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☆ Juror dismissed from Michigan governor kidnapping case accused of flirting with defendant
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-16 | by ( Bethany Dawson | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

A juror was accused of flirting with a defendant charged in connection with the plot to kidnap Michigan's governor. The female juror was relieved of her duties after "smiling" and "eye contact" between the two. The interactions were with Paul Bellar, 23, standing trial on charges of providing material for a terrorist act. Bellar, 23, is standing trial in Michigan state court with co-defendants and fellow Wolverine Watchmen members Joseph Morrison and Pete Musico. In August, two other men, Adam Fox and Barry Croft Jr. were convicted in the plot, in which they sought to kidnap Gov.

☆ Accused of flirting, juror dismissed from Whitmer kidnapping plot trial
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-15 | by ( The Associated Press | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +2 min

JACKSON, Mich. — A judge has dismissed a young woman from the jury hearing the trial of three men in connection with a 2020 plot to kidnap Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer after attorneys accused her of flirting with one of the defendants. The three are charged in state court in Jackson, Michigan, with providing material support for a terrorist act. “Since the start of the trial ... there’s been non-verbal communication between one of the jurors — a female — and Mr. Bellar,” Rollstin said. Two other men, Adam Fox and Barry Croft Jr., were convicted in August of federal crimes in connection with the plot.

☆ Accused of flirting, juror dismissed from Whitmer plot trial
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-15 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

A judge has dismissed a young woman from the jury hearing the trial of three men in connection with a 2020 plot to kidnap Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer after attorneys accused her of flirting with one of the defendants. William Rollstin, who is prosecuting the case for the Michigan attorney general, raised concerns about the juror before Wilson during a meeting in chambers Wednesday. "Since the start of the trial ... there's been non-verbal communication between one of the jurors — a female — and Mr. Bellar," Rollstin said. Two other men, Adam Fox and Barry Croft Jr., were convicted in August of federal crimes in connection with the plot.

Rising rates have erased the affordability many homebuyers found at the height of the pandemic, when mortgage rates were at all-time lows. See more mortgage rates on Zillow Real Estate on ZillowMortgage calculatorUse our free mortgage calculator to see how today's mortgage rates would impact your monthly payments. 30-year fixed mortgage ratesThe current average 30-year fixed mortgage rate is 6.29%, according to Freddie Mac. 15-year fixed mortgage ratesThe average 15-year fixed mortgage rate is 5.44%, an increase from the prior week, according to Freddie Mac data. Adjustable-rate mortgages can look very attractive to borrowers when rates are high, because the rates on these mortgages are typically lower than fixed mortgage rates.

☆ Think mortgage rates are high now? Homebuyers in the 1980s were paying 19%
▼ + stars: | 2022-09-29 | by ( Anna Bahney | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

Think mortgage rates are high now? The average mortgage rate is based on a survey of conventional home purchase loans for borrowers who put 20% down and have excellent credit. By the mid-1980s though, mortgage rates had fallen somewhat, making financing more affordable, even with rates near 10%. That secondary market makes it profitable for lenders to give loans to many more people, and at lower interest rates. “I remember when interest rates went to single digits and saying, ‘I thought that would never happen.’”

☆ Pandemic may have altered some personalities to be more neurotic, less agreeable
▼ + stars: | 2022-09-28 | by ( Aria Bendix | Aria Bendix Is The Breaking Health Reporter For Nbc News Digital. | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +6 min

Adults became less extroverted, open, agreeable and conscientious during the pandemic, a new study found. Past research has already demonstrated that personalities can change as we age or develop new habits like exercising. Past research has not found an association between exposure to natural disasters and personality changes. Damian's past research has also not found an overall change in personality traits among those affected by major storms like Hurricane Harvey. Sutin said one possible reason personalities didn't seem to change at the start of the pandemic is that there was a more hopeful attitude in 2020.

See more mortgage rates on Zillow Real Estate on ZillowMortgage calculatorUse our free mortgage calculator to see how today's mortgage rates would impact your monthly payments. 30-year fixed mortgage ratesThe current average 30-year fixed mortgage rate is 6.29%, according to Freddie Mac. 15-year fixed mortgage ratesThe average 15-year fixed mortgage rate is 5.44%, an increase from the prior week, according to Freddie Mac data. Adjustable rate mortgages can look very attractive to borrowers when rates are high, because the rates on these mortgages are typically lower than fixed mortgage rates. Mortgage rates started ticking up from historic lows in the second half of 2021 and have increased significantly so far in 2022.

Kenya's former Central Bank Governor Njuguna Ndung'u speaks to Reuters during an interview at his office in Nairobi. File REUTERS/ Antony NjugunaRegister now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com RegisterNAIROBI, Sept 27 (Reuters) - Kenyan President William Ruto on Tuesday appointed former central bank governor Njuguna Ndung'u as finance minister to steer the economy through rising inflation, a heavy debt burden and drought. Ruto also appointed a former vice president and deputy prime minister, Musalia Mudavadi, as his chief minister, a newly created post, to coordinate government business. He appointed Alfred Mutua, a former government spokesman and county governor, as minister of foreign affairs, and lawmaker Aden Duale as his defence minister. The tenure of the current central bank governor, Patrick Njoroge, is set to end in June next year.

REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/IllustrationNEW YORK, Sept 27 (Reuters Breakingviews) - American presidents often use economic sanctions as a geopolitical lever against countries with whom they are in conflict but have stopped short of a shooting war. Yet while sanctions can inflict severe economic pain, history suggests they lack a decisive political punch. The sanctions against Russia were swift and closely coordinated. Meanwhile, authorities slapped targeted sanctions on hundreds of Russian individuals, defense and transport firms, financial institutions, tech groups and energy companies. Economic restrictions sped up the country’s transition from apartheid to majority rule by the African National Congress.

Mortgage rates shot up late last week after the Fed chose to enact another 75-basis-point hike to the federal funds rate. See more mortgage rates on Zillow Real Estate on ZillowMortgage refinance rates todayMortgage type Average rate today This information has been provided by Zillow. See more mortgage rates on Zillow Real Estate on ZillowMortgage calculatorUse our free mortgage calculator to see how today's mortgage rates will affect your monthly and long-term payments. Mortgage rates started ticking up from historic lows in the second half of 2021 and have increased significantly so far in 2022. Inflation remains elevated, but has started to slow, which is a good sign for mortgage rates and the broader economy.

☆ A bargain hunter picked up a 700-year-old medieval script for $75 at a yard sale that could be worth $10,000
▼ + stars: | 2022-09-25 | by ( Ryan Hogg | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

A shopper got a surprise when he picked up a 700-year-old script for $75, per the Maine Monitor. Academic Lisa Fagin Davis confirmed the piece was genuine, and could be worth up to $10,000. Will Sideri, who bought the script, told the Maine Monitor he doesn't intend to sell the document. The Maine Monitor reported last week that Will Sideri picked up the 700-year-old document at an estate sale in Maine after noticing the leaf adorned in Latin writing alongside some musical notes. "An estate sale in Maine isn't even the most unexpected place where a Beauvais Missal leaf has turned up.

Since January, the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate has increased by over three percentage points, according to Freddie Mac. See more mortgage rates on Zillow Real Estate on ZillowMortgage calculatorUse our free mortgage calculator to see how today's mortgage rates will affect your monthly and long-term payments. Mortgage rates started ticking up from historic lows in the second half of 2021 and have increased significantly so far in 2022. Inflation remains elevated, but has started to slow, which is a good sign for mortgage rates and the broader economy. What is a good mortgage rate?

☆ Fact Check-Photo does not show Zimbabwe President Emmerson Mnangagwa driving bus to Queen Elizabeth II funeral
▼ + stars: | 2022-09-23 | by ( Reuters Fact Check | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

Some social media users have shared a photo depicting Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa behind the wheel of a bus, claiming it shows him driving African leaders to Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral in London. African Presidents were driven in a bus. Driver: Zimbabwean President, Emmerson Mnangagwa. The Beast was flown to London for US President Joe Biden while African Presidents are driven by bus by President Emmerson Mnangagwa. The photo does not show Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa driving a bus with his African counterparts to Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral, as it dates back to at least 2019.

☆ Why Jamie Dimon apologized to Elizabeth Warren
▼ + stars: | 2022-09-22 | by ( Nicole Goodkind | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

New York CNN Business —JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon testified on Capitol Hill Thursday for the second straight day. Zelle, Warren said, has helped boost bank profits while “defrauding” customers out of at least half a billion dollars. “Is that because you don’t keep track of when your customers report fraudulent Zelle transactions? Last year, Warren called Dimon the “star of the overdraft show” and accused him of prioritizing profits over struggling Americans. “Your bank, JPMorgan, collects more than seven times as much money in overdraft fees per account than your competitors,” she told him.

☆ JPMorgan CEO Dimon to warn Congress of economic 'storm clouds' -testimony
▼ + stars: | 2022-09-20 | by ( Pete Schroeder | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

JP Morgan CEO Jamie Dimon speaks at the Boston College Chief Executives Club luncheon in Boston, Massachusetts, U.S., November 23, 2021. REUTERS/Brian SnyderWASHINGTON, Sept 20 (Reuters) - JPMorgan Chase & Co (JPM.N) Chief Executive Jamie Dimon plans to tell Congress that the U.S. economy faces "storm clouds," according to prepared testimony. Dimon, who is due to testify alongside major U.S. bank CEOs at congressional hearings Wednesday and Thursday, will outline the competing forces buffeting the nation's economy. The hearing will seek CEO testimony on a range of issues, including consumer protection, compliance issues, diversity and "issues relating to the public interest" such as worker rights and abortion access, according to the memo. They will be joined by US Bancorp (USB.N) CEO Andy Cecere, PNC Financial (PNC.N) CEO William Demchak, and Truist Financial (TFC.N) CEO William Rogers, who run the country's largest regional lenders.

☆ Factbox: Meet the big bank CEOs set to be grilled by Congress
▼ + stars: | 2022-09-20 | by ( Pete Schroeder | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +5 min

In his prepared testimony, Moynihan touted the firm's focus on "responsible growth" as critical to its stability and strength. CITIGROUP INCJane Fraser, the first woman to lead a major Wall Street bank, was appointed in March 2021. In her prepared testimony, Fraser said the bank had made "significant progress" in divesting from those areas, while supporting institutional clients. U.S. Bancorp is currently the fifth largest bank in the U.S. with $582 billion in assets, and the largest bank outside of the "globally systemic" firms. Rogers describes the bank as "purpose-driven" in his prepared testimony, and highlighted efforts to boost investment in lower income and majority-minority communities.

☆ Big U.S. bank CEOs to be grilled by Congress on consumer, social issues
▼ + stars: | 2022-09-19 | by ( Pete Schroeder | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +5 min

The line-up includes the CEOs of the four largest U.S. banks: JPMorgan's Jamie Dimon, Bank of America's Brian Moynihan, Citi's Jane Fraser and Wells Fargo's Charles Scharf. They will be joined by USBancorp (USB.N) CEO Andy Cecere, PNC Financial (PNC.N) CEO William Demchak, and Truist Financial CEO William Rogers, who run the country's largest regional lenders. That's a message the banks' executives, lobbyists, and trade groups have conveyed during a marathon of private meetings with key lawmakers over the past few weeks, the sources said. But bank executives are also wary of growing criticism from Republicans, traditionally allies who have pushed back against heavy regulation, over what they see as Wall Street's increasingly liberal leanings on environment and social issues. While executives faced some critical questions from Republicans on such issues last year, the pressure will be greater this time, said analysts.

☆ Factbox: World leaders to attend Queen Elizabeth's funeral
▼ + stars: | 2022-09-12 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +6 min

Canadian Prime minister Justin Trudeau and Sophie Gregoire Trudeau attend the funeral of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in Westminster Abbey. Jack Hill/Pool via REUTERSRegister now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com RegisterLONDON, Sept 19 (Reuters) - Queen Elizabeth's state funeral will take place in London on Monday and a host of world leaders, royalty and other dignitaries will attend. Countries that have not been invited include Syria and Venezuela because London does not have normal diplomatic relations with those states. Britain has also not invited representatives from Russia, Belarus or Myanmar after it imposed economic sanctions on those countries. Related ContentFactbox: Plans for Queen Elizabeth's state funeral on MondayFactbox: Comments from crowds in London on Queen ElizabethFactbox: World leaders to attend Queen Elizabeth's funeralFactbox: Order of service for Queen Elizabeth's state funeralWindsor Castle, Queen Elizabeth's home and now final resting placeWestminster Abbey - traditional church for royals in life and death(This story was refiled to correct spelling of first name of Belize governor general)Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com RegisterCompiled by Farouq Suleiman and Kate Holton Editing by Deepa Babington and Frances KerryOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Asked about the peaceful proceedings, Ruto said that the situation has been improving since 2007, and the next election will be even better. Amanpour later asked whether outgoing President Uhuru Kenyatta, who supported Odinga's election bid despite Ruto being his vice-president, had been in touch since the election. "Unfortunately, President Kenyatta has not seen it fit to congratulate me," he said. Amanpour later quizzed Ruto on human rights, particularly his previous comments that there was "no room" for homosexuality in Kenyan society. Amanpour also pressed Ruto on his controversial promise to deport Chinese people from Kenya, but the President-elect argued that he had been taken out of context.

CNN —Kenya’s Supreme Court on Monday upheld results declaring William Ruto winner of last month’s presidential elections. However, the Supreme Court unanimously rejected his claims and decided the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) held a credible election last month. We commend Raila Odinga and other candidates for abiding by the Supreme Court ruling. It was Odinga’s fifth time running and his third time challenging his loss in presidential elections through the Supreme Court, having filed a case after the last two elections in 2013 and 2017. But the Supreme court said the commission needed “far-reaching reforms” due to major dysfunction and governance failures.

☆ Gregg Costa, a judge who quit the conservative Fifth Circuit appeals court, is joining the law firm Gibson Dunn
▼ + stars: | 2022-09-03 | by ( Jack Newsham | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Former federal judge Gregg Costa is about to join Gibson Dunn in a senior role, Insider has learned. Gregg Costa, a prosecutor-turned-federal judge who announced that he would return to private practice earlier this year, is joining Gibson Dunn, a person familiar with the matter told Insider. Costa clerked for the conservative Supreme Court justice William Rehnquist and was appointed by President Barack Obama, first as a district court judge in Galveston, Texas and later as an appeals judge. Before becoming a judge, Costa was an associate attorney at the law firm Weil Gotshal & Manges and a federal prosecutor in the Southern District of Texas. Federal courts in Texas and the Fifth Circuit have been top legal battlegrounds for President Joe Biden.

☆ Who is Kenya's new President-elect William Ruto?
▼ + stars: | 2022-08-16 | by ( Stephanie Busari | Nimi Princewill | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

(CNN) William Ruto has emerged the winner of a tense and fiercely fought contest for Kenya's presidency, but who is the man who will lead east Africa's largest economy? Ruto, who has served as deputy president since 2013, pulled off a stunning defeat against his chief opponent, veteran politician Raila Odinga. "There were predictions that we won't get here, but ... we are here," Ruto declared in his victory speech on Monday. Odinga later doubled down, saying on Tuesday that, in his coalition's view, "there is neither a legally and validly declared winner nor a president-elect." Supporters of William Ruto, Kenya's President elect, celebrate in Eldoret on August 15, 2022.

Like a rate-and-term refinance, a cash-out refinance replaces your current mortgage with a new loan. You decide to get a cash-out refinance for the full amount you can borrow, which is $240,000 (or 80% of $300,000). Does it ever make sense to take on a higher rate to get a cash-out refinance? Cash-out refinance alternativesA cash-out refinance isn't the only way to take equity out of your home. Getting a cash-out refinance when mortgage rates are high typically doesn't make sense for most borrowers who are already locked into lower rates.

It could be used for further research into nature or even to prevent fires. The claws allow the robot to carry objects and also to land and perch on a wide range of surfaces. With a heat sensor, for example, the robot was able to provide valuable data for studying the weather in Oregon. It could therefore be used to monitor fires and potentially help to carry out search and rescue missions. "If we could have a robot that could act like a bird, that could unlock completely new ways of studying the environment," he went on.

☆ Topul celor mai bune baruri din lume: Clasamentul este condus de localuri din Londra, New York și Atena
▼ + stars: | 2020-11-12 | by ( ) www.ziarulnational.md time to read: +1 min

Cele mai bune 50 de baruri din lume au fost anunțate pe 5 noiembrie la Londra, în cadrul unei ceremonii virtuale de premii, barul londonez Connaught ocupând locul 1, anunță CNN. Lista este întocmită de William Reed Business Media, care produce și topul celor mai bune 50 de restaurante din lume. Tokyo are trei baruri pe listăSingapore a dominat clasamentul Asiei, patru baruri fiind numite printre cele mai bune din lume, o prezentare supradimensionată pentru orașul-stat care găzduiește aproape 5,7 milioane de oameni. Sydney găzduiește cele trei baruri câștigătoare din Australia, în timp ce barul Zuma din Dubai este singurul din Orientul Mijlociu. Primele 10 clasate sunt: Connaught Bar, Londra; Dante, New York; The Clumsies, Atena; Atlas, Singapore; Tayer + Elementary, Londra; Kwant, Londra; Florería Atlántico, Buenos Aires; Coa, Hong Kong; Jigger & Pony, Singapore; The SG Club, Tokyo.

Persons: CNN, Dante, William Reed, Mediafax . Sydney, Connaught Bar Organizations: William Reed Business Media, Europa, Mediafax Locations: Londra, Connaught, New York, Asia, America, Nord, Sud, Tokyo, Singapore, Asiei, Hong Kong, Taipei, Australia, Dubai, Orientul Mijlociu, Atena, Atlas, Kwant, Florería, Buenos Aires

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