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☆ Biden lawyers wrote to AG Garland objecting to aspects of Hur’s report
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-15 | by ( Kevin Liptak | Mj Lee | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

Washington CNN —The White House wrote to Attorney General Merrick Garland the day before special counsel Robert Hur’s report was released, vehemently objecting to aspects of the report – including its “multiple denigrating statements” about the president’s memory. Ultimately, Hur did not appear to heed calls by Biden’s lawyers to produce a narrow and concise report limited to the facts of the charging decision. The lawyers wrote Hur’s report “mirrors one of the most widely-recognized examples in recent history of inappropriate prosecutor criticism of uncharged conduct.”“The FBI and DOJ personnel’s criticism of uncharged conduct during investigations in connection with the 2016 election was found to violate ‘long-standing Department practice and protocol,’” the lawyers wrote. The letter underscores the deep anger generated by Hur’s report inside the White House and lays bare tensions between Biden’s team and Garland. CNN has previously reported that frustrations have run high inside the White House regarding some of Garland’s decisions related to the classified documents matter.

Persons: General Merrick Garland, Robert Hur’s, Joe Biden’s, Hur, —, ”, Bob Bauer, Edward Siskel, Garland, James Comey, Hillary Clinton, Biden, General Bradley Weinsheimer, Bauer, Richard Sauber, Weinsheimer –, Eric Holder Organizations: Washington CNN, DOJ, FBI, Politico, The New York Times, CNN, White, Department

☆ Louisiana lawmakers approve a congressional map with a second Black-majority district
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-19 | by ( Fredreka Schouten | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —Louisiana lawmakers on Friday approved a new congressional map that gives the state a second Black-majority US House district and likely puts at risk a Republican-controlled seat. The new map creates a second majority-Black district, slicing through the middle of the state, in a district currently held by Republican Rep. Garret Graves. And, in drawing the new lines, Louisiana’s GOP lawmakers rebuffed a public entreaty from House Speaker Mike Johnson, a fellow Louisiana Republican, to continue fighting the court order. Republican state lawmakers and Landry this week warned that if legislators failed to draw the map themselves, they would hand over the power to a federal judge. The new maps approved Friday protect Johnson’s seat, along with that of House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, another Louisiana GOP congressman.

Persons: Jeff Landry, “, ” Ashley Shelton, Justice –, Eric Holder, Black, Troy Carter –, –, Garret Graves, Graves, Mike Johnson, Johnson, ” Graves, Landry, ” Landry, Shelly Dick, Barack Obama, Steve Scalise Organizations: CNN, Republican, Democrats, Louisiana’s Republican, Louisiana’s Black, Republicans, Representatives, Gov, Black, Power Coalition for Equity, Justice, US, National Democratic, Republican Rep, Louisiana Republican, Louisiana GOP Locations: Louisiana, Washington, , Louisiana, Black, Congress

☆ 'Give him the benefit of the doubt': Why one gay GOP leader is holding his fire on Mike Johnson — and wants to know if he has any gay friends
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-20 | by ( Bryan Metzger | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +17 min

Again, not to predetermine or predispose the speaker, I just don't know how many gay people he knows. Marjorie Taylor Greene said she voted against him in part because he voted for the "Democrat gay marriage bill." So you're out of step, you're out of line, Marjorie, if you've got a problem with gay marriage. I don't think during that time, President Obama or then-Vice President Biden were supportive of LGBT equality. I'm not surprised it tracks with where he is on gay marriage, it tracks with where he is on LGBT acceptance issues in society.

Persons: Mike Johnson's, We've, Charles Moran, —, Mike Johnson, Johnson, litigating, Moran, he's, Steve Scalise, Tom Emmer, …, Jim Jordan, I'm, Kat Cammack, Johnson's, litigate, He's, Marjorie Taylor Greene, Rick Allen, Emmer, Joe Biden, Marjorie, you've, I've, we've, Donald Trump's, Dylan Mulvaney, Bud Light, Obama, Biden, Hillary Clinton, It's, it's, Lawrence, Barack Obama, Eric Holder, That's, they're, haven't Organizations: Republican, Service, Republicans, Republican Conference, Representatives, Research, LGBT, Democrat, House Republican Conference, Senate, US Initiative, Trump, . Texas, Defense, Republican Party, Human, Education Law, HRC Locations: Roman, America, Louisiana, Georgia, ., Florida

The state hasn't wavered as a conservative stronghold in the modern era, and its last Democratic governor was denied a second term 20 years ago. A former mayor of tiny Nettleton, Presley is wrapping up his fourth term as a state utility regulator for northern Mississippi. One of the most famous Black Mississippi residents, Oscar-winning actor Morgan Freeman, recently joined him at a campaign event. Presley has raised more campaign cash than Reeves this year, and he's attracting larger and more diverse crowds than any Democrat running for Mississippi governor in a generation. Presley says the new method of electing a governor gives him a better chance than the old one.

Persons: Brandon Presley, Tate Reeves, “ They’re, ” Presley, murmurs, “, Elvis Presley, Reeves, Presley, Bennie Thompson, Morgan Freeman, Theresa Hall, ”, we’ll, ” Reeves, Sen, Chuck Younger, “ It’s, ” Younger, it’d, Bruce Springsteen, don’t, William Barber, Barber, —, Nick Bain, Medgar Evers, Vernon Dahmer, Fannie Lou Hamer, it's, Democrat Jim Hood, Joe Biden, Mike, Republican Sen, Cindy Hyde, Smith, Thad Cochran, Jim Crow, Eric Holder, Gwendolyn Gray Organizations: Democratic, Republican, U.S . Rep, Mississippi, Tate, Liberal, Black, Democratic Party, Poor, Waffle, Trump, Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party, Democratic National Convention, Democrats, Democrat, U.S . Senate, Mississippi voters, U.S, “, Tougaloo College Locations: NATCHEZ, Miss, Mississippi, Natchez, Jackson, Issaquena County, Los Angeles, Columbus, Alabama, U.S, Gulfport, Biloxi, “, Black, Atlantic City

Additionally, the lawsuit by the Nashville member of the “Tennessee Three” contends his constitutional due process rights were infringed upon by the expulsion proceedings. Jones, Pearson and Johnson were propelled into the national spotlight. They said the new House rules promote civility, respect and accountability. On the day the House voted to silence Jones, Sexton had warned Jones about calling a Republican's bills “reprehensible,” “asinine,” and “insulting." In addition to the limits on debate, House Republicans also instituted a ban on the public holding signs during floor and committee proceedings.

Persons: Justin Jones, Jones, Cameron Sexton, ”, Justin Pearson, Gloria Johnson, Pearson, Johnson, Amy Wilhite, hadn't, Sexton, Bill Lee, “, Jerry Martin, Eric Holder, Holder Organizations: — Tennessee Democratic, Nashville, Tennessee, Black Democrat, Republicans, Democratic Rep, Republican Gov, Covenant School, Glock, Republican, U.S Locations: Tenn, Nashville, Tennessee

But “Senator Menendez has made these sacrifices in the past to serve. “I believe stepping down is best for those Senator Menendez has spent his life serving." In the days after the indictment, calls for his resignation began, starting with members of the New Jersey congressional delegation (sans Rep. Bob Menendez Jr., the senator's son) and expanding to include New Jersey Gov. Absent from the initial push for Menendez's departure was Senate Democratic leadership and Booker, who works with Menendez on a regular basis representing New Jersey. A dozen more U.S. senators added their calls for their New Jersey Democratic colleague to leave.

Persons: Sen, Cory Booker, Bob Menendez, lauding, Booker, Menendez, ” Booker, underscoring, “, Nadine, Bob Menendez Jr, Phil Murphy, John Fetterman of, Eric Holder –, Nancy Pelosi, Fidel Castro, Tom Malinowski Organizations: New, New Jersey Democrat, Senate Foreign Relations, New Jersey Gov, Democratic, California Democrat, New Jersey Democratic, Tom Malinowski , New, Tom Malinowski , New Jersey Democrat, MSNBC Locations: New Jersey, Jerseyans, Egypt, John Fetterman of Pennsylvania, California, Union City , New Jersey, Cuba, Tom Malinowski ,, Tom Malinowski , New Jersey

☆ Former NSC official Matthew Miller named as U.S. State Dept spokesperson
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-11 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

WASHINGTON, April 11 (Reuters) - U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Tuesday appointed former National Security Council and Justice Department official Matthew Miller as his department's new spokesperson. Miller had joined the White House to lead the "whole of government communications and outreach" after Russia's February 2022 invasion of Ukraine, Blinken said in a statement. "Having previously served as Director of the Office of Public Affairs and spokesperson to Attorney General Eric Holder at the Department of Justice, Matt is no stranger to navigating and communicating on complex, global challenges like those we face today," Blinken added. Previous spokesperson Ned Price stepped down from the role last month to take up a new position within the State Department reporting to Blinken. Reporting by Simon Lewis; Editing by Jamie FreedOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Nipsey Hussle's killer sentenced to at least 60 years in prison
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-22 | by ( Jorge Garcia | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Apu Gomes/Pool via REUTERSLOS ANGELES, Feb 22 (Reuters) - A California man was sentenced on Wednesday to at least 60 years in prison for the 2019 killing of Grammy-winning rapper Nipsey Hussle after a chance encounter in the south Los Angeles neighborhood where the men grew up. A jury had found Eric Holder Jr, 32, guilty of first-degree murder in July 2022 for fatally shooting Hussle outside a clothing store the rapper owned. Holder was ordered to serve an additional 10 years in prison for shooting two bystanders. Public defender Aaron Jansen acknowledged that Holder killed Hussle but argued that he should not be convicted of first-degree murder because he said the attack was not pre-meditated. Reporting by Lisa Richwine and Jorge Garcia in Los Angeles Editing by Leslie Adler, Matthew Lewis and David GregorioOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

"Grateful for the long-overdue release of Brittney Griner today from Russian custody. "Thank you to every single person that kept Brittney Griner’s name alive #WEAREBG," tweeted one of her Phoenix Mercury teammates, Brianna Turner. The Biden administration wasn't able to secure Whelan's release because the Russian government is treating his case differently than Griner's, Biden said. “While we celebrate Brittney’s release, Paul Whelan and his family continue to suffer needlessly,” Blinken said. Share this -Link copiedWho is Viktor Bout, Russian arms dealer that the U.S. exchanged for Brittney Griner?

☆ Brittney Griner live updates: WNBA star released from Russia in a prisoner swap for Viktor Bout
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-08 | by ( Https | Media-Cldnry.S-Nbcnews.Com Image Upload Newscms Tom_Winter_Nbc_News.Jpg | Zoë Richards | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +5 min

Biden criticized Russia for “treating Paul’s case differently” than Griner’s and said that negotiations are ongoing. Biden’s administration had sought the release of both Griner and Paul Whelan. Griner’s release also marks a stunning turn of events from last month, when she began serving a nine-year sentence at a Russian penal colony more than 200 miles east of Moscow. The Whalen family has publicly criticized the Biden administration for not doing more to secure his release. People familiar with the negotiations for his release say the Russians refused to release Whelan without getting a Russian spy in return.

In the 2005 Nicolas Cage movie “Lord of War,” the character loosely based on Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout evades his American law enforcement pursuers, apparently saved by the CIA. Now he is on his way back to Russia after a high-profile prisoner exchange that saw WNBA star Brittney Griner free early Thursday. Under federal sentencing rules, Bout could have been released from prison in five years. Bout, a former Soviet military officer who became rich as an arms dealer, has always maintained his innocence. His U.S. lawyer, Steve Zissou, says the whole operation was unfair, because Bout had been retired and living in Moscow.

☆ As House Republicans plan an anti-Biden oversight blitz, supporters urge caution: 'Don't get too far ahead of yourselves'
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-23 | by ( Warren Rojas | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

House Republicans are planning a slew of investigations now that they've reclaimed the majority. Supporters say GOP leaders need to be "deliberative" and "organized" about the promised probes. Matt Mackowiak, a former Senate GOP staffer who is now a Texas-based political consultant, advised House Republicans to focus on what matters most to voters. Rep. Connolly urged Republicans to tread carefully, vowing to "push back against any efforts that we believe are purely political and non-factual." Aides for McCarthy and Jordan did not immediately respond to requests for comment about any GOP calls to tread carefully next year.

☆ Midterm elections live updates: Pennsylvania races, New Hampshire Senate race too early to call
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-09 | by ( Brandy Zadrozny | Https | Media-Cldnry.S-Nbcnews.Com Image Upload Newscms Sahil-Kapur-Headshot.Jpg | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +109 min

Share this -Link copiedWisconsin Senate and governor's races too early to call It is too early to call the Senate and gubernatorial races in Wisconsin, according to NBC News. Share this -Link copiedNew Hampshire Senate race too early to call The Senate race in New Hampshire is too early to call, according to NBC News. Share this -Link copiedPennsylvania Senate and governor races are too early to call After polls closed at 8 p.m. While Maricopa County election officials initially categorized the problem as a “hiccup,” it took hours before a solution was identified early Tuesday afternoon. In Columbus County, election officials allegedly were harassed by an “observer following one-stop workers” and photographing or filming the workers, it said.

While Maricopa County election officials initially categorized the problem as a “hiccup,” it took hours before a solution was identified early Tuesday afternoon. According to the poll, 46% of voters said their family’s financial situation is worse than it was two years ago. Civil rights groups, including the American Civil Liberties Union and the NAACP, filed a similar complaint Friday against state election officials. The app and portal had been down for part of the morning and the state's election hotline also briefly experienced issues. In Columbus County, election officials allegedly were harassed by an “observer following one-stop workers” and photographing or filming the workers, it said.

By the end of Election Day, approximately 21,000 total interviews will be conducted. Civil rights groups, including the American Civil Liberties Union and the NAACP, filed a similar complaint Friday against state election officials. The app and portal had been down for part of the morning and the state's election hotline also briefly experienced issues. In Columbus County, election officials allegedly were harassed by an “observer following one-stop workers” and photographing or filming the workers, it said. Share this -Link copiedSunny weather in most battleground states on Election Day It’s a bright and sunny Election Day in many battleground states!

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