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☆ NYC appears poised to pass a bill banning size discrimination — making height and weight a protected class. Some states are also looking into the issue
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-26 | by ( Katie Balevic | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

The New York City Council appears prepared to pass a bill banning weight and height discrimination. The bill would apply to employment opportunities, housing, and public accommodations. Massachusetts, Vermont, New Jersey, and New York state might enact similar policies, per The Washington Post. "This was long overdue as a civil rights issue," Abreu told The Washington Post. If someone looks a certain way, if someone is of a different body size or has higher weight, who cares?"

☆ JFK and Jackie Kennedy's first home as a married couple is going up for sale in DC. The listing includes candid photos of the couple.
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-26 | by ( Katie Balevic | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: 1 min

The home was the Kennedy's first as a newlywed couple. John F. Kennedy says goodbye to his wife, Jackie, who is on her way to classes at Georgetown University's Foreign Service School. One of the old homes of former President John F. Kennedy is about to be listed publicly for sale in Washington, DC, and the listing includes candid photos of his life with Jackie Kennedy early in their marriage. The home at 3321 Dent Place NW, where the Kennedys "signed their first lease as a newly married couple," will be listed this week for $2 million, according to Redfin. The broker, Michael Brennan, did not immediately return Insider's request for comment.

☆ Trump's own attorney says the former president's TruthSocial posts attacking Manhattan prosecutor ahead of possible indictment were 'ill-advised'
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-26 | by ( Katie Balevic | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Trump attorney Joe Tacopina said Trump's Truth Social posts targeting the Manhattan DA were "ill-advised." "I'm not his social media consultant," Attorney Joe Tacopina told NBC's Chuck Todd on "Meet the Press" on Sunday. "I think that was an ill-advised post that one of his social media people put up, and he quickly took down when he realized the rhetoric and photo that was attached to it." Todd pointed out that Tacopina was "only referring to the baseball bat" as Trump's comments about "death & destruction" remained visible on his Truth Social page. In one Truth Social post, Trump said Bragg is "CARRYING OUT THE PLANS OF THE RADICAL LEFT LUNATICS.

☆ Manhattan DA warns staff they might hear 'fictional explosions' as Lady Gaga films 'Joker' sequel nearby and threats loom over Trump investigation
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-25 | by ( Katie Balevic | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg warned his already nervous staff that they might hear "fictional explosions" near their office. The Manhattan office has faced threats amid the hush-money investigation into Donald Trump. There's been crowds of media and police, increased security measures, violent threats, a package of "suspicious white powder," and now, warnings of "fictitious explosions" from a movie shoot. Bragg's warning came after a package with "suspicious white powder" arrived at the address where the grand jury is meeting. "You may see reports about an envelope of white powder that was sent to the office.

☆ New York Post and New York Daily News torch Trump for threats against Bragg in rare moment of agreement
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-25 | by ( Katie Balevic | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Both New York tabloids on Saturday called out Trump's violent rhetoric toward Alvin Bragg. But both the liberal-leaning New York Daily News and conservative-leaning New York Post shared a rare moment of consensus on Saturday when they both condemned the threats of violence made by Donald Trump in response to news that Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg could soon indict the former president. Similarly, The New York Daily News called Trump "THE DANGEROUS DON," adding that New York politicians slammed "Trump's 'racist bile.'" In one post he referred to Bragg as a George "Soros-backed animal," prompting New York politicians to condemn him for racism and anti-Semitism, according to the Daily News. The New York Post, which was once a reliable Trump stalwart, has recently turned its back on the former president.

☆ Nebraska hasn't passed a single bill this year because one lawmaker keeps filibustering in protest of an anti-trans bill: 'I will burn this session to the ground'
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-21 | by ( Azmi Haroun | Hannah Getahun | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

A Nebraska state senator has filibustered every bill in this year's legislative session. State Sen. Machaela Cavanaugh is doing so in opposition to an anti-trans bill, The Washington Post reported. "This bill legislates hate and targets trans youth," Cavanaugh told The Post. "I will burn this session to the ground over this bill," Cavanaugh told her colleagues in a February session, according to the Post. "The dream would be for the bill to die and for us to move forward with the work of the state," Cavanaugh told the Post.

☆ NYT reporter Maggie Haberman says Trump is 'very anxious' about a possible indictment because he doesn't 'want to face getting arrested'
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-19 | by ( Katie Balevic | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Donald Trump is "very anxious about the prospect of being indicted," the New York Times's Maggie Haberman said. Trump isn't "excited" about being arrested, fingerprinted, or asking for bail, Haberman said. He said on Truth Social that he expects to be "arrested" next week in the Manhattan DA's investigation. "You saw that start yesterday, although I don't think that his Truth Social posts yesterday morning calling for protests was part of a grand plan. On CNN on Sunday, Haberman said there may be "potentially multiple indictments" as Trump makes his 2024 presidential bid.

☆ US presidents who faced sex scandals before and during their time in office
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-18 | by ( Katie Balevic | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: 1 min

Franklin D. Roosevelt cheated with his wife's secretary, records show. Eleanor and Franklin D. Roosevelt. CORBIS/Corbis via Getty ImagesRoosevelt, who was in office from 1933 until his death in 1945, had a longtime affair with his wife's secretary, according to The New York Times. FDR married Eleanor Roosevelt, his fifth cousin once removed, in 1905. The couple continued a civil marriage, but there's some evidence Roosevelt's affair with Rutherfurd likely continued during his presidency, according to The Times.

☆ Trump is using the news of his looming indictment to fundraise on Truth Social, asking supporters to help 'take back our Country'
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-18 | by ( Katie Balevic | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

Former President Donald Trump is using his looming indictment for fundraising on Truth Social. If you are doing well, which was made possible through the great policies of the Trump Administration, send your contribution," Trump wrote, listing his website for donations. Murmurs of a Trump indictment have circulated recently in the Manhattan district attorney's investigation of the illegal $130,000 hush payment made to Stormy Daniels leading up to the 2016 election. However, there have not been credible reports that the grand jury has voted to indict Trump, which would precede Trump surrendering to authorities. Trump continued his Truth Social spree Saturday afternoon, calling for his supporters to "PROTEST, PROTEST, PROTEST!!!"

☆ A rash of proposed Florida laws use 'genocidal rhetoric' to attack trans people, legal experts say
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-13 | by ( Katherine Tangalakis-Lippert | Katie Balevic | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +11 min

If passed, the bills would restrict access to gender-affirming care and classify it as child abuse. Experts told Insider the bills are posturing ahead of the 2024 presidential race. New legislation 'short circuits existing law'The proposed new bills go further to expand anti-trans legislation than others across the nation, disrupting established custody and health care precedent, legal experts told Insider. "I think that's important, just to note how brazen the language has become — it's genocidal rhetoric," Caraballo told Insider. "This is all about politics, and this is all about bolstering DeSantis is run for the presidency," Caraballo told Insider.

☆ Sen. Warren has called twice to apologize to VP Harris for comments she made, report says. Harris has yet to call her back.
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-12 | by ( Katie Balevic | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Sen. Elizabeth Warren has made two calls to Vice President Kamala Harris, who hasn't returned them. Warren wanted to apologize for a comment that appeared to cast doubt on Harris' future as VP, per CNN. A source close to Harris told CNN that the incident was "pretty insulting." Warren, however, has not been able to speak with the vice president since, the outlet reported. Instead, Warren has only communicated with Harris' chief of staff, Lorraine Voles, who returned Warren's call in lieu of the vice president, CNN reported.

☆ Distancing himself further from Trump, Mike Pence praises journalists who 'never stopped reporting' about the Capitol riot and says they 'keep us a democracy'
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-12 | by ( Katie Balevic | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

In a rare GOP move in this current climate, former VP Mike Pence praised journalists for reporting on the Capitol riot. Pence is one of several Republicans expected to launch a presidential bid alongside former President Trump. "President Trump was wrong. "For what you do to preserve and strengthen this great democracy, you have my heartfelt thanks and I know the thanks of a grateful nation. Thanks for what you do to preserve freedom," Pence said to reporters on Saturday, according to CNN.

☆ After losing more than 30,000 soldiers, the brutal Wagner Group is now recruiting in Russian schools
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-12 | by ( Katie Balevic | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

The Wagner Group, which has lost 30,000 soldiers in Ukraine, is now recruiting in Russian schools. It's opened six recruitment centers to attract "impressionable" youth recruits, an ISW report said. The Wagner Group, considered President Vladimir Putin's private army, has already lost some 30,000 fighters to death and injury since Russia started the war last February, Insider previously reported. In Apatity, Murmansk Oblast, members of the Wagner Group shared "heroic stories" and promoted the "little Wagner" youth camp in Crimea, according to the ISW report. In the past, Putin has also relied on the Wagner Group for Russian influence efforts in the Central African Republic, Libya, Mali, and Syria.

☆ GOP Gov. Chris Sununu says he's going to support the Republican nominee in 2024, but it won't be Trump: 'That's just not going to happen'
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-05 | by ( Katie Balevic | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

But Sununu, a potential presidential contender, predicted Donald Trump won't be the 2024 GOP nominee. Chris Sununu said he plans to support the Republican presidential nominee in the 2024 election, but he doesn't believe it's going to be former President Donald Trump. I'm going to support the Republican nominee," Sununu said on "Meet the Press" on NBC News. With Trump, Sununu said there are "very few people that are on the fence, whether they're with him or not with him." In response to that news, a Trump campaign spokesperson told CNN: "President Trump will support the Republican nominee because it will be him."

☆ NYT's Maggie Haberman says Trump's age and campaign finances are preventing him from holding more rallies and he might 'incorporate an indictment' into his 2024 message
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-05 | by ( Katie Balevic | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Maggie Haberman suggested President Trump may be hosting fewer rallies due to his age and comparatively low campaign cash. Trump has gotten less attention in the media and raised less money than in previous campaigns, Haberman noted. If he is indicted, Trump may incorporate that into his campaign, The New York Times reporter predicted. Haberman continued: "Number two, I don't think they have the money that they once had on that campaign. From his November 15 campaign announcement to December 31, 2022, Trump raised $9.5 million, according to Bloomberg.

☆ GOP Sen. Dan Sullivan says it's a 'huge hypothetical' whether Trump will be indicted while running for president, but he plans to support whoever gets the Republican nomination
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-05 | by ( Katie Balevic | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

Sen. Dan Sullivan said whether Trump gets indicted as he runs for president is a "huge hypothetical". Without endorsing or refusing Trump, Sullivan said on ABC News he plans to support the GOP nominee. "I think what's happening, though, within the Republican Party right now, in terms of presidential candidates, is healthy, right?" "We not only have President Trump, but we have a number of other, I think, very qualified candidates who are throwing their hat in the ring." "I think you're going to see some others throwing their hat in the ring very soon," Sullivan said on "This Week".

☆ 9 US presidents who faced sex scandals while in office
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-01 | by ( Katie Balevic | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: 1 min

☆ A newly reported classified US government missive on the lab leak theory shows we still don't know where COVID-19 came from
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-26 | by ( Katie Balevic | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

A memo suggested that the Energy Department has 'low confidence' the coronavirus came from a lab leak, per WSJ. Intelligence officials remain split on whether the virus occurred naturally or came from a lab. However, agencies have found that both theories about a natural occurrence and a lab leak remain possibilities, per the New York Times. Sullivan said there are a "variety of views in the intelligence community," but that several agencies have said they "just don't have enough information to be sure." But, right now, there is not a definitive answer that has emerged from the intelligence community on this question," Sullivan said.

☆ Ted Cruz said support for Ukraine among Democrats has become a 'virtue signal' and wearing the Ukrainian flag is 'like a COVID mask'
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-25 | by ( Katie Balevic | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

Ted Cruz said Democrats are virtue signaling with their Ukrainian support, and Biden lacks a "national objective." Cruz added that Republicans in the House will be more skeptical of financial aid to Ukraine. In a surprise visit to Ukraine, Biden committed to an additional $500 million in military aid. On his podcast, "Verdict with Ted Cruz," the junior senator from Texas said the Republican majority in the House will bring about increased skepticism about American financial support for Ukraine. Biden committed an additional $500 million in military aid during his Ukrainian visit.

☆ Sidney Powell avoids disbarment in Texas over election lies after judge throws out the state bar's case because the exhibits were misnumbered
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-25 | by ( Katie Balevic | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

Trump lawyer Sidney Powell dodged being disbarred after a Texas judge tossed the case against her. Republican Judge Andrea Bouressa said the evidence exhibits in the case were incorrectly numbered. Powel was one of several attorneys who peddled false claims about the 2020 presidential election. She added that in "light of the numerous defects in the Commissions exhibits," she did not consider much of the submitted exhibits. Representatives for Powell and for the commission did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment on Saturday.

☆ Speaker McCarthy gave Fox's Tucker Carlson exclusive access to 41,000 hours of Jan. 6 riot tapes: report
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-20 | by ( Katie Balevic | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

Kevin McCarthy gave Fox host Tucker Carlson access to a trove of Jan. 6 riot tapes, Axios reported. The Speaker gave Carlson exclusive access to 41,000 hours of surveillance tapes from the insurrection. Carlson said the footage was kept "secret" after the Jan. 6 panel publicly shared videos and transcripts. McCarthy exclusively gave the Fox News host of "Tucker Carlson Tonight" 41,000 hours of tapes from the Capitol, according to an Axios report. Representatives for Speaker McCarthy did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment on Monday.

☆ Photos show how the affair between Bill Clinton and Monica Lewinsky came to light, fracturing a nation's trust and both of their reputations
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-18 | by ( Katie Balevic | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

Former White House intern Monica Lewinsky said she fell for the president's "lethal charm." President Bill Clinton and Monica Lewinsky at a White House function. Getty ImagesIn an affair that would shape history, Monica Lewinsky said she fell for former President Bill Clinton's "lethal charm" when she was a White House intern in 1995. Their first dalliance was in November 1995 during a colleague's birthday party at the White House when Lewinsky lifted her jacket to show him the straps of her thong, The Washington Post reported in 1998. "I just knew that he was in love with me," Lewinsky recalled, The Post reported.

☆ GOP Rep. Mike Turner said Biden admin lacked 'urgency' in addressing Chinese balloon, which 'completed its mission'
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-05 | by ( Katie Balevic | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

GOP House Intel Chair Mike Turner said the Biden admin "lacks urgency" following the balloon incident. The Chinese surveillance balloon "completed its mission" in observing US military sites, Turner said. Clearly, this was an attempt by China to gather information to defeat our command and control of our sensitive missile offensive nuclear weapons sites. Turner joins a legion of Republicans blaming Biden for the balloon gaining access to US airspace and remaining there for several days. "The president allowed this to go across our most sensitive sites and wasn't even going to tell the American public.

☆ The stealth F-22, the top US air superiority fighter, just got its first known air-to-air kill taking out a Chinese balloon.
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-05 | by ( Katie Balevic | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

The F-22 secured its first air-to-air kill by downing the Chinese surveillance balloon on Saturday. The Raptor fired "one AIM-9X Sidewinder missile," bringing the balloon down off the South Carolina coast. "This was a PRC surveillance balloon. The F-22 fired the missile at an altitude of 58,000 feet while the surveillance balloon was between 60,000 and 65,000 feet, per the DOD. "F-15 Eagles flying from Barnes Air National Guard Base, Massachusetts, supported the F-22, as did tankers from multiple states," the Defense Department stated in its release.

☆ Former CIA Director says it'd be 'impulsive' to try to shoot down China's spy balloon
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-04 | by ( Katie Balevic | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Former CIA Director John Brennan said it'd be "impulsive" to shoot down the suspected Chinese spy balloon. Brennan told NBC News that China may have sent the balloon to test the US' response. The US defense department said it was a spy balloon, possibly flying over sensitive US sites to collect information. The former CIA director also questioned whether Chinese President Xi Jinping was "personally aware of this balloon flight." As of Saturday afternoon, the balloon had been spotted soaring over North Carolina as it drifted east on air currents.

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