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☆ The rule capping credit card late fees at $8 is on hold — here’s what it means for you
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-10 | by ( Hugh Son | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

The U.S. banking industry won a key victory in its effort to block the implementation of a Consumer Financial Protection Bureau rule that would've drastically limited the fees that credit card companies can charge for late payment. The CFPB estimates that the rule would've saved American families $10 billion a year in fees paid by those who fall behind on their bills. It would've capped late fees that are typically $32 per incident to $8 each and limited the industry's ability to hike the fees. "Consumers will shoulder $800 million in late fees every month that the rule is delayed — money that pads the profit margins of the largest credit card issuers," a CFPB spokesman told CNBC on Friday. The CBA said it will continue to press its case in the courts on why the CFPB rule should be "thrown out entirely."

Persons: Rohit Chopra, Mark Pittman, would've Organizations: Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, Banking, Housing, Urban Affairs Committee, Washington , D.C, Financial, Bureau, Northern, Northern District of Texas, U.S . Chamber of Commerce, U.S, CNBC, Consumer Bankers Association, District, CBA Locations: Washington ,, U.S, Northern District

☆ Opinion: The problem with space junk – and how to solve it
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-09 | by ( Opinion Moriba Jah | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

This incident serves as an example of the urgent need for a profound shift toward sustainable space practices. Proponents of a circular space economy advocate for a transformative departure from this wasteful paradigm. Much like embracing reusable materials on Earth, transitioning to a circular space economy means designing space systems with reuse, refurbishment and recyclability in mind. The European Space Agency (ESA) has emerged as a trailblazer in the pursuit of a circular space economy. By leading the charge toward sustainable space practices, NASA can inspire other space agencies and private companies to follow suit.

Persons: Moriba Jah, Otero, Moriba Jah Mark Thiessen, wasn’t, I’m, Artemis Organizations: MacArthur Fellowship, University of Texas, CNN, Space, European Space Agency, ESA, NASA, Space Shuttle, Twitter, Facebook Locations: Austin, Naples , Florida, Naples

☆ Trump Summons Entourage for Moral Support During Mortifying Testimony
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-09 | by ( Jonathan Swan | Maggie Haberman | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: 1 min

As he walks into the courtroom at 9:30 a.m. each day of his trial, Donald J. Trump scans the benches for familiar faces. He has glared at George Conway, an antagonist who is reporting on the former president’s criminal case for The Atlantic magazine. He smiled at Greg Kelly, a reliably pro-Trump host on Newsmax, who was in court on Thursday. Several days ago, Mr. Trump was accompanied by Ken Paxton, the attorney general of Texas, and David McIntosh, the head of the anti-tax Club for Growth. During excruciating testimony about a story of extramarital sex, Mr. Trump’s son Eric was one of his sources of support, sitting behind him in court.

Persons: Donald J, George Conway, Greg Kelly, Rick Scott of, Trump, Ken Paxton, David McIntosh, Trump’s, Eric Organizations: Trump, The, Growth Locations: Rick Scott of Florida, Texas

The Major Supreme Court Cases of 2024No Supreme Court term in recent memory has featured so many cases with the potential to transform American society. In 2015, the Supreme Court limited the sweep of the statute at issue in the case, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. In 2023, the Supreme Court temporarily blocked efforts to severely curb access to the pill, mifepristone, as an appeal moved forward. A series of Supreme Court decisions say that making race the predominant factor in drawing voting districts violates the Constitution. The difference matters because the Supreme Court has said that only racial gerrymandering may be challenged in federal court under the Constitution.

Persons: Donald J, Trump, Anderson, Sotomayor Jackson Kagan, Roberts Kavanaugh Barrett Gorsuch Alito Thomas, Salmon, “, ”, Mr, Nixon, Richard M, privilege.But, Fitzgerald, Vance, John G, Roberts, Fischer, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Clarence Thomas, Samuel A, Alito Jr, Alito, ’, Moyle, Wade, Roe, Johnson, Robinson, Moody, Paxton, Robins, Media Murthy, Sullivan, Murthy, Biden, Harrington, Sackler, Alexander, Jan, Raimondo, ” Paul D, Clement, Dodd, Frank, Homer, Cargill Organizations: Harvard, Stanford, University of Texas, Trump, Liberal, Sotomayor Jackson Kagan Conservative, Colorado, Former, Trump v . United, United, Sarbanes, Oxley, U.S, Capitol, Drug Administration, Alliance, Hippocratic, Jackson, Health, Supreme, Labor, New York, Homeless, Miami Herald, Media, Biden, National Rifle Association, Rifle Association of America, New York State, Purdue Pharma, . South Carolina State Conference of, Federal, Loper Bright Enterprises, . Department of Commerce, Chevron, Natural Resources Defense, ”, SCOTUSPoll, Consumer Financial, Community Financial Services Association of America, Securities, Exchange Commission, Exchange, Occupational Safety, Commission, Lucia v . Securities, Federal Trade Commission, Internal Revenue Service, Environmental Protection Agency, Social Security Administration, National Labor Relations Board, Air Pollution Ohio, Environmental, Guns Garland, Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, Explosives, National Firearms, Gun Control Locations: Colorado, Trump v . United States, United States, Nixon, Florida, Gulf of Mexico, Dobbs v, Idaho, Roe, Texas, States, New, New York, Grants, Oregon, . California, Martin v, Boise, Boise , Idaho, Missouri, Parkland, Fla, Murthy v . Missouri, . Missouri, ., South Carolina, Alabama, SCOTUSPoll, Lucia v, Western

☆ CFPB rule to save Americans $10 billion a year in late fees faces possible last-minute freeze
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-09 | by ( Hugh Son | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

A Consumer Financial Protection Bureau regulation that promised to save Americans billions of dollars in late fees on credit cards faces a last-ditch effort to stave off its implementation. Led by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the card industry in March sued the CFPB in federal court to prevent the new rule from taking effect. That could hold up the regulation, which would slash what most banks can charge in late fees to $8 per incident, just days before it was to take effect on Tuesday. The credit card regulation is part of President Joe Biden's broader election-year war against what he deems junk fees. Big card issuers have steadily raised the cost of late fees since 2010, profiting off users with low credit scores who rack up $138 in fees annually per card on average, according to CFPB Director Rohit Chopra.

Persons: Tobin Marcus, Joe Biden's, Rohit Chopra Organizations: Financial, Bureau, U.S . Chamber of Commerce, D.C, Northern District of, Wolfe Research Locations: Texas, Washington, Northern District, Northern District of Texas

☆ The Campus Protests, the Democrats, and the Election - The New York Times
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-08 | by ( David Wallace-Wells | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +3 min

The colleges had a choice; in most places, they chose to escalate. By May 2, according to The Appeal, a nonprofit criminal-justice news site, there were at least 100 encampments in nearly 40 states, and more than 2,000 protesters had been arrested. In proudly defending the mass arrests in New York, Mayor Eric Adams did not focus on trespassing or the disruption to campus life. What he emphasized instead was the urgent need to literally police an ideological threat. It is also a case study in the dynamics of escalation, and I’d like to emphasize three stories, each related, that may help explain the pattern.

Persons: Eric Adams, ” Organizations: Indiana University, University of Virginia, University of Texas, Columbia, New York City, Hamilton Hall, United Locations: U.C.L.A, Austin, New York, United States, Israel, Gaza

☆ See the campus protests over the last 6 decades that dwarf the Gaza protests in size and disorder
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-08 | by ( Lauren Frias | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

Protesting Israel's war in GazaStudents gather on the campus of Wayne State University to protest Vice President Kamala Harris and the Biden administration's support for Israel during her visit to Detroit. The following day, New York City police descended upon the encampment, arresting more than 100 protesters, including Rep. Ilhan Omar's daughter. The arrests sparked similar demonstrations at dozens of colleges and universities nationwide, including the University of Texas Austin, the University of Southern California, and the University of Chicago. More than 34,000 Palestinians have been killed and over 80,000 injured in the Gaza Strip, according to an assessment by the United Nations. The UN report called the level of casualties "unprecedented and still mounting" in the seven months since Hamas militants attacked southern Israel on October 7.

Persons: Kamala Harris, Biden, Adam J, Nemat Shafik, Ilhan, University of Texas Austin, Abdallah Al Dardari Organizations: Wayne State University, Israel, Dewey, Anadolu, Getty, Columbia, University of Texas, University of Southern, University of Chicago, United Nations, UN, Associated Press Locations: Gaza, Detroit, Columbia, Israel, New York City, University of Southern California

☆ Macklemore criticizes Biden in new song supporting pro-Palestinian student protests
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-08 | by ( Scottie Andrew | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +17 min

Across the US, pro-Palestinian protesters have been occupying lawns and buildings on campuses, and many are requesting that their universities divest from Israel. Nic Antaya/Getty Images Pro-Palestinian protesters demonstrate on the New York University campus in New York on Friday, May 3. Before police were deployed to campus, pro-Palestinian protesters and Israel supporters were clashing at the school , according to multiple reports. Joseph Prezioso/AFP/Getty Images Columbia University students gather for a picket organized by the Student Workers Union (UAW Local 2710) on Monday, April 29. Stefan Jeremiah/AP Israeli flags are reflected in the sunglasses of a demonstrator in front of Columbia University on April 22.

Persons: Macklemore, Joe Biden, ” Macklemore, Donald Trump, Columbia’s Hamilton, Hind Rajab, Hind, who’ve, ”, He’s, Biden, Jon Batiste, Selena Gomez, Annie Lennox, “, Melissa Overton, Nic Antaya, Seth Harrison, Jenny Kane, Chip Somodevilla, Mathieu Lewis, Rolland, Craig Hudson, Emma, Roberto Schmidt, Etienne Laurent, Mike Blake, Spencer Platt, Frederic J . Brown, Caitlin Ochs, David Dee Delgado, Charly Triballeau, Kena Betancur, Seyma, Alex Kent, Joseph Prezioso, Suzanne Cordeiro, Diane Handal, Cliff Owen, Qian Weizhong, Mike Stewart, Sarah Reingewirtz, Jay Janner, Brandon Bell, Brian Snyder, Mike Johnson, Timothy A, Clary, Matthew Hatcher, Nuri Vallbona, Jordan Vonderhaar, Zaydee Sanchez, Cameron Jones, Stephanie Keith, Andres Kudacki, Tayfun, Joe Buglewicz, Fatih Aktas, Michael M, Mary Altaffer, Scott Eisen, Columbia's, Stefan Jeremiah, Selcuk, Seattle concertgoers, Seth Rogen Organizations: CNN, Columbia University, Biden, University of California, University of Arizona, Dua Lipa, Scottish, United Nations Relief, Works Agency for Palestine Refugees, Hamas, Protesters, University of Michigan's, New York University, Westchester County Journal, USA, Network Police, Portland State University, AP, George Washington University, Getty, The George Washington University, Israel, AFP, Police, UCLA, Reuters, Fordham, Lincoln Center, Getty Images Police, Hamilton, Reuters Police, Columbia, The City College of New, Getty Images, Columbia Students, Justice, Hamilton Hall, Brown University, Getty Images Columbia University, Student Workers Union, UAW, University of Texas, Low, Sunday, Rueters Georgia State Patrol, Emory University, MediaNews, Los Angeles Daily News, Austin Statesman, Network, Austin, University, Emerson College, Swarthmore College, Bloomberg, University of Southern, Reuters New York, Reuters Columbia, New York Times, Sproul Hall, Yale University, University police, York University, The New School, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Library, Seattle, Trump Locations: Gaza, Israel, University of California Los Angeles, Palestine, Dua, Ann Arbor , Michigan, New York, Westchester, Portland , Oregon, Washington ,, Portland, The, Los Angeles, AFP, The City College of New York, Columbia, Columbia's, Providence , Rhode Island, Texas, Austin, New, Rueters Georgia, Atlanta, Getty Images Texas, Boston, Swarthmore , Pennsylvania, University of Southern California, Berkeley, Sproul, Anadolu, New Haven , Connecticut, Cambridge, Washington

☆ Giant Batteries Are Transforming the Way the U.S. Uses Electricity
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-07 | by ( Brad Plumer | Nadja Popovich | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +17 min

Uses Electricity They’re delivering solar power after dark in California and helping to stabilize grids in other states. Peak demand average daily generation, by fuel type Peak demand 25k 25k megawatts megawatts Imports 20k 20k 15k 15k Gas Solar power Batteries Solar power 10k 10k Wind 5k 5k Hydro Nuclear 0 0 12a.m. Peak demand average daily generation, by fuel type Peak demand 25k 25k megawatts megawatts Imports 20k 20k 15k 15k Gas Solar power Batteries Solar power 10k 10k Wind 5k 5k Hydro Nuclear 0 0 12a.m. Ga. Ga. Texas Texas La. By The New York TimesMost grid batteries use lithium-ion technology, similar to batteries in smartphones or electric cars.

Persons: …, ”, Helen Kou, Conn ., Mo ., R.I, Conn . Conn ., . Kan ., “, Andrés Gluski, Mike Blake, John Phipps, Phipps, Stephanie Smith, Aaron Mitchell, Natalie McIntire, Tamir Kalifa, Emma Konet, Max Kanter, BloombergNEF, you’ve, Meredith Fowlie, Nate Blair, “ We’re, Ross D Organizations: Hydro Nuclear, Hydro, The New York Times, “, United States U.S, Conn . Pa . Iowa Neb, N.J . Ohio Nev, Del . Utah Ill, Texas, Fla ., Vt, Wis ., Wis . Idaho Idaho S.D, Pa . Iowa Iowa Neb, Neb . N.J . N.J . Ohio Ohio Nev, Del . Utah Utah Ill, . Energy, AES Corporation, Reuters, California, Georgia Power, Natural Resources Defense Council, Nationwide, The New York Times Grid, University of California, National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Franklin, Associated Locations: California, The New York Times California, China, Texas , California, Arizona, Wash . Maine, Minn, Ore, N.H, N.Y, Mass, Wis . Idaho S.D, Mich, Wyo, R.I, Conn, Conn . Pa . Iowa, N.J . Ohio, Del . Utah, Calif, Md, Colo, W.Va . Va, Mo, Mo . Kan, Ky, N.C, Tenn, Ariz, ., S.C . California, Ala, Miss ., Fla, Alaska Texas, Hawaii, Wash . Maine Maine Mont, Mont, Vt, Wis, Wis . Idaho Idaho, S.D . Mich, Conn . Conn, Conn . Conn . Pa, Pa . Iowa, Neb . N.J . N.J . Ohio, Nev . Ind, Ind, Del, W.Va, W.Va . Va . Va, . Kan . Kan, S.C . Ala . Ala . Miss, . Texas Texas, La, Fla . Alaska Alaska Hawaii Hawaii California, Texas, Menifee, . California, ” In Texas, Fort Worth, West Texas, Georgia, Sweetwater , Texas, Tierra, Berkeley, Sacramento

☆ A high-stakes report looms over Biden on whether Israel violated international law
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-07 | by ( Kylie Atwood | Jennifer Hansler | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +19 min

Nic Antaya/Getty Images Pro-Palestinian protesters demonstrate on the New York University campus in New York on Friday, May 3. Mike Blake/Reuters Pro-Palestinian protesters stand their ground after police breached their encampment at UCLA on May 2. Before police were deployed to campus, pro-Palestinian protesters and Israel supporters were clashing at the school , according to multiple reports. Joseph Prezioso/AFP/Getty Images Columbia University students gather for a picket organized by the Student Workers Union (UAW Local 2710) on Monday, April 29. Stefan Jeremiah/AP Israeli flags are reflected in the sunglasses of a demonstrator in front of Columbia University on April 22.

Persons: CNN —, Biden, Joe Biden, Benjamin Netanyahu, Antony Blinken, “, Matthew Miller, Adam Schultz, Netanyahu, Israel, Mahmud Hams, It’s, ”, Democratic Sen, Chris Van Hollen, Sen, Alex Brandon, Van Hollen, Miller, ” Miller, Melissa Overton, Nic Antaya, Seth Harrison, Jenny Kane, Chip Somodevilla, Mathieu Lewis, Rolland, Craig Hudson, Emma, Roberto Schmidt, Etienne Laurent, Mike Blake, Spencer Platt, Frederic J . Brown, Caitlin Ochs, David Dee Delgado, Charly Triballeau, Kena Betancur, Seyma, Alex Kent, Joseph Prezioso, Suzanne Cordeiro, Diane Handal, Cliff Owen, Qian Weizhong, Mike Stewart, Sarah Reingewirtz, Jay Janner, Brandon Bell, Brian Snyder, Mike Johnson, Timothy A, Clary, Matthew Hatcher, Nuri Vallbona, Jordan Vonderhaar, Zaydee Sanchez, Cameron Jones, Stephanie Keith, Andres Kudacki, Tayfun, Joe Buglewicz, Fatih Aktas, Michael M, Mary Altaffer, Scott Eisen, Columbia's, Stefan Jeremiah, Selcuk Organizations: CNN, State Department, Israeli, Congress, Hamas, Capitol, ”, National Security, Getty, State Department’s Bureau, Political, Military Affairs, Defense Department and National Security Council, Biden, Israel, Palestinian, Israel Defense Forces, United Nations Office, Human Rights, Biden Democrats, Democratic, Democratic Party, Republican, Department, Protesters, University of Michigan's, New York University, Westchester County Journal, USA, Network Police, Portland State University, AP, George Washington University, The George Washington University, AFP, Police, University of California, UCLA, Reuters, Fordham, Lincoln Center, Getty Images Police, Hamilton, Columbia University, Reuters Police, Columbia, The City College of New, Getty Images, Columbia Students, Justice, Hamilton Hall, Brown University, Getty Images Columbia University, Student Workers Union, UAW, University of Texas, Low, Sunday, Rueters Georgia State Patrol, Emory University, MediaNews, Los Angeles Daily News, Austin Statesman, Network, Austin, University, Emerson College, Swarthmore College, Bloomberg, University of Southern, Reuters New York, Reuters Columbia, New York Times, Sproul Hall, Yale University, University police, York University, The New School, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Library, USAID Locations: Israel, Gaza, Rafah, Capitol Hill, Iran, Palestinian American, Jabalia, AFP, Ann Arbor , Michigan, New York, Westchester, Portland , Oregon, Washington ,, Portland, The, Los Angeles, The City College of New York, Columbia, Columbia's, Palestine, Providence , Rhode Island, Texas, Austin, New, Rueters Georgia, Atlanta, Getty Images Texas, Boston, Swarthmore , Pennsylvania, University of Southern California, Berkeley, Sproul, Anadolu, New Haven , Connecticut, Cambridge

☆ Columbia University protests: Trump-appointed judges say they’ll boycott Columbia grads over university’s handling of student dissent
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-07 | by ( Gloria Pazmino | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

New York CNN —A group of 13 conservative US federal judges are vowing to not hire Columbia University law students or undergraduates because of how the school has handled pro-Palestinian demonstrations on its campus in recent weeks. “As judges who hire law clerks every year to serve in the federal judiciary, we have lost confidence in Columbia as an institution of higher education. CNN has reached out to Columbia University for comment. They typically hire law school graduates for clerkships that can eventually lead to high-paying and prestigious jobs. If not, employers are forced to assume the risk that anyone they hire from Columbia may be one of these disruptive and hateful students,” the judges wrote.

Persons: Minouche Shafik, Gillian Lester, Judge James C, Elizabeth L, Matthew H, Solomson, Donald Trump, Matthew Kacsmaryk Organizations: New, New York CNN, Columbia, . ” Columbia University, New York Police Department, Police, CNN, U.S ., Appeals, Fifth Circuit, Eleventh Circuit, U.S . Court, Federal, Columbia University, Northern District of, Hamilton Hall Locations: New York, Manhattan, Gaza, Columbia, Texas, Northern District, Northern District of Texas, Amarillo

☆ Fidelity whistleblower alleges he was fired for raising red flags over pressure to sell pricey investments
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-07 | by ( Hayley Cuccinello | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

Read previewA former Fidelity financial advisor has accused the brokerage of unlawfully firing him after filing a whistleblower complaint. Fidelity ranked branch managers by the number of client assets in more expensive investments such as stock-managed accounts, Maeker said. Financial advisors who did not score highly were awarded little to no stock or threatened to be fired, Meaker said. This race to zero has led to more pressure on high-fee products, as Maeker's branch manager told him. In turn, financial advisors were pushed to sell more Tier 3 investments by awarding 10 times the amount of compensation for Tier 3 investments versus Tier 1.

Persons: —, Michael Maeker, Maeker, Meaker, FINRA Organizations: Service, Fidelity, Department of Labor, Business, Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Treasury, Northern, Northern District of, Securities and Exchange Commission, SEC, Reuters Locations: Dallas, Northern District, Northern District of Texas

☆ Gaza Isn’t Root of Biden’s Struggles With Young Voters, Polls Show
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-06 | by ( Charles Homans | Neil Vigdor | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

Young Americans’ outrage over the Israel-Hamas war has dominated the political conversation for weeks. But these headlines are not reflective of young voters’ top concerns this election year, according to recent polls. Surveys taken in recent months show young voters are more likely to sympathize with Palestinians in the conflict, but few of them rank the Israel-Hamas war among their top issues in the 2024 election. Like other voters, young people often put economic concerns at the top the list. And while young voters are cooler to Mr. Biden than they were at the same point in 2020, there is little evidence that American support for the Israeli invasion of Gaza is a critical factor in their relative discontent.

Persons: Biden, Donald Trump, Joe Biden, ”, Devon Schwartz Organizations: Democratic, Republican, Columbia University, University of Texas Locations: Israel, Gaza, Austin

☆ Noelia Voigt resigns as Miss USA, citing her mental health
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-06 | by ( Alli Rosenbloom | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —Noelia Voigt, who was crowned Miss USA in November 2023, has announced she is resigning from her role, saying the decision is in the best interest of her mental health. Voigt, of Utah, succeeded the 2022 Miss USA, Morgan Romano of North Carolina. She was the first Venezuelan-American woman to win Miss USA, according to her statement. Savannah Gankiewicz of Hawaii placed as the first-runner-up to Voigt’s victory in November, making her a potential candidate to be the newly crowned Miss USA. “Never compromise your physical and mental well-being.

Persons: CNN — Noelia Voigt, ”, Instagram, Voigt, Morgan Romano, Miss USA, Alexis Loomans of, Jasmine Daniels of, “ Organizations: CNN, Miss USA, Miss USA Organization, Miss, Jasmine Daniels of Pennsylvania, Miss Universe Organization Locations: Utah, North Carolina, Venezuelan, American, Savannah Gankiewicz, Hawaii, Alexis Loomans of Wisconsin, Texas, United States

☆ Rep. Henry Cuellar's indictment has the GOP comparing him to George Santos. Here's what to know about the Texas Democrat's bribery scandal.
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-06 | by ( Bryan Metzger | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

The growing scandal is drawing some comparisons on the right to George Santos. AdvertisementRep. Henry Cuellar is in the midst of a growing bribery scandal involving Azerbaijan and a Mexican bank. Cuellar is the third sitting lawmaker to be indicted this Congress, following former Republican Rep. George Santos of New York and Democratic Sen. Bob Menendez of New York. AdvertisementThe George Santos comparisonIt's only been a few days, but so far, Democrats have largely held off on calling for Cuellar to resign. Former Rep. George Santos at the State of the Union in March.

Persons: Henry Cuellar, George Santos, —, Cuellar, Democratic Sen, Bob Menendez, Santos, Cuellar's, Jessica Cisneros, Alexandria Ocasio, Cortez, Bernie Sanders, That's, Hakeem Jeffries, Matt McClain, Getty Images Santos, don't, Donald Trump, Joe Biden Organizations: Democratic, Service, Justice, Texas Democrat, Republican Rep, George Santos of New, New, State Oil Company, Banco Azteca, Democrat, National Rifle Association, Rep, FBI, Republicans, State, Union, Washington, Getty Images, Botox Locations: Henry Cuellar of Texas, Azerbaijan, Mexican, George Santos of, George Santos of New York, New York, Texas, Azerbaijan Republic, Alexandria

No deaths or serious injuries have been reported, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo told CNN, adding 153 pets have also been rescued during the deluge. Forecast calls for rain Sunday into MondayMost of the weekend’s rain fell over western and central Texas, but there’s a significant chance of heavier rain in the greater Houston area Sunday. An additional 1 to 3 inches of rainfall possible by Monday morning, according to the Houston National Weather Service office. Rainfall today will continue to exacerbate existing river flooding,” warned the Houston weather service office. The weather service listed some of the rainfall totals it collected:Groveton, TX- 23.56”Huntsville, TX- 21.76”Splendora, TX- 21.01”Willis, TX- 20.75”Livingston, TX- 18.42”There is relief on the horizon, however.

Persons: Lina Hidalgo, It’s, ” Hidalgo, “ We’re, Brent Taylor, CNN’s Amara Walker, “, ” Taylor, “ There’s, ‘, I’m, ”, Willis, Hurricane Harvey, Jason Fochtman, ” Emmitt Eldridge, ” Sherri Pegoda, Walker, Greg Abbott Organizations: CNN, Houston Office, Emergency Management, Houston Police, Houston Fire, Houston Public Works Department, Houston National Weather Service, Houston, Panhandle, West Lake Houston, Houston Chronicle, Texas, Gov Locations: South Texas, Harris County , Texas, Houston, Harris, City, Texas, , TX, Huntsville , TX, TX, Willis , TX, Livingston , TX, Gulf, East Texas, Hurricane, Lake Houston, West Lake, Kingwood, Atascocita, Kingwood , Texas, San Jacinto, Walker County, Polk County, Montgomery counties

☆ Generative AI will be designing new drugs all on its own in the near future
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-05 | by ( Trevor Laurence Jockims | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +12 min

An analogy for understanding the development of AI drugs can be found in the mechanisms of ChatGPT. As a result, it's a drug discovery process that has a 90% failure rate. Some of the noted flaws of generative AI, its propensity to "hallucinate" for example, could prove to be powerful in drug discovery. AI is learning to distinguish drugs from non-drugs, and to create new drugs, in the same way that ChatGPT can create sentences, Ellington said. Now, AI models are helping narrow down the possibilities, so scientists more quickly know the optimal modifications to try.

Persons: ChatGPT, Kimberly Powell, Google's, —, AlphaFold, Powell, Rau, Lilly, Eli Lilly, Diogo Rau, It's, Amgen, Andy Ellington, Ellington, Daniel Diaz, Diaz, We've Organizations: Nvidia, CNBC Technology, Summit, University of Texas, Austin, NVIDIA, biosciences, UT's Institute, Foundations of Machine, Cadence Locations: Nature

☆ Columbia University’s encampment ended with a mass police operation. Here’s how some schools avoided that
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-05 | by ( Ramishah Maruf | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +9 min

Notably, none of the schools agreed to fully divest from companies doing business in Israel, a demand student protesters have commonly rallied for across the country. What the schools agreed to doOn Monday, Northwestern announced an agreement with protesters to end the encampment. Rutgers agreed to meet with student protesters to discuss divestment and to support scholarships for at least 10 displaced Gazan students. Rutgers, along with Northwestern, agreed to expand spaces for Arab and Muslim students on campus. Recent agreements at Brown University and Northwestern University might show the way,” Roth wrote.

Persons: Brown, “, ”, Sophia Rosenfeld, Rosenfeld, Kena Betancur, Lena Shapiro, Shapiro, Michael Schill, Schill, ” Schill, Trisha Ahmed, Brown’s, Brown University Brown, Owen Dahlkamp, Dahlkamp, “ Brown, ” Brown, Christina Paxson, ” Dahlkamp, Elise Stefanik, Michael S, Roth, ” Roth Organizations: New, New York CNN, Ivy League schools Columbia, Northwestern University, Rutgers University, University of Minnesota, CNN, University of Pennsylvania, Columbia University, University of Illinois College of Law, Northwestern, Chicago, Rutgers, Birzeit University, West Bank, University of Minnesota's, Palestinian, Brown University, University Hall, Brown Daily Herald, Corporation of Brown University, University of California, University of Texas, Defamation, Republican, Twitter, Wesleyan University Locations: New York, Israel, Brown, Northwestern, New York City, AFP, Deering, Minneapolis, Minn, Providence , Rhode Island, Columbia, Los Angeles, Austin, Gaza

☆ House GOP embroiled in escalating primary feuds with majority on line
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-05 | by ( Manu Raju | Melanie Zanona | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +10 min

For more on House Republican primary infighting, watch “Inside Politics with Manu Raju” on Sunday at 8 a.m. Washington CNN —GOP Rep. Don Bacon has had it with the far-right of his conference. Now McCarthy allies in the House GOP Conference are considering giving a boost to Aaron Dimmock, the retired Navy officer facing off against Gaetz in the August 20 primary. And while the outcomes in most of these primary races won’t impact the GOP’s efforts to keep the majority, they will shape the makeup of the next House Republican Conference and how they pursue their agenda. Several of Gonzales' colleagues in the House are backing a GOP primary challenger in his race for reelection.

Persons: Manu Raju ”, Don Bacon, They’ve, Republicans —, Bob Good, “, Bob Good’s, ” Bacon, we’ve, Tony Gonzales, Matt Gaetz, Good —, Adam Morgan, William Timmons, Kevin McCarthy, John McGuire, McCarthy, Mike Johnson, Dan Newhouse, Donald Trump, MAGA, Scott Perry, Jerrod, Gaetz —, McCarthy —, Gaetz, Aaron Dimmock, Derrick Van Orden, tubby ”, Chip Roy, Samuel Corum, Trump, ”, Ralph Norman, Morgan, Timmons, Joe Biden, Sen, Tony Vargas, Bacon, Dan Frei —, Lee Terry, “ He’s, ” Frei, Frei, Eric Underwood, Underwood, Bacon doesn’t, ” Underwood, he’s, Frei mailer, it’s, Gonzales, Tom Williams, Sarah Chamberlain, McGuire, Good’s, Steve Bannon, I’ve, ” Johnson, that’s, undercutting, CNN’s Jeff Zeleny, Sheden Tesfaldet Organizations: Republican, Washington CNN, GOP, Republicans, Nebraska Republican, CNN, Congress, Caucus, Rep, Good, Washington, Trump, Freedom Caucus, House GOP Conference, Navy, Gaetz, ”, Wisconsin Republican, Capitol, Getty, House Republican Conference, Democratic, Nebraska Republican Party, Nebraska Republicans, “, mailer, Republican Main Street Partnership, Nebraska GOP Locations: Nebraska, Texas, Florida, South Carolina, Virginia, Scott Perry of Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Washington, Ukraine

☆ Evacuations ordered, homes damaged in Texas as rivers surge to Hurricane Harvey levels. And more rain is on the way
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-03 | by ( Mary Gilbert | Joe Sutton | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +9 min

A total of 1,000 homes are in a mandatory evacuation zone in the county, Polk County Judge Sydney Murphy told CNN. “Due to continuous rainfall across East Texas and rising levels in creeks and rivers, flood levels may increase. Please remain aware of changing flood levels along the Trinity River and ALL low-lying levels. Greg Abbott expanded the storm-related declarations in response to the flooding, according to a news release. The repeated bouts of heavy rainfall soaked soils, making many areas extremely prone to both flash and river flooding.

Persons: Hurricane Harvey, ” Emmitt Eldridge, Eldridge, ”, •, ” Sherri Pegoda, Walker, Pegoda, ” Pegoda, “, Sydney Murphy, Harvey, ” Harris, Lina Hidalgo, Greg Abbott, Hawley –, Bret Hendrickson, Brad Wilson, Hawley, CNN’s Allison Chinchar, Sara Tonks, Ray Sanchez, Andy Rose, Joe Sutton, Paradise Afshar Organizations: CNN, Panhandle, The Coast Guard, Texas Emergency Hospital, Coast Guard, Texas Children’s Hospital, Texas, Gov, San, Harvey, Storm Prediction, Hawley Police, Hawley Independent School, LSM, National Weather Service Locations: Texas, Houston, Gulf, East Texas, Hurricane, South Texas, San Jacinto County, Dallas, • Walker County, Walker County, • Polk County, Polk County, • Harris, San Jacinto, Hidalgo, Harris County, Crosby, Liberty County, Cleveland , Texas, Montgomery County, Livingston , Texas, Trinity, –, Abilene, Hodges, Hawley, Hawley , Texas, Hodges , Texas, Louisiana, Groveton , Texas, Paradise

The Justice Department is expected to announce the indictment of longtime Rep. Henry Cuellar, D-Texas, on Friday, two sources familiar with the matter told NBC News. It wasn't immediately clear if the indictment was related to the 2022 raid. A year after the raid — which had not previously yielded arrests or charges — Cuellar told the Texas Tribune: "There has been no wrongdoing on my part. Despite the raid, Cuellar narrowly defeated a progressive challenger, Jessica Cisneros, in his 2022 primary and went on to win re-election to his seat that November. A member of the centrist Blue Dogs and New Democrat Coalition, Cuellar was first elected to the House in 2004.

Persons: Henry Cuellar, Cuellar's, Joshua Berman, Cuellar, — Cuellar, Jessica Cisneros, Cassy Garcia Organizations: NBC News, Congressional Azerbaijan Caucus, Texas Tribune, Texans, Republican, Cuellar, Dogs, New Democrat Coalition Locations: Texas, Laredo , Texas, Azerbaijan, U.S, San Antonio

Representative Henry Cuellar, Democrat of Texas, and his wife were charged with participating in a yearslong $600,000 bribery scheme involving Azerbaijan and a Mexican bank, according to a federal indictment unsealed in Houston on Friday. Mr. Cuellar, 68, and his wife Imelda, 67, are accused of bribery and money laundering in connection with their efforts on behalf of a bank based in Mexico City and an energy company owned by Azerbaijan, according to the 54-page complaint. Mr. Cuellar is also accused of acting as an agent of a foreign entity while serving as a U.S. government official. Payments made from 2014 to 2021 were laundered through “sham consulting contracts,” front companies and shell companies owned by Mrs. Cuellar, who performed “little to no legitimate work” under the contracts, lawyers with the Justice Department’s criminal division wrote.

Persons: Henry Cuellar, Mr, Cuellar, Imelda, . Cuellar Organizations: Justice Locations: Texas, Azerbaijan, Mexican, Houston, Mexico City, U.S

☆ Rep. Henry Cuellar and his wife allegedly took nearly $600,000 in bribes, indictment says
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-03 | by ( Hannah Rabinowitz | Haley Talbot | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

Democratic Rep. Henry Cuellar of Texas and his wife have been charged with accepting nearly $600,000 in bribes from two foreign entities, according to an indictment in federal court in Texas. The alleged scheme took place from late 2014 through at least November 2021, the indictment says. The Justice Department declined to comment on the indictment, which was first reported by NBC News. In a statement on Friday, Cuellar said: “I want to be clear that both my wife and I are innocent of these allegations. “On top of being an amazing wife and mother, she’s an accomplished businesswoman with two degrees.

Persons: Henry Cuellar, Cuellar, “, ” Cuellar, ”, Imelda, she’s, ’, Delanie Organizations: Democratic, NBC News, Washington DC, FBI, National Republican Locations: Henry Cuellar of Texas, Texas, South Texas, Laredo , Texas

☆ Live updates: University protests at UCLA, Columbia campuses amid Israel's war in Gaza
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-02 | by ( Elizabeth Wolfe | Dalia Faheid | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

Hundreds of demonstrators have been arrested in the last 24 hours as protests decrying Israel's bombardment of Gaza continue at university campuses across the nation. The majority of demonstrations have called for the divestment from companies that support Israel and the war in Gaza. Meanwhile, at the University of Arizona, law enforcement used pepper balls and rubber bullets against protesters Wednesday, the university said in a statement. The Los Angeles Police Department has also issued a city-wide "tactical alert" related to a pro-Palestinian encampment at UCLA, a law enforcement source told CNN. University of Texas at Dallas: At least 17 arrests have been made at the campus as of Wednesday evening, school officials said.

Persons: That's, Minouche Shafik, Lowenstein, Jennifer L, Mnookin Organizations: University of California, CNN, University of Arizona, Columbia University, City College, Hamilton Hall, City College of New, University, Dartmouth College, WMUR, Fordham University, NYPD, Buffalo, Los Angeles : Police, Los Angeles Police Department, UCLA, University of New, State, New Hampshire Department of Safety, ” University of Texas, Austin Fox, University of Texas, Austin, Texas Department of Public Safety, . University of Texas, Dallas, University of Wisconsin Locations: Gaza, Israel, Los Angeles, New York, City College of New York, University of New Hampshire, Austin, Madison

☆ Making the power grid 'smart' could save us all money and prevent blackouts. Chattanooga made the $280 million investment.
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-02 | by ( Morgan Mcfall-Johnsen | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +13 min

Chattanooga's utility built a $280 million smart grid, creating $2.7 billion in economic value. The local utility, called EPB of Chattanooga, spent $280 million to refurbish its power system with smart technologies to make a "smart grid." The traditional power grid carries electricity from a power plant to homes and commercial buildings. Smart grids can bring huge economic benefitsEven Congress knows the nation needs a smart grid. Though a smart grid requires a big up-front investment, it can save a lot of money down the line.

Persons: —, That's, Tiago Majuelos, Monika Skolimowska, Kevin Schneider, Schneider, Joshua Rhodes, David Wade, EPB, Wade, Taylor, David Swanson, We're Organizations: Infrastructure, Service, Chattanooga Smart, US Department of Energy, Wall Street, Getty, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, American Society of Civil Engineers, University of Texas, Department of Energy, C Electric Company, BI, Reuters, Nationwide Locations: Chattanooga , Tennessee, Chattanooga, Tennessee, EPB, California, Austin, Hamilton County, Palm Springs , California, Columbia, Southern California

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