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☆ Democrats’ plan to give Iowa the boot from top primary spot is great news
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-02 | by ( Joshua Spivak | Joshua Spivak Is The Author Of | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +7 min

This year, it’s the Democrats with a noteworthy shakeup to the 2024 primary and caucus calendar. Biden finished a distant fourth in Iowa and fifth in New Hampshire and was seen as dead in the water. Perhaps what makes Iowa even more problematic for Democrats is that it has moved out of the political center. In 1988’s Democratic caucus, it is still arguably unknown who really won: the declared winner, Missouri Rep. Dick Gephardt, or Illinois Sen. Paul Simon. Perhaps what makes Iowa even more problematic for Democrats is that it has moved out of the political center.

Freight rail has the specific job of moving heavy, bulky goods and commodities, such as crude oil and coal, chemicals, large machinery, fabricated metals and many foodstuffs on which every American depends. Yet rail unions have been threatening a strike in the coming days because they are dissatisfied with a proposed labor contract. That’s why nearly 450 business groups this week told Congress that action to avert a freight rail strike was a matter of “grave urgency.” Washington is right to listen to them. But rail companies provide sick leave benefits based on post-contract talks between each company and its unions. Today, that’s freight rail service.

☆ Christine McVie’s music: 5 songs to listen to in her honor
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-01 | by ( Lisa Respers France | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —There’s a reason why Christine McVie was considered the heart of Fleetwood Mac. Fleetwood Mac is known for, in part, their tumultuous relationships, especially when it came to romantic ones. But it turns out Christine McVie had penned the love song in honor of the band’s lighting director with whom she had an affair. “I’m saddened by the passing of Christine McVie. “I’m grateful to Christine & Fleetwood Mac for entrusting us with such a meaningful song.

Christine McVie, the English musician whose smoky vocals and romantic lyrics helped catapult the rock group Fleetwood Mac to international success, has died, the band announced on Twitter. "There are no words to describe our sadness at the passing of Christine McVie," the group said in a statement posted on Twitter on Wednesday afternoon. From left, Christine McVie, Lindsey Buckingham, Stevie Nicks, John McVie and Mick Fleetwood in 1977. McVie was once married to Fleetwood Mac bass guitarist John McVie. Christine McVie penned some of the most cherished lines in the Fleetwood Mac songbook, writing the lyrics to global hits like "Everywhere," "Little Lies" and "Don't Stop" — a track that became synonymous with Bill Clinton's first presidential campaign.

☆ Obituary: China's Jiang Zemin confounded doubters, mended U.S. ties
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-30 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +7 min

[1/5] A security guard stands next to a portrait of China's former President Jiang Zemin at an exhibition to celebrate the 90th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China (CPC) in Beijing, China, July 7, 2011. Under Jiang, China weathered the 1997-1998 Asian financial crisis, joined the World Trade Organisation in 2001 and won the bid to host the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing. "Jiang Zemin was more ready to be natural, even though sometimes it could be perceived as vulgar, not very sophisticated." At celebrations for the 50th anniversary of the People's Republic in 1999, floats carried giant portraits of Mao, Deng and Jiang past Tiananmen Square. Jiang, like Mao, wore his trousers well above his waist and brushed his hair straight back.

☆ Former U.S. President Clinton tests positive for COVID
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-30 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: 1 min

Nov 30 (Reuters) - Former U.S. President Bill Clinton said in a tweet on Wednesday that he has tested positive for COVID-19 and experiencing mild symptoms. "I'm grateful to be vaccinated and boosted, which has kept my case mild," he said. loadingFew weeks ago, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) director Rochelle Walensky and U.S. Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Robert Califf had also tested positive with COVID symptoms. Reporting by Akriti Sharma and Khushi Mandowara in Bengaluru; Editing by Shailesh KuberOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Jeffrey Epstein estate settles Virgin Islands sex trafficking case for over $105 million
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-30 | by ( Kevin Breuninger | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

The estate of deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and related entities agreed to pay the U.S. Virgin Islands more than $105 million as part of a settlement in a sex trafficking and child exploitation case, the territory's attorney general said Wednesday. "This settlement restores the faith of the People of the Virgin Islands that its laws will be enforced, without fear or favor, against those who break them," Virgin Islands Attorney General Denise George said in the press release. "We are sending a clear message that the Virgin Islands will not serve as a haven for human trafficking." The Virgin Islands brought civil claims against Epstein's estate in 2020 under a law similar to the federal RICO Act, which aims to combat organized crime. The announcement Wednesday evening noted that proceeds from the sale of Epstein's island will go toward a trust dedicated to funding efforts to help victims of sex trafficking and sexual abuse.

They’re offering more policy briefings to longtime supporters, Zoom calls with top administration officials and White House tours, too. "The $500,000 people like me, we’re not going to be players in 2024," said Dick Harpootlian, a longtime Democratic donor and South Carolina state senator. For the White House, the shift is an acceleration of a courtship campaign that began more modestly before the midterm elections. Amid concerns about the omicron variant last year, the White House was forced to abandon plans for a more full set of holiday parties. Some of those same people were invited to the White House next month for an in-person policy briefing.

In recent years, researchers have looked for supplements, in particular to data like JOLTS, to provide more nuance about job market dynamics. "When JOLTS came along it was stepping into a data void that it has done a good job of filling. An expanded JOLTS survey may get directly at that and other issues in the future, said Paul R. Calhoun Jr., who was involved with developing the survey in the 1990s and is its current manager. "You got all these job openings," Calhoun said. "We had the unemployment rate, so we knew how many people there are who are looking for work and don't have a job.

☆ Alabama man charged in alleged scheme to violate U.S. sanctions on Iran
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-29 | by ( Chelsey Cox | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

The Justice Department has charged an Alabama man with violating U.S. sanctions, alleging he schemed to sell oil and gas industry equipment in Iran. Hunt is a naturalized citizen born in Iran, according to the indictment. He is also known as Abdolrahman Hantoosh, Rahman Hantoosh and Rahman Natoosh. Former President Bill Clinton signed an executive order in 1995 prohibiting certain transactions related to Iran's petroleum resources. Every president has extended the order since 1997, according to the indictment.

☆ Indict Trump? It’s Still Merrick Garland’s Decision
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-27 | by ( Rod Rosenstein | ) www.wsj.com time to read: +1 min

When Attorney General Merrick Garland announced on Nov. 18 that Jack Smith would take charge as special counsel in two high-profile criminal investigations of Donald Trump, he omitted an important detail: As head of the Justice Department, Mr. Garland will remain accountable for deciding whether to indict the former president. As Attorney General Janet Reno emphasized when she promulgated the special counsel regulations in 1999, “ultimate responsibility” for such investigations “will continue to rest with the Attorney General.” In other words, the special counsel isn’t fully independent. Their wide-ranging and long-lasting investigations led to bipartisan criticism of the independent-counsel model as having too much autonomy. Reno’s regulations sought to correct that imbalance by making special counsels analogous to U.S. attorneys, whose discretionary decisions about matters within their jurisdiction may be overturned by the attorney general. These regulations ensure oversight in six ways.

☆ 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.

“Embryo adoption is not a legal ‘adoption’ at all, at least in the sense of a traditional adoption which occurs after birth,” the National Embryo Donation Center says. Risks of multiplesSoutheastern Fertility, which partners with National Embryo Donation Center, thawed the embryos February 28. There’s about an 80% survival rate when thawing frozen embryos, experts say. I have to have them all.”Philip and Rachel Ridgeway had twins born from embryos that were frozen for about 30 years. Studies have found that 25% to 40% of frozen embryo transfers result in a live birth.

☆ Ivanka Trump was unhappy about how her friends 'turned their backs' on her during her father's administration, report says
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-18 | by ( Sophia Ankel | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Ivanka Trump has distanced herself from her father's administration since he left office. Ivanka Trump is unhappy about having lost friends and just wants a "normal life," the Post reported. The report comes after Ivanka Trump was notably absent from her father's presidential campaign launch in Palm Beach, Florida, on Tuesday. Ivanka Trump and Kushner served as unpaid senior advisors to Trump during his administration. Ivanka has steadily distanced herself from her father's administration since he left office.

☆ Vegan canapes and fat donations: How Sam Bankman-Fried won Washington before he lost everything
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-16 | by ( Https | Media-Cldnry.S-Nbcnews.Com Image Upload Newscms Alex-Seitz-Wald-Circle-Byline-Template.Jpg | Alex Seitz-Wald | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +13 min

Everybody was trying to get in,” said one source close to the Bankman-Frieds’ political operation who requested anonymity to speak candidly. Attempts to contact Sam Bankman-Fried for this article were unsuccessful. Sam Bankman-Fried’s mentor and the spiritual leader of Effective Altruism has disowned him. Sam Bankman-Fried is a Democrat, and he spent at least $40 million supporting the party. Some of the biggest recipients of Bankman-Fried’s money did not respond to NBC News when asked about donations they received.

Two of his revenge picks to knock off House Republicans who voted to impeach him lost critical general election races in Michigan and Washington. To Mr. Trump, none of that had any bearing on his desire to return to power. “A perfect call.” Absconding with classified documents from the White House? “I think the question is who is the current leader of the Republican Party. In light of what unfolded at Mar-a-Lago, that felt more like the wishful thinking of a born optimist than the judgment of a seasoned student of Mr. Trump.

☆ Biden-Xi meeting brings North Korea into crosshairs. Sanctions are needed.
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-15 | by ( Anthony Ruggiero | Anthony Ruggiero Is Senior Director Of The Nonproliferation | Biodefense Program At The Foundation For Defense Of Democracies. He Previously Served On The National Security Council Under President Donald Trump As The Senior Director For Counterproliferation | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +7 min

But after North Korea re-engaged in negotiations, he reduced sanctions in exchange for promises of denuclearization, which Pyongyang soon violated. They included sanctions and an indictment against a Chinese company and four Chinese people who helped North Korea evade U.S. sanctions. This robust sanctions policy in the last year of Obama’s presidency extended into the beginning of his successor’s term. More than 20 countries curtailed diplomatic or commercial relationships with North Korea. Yet, instead of ratcheting up pressure on North Korea, Trump turned to other issues for the rest of his term.

☆ ‘Here comes the bride’: White House to host its 19th wedding
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-13 | by ( The Associated Press | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +7 min

WASHINGTON — “Here Comes the Bride” will be heard at the White House very soon. Stewart McLaurin, president of the historical association, said special occasions at the White House aren’t soon forgotten. “It’s like being part of the American fabric.”A White House wedding is no guarantee of a lasting marriage. Lynda Johnson Robb said she never thought about a White House wedding, but circumstances practically dictated that she and Marine Capt. Red is her signature color and December nuptials meant the White House was already decorated for Christmas.

☆ Sam Bankman-Fried's sudden turn from white knight to washout
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-12 | by ( Hannah Lang | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

But as traders rushed to withdraw funds from FTX, Bankman-Fried was in denial and told investors he was convinced the business would be rescued, according to a source familiar with the situation. Bankman-Fried also quickly became one of the largest Democratic donors in the United States, contributing $5.2 million to President Joe Biden's 2020 campaign. He amassed a fortune, estimated as high as $26.5 billion by Forbes a year ago, by taking advantage of the price differences in bitcoin in Asia and the United States. Bankman-Fried eventually started crypto trading firm Alameda Research in 2017 and founded FTX a year later. "I thought we would fail," Bankman-Fried said at a June conference weeks before FTX and Alameda extended lifelines to two struggling crypto platforms.

The sources say Justice Department officials are looking carefully at a cross section of past cases involving the mishandling of classified material. Though his comments were about the separate Jan. 6 investigation, Justice Department officials said they apply broadly. Experts say the public evidence in the Mar-a-Lago case seems unambiguous. Less clear is whether there are aggravating factors — such as whether the Justice Department can prove Trump obstructed justice by failing to turn over documents despite a grand jury subpoena. Martin’s lawyers said he was a hoarder, and prosecutors concluded that he had not given classified information to anyone.

☆ Midterm results are looking increasingly sunny for Biden as Democrats avoid 'red wave'
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-09 | by ( Emma Kinery | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +6 min

U.S. President Joe Biden smiles during a rally with Democratic nominee for Maryland Governor Wes Moore, U.S. "They still might lose control of both houses, but it's hardly the 'red wave' that was being marketed in the media." As results are reported across the country Wednesday, it appears Biden was right to be hopeful. President Joe Biden told reporters ahead of Election Day that he was "optimistic" for Democrats. "While Democrats may ultimately lose the House, it will likely be by much less than Republicans would want," O'Connell said.

☆ Kentucky rejects anti-abortion constitutional amendment in surprise victory for reproductive rights
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-09 | by ( Spencer Kimball | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

\In a surprise victory for reproductive rights, voters in conservative Kentucky have rejected a proposed amendment to the state constitution that would have protected the state's abortion ban from legal challenge, NBC News projects. The defeat of the amendment in Kentucky is another indication that there are limits to anti-abortion politics even in conservative states. Kentucky's abortion ban makes performing the medical procedure a crime punishable by up to 5 years in prison. The defeat of the anti-abortion ballot measure in Kentucky is the second surprise victory for abortion rights in a conservative state since the Supreme Court overturned Roe over the summer. In August, voters in Kansas resoundingly rejected a measure that sought to strip abortion rights from the state constitution.

☆ Raphael Warnock and Herschel Walker will face off in a December 6 runoff election in Georgia with a 4-week campaign blitz unlike any other
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-09 | by ( John L. Dorman | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Raphael Warnock and Herschel Walker are set to face off in a Dec. 6 Senate runoff, per Insider and DDHQ. The time between the general election and the runoff is shorterAfter Warnock and Ossoff flipped both of Georgia's Senate seats from then-GOP Sens. Georgia Republican Senate nominee Herschel Walker. To meet eligibility requirements to cast a ballot in the runoff election, an individual must have been registered to vote by November 7. The Biden and Trump factorsIn 2020, Biden became the first Democratic presidential nominee to capture Georgia since Bill Clinton in 1992.

☆ Results: Democratic Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney loses his bid for reelection against Republican Michael Lawler in New York's 17th Congressional District election
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-09 | by ( Hanna Kang | Dorothy Cucci | Nov | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney was defeated by Republican Michael Lawler in New York's 17th Congressional District. The 17th District is located in the lower Hudson Valley. Democratic Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney lost his bid for reelection against Republican Michael Lawler in New York's 17th Congressional District. 2022 General EmbedsNew York's 17th Congressional District candidatesMaloney, who was first elected to the US House in 2012 after defeating Republican incumbent Nan Hayworth, serves on the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Voting history for New York's 17th Congressional DistrictNew York's 17th Congressional District is located in the lower Hudson Valley and includes Rockland and Putnam counties, parts of Westchester, and three towns in southeast Dutchess County.

“The key differential between 2018 and 2022 is that in 2018 Joe Biden was not president,” the former official said. Biden allies also point to early polling that shows Biden narrowly ahead in a potential rematch against former President Donald Trump, who hinted Monday night at a rally that he’ll launch his own bid for re-election in a week. “You have an incumbent with a really good track record, and you’ll have Donald Trump [running],” said Jim Messina, who ran Obama’s re-election campaign in 2012. Democrats in some of the toughest races largely shied away from Biden, preferring popular surrogates, like Obama or first lady Jill Biden. In 2018, Biden held his final rally in a Pennsylvania county that had the largest swing from 2008 to 2016.

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