase in migrant arrivals as early as this week as the issue of immigration continues to ignite both sides of the political divide. The Department of Homeland Security has been putting in place a plan for the end of the program that includes surging resources to the border, targeting smugglers and working with international partners. In court papers Tu
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There ’ s no deadline for the justices to rule . Title 42 remains in place at the moment . The Biden administration told the Supreme Court Tuesday that the justices should reject an emergency bid by a group of GOP-led states to keep the controversial Trump-era border restriction known
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as Title 42 in effect while legal challenges play out . But it also asked for the court to delay the ending of Title 42 until at least December 27 , citing ongoing preparations for an influx of migrants and the upcoming holiday weekend . The administration said that the states , led by Arizona , do not have the legal right to challenge a federal district court opinion that had vacated the program and ordered its termination by Wednesday . Chief Justice John Roberts temporarily froze that deadline on Monday , and asked the parties involved in the lawsuit , the Justice Department and the American Civil Liberties Union , to weigh in . Until the Supreme Court issues an order – which can come at any time , although the court has no deadline – the authority will remain in place . Since March 2020 , Title 42 has allowed US border agents to immediately turn away migrants who have crossed the southern border illegally , all in the name of Covid-19 prevention . There have been nearly 2.5 million expulsions – mostly under the Biden administration , which has been bracing for an influx of arrivals if the authority lifts . The last-minute legal wrangling comes as federal officials and border communities have been bracing for an expected increase in migrant arrivals as early as this week as the issue of immigration continues to ignite both sides of the political divide . The Department of Homeland Security has been putting in place a plan for the end of the program that includes surging resources to the border , targeting smugglers and working with international partners . In court papers Tu
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A film about Matt Drudge is in the works. Prospect Park, the production company founded by entertainment industry executive Jeff Kwatinetz, told CNN that it has secured the rights to “The Drudge Revolution,” a biography on the conservative news mogul by journalist Matthew Lysiak. Lysiak, Prospect Park said, has also written the script for the film about the Drudge Report founder. “At its heart, Matthew’s brilliant script is both a fascinating character portrait of a troubled and fearless man full of contradictions, and a deep dive into the disruptor who used the internet to challenge and break up the American Elite’s narrative,” Ben Hurwitz, who is overseeing the project, told CNN in a statement. “You can draw a direct line from Drudge to where we are today as a country in terms of speech, both for better and worse,” Hurwitz added. Lysiak said he could not be “more excited” to be partnering with Kwatinetz and Hurwitz “to bring this unique story of the most influential journalist or our generation to a broader audience.” The Drudge film is the second to be announced in recent days. Cross Creek Pictures said last week that it had acquired a script on Drudge that focuses on his rise to power during former President Bill Clinton’s impeachment. Drudge broke the story about Clinton’s relationship with Monica Lewinsky. Drudge was played by Billy Eichner in last year’s “Impeachment: American Crime Story” on FX, which was based on Jeffrey Toobin’s book about Clinton’s sex scandal. Drudge for decades has been one of the most influential members of the conservative news media. He launched news aggregator The Drudge Report in 1995 and it is among the most highly trafficked news websites in the country. Initially a supporter of former President Donald Trump, Drudge in recent years has faced criticism from conservatives for turning on him toward the end of his presidency.
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A film about Matt Drudge is in the works . Prospect Park , the production company founded by entertainment industry executive Jeff Kwatinetz , told CNN that it has secured the rights to “ The Drudge Revolution , ” a biography on the conservative news mogul by journalist Matthew Lysiak
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. Lysiak , Prospect Park said , has also written the script for the film about the Drudge Report founder . “ At its heart , Matthew ’ s brilliant script is both a fascinating character portrait of a troubled and fearless man full of contradictions , and a deep dive into the disruptor who used the internet to challenge and break up the American Elite ’ s narrative , ” Ben Hurwitz , who is overseeing the project , told CNN in a statement . “ You can draw a direct line from Drudge to where we are today as a country in terms of speech , both for better and worse , ” Hurwitz added . Lysiak said he could not be “ more excited ” to be partnering with Kwatinetz and Hurwitz “ to bring this unique story of the most influential journalist or our generation to a broader audience. ” The Drudge film is the second to be announced in recent days . Cross Creek Pictures said last week that it had acquired a script on Drudge that focuses on his rise to power during former President Bill Clinton ’ s impeachment . Drudge broke the story about Clinton ’ s relationship with Monica Lewinsky . Drudge was played by Billy Eichner in last year ’ s “ Impeachment : American Crime Story ” on FX , which was based on Jeffrey Toobin ’ s book about Clinton ’ s sex scandal . Drudge for decades has been one of the most influential members of the conservative news media . He launched news aggregator The Drudge Report in 1995 and it is among the most highly trafficked news websites in the country . Initially a supporter of former President Donald Trump , Drudge in recent years has faced criticism from conservatives for turning on him toward the end of his presidency .
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Two years after they married on 10-10-20, CHill is no more. Cynthia Bailey, a former cast member of the “Real Housewives of Atlanta,” and her husband, sports journalist Mike Hill, announced Wednesday that they have split. The pair shared the news with a photo of themselves together, smiling, on their verified Instagram accounts. “LOVE is a beautiful thing,” they wrote. “While we both will always have love for one another, we have decided to go our separate ways.” “No one is to blame and we are grateful that we remain good friends. We will always cherish the many memories we’ve shared together as husband and wife,” the caption continued. “Many of you have been on this journey with us from the very beginning, and we appreciate our family, friends and beloved fans for your positive support as we move forward and start new chapters.” The pair thanked their followers for their prayers and well wishes. Their love was a major storyline on her reality series after Steve Harvey set them up on his daytime talk show and they were dubbed “CHill.” They also appeared on the OWN TV series “Black Love,” in which Hill shared that Bailey “ghosted” him but sparked his interest again after she posted a “thirst trap” photo of herself in a bikini on a beach in Mexico. OWN and CNN are both part of Warner Bros. Discovery.
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Two years after they married on 10-10-20 , CHill is no more . Cynthia Bailey , a former cast member of the “ Real Housewives of Atlanta , ” and her husband , sports journalist Mike Hill , announced Wednesday that they have split . The pair shared the news
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with a photo of themselves together , smiling , on their verified Instagram accounts . “ LOVE is a beautiful thing , ” they wrote . “ While we both will always have love for one another , we have decided to go our separate ways. ” “ No one is to blame and we are grateful that we remain good friends . We will always cherish the many memories we ’ ve shared together as husband and wife , ” the caption continued . “ Many of you have been on this journey with us from the very beginning , and we appreciate our family , friends and beloved fans for your positive support as we move forward and start new chapters. ” The pair thanked their followers for their prayers and well wishes . Their love was a major storyline on her reality series after Steve Harvey set them up on his daytime talk show and they were dubbed “ CHill. ” They also appeared on the OWN TV series “ Black Love , ” in which Hill shared that Bailey “ ghosted ” him but sparked his interest again after she posted a “ thirst trap ” photo of herself in a bikini on a beach in Mexico . OWN and CNN are both part of Warner Bros . Discovery .
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When Dr. Nesli Basgoz met her patient for the first time in May, he had been admitted to Massachusetts General Hospital with symptoms that were quite common for many infectious diseases – fever, rash, fatigue, sweats. Basgoz and her colleagues at the hospital tested the patient for chickenpox. He was negative. They tested him for syphilis. He was negative. The doctors still treated him with antibiotics and antivirals that are used for common infections while they waited for his various test results – but his condition did not improve in response to those treatments. As days progressed, Basgoz noticed that the patient’s rash changed in appearance. At that moment, she knew he did not have a common illness. Her mind raced, putting together pieces of a medical puzzle. “Some of the skin lesions, called the pustules, started to have indentations in them, and that’s a feature that can be seen in pox viruses,” Basgoz, the hospital’s associate chief and clinical director of the infectious disease division, told CNN. “The combination of not improving when he was treated for common things; the results of testing for common infections coming back negative; and some change in the appearance of the rash – all sort of raised the possibility that this could be a pox virus,” she said. That was her ah-ha moment. The patient, whom Basgoz described as “a relatively young and healthy man,” had traveled to Canada before becoming the first person to be confirmed with monkeypox in the United States this year as part of an ongoing global outbreak. So far in the outbreak, global health officials have identified more than 1,200 patients across at least 31 countries, as of Friday. Why symptoms in current outbreak appear more subtle Monkeypox “wasn’t initially on our radar screen,” Basgoz said about treating the first US case. As the monkeypox virus spre
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When Dr. Nesli Basgoz met her patient for the first time in May , he had been admitted to Massachusetts General Hospital with symptoms that were quite common for many infectious diseases – fever , rash , fatigue , sweats . Basgoz and her colleagues at the hospital tested the
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patient for chickenpox . He was negative . They tested him for syphilis . He was negative . The doctors still treated him with antibiotics and antivirals that are used for common infections while they waited for his various test results – but his condition did not improve in response to those treatments . As days progressed , Basgoz noticed that the patient ’ s rash changed in appearance . At that moment , she knew he did not have a common illness . Her mind raced , putting together pieces of a medical puzzle . “ Some of the skin lesions , called the pustules , started to have indentations in them , and that ’ s a feature that can be seen in pox viruses , ” Basgoz , the hospital ’ s associate chief and clinical director of the infectious disease division , told CNN . “ The combination of not improving when he was treated for common things ; the results of testing for common infections coming back negative ; and some change in the appearance of the rash – all sort of raised the possibility that this could be a pox virus , ” she said . That was her ah-ha moment . The patient , whom Basgoz described as “ a relatively young and healthy man , ” had traveled to Canada before becoming the first person to be confirmed with monkeypox in the United States this year as part of an ongoing global outbreak . So far in the outbreak , global health officials have identified more than 1,200 patients across at least 31 countries , as of Friday . Why symptoms in current outbreak appear more subtle Monkeypox “ wasn ’ t initially on our radar screen , ” Basgoz said about treating the first US case . As the monkeypox virus spre
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More than three weeks after Hurricane Ian made landfall in Florida, Johnnie Glisson is still sleeping in his pickup truck. The storm flooded the 74-year-old’s house in Matlacha, just outside Fort Myers. Little survived beyond a damp couch he propped up on cinderblocks. He now uses it to rest his back after long days of cleaning up the wreckage he once called home. “It helps me feel like this is still a home, and it’s my home,” Glisson said about the couch. “So probably more of a symbol than anything that says I’m here and it’s coming back.” Glisson bought the home for retirement. He calls it a “slice of heaven.” He says there’s no chance he’s leaving. But he doesn’t know how he’ll afford to rebuild. He didn’t have insurance. “We have FEMA,” he said. “So, I’m hoping to get some help there.” A trail of destruction lines so many streets in southwest Florida. The remnants of wrecked homes are piled in front of houses, the debris waiting to be hauled away. Tattered heirlooms are scattered in the wreckage, destroyed when the storm flooded thousands of homes. Relief groups, including the Red Cross, say seniors were hit particularly hard in the storm. Volunteers with disaster response organizations like the Cajun Navy Ground Force are still going door to door, trying to help them with the recovery. “Florida is where people come to retire,” Rob Gaudet, Cajun Navy’s founder, said. “There’s a large elderly population that really are facing their darkest hours … They really need a lot of help, a lot of assistance, getting back on their feet.” Lisa Needham, 62, is planning to rebuild her home in Arcadia. The house is already gutted down to the studs. Most of her belongings are piled up with the debris on the curb. “We are homeless,” Needham said. “It’s all very hard. I worked a long time to have this place on the water and now it’s all gone.” Needham and her boyfriend are l
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More than three weeks after Hurricane Ian made landfall in Florida , Johnnie Glisson is still sleeping in his pickup truck . The storm flooded the 74-year-old ’ s house in Matlacha , just outside Fort Myers . Little survived beyond a damp couch he propped up on cinderblocks .
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He now uses it to rest his back after long days of cleaning up the wreckage he once called home . “ It helps me feel like this is still a home , and it ’ s my home , ” Glisson said about the couch . “ So probably more of a symbol than anything that says I ’ m here and it ’ s coming back. ” Glisson bought the home for retirement . He calls it a “ slice of heaven. ” He says there ’ s no chance he ’ s leaving . But he doesn ’ t know how he ’ ll afford to rebuild . He didn ’ t have insurance . “ We have FEMA , ” he said . “ So , I ’ m hoping to get some help there. ” A trail of destruction lines so many streets in southwest Florida . The remnants of wrecked homes are piled in front of houses , the debris waiting to be hauled away . Tattered heirlooms are scattered in the wreckage , destroyed when the storm flooded thousands of homes . Relief groups , including the Red Cross , say seniors were hit particularly hard in the storm . Volunteers with disaster response organizations like the Cajun Navy Ground Force are still going door to door , trying to help them with the recovery . “ Florida is where people come to retire , ” Rob Gaudet , Cajun Navy ’ s founder , said . “ There ’ s a large elderly population that really are facing their darkest hours … They really need a lot of help , a lot of assistance , getting back on their feet. ” Lisa Needham , 62 , is planning to rebuild her home in Arcadia . The house is already gutted down to the studs . Most of her belongings are piled up with the debris on the curb . “ We are homeless , ” Needham said . “ It ’ s all very hard . I worked a long time to have this place on the water and now it ’ s all gone. ” Needham and her boyfriend are l
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Factories shut down, new model launches delayed and sales plunging. China’s huge car market has been thrown into disarray by the country’s latest Covid surge, with stringent lockdowns across several cities hitting vehicle production. China’s worst Covid outbreak in two years has prompted authorities to ramp up the country’s zero-Covid policy, locking down several major cities and tens of millions of people. The strict lockdown measures in places such as Shanghai and Jilin province have forced automakers to shut down manufacturing and risk delayed shipments at a time when global demand for vehicles is strong. Volkswagen’s factories in Shanghai and Changchun, the provincial capital of Jilin, have been shut for weeks, the company said on Monday. “Due to the current Covid situation, production in our factories in Changchun (since mid-March) and Anting/Shanghai (since April 1) is currently on hold,” Volkswagen said in a written response to CNN Business. “This is currently causing a delay in production.” The company added that it will compensate for the production stoppages “if the situation eases in the near future,” through extra shifts and other measures. “At present, we are assessing the situation from day to day,” it added. Toyota
(TM) has also closed its factory in Changchun for nearly a month. “Due to the travel restrictions in Changchun, the impact on supplier operations, and the perspective of ensuring the safety and security of employees and all related parties, Toyota has been suspending operations at the Changchun plant from March 14 onwards,” a company spokesperson told CNN Business. Tesla
(TSLA)has halted production at its Shanghai factory since the city imposed a lockdown on March 28, according to Reuters. The company didn’t respond to a request from CNN Business for comment. Nio
(NIO), a Chine
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Factories shut down , new model launches delayed and sales plunging . China ’ s huge car market has been thrown into disarray by the country ’ s latest Covid surge , with stringent lockdowns across several cities hitting vehicle production . China ’ s worst Covid outbreak in two
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years has prompted authorities to ramp up the country ’ s zero-Covid policy , locking down several major cities and tens of millions of people . The strict lockdown measures in places such as Shanghai and Jilin province have forced automakers to shut down manufacturing and risk delayed shipments at a time when global demand for vehicles is strong . Volkswagen ’ s factories in Shanghai and Changchun , the provincial capital of Jilin , have been shut for weeks , the company said on Monday . “ Due to the current Covid situation , production in our factories in Changchun ( since mid-March ) and Anting/Shanghai ( since April 1 ) is currently on hold , ” Volkswagen said in a written response to CNN Business . “ This is currently causing a delay in production. ” The company added that it will compensate for the production stoppages “ if the situation eases in the near future , ” through extra shifts and other measures . “ At present , we are assessing the situation from day to day , ” it added . Toyota ( TM ) has also closed its factory in Changchun for nearly a month . “ Due to the travel restrictions in Changchun , the impact on supplier operations , and the perspective of ensuring the safety and security of employees and all related parties , Toyota has been suspending operations at the Changchun plant from March 14 onwards , ” a company spokesperson told CNN Business . Tesla ( TSLA ) has halted production at its Shanghai factory since the city imposed a lockdown on March 28 , according to Reuters . The company didn ’ t respond to a request from CNN Business for comment . Nio ( NIO ) , a Chine
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Closing arguments began Thursday in the Trump Organization tax fraud trial, where defense attorneys blamed the alleged criminal tax schemes on former CFO Allen Weisselberg, who’s already pleaded guilty to 15 counts in the case. “Weisselberg did it for Weisselberg,” defense attorney Michael van der Veen told jurors Thursday – a mantra defense attorneys have recited throughout the trial. The crux of the trial against two Trump Organization entities ultimately asks the jury to decide whether Weisselberg and the company controller acted illegally with some intent to benefit the company, defense attorney Susan Necheles told the jurors Thursday morning. She acknowledged the defense team and prosecutors aren’t in dispute over most of the illicit acts alleged in the case, but instead disagree about whether the company is criminally liable for its employees’ crimes. “Does the evidence prove beyond a reasonable doubt that when Allen Weisselberg cheated on his personal tax returns, and when Jeffrey McConney helped him to do that, that Allen Weisselberg or Jeffrey McConney had some intent to benefit the Trump Corporation,” Necheles said, referring to the Trump Organization’s controller. “You are going to see there was no such intent.” Getting at a technicality in the statutes at issue in this case, the defense attorney also told the jury they should not consider McConney a “high managerial agent” for the company because he was micromanaged by Weisselberg who really ran the show. “The purpose of Mr. Weisselberg’s crimes was to benefit Mr. Weisselberg,” Necheles said. “He admitted under oath these crimes were a result of his own greed.” Two Trump Organization entities are charged with tax fraud and falsifying business records in what prosecutors allege was a 15-year scheme to defraud tax authorities by failing to report and pay taxes on compensation provided to employees. Weisselberg plead
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Closing arguments began Thursday in the Trump Organization tax fraud trial , where defense attorneys blamed the alleged criminal tax schemes on former CFO Allen Weisselberg , who ’ s already pleaded guilty to 15 counts in the case . “ Weisselberg did it for Weisselberg , ” defense attorney
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Michael van der Veen told jurors Thursday – a mantra defense attorneys have recited throughout the trial . The crux of the trial against two Trump Organization entities ultimately asks the jury to decide whether Weisselberg and the company controller acted illegally with some intent to benefit the company , defense attorney Susan Necheles told the jurors Thursday morning . She acknowledged the defense team and prosecutors aren ’ t in dispute over most of the illicit acts alleged in the case , but instead disagree about whether the company is criminally liable for its employees ’ crimes . “ Does the evidence prove beyond a reasonable doubt that when Allen Weisselberg cheated on his personal tax returns , and when Jeffrey McConney helped him to do that , that Allen Weisselberg or Jeffrey McConney had some intent to benefit the Trump Corporation , ” Necheles said , referring to the Trump Organization ’ s controller . “ You are going to see there was no such intent. ” Getting at a technicality in the statutes at issue in this case , the defense attorney also told the jury they should not consider McConney a “ high managerial agent ” for the company because he was micromanaged by Weisselberg who really ran the show . “ The purpose of Mr. Weisselberg ’ s crimes was to benefit Mr. Weisselberg , ” Necheles said . “ He admitted under oath these crimes were a result of his own greed. ” Two Trump Organization entities are charged with tax fraud and falsifying business records in what prosecutors allege was a 15-year scheme to defraud tax authorities by failing to report and pay taxes on compensation provided to employees . Weisselberg plead
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As New York continues to grapple with a growing influx of asylum-seekers, two buses carrying migrants arrived in the city Sunday, with at least 10 to 15 more buses expected over the next few days, according to an email from Mayor Eric Adam’s office obtained by CNN. The email sent Sunday to New York City Council members and staff warned the city’s shelter system is already at capacity as an increase in migrant arrivals is expected over the next few days. The surge is expected as a Trump-era public health border policy known as Title 42 is set to end Wednesday. Invoked at the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, Title 42 allowed officials to turn away migrants encountered at the southern border. “Please be advised that due to the lifting of Title 42 later this week, the City is expecting a higher amount of asylum-seekers buses beginning today, with 2 buses today and 10-15 more expected in the next few days,” the email reads. Fabien Levy, Adams’ press secretary, confirmed buses arrived in the city Sunday, but declined to say how many migrants were on board or what was specifically expected this week. He did say, “We’ve been told it’s going to ramp up this week.” A district court struck down Title 42 last month and a federal appeals court on Friday rejected a bid by several Republican-led states to keep it in place. New York should expect more than 1,000 additional asylum-seekers to arrive every week, the mayor said Sunday. Since spring, thousands of asylum-seekers have been bused to the city from the southern border, often at the direction of officials – including Texas Gov. Greg Abbott – who have been critical of federal border policies. More than 31,000 migrants have gone through the city’s migrant intake center as of December 14, and at least 21,400 are currently in the city’s homeless shelters or at four hotels operating as humanitarian emergency relief cent
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As New York continues to grapple with a growing influx of asylum-seekers , two buses carrying migrants arrived in the city Sunday , with at least 10 to 15 more buses expected over the next few days , according to an email from Mayor Eric Adam ’ s office obtained
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by CNN . The email sent Sunday to New York City Council members and staff warned the city ’ s shelter system is already at capacity as an increase in migrant arrivals is expected over the next few days . The surge is expected as a Trump-era public health border policy known as Title 42 is set to end Wednesday . Invoked at the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic , Title 42 allowed officials to turn away migrants encountered at the southern border . “ Please be advised that due to the lifting of Title 42 later this week , the City is expecting a higher amount of asylum-seekers buses beginning today , with 2 buses today and 10-15 more expected in the next few days , ” the email reads . Fabien Levy , Adams ’ press secretary , confirmed buses arrived in the city Sunday , but declined to say how many migrants were on board or what was specifically expected this week . He did say , “ We ’ ve been told it ’ s going to ramp up this week. ” A district court struck down Title 42 last month and a federal appeals court on Friday rejected a bid by several Republican-led states to keep it in place . New York should expect more than 1,000 additional asylum-seekers to arrive every week , the mayor said Sunday . Since spring , thousands of asylum-seekers have been bused to the city from the southern border , often at the direction of officials – including Texas Gov . Greg Abbott – who have been critical of federal border policies . More than 31,000 migrants have gone through the city ’ s migrant intake center as of December 14 , and at least 21,400 are currently in the city ’ s homeless shelters or at four hotels operating as humanitarian emergency relief cent
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Millions of paper immigration files are stored in a federal network of vast limestone caves near Kansas City. Now a group of people are suing the government, arguing their citizenship applications are stuck in limbo due to a delay in getting their records out of the caves. Millions of paper immigration files are stored in a sprawling network of limestone caves around Kansas City. Some of those underground storage facilities operated with reduced staffing during much of the pandemic. And now, a group of people are suing the government, arguing their citizenship applications are still stuck in limbo due to an “unreasonable delay” in getting their records out of the caves and into the hands of immigration officials. “It does seem somewhat mind-boggling and shocking that we’re still dealing with paper, but we are,” says Leslie Dellon, a senior attorney at the American Immigration Council who’s representing the 13 people who recently filed a lawsuit over their naturalization applications. “It’s just very frustrating for these people, whose lives are on hold, and it’s just dragging on and on.” The case highlights how difficult the US immigration system can be to navigate, with layers of bureaucracy and a reliance on paper files that officials have acknowledged slows processing and deepened backlogs during the pandemic. A complaint filed in federal court says all 13 plaintiffs are stuck “in a stress-filled limbo” and still waiting for US Citizenship and Immigration Services to schedule them for citizenship interviews more than two years after they applied. If their immigration history records, known as A-files, aren’t retrieved and their interviews aren’t scheduled soon, Dellon says, they could lose the chance to take their citizenship oaths and register to vote in time to participate in the upcoming midterm elections. “They w
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Millions of paper immigration files are stored in a federal network of vast limestone caves near Kansas City . Now a group of people are suing the government , arguing their citizenship applications are stuck in limbo due to a delay in getting their records out of the caves .
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Millions of paper immigration files are stored in a sprawling network of limestone caves around Kansas City . Some of those underground storage facilities operated with reduced staffing during much of the pandemic . And now , a group of people are suing the government , arguing their citizenship applications are still stuck in limbo due to an “ unreasonable delay ” in getting their records out of the caves and into the hands of immigration officials . “ It does seem somewhat mind-boggling and shocking that we ’ re still dealing with paper , but we are , ” says Leslie Dellon , a senior attorney at the American Immigration Council who ’ s representing the 13 people who recently filed a lawsuit over their naturalization applications . “ It ’ s just very frustrating for these people , whose lives are on hold , and it ’ s just dragging on and on. ” The case highlights how difficult the US immigration system can be to navigate , with layers of bureaucracy and a reliance on paper files that officials have acknowledged slows processing and deepened backlogs during the pandemic . A complaint filed in federal court says all 13 plaintiffs are stuck “ in a stress-filled limbo ” and still waiting for US Citizenship and Immigration Services to schedule them for citizenship interviews more than two years after they applied . If their immigration history records , known as A-files , aren ’ t retrieved and their interviews aren ’ t scheduled soon , Dellon says , they could lose the chance to take their citizenship oaths and register to vote in time to participate in the upcoming midterm elections . “ They w
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Wyoming Rep. Liz Cheney is putting money behind her vow to do everything she can to prevent election deniers from winning in November, as her political action committee announced Friday that it is spending $500,000 on an ad urging Arizona voters to reject GOP gubernatorial nominee Kari Lake and Republican Secretary of State nominee Mark Finchem. Both Lake and Finchem won the GOP nominations after echoing former President Donald Trump’s lie that the 2020 election was stolen, and Lake refused to pledge that she would accept the 2022 election results during a recent interview with CNN’s Dana Bash. In several public appearances, Cheney has warned Arizona voters that they will play a critical role in “ensuring the future functioning of our constitutional republic” – noting that election deniers like Lake and Finchem could create havoc in the 2024 presidential election in a swing state that could determine the next occupant of the White House. The new ad features Cheney, the daughter of former Vice President Dick Cheney, at a recent appearance noting that she could not recall if she has ever voted for a Democrat, but telling her audience that she would this year if she lived in Arizona. “You have a candidate for governor, Kari Lake, you have a candidate for secretary of state, Mark Finchem, both of whom have said that they will only honor the results of an election if they agree with it,” Cheney says in a clip from her recent appearance at a McCain Institute event at Arizona State University’s campus in Tempe. “And if you care about the survival of our republic, we cannot give people power who will not honor elections.” Cheney’s new PAC, The Great Task, a multi-candidate PAC that she sponsored, said that the $500,000 media buy in Arizona will air the ad on broadcast, online and streaming platforms. Lake responded to Cheney on Friday in a letter posted on Twitter, tha
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Wyoming Rep. Liz Cheney is putting money behind her vow to do everything she can to prevent election deniers from winning in November , as her political action committee announced Friday that it is spending $ 500,000 on an ad urging Arizona voters to reject GOP gubernatorial nominee Kari Lake
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and Republican Secretary of State nominee Mark Finchem . Both Lake and Finchem won the GOP nominations after echoing former President Donald Trump ’ s lie that the 2020 election was stolen , and Lake refused to pledge that she would accept the 2022 election results during a recent interview with CNN ’ s Dana Bash . In several public appearances , Cheney has warned Arizona voters that they will play a critical role in “ ensuring the future functioning of our constitutional republic ” – noting that election deniers like Lake and Finchem could create havoc in the 2024 presidential election in a swing state that could determine the next occupant of the White House . The new ad features Cheney , the daughter of former Vice President Dick Cheney , at a recent appearance noting that she could not recall if she has ever voted for a Democrat , but telling her audience that she would this year if she lived in Arizona . “ You have a candidate for governor , Kari Lake , you have a candidate for secretary of state , Mark Finchem , both of whom have said that they will only honor the results of an election if they agree with it , ” Cheney says in a clip from her recent appearance at a McCain Institute event at Arizona State University ’ s campus in Tempe . “ And if you care about the survival of our republic , we can not give people power who will not honor elections. ” Cheney ’ s new PAC , The Great Task , a multi-candidate PAC that she sponsored , said that the $ 500,000 media buy in Arizona will air the ad on broadcast , online and streaming platforms . Lake responded to Cheney on Friday in a letter posted on Twitter , tha
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A key inflation measure climbed to a record high in 2021, as pandemic price hikes just aren’t going away. The US producer price index, which tracks what America’s producers get paid for their goods and services on average over time, rose 9.7% last year, not adjusted for seasonal swings. It was the biggest calendar-year increase since the data series began in 2010, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. It was a slightly smaller advance than economists had predicted, but an uptick from the 9.6% recorded over the 12 months ended in November. Stripping out prices for food, energy and trade services, which measures the changes in margins received by wholesalers and retailers, the inflation index rose 6.9% last year, compared with a modest 1.3% increase in 2020. In December alone, the PPI data followed a similar pattern as the consumer price index that came out Tuesday: Prices still rose in December, but at a much slower pace than in the previous months. “It was not as bad as many feared. US producer price inflation rose 0.2% in December, which is the mildest increase since November 2020,” Jennifer Lee, senior economist at BMO, said in a note to clients. “And considering that the average monthly increase over the past 12 months was 0.8%, well, 0.2% is good news.” More than half of the price increases for services came on the back of higher prices for trade services. Prices in fuels and lubricants, as well as airline passenger services, food retail, machinery and vehicle wholesaling also increased. Overall, the price index for goods actually fell in December, marking the first decline since April 2020 when the worst of the pandemic showed up in economic data. Energy and food prices fell in particular. The PPI tracks prices for finished goods and services sold to end consumers, as well as the goods, services, and maintenance and repair construction sold to the businesses that make those finished products. On
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A key inflation measure climbed to a record high in 2021 , as pandemic price hikes just aren ’ t going away . The US producer price index , which tracks what America ’ s producers get paid for their goods and services on average over time , rose 9.7
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% last year , not adjusted for seasonal swings . It was the biggest calendar-year increase since the data series began in 2010 , according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics . It was a slightly smaller advance than economists had predicted , but an uptick from the 9.6 % recorded over the 12 months ended in November . Stripping out prices for food , energy and trade services , which measures the changes in margins received by wholesalers and retailers , the inflation index rose 6.9 % last year , compared with a modest 1.3 % increase in 2020 . In December alone , the PPI data followed a similar pattern as the consumer price index that came out Tuesday : Prices still rose in December , but at a much slower pace than in the previous months . “ It was not as bad as many feared . US producer price inflation rose 0.2 % in December , which is the mildest increase since November 2020 , ” Jennifer Lee , senior economist at BMO , said in a note to clients . “ And considering that the average monthly increase over the past 12 months was 0.8 % , well , 0.2 % is good news. ” More than half of the price increases for services came on the back of higher prices for trade services . Prices in fuels and lubricants , as well as airline passenger services , food retail , machinery and vehicle wholesaling also increased . Overall , the price index for goods actually fell in December , marking the first decline since April 2020 when the worst of the pandemic showed up in economic data . Energy and food prices fell in particular . The PPI tracks prices for finished goods and services sold to end consumers , as well as the goods , services , and maintenance and repair construction sold to the businesses that make those finished products . On
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Chris Rock’s brother would like to see Will Smith stripped of his new best actor Oscar. In an interview with the Los Angeles Times, Kenny Rock discussed his feelings about his brother being slapped by Will Smith at the Oscars. “It eats at me watching it over and over again because you’ve seen a loved one being attacked and there’s nothing you can do about it,” Kenny Rock told the Times. “Every time I’m watching the videos, it’s like a rendition that just keeps going over and over in my head.” “My brother was no threat to him and you just had no respect for him at that moment,” he added. “You just belittled him in front of millions of people that watch the show.” Smith hit Chris Rock after Rock joked about his wife Jada Pinkett Smith’s close-cut hairstyle. Kenny Rock said his brother didn’t know about her medical condition and told the Times he would like to see the the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences take back the best actor Oscar Smith won that night for his performance in “King Richard.” Days after the Oscars, the Academy announced that it had “initiated disciplinary proceedings” against Smith. David Rubin, the Academy’s president, said in a statement that the group “will continue to move forward with our disciplinary proceedings against Mr. Smith for violations of the Academy’s Standards of Conduct, in advance of our next scheduled board meeting on April 18.” Another one of Rock’s brothers, comedian Tony Rock, has also spoken out in support of his sibling. Chris Rock said during a comedy show days after the incident that he was still “processing” what had happened and plans to speak on it at a later date.
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Chris Rock ’ s brother would like to see Will Smith stripped of his new best actor Oscar . In an interview with the Los Angeles Times , Kenny Rock discussed his feelings about his brother being slapped by Will Smith at the Oscars . “ It eats at me
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watching it over and over again because you ’ ve seen a loved one being attacked and there ’ s nothing you can do about it , ” Kenny Rock told the Times . “ Every time I ’ m watching the videos , it ’ s like a rendition that just keeps going over and over in my head. ” “ My brother was no threat to him and you just had no respect for him at that moment , ” he added . “ You just belittled him in front of millions of people that watch the show. ” Smith hit Chris Rock after Rock joked about his wife Jada Pinkett Smith ’ s close-cut hairstyle . Kenny Rock said his brother didn ’ t know about her medical condition and told the Times he would like to see the the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences take back the best actor Oscar Smith won that night for his performance in “ King Richard. ” Days after the Oscars , the Academy announced that it had “ initiated disciplinary proceedings ” against Smith . David Rubin , the Academy ’ s president , said in a statement that the group “ will continue to move forward with our disciplinary proceedings against Mr. Smith for violations of the Academy ’ s Standards of Conduct , in advance of our next scheduled board meeting on April 18. ” Another one of Rock ’ s brothers , comedian Tony Rock , has also spoken out in support of his sibling . Chris Rock said during a comedy show days after the incident that he was still “ processing ” what had happened and plans to speak on it at a later date .
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The James Webb Space Telescope has snapped a remarkably detailed image of a nearby dwarf galaxy. The image reveals the deepest glimpse yet into a stellar panorama that could offer astronomers an ideal means of studying aspects of the early universe. The James Webb Space Telescope has snapped a remarkably detailed image of a nearby dwarf galaxy. The near-infrared view reveals the deepest glimpse yet into a stellar panorama that could offer astronomers an ideal means of studying aspects of the early universe. The image shows a panoply of stars within a lonely dwarf galaxy called Wolf - Lundmark - Melotte, which lies about 3 million light-years from our home galaxy, the Milky Way, and is about one-tenth the size. The WLM galaxy is intriguing to astronomers because it has remained largely isolated and bears a similar chemical makeup to galaxies in the early universe, according to NASA. The Webb telescope, which launched in December 2021, is the most powerful space observatory to date. It’s capable of detecting the faint light of incredibly distant galaxies as they glow in infrared light, a wavelength invisible to the human eye. The Hubble Space Telescope and the now-defunct Spitzer Space Telescope have imaged the WLM galaxy, but Webb used its Near-Infrared Camera, also called NIRCam, to capture it in unprecedented detail. “We can see a myriad of individual stars of different colors, sizes, temperatures, ages, and stages of evolution; interesting clouds of nebular gas within the galaxy; foreground stars with Webb’s diffraction spikes; and background galaxies with neat features like tidal tails,” said Kristen McQuinn, an assistant professor in the department of physics and astronomy at Rutgers University in Piscataway, New Jersey, in a comment posted on NASA’s website. A tidal tail is a thin “tail” of stars and interstellar gas extending off a galaxy. “It’s really a gorgeous image,” added McQu
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The James Webb Space Telescope has snapped a remarkably detailed image of a nearby dwarf galaxy . The image reveals the deepest glimpse yet into a stellar panorama that could offer astronomers an ideal means of studying aspects of the early universe . The James Webb Space Telescope has snapped
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a remarkably detailed image of a nearby dwarf galaxy . The near-infrared view reveals the deepest glimpse yet into a stellar panorama that could offer astronomers an ideal means of studying aspects of the early universe . The image shows a panoply of stars within a lonely dwarf galaxy called Wolf - Lundmark - Melotte , which lies about 3 million light-years from our home galaxy , the Milky Way , and is about one-tenth the size . The WLM galaxy is intriguing to astronomers because it has remained largely isolated and bears a similar chemical makeup to galaxies in the early universe , according to NASA . The Webb telescope , which launched in December 2021 , is the most powerful space observatory to date . It ’ s capable of detecting the faint light of incredibly distant galaxies as they glow in infrared light , a wavelength invisible to the human eye . The Hubble Space Telescope and the now-defunct Spitzer Space Telescope have imaged the WLM galaxy , but Webb used its Near-Infrared Camera , also called NIRCam , to capture it in unprecedented detail . “ We can see a myriad of individual stars of different colors , sizes , temperatures , ages , and stages of evolution ; interesting clouds of nebular gas within the galaxy ; foreground stars with Webb ’ s diffraction spikes ; and background galaxies with neat features like tidal tails , ” said Kristen McQuinn , an assistant professor in the department of physics and astronomy at Rutgers University in Piscataway , New Jersey , in a comment posted on NASA ’ s website . A tidal tail is a thin “ tail ” of stars and interstellar gas extending off a galaxy . “ It ’ s really a gorgeous image , ” added McQu
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Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company is upping its investment in the United States, announcing Tuesday that it’s building a second semiconductor factory in Arizona and raising its investment there from $12 billion to $40 billion. TSMC’s plans come as tensions between Washington and Beijing are rising over chips, with President Joe Biden imposing a sweeping set of controls on the sale of advanced chips and chip-making equipment to Chinese firms. Biden visited the manufacturer’s site in Phoenix and spoke about bringing jobs and investment to Arizona, calling TSMC’s $40 billion commitment “the largest foreign investment in the history of this state.” “American manufacturing is back, folks,” Biden said at the event. “These are the most advanced semiconductor chips on the planet, chips that will power iPhones and MacBooks, as Tim Cook can attest … It could be a game changer.” Other lawmakers and business leaders also attended the event, including Apple CEO Tim Cook. During the event, Biden took the opportunity to emphasize the importance of building robust supply chains for a global economy, pledging that advances in manufacturing domestically would have global ramifications abroad. “I want to be clear, as we build a stronger supply chain, our allies and partners are building alongside us as well,” he said. “Some of the companies here today are customers that are gonna buy these chips made here, some are suppliers that are going to help make these chips, and they’re all — they all depend on a strong supply chain. That’s why what we’re doing here in Arizona matters across the country and around the world.” Biden said, “the United States is a top destination for companies across the globe looking to make investments, because we have a world class, highly skilled, committed workforce, union labor, and more — you can clap for that.” Still, he acknowledged persistent economic chall
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Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company is upping its investment in the United States , announcing Tuesday that it ’ s building a second semiconductor factory in Arizona and raising its investment there from $ 12 billion to $ 40 billion . TSMC ’ s plans come as tensions between Washington and
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Beijing are rising over chips , with President Joe Biden imposing a sweeping set of controls on the sale of advanced chips and chip-making equipment to Chinese firms . Biden visited the manufacturer ’ s site in Phoenix and spoke about bringing jobs and investment to Arizona , calling TSMC ’ s $ 40 billion commitment “ the largest foreign investment in the history of this state. ” “ American manufacturing is back , folks , ” Biden said at the event . “ These are the most advanced semiconductor chips on the planet , chips that will power iPhones and MacBooks , as Tim Cook can attest … It could be a game changer. ” Other lawmakers and business leaders also attended the event , including Apple CEO Tim Cook . During the event , Biden took the opportunity to emphasize the importance of building robust supply chains for a global economy , pledging that advances in manufacturing domestically would have global ramifications abroad . “ I want to be clear , as we build a stronger supply chain , our allies and partners are building alongside us as well , ” he said . “ Some of the companies here today are customers that are gon na buy these chips made here , some are suppliers that are going to help make these chips , and they ’ re all — they all depend on a strong supply chain . That ’ s why what we ’ re doing here in Arizona matters across the country and around the world. ” Biden said , “ the United States is a top destination for companies across the globe looking to make investments , because we have a world class , highly skilled , committed workforce , union labor , and more — you can clap for that. ” Still , he acknowledged persistent economic chall
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TikTok parent company ByteDance has fired four employees who improperly accessed the personal data of two journalists on the platform, TikTok spokesperson Brooke Oberwetter confirmed to CNN Thursday. TikTok user data from the two journalists, who worked for the Financial Times and BuzzFeed, was accessed while ByteDance employees were investigating potential employee leaks to the press, according to the company. The employees involved, two based in the United States and two in China, were fired following an investigation conducted on behalf of the company by an outside law firm, the CEOs of TikTok and ByteDance revealed to employees in two separate emails Thursday. The personal data accessed from the journalists’ accounts included IP addresses, according to the spokesperson. IP addresses can provide information about a user’s location. “The individuals involved misused their authority to obtain access to TikTok user data,” TikTok CEO Shou Chew said in his email to employees, according to an excerpt of the email reviewed by CNN. “This is unacceptable.” The disclosure could further inflame the scrutiny TikTok is facing in the United States over national security concerns given its ties to China. US lawmakers have raised concerns about the security of user data and the ability for the company’s Chinese employees to access information about US TikTok users. The criticism ramped up earlier this year after a BuzzFeed News report said some US user data has been repeatedly accessed from China, and cited one employee who allegedly said that “everything is seen in China.” TikTok, for its part, has confirmed US user data can be accessed by some employees in China, but the company says that a US-based security team decides who can access US user data from China. In October, Forbes reported that ByteDance planned to use TikTok data to surveil certain US citizens. In a Thursday report, Fo
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TikTok parent company ByteDance has fired four employees who improperly accessed the personal data of two journalists on the platform , TikTok spokesperson Brooke Oberwetter confirmed to CNN Thursday . TikTok user data from the two journalists , who worked for the Financial Times and BuzzFeed , was accessed while
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ByteDance employees were investigating potential employee leaks to the press , according to the company . The employees involved , two based in the United States and two in China , were fired following an investigation conducted on behalf of the company by an outside law firm , the CEOs of TikTok and ByteDance revealed to employees in two separate emails Thursday . The personal data accessed from the journalists ’ accounts included IP addresses , according to the spokesperson . IP addresses can provide information about a user ’ s location . “ The individuals involved misused their authority to obtain access to TikTok user data , ” TikTok CEO Shou Chew said in his email to employees , according to an excerpt of the email reviewed by CNN . “ This is unacceptable. ” The disclosure could further inflame the scrutiny TikTok is facing in the United States over national security concerns given its ties to China . US lawmakers have raised concerns about the security of user data and the ability for the company ’ s Chinese employees to access information about US TikTok users . The criticism ramped up earlier this year after a BuzzFeed News report said some US user data has been repeatedly accessed from China , and cited one employee who allegedly said that “ everything is seen in China. ” TikTok , for its part , has confirmed US user data can be accessed by some employees in China , but the company says that a US-based security team decides who can access US user data from China . In October , Forbes reported that ByteDance planned to use TikTok data to surveil certain US citizens . In a Thursday report , Fo
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Colorful, ghostly remnants drift in space where a massive star exploded 11,000 years ago. It’s the site of the Vela supernova remnant, full of gaseous filaments that look like wispy cobwebs. Colorful, ghostly remnants drift in space where a massive star exploded 11,000 years ago. The Vela supernova remnant, named after the Vela constellation, is all that remains after the star reached the end of its life. Pink and orange gas clouds mark the spot 800 light-years away from Earth, making it one of the closest known features. (A light-year is about 6 trillion miles.) When the star went supernova, shock waves moved through the surrounding layers of gas released by the star. The energetic waves compressed the gas and created threadlike filaments that resemble wispy cobwebs. In a new image of the Vela supernova remnant, captured by the VLT Survey Telescope at the European Southern Observatory in Chile, the glowing threads of gas appear to shine due to heat from the shock waves. The eerily beautiful sight where the star died was fittingly released on Halloween. Within the remnant is a dense neutron star, or pulsar, which rapidly spins and releases beams of light like a celestial lighthouse — but it’s located just outside of the region shown in the image. Nine full moons could fit within the detailed perspective, and the image only reflects part of the giant cloud. The European Southern Observatory also shared detailed views of intriguing features within the mosaic. The 12 highlights zoom in on different aspects of the bright stars and gas clouds within the region. The image, which contains 554 million pixels, was captured by the wide-field OmegaCAM on the telescope. The 268 million-pixel camera is capable of capturing images using several different filters that allow for varied wavelengths of light and colors — hence the magenta, blue, green and red colors in the image. The VLT Survey Telescope is one of th
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Colorful , ghostly remnants drift in space where a massive star exploded 11,000 years ago . It ’ s the site of the Vela supernova remnant , full of gaseous filaments that look like wispy cobwebs . Colorful , ghostly remnants drift in space where a massive star exploded 11,000
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years ago . The Vela supernova remnant , named after the Vela constellation , is all that remains after the star reached the end of its life . Pink and orange gas clouds mark the spot 800 light-years away from Earth , making it one of the closest known features . ( A light-year is about 6 trillion miles . ) When the star went supernova , shock waves moved through the surrounding layers of gas released by the star . The energetic waves compressed the gas and created threadlike filaments that resemble wispy cobwebs . In a new image of the Vela supernova remnant , captured by the VLT Survey Telescope at the European Southern Observatory in Chile , the glowing threads of gas appear to shine due to heat from the shock waves . The eerily beautiful sight where the star died was fittingly released on Halloween . Within the remnant is a dense neutron star , or pulsar , which rapidly spins and releases beams of light like a celestial lighthouse — but it ’ s located just outside of the region shown in the image . Nine full moons could fit within the detailed perspective , and the image only reflects part of the giant cloud . The European Southern Observatory also shared detailed views of intriguing features within the mosaic . The 12 highlights zoom in on different aspects of the bright stars and gas clouds within the region . The image , which contains 554 million pixels , was captured by the wide-field OmegaCAM on the telescope . The 268 million-pixel camera is capable of capturing images using several different filters that allow for varied wavelengths of light and colors — hence the magenta , blue , green and red colors in the image . The VLT Survey Telescope is one of th
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Jay Leno has opened up for the first time about the accident that left him with severe burns to his face and body. In an interview with Hoda Kotb from “Today,” his first since the November 12 incident, the comedian, 72, said he was working underneath an antique 1907 car alongside his friend Dave Killackey when a series of events led to his injuries. “The fuel line was clogged so I was underneath it. It sounded clogged and I said, ‘Blow some air through the line,’ and so he did,” Leno, an avid car collector, recalled to Kotb. “And suddenly, boom, I got a face full of gas. And then the pilot light jumped and my face caught on fire.” The “Jay Leno’s Garage” star said he told Killackey, “Dave, I’m on fire,” to which his friend at first simply responded, “All right.” “I said, ‘No, Dave, I’m on fire.’ And then, ‘Oh, my God,’” Leno added. “Dave, my friend, pulled me out and jumped on top of me and kind of smothered the fire.” Leno was first taken to a local hospital, and then he was transferred to the Grossman Burn Center in Los Angeles after the incident, CNN previously reported. In a news conference on November 16, Dr. Peter Grossman, who treated the former “Tonight Show” host, said “it was noted that he had pretty significant burns to face and hands,” going on to say that the burns were on Leno’s “face, his hands, and his chest.” The burns were a mixture of second-degree and possibly some third-degree burns, according to Grossman, who added that “some of the burns to the face are a little deeper and a little more concerning.” Although Leno’s injuries were serious, Grossman said at the time that the funnyman was expected to make a full recovery. Sure enough, just two weeks after the accident, Leno performed in front of a sold-out crowd at his regular haunt the Comedy and Magic Club in Hermosa Beach, California, according to a spokesperson for the club at the time. According to NBC
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Jay Leno has opened up for the first time about the accident that left him with severe burns to his face and body . In an interview with Hoda Kotb from “ Today , ” his first since the November 12 incident , the comedian , 72 , said he
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was working underneath an antique 1907 car alongside his friend Dave Killackey when a series of events led to his injuries . “ The fuel line was clogged so I was underneath it . It sounded clogged and I said , ‘ Blow some air through the line , ’ and so he did , ” Leno , an avid car collector , recalled to Kotb . “ And suddenly , boom , I got a face full of gas . And then the pilot light jumped and my face caught on fire. ” The “ Jay Leno ’ s Garage ” star said he told Killackey , “ Dave , I ’ m on fire , ” to which his friend at first simply responded , “ All right. ” “ I said , ‘ No , Dave , I ’ m on fire. ’ And then , ‘ Oh , my God , ’ ” Leno added . “ Dave , my friend , pulled me out and jumped on top of me and kind of smothered the fire. ” Leno was first taken to a local hospital , and then he was transferred to the Grossman Burn Center in Los Angeles after the incident , CNN previously reported . In a news conference on November 16 , Dr. Peter Grossman , who treated the former “ Tonight Show ” host , said “ it was noted that he had pretty significant burns to face and hands , ” going on to say that the burns were on Leno ’ s “ face , his hands , and his chest. ” The burns were a mixture of second-degree and possibly some third-degree burns , according to Grossman , who added that “ some of the burns to the face are a little deeper and a little more concerning. ” Although Leno ’ s injuries were serious , Grossman said at the time that the funnyman was expected to make a full recovery . Sure enough , just two weeks after the accident , Leno performed in front of a sold-out crowd at his regular haunt the Comedy and Magic Club in Hermosa Beach , California , according to a spokesperson for the club at the time . According to NBC
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Unions and management reached a tentative deal early Thursday, averting a freight railroad strike that had threatened to cripple US supply chains and push prices higher for many goods. The deal with unions representing more than 50,000 engineers and conductors was announced just after 5 a.m. ET in a statement from the White House, which called it “an important win for our economy and the American people.” A verbal agreement between the two sides was reached at about 2:30 am ET according to sources, and the final hours were spent getting the details worked out. That concluded about 20 hours of talks between the unions’ leadership and the railroads’ labor negotiators hosted by Labor Secretary Marty Walsh. They began their meeting Wednesday morning with the clock ticking down to a strike that had been set to start at 12:01 am ET on Friday. President Joe Biden called in personally to talk to negotiators around 9 pm ET Wednesday, according to a person familiar with negotiations. Biden stressed that catastrophic harm could come to families, businesses and communities if the rail system shut down. Sources within the unions were giving Biden’s call credit for helping to get the deal completed without a strike. “We’re very proud of what was accomplished,” said Jeremy Ferguson, president of the conductors union and one of the leaders involved in the marathon session. He thanked Biden and Labor Department officials involved in the talks for the deal. “Everybody pulled together to make sure that we could get our members what they deserved,” he said. “This is the quality of life issue we have been trying to get for our members since bargaining started,” said Dennis Pierce, president of the engineers’ union and the other union official involved in the talks. Pierce and Ferguson met with Biden at the White House later Thursday morning. At a Rose Garden appearance, Biden thanked them, the railroads’ negotiat
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Unions and management reached a tentative deal early Thursday , averting a freight railroad strike that had threatened to cripple US supply chains and push prices higher for many goods . The deal with unions representing more than 50,000 engineers and conductors was announced just after 5 a.m . ET
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in a statement from the White House , which called it “ an important win for our economy and the American people. ” A verbal agreement between the two sides was reached at about 2:30 am ET according to sources , and the final hours were spent getting the details worked out . That concluded about 20 hours of talks between the unions ’ leadership and the railroads ’ labor negotiators hosted by Labor Secretary Marty Walsh . They began their meeting Wednesday morning with the clock ticking down to a strike that had been set to start at 12:01 am ET on Friday . President Joe Biden called in personally to talk to negotiators around 9 pm ET Wednesday , according to a person familiar with negotiations . Biden stressed that catastrophic harm could come to families , businesses and communities if the rail system shut down . Sources within the unions were giving Biden ’ s call credit for helping to get the deal completed without a strike . “ We ’ re very proud of what was accomplished , ” said Jeremy Ferguson , president of the conductors union and one of the leaders involved in the marathon session . He thanked Biden and Labor Department officials involved in the talks for the deal . “ Everybody pulled together to make sure that we could get our members what they deserved , ” he said . “ This is the quality of life issue we have been trying to get for our members since bargaining started , ” said Dennis Pierce , president of the engineers ’ union and the other union official involved in the talks . Pierce and Ferguson met with Biden at the White House later Thursday morning . At a Rose Garden appearance , Biden thanked them , the railroads ’ negotiat
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The second Ohio Senate debate between Democrat Tim Ryan and Republican J.D. Vance was a personal and combative affair, with each candidate repeatedly questioning the other’s character. The heated nature highlighted just how crucial this race has become as Republicans look to defend the seat and win control of the evenly divided Senate in November. The Democratic Party has struggled for years in the Buckeye State, which former President Donald Trump twice carried, and even the most buoyant members of the party thought flipping retiring GOP Sen. Rob Portman’s seat in 2022 was a longshot. But a strong campaign from Ryan and Vance’s struggles have made the race more competitive than expected. Some of the most notable flashpoints in the debate were about whether either candidate would stand up to Trump and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, which abortions laws each candidate would back and a personal and heated argument about “replacement theory,” the idea that White people are being slowly and intentionally replaced by minorities and immigrants. What became clear throughout the night is that Ryan and Vance visibly don’t like each other, as each tried to tie the other to a long slate of other people: From Trump to Pelosi to conspiracy theorist Alex Jones to progressive Sen. Bernie Sanders, a Vermont independent. Here are five takeaways from the second Ohio Senate debate: Some of the clearest – and most personal – exchanges were over the candidates’ willingness to stand up to their own parties, most notably Vance’s ties to Trump after the former President said at a recent campaign rally that Vance was “kissing my ass” to get him to campaign for him. “Donald Trump told a joke,” Vance said after the moderator asked about the former President’s comment, “and Tim Ryan has decided to run his entire campaign on it.” Vance added: “I know the President very well and he was joking about a New York Times story. That’s all he was d
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The second Ohio Senate debate between Democrat Tim Ryan and Republican J.D . Vance was a personal and combative affair , with each candidate repeatedly questioning the other ’ s character . The heated nature highlighted just how crucial this race has become as Republicans look to defend the seat
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and win control of the evenly divided Senate in November . The Democratic Party has struggled for years in the Buckeye State , which former President Donald Trump twice carried , and even the most buoyant members of the party thought flipping retiring GOP Sen . Rob Portman ’ s seat in 2022 was a longshot . But a strong campaign from Ryan and Vance ’ s struggles have made the race more competitive than expected . Some of the most notable flashpoints in the debate were about whether either candidate would stand up to Trump and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi , which abortions laws each candidate would back and a personal and heated argument about “ replacement theory , ” the idea that White people are being slowly and intentionally replaced by minorities and immigrants . What became clear throughout the night is that Ryan and Vance visibly don ’ t like each other , as each tried to tie the other to a long slate of other people : From Trump to Pelosi to conspiracy theorist Alex Jones to progressive Sen. Bernie Sanders , a Vermont independent . Here are five takeaways from the second Ohio Senate debate : Some of the clearest – and most personal – exchanges were over the candidates ’ willingness to stand up to their own parties , most notably Vance ’ s ties to Trump after the former President said at a recent campaign rally that Vance was “ kissing my ass ” to get him to campaign for him . “ Donald Trump told a joke , ” Vance said after the moderator asked about the former President ’ s comment , “ and Tim Ryan has decided to run his entire campaign on it. ” Vance added : “ I know the President very well and he was joking about a New York Times story . That ’ s all he was d
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Breyer on Dobbs decision overturning Roe: “Was I happy about it? Not for an instant. Did I do everything I could to persuade people? Of course, of course.” Retired Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer is warning his colleagues against “writing too rigidly” in their opinions, saying that such decisions could “bite you in the back” in a world that is constantly changing. In a wide-ranging interview with CNN’s Chris Wallace on “Who’s Talking to Chris Wallace,” which debuted Friday on HBOMax and airs Sunday night on CNN, Breyer also bemoaned his position in the court’s minority liberal bloc during his final year on the bench, addressed the court’s reversal of Roe v. Wade and spoke about the ongoing controversy regarding Ginni Thomas, the wife of Justice Clarence Thomas. Breyer said it was a “very frustrating” spot to be in as he found himself in dissent in a number of historically consequential cases where he said the majority side (conservatives – although the retired justice did not use that description) was unwilling to bend. “You start writing too rigidly and you will see, the world will come around and bite you in the back,” Breyer said in his first televised interview since leaving the bench earlier this year. “Because you will find something you see just doesn’t work at all. And the Supreme Court, somewhat to the difference of others, has that kind of problem in spades.” “Life is complex, life changes,” Breyer added. “And we want to maintain insofar as we can – everybody does – certain key moral political values: democracy, human rights, equality, rule of law, etc. To try to do that in an ever-changing world. If you think you can do that by writing 16 computer programs – I just disagree.” The comments from Breyer come days before the Supreme Court begins its first term without him in nearly 30 years. In the new term, the justices will consi
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Breyer on Dobbs decision overturning Roe : “ Was I happy about it ? Not for an instant . Did I do everything I could to persuade people ? Of course , of course. ” Retired Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer is warning his colleagues against “ writing too rigidly
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” in their opinions , saying that such decisions could “ bite you in the back ” in a world that is constantly changing . In a wide-ranging interview with CNN ’ s Chris Wallace on “ Who ’ s Talking to Chris Wallace , ” which debuted Friday on HBOMax and airs Sunday night on CNN , Breyer also bemoaned his position in the court ’ s minority liberal bloc during his final year on the bench , addressed the court ’ s reversal of Roe v. Wade and spoke about the ongoing controversy regarding Ginni Thomas , the wife of Justice Clarence Thomas . Breyer said it was a “ very frustrating ” spot to be in as he found himself in dissent in a number of historically consequential cases where he said the majority side ( conservatives – although the retired justice did not use that description ) was unwilling to bend . “ You start writing too rigidly and you will see , the world will come around and bite you in the back , ” Breyer said in his first televised interview since leaving the bench earlier this year . “ Because you will find something you see just doesn ’ t work at all . And the Supreme Court , somewhat to the difference of others , has that kind of problem in spades. ” “ Life is complex , life changes , ” Breyer added . “ And we want to maintain insofar as we can – everybody does – certain key moral political values : democracy , human rights , equality , rule of law , etc . To try to do that in an ever-changing world . If you think you can do that by writing 16 computer programs – I just disagree. ” The comments from Breyer come days before the Supreme Court begins its first term without him in nearly 30 years . In the new term , the justices will consi
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Starbucks is closing the store in Seattle where employees were the first to vote to form a union in the chain’s home city. A company spokesperson cited safety concerns, saying that “unfortunately, despite several mitigating efforts, safety and security incidents at our Broadway and Denny store have continued to escalate.” The spokesperson said that the store will be closing to customers on December 9. It’s not the first time Starbucks has pointed to safety concerns to explain a closure. “We are beginning to close stores,” because of safety issues, interim CEO Howard Schultz said in a video posted to Twitter in July. “This is just the beginning. There are going to be many more.” But union organizers see those decisions as the company’s effort to hit back against their efforts. “This is the most clear-cut case of retaliation this company has shown closing a union store yet,” Starbucks Workers United said in a statement on the closure. “Starbucks and Howard Schultz are playing petty games with worker’s lives. They lack respect not only for the rights of their workers, but for the law of this country.” The location is the fourth union store in Seattle to be shut down by the company since July, according to the union, which said it will file an unfair labor practice charge against Starbucks over the latest closure of the Broadway and Denny location. The union has filed hundreds of unfair labor practice complaints against the company since last year, and the National Labor Relations Board has issued its own complaints against Starbucks as well. In June, workers claimed a location in Ithaca, New York was being closed in retaliation for unionizing. The Starbucks spokesperson said, regarding the Seattle closure announcement, that “we will bargain with the union in good faith to discuss the impact of this decision on our partners – including opportunities to transfer to other area stores.” Efforts to
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Starbucks is closing the store in Seattle where employees were the first to vote to form a union in the chain ’ s home city . A company spokesperson cited safety concerns , saying that “ unfortunately , despite several mitigating efforts , safety and security incidents at our Broadway
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and Denny store have continued to escalate. ” The spokesperson said that the store will be closing to customers on December 9 . It ’ s not the first time Starbucks has pointed to safety concerns to explain a closure . “ We are beginning to close stores , ” because of safety issues , interim CEO Howard Schultz said in a video posted to Twitter in July . “ This is just the beginning . There are going to be many more. ” But union organizers see those decisions as the company ’ s effort to hit back against their efforts . “ This is the most clear-cut case of retaliation this company has shown closing a union store yet , ” Starbucks Workers United said in a statement on the closure . “ Starbucks and Howard Schultz are playing petty games with worker ’ s lives . They lack respect not only for the rights of their workers , but for the law of this country. ” The location is the fourth union store in Seattle to be shut down by the company since July , according to the union , which said it will file an unfair labor practice charge against Starbucks over the latest closure of the Broadway and Denny location . The union has filed hundreds of unfair labor practice complaints against the company since last year , and the National Labor Relations Board has issued its own complaints against Starbucks as well . In June , workers claimed a location in Ithaca , New York was being closed in retaliation for unionizing . The Starbucks spokesperson said , regarding the Seattle closure announcement , that “ we will bargain with the union in good faith to discuss the impact of this decision on our partners – including opportunities to transfer to other area stores. ” Efforts to
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Temperatures expected this week will be the coldest air of the season by far, and will even reach some big cities in the Northeast and New England. It’s winter, which means we expect cold temperatures for the northern tier of the country. But the type of cold expected this week will be the coldest air of the season by far, and will even reach some big cities in the Northeast and New England. It’s the kind of cold capable of delivering frostbite in minutes, turn boiling water into frozen mist in a nanosecond, and even cold enough to freeze your eyelashes. New York City and Boston will both be in the deep freeze this week, flirting with “feels like” temperatures around zero or below. “Feels like” refers to how temperature and wind work together to make it feel colder than it would be with no wind, also known as wind chill. As the wind increases, it draws heat from the body, driving down skin temperature and eventually the internal body temperature. Therefore, the wind makes it “feel” much colder. For example, across the Upper Midwest and Northern Plains, where temperatures have dropped to dangerously cold levels, in some areas morning air temperatures were 5 to 15 degrees below zero, but with the wind chill, it felt like it was 35 to 45 degrees below zero. If you’re a weather geek, you’ll enjoy this tweet from the National Weather Service (NWS), which shows what happens on the radar when the ground temperature gets as cold as the cloud tops. Temperatures in Minnesota were as cold as 31 degrees below zero Monday morning. Over 185 million people, or more than half of the US population, were below freezing Monday morning, with nearly 10 million below zero, said CNN meteorologist Dave Hennen. A strong cold front with a chilling blast of Arctic air is responsible for the extreme cold. “Though wind chill values are dangerously cold in the upper Midwest this [Monday] morning, the rarity
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Temperatures expected this week will be the coldest air of the season by far , and will even reach some big cities in the Northeast and New England . It ’ s winter , which means we expect cold temperatures for the northern tier of the country . But the
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type of cold expected this week will be the coldest air of the season by far , and will even reach some big cities in the Northeast and New England . It ’ s the kind of cold capable of delivering frostbite in minutes , turn boiling water into frozen mist in a nanosecond , and even cold enough to freeze your eyelashes . New York City and Boston will both be in the deep freeze this week , flirting with “ feels like ” temperatures around zero or below . “ Feels like ” refers to how temperature and wind work together to make it feel colder than it would be with no wind , also known as wind chill . As the wind increases , it draws heat from the body , driving down skin temperature and eventually the internal body temperature . Therefore , the wind makes it “ feel ” much colder . For example , across the Upper Midwest and Northern Plains , where temperatures have dropped to dangerously cold levels , in some areas morning air temperatures were 5 to 15 degrees below zero , but with the wind chill , it felt like it was 35 to 45 degrees below zero . If you ’ re a weather geek , you ’ ll enjoy this tweet from the National Weather Service ( NWS ) , which shows what happens on the radar when the ground temperature gets as cold as the cloud tops . Temperatures in Minnesota were as cold as 31 degrees below zero Monday morning . Over 185 million people , or more than half of the US population , were below freezing Monday morning , with nearly 10 million below zero , said CNN meteorologist Dave Hennen . A strong cold front with a chilling blast of Arctic air is responsible for the extreme cold . “ Though wind chill values are dangerously cold in the upper Midwest this [ Monday ] morning , the rarity
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Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said on Wednesday that he intends to hold a vote on a bill to codify same-sex marriage into federal law “in the coming weeks,” and hopes there will be enough Republican support to pass it. Schumer also said he would prefer to bring it to the floor as a separate piece of legislation, and not attached to a must-pass government funding bill. “Let me be clear a vote will happen – a vote on marriage equality will happen on the Senate floor in the coming weeks, and I hope there will be 10 Republicans to support it,” Schumer said at a news conference on Capitol Hill. The Senate returned to Washington after the August recess this week and Democrats, who control the chamber, must decide how and when to hold votes on several key items ahead of the upcoming November midterm elections where control of Congress is at stake. The main must-pass legislative item on the to-do list is a bill to extend government funding past a September 30 deadline and avert a shutdown, but Democrats are also pushing to hold a vote on same-sex marriage. There have been questions over whether the same-sex marriage bill could be attached to the government funding measure, but prominent supporters of the bill have pushed back and argued it should take place as a stand-alone vote. Schumer on Wednesday said of the same-sex marriage legislation, “we would prefer to do it as a separate bill. We hope there are 10 Republicans to help us with that,” when asked if it would be attached to a must-pass government funding bill. Senate Appropriations Chairman Patrick Leahy told reporters on Wednesday that same-sex marriage legislation will not be included in the continuing resolution, otherwise known as a “CR” – a short-term government funding package to avert a shutdown. “Not going to happen,” the Vermont Democrat said of adding the bill to the funding measure. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McCo
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Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said on Wednesday that he intends to hold a vote on a bill to codify same-sex marriage into federal law “ in the coming weeks , ” and hopes there will be enough Republican support to pass it . Schumer also said he would prefer
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to bring it to the floor as a separate piece of legislation , and not attached to a must-pass government funding bill . “ Let me be clear a vote will happen – a vote on marriage equality will happen on the Senate floor in the coming weeks , and I hope there will be 10 Republicans to support it , ” Schumer said at a news conference on Capitol Hill . The Senate returned to Washington after the August recess this week and Democrats , who control the chamber , must decide how and when to hold votes on several key items ahead of the upcoming November midterm elections where control of Congress is at stake . The main must-pass legislative item on the to-do list is a bill to extend government funding past a September 30 deadline and avert a shutdown , but Democrats are also pushing to hold a vote on same-sex marriage . There have been questions over whether the same-sex marriage bill could be attached to the government funding measure , but prominent supporters of the bill have pushed back and argued it should take place as a stand-alone vote . Schumer on Wednesday said of the same-sex marriage legislation , “ we would prefer to do it as a separate bill . We hope there are 10 Republicans to help us with that , ” when asked if it would be attached to a must-pass government funding bill . Senate Appropriations Chairman Patrick Leahy told reporters on Wednesday that same-sex marriage legislation will not be included in the continuing resolution , otherwise known as a “ CR ” – a short-term government funding package to avert a shutdown . “ Not going to happen , ” the Vermont Democrat said of adding the bill to the funding measure . Senate Minority Leader Mitch McCo
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Jenna Ortega makes the Addams Family’s now-high-school-age daughter the coolest humorless goth sociopath you’ll ever meet, in a Netflix series that’s more kooky than spooky or ooky. Although the main character’s name was inspired by the poetic line “Wednesday’s child is full of woe,” “Wednesday” is generally a delight, thanks almost entirely to Jenna Ortega. Having outgrown her Disney Channel days, Ortega makes the Addams Family’s now-high-school-age daughter the coolest humorless goth sociopath you’ll ever meet, in a Netflix series that’s more kooky than spooky or ooky. Director Tim Burton sets just the right visual tone – a mix of the comedic and macabre that resembles “Edward Scissorhands” – while teaming up with “Smallville” producers Alfred Gough and Miles Millar, who know something about building a TV show around an extraordinary teen. Indeed, when Wednesday gets enrolled in a new private school, Nevermore Academy, she tells the headmistress (“Game of Thrones’” Gwendoline Christie) about her frequent moves from school to school, “They haven’t built one strong enough to hold me.” That might change at Nevermore, a Poe-etic name for this haven for the weird and witchy, with a supernatural vibe that’s as much Hogwarts (or X-Men) as Charles Addams’ signature comic strip. Not only does Wednesday have to deal with dawning psychic abilities and the strange visions that go with them, but a mystery emerges that turns the suspicious lass into an ill-tempered, ebon-clad Nancy Drew, trying to ascertain who’s responsible as the clues begin to circle back to her own family tree. It’s obviously a fairly derivative mashup of genre elements, but the mix works in part because even the smaller ingredients are tasty, from Catherine Zeta-Jones and Luis Guzman as Wednesday’s parents, Morticia and Gomez, to her sidekick Thing, who obtains a dress she wants by employing – what else? – a “five-fing
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Jenna Ortega makes the Addams Family ’ s now-high-school-age daughter the coolest humorless goth sociopath you ’ ll ever meet , in a Netflix series that ’ s more kooky than spooky or ooky . Although the main character ’ s name was inspired by the poetic line “ Wednesday
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’ s child is full of woe , ” “ Wednesday ” is generally a delight , thanks almost entirely to Jenna Ortega . Having outgrown her Disney Channel days , Ortega makes the Addams Family ’ s now-high-school-age daughter the coolest humorless goth sociopath you ’ ll ever meet , in a Netflix series that ’ s more kooky than spooky or ooky . Director Tim Burton sets just the right visual tone – a mix of the comedic and macabre that resembles “ Edward Scissorhands ” – while teaming up with “ Smallville ” producers Alfred Gough and Miles Millar , who know something about building a TV show around an extraordinary teen . Indeed , when Wednesday gets enrolled in a new private school , Nevermore Academy , she tells the headmistress ( “ Game of Thrones ’ ” Gwendoline Christie ) about her frequent moves from school to school , “ They haven ’ t built one strong enough to hold me. ” That might change at Nevermore , a Poe-etic name for this haven for the weird and witchy , with a supernatural vibe that ’ s as much Hogwarts ( or X-Men ) as Charles Addams ’ signature comic strip . Not only does Wednesday have to deal with dawning psychic abilities and the strange visions that go with them , but a mystery emerges that turns the suspicious lass into an ill-tempered , ebon-clad Nancy Drew , trying to ascertain who ’ s responsible as the clues begin to circle back to her own family tree . It ’ s obviously a fairly derivative mashup of genre elements , but the mix works in part because even the smaller ingredients are tasty , from Catherine Zeta-Jones and Luis Guzman as Wednesday ’ s parents , Morticia and Gomez , to her sidekick Thing , who obtains a dress she wants by employing – what else ? – a “ five-fing
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Liberal activists are seeking to disqualify Cawthorn from running for Congress because of his role in the January 6 insurrection Rep. Madison Cawthorn of North Carolina, a staunch Donald Trump supporter who has pushed election fraud lies, has filed a lawsuit to shut down efforts by liberal activists to disqualify him from running for Congress because of his role in the January 6 insurrection. Cawthorn asked a federal court on Monday to block the North Carolina State Board of Elections from hearing a recently filed challenge to his candidacy. The challenge revolves around the little-used “disqualification clause” of the US Constitution, which was ratified after the Civil War to prevent Confederate officials and those who supported “insurrection” from returning to office. The disqualification clause of the 14th Amendment bans from future office any American elected official who swore an oath to uphold the Constitution but then “engaged in insurrection or rebellion against the same or given aid or comfort to the enemies thereof.” The provision has rarely been utilized, and there are plenty of open legal questions about how it applies today. Cawthorn has denied any wrongdoing regarding January 6. RELATED: Rep. Cawthorn talks of ‘bloodshed’ over future elections as he pushes voting lies Liberal activists mounted the longshot challenge to Cawthorn’s qualifications last month, and the matter is pending before the North Carolina State Board of Elections. Critics of the former President have said the Cawthorn challenge is a test case to see if this is a viable option to hold Trump and other Republicans accountable for inciting the US Capitol attack. The activists say Cawthorn stoked violence and aided the insurrectionists. Days before the attack, the congressman said it was “time to fight.” And at the January 6, 2021, rally at the Ellipse, he railed against th
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Liberal activists are seeking to disqualify Cawthorn from running for Congress because of his role in the January 6 insurrection Rep. Madison Cawthorn of North Carolina , a staunch Donald Trump supporter who has pushed election fraud lies , has filed a lawsuit to shut down efforts by liberal activists
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to disqualify him from running for Congress because of his role in the January 6 insurrection . Cawthorn asked a federal court on Monday to block the North Carolina State Board of Elections from hearing a recently filed challenge to his candidacy . The challenge revolves around the little-used “ disqualification clause ” of the US Constitution , which was ratified after the Civil War to prevent Confederate officials and those who supported “ insurrection ” from returning to office . The disqualification clause of the 14th Amendment bans from future office any American elected official who swore an oath to uphold the Constitution but then “ engaged in insurrection or rebellion against the same or given aid or comfort to the enemies thereof. ” The provision has rarely been utilized , and there are plenty of open legal questions about how it applies today . Cawthorn has denied any wrongdoing regarding January 6 . RELATED : Rep. Cawthorn talks of ‘ bloodshed ’ over future elections as he pushes voting lies Liberal activists mounted the longshot challenge to Cawthorn ’ s qualifications last month , and the matter is pending before the North Carolina State Board of Elections . Critics of the former President have said the Cawthorn challenge is a test case to see if this is a viable option to hold Trump and other Republicans accountable for inciting the US Capitol attack . The activists say Cawthorn stoked violence and aided the insurrectionists . Days before the attack , the congressman said it was “ time to fight. ” And at the January 6 , 2021 , rally at the Ellipse , he railed against th
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Marg Makins’ family has been in the trucking business for generations. As she watches the crowds of truckers protest vaccine mandates across Canada, she wants to tell them about her unvaccinated son who died from Covid-19. Marg Makins’ family has been in the trucking business for generations. As she watches the crowds of truckers protest vaccine mandates across Canada, she wants to tell them about her son who died from Covid-19. David Mitchell, 70, was a veteran trucker before he died on October 15, Makins said. She says her son was not vaccinated. “It’s a horrible thing to watch somebody die of this disease,” Makins, who lives in a small Ontario town, told CNN on Tuesday. “I’m hoping (these truckers) can hear what I have to say and how bad Covid can be and maybe save somebody in their family or even themselves.” Thousands of Canadian truckers are in their second week of protests against a mandate requiring drivers entering Canada to be fully vaccinated or face testing and quarantine requirements. The group also opposes other restrictions, like mask mandates and Covid-19 lockdowns. The protests stemmed from the “Freedom Convoy” of truckers, which traversed the country before arriving in Ottawa, crippling the capital city. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has said these protesters represent a “small, fringe minority.” Nearly 90% of Canada’s truckers are fully vaccinated and eligible to cross the border, according to the government. Mitchell was sick in bed for days before he was first taken to the hospital, Makins said. He was released after some testing. “He looked very ill to me,” Makins said. “He was in bed in a great deal of pain and couldn’t even reach for his cell phone.” His condition didn’t improve even a week later. On September 18, he was having difficulty breathing and moaning in pain, Makins said. He was readmitted to the hospital and im
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Marg Makins ’ family has been in the trucking business for generations . As she watches the crowds of truckers protest vaccine mandates across Canada , she wants to tell them about her unvaccinated son who died from Covid-19 . Marg Makins ’ family has been in the trucking business
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for generations . As she watches the crowds of truckers protest vaccine mandates across Canada , she wants to tell them about her son who died from Covid-19 . David Mitchell , 70 , was a veteran trucker before he died on October 15 , Makins said . She says her son was not vaccinated . “ It ’ s a horrible thing to watch somebody die of this disease , ” Makins , who lives in a small Ontario town , told CNN on Tuesday . “ I ’ m hoping ( these truckers ) can hear what I have to say and how bad Covid can be and maybe save somebody in their family or even themselves. ” Thousands of Canadian truckers are in their second week of protests against a mandate requiring drivers entering Canada to be fully vaccinated or face testing and quarantine requirements . The group also opposes other restrictions , like mask mandates and Covid-19 lockdowns . The protests stemmed from the “ Freedom Convoy ” of truckers , which traversed the country before arriving in Ottawa , crippling the capital city . Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has said these protesters represent a “ small , fringe minority. ” Nearly 90 % of Canada ’ s truckers are fully vaccinated and eligible to cross the border , according to the government . Mitchell was sick in bed for days before he was first taken to the hospital , Makins said . He was released after some testing . “ He looked very ill to me , ” Makins said . “ He was in bed in a great deal of pain and couldn ’ t even reach for his cell phone. ” His condition didn ’ t improve even a week later . On September 18 , he was having difficulty breathing and moaning in pain , Makins said . He was readmitted to the hospital and im
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The North Carolina State Board of Elections said on Monday that it has the power to block GOP Rep. Madison Cawthorn from running for reelection over his role in the January 6 insurrection – an open legal question at the center of liberal-backed efforts to disqualify him from future office. The bipartisan election board made the assertion in a court filing in a case Cawthorn brought against the board, hoping to shut down the constitutional challenge to his candidacy. Liberal activists filed the challenge to his candidacy last month. Their argument revolves around the little-used “disqualification clause” of the US Constitution, which was ratified after the Civil War to prevent Confederate officials and those who supported “insurrection” from returning to office. Cawthorn, who has denied any wrongdoing regarding January 6, filed a federal lawsuit last week to shut down the challenge. The elections board, in its court filing, said his lawsuit is premature and should be dismissed. The board also said it has the power to disqualify candidates based on constitutional considerations, not just based on state laws. “States have long enforced age and residency requirements, without question and with very few if any legal challenges,” the board wrote. “The State has the same authority to police which candidates should or should not be disqualified per Section 3 of the Fourteenth Amendment.” The case is still pending in federal court. The state-level challenge to Cawthorn’s candidacy was paused while North Carolina draws new congressional maps. Liberal activists who have mounted the effort to disqualify his candidacy say Cawthorn stoked violence and aided the insurrectionists. Days before the attack on the US Capitol, he said it was “time to fight.” And at the January 6, 2021, rally at the Ellipse, he railed against the “cowards” in Congress who planned to certify Joe
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The North Carolina State Board of Elections said on Monday that it has the power to block GOP Rep. Madison Cawthorn from running for reelection over his role in the January 6 insurrection – an open legal question at the center of liberal-backed efforts to disqualify him from future office
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. The bipartisan election board made the assertion in a court filing in a case Cawthorn brought against the board , hoping to shut down the constitutional challenge to his candidacy . Liberal activists filed the challenge to his candidacy last month . Their argument revolves around the little-used “ disqualification clause ” of the US Constitution , which was ratified after the Civil War to prevent Confederate officials and those who supported “ insurrection ” from returning to office . Cawthorn , who has denied any wrongdoing regarding January 6 , filed a federal lawsuit last week to shut down the challenge . The elections board , in its court filing , said his lawsuit is premature and should be dismissed . The board also said it has the power to disqualify candidates based on constitutional considerations , not just based on state laws . “ States have long enforced age and residency requirements , without question and with very few if any legal challenges , ” the board wrote . “ The State has the same authority to police which candidates should or should not be disqualified per Section 3 of the Fourteenth Amendment. ” The case is still pending in federal court . The state-level challenge to Cawthorn ’ s candidacy was paused while North Carolina draws new congressional maps . Liberal activists who have mounted the effort to disqualify his candidacy say Cawthorn stoked violence and aided the insurrectionists . Days before the attack on the US Capitol , he said it was “ time to fight. ” And at the January 6 , 2021 , rally at the Ellipse , he railed against the “ cowards ” in Congress who planned to certify Joe
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If Omicron doesn’t result in another round of widespread lockdowns or crackdowns on social gatherings, we can expect to see record-high gas prices nearing $4 a gallon in dozens of states this year. Americans all over the country have been paying higher prices at the pump. And if Omicron doesn’t result in another round of widespread lockdowns or crackdowns on social gatherings, we can expect to see record-high gas prices nearing $4 a gallon in dozens of states this year. To be sure, the crude oil prices that provide much of the raw cost for gasoline trended higher for virtually all of 2021. In October, Brent crude, the global benchmark for oil, hit a high of $85.76 per barrel and the US benchmark West Texas Intermediate (WTI) reached $85.64 per barrel. Wholesale gasoline usually trades some $10 to $20 per barrel higher than crude oil. That difference could soar to $40 to $50 per barrel or more this year if Omicron wanes and gasoline demand moves even higher. Many have blamed President Biden for the higher energy prices. Yes, he revoked the permits for the Keystone XL pipeline, which would have moved more Canadian oil from Alberta to Nebraska. But existing pipeline expansion projects have and will move more Canadian crude to the US. Biden’s war on carbon may indeed impact prices, but not until the second half of his term. Once we really start moving away from fossil fuels, it will be expensive and painful. To deny that expense is as disingenuous as denying climate change. One of the real drivers behind surging crude — and subsequently gas prices — was that OPEC and other countries, most notably Russia, only gradually increased oil production. These countries kept millions of barrels off markets with well-crafted quotas. Meanwhile, in the United States, bankers have kept their investments in oil exploration companies on a tight leash, not wanting to create a third boom-and-bust cycle. As a result, less capital for US crude has kept p
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If Omicron doesn ’ t result in another round of widespread lockdowns or crackdowns on social gatherings , we can expect to see record-high gas prices nearing $ 4 a gallon in dozens of states this year . Americans all over the country have been paying higher prices at the
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pump . And if Omicron doesn ’ t result in another round of widespread lockdowns or crackdowns on social gatherings , we can expect to see record-high gas prices nearing $ 4 a gallon in dozens of states this year . To be sure , the crude oil prices that provide much of the raw cost for gasoline trended higher for virtually all of 2021 . In October , Brent crude , the global benchmark for oil , hit a high of $ 85.76 per barrel and the US benchmark West Texas Intermediate ( WTI ) reached $ 85.64 per barrel . Wholesale gasoline usually trades some $ 10 to $ 20 per barrel higher than crude oil . That difference could soar to $ 40 to $ 50 per barrel or more this year if Omicron wanes and gasoline demand moves even higher . Many have blamed President Biden for the higher energy prices . Yes , he revoked the permits for the Keystone XL pipeline , which would have moved more Canadian oil from Alberta to Nebraska . But existing pipeline expansion projects have and will move more Canadian crude to the US . Biden ’ s war on carbon may indeed impact prices , but not until the second half of his term . Once we really start moving away from fossil fuels , it will be expensive and painful . To deny that expense is as disingenuous as denying climate change . One of the real drivers behind surging crude — and subsequently gas prices — was that OPEC and other countries , most notably Russia , only gradually increased oil production . These countries kept millions of barrels off markets with well-crafted quotas . Meanwhile , in the United States , bankers have kept their investments in oil exploration companies on a tight leash , not wanting to create a third boom-and-bust cycle . As a result , less capital for US crude has kept p
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Natural snow is becoming less reliable for winter sports, which has led venues to lean more on artificial. But that comes at a cost. It would be hard to hold a conversation over the deafening sound of the snow machines preparing the Olympic venues northwest of Beijing. They are loud and they are everywhere, blowing snow across what will be this month’s most-watched slopes. It is almost beautiful – except that the venues are surrounded by an endless brown, dry landscape completely devoid of snow. In an Olympic first, though not an achievement to boast about, climate variability has forced the Winter Games to be virtually 100% reliant on artificial snow – part of a trend that is taking place across winter sports venues around the world. Just one of the 21 cities that have hosted the Winter Olympics in the past 50 years will have a climate suitable for winter sports by the end of the century, a recent study found, if fossil fuel emissions remain unchecked. As the planet warms and the weather becomes increasingly more erratic, natural snow is becoming less reliable for winter sports, which forces venues to lean more on artificial snow. But it comes at a cost: human-made snow is incredibly resource-intensive, requiring massive amounts of energy and water to produce in a climate that’s getting warmer and warmer. Elite athletes also say that the sports themselves become trickier and less safe when human-made snow is involved. The region surrounding the outdoor Olympic venues is in an extreme drought this winter, but even in normal years, it isn’t particularly suitable for snow sports. The average annual snowfall in Yanqing (where the Alpine slopes are) and Zhangjiakou (where many of the other events are held, including the biathlon) is roughly 20 centimeters (7.8 inches), although higher snow years have been recorded. Italy-based TechnoAlpin was tapped to manufacture the s
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Natural snow is becoming less reliable for winter sports , which has led venues to lean more on artificial . But that comes at a cost . It would be hard to hold a conversation over the deafening sound of the snow machines preparing the Olympic venues northwest of Beijing
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. They are loud and they are everywhere , blowing snow across what will be this month ’ s most-watched slopes . It is almost beautiful – except that the venues are surrounded by an endless brown , dry landscape completely devoid of snow . In an Olympic first , though not an achievement to boast about , climate variability has forced the Winter Games to be virtually 100 % reliant on artificial snow – part of a trend that is taking place across winter sports venues around the world . Just one of the 21 cities that have hosted the Winter Olympics in the past 50 years will have a climate suitable for winter sports by the end of the century , a recent study found , if fossil fuel emissions remain unchecked . As the planet warms and the weather becomes increasingly more erratic , natural snow is becoming less reliable for winter sports , which forces venues to lean more on artificial snow . But it comes at a cost : human-made snow is incredibly resource-intensive , requiring massive amounts of energy and water to produce in a climate that ’ s getting warmer and warmer . Elite athletes also say that the sports themselves become trickier and less safe when human-made snow is involved . The region surrounding the outdoor Olympic venues is in an extreme drought this winter , but even in normal years , it isn ’ t particularly suitable for snow sports . The average annual snowfall in Yanqing ( where the Alpine slopes are ) and Zhangjiakou ( where many of the other events are held , including the biathlon ) is roughly 20 centimeters ( 7.8 inches ) , although higher snow years have been recorded . Italy-based TechnoAlpin was tapped to manufacture the s
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Two young brothers have been rescued from a remote part of Brazil’s Amazon rainforest after being lost for nearly four weeks. The children – ages 7 and 9 – were found near their hometown of Manicoré by a local resident on Thursday, their father told local media. The boys – who are indigenous Mura people, who live in the central and eastern parts of Amazonas, Brazil – had been lost for 27 days. The father said the search was “difficult” and involved police, firemen and Funai, the governmental protection agency for indigenous people. He told local media he had lost hope his sons would be found alive when a local farmer – who was also a friend of the boys’ father – found the children lying on his property. The older child shouted when he saw someone approaching him, the father said. Rocineia Lima, a social worker assigned to the case, detailed the boys’ fight to survive, and said they worked together to be found. “The older brother said that (at one point) the younger brother could no longer walk, so he had to go and collect fruit for them to eat. But it came to a point where the older one also could no longer walk,” Lima told CNN. Lima said the farmer was “opening a route in the forest where he has a nut plantation. (He) then heard one of the children crying,” she said. “He (the farmer) was really moved when he found them,” Lima added. The boys were last seen on February 18, when they entered the forest to hunt, CNN Brasil reported. Around 260 people were involved in the search to find them, Lima said. The brothers were malnourished, dehydrated and with skin injuries, a representative from the State Department of Health of Amazonas told CNN. The boys survived their time in the forest by drinking rain and river water and eating a wild fruit called sorva. Their skin was covered with insect bites and scratches from tree branches, the health representative said. The boys were flown to an ICU unit
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Two young brothers have been rescued from a remote part of Brazil ’ s Amazon rainforest after being lost for nearly four weeks . The children – ages 7 and 9 – were found near their hometown of Manicoré by a local resident on Thursday , their father told local
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media . The boys – who are indigenous Mura people , who live in the central and eastern parts of Amazonas , Brazil – had been lost for 27 days . The father said the search was “ difficult ” and involved police , firemen and Funai , the governmental protection agency for indigenous people . He told local media he had lost hope his sons would be found alive when a local farmer – who was also a friend of the boys ’ father – found the children lying on his property . The older child shouted when he saw someone approaching him , the father said . Rocineia Lima , a social worker assigned to the case , detailed the boys ’ fight to survive , and said they worked together to be found . “ The older brother said that ( at one point ) the younger brother could no longer walk , so he had to go and collect fruit for them to eat . But it came to a point where the older one also could no longer walk , ” Lima told CNN . Lima said the farmer was “ opening a route in the forest where he has a nut plantation . ( He ) then heard one of the children crying , ” she said . “ He ( the farmer ) was really moved when he found them , ” Lima added . The boys were last seen on February 18 , when they entered the forest to hunt , CNN Brasil reported . Around 260 people were involved in the search to find them , Lima said . The brothers were malnourished , dehydrated and with skin injuries , a representative from the State Department of Health of Amazonas told CNN . The boys survived their time in the forest by drinking rain and river water and eating a wild fruit called sorva . Their skin was covered with insect bites and scratches from tree branches , the health representative said . The boys were flown to an ICU unit
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Let the battle over $1 prices begin. Last year, Dollar Tree
(DLTR) announced it was walking away from $1 prices and raising prices on most products to $1.25. With Dollar Tree
(DLTR) abandoning $1 prices, its main rival Dollar General
(DG) sees an opportunity to draw away some customers. Dollar General is advertising its $1 prices to customers in stores to push the perception that it’s the place to save money as everything gets more expensive. Dollar General is “trying to take Dollar Tree shoppers” and position itself as a trade-down option, said Evercore ISI analyst Michael Montani. With most of its stores in rural areas, Dollar General targets low-income customers and sells food and household essentials. By contrast Dollar Tree, a smaller competitor, operates stores primarily in the suburbs that target middle-income customers hunting for party goods and other knickknacks. The largest dollar store chains in the United States aren’t true dollar stores, though. Dollar General, for example, hasn’t sold everything for a dollar in decades, and only about 20% of its merchandise is $1 or less. But recently, Dollar General has been putting more of its $1 items in prime positions in stores and adding signs highlighting those prices. It’s also considering growing its assortment of $1 items, the company said this week. “We’ve actually leaned into our $1 price point,” CEO Todd Vasos said on a call with analysts Thursday. Dollar General is “really pushing that [$1] side of the business because I think our customers will need us even more there.” Dollar General’s main customers, many of whom have fixed incomes, often run out of money at the end of the month, Vasos said. Offering $1 items “bridges that last few days for her” and help “round out her month.” Gas prices have increased above $4, and Dollar General expects customers to drive less and
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Let the battle over $ 1 prices begin . Last year , Dollar Tree ( DLTR ) announced it was walking away from $ 1 prices and raising prices on most products to $ 1.25 . With Dollar Tree ( DLTR ) abandoning $ 1 prices , its main rival
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Dollar General ( DG ) sees an opportunity to draw away some customers . Dollar General is advertising its $ 1 prices to customers in stores to push the perception that it ’ s the place to save money as everything gets more expensive . Dollar General is “ trying to take Dollar Tree shoppers ” and position itself as a trade-down option , said Evercore ISI analyst Michael Montani . With most of its stores in rural areas , Dollar General targets low-income customers and sells food and household essentials . By contrast Dollar Tree , a smaller competitor , operates stores primarily in the suburbs that target middle-income customers hunting for party goods and other knickknacks . The largest dollar store chains in the United States aren ’ t true dollar stores , though . Dollar General , for example , hasn ’ t sold everything for a dollar in decades , and only about 20 % of its merchandise is $ 1 or less . But recently , Dollar General has been putting more of its $ 1 items in prime positions in stores and adding signs highlighting those prices . It ’ s also considering growing its assortment of $ 1 items , the company said this week . “ We ’ ve actually leaned into our $ 1 price point , ” CEO Todd Vasos said on a call with analysts Thursday . Dollar General is “ really pushing that [ $ 1 ] side of the business because I think our customers will need us even more there. ” Dollar General ’ s main customers , many of whom have fixed incomes , often run out of money at the end of the month , Vasos said . Offering $ 1 items “ bridges that last few days for her ” and help “ round out her month. ” Gas prices have increased above $ 4 , and Dollar General expects customers to drive less and
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Daniel Glaun woke up on Thursday morning not knowing whether or not his home had fallen victim to Hurricane Ian. Glaun, a reporter at the News-Press, the broadsheet that services Fort Myers, Florida, had slept on a mattress cover inside NPR affiliate WGCU’s building, which has become a refuge for journalists in the region who needed a reliable internet connection and power. But instead of trying to find his way home to check on the status of his life possessions, Glaun set out to do his job. He’s just one of dozens of reporters at the News-Press and elsewhere in the decimated city working to report on the catastrophe while also managing the destruction left behind in their own lives. “Honestly I have it easy,” Glaun told me by phone Thursday afternoon when I asked how difficult that must have been. “I’m renting. I don’t have kids. So for me it is an inconvenience.” “I have colleagues who have lived here a long time, who have owned homes and have families, whose houses are devastated and it’s really hard for them,” Glaun added. “They’re doing an incredible job of being on frontlines here reporting and dealing with a personal crisis.” At around 10:30 a.m., Glaun set out with a photographer and another reporter in an SUV to survey the damage that Ian had left behind. The scenes were jarring. “Once you get within a couple miles of the water, it’s completely decimated,” Glaun explained. “There were boats that were thrown across the road. There were submerged cars. … We saw a neighborhood and the houses were totally wrecked.” But Glaun and his colleagues could not report any of this information in real-time. The storm had knocked out cell phone service in the area, making it hard for residents to communicate, as well as journalists to report from the field. So the trio of reporters gathered string and photographs before heading back to the NPR office. Fro
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Daniel Glaun woke up on Thursday morning not knowing whether or not his home had fallen victim to Hurricane Ian . Glaun , a reporter at the News-Press , the broadsheet that services Fort Myers , Florida , had slept on a mattress cover inside NPR affiliate WGCU ’ s
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building , which has become a refuge for journalists in the region who needed a reliable internet connection and power . But instead of trying to find his way home to check on the status of his life possessions , Glaun set out to do his job . He ’ s just one of dozens of reporters at the News-Press and elsewhere in the decimated city working to report on the catastrophe while also managing the destruction left behind in their own lives . “ Honestly I have it easy , ” Glaun told me by phone Thursday afternoon when I asked how difficult that must have been . “ I ’ m renting . I don ’ t have kids . So for me it is an inconvenience. ” “ I have colleagues who have lived here a long time , who have owned homes and have families , whose houses are devastated and it ’ s really hard for them , ” Glaun added . “ They ’ re doing an incredible job of being on frontlines here reporting and dealing with a personal crisis. ” At around 10:30 a.m. , Glaun set out with a photographer and another reporter in an SUV to survey the damage that Ian had left behind . The scenes were jarring . “ Once you get within a couple miles of the water , it ’ s completely decimated , ” Glaun explained . “ There were boats that were thrown across the road . There were submerged cars . … We saw a neighborhood and the houses were totally wrecked. ” But Glaun and his colleagues could not report any of this information in real-time . The storm had knocked out cell phone service in the area , making it hard for residents to communicate , as well as journalists to report from the field . So the trio of reporters gathered string and photographs before heading back to the NPR office . Fro
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The 11-day manhunt for former Alabama corrections official Vicky White and the prisoner she helped escape ended in Indiana on Monday with her dead from a gunshot wound and him in handcuffs, authorities said. Yet the end of the saga leaves a number of questions still unanswered, none more so than the obvious: Why? The 11-day manhunt for former Alabama corrections official Vicky White and the prisoner she helped escape ended in Indiana on Monday with her dead from a gunshot wound and him in handcuffs, authorities said. Yet the end of the saga leaves a number of questions still unanswered, none more so than the obvious: Why? Why did Vicky White, a 56-year-old corrections official about to retire, decide to sell her house, stockpile cash and flee with a prisoner nearly two decades her younger who was in the early part of a 75-year prison sentence? Some answers may be provided by Casey White, the 38-year-old prisoner, who spoke freely with investigators after his capture, Vanderburgh County, Indiana, Sheriff Dave Wedding told CNN. “He was pretty candid with investigators last night. They had a fairly lengthy interview,” Wedding said Tuesday. Here’s a look at a number of open questions concerning the search. This is the essential question of this story, and one that Vicky White, who was declared dead on Monday night after investigators say they believe she shot herself, won’t be able to answer. Officials have said she had a “special relationship” with the prisoner, providing him extra food on occasion. But further details of their relationship are not known. While the “why” is unknown, the how of the escape makes clear that Vicky White “was basically the mastermind behind the whole plan,” Lauderdale County, Alabama, Sheriff Rick Singleton said. She took Casey White away from the detention center on April 29 after falsely telling her colleagues she was taking him to a mental health evaluation for
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The 11-day manhunt for former Alabama corrections official Vicky White and the prisoner she helped escape ended in Indiana on Monday with her dead from a gunshot wound and him in handcuffs , authorities said . Yet the end of the saga leaves a number of questions still unanswered ,
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none more so than the obvious : Why ? The 11-day manhunt for former Alabama corrections official Vicky White and the prisoner she helped escape ended in Indiana on Monday with her dead from a gunshot wound and him in handcuffs , authorities said . Yet the end of the saga leaves a number of questions still unanswered , none more so than the obvious : Why ? Why did Vicky White , a 56-year-old corrections official about to retire , decide to sell her house , stockpile cash and flee with a prisoner nearly two decades her younger who was in the early part of a 75-year prison sentence ? Some answers may be provided by Casey White , the 38-year-old prisoner , who spoke freely with investigators after his capture , Vanderburgh County , Indiana , Sheriff Dave Wedding told CNN . “ He was pretty candid with investigators last night . They had a fairly lengthy interview , ” Wedding said Tuesday . Here ’ s a look at a number of open questions concerning the search . This is the essential question of this story , and one that Vicky White , who was declared dead on Monday night after investigators say they believe she shot herself , won ’ t be able to answer . Officials have said she had a “ special relationship ” with the prisoner , providing him extra food on occasion . But further details of their relationship are not known . While the “ why ” is unknown , the how of the escape makes clear that Vicky White “ was basically the mastermind behind the whole plan , ” Lauderdale County , Alabama , Sheriff Rick Singleton said . She took Casey White away from the detention center on April 29 after falsely telling her colleagues she was taking him to a mental health evaluation for
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The Indian Air Force said on Tuesday the government had sacked three officers for accidentally firing a missile into Pakistan in March, an incident that the two nuclear-armed rivals handled calmly as there were no casualties. Military experts have in the past warned of the risk of accidents or miscalculations by the neighbors, which have fought three wars and engaged in numerous smaller armed clashes, usually over the disputed territory of Kashmir. The BrahMos missile – a nuclear-capable, land-attack cruise missile jointly developed by Russia and India – was fired on March 9, prompting Pakistan to seek answers from New Delhi on the safety mechanisms in place to prevent accidental launches. “A Court of Inquiry, set up to establish the facts of the case, including fixing responsibility for the incident, found that deviation from the standard operating procedures by three officers led to the accidental firing of the missile,” the air force said in a statement. It said the government had dismissed the three officers with immediate effect on Tuesday. According to the US-based Arms Control Association, the BrahMos missile’s range is between 300 kilometers (186 miles) and 500 kilometers (310 miles), making it capable of hitting Pakistan’s capital Islamabad from a northern Indian launch pad.
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The Indian Air Force said on Tuesday the government had sacked three officers for accidentally firing a missile into Pakistan in March , an incident that the two nuclear-armed rivals handled calmly as there were no casualties . Military experts have in the past warned of the risk of accidents
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or miscalculations by the neighbors , which have fought three wars and engaged in numerous smaller armed clashes , usually over the disputed territory of Kashmir . The BrahMos missile – a nuclear-capable , land-attack cruise missile jointly developed by Russia and India – was fired on March 9 , prompting Pakistan to seek answers from New Delhi on the safety mechanisms in place to prevent accidental launches . “ A Court of Inquiry , set up to establish the facts of the case , including fixing responsibility for the incident , found that deviation from the standard operating procedures by three officers led to the accidental firing of the missile , ” the air force said in a statement . It said the government had dismissed the three officers with immediate effect on Tuesday . According to the US-based Arms Control Association , the BrahMos missile ’ s range is between 300 kilometers ( 186 miles ) and 500 kilometers ( 310 miles ) , making it capable of hitting Pakistan ’ s capital Islamabad from a northern Indian launch pad .
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It’s back to the “Futurama.” A decade after it ended, the animated series has been revived for a 20-episode run on Hulu. Original stars Billy West and Katey Sagal will return, along with Tress MacNeille, Maurice LaMarche, Lauren Tom, Phil LaMarr and David Herman. Matt Groening of “The Simpsons” and David X. Cohen created “Futurama.” It ran for five seasons on Fox before airing for three more at Comedy Central. After a total of 140 episodes, the show ended in 2013. “Futurama” is based on a pizza delivery guy who accidentally freezes himself in 1999 and wakes up a thousand years later. The show earned six Emmys, including two for outstanding animated program. “Family Guy,” “Rick and Morty,” “Bob’s Burgers,” “South Park” and the original “Futurama” are all available on Hulu. The new episodes of “Futurama” are slated for a 2023 debut.
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It ’ s back to the “ Futurama. ” A decade after it ended , the animated series has been revived for a 20-episode run on Hulu . Original stars Billy West and Katey Sagal will return , along with Tress MacNeille , Maurice LaMarche , Lauren Tom , Phil
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LaMarr and David Herman . Matt Groening of “ The Simpsons ” and David X. Cohen created “ Futurama. ” It ran for five seasons on Fox before airing for three more at Comedy Central . After a total of 140 episodes , the show ended in 2013 . “ Futurama ” is based on a pizza delivery guy who accidentally freezes himself in 1999 and wakes up a thousand years later . The show earned six Emmys , including two for outstanding animated program . “ Family Guy , ” “ Rick and Morty , ” “ Bob ’ s Burgers , ” “ South Park ” and the original “ Futurama ” are all available on Hulu . The new episodes of “ Futurama ” are slated for a 2023 debut .
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The barrage of sanctions imposed by the West following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine decimated the ruble. But one month after the tanks rolled, the currency has made a full recovery and is now trading at levels seen prior to the war. How is that possible? Russia’s central bank has taken dramatic steps in recent weeks to intervene in the market, implementing policies to prevent investors and companies from selling the currency and other measures that force them to buy it. These measures have allowed Moscow to artificially manufacture demand for the ruble. The problem facing policymakers is that with Russia’s economy in tatters, nobody actually wants to buy the currency of their own accord. When the restrictions are lifted, demand for the ruble will drop, and its value will slide — perhaps dramatically. The same is true for Russia’s stock market. The benchmark MOEX index trended higher when trading resumed a week ago after a long stoppage forced by the war, but analysts say that’s due to restrictions in place on investors, including a ban on short selling. Only 33 stocks were allowed to trade when the market reopened. When trading was extended to all stocks this week, the index fell again. With that in mind, the rebound of the ruble and stock market moves shouldn’t be taken as a signal that Russia’s economy is on the mend. The country is facing its deepest recession since the 1990s, and the economy will shrink by a fifth this year, according to a recent forecast from S&P Global Market Intelligence.
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The barrage of sanctions imposed by the West following Russia ’ s invasion of Ukraine decimated the ruble . But one month after the tanks rolled , the currency has made a full recovery and is now trading at levels seen prior to the war . How is that possible
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? Russia ’ s central bank has taken dramatic steps in recent weeks to intervene in the market , implementing policies to prevent investors and companies from selling the currency and other measures that force them to buy it . These measures have allowed Moscow to artificially manufacture demand for the ruble . The problem facing policymakers is that with Russia ’ s economy in tatters , nobody actually wants to buy the currency of their own accord . When the restrictions are lifted , demand for the ruble will drop , and its value will slide — perhaps dramatically . The same is true for Russia ’ s stock market . The benchmark MOEX index trended higher when trading resumed a week ago after a long stoppage forced by the war , but analysts say that ’ s due to restrictions in place on investors , including a ban on short selling . Only 33 stocks were allowed to trade when the market reopened . When trading was extended to all stocks this week , the index fell again . With that in mind , the rebound of the ruble and stock market moves shouldn ’ t be taken as a signal that Russia ’ s economy is on the mend . The country is facing its deepest recession since the 1990s , and the economy will shrink by a fifth this year , according to a recent forecast from S & P Global Market Intelligence .
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Two employees were killed Saturday morning in a shooting at a Dallas hospital, the local health system said. Authorities responded to the Methodist Dallas Medical Center at roughly 11 a.m. local time on Saturday, according to a statement from the Methodist Health System. “The preliminary investigation determined a suspect shot and killed two hospital employees,” the statement said. An officer who arrived on scene confronted and shot the suspect, injuring him, according to the health system. The suspect was taken into custody, stabilized and taken to another hospital, the statement added. Methodist Health System Police arrested 30-year-old Nestor Hernandez for capital murder, according to a statement from the Dallas Police Department. Hernandez is out on parole for aggravated robbery and had “an active ankle monitor,” Dallas police said. Hernandez was released in October 2021 and had permission to be at the facility while his significant other gave birth, according to the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. “The Methodist Health System Family is heartbroken at the loss of two of our beloved team members. Our entire organization is grieving this unimaginable tragedy,” the statement from the health system’s executive leaders said. “Our prayers are with our lost co-workers and their families, as well as our entire Methodist family. We appreciate the community’s support during this difficult time.” The shooting took place inside the “mother/baby” unit, according to a statement from Methodist Health System. As a result, and “out of an abundance of caution,” police staffing is increased at the hospital campus, “including for mothers and babies,” the statement said. Methodist recently installed new camera systems, bolstered physical security measures and held ongoing active-shooting training for employees. The medical center is now safe and there are no ongoing threats, the leadership added. Authorities are
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Two employees were killed Saturday morning in a shooting at a Dallas hospital , the local health system said . Authorities responded to the Methodist Dallas Medical Center at roughly 11 a.m. local time on Saturday , according to a statement from the Methodist Health System . “ The preliminary
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investigation determined a suspect shot and killed two hospital employees , ” the statement said . An officer who arrived on scene confronted and shot the suspect , injuring him , according to the health system . The suspect was taken into custody , stabilized and taken to another hospital , the statement added . Methodist Health System Police arrested 30-year-old Nestor Hernandez for capital murder , according to a statement from the Dallas Police Department . Hernandez is out on parole for aggravated robbery and had “ an active ankle monitor , ” Dallas police said . Hernandez was released in October 2021 and had permission to be at the facility while his significant other gave birth , according to the Texas Department of Criminal Justice . “ The Methodist Health System Family is heartbroken at the loss of two of our beloved team members . Our entire organization is grieving this unimaginable tragedy , ” the statement from the health system ’ s executive leaders said . “ Our prayers are with our lost co-workers and their families , as well as our entire Methodist family . We appreciate the community ’ s support during this difficult time. ” The shooting took place inside the “ mother/baby ” unit , according to a statement from Methodist Health System . As a result , and “ out of an abundance of caution , ” police staffing is increased at the hospital campus , “ including for mothers and babies , ” the statement said . Methodist recently installed new camera systems , bolstered physical security measures and held ongoing active-shooting training for employees . The medical center is now safe and there are no ongoing threats , the leadership added . Authorities are
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Hoping to bring some mustard home from France? It might actually be the last place you’ll find some at the moment. France’s most famous condiment is running out, and there is no sign of its return to the shelves. When Marc Désarménien’s “Maison Fallot” mustard boutique in Dijon opens at 10 am every morning, 10 to 15 people are already queuing outside, hoping to get their hands on this now luxurious condiment. “I don’t think we have ever seen anything like it!” exclaims Désarménien. His family-run business has been producing authentic French mustard for generations. “My grandfather has lived through two world wars and the post-war period when there were ration tickets in France, but even then there was mustard! Now whether you go to Lille, Marseille, Bordeaux or Strasbourg, nobody has any mustard left. It’s all sold within a few hours.” France is the largest consumer of mustard in the world and its relationship with the condiment stretches back to the Middle Ages. In fact, Désarménien explains that it was the Dukes of Burgundy who first made it so popular by combining it with tough meats because of its digestive qualities. Over the years, it has become an absolute staple in French cuisine and a must-have for the French household. Nowadays, a majority of French mustard is produced by large brands like Amora, owned by Unilever
(UL), and sold in supermarkets. But those supermarket shelves are now empty, sparking outrage across the country. Conspiracy theories have filled social media, some suggesting that the mustard’s disappearance is supermarkets’ ploy to inflate prices and that stacks of pots are being hidden in warehouses. But the real reason for France’s mustard shortage stretches far beyond the country’s borders. Despite French mustard labeled as being from Dijon or Reims, most of the seeds it is made from are actually cultivated in Canada where they cost a lot less. But transatlant
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Hoping to bring some mustard home from France ? It might actually be the last place you ’ ll find some at the moment . France ’ s most famous condiment is running out , and there is no sign of its return to the shelves . When Marc Désarménien
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’ s “ Maison Fallot ” mustard boutique in Dijon opens at 10 am every morning , 10 to 15 people are already queuing outside , hoping to get their hands on this now luxurious condiment . “ I don ’ t think we have ever seen anything like it ! ” exclaims Désarménien . His family-run business has been producing authentic French mustard for generations . “ My grandfather has lived through two world wars and the post-war period when there were ration tickets in France , but even then there was mustard ! Now whether you go to Lille , Marseille , Bordeaux or Strasbourg , nobody has any mustard left . It ’ s all sold within a few hours. ” France is the largest consumer of mustard in the world and its relationship with the condiment stretches back to the Middle Ages . In fact , Désarménien explains that it was the Dukes of Burgundy who first made it so popular by combining it with tough meats because of its digestive qualities . Over the years , it has become an absolute staple in French cuisine and a must-have for the French household . Nowadays , a majority of French mustard is produced by large brands like Amora , owned by Unilever ( UL ) , and sold in supermarkets . But those supermarket shelves are now empty , sparking outrage across the country . Conspiracy theories have filled social media , some suggesting that the mustard ’ s disappearance is supermarkets ’ ploy to inflate prices and that stacks of pots are being hidden in warehouses . But the real reason for France ’ s mustard shortage stretches far beyond the country ’ s borders . Despite French mustard labeled as being from Dijon or Reims , most of the seeds it is made from are actually cultivated in Canada where they cost a lot less . But transatlant
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A Georgia special prosecutor determined that the two Atlanta police officers involved in the fatal shooting of Rayshard Brooks in June 2020 acted reasonably and did not commit crimes. A Georgia special prosecutor announced Tuesday that murder and assault charges will be dismissed against two Atlanta police officers involved in the fatal shooting of Rayshard Brooks in June 2020, saying the officers acted reasonably in response to a deadly threat. “Both acted as reasonable officers would under the facts and circumstances of the events of that night,” special prosecutor Peter Skandalakis said. “Both acted in accordance with well-established law and were justified in the use of force regarding the situation.” The announcement comes two years after Brooks, a 27-year-old Black man, was shot and killed outside a Wendy’s restaurant after he fought two officers who tried to arrest him for DUI. During the struggle, Brooks overpowered officers Garrett Rolfe and Devin Brosnan, took a Taser from Brosnan and ran away, according to prosecutors. While fleeing, he turned back and fired the stolen Taser at Rolfe, who then shot Brooks twice, in the back and buttocks, killing him, prosecutors said. The incident was extensively captured on video, including bodycam footage, Wendy’s surveillance video and witness cellphone video. The fatal shooting – less than three weeks after the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis – sparked protests across Atlanta and beyond amid national demonstrations over police brutality and racial injustice. In Atlanta, the Wendy’s restaurant was set ablaze, hundreds blocked a major interstate, authorities fired tear gas and the police chief stepped down. Five days after the shooting, then-Fulton County District Attorney Paul Howard announced charges against Rolfe of felony murder, aggravated assault, violations of oath of office and crimina
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A Georgia special prosecutor determined that the two Atlanta police officers involved in the fatal shooting of Rayshard Brooks in June 2020 acted reasonably and did not commit crimes . A Georgia special prosecutor announced Tuesday that murder and assault charges will be dismissed against two Atlanta police officers involved
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in the fatal shooting of Rayshard Brooks in June 2020 , saying the officers acted reasonably in response to a deadly threat . “ Both acted as reasonable officers would under the facts and circumstances of the events of that night , ” special prosecutor Peter Skandalakis said . “ Both acted in accordance with well-established law and were justified in the use of force regarding the situation. ” The announcement comes two years after Brooks , a 27-year-old Black man , was shot and killed outside a Wendy ’ s restaurant after he fought two officers who tried to arrest him for DUI . During the struggle , Brooks overpowered officers Garrett Rolfe and Devin Brosnan , took a Taser from Brosnan and ran away , according to prosecutors . While fleeing , he turned back and fired the stolen Taser at Rolfe , who then shot Brooks twice , in the back and buttocks , killing him , prosecutors said . The incident was extensively captured on video , including bodycam footage , Wendy ’ s surveillance video and witness cellphone video . The fatal shooting – less than three weeks after the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis – sparked protests across Atlanta and beyond amid national demonstrations over police brutality and racial injustice . In Atlanta , the Wendy ’ s restaurant was set ablaze , hundreds blocked a major interstate , authorities fired tear gas and the police chief stepped down . Five days after the shooting , then-Fulton County District Attorney Paul Howard announced charges against Rolfe of felony murder , aggravated assault , violations of oath of office and crimina
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A transgender woman who is scheduled to be executed in Missouri next month for murdering a woman in 2003 has filed a clemency application with the governor, citing struggles with brain damage and childhood trauma, the petition says. Amber McLaughlin – listed in court documents as Scott McLaughlin – is set to be executed by lethal injection on January 3 for the 2003 murder of Beverly Guenther, according to her clemency application with Missouri Gov. Mike Parson, a Republican. “The lead investigating officer contemporaneously noted McLaughlin’s genuine remorse, as has every expert to evaluate McLaughlin in the years since the trial,” the application filed by her attorneys states, adding that McLaughlin has been “consistently diagnosed with borderline intellectual disability,” and “universally diagnosed with brain damage as well as fetal alcohol syndrome.” A spokesperson for the Death Penalty Information Center, an anti-execution organization, told CNN that McLaughlin is the first transgendered prisoner to be given an execution date. McLaughlin was “abandoned” by her mother and placed into the foster care system, and in one placement, had “feces thrust into her face,” according to the petition. In one foster home, McLaughlin suffered abuse and trauma that included being tased by her adoptive father, the petition says, and she battled depression that led to “multiple suicide attempts.” The petition alleges that the jury in McLaughlin’s trial was not presented with evidence detailing her mental health struggles. The jury was ultimately deadlocked “after finding just one of four alleged statutory aggravating factors to be true.” The death penalty in McLaughlin’s case was imposed by a trial judge, according to the petition. McLaughlin’s lawyers argue she should be spared because she has expressed genuine remorse for Guenther’s death. The governor’s legal te
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A transgender woman who is scheduled to be executed in Missouri next month for murdering a woman in 2003 has filed a clemency application with the governor , citing struggles with brain damage and childhood trauma , the petition says . Amber McLaughlin – listed in court documents as Scott
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McLaughlin – is set to be executed by lethal injection on January 3 for the 2003 murder of Beverly Guenther , according to her clemency application with Missouri Gov . Mike Parson , a Republican . “ The lead investigating officer contemporaneously noted McLaughlin ’ s genuine remorse , as has every expert to evaluate McLaughlin in the years since the trial , ” the application filed by her attorneys states , adding that McLaughlin has been “ consistently diagnosed with borderline intellectual disability , ” and “ universally diagnosed with brain damage as well as fetal alcohol syndrome. ” A spokesperson for the Death Penalty Information Center , an anti-execution organization , told CNN that McLaughlin is the first transgendered prisoner to be given an execution date . McLaughlin was “ abandoned ” by her mother and placed into the foster care system , and in one placement , had “ feces thrust into her face , ” according to the petition . In one foster home , McLaughlin suffered abuse and trauma that included being tased by her adoptive father , the petition says , and she battled depression that led to “ multiple suicide attempts. ” The petition alleges that the jury in McLaughlin ’ s trial was not presented with evidence detailing her mental health struggles . The jury was ultimately deadlocked “ after finding just one of four alleged statutory aggravating factors to be true. ” The death penalty in McLaughlin ’ s case was imposed by a trial judge , according to the petition . McLaughlin ’ s lawyers argue she should be spared because she has expressed genuine remorse for Guenther ’ s death . The governor ’ s legal te
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Seaweed is an increasingly attractive crop, but current farming methods make it expensive. This startup wants to bring down the costs with its automated “Sea Combine.” Often used to wrap sushi and flavor soups, seaweed has much greater potential – both as a food and for use in a wide range of products from cosmetics and textiles to biodegradable packaging and even biofuel. Usually, seaweed is grown on ropes or nets suspended in the ocean, but current techniques make large-scale cultivation near impossible. Ocean farming is in the “stone ages,” according to Shrikumar Suryanarayan, co-founder and CEO of Bangalore-based Sea6 Energy and former head of research and development at Biocon, an Indian pharmaceutical company specializing in biologically-sourced medicines. “It’s like using a trowel and a pick to farm land.” Founded in 2010, Sea6 Energy wants to mechanize ocean farming, just as tractors did for agriculture, with its “Sea Combine,” an automated catamaran that simultaneously harvests and replants seaweed in the ocean. The machine travels back and forth between lines of seaweed, harvesting the fully-grown plants and replacing them with freshly-seeded lines. A prototype is currently deployed at the company’s seaweed farm off the coast of Indonesia. The Southeast Asian nation has a tradition of seaweed farming that involves villagers tying pieces of seaweed to ropes and hauling them out to sea, before manually harvesting the lines, and there is a strong appetite for the crop there, according to Suryanarayan. As the technology develops and the market widens, the company intends to deploy more Sea Combines, including in its home country, India. While the global seaweed industry doubled in size between 2005 and 2015, and produced 33 million metric tons in 2018, labor-intensive and costly production is expected to impede market growth, according to market research firm Fortune Bu
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Seaweed is an increasingly attractive crop , but current farming methods make it expensive . This startup wants to bring down the costs with its automated “ Sea Combine. ” Often used to wrap sushi and flavor soups , seaweed has much greater potential – both as a food and
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for use in a wide range of products from cosmetics and textiles to biodegradable packaging and even biofuel . Usually , seaweed is grown on ropes or nets suspended in the ocean , but current techniques make large-scale cultivation near impossible . Ocean farming is in the “ stone ages , ” according to Shrikumar Suryanarayan , co-founder and CEO of Bangalore-based Sea6 Energy and former head of research and development at Biocon , an Indian pharmaceutical company specializing in biologically-sourced medicines . “ It ’ s like using a trowel and a pick to farm land. ” Founded in 2010 , Sea6 Energy wants to mechanize ocean farming , just as tractors did for agriculture , with its “ Sea Combine , ” an automated catamaran that simultaneously harvests and replants seaweed in the ocean . The machine travels back and forth between lines of seaweed , harvesting the fully-grown plants and replacing them with freshly-seeded lines . A prototype is currently deployed at the company ’ s seaweed farm off the coast of Indonesia . The Southeast Asian nation has a tradition of seaweed farming that involves villagers tying pieces of seaweed to ropes and hauling them out to sea , before manually harvesting the lines , and there is a strong appetite for the crop there , according to Suryanarayan . As the technology develops and the market widens , the company intends to deploy more Sea Combines , including in its home country , India . While the global seaweed industry doubled in size between 2005 and 2015 , and produced 33 million metric tons in 2018 , labor-intensive and costly production is expected to impede market growth , according to market research firm Fortune Bu
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To stretch the supply of the Jynneos monkeypox vaccine, federal health officials authorized smaller doses using a different method of injection. Yet efficacy data for the vaccine is not clear, and some experts argue that not enough is known about how the low-dose intradermal strategy might affect the protection it provides in the real world. In an effort to stretch the limited supply of the Jynneos monkeypox vaccine, federal health officials this week authorized giving smaller doses using a different method of injection. With more than 10,000 monkeypox cases in the United States and vaccine demand remaining high, Jynneos has been in short supply for weeks. The new injection strategy allows health-care providers to give shallow injections intradermally, in between layers of the skin, with one-fifth the standard dose size instead of subcutaneously, into the fatty layer below the skin, with the larger dose. Yet the specific efficacy data for the vaccine is not clear, and some experts argue that not enough is known about how the low-dose intradermal strategy might affect the protection it provides in the real world. Even at the original dosage size, “there is no traditional assessment of this vaccine,” Dr. Robert Califf, commissioner of the US Food and Drug Administration, said Tuesday. It’s approved for emergency purposes based on studies of immune responses, not clinical outcomes, because there haven’t been smallpox or monkeypox outbreaks large enough to test it. In a series of tweets Thursday, Califf said the alternative dosing regimen will allow more people to get vaccinated and protected. “In authorizing an unapproved use of an already approved product, the FDA is ensuring the vaccine meets high standards for safety, immune response and manufacturing quality,” he wrote. The White House cited a clinical study published in 2015 that showed that two doses given intradermally
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To stretch the supply of the Jynneos monkeypox vaccine , federal health officials authorized smaller doses using a different method of injection . Yet efficacy data for the vaccine is not clear , and some experts argue that not enough is known about how the low-dose intradermal strategy might affect
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the protection it provides in the real world . In an effort to stretch the limited supply of the Jynneos monkeypox vaccine , federal health officials this week authorized giving smaller doses using a different method of injection . With more than 10,000 monkeypox cases in the United States and vaccine demand remaining high , Jynneos has been in short supply for weeks . The new injection strategy allows health-care providers to give shallow injections intradermally , in between layers of the skin , with one-fifth the standard dose size instead of subcutaneously , into the fatty layer below the skin , with the larger dose . Yet the specific efficacy data for the vaccine is not clear , and some experts argue that not enough is known about how the low-dose intradermal strategy might affect the protection it provides in the real world . Even at the original dosage size , “ there is no traditional assessment of this vaccine , ” Dr. Robert Califf , commissioner of the US Food and Drug Administration , said Tuesday . It ’ s approved for emergency purposes based on studies of immune responses , not clinical outcomes , because there haven ’ t been smallpox or monkeypox outbreaks large enough to test it . In a series of tweets Thursday , Califf said the alternative dosing regimen will allow more people to get vaccinated and protected . “ In authorizing an unapproved use of an already approved product , the FDA is ensuring the vaccine meets high standards for safety , immune response and manufacturing quality , ” he wrote . The White House cited a clinical study published in 2015 that showed that two doses given intradermally
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A top White House lawyer told two leading Republicans the oversight requests they issued during the last Congress would have to be reissued once the GOP assumes their House majority next week. The letter sent to Reps. Jim Jordan and James Comer, the incoming chairmen of the House Judiciary and Oversight committees, provides an early look at how the White House plans to contend with what are expected to be a litany of Republican probes, which Biden’s team views as politically motivated. The White House has been working over the past several months to assemble a team of lawyers and other advisers to handle an expected onslaught of oversight requests. Thursday’s letter is the first indication of the team’s approach – one that vows cooperation but nonetheless pushes back on what the White House views as oversteps. Jordan and Comer had started demanding records from the Biden administration beginning shortly after it became clear in November that Republicans would gain enough seats in the House to take the majority in the chamber from Democrats. They set deadlines in December. But in his letter, Special Counsel to the President Richard Sauber writes the two Republicans don’t yet have standing to make their requests – and that they would need to resubmit their requests once the new Congress begins next week. “Congress has not delegated such authority to individual members of Congress who are not committee chairmen, and the House has not done so under its current Rules,” wrote Sauber, who is one of the White House’s top oversight lawyers. “Should the Committee issue similar or other requests in the 118th Congress, we will review and respond to them in good faith, consistent with the needs and obligations of both branches. We expect the new Congress will undertake its oversight responsibilities in the same spirit of good faith,” Sauber wrote. Politico first reported on
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A top White House lawyer told two leading Republicans the oversight requests they issued during the last Congress would have to be reissued once the GOP assumes their House majority next week . The letter sent to Reps. Jim Jordan and James Comer , the incoming chairmen of the House
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Judiciary and Oversight committees , provides an early look at how the White House plans to contend with what are expected to be a litany of Republican probes , which Biden ’ s team views as politically motivated . The White House has been working over the past several months to assemble a team of lawyers and other advisers to handle an expected onslaught of oversight requests . Thursday ’ s letter is the first indication of the team ’ s approach – one that vows cooperation but nonetheless pushes back on what the White House views as oversteps . Jordan and Comer had started demanding records from the Biden administration beginning shortly after it became clear in November that Republicans would gain enough seats in the House to take the majority in the chamber from Democrats . They set deadlines in December . But in his letter , Special Counsel to the President Richard Sauber writes the two Republicans don ’ t yet have standing to make their requests – and that they would need to resubmit their requests once the new Congress begins next week . “ Congress has not delegated such authority to individual members of Congress who are not committee chairmen , and the House has not done so under its current Rules , ” wrote Sauber , who is one of the White House ’ s top oversight lawyers . “ Should the Committee issue similar or other requests in the 118th Congress , we will review and respond to them in good faith , consistent with the needs and obligations of both branches . We expect the new Congress will undertake its oversight responsibilities in the same spirit of good faith , ” Sauber wrote . Politico first reported on
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A year after the attack on the US Capitol, homeland security and law enforcement officials nationwide are bracing for potential “unprecedented” levels of violence this year as midterm elections kick into gear and the pandemic continues to affect everyday life. The country remains polarized, and many people are angry and frustrated about their individual selves or society’s conditions after two years of Covid-19 upheaval, turbulent economic conditions and government restrictions, sources and non-governmental researchers told CNN. Late last month in a string of unrelated incidents, a gunman killed five people in the Denver area, a man was stopped on his way to Washington, DC with weapons and a “hit list,” and a New Year’s Eve fire at Planned Parenthood facility in Tennessee was declared arson. All these incidents come as officials are already preparing for protests in the nation’s capital later this month. Societal divisions coupled with online and media content that is saturated with conspiracy theories and disinformation has led officials to worry that the levels of violence in 2022 could be “unprecedented,” a federal law enforcement official said. While much attention focused on the January 6 anniversary, “from a law enforcement perspective, it goes well beyond that,” the official said. Another concern is that the volatility will only increase as the election cycle progresses and we get closer to the 2022 midterm elections, they added. Fractures in US society and the spread of misinformation are likely to be exacerbated during the election cycle, the official said, pointing out that public figures, such as those running for office, those who hold elected office and those in the media who comment about these issues will only increase their activities. “It’s not a pleasant forecast,” said Peter Simi, an associate professor at Chapman University who studies extremist groups and violence. “I thin
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A year after the attack on the US Capitol , homeland security and law enforcement officials nationwide are bracing for potential “ unprecedented ” levels of violence this year as midterm elections kick into gear and the pandemic continues to affect everyday life . The country remains polarized , and
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many people are angry and frustrated about their individual selves or society ’ s conditions after two years of Covid-19 upheaval , turbulent economic conditions and government restrictions , sources and non-governmental researchers told CNN . Late last month in a string of unrelated incidents , a gunman killed five people in the Denver area , a man was stopped on his way to Washington , DC with weapons and a “ hit list , ” and a New Year ’ s Eve fire at Planned Parenthood facility in Tennessee was declared arson . All these incidents come as officials are already preparing for protests in the nation ’ s capital later this month . Societal divisions coupled with online and media content that is saturated with conspiracy theories and disinformation has led officials to worry that the levels of violence in 2022 could be “ unprecedented , ” a federal law enforcement official said . While much attention focused on the January 6 anniversary , “ from a law enforcement perspective , it goes well beyond that , ” the official said . Another concern is that the volatility will only increase as the election cycle progresses and we get closer to the 2022 midterm elections , they added . Fractures in US society and the spread of misinformation are likely to be exacerbated during the election cycle , the official said , pointing out that public figures , such as those running for office , those who hold elected office and those in the media who comment about these issues will only increase their activities . “ It ’ s not a pleasant forecast , ” said Peter Simi , an associate professor at Chapman University who studies extremist groups and violence . “ I thin
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Longtime Democratic Sen. Dianne Feinstein’s husband, Richard Blum, died Sunday evening following “a long battle with cancer,” according to an announcement from Feinstein’s office. Feinstein, a California Democrat, said in a statement that her “heart is broken today.” “My husband was my partner and best friend for more than 40 years,” she said. “He was by my side for the good times and for the challenges. I am going to miss him terribly.” Blum died at the family’s home, the announcement from the senator’s office said. He was 86. Feinstein is 88 years old. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, a New York Democrat, paid tribute to Blum and expressed condolences for Feinstein’s loss in a Senate floor speech on Monday. Schumer called Blum a friend and adviser to “so many of us.” “In his 86 years, Dick truly led a remarkable life. He was a force of nature, gifted with a winning smile, and keen intellect that he applied to the benefit of California, America and even international causes, including the American Himalayan Foundation because he cared so much about those folks,” he said. Schumer recalled how Blum would call him “every now and then,” with his “insightful, often brilliant ideas.” “The only problem was his enthusiasm was so intense, it was sometimes hard to get him off the phone,” he said. “He was a strong and wonderful partner to Senator Feinstein,” Schumer said of Blum. “He fought valiantly against illness in the final chapters of his life, a life so well lived.”
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Longtime Democratic Sen. Dianne Feinstein ’ s husband , Richard Blum , died Sunday evening following “ a long battle with cancer , ” according to an announcement from Feinstein ’ s office . Feinstein , a California Democrat , said in a statement that her “ heart is broken
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today. ” “ My husband was my partner and best friend for more than 40 years , ” she said . “ He was by my side for the good times and for the challenges . I am going to miss him terribly. ” Blum died at the family ’ s home , the announcement from the senator ’ s office said . He was 86 . Feinstein is 88 years old . Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer , a New York Democrat , paid tribute to Blum and expressed condolences for Feinstein ’ s loss in a Senate floor speech on Monday . Schumer called Blum a friend and adviser to “ so many of us. ” “ In his 86 years , Dick truly led a remarkable life . He was a force of nature , gifted with a winning smile , and keen intellect that he applied to the benefit of California , America and even international causes , including the American Himalayan Foundation because he cared so much about those folks , ” he said . Schumer recalled how Blum would call him “ every now and then , ” with his “ insightful , often brilliant ideas. ” “ The only problem was his enthusiasm was so intense , it was sometimes hard to get him off the phone , ” he said . “ He was a strong and wonderful partner to Senator Feinstein , ” Schumer said of Blum . “ He fought valiantly against illness in the final chapters of his life , a life so well lived . ”
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Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-wen said Monday there is “no room for compromise” over the self-ruled island’s sovereignty but she is willing to work with China to find “mutually acceptable ways” to maintain peace across the Taiwan Strait. “The consensus of the Taiwanese people … is to defend our sovereignty and our free and democratic way of life. There is no room for compromise on this,” Tsai said in a speech marking Taiwan’s National Day, delivered as tensions between Taipei and Beijing simmer at the highest point in recent decades. Taiwan, home to 23 million people, lies fewer than 110 miles (177 kilometers) off the coast of China. For more than 70 years the two sides have been governed separately, but that hasn’t stopped China’s ruling Communist Party from claiming the island as its own – despite having never controlled it. Chinese leader Xi Jinping has said that “reunification” between China and Taiwan is inevitable and refused to rule out the use of force – but in her speech Monday, Tsai urged Chinese leaders not to go down that path. “I call on the Beijing authorities that resorting to war must not be the option for cross-strait relations,” Tsai said. “Only by respecting Taiwanese people’s insistence on sovereignty, freedom and democracy can we resume positive interactions across the Taiwan Strait.” Following the visit of US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to Taiwan in early August, China stepped up military pressure tactics on the island, sending fighter jets across the median line of the Taiwan Strait, the body of water separating Taiwan and China. For decades, the median line had served as an informal demarcation line between the two, with military incursions across it being rare. Last week, Taiwan’s Defense Minister warned that Chinese fighter jets or drones that intrude into Taiwan’s territorial airspace – defined as 12 nautical miles (22.2 kilometers) from the i
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Taiwan ’ s President Tsai Ing-wen said Monday there is “ no room for compromise ” over the self-ruled island ’ s sovereignty but she is willing to work with China to find “ mutually acceptable ways ” to maintain peace across the Taiwan Strait . “ The consensus of
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the Taiwanese people … is to defend our sovereignty and our free and democratic way of life . There is no room for compromise on this , ” Tsai said in a speech marking Taiwan ’ s National Day , delivered as tensions between Taipei and Beijing simmer at the highest point in recent decades . Taiwan , home to 23 million people , lies fewer than 110 miles ( 177 kilometers ) off the coast of China . For more than 70 years the two sides have been governed separately , but that hasn ’ t stopped China ’ s ruling Communist Party from claiming the island as its own – despite having never controlled it . Chinese leader Xi Jinping has said that “ reunification ” between China and Taiwan is inevitable and refused to rule out the use of force – but in her speech Monday , Tsai urged Chinese leaders not to go down that path . “ I call on the Beijing authorities that resorting to war must not be the option for cross-strait relations , ” Tsai said . “ Only by respecting Taiwanese people ’ s insistence on sovereignty , freedom and democracy can we resume positive interactions across the Taiwan Strait. ” Following the visit of US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to Taiwan in early August , China stepped up military pressure tactics on the island , sending fighter jets across the median line of the Taiwan Strait , the body of water separating Taiwan and China . For decades , the median line had served as an informal demarcation line between the two , with military incursions across it being rare . Last week , Taiwan ’ s Defense Minister warned that Chinese fighter jets or drones that intrude into Taiwan ’ s territorial airspace – defined as 12 nautical miles ( 22.2 kilometers ) from the i
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Four people, including a 10-month-old baby girl, were killed in a fire at a home in the Bronx early Sunday morning, the New York Police Department said. New York Fire Department Assistant Chief Kevin Brennan said firefighters immediately began removing victims from the building after responding to a report of a fire at the residence just after 6 a.m ET. Two boys, aged 10 and 12, were declared dead at the scene by emergency service workers. The baby girl and a 22-year-old man were rushed to a nearby hospital where they were later pronounced dead, according to the NYPD Police have not publicly released the identities of those killed and the cause of the fire, which will be determined by the fire marshal, is under investigation, according to the NYPD. A 21-year-old woman and a 41-year-old man were seriously injured and are currently being treated at an area hospital, police said. Several firefighters also suffered minor injuries, the FDNY said. Due to the “heavy fire” on the first and second floor, the incident was upgraded to a second-alarm fire, prompting the response of more than 100 firefighters and EMS personnel, according to the FDNY. The fire comes months after New York Mayor Eric Adams signed an executive order in March on fire safety, after a separate fatal Bronx apartment building fire left 17 people dead in one of the deadliest fires in the city’s history. The executive order is designed to enhance fire safety enforcement, outreach efforts to educate New Yorkers, and identify safety violations, Adams announced in a news release at the time.
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Four people , including a 10-month-old baby girl , were killed in a fire at a home in the Bronx early Sunday morning , the New York Police Department said . New York Fire Department Assistant Chief Kevin Brennan said firefighters immediately began removing victims from the building after responding
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to a report of a fire at the residence just after 6 a.m ET . Two boys , aged 10 and 12 , were declared dead at the scene by emergency service workers . The baby girl and a 22-year-old man were rushed to a nearby hospital where they were later pronounced dead , according to the NYPD Police have not publicly released the identities of those killed and the cause of the fire , which will be determined by the fire marshal , is under investigation , according to the NYPD . A 21-year-old woman and a 41-year-old man were seriously injured and are currently being treated at an area hospital , police said . Several firefighters also suffered minor injuries , the FDNY said . Due to the “ heavy fire ” on the first and second floor , the incident was upgraded to a second-alarm fire , prompting the response of more than 100 firefighters and EMS personnel , according to the FDNY . The fire comes months after New York Mayor Eric Adams signed an executive order in March on fire safety , after a separate fatal Bronx apartment building fire left 17 people dead in one of the deadliest fires in the city ’ s history . The executive order is designed to enhance fire safety enforcement , outreach efforts to educate New Yorkers , and identify safety violations , Adams announced in a news release at the time .
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Unidentified hackers tried to breach the email accounts of election officials in nine states last October in an apparent “coordinated effort” to target election officials, the FBI said Tuesday while asking election officials to be on guard for hacking attempts as the midterms approach. The phishing effort didn’t appear to have a big impact; some election officials who received the malicious emails told CNN that they did not click on them. But it was a reminder of cyber threats that election officials have to contend with in an election season. “The FBI judges cyber actors will likely continue or increase their targeting of US election officials with phishing campaigns in the lead-up to the 2022 US midterm elections,” the FBI said in a public advisory. After Russian hackers targeted IT systems across the country in the 2016 election, federal and state and local officials have bolstered defenses to election infrastructure. Russian and Iranian hackers were active during the 2020 election, which US officials declared the most secure election in history. It’s unclear who was responsible for the hacking effort that the FBI cited Tuesday. CNN has reached out to the FBI for comment. The malicious email campaign last October included fake invoices and were designed to steal the email passwords of election officials. In one case, the hackers used a compromised email account of a US official to send the emails, according to the FBI. Staff at the National Association of Secretaries of State received a phishing email, but did not click and reported it to the Elections Infrastructure Information Sharing and Analysis Center (EI-ISAC), which tracks hacking threats, according to NASS communications director Maria Benson. “The EI-ISAC then shared [the information] with their networks as it is supposed to,” Benson told CNN in an email. One election official familiar with the malicious emails sai
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Unidentified hackers tried to breach the email accounts of election officials in nine states last October in an apparent “ coordinated effort ” to target election officials , the FBI said Tuesday while asking election officials to be on guard for hacking attempts as the midterms approach . The phishing
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effort didn ’ t appear to have a big impact ; some election officials who received the malicious emails told CNN that they did not click on them . But it was a reminder of cyber threats that election officials have to contend with in an election season . “ The FBI judges cyber actors will likely continue or increase their targeting of US election officials with phishing campaigns in the lead-up to the 2022 US midterm elections , ” the FBI said in a public advisory . After Russian hackers targeted IT systems across the country in the 2016 election , federal and state and local officials have bolstered defenses to election infrastructure . Russian and Iranian hackers were active during the 2020 election , which US officials declared the most secure election in history . It ’ s unclear who was responsible for the hacking effort that the FBI cited Tuesday . CNN has reached out to the FBI for comment . The malicious email campaign last October included fake invoices and were designed to steal the email passwords of election officials . In one case , the hackers used a compromised email account of a US official to send the emails , according to the FBI . Staff at the National Association of Secretaries of State received a phishing email , but did not click and reported it to the Elections Infrastructure Information Sharing and Analysis Center ( EI-ISAC ) , which tracks hacking threats , according to NASS communications director Maria Benson . “ The EI-ISAC then shared [ the information ] with their networks as it is supposed to , ” Benson told CNN in an email . One election official familiar with the malicious emails sai
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The vessels were among hundreds scuttled along the Danube by Nazi Germany’s Black Sea fleet in 1944 as they retreated from advancing Soviet forces, and still hamper river traffic during low water levels. Europe’s worst drought in years has pushed the mighty river Danube to one of its lowest levels in almost a century, exposing the hulks of dozens of explosives-laden German warships sunk during World War II near Serbia’s river port town of Prahovo. However, this year’s drought — worsened by human-induced global warming — has exposed more than 20 hulks on a stretch of the Danube near Prahovo in eastern Serbia, many of which still contain metric tons of ammunition and explosives and pose a danger to shipping. “The German flotilla has left behind a big ecological disaster that threatens us, people of Prahovo,” said Velimir Trajilovic, 74, a pensioner from Prahovo who wrote a book about the German ships. Workers in the local fishing industry are also at risk, including from Romania which lies just across the river. Months of drought and record-high temperatures have snarled river traffic on vital arteries in other parts of Europe, including Germany, Italy and France. In Serbia, the authorities have resorted to dredging to keep navigation lanes on the Danube open. By Prahovo, some of the hulks have narrowed the navigable section on this stretch of the Danube to just 100 meters (330 feet) from 180 meters. Strewn across the riverbed, some of the ships still boast turrets, command bridges, broken masts and twisted hulls, while others lie mostly submerged under sand banks. In March, the Serbian government invited a tender for the salvage of the hulks and removal of ammunition and explosives. The cost of the operation was estimated at 29 million euros ($30 million).
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The vessels were among hundreds scuttled along the Danube by Nazi Germany ’ s Black Sea fleet in 1944 as they retreated from advancing Soviet forces , and still hamper river traffic during low water levels . Europe ’ s worst drought in years has pushed the mighty river Danube
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to one of its lowest levels in almost a century , exposing the hulks of dozens of explosives-laden German warships sunk during World War II near Serbia ’ s river port town of Prahovo . However , this year ’ s drought — worsened by human-induced global warming — has exposed more than 20 hulks on a stretch of the Danube near Prahovo in eastern Serbia , many of which still contain metric tons of ammunition and explosives and pose a danger to shipping . “ The German flotilla has left behind a big ecological disaster that threatens us , people of Prahovo , ” said Velimir Trajilovic , 74 , a pensioner from Prahovo who wrote a book about the German ships . Workers in the local fishing industry are also at risk , including from Romania which lies just across the river . Months of drought and record-high temperatures have snarled river traffic on vital arteries in other parts of Europe , including Germany , Italy and France . In Serbia , the authorities have resorted to dredging to keep navigation lanes on the Danube open . By Prahovo , some of the hulks have narrowed the navigable section on this stretch of the Danube to just 100 meters ( 330 feet ) from 180 meters . Strewn across the riverbed , some of the ships still boast turrets , command bridges , broken masts and twisted hulls , while others lie mostly submerged under sand banks . In March , the Serbian government invited a tender for the salvage of the hulks and removal of ammunition and explosives . The cost of the operation was estimated at 29 million euros ( $ 30 million ) .
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Here’s what else you need to know to Get Up to Speed and On with Your Day. It’s Groundhog Day, and according to tradition, we’ll get six more weeks of winter if furry Phil sees his shadow. Shadow or not, forecasts are showing a powerful storm brewing that threatens to bring a potentially crippling combination of snow and ice across much of the US. More than 90 million people are currently under winter weather alerts from the Rockies to New England. Here’s what you need to know to Get Up to Speed and On with Your Day. (You can also get “5 Things You Need to Know Today” delivered to your inbox daily. Sign up here.) Russian President Vladimir Putin says the US and NATO have “ignored” the Kremlin’s key security concerns over Ukraine. For weeks, Putin had said little publicly about the crisis sparked by Russia’s buildup of tens of thousands of troops near Ukraine’s border, which has raised fears of a possible invasion. At a news conference yesterday, Putin said three key requirements remain unmet and also accused the US directly of attempting to draw Russia into an armed conflict to force “allies in Europe to impose the very tough sanctions” against them, or to “draw Ukraine into NATO.” Putin did not offer any solutions during his comments, but he did say he was open to more talks. Children younger than 5 in the US could soon begin receiving Covid-19 vaccinations. Pfizer and BioNTech are requesting emergency use authorization for their two-dose Covid-19 vaccine for children age 6 months up to 5 years. The companies are aiming to complete their submission process within the coming days, which will then be reviewed by the FDA’s vaccine advisory committee on February 15. The Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine is already authorized for use in people as young as 5, and the approval would be the first Covid-19 vaccine available for the youngest children. Since the start of the pandemic, at least 11
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Here ’ s what else you need to know to Get Up to Speed and On with Your Day . It ’ s Groundhog Day , and according to tradition , we ’ ll get six more weeks of winter if furry Phil sees his shadow . Shadow or not
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, forecasts are showing a powerful storm brewing that threatens to bring a potentially crippling combination of snow and ice across much of the US . More than 90 million people are currently under winter weather alerts from the Rockies to New England . Here ’ s what you need to know to Get Up to Speed and On with Your Day . ( You can also get “ 5 Things You Need to Know Today ” delivered to your inbox daily . Sign up here . ) Russian President Vladimir Putin says the US and NATO have “ ignored ” the Kremlin ’ s key security concerns over Ukraine . For weeks , Putin had said little publicly about the crisis sparked by Russia ’ s buildup of tens of thousands of troops near Ukraine ’ s border , which has raised fears of a possible invasion . At a news conference yesterday , Putin said three key requirements remain unmet and also accused the US directly of attempting to draw Russia into an armed conflict to force “ allies in Europe to impose the very tough sanctions ” against them , or to “ draw Ukraine into NATO. ” Putin did not offer any solutions during his comments , but he did say he was open to more talks . Children younger than 5 in the US could soon begin receiving Covid-19 vaccinations . Pfizer and BioNTech are requesting emergency use authorization for their two-dose Covid-19 vaccine for children age 6 months up to 5 years . The companies are aiming to complete their submission process within the coming days , which will then be reviewed by the FDA ’ s vaccine advisory committee on February 15 . The Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine is already authorized for use in people as young as 5 , and the approval would be the first Covid-19 vaccine available for the youngest children . Since the start of the pandemic , at least 11
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A US judge in Texas ruled on Friday that people killed in two Boeing 737 MAX crashes are legally considered “crime victims,” a designation that will determine what remedies should be imposed. A US judge in Texas ruled on Friday that people killed in two Boeing
(BA) 737 MAX crashes are legally considered “crime victims,” a designation that will determine what remedies should be imposed. In December, some crash victims’ relatives said the US Justice Department violated their legal rights when it struck a January 2021 deferred prosecution agreement with the planemaker over two crashes that killed 346 people. The families argued the government “lied and violated their rights through a secret process” and asked US District Judge Reed O’Connor to rescind Boeing’s immunity from criminal prosecution – which was part of the $2.5 billion agreement – and order the planemaker publicly arraigned on felony charges. O’Connor ruled on Friday that “in sum, but for Boeing’s criminal conspiracy to defraud the (Federal Aviation Administration), 346 people would not have lost their lives in the crashes.” Paul Cassell, a lawyer for the families, said the ruling “is a tremendous victory” and “sets the stage for a pivotal hearing, where we will present proposed remedies that will allow criminal prosecution to hold Boeing fully accountable.” After the families filed the legal challenge saying their rights were violated under the Crime Victims’ Rights Act, Attorney General Merrick Garland met with some of them but stood by the plea deal, which included a $244 million fine, $1.77 billion compensation to airlines and a $500 million crash-victim fund. The deal capped a 21-month investigation into the design and development of the 737 MAX following the deadly crashes in Indonesia and Ethiopia in 2018 and 2019. Boeing did not disclose key details to the FAA of a safety system called
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A US judge in Texas ruled on Friday that people killed in two Boeing 737 MAX crashes are legally considered “ crime victims , ” a designation that will determine what remedies should be imposed . A US judge in Texas ruled on Friday that people killed in two Boeing
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( BA ) 737 MAX crashes are legally considered “ crime victims , ” a designation that will determine what remedies should be imposed . In December , some crash victims ’ relatives said the US Justice Department violated their legal rights when it struck a January 2021 deferred prosecution agreement with the planemaker over two crashes that killed 346 people . The families argued the government “ lied and violated their rights through a secret process ” and asked US District Judge Reed O ’ Connor to rescind Boeing ’ s immunity from criminal prosecution – which was part of the $ 2.5 billion agreement – and order the planemaker publicly arraigned on felony charges . O ’ Connor ruled on Friday that “ in sum , but for Boeing ’ s criminal conspiracy to defraud the ( Federal Aviation Administration ) , 346 people would not have lost their lives in the crashes. ” Paul Cassell , a lawyer for the families , said the ruling “ is a tremendous victory ” and “ sets the stage for a pivotal hearing , where we will present proposed remedies that will allow criminal prosecution to hold Boeing fully accountable. ” After the families filed the legal challenge saying their rights were violated under the Crime Victims ’ Rights Act , Attorney General Merrick Garland met with some of them but stood by the plea deal , which included a $ 244 million fine , $ 1.77 billion compensation to airlines and a $ 500 million crash-victim fund . The deal capped a 21-month investigation into the design and development of the 737 MAX following the deadly crashes in Indonesia and Ethiopia in 2018 and 2019 . Boeing did not disclose key details to the FAA of a safety system called
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