Former Putin Speechwriter Accused of Discrediting Russia's Armed Forces, Facing 10 Years in Prison
Abbas Gallyamov, a former speechwriter for Russian President Vladimir Putin, is facing up to 10 years in prison after being accused of discrediting Russia's armed forces. Gallyamov's name appeared in the Russian Interior Ministry's online registry of wanted persons last week, and he is suspected of making statements that criticize Moscow's war in Ukraine.
According to Setevyye Svobody, a group that monitors the rights of online journalists, Gallyamov gave an interview with Ukraine's 1+1 television's YouTube project in April 2022, discussing alleged war crimes committed by Russian troops in the Ukrainian cities of Bucha and Kramatorsk. The investigation against Gallyamov was launched on January 18, and his name was added to the wanted list on February 17, more than one month before it appeared on the ministry's website.
If convicted, Gallyamov faces a lengthy prison sentence, and he has been added to the Russian Justice Ministry's registry of foreign agents. The ministry accused him of distributing "materials compiled by foreign agents, expressed ideas against the special military operation in Ukraine, participated as an expert, and respondent on information platforms presented by foreign entities."
Gallyamov, who currently resides in Israel, worked as a speechwriter for Putin from 2008 to 2010 and was a deputy chief of the administration of then-President of Russia's Republic of Bashkortostan Rustem Khamitov from 2010 to 2014.
In a recent interview with RFE/RL, Gallyamov suggested that the ongoing unprovoked invasion of Ukraine may lead to a revolution in Russia. He also reflected on his time as a member of Putin's speechwriting team, saying that at that time, nobody could have predicted "that Russia would turn into some kind of fascist state, as it is now."
The case against Gallyamov has sparked widespread condemnation from human rights groups and free speech advocates, who say that the charges are politically motivated and are designed to silence any criticism of the Russian government's actions in Ukraine. The case is just the latest example of the Kremlin's crackdown on dissent, which has intensified since the start of the war in Ukraine in 2014. Returning to the case of Abbas Gallyamov, it is important to note that his situation is just one example of the broader pattern of government repression and censorship in Russia. Over the years, the Russian government has implemented numerous measures to stifle dissent, including cracking down on independent media outlets, arresting opposition leaders, and passing laws that limit freedom of expression.
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The charges against Gallyamov, which accuse him of discrediting Russia's armed forces, are part of a larger effort by the Kremlin to control the narrative around its actions in Ukraine. By punishing those who speak out against Russia's war in Ukraine, the government hopes to maintain the image of a victorious and heroic military, even as evidence of war crimes and other atrocities continues to emerge.
Despite these efforts, however, there are still many brave individuals who are willing to speak out against the Russian government's abuses. Journalists, human rights activists, and ordinary citizens continue to risk their safety and well-being to document and expose the truth about what is happening in their country.
It is important to support these individuals and to advocate for their rights to freedom of expression and dissent. This means raising awareness of their stories, sharing their messages with a wider audience, and pushing for policy changes that will help to protect them from government persecution.
At the same time, it is also important to recognize the limitations of such efforts. Despite the best intentions and the most valiant efforts, the Russian government is unlikely to change its ways anytime soon. The current regime is deeply committed to maintaining its power and control, and it will stop at nothing to achieve its goals.
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Swimmer Riley Gaines "ambushed and physically hit" by transgender-rights protesters
Swimmer Riley Gaines recently gave a speech at San Francisco State University about protecting women's sports. However, what was supposed to be a thoughtful discussion turned into a terrifying ordeal when transgender-rights protesters stormed the event and physically assaulted her. Gaines shared alarming footage of the incident where she was forced to barricade herself in a room for three hours while police hustled her to safety.
The videos shared on social media show a mob of activists chanting "trans rights are human rights" and "trans women are women" while holding signs that read "Trans Lives Matter." In one of the videos, an activist can be seen yelling transphobic slurs at Gaines, physically hitting her twice, and even jumping in front of her to scream abuse.
Gaines' agent, Eli Bremer, confirmed that the young swimmer was then "barricaded" in a room for three hours. He also shared that she reported being "hit multiple times" during the mayhem. Gaines' husband, Louis Barker, told Fox News Digital that she was "under police protection and was still hit by a man wearing a dress."
The protesters, organized by SFSU's Queer and Trans Resource Center, waited outside and rushed in when the event was over, according to a spokesperson for the university's branch of the conservative group Turning Point USA, which hosted the event. Gaines wanted to share her personal story of competing against a biological male athlete, Lia Thomas, at the Women's NCAA Swimming Championships last year. However, instead of a thoughtful discussion, she was violently accosted, shouted at, physically assaulted, and barricaded in a room by protesters.
It is unacceptable for biological male students to violently assault a woman for standing up for women's rights. The incident highlights the need for sex-protected spaces for women. Gaines later shared on social media that "the prisoners are running the asylum at SFSU." However, she also said that the incident only further assures her that she's doing something right. "When they want you silent, speak louder," she said.
Gaines' agent said that she will continue to speak out against the dangers of biological males in women's sports. While a study published by the British Journal of Sports Medicine in 2022 found that transgender women have higher muscle mass and lung capacity than cisgender women but lower than cisgender men, according to Medical Xpress, a 2015 study of transgender runners found that transgender women who received treatment to lower their testosterone levels did no better against female peers than they had previously done against male runners, suggesting trans athletes don't have an advantage, according to Science Magazine.
The incident at SFSU is a reminder that hate and violence have no place in our society, and everyone has the right to express their opinions and beliefs without fear of physical harm. It is essential to promote peaceful discourse and mutual understanding, even in situations where people may have different viewpoints. We must work together to create a more inclusive and respectful environment where everyone feels safe and heard.
The incident has sparked outrage and disbelief among many who have seen the footage, with some calling it an attack on free speech and women's rights. Gaines' story is just one of many recent incidents where trans-rights protesters have disrupted events, harassed and threatened speakers, and caused chaos on college campuses.
The debate over transgender rights and women's sports has been a hot topic for several years now, with many concerned about the fairness of allowing biological males to compete against females. While some argue that transgender women should have the right to compete in women's sports, others say it gives them an unfair advantage due to differences in biology and physical strength.
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Regardless of where one stands on the issue, the use of violence and intimidation to silence those with differing opinions is never acceptable. It is essential to have respectful and thoughtful discussions about controversial topics like transgender rights, rather than resorting to violence and aggression.
In the case of Gaines, it is deeply troubling that she was physically hit and forced to barricade for three hours due to the actions of a group of protesters. It is a stark reminder that we still have a long way to go when it comes to protecting free speech and ensuring that everyone's rights are respected.
Hopefully, incidents like this will lead to more open and productive discussions about the complex issues surrounding transgender rights and women's sports. It is crucial to find a solution that is fair and equitable to all parties involved while still upholding the principles of free speech and the protection of individual rights.
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Stormy Daniels on Trump's Indictment: Seeking Vindication, but at What Cost?
In her first interview since the news of Donald Trump's criminal indictment, Stormy Daniels spoke with TalkTV's Piers Morgan for a wide-ranging, 90-minute interview. The former adult film actress, whose legal name is Stephanie Clifford, touched on everything from her strained relationship with her parents to her reaction to the week's news.
The Manhattan district attorney's office charged Trump with 34 counts of falsifying business records, accusing him of hiding reimbursements for hush money payments as part of a "catch and kill" scheme to suppress affair allegations. Daniels, who is behind one set of those allegations, said she was thrilled to see the case taking steps forward but admits that the feeling of vindication may never come.
Seeing Trump convicted would "definitely be a giant step closer in that direction but I don't think it'll ever be 100%" because so many people are "unwilling to admit that they were wrong or that he lies," she said. Daniels said she's not sure if that would change should Trump receive jail time.
"I don't think that his crimes against me are worthy of incarceration," Daniels said, but later added: "The other things that he has done — if he is found guilty, then absolutely."
Trump is facing separate criminal investigations for allegedly pressuring Georgia to overturn the 2020 election results, interfering with the transfer of power and mishandling classified documents.
Daniels said she was prepared to testify in the Manhattan grand jury probe but was never asked. She said she'd welcome the prospect of testifying if the case goes to trial, which is likely, but not until late winter or spring 2024.
"It's daunting, but I look forward to it," she said. "I have nothing to hide. I'm the only one that has been telling the truth. You can't shame me anymore."
Daniels was thrust into the political spotlight after The Wall Street Journal broke the story of the hush money payments in 2018. Trump has consistently denied Daniels' claims they had sex in a Texas hotel in 2006. But he later admitted he reimbursed Cohen for $130,000 in hush money payments.
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The Manhattan DA's case rests on the way the Trump organization recorded those payments. Still, Daniels says, the news of Trump's arraignment has only ramped up the frequency and tone of the hate messages she personally receives.
"They really feel like it's my fault — That, you know, I've made America the laughingstock or I'm the fall of democracy. I wish I had that much power," she said, confirming later in the interview that she was still a registered Republican.
Trump and his allies have dismissed the charges as an act of political persecution, saying the DA's office had weaponized its power to weaken the GOP's chances of reclaiming the presidency.
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trump releases an epic video in response to indictment#usnews #uspolitics #newstoday #trumpnews
trump has releases a news video in response to indictment #uspolitics #newstoday
#America #news #america#politics#donald #trump#donaldtrump #indictment#january6#news#piersmorgan #piersmorgan #stormydaniels #interview#stormydaniels,#stormy #daniels #news,#talkshow #tvtrump#trumparraignment#trumparrest#trumpnews#unitedstates#united #states #newsunited#states #politics#uselection #uselection2024#usnews
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"Sex, Scandal, and a President: The Shocking Story of Stormy Daniels and Donald Trump #trumpnews
"Sex, Scandal, and a President: The Shocking Story of Stormy Daniels and Donald Trump's Alleged Affair, $130,000 Hush Money, and a Defamation Lawsuit"
The saga of Stormy Daniels and Donald Trump's alleged affair has captured the attention of the world, with its titillating details, legal battles, and potential implications for the highest office in the land. The adult film star's explosive claims of a sexual encounter with Trump in 2006, just months after Melania gave birth to their son, and the subsequent payment of $130,000 in hush money on the eve of the 2016 election have rocked the White House and the nation at large.
But this is more than just a salacious tabloid story. It's a tale of power, privilege, and deception that raises important questions about the conduct of our leaders and the state of our democracy. Did Trump abuse his position of authority to engage in an extramarital affair with a vulnerable porn star? Did he break the law by paying her off to keep quiet? And what does it say about our political system that such allegations can be swept under the rug or dismissed as "fake news"?
Trump attorney on indictment: ‘We’re not going to get to a jury’---42k (today news 3.82M)
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Trump ran away, tough questions from Trump#usnews#usnewstoday #trumpnews #trumpadministration
Trump ran away, tough questions from Trump.
[Joe Biden has] never been asked a question that’s hard,” President Trump told Lesley Stahl before standing up to exit the interview.
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"Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas Accepted Secret Luxury Trips from Republican Megadonor"
The revelation that Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas has been accepting secret luxury trips from Republican megadonor Harlan Crow for more than two decades is sure to raise eyebrows and generate controversy. ProPublica's report alleges that the trips may violate a law requiring disclosure for private jet flights. This is not the first time Justice Thomas has come under fire from ethics experts and other critics over his and his wife's political activities.
The potential conflict of interest is significant, given that Crow has donated generously to conservative causes and Republican politicians, including Donald Trump. Justice Thomas' acceptance of these trips could raise questions about his impartiality and ability to make unbiased rulings on cases that involve issues related to Republican or conservative interests.
This latest development is likely to fuel calls for stricter ethics rules and greater transparency regarding the activities of Supreme Court justices. The Supreme Court is one of the most powerful institutions in the country, and its decisions have far-reaching consequences. It is crucial that its members are held to the highest ethical standards and are not perceived as being unduly influenced by outside interests.
As the controversy surrounding Justice Thomas continues to grow, it remains to be seen how the Supreme Court will address these allegations and what steps may be taken to ensure the integrity of its members and the decisions they make.
The ProPublica report about Justice Clarence Thomas accepting secret luxury trips from a Republican megadonor for more than two decades has raised questions about his compliance with financial disclosure laws. Thomas has vacationed on the donor’s superyacht, flown on his private jet, and spent time at his private resort and other exclusive retreats without reporting them as required by law. This revelation adds to the criticism Thomas has faced for his wife’s political activities and potential conflicts of interest. Ethics experts have expressed their disbelief and called for stricter codes of conduct for Supreme Court justices. Senator Dick Durbin has also condemned Thomas’ reported behavior as inconsistent with the ethical standards expected of a public servant, let alone a Justice on the Supreme Court.
The ProPublica report has raised serious questions about Justice Thomas’s ethical conduct and the transparency of his financial disclosures. The fact that he has reportedly accepted luxury gifts and vacations from a wealthy donor, who has also donated millions to political causes, without disclosing them on his financial reports for more than two decades is troubling.
It is not the first time that Justice Thomas has faced criticism over his ethics. His wife’s political activities have also come under scrutiny, particularly her involvement in conservative movements aimed at overturning the 2020 election. This latest revelation will likely add fuel to the fire of those who believe that Justice Thomas has failed to meet the high ethical standards expected of a Supreme Court justice.
The issue also underscores the need for greater transparency and accountability among Supreme Court justices. While they are not bound by the same ethical restrictions as other judges, they are still required to submit financial disclosures and disclose any gifts or travel valued at over $415. The fact that Justice Thomas reportedly did not disclose his luxury trips raises questions about the adequacy of these rules and the need for more robust oversight of the Supreme Court.
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As the highest court in the land, the Supreme Court plays a crucial role in upholding the rule of law and protecting the rights of all Americans. It is essential that the justices who serve on it maintain the highest ethical standards and avoid even the appearance of impropriety. The ProPublica report raises serious concerns about whether Justice Thomas has met this standard, and underscores the need for greater transparency and accountability in the highest levels of our judiciary.
Critics of Justice Thomas say that this recent revelation further undermines public trust in the Supreme Court, especially at a time when the court has been accused of politicization and partisan leanings. Some have called for Thomas to recuse himself from cases involving Harlan Crow or groups to which he has donated. Others are pushing for stricter ethics rules for Supreme Court justices, similar to those in place for lower-level judges.
In response to the ProPublica report, Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Dick Durbin called for an enforceable code of conduct for Supreme Court justices. He said, "This behavior is simply inconsistent with the ethical standards the American people expect of any public servant, let alone a Justice on the Supreme Court."
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"Protesters demand action on gun control as Tennessee lawmakers face expulsion
A fiery protest erupted at the Tennessee State Capitol as a group of demonstrators stormed the building to oppose the removal of three lawmakers who disrupted House floor proceedings during a protest for stricter gun control measures. The crowd, adorned in March for Our Lives branded clothing, chanted "No more silence, end gun violence" and "Free the Tennessee Three" in a bid to urge lawmakers to take action on gun control and vote against the expulsion of the Democrats. The protest comes after House Speaker Cameron Sexton, a Republican, called for the expulsion of the three lawmakers, stating that their actions rose to the level of misconduct that necessitates removal. With tensions high, the state's political future hangs in the balance, and the nation is watching closely to see how this will impact the fight for gun control measures across the country.
The uproar follows the tragic shooting at Nashville's Covenant School, where six people, including three children, were killed. The incident has reignited the long-standing debate on gun control, with many calling for stricter measures to prevent such senseless violence.
The Democrats behind the upheaval, Gloria Johnson, Justin Jones, and Justin Pearson, have been vocal supporters of gun control measures, and their expulsion has been met with criticism from advocates who see it as an attack on their cause.
Jones, who has been at the forefront of the protests, took to Twitter to voice his opposition, calling the move "morally insane." He argued that his gestures of solidarity with constituents calling for stricter gun control measures should not be met with expulsion.
The Republicans, on the other hand, have stood by their decision, arguing that the three Democrats disrupted proceedings and led protesters in the overhead balcony, creating chaos in the House chamber.
The protest, which started both inside and outside the capitol, is a sign of the growing frustration and anger over the lack of progress on gun control measures. The issue has been a contentious one for years, with both sides of the political divide holding firm to their beliefs.
As the nation continues to grapple with gun violence, the Tennessee State Capitol has become the latest battleground in the fight for change. With protesters demanding action and lawmakers facing expulsion, the stakes are high, and the outcome remains uncertain.
Only time will tell whether this protest will lead to meaningful change or become just another footnote in the ongoing debate over gun control in America.
The protest at the Tennessee State Capitol is just one of many that have occurred across the country in recent years, as advocates for gun control continue to push for legislative action. The issue has become increasingly divisive, with some arguing that the right to bear arms is enshrined in the Constitution and should not be infringed upon.
However, advocates for gun control argue that the Second Amendment was written in a different time and that there is a need to reassess the role of guns in modern society. They point to the high number of gun-related deaths in the US, particularly among children and teenagers, as evidence that something needs to change.
The debate has been complicated by the powerful gun lobby, which has successfully lobbied lawmakers to oppose measures that would restrict access to guns. This has led to a stalemate in Congress, with little progress made on the issue in recent years.
Despite this, advocates for gun control remain hopeful that change is possible. The protests at the Tennessee State Capitol, and elsewhere across the country, are a sign that people are willing to speak out and demand action.
As the protest continues, lawmakers in Tennessee will have to decide whether to listen to the voices of their constituents or to continue to resist calls for change. Whatever the outcome, the fight for gun control in America is far from over.
The protest at the Tennessee State Capitol highlights the deep division in the state and the nation on the issue of gun control. The tragic shooting at Nashville's Covenant School has once again reignited the debate and brought the issue to the forefront of the public's attention.
The protesters at the Capitol are demanding that lawmakers take action to address the issue and prevent future tragedies from occurring. They argue that the right to bear arms does not mean a right to unchecked access to guns and that reasonable restrictions are necessary to protect public safety.
However, opponents of gun control argue that such restrictions would infringe upon their constitutional rights and that the focus should be on enforcing existing laws and addressing mental health issues rather than passing new legislation.
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The tension between these two viewpoints has made it difficult to find common ground on the issue of gun control. But the voices of those who are advocating for change are becoming louder and more persistent.
The Tennessee House Speaker's call for the expulsion of three Democratic lawmakers who led the gun control protest has drawn widespread criticism from advocates of free speech and democracy. They argue that the lawmakers were simply exercising their right to protest and that their actions should not be grounds for expulsion.
The protest at the Tennessee State Capitol serves as a reminder that the debate on gun control is not just a political issue, but a deeply personal one for many Americans. For those who have lost loved ones to gun violence, the issue is a matter of life and death.
As the protest continues, it remains to be seen whether lawmakers will take meaningful action on gun control or continue to resist calls for change. But one thing is clear: the voices of those who are advocating for change will not be silenced.
In conclusion, the protest at the Tennessee State Capitol highlights the ongoing debate and division over the issue of gun control in the United States. The tragic shooting at Nashville's Covenant School has reignited the discussion and brought it to the forefront of public attention once again.
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"White House Reporter Grills Spokesman over Afghanistan Report: Who Will Be Held Accountable?"
Doocy's persistent questioning and accusations towards Kirby brought to light the complexity of the situation in Afghanistan and the multiple factors at play. While Kirby stood by the success of the evacuation efforts, Doocy highlighted the chaos and human suffering that ensued.
This exchange between Doocy and Kirby also underscores the importance of accountability and transparency in government decision-making. The summary report on the U.S. withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan was intended to provide understanding and insight into the decision-making process, but many are left wondering about the lack of accountability for those responsible for the chaotic aftermath.
The report's emphasis on Trump's administration and the lack of a plan left for Biden to execute has also sparked debate and criticism. Some argue that the blame game is unproductive and that the focus should be on moving forward and preventing similar situations in the future.
Regardless of differing opinions, one thing is clear: the situation in Afghanistan was complex and multifaceted, with no easy solutions. The aftermath has left many questioning the efficacy of U.S. foreign policy and the role of the military in nation-building efforts.
As the review process continues, it is important for the government to be transparent and accountable for their actions in Afghanistan. The U.S. owes it to the Afghan people, the military personnel who served in the country, and to the American public to learn from their mistakes and prevent similar situations from occurring in the future. Doocy pressed on, asking why there wasn't a plan in place to evacuate American citizens and Afghan allies before withdrawing troops, and Kirby defended the administration's efforts to evacuate as many people as possible under difficult circumstances.
The tense exchange highlights the ongoing political fallout over the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan, which left many Americans and Afghan allies stranded and vulnerable to Taliban violence. While the report attempts to shift some of the blame onto the previous administration, many critics argue that the Biden administration failed to adequately plan for the withdrawal and ensure the safety of those left behind.
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The Doocy-Kirby exchange also underscores the often-contentious relationship between the press and the White House, as reporters seek answers and accountability from government officials. As the review process continues, it remains to be seen how the administration will address the failures and shortcomings of the Afghanistan withdrawal, and whether heads will roll as a result.
In any case, the Doocy-Kirby exchange is a reminder that the press plays a critical role in holding government officials accountable, particularly in times of crisis and uncertainty. As Americans continue to grapple with the aftermath of the Afghanistan withdrawal, it is important that we continue to demand transparency and answers from our leaders, and hold them accountable for their actions and decisions.
Kirby defended the Biden administration's decision to withdraw from Afghanistan, arguing that the situation was already challenging due to the previous administration's deal with the Taliban. He also highlighted the successes of the evacuation efforts and the number of lives saved. However, Doocy wasn't satisfied and continued to press Kirby for answers.
The tense exchange between Doocy and Kirby reflects the broader public debate over the US withdrawal from Afghanistan. While some argue that the withdrawal was long overdue and necessary, others criticize the Biden administration's handling of the situation, particularly the chaotic and violent scenes that accompanied the evacuation process.
The report released by the White House provides some answers to these criticisms, but it also raises more questions about accountability and responsibility. As the review process continues, it remains to be seen how the US government will address these issues and learn from its mistakes.
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Local prosecutors take on Trump as federal government hesitates
In recent news, Joy Reid weighed in on the indictment of former President Donald Trump, expressing her support for Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg's decision to bring charges against the former leader. In her segment, Reid pointed out that while Trump is the first American president to be charged with a crime, it was not the Department of Justice that brought the charges against him. Rather, it was local prosecutors in the state of New York who took on the daunting task of holding Trump accountable for his actions.
Reid pointed out that Bragg and Fulton County DA Fani Willis are bearing the burden of holding Trump accountable for his crimes against the country, including his attempts to manipulate the 2020 presidential election. While the DOJ is investigating Trump's mishandling of classified documents and his role in the events surrounding the January 6th insurrection, it was the Southern District of New York that investigated and convicted Trump's former fixer, Michael Cohen, in part for violating campaign contribution laws related to this same case.
Former Manhattan D.A. Vance even stated that it was Trump's Department of Justice, under the leadership of Attorney General William Barr, that asked his office to stand down in its investigation of the hush money payment. Despite this request, the Southern District of New York continued to pursue the case, ultimately leading to Cohen's conviction.
Reid questioned why the Southern District of New York did not continue its investigation into Trump after he left office, arguing that there was no reason for them not to pursue the case. She suggested that their reticence to pursue Trump could only be attributed to a fear of political backlash or an unwillingness to pursue the former president.
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"New York judge and family reportedly receive threats following Trump arraignment"
A New York judge and his family have reportedly received numerous threats following the arraignment of former President Donald Trump. Trump pleaded not guilty to 34 felony counts related to hush money payments to adult film star Stormy Daniels. NBC reports that the judge, Juan Merchan, and his family have received “dozens” of threats, with calls, emails, and letters directed at them. Similar threats have been directed towards Manhattan district attorney Alvin Bragg and other officials. The threats are said to be harassing and defamatory, with most of them coming from out of state. The New York Police Department is providing extra security to all affected staff members.
Lucian Chalfen, a spokesperson for the New York office of court administration, said that security concerns and potential threats are being evaluated and re-evaluated, and an increased security presence is being maintained in and around courthouses and throughout the judiciary.
Retired conservative judge J Michael Luttig has warned Trump that he risks a gag order over his attacks on Judge Merchan. Luttig, an influential voice in conservative circles, predicts “the beginning of the end of Donald Trump.” Before his arraignment, Trump had stoked controversy with inflammatory social media posts about the case and calls for protest. In a speech at his Mar-a-Lago home in Florida, Trump called Merchan “a Trump-hating judge” and attacked the judge’s family, while also targeting Bragg and other prosecutors overseeing investigations of his behavior.
Overall, the threats directed towards the judge and his family are deeply concerning and demonstrate the need for increased security measures to protect those involved in the judicial process. The judicial system should be allowed to operate without intimidation or fear of retribution. The ongoing investigation of Donald Trump serves as a reminder that no one, not even a former president, is above the law. The threats against Judge Juan Merchan and his family following the arraignment of former President Donald Trump on Tuesday have highlighted the continued polarization and politicization of the US justice system. According to reports, the judge and his family received dozens of threatening calls, emails, and letters, with the content being harassing and defamatory. The New York police have provided extra security to all affected staff members, and the court administration is continuously evaluating and re-evaluating security concerns and potential threats.
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The threats against Judge Merchan are not isolated incidents, as officials, including Manhattan district attorney Alvin Bragg, have received similar threats recently. This has resulted in increased security measures and the removal of biographies of employees at Bragg's office from the district attorney's website.
The continued attacks on the justice system by former President Trump and his supporters, including calls for protests and inflammatory social media posts, are a cause for concern. Judge Merchan warned Trump to refrain from making statements that could incite violence and civil unrest, and retired conservative judge and adviser to former Vice President Mike Pence, J Michael Luttig, has warned that Trump risks a gag order over his attacks on Judge Merchan.
The politicization of the US justice system is not new, but the continued attacks on judges and officials are a worrying trend. The justice system is designed to be independent and impartial, and it is essential that it operates without fear or favor. Threats and attacks against officials compromise this independence and threaten the integrity of the system.
The threats against Judge Merchan and his family are unacceptable and must be condemned by all. The justice system must be allowed to operate independently, and officials must be free to carry out their duties without fear of threats or intimidation. The continued attacks on the justice system by former President Trump and his supporters are a danger to the rule of law, and it is essential that they are held accountable for their actions.
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Tennessee Democrats Face Expulsion Vote After Gun Reform Protest
The Tennessee House of Representatives is facing a backlash from protesters following its decision to vote on expelling three Democratic lawmakers for leading a gun reform protest in the chamber. After Representative Justin Jones was expelled over the demonstration, which took place after a mass shooting at a Nashville school, a two-thirds majority vote against Gloria Johnson was required to expel her. The vote for expulsion fell short, 65-30, but the third Democrat involved, Justin Pearson, is due to face a possible vote on Thursday. Many protesters at the Capitol building called for gun reform legislation, arguing that expelling lawmakers detracted from that process.
been silenced by a party that is acting like authoritarians.”
As he left the Capitol on Thursday, Jones said he is not sure what his next steps are following his expulsion.
“I will continue to show up to this Capitol with these young people whether I’m in that chamber or outside,” Jones told reporters.
Expulsions are very rare In the last 157 years, the House has expelled only two lawmakers, which requires a two-thirds vote: In 1980, after a representative was found guilty of accepting a bribe while in office, and in 2016, when another was expelled over allegations of sexual harassment.
This week, Sexton said the three Democrats’ actions “are and always will be unacceptable” and broke “several rules of decorum and procedure on the House floor.”
Sexton said peaceful protesters have always been welcomed to the capitol to have their voices heard on any issue, but that the actions of the Democratic lawmakers had detracted from that process.
“In effect, those actions took away the voices of the protestors, the focus on the six victims who lost their lives, and the families who lost their loved ones,” Sexton said in a series of tweets Monday.
“We cannot allow the actions of the three members to distract us from protecting our children. We will get through this together, and it will require talking about all solutions,” Sexton said.
During the discussion Thursday, Democratic Rep. Joe Towns called the move to expel the “nuclear option.”
“You never use a sledgehammer to kill a gnat,” Towns said. “We should not go to the extreme of expelling our members for fighting for what many of the citizens want to happen, whether you agree with it or not.”
Protesters gather to oppose expulsion, call for gun reform The move to expel the trio drew protesters to the Capitol Thursday morning, with many wanting to express both their opposition to the lawmakers’ removal from office – chants of “We stand with the Tennessee three,” were heard outside – as well as support for gun reform legislation.
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To some, the vote to expel Johnson, Jones and Pearson was a distraction from the real issue: Keeping children safe.
“I want people to know this is not a political issue, it’s a child issue,” Deborah Castellano, a first-grade teacher in Nashville, told CNN. “If you wash away Democrat, Republican, it’s about kids and do we want them to be safe or not. I will stand in front of children and protect as many as I can with my body … but we shouldn’t have to, and those kids shouldn’t be afraid.”
Paul Slentz, a retired United Methodist pastor, knows two of the lawmakers personally, he said, adding it was wrong for them to face a vote for their expulsion.
“They’re good people,” Slentz told CNN affiliate WSMV in an interview outside the Capitol. “They have strong moral convictions. They are people of faith.”
Discussion Thursday began with Republicans playing footage of the protest last week, showing Jones, Johnson and Pearson standing in the well of the House and using the bullhorn to address their colleagues and protesters in the gallery.
Democrats were opposed to having the footage played, arguing it was unfair because they had not seen the video before. However, the Republicans argued that the footage was necessary to provide context for the vote.
While the vote to expel Johnson failed, the possibility of Pearson's expulsion looms. The outcome of the vote may have significant implications for the future of gun reform in Tennessee and the United States. As the issue of gun violence continues to plague the country, the actions of lawmakers on both sides of the aisle will undoubtedly continue to be scrutinized. Despite the failed attempt to expel Democratic Rep. Gloria Johnson from Tennessee’s Republican-controlled House of Representatives, tensions remain high in the state capital. Last week, Johnson, along with two other Democrats, led a gun reform protest on the House floor in response to a mass shooting at a Nashville school. The House later expelled Rep. Justin Jones over that protest, and the third Democrat involved, Justin Pearson, faces a possible vote on his removal from office Thursday.
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"Former US President Donald Trump Faces 34 Criminal Charges and Possible 136-Year Sentence "
Former US President Donald Trump has made history as the first former president to be arrested. The charges brought against him are serious criminal charges related to hush money that was allegedly paid to three people before the 2016 election. The former president has been hit with 34 charges, each about falsifying business records for the payoffs made to porn actor Stormy Daniels, Playboy model Karen McDougal, and the doorman at his Trump Tower. If convicted on all 34 charges, he could theoretically face 136 years in prison, under the creative way Manhattan prosecutor Alvin Bragg framed the charges breaking out separate transactions into individual charges.
Appearing in the New York State Supreme Court, Trump pleaded not guilty and declared his intention to fight the charges. The charges are part of a grand jury investigation, in which a panel of citizens investigated the case in secret hearings, voted on Thursday, and found a prima facie case against him. This enabled Manhattan prosecutor Alvin Bragg to file charges against him.
Trump, who is the leading candidate for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, is under at least three other investigations, two by federal authorities on his role in the attack on the US Congress by his rioting supporters in January 2021 and his handling of top-secret documents, and a local investigation in Georgia State, where he is being investigated for trying to manipulate the 2020 presidential election result.
The former president's arrest was indeed surreal, as it was carried out under the watchful eyes of the Secret Service, who are mandated to guard former Presidents. He was booked without being handcuffed or asked to pose for identification pictures but made to give his fingerprints. He was taken to the courtroom of Acting New York State Supreme Court Justice Juan Merchan, where he sat somberly at the defendant's table flanked by his lawyers as he was formally charged. Subscribe for more content like this.
After being admonished by the judge against making incendiary statements, Trump left the courtroom and later made a rambling speech to his supporters, restating his versions that the case and the investigations were political persecutions and an "insult to the country." He posted on his social media, "Seems so SURREAL -- WOW, they are going to ARREST ME. Can't believe this is happening in America."
The next hearing in the case is set for December, which is likely to impinge on the race for the presidency. The US Constitution does not bar an undertrial or even a convict from running for the President, raising the question of whether he could still run for President if convicted.
The hub of the cases against Trump is a series of payments that were made to his former lawyer Michael Cohen, who in turn paid off Daniels with $130,000 to silence her. The prosecution alleges that the Trump business records falsely classified the payments as lawyer's fees when in fact they were payoffs to Daniels. Cohen was prosecuted by federal officials for tax evasion and federal election law violations and was sentenced to three years in prison. He is the prime witness in the case against Trump.
In a park across from the courthouse, supporters and opponents of Trump held opposing demonstrations, separated by barricades, exchanging insults but there was no violence. A right-wing Republican member of the House of Representatives, Marjorie Taylor Greene had called for a protest there but was shouted down by Trump opponents and fled.
Bragg, whose election was helped by an organisation that received $500,000 from George Soros, the billionaire activist who meddles in the internal affairs of countries around the world, including India, made the falsification of business records into felonies or serious crimes, while they are usually treated as misdemeanours or minor offences. He has, on the other hand, downgraded half of the serious violent crimes in Manhattan into minor offences.
The world was left stunned as former US President Donald Trump became the first former president to be arrested on criminal charges. The charges are not insignificant - in fact, they are serious and numerous. Trump has been hit with 34 criminal charges related to hush money that was allegedly paid to three people, including porn actor Stormy Daniels and Playboy model Karen McDougal.
The charges against Trump are each about falsifying business records for the payoffs made before the 2016 election. Both Daniels and McDougal had asserted that they had affairs with Trump, and the doorman at his Trump Tower claimed to have known about an illegitimate child Trump fathered. If Trump is convicted on all 34 charges, he could theoretically face 136 years in prison - four years for each offense.
Despite the gravity of the charges, Trump pleaded not guilty when he appeared in the New York State Supreme Court on Tuesday. He declared his intention to fight the charges, setting the stage for what could be a dramatic and highly publicized trial. Trump's case has been the subject of much speculation in the media, with many observers wondering what impact it will have on his political future.
Trump is currently the leading candidate for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, and he is only two points behind US President Joe Biden in a poll aggregation. The next hearing in the case is set for December, which means that the trial could impinge on the race for the presidency. This is a prospect that has many political analysts and pundits eagerly anticipating the outcome of the case.
It is worth noting that the US Constitution does not bar an undertrial or even a convict from running for the presidency. This means that even if Trump is convicted on all 34 charges, he could still theoretically run for the presidency in 2024. This adds another layer of intrigue to an already complex and high-stakes situation.
Of course, the charges against Trump are not the only legal troubles he is facing. He is also under investigation in at least three other cases. Two of these investigations are being conducted by federal authorities and concern his role in the attack on the US Congress by his rioting supporters in January 2021 and his handling of top-secret documents. The third investigation is a local one being conducted in Georgia State, which is looking into whether he tried to manipulate the 2020 presidential election result.
In a rambling speech to his supporters on Tuesday night, after returning home to Florida, Trump reiterated his belief that the case and the investigations were political persecutions and an "insult to the country". He has been highly critical of the legal system and has accused the judge in his case of hating him. This is a theme that has been echoed by many of his supporters, who believe that he is being unfairly targeted by the justice system.
Despite these protests, the legal process is continuing. Trump was released without bail by Acting New York State Supreme Court Justice Juan Merchan, and he left for a local airport from where he flew on his private Boeing 757 to his Mar-a-Lago home. The scene of his arrest was surreal, as it was carried out under the watchful eyes of the Secret Service that is mandated to guard former Presidents. After being booked without being handcuffed or asked to pose for identification pictures but made to give his fingerprints, he was taken to the courtroom of Acting New York State Supreme Court Justice Juan Merchan.
It remains to be seen what the outcome of the case will be, and whether Trump will be convicted on any or all of the charges. Whatever the outcome, however, it is clear that this is a case that will have far-reaching implications for American politics and for the future of the Republican Party. Thanks for watching, subscribe our channel for authenticity.
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Trump Slams Bragg After Pleading Not Guilty: ‘I Never Thought Anything Like This
Former President Donald Trump has criticized Manhattan's new district attorney, Alvin Bragg, after pleading not guilty to charges related to the January 6th Capitol riot. In a statement, Trump accused Bragg of being "out of touch with reality" and endangering Americans' safety by not cracking down on violent crime in New York City.
The charges against Trump stem from his role in inciting a mob of his supporters to storm the U.S. Capitol on January 6th, 2021, in an attempt to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election. The riot resulted in the deaths of several people and injuries to dozens of police officers.
During the riot, Trump made a speech in which he told his supporters to "fight like hell" to overturn the election results. He also repeated false claims that the election was stolen from him and that Vice President Mike Pence had the power to overturn the results.
In February of 2021, the U.S. Senate acquitted Trump of inciting the riot. However, prosecutors in New York have continued to investigate Trump's role in the events of January 6th. Subscribe for more content like this.
Bragg, who took office in January 2022, has faced criticism from some for his progressive policies, including his decision to no longer prosecute certain low-level crimes. However, Bragg has also emphasized his commitment to cracking down on violent crime, which has been on the rise in New York City in recent years.
Trump's criticism of Bragg comes amid a broader debate about criminal justice reform and the role of prosecutors in addressing violent crime. Some argue that prosecutors should focus on rehabilitation and reducing mass incarceration, while others argue that they should be tougher on crime to ensure public safety.
In a statement, Trump said that he "never thought anything like this could happen in America" and accused Bragg of "putting politics before public safety." He also criticized the charges against him as politically motivated and claimed that he was the victim of a "witch hunt."
Critics of Trump's comments have pointed out that he has a history of attacking law enforcement officials who investigate him or his allies. They argue that his criticism of Bragg is part of a larger pattern of attacking the rule of law and attempting to undermine the legitimacy of the justice system.
Meanwhile, some have raised concerns about the indictment against Trump, which includes charges of incitement of insurrection, conspiracy to commit an offense against the United States, and obstruction of an official proceeding. Critics argue that the charges are overly broad and may not hold up in court.
However, others argue that the charges are appropriate given Trump's role in inciting the Capitol riot. They point to evidence that Trump and his allies planned the attack in advance and that he continued to encourage his supporters even after the violence had begun.
The debate over Trump's indictment and Bragg's policies is likely to continue in the coming months. As the trial unfolds, the country will be watching to see how the justice system responds to one of the most contentious and divisive moments in recent American history.
The decision by Manhattan’s new district attorney, Alvin Bragg, to drop charges against former President Donald Trump's business partner, Allen Weisselberg, has drawn a strong rebuke from Trump himself. In a statement released shortly after the announcement, Trump slammed Bragg, accusing him of making a "political decision" and claiming that he never thought "anything like this could happen in America."
The indictment against Weisselberg and the Trump Organization alleged that they engaged in a 15-year scheme to avoid paying taxes on compensation for Weisselberg and other executives. Weisselberg pleaded not guilty to the charges, and the case was set to go to trial. However, Bragg's decision to drop the charges has thrown the case into uncertainty.
Many legal experts have criticized Bragg's decision, arguing that it sets a dangerous precedent and undermines the rule of law. Judge Jeanine Pirro, a former prosecutor and current Fox News host, blasted Bragg in a recent segment, calling him a "pathetic man who is not connected to reality."
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Florida Governor's Feud with Disney Escalates Over LGBTQ Education and Property Rights
A clash between the Walt Disney Company and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has intensified over LGBTQ education and property rights. Bob Iger, CEO of Disney, has accused DeSantis of being "anti-business" and "anti-Florida" after the state's Parental Rights in Education Act, dubbed the "Don't Say Gay" bill, banned school instruction about sexual orientation and gender identity for pupils aged nine and under. In addition, a last-minute contract signed by Disney has led to accusations that the company holds near-total control over development in the district, acting as a self-governing area within the Reedy Creek Improvement District. The feud has gained national attention and helped to elevate DeSantis' profile as a potential Republican presidential candidate in 2024. As the battle between Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and Walt Disney Co. rages on, the future of Disney's Orlando theme parks hangs in the balance. The conflict began after Disney criticized a Florida law curtailing gender and sexuality education, leading state lawmakers to target the company. DeSantis, in turn, has pushed for more state control over Disney's operations in Orlando.
Disney CEO Bob Iger has taken a stand, speaking out against what he calls DeSantis' "anti-business" and "anti-Florida" actions. During a recent shareholder meeting, Iger stated that "a company has a right to freedom of speech just like individuals do," and he criticized DeSantis for getting "very angry" over Disney's objection to the state's Parental Rights in Education Act, which bans school instruction about sexual orientation and gender identity for pupils aged nine and under.
Iger also called attention to a fight over a last-minute contract that gave Disney near-total control over development in the Reedy Creek Improvement District, where Disney World is located. DeSantis signed a bill that subjects Disney to additional layers of external oversight through a five-member board, but the new board has claimed that it has been neutered by the last-minute contract.
This conflict has helped elevate DeSantis' profile as a potential 2024 Republican presidential frontrunner, and he is widely expected to announce his candidacy in the coming months. However, the battle between DeSantis and Disney may have far-reaching consequences, not just for the state of Florida, but for the entire entertainment industry. Subscribe for more content like this.
As the world continues to grapple with the COVID-19 pandemic, the tourism industry has been hit hard. The theme park industry, in particular, has been forced to navigate a difficult landscape, with park closures and reduced capacity resulting in significant revenue losses. If Disney and DeSantis are unable to resolve their conflict, it could have a chilling effect on future investment in Florida's theme parks, and could set a dangerous precedent for the entertainment industry as a whole.
Furthermore, the conflict over the Parental Rights in Education Act highlights the ongoing battle over LGBTQ+ rights in the United States. While some argue that parents should have the right to decide what their children are taught, others see the law as a discriminatory measure that will harm LGBTQ+ youth.
In the end, the conflict between DeSantis and Disney may ultimately be resolved through legal means. However, it is clear that this battle has far-reaching implications, and will continue to be watched closely by industry insiders, investors, and politicians alike.
Disney's battle with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has escalated further, with CEO Bob Iger accusing the governor of being "anti-business" and "anti-Florida". The conflict began when state lawmakers targeted Disney after it criticized a Florida law curtailing gender and sexuality education. In response, Governor DeSantis pushed for more state control over Disney's Orlando theme parks. During a meeting with Disney shareholders, Iger said that "a company has a right to freedom of speech just like individuals do". He accused DeSantis of retaliating against Disney for exercising its constitutional right to free speech, and said that any action to thwart those efforts would be "not just anti-business, but it sounds anti-Florida".
The conflict between Disney and DeSantis began with the state's Parental Rights in Education Act, which bans school instruction about sexual orientation and gender identity for pupils aged nine and under. Critics dubbed the bill the "Don't Say Gay" bill. Disney objected to the legislation, and Governor DeSantis reportedly "got very angry" about the company's position.
The conflict escalated when a last-minute contract gave Disney near-total control over development in Florida's Reedy Creek Improvement District, where Walt Disney World operates. The new bill signed by DeSantis subjects Disney to additional layers of external oversight through a five-member board appointed by the state. However, the board has claimed it has been "neutered" by the last-minute contract, which it says gives Disney power over the district in perpetuity.
DeSantis and his allies claim that Disney's contract is an attempt to defy the will of Floridians and state lawmakers. The governor has ordered an investigation into the outgoing board. The battle over cultural issues between DeSantis and Disney has elevated the governor's profile as a potential 2024 Republican presidential frontrunner, and he is widely expected to announce his candidacy in the coming months.
The conflict is not just a matter of politics; it is also a significant business issue. The Walt Disney World territory has operated as a self-governing area for over 50 years, with control of utilities and a fire department. Disney's objection to the "Don't Say Gay" bill and its fight over the last-minute contract are part of a larger battle over control of the district. Iger's comments suggest that Disney sees the conflict as a threat to its business interests in Florida, and that it is willing to fight back against what it sees as an attempt to curtail its constitutional rights. Thanks for watching, subscribe our channel for authenticity.
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Former National Security Officials Testify Against Trump's Election Fraud Claims
Former top national security officials have testified before a federal grand jury that they repeatedly informed former President Donald Trump and his allies that the government did not have the authority to seize voting machines after the 2020 election.
Chad Wolf, the former acting Homeland Security secretary, and his former deputy Ken Cuccinelli were questioned about discussions inside the administration around DHS seizing voting machines when they appeared before the grand jury earlier this year. Cuccinelli testified that he "made clear at all times" that DHS did not have the authority to take such a step, according to sources familiar with the proceedings.
Trump's former national security adviser Robert O'Brien also recounted conversations about seizing voting machines after the 2020 election, including during a heated Oval Office meeting that Trump participated in, according to a source familiar with the matter.
These details, which have not been previously reported, illustrate how special counsel Jack Smith and his prosecutors are looking at the various ways Trump tried to overturn his electoral loss despite some of his top officials advising him against such ideas.
Without the shield of executive privilege, former officials must answer questions about their interactions and conversations with the former president, including what he was told about the lack of evidence for election fraud and the legal remedies he could pursue.
Now, some of those same officials, including Wolf, Cuccinelli, and O'Brien, as well as others who have so far refused to testify, may have to return to the grand jury in Washington, DC, to provide additional testimony after a series of pivotal court rulings that were revealed in recent weeks rejected Trump's claims of executive privilege.
The testimony of these officials further underscores the extent to which Trump and his allies sought to overturn the results of the 2020 election, despite a lack of evidence of widespread voter fraud. The former president repeatedly made baseless claims of election fraud and sought to overturn the results through legal challenges and other means.
The testimony of these former officials is a significant development in the ongoing investigation into Trump's attempts to overturn the election. It is yet to be seen what further revelations will come to light as the investigation continues. Subscribe for more content like this.
In fact, some experts believe that a lack of sleep may even contribute to the development of certain mental health conditions, such as anxiety and depression.
There are a number of factors that can impact the quality and duration of your sleep, including your daily habits, stress levels, and even your bedroom environment. Here are a few tips to help improve your sleep:
1. Stick to a consistent sleep schedule: Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends. This will help regulate your body's internal clock and make it easier to fall asleep at night.
2. Create a calming bedtime routine: Establish a relaxing routine before bed that will help signal to your brain that it's time to wind down. This might include taking a warm bath, reading a book, or practicing meditation.
3. Limit caffeine and alcohol intake: Both caffeine and alcohol can interfere with sleep, so try to limit your intake of these substances, especially in the hours leading up to bedtime.
4. Make your bedroom a sleep-friendly environment: Keep your bedroom cool, quiet, and dark, and invest in comfortable bedding and pillows. You might also want to consider using a white noise machine or earplugs to block out any external noise.
5. Get regular exercise: Regular physical activity can help improve sleep quality and duration, so aim to get at least 30 minutes of exercise most days of the week.
By following these tips, you can help ensure that you're getting the restorative, high-quality sleep you need to stay healthy and productive.
3. Stay Active and Exercise Regularly
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Saudi Arabia and Iran Agree to Restore Ties: A Win for China, a Blow to the US? #usnews #newstoday
Saudi Arabia and Iran Agree to Restore Ties: A Win for China, a Blow to the US?
After years of hostility and proxy conflicts across the Middle East, Saudi Arabia and Iran have agreed to re-establish diplomatic ties, and confirmed their “respect for the sovereignty of states and noninterference in their internal affairs”. The talks were hosted by China and highlight the country’s growing importance as a global economic and political power. This move could also signal a waning influence of the United States in the region. The agreement will lead to reopening embassies in each other’s countries within two months and reactivate a lapsed security cooperation pact, despite years of Iranian-backed militias in Yemen targeting Saudi Arabia with missile and drone attacks. The resumption of ties comes after years of tensions. Saudi Arabia cut ties with Iran completely in 2016, after protesters stormed the kingdom’s embassy in Tehran after Saudi Arabia’s execution of a prominent Saudi Shiite cleric. This blog will look at the implications of the agreement, including its geopolitical and economic impact, and the potential for increased cooperation between Iran and Saudi Arabia.
Background and Implications
Iran and Saudi Arabia have been regional rivals for decades, driven by both geopolitical and religious factors. The rivalry between the two Islamic nations, which are less than 150 miles away from each other across the Persian Gulf, has long shaped politics and trade in the Middle East. It has a sectarian dimension - Saudi Arabia’s monarchy and a majority of its populace are Sunni, while Iran’s people are overwhelmingly Shiite - but has predominantly played out via proxy conflicts in Yemen, Iraq, and Lebanon, where Iran has supported militias that Saudi officials say have destabilized the region. Tensions hit a peak in 2019 when a missile and drone assault on a key Saudi oil installation briefly disrupted half of the kingdom’s crude production. The Iran-backed Houthi movement in Yemen claimed responsibility, but US officials said that Iran had directly overseen the attack. Saudi officials have also repeatedly expressed fear over Iran’s nuclear program, saying that they would be the foremost target for any attack by the Islamic Republic.
The reopening of diplomatic ties between the two nations will have a significant impact on the Middle East’s geopolitical landscape, especially with the United States’ influence in the region waning. The agreement signals that the US cannot take for granted the pre-eminent influence it once wielded in Saudi Arabia – an ally that is charting a more independent diplomatic course. China, on the other hand, has cultivated close ties to both Iran and Saudi Arabia and unlike US officials, it does not chastise them about human rights. China wants stability in the region, with more than 40 percent of its crude oil imports coming from the Gulf, and this move could be an attempt to stabilize the region while balancing relationships with both sides.
The announcement of the agreement comes as a major surprise, given the long history of hostility between the two countries, and is likely to have far-reaching consequences. The deal underlines China’s growing economic and political importance in the Middle East and its role as a counterbalance to Washington. China has been increasing its influence in the region and is currently the top trading partner of both Saudi Arabia and Iran. Saudi Arabia and Iran have both been looking to China to offset some of the impact of the US sanctions. As a result, the agreement could provide China with an opportunity to expand its influence in the region.
Economic Impact
The agreement between Iran and Saudi Arabia is likely to have a significant economic impact on the region. The two countries have a combined GDP of more than $1.6 trillion, and the reopening of diplomatic ties could lead to increased trade and investment between them. The agreement to reactivate trade and investment accords that lapsed during the years of tension between the two countries is a positive sign for investors. Iran and Saudi Arabia have a large consumer market, and companies that have been
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Nor'easter Fury: Massachusetts Braces for Massive Snowstorm and Devastating Winds#usnews #uspolitics
Nor'easter Fury: Massachusetts Braces for Massive Snowstorm and Devastating Winds
Get Ready Massachusetts, Old Man Winter is Not Done Yet: Nor’easter to Bring 12-Plus Inches of Heavy Snow and Damaging Winds
Just when you thought it was safe to put away your shovels and winter gear, Mother Nature has other plans. The final week of winter is set to go out with a bang as a powerful nor’easter is expected to bring heavy snow and damaging winds to Massachusetts.
According to AccuWeather meteorologist Jake Sojda, this is shaping up to be a "pretty impressive snowstorm" that could dump more than 12 inches of heavy, wet snow in certain areas of the Bay State. While Boston's Logan Airport may only see 4 inches, neighborhoods in the western part of the city could see more than 8 inches.
The storm is expected to hit on Monday night, starting off as rain before turning into heavy snow on Tuesday. Travel is expected to be extremely difficult, and power outages are a concern as winds up to 60 mph could down trees and power lines.
The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning for the high terrain of western and central Massachusetts, and a Winter Storm Watch for much of the state. Residents are being advised to stay home if possible on Tuesday, with National Weather Service meteorologist Alan Dunham saying "If you don’t have to go out Tuesday, that would be a good day to work from home."
Utility companies are also preparing for the worst, with Eversource bringing in extra out-of-state crews to assist with restoring power to customers, if needed.
So, get ready Massachusetts, it looks like Old Man Winter is not quite done with us yet. Make sure you have plenty of supplies, charge your devices, and stay safe during this whopper of a storm.
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"Israel's Largest Protest in History: Democracy at Risk" #usnews #newstoday #currentaffairs
"Israel's Largest Protest in History: Democracy at Risk"
On Saturday night, hundreds of thousands of Israelis gathered in the streets to protest against the government's proposed judicial reforms, in what organisers called the biggest street protests in the country's history. The reforms, which aim to curb the power of the courts, have been heavily criticised by opponents who claim they threaten democracy and could lead to an authoritarian government.
Demonstrator Tamir Guytsabry spoke out against "the dictatorship being established here in the name of so-called law, judicial reform," while Miri Lahat called Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu a "crime minister," saying, "He is becoming a dictator and we don't want dictatorship. We want democracy back."
The protesters, dressed in red cloaks and white bonnets in reference to the totalitarian novel-turned-TV-series 'The Handmaid's Tale', gathered across the country, with the largest rally taking place in Tel Aviv, where an estimated 200,000 people turned out, many carrying Israel's national flag.
Opposition leader Yair Lapid called the situation Israel's "greatest crisis," and former Israel police chief Moshe Karadi described the control of the police by National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, who has previous convictions for racist incitement and supporting terrorism over his backing of a Jewish extremist group, as an unprecedented danger.
The proposed reforms aim to give the elected government decisive influence over the choice of judges and limit the ability of the Supreme Court to rule against the executive or strike down legislation. The issue has caused deep divides in Israeli society and has seen reservists threatening to refuse to serve as a way of showing their opposition.
Critics say the reforms will threaten democratic checks and balances on ministers by the courts, with some accusing Netanyahu of trying to escape a legal case against him. Netanyahu is on trial on corruption charges that he denies and says the reforms aim to balance out branches of government.
The clash over the police commander's position is significant, with predictions of a possible constitutional crisis involving Israel's civil service and security forces being unable to take orders from the government if no compromise is reached on the planned reforms.
The government has stood firm in the face of the uproar, claiming the protests are being fuelled by political opponents. However, the size and intensity of the demonstrations suggest otherwise, with some describing the situation as a fight for the soul of Israeli democracy.
The protests come at a time of increased violence between Palestinians and Israel, with three armed Palestinians shot dead by Israeli troops near the West Bank city of Nablus on Sunday. Palestinian officials have not commented on the incident.
As the world watches events unfold in Israel, the country stands at a crossroads. The proposed reforms threaten to undermine the very fabric of Israeli democracy, while the increasing violence in the region poses a threat to the country's security. The coming days and weeks will be critical in determining the path Israel takes and the future it builds for itself and its people.
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California Faces an Impending Flood Catastrophe of $1 Trillion in the Next 40 Years #usnews
California Faces an Impending Flood Catastrophe of $1 Trillion in the Next 40 Years
California is at risk of a 1-in-200-year flood catastrophe, and it could cost the state nearly $1 trillion, or 4% of U.S. GDP. Climate change is contributing to the increasing likelihood of such a disaster, with a greater than 50% chance of it happening within the next 40 years. The recent Fourth National Climate Assessment confirms that the frequency and severity of landfalling atmospheric rivers on the U.S. West Coast will increase due to rising evaporation and atmospheric water vapor from global warming. The state's major urban centers, including San Francisco and Los Angeles, are more likely to experience severe storm sequences unless significant upgrades are made to California's flood-control infrastructure.
The potential failure of the Whittier Narrows Dam on the San Gabriel River in the Los Angeles metro area is just one example of the vulnerability of California's infrastructure to an atmospheric river storm. Should the dam fail, up to one million people in metropolitan Los Angeles could be flooded, with the highest water levels of 20 feet affecting Pico Rivera, a city of 63,000 lying just downstream.
The risk of such catastrophic flooding is not new to California. Historical evidence shows that six storms more severe than the 1861-1862 storm have hit California since 212 AD, with one lasting for 45 days, causing devastating flooding and turning California's Central Valley into a lake 300 miles long and over 20 miles wide. The resulting floods put downtown Sacramento under 10+ feet of water, forcing the movement of the state capital to San Francisco.
The USGS ArkStorm scenario modeled a hybrid storm based on two actual storms that hit California, with additional tweaks to produce sufficient precipitation to approximately match the limited observations of the 1861-1862 storm. The storm could flood up to 25% of all buildings in the state, breach approximately 50 levees, and force the evacuation of 1.5 million people. The damage caused by the modeled storm was $725 billion in 2007 dollars, which is equivalent to $900 billion in 2019 dollars, or 4% of U.S. GDP.
Climate models predict that the odds of such catastrophic events will increase with global warming. A warmer climate will lead to stronger atmospheric rivers hitting California, which will cause severe flooding, destruction, and death. The state's flood-control infrastructure must be updated to accommodate these storms.
In conclusion, California faces an impending flood catastrophe that could cost the state nearly $1 trillion within the next 40 years. Historical evidence shows that such severe storms have hit the state before, and climate models predict that they will become more frequent and severe with global warming. The state's flood-control infrastructure must be upgraded to avoid devastating consequences. If not, California will continue to be at risk of catastrophic flooding, putting millions of people's lives, homes, and businesses in danger.
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Seven killed in shooting at Jehovah’s Witness hall in Germany, police say #usnews
A shooting at a Jehovah’s Witness hall in Hamburg on Thursday night left seven people dead, with others seriously wounded, Hamburg police said.
The shooting happened at a building on Deelböge Street in the Groß Borstel district, police said. The district is a residential area in northern Hamburg.
Law enforcement additionally believe they found the body of the alleged gunman onsite. They earlier said that they did not yet have reliable information on the motive behind the shooting.
After arriving at the crime scene, police heard a gunshot from within the Jehovah’s Witness building and found a body when they followed the sound, Hamburg police spokesman Holger Vehren said in an on-camera interview from the scene. The police found several people dead and others injured by bullets when they arrived at the building around 9:15 p.m. local time, he added.
Vehren said late Thursday that police teams were conducting a crime scene analysis and gathering information about the victims.
The city’s emergency services were working “flat out to track down” whoever was responsible for the shooting and look for a motive, according to a translation of Hamburg Mayor Peter Tschentscher’s statement on Twitter.
Images from the scene taken by local photographers showed a large number of heavily armed police clad in body armor, holding long guns and organizing themselves outside a three-story building.
Ambulances could be seen arriving at the modern-looking structure, as well, photos show.
People who were in or near the building at the time of the shooting were pictured being escorted away on foot by emergency workers
Tschentscher, the Hamburg mayor, said the reports coming out of Groß Borstel “are shocking,” and offered his “deepest condolences to the families of the victims.”
Other photos showed a member of a bomb disposal squad inside the building, along with police officers in tactical gear.
“The dead all have gunshot wounds,” a police spokesman told Northern German Broadcasting, the local public radio and television broadcaster.
Jehovah’s Witnesses are members of a Christian-based faith group that claims 8.6 million adherents in its congregations, known as Kingdom Halls, across more than 150 countries. The religious group was founded in the United States.
A gunman killed six people Thursday night at a Jehovah's Witnesses hall in the German city of Hamburg before apparently turning his gun on himself. The shooter was identified as a former member of the congregation, police said Friday. Four men, one woman and an unborn child were killed. Police initially said Friday that a pregnant woman had died in the attack, but they later confirmed she was among eight people wounded. Her 7-month-old fetus died.
Police identified the gunman on Friday as unmarried former church member Phillip F., and said there was no indication of a terrorist motive. They said he left the church community about 18 months ago, "but apparently not on good terms."
Police had told CBS News previously that the shooter was inside the building the entire time and there was no manhunt at any point. When officers arrived, the shooter had already died by suicide.
The police did not give any indication of a suspected motive as they briefed journalists Friday morning about the shooting that stunned Germany's second-biggest city.
German magazine Der Spiegel first reported that the suspect was "said to have been a former member of Jehovah's Witnesses... between 30 and 40 years old."
Police confirmed Friday that the gunman used a semi-automatic pistol that he was licensed to own. They said there was an anonymous letter sent to the police force several years ago claiming the suspect was mentally unstable and had shown animosity for religious followers, and that a review of his firearms licensing was carried out.
They said when questioned, Phillip F. was cooperative and gave no indication of any mental health problems, so they closed the case. He was a sports marksman
Mass shootings are rare in Europe, where gun ownership laws are generally much stricter than in many U.S. states. There is a long and strict process in Germany to obtain a permit for a handgun.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, a former Hamburg mayor, described the shooting as "a brutal act of violence."
Investigators worked through the night to secure evidence. On Friday morning, forensic investigators in protective white suits could still be seen outside the building as a light snow fell. Officers placed yellow cones on the ground and windowsills to mark evidence.
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"Russia Launches Devastating Missile Wave, Killing Civilians and Cutting Power Across Ukraine
The world woke up to a horrifying news today as Russia unleashed a massive wave of missiles across Ukraine in the dead of the night, killing at least nine innocent civilians and plunging the country into darkness by knocking out power. Kyiv has reported that the attack included six Kinzhal hypersonic cruise missiles, one of the most valuable weapons in Moscow's arsenal.
The mass strikes targeted infrastructure and residential buildings in ten regions, far away from the front, and shattered the longest calm since Moscow began its air campaign against Ukraine's civil infrastructure five months ago. The assault was the first such wave since mid-February and briefly forced Europe's biggest nuclear power plant off the grid, causing widespread panic among the citizens.
The Kinzhal missiles used in the attack were a new addition to Russia's arsenal and caused widespread destruction. Ukrainian officials have reported that it was the first time they had faced so many of these weapons, which they have no way to shoot down. The White House has expressed its shock and dismay, saying that the barrage was "devastating" to see, and the United States would continue to provide Ukraine with air defense capabilities.
Russia's defense ministry has claimed that the attack was a "massive retaliatory strike" as payback for a cross-border raid last week. However, Kyiv has refuted these claims, saying that the air strikes have no military purpose and aim to harm and intimidate civilians, which is a war crime.
The attacks have caused widespread devastation and loss of life, with villagers in Zolochiv in Ukraine's western Lviv region carrying a body in a black plastic bag over the rubble of a brick house completely destroyed by a missile. Oksana Ostapenko, the sister of the victim, Halyna, said that her sister's body was still buried under the rubble, along with two other family members, and they haven't been found yet. Three other civilians were also killed by artillery in Kherson.
The Kinzhal missiles used in the attack fly many times faster than the speed of sound and are built to carry nuclear warheads with a range of more than 2,000 km (1,200 miles). Russia is believed to have just a few dozen Kinzhals in its arsenal. In his speeches, President Vladimir Putin regularly touts the Kinzhal as a weapon for which the transatlantic NATO alliance backing Kyiv has no answer, and this attack has shown the world the true destructive power of these weapons.
Apart from the loss of life, the attacks have also caused severe damage to critical infrastructure, including the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, Europe's largest. The plant was severed from the grid, forcing it onto emergency diesel power to prevent a meltdown. The UN's nuclear watchdog chief, Rafael Grossi, has appealed for a protection zone around the plant, saying that each time they allow this to continue, they are rolling a dice, and their luck may run out one day.
The attacks have once again raised concerns about the ongoing war in Ukraine, which began a year ago when Russia launched its "special military operation" to combat a security threat. Kyiv and the West call it an unprovoked war to subdue an independent state, and the conflict has led to the deaths of thousands of people, both soldiers and civilians.
The world is watching in horror as the situation in Ukraine continues to escalate, and innocent people pay the ultimate price for geopolitical tensions between nations. As the international community calls for an end to the violence, the fate of the people of Ukraine hangs in the balance.
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White House Slams Fox News' Tucker Carlson as "Not Credible" for Jan. 6 Coverage
White House Slams Fox News' Tucker Carlson as "Not Credible" for Jan. 6 Coverage
It was a day that will be etched in the annals of American history forever. The 6th of January, 2021, when a mob of supporters of then-President Donald Trump stormed the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington, D.C. in an unprecedented display of violence and chaos. The world watched in horror as images of the attack flashed across screens, as lawmakers, staff, and police officers ran for their lives amidst a wave of destruction and mayhem. It was a moment of reckoning for a nation, as it grappled with the reality of a democracy under siege.
But in the aftermath of the insurrection, as the nation tried to make sense of what had happened and come to grips with the enormity of the situation, one figure in particular stood out for all the wrong reasons: Fox News' Tucker Carlson. The right-wing commentator, known for his bombastic style and controversial opinions, had used his platform to paint a disturbingly rosy picture of the events of that day. In Carlson's telling, the rioters were not the violent, lawless mob that the world saw on their screens, but rather "peaceful" protesters exercising their right to free speech.
The comments sparked outrage and disbelief, and the White House was quick to condemn Carlson's "false depiction" of the attack, calling him "not credible." The move marked a significant shift in the administration's approach to Fox News, which had been accused of spreading conspiracy theories and misinformation about the 2020 election and its aftermath. But the White House was now taking a more aggressive stance, calling out Carlson's commentary for what it was: a dangerous distortion of reality.
The backlash was swift and unrelenting. Lawmakers from both sides of the aisle condemned Carlson's comments, with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer accusing House of Representatives Speaker Kevin McCarthy of helping Fox News stoke conspiracy theories by providing the videos used by the cable network to depict the rioters as peaceful. But McCarthy refused to back down, insisting that the footage was released in the interests of transparency.
As the controversy raged on, Carlson remained defiant, doubling down on his claims and insisting that he was merely trying to provide viewers with "transparency" and "objectivity." But the reality was that his comments had done significant damage, not just to his own reputation, but to the trust that the American people had in their institutions and their fellow citizens.
The fallout from the 6th of January continues to reverberate across the country, as the nation grapples with the legacy of that day and tries to find a way forward. But the lesson of Tucker Carlson's comments is clear: in a time of crisis, the truth matters more than ever. And those who seek to distort it, whether for personal gain or political advantage, do so at their own peril.
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The Dangerous Misinformation of Tucker Carlson's Jan. 6 Coverage
The Dangerous Misinformation of Tucker Carlson's Jan. 6 Coverage
The Jan. 6 riot at the Capitol building is still a topic of debate, with many people offering their own opinions and interpretations of what happened. Tucker Carlson, a Fox News host, recently shared his own views on the riot and the events that unfolded that day. In this article, we will take a look at why Tucker Carlson's claims about the Jan. 6 riot are false and misleading.
At the outset, it is important to note that Carlson should never have been considered a credible reviewer of video footage from that day. This is because he has promoted conspiracy theories about the riot and Fox News attorneys have admitted that he should not be considered objective. Additionally, messages revealed as part of a defamation lawsuit against the network have shown that the host's private views often do not match his public presentations.
Carlson had been granted access to tens of thousands of hours of video footage from Jan. 6, 2021, and began presenting his "findings" on his show. He made five primary claims, each of which was either incomplete, irrelevant, or inaccurate.
First, he claimed that those in the Capitol that day were mostly peaceful and "meek." Carlson began his review of the footage by stating that the people there were mostly just awestruck tourists. He said, "Hundreds and hundreds of people, possibly thousands" entered the Capitol and that only a small percentage of them were hooligans who committed vandalism. Carlson claimed that the majority were peaceful, orderly, and meek and that they were not insurrectionists but sightseers.
This assertion is unsourced and unsupported, as there is no way to know how many of those who entered the building committed crimes besides trespassing. The Justice Department's indictments suggest that many people did. It is important to note that Carlson used different language to describe the violence that spun out of Black Lives Matters protests in the summer of 2020. He framed the participants as "hooligans" and "vandals."
However, there is no dispute that many people who saw Donald Trump speak outside the White House did not go to the Capitol to try to stop the certification of Joe Biden's win. There were also many people who went to the Capitol but did not go inside or who went inside but did not get in by attacking police or who, once inside, did not break anything.
Second, Carlson claimed that the QAnon Shaman was escorted through the building by police. Jacob Chansley, the exotically dressed individual known as the "QAnon Shaman," was shown alongside uniformed police officers, which Carlson offered as exonerating. However, there were no timestamps on the footage that might help viewers understand the chronology.
Chansley signed a statement of offense as part of his plea agreement. The statement says that Chansley and others pushed past the police line at the top of the scaffolding, and he entered through a broken window. He moved toward the Senate floor and challenged U.S. Capitol Police Officer K.R. to let them pass, ultimately using his bullhorn to rile up the crowd and demand that lawmakers be brought out. Chansley and others entered the chamber, and the officer followed behind until there was a sufficient law enforcement presence to clear the room.
Third, Carlson claimed that there was no evidence that rioters had planned to take hostages. This assertion is inaccurate. Rioters had been heard on video discussing taking hostages, and one individual was carrying zip-ties that could have been used for this purpose. Additionally, the "Capture and Kill" team that was arrested in early 2021 had planned to take hostages and possibly execute them.
Fourth, Carlson claimed that the rioters did not have guns. This assertion is also inaccurate. One individual was arrested
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