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☆ The Paradox of Prosecuting Domestic Terrorism
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-08 | by ( James Verini | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +52 min

The preventive approach to domestic terrorism goes back even further than the 1990s and it begins with the basic police work and surveillance of the joint terrorism task forces. In fact, there is no section of the U.S. Criminal Code that criminalizes domestic terrorism as such. The absence of clear law around domestic terrorism, and the imperatives of prevention, mean that investigators and prosecutors who work domestic terrorism cases must focus on more common charges: weapons violations, illegal drug possession, burglary, aiding and abetting and so forth. But this was not enough to overrule the fear of domestic terrorism that was gripping the nation and that hung in the courtroom. It reflected the legal paradoxes of the case and domestic terrorism law in general or, maybe more accurately, the absence of it.

☆ Biden says police who 'violate' trust should be held accountable in State of the Union
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-08 | by ( Kanishka Singh | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

WASHINGTON, Feb 7 (Reuters) - U.S. President Joe Biden on Tuesday renewed his call for police reform, saying officers who "violate the public trust" should be held accountable and law enforcement officials should be given the necessary training and be held to higher standards. We have to do better," Biden added, referring to the death of Tyre Nichols, the 29-year-old Black man who was fatally beaten by Memphis police officers in January. "Public safety depends on public trust but too often that trust is violated .... "When police officers or police departments violate the public trust, they must be held accountable." Members of the Congressional Black Caucus had called on Biden to use his State of the Union speech to push for police reform in the wake of Nichols' death.

☆ Fed's words in focus as markets bet rate hikes will soon end
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-30 | by ( Ann Saphir | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +6 min

The rate increase expected at the Federal Open Market Committee's Jan. 31-Feb. 1 meeting would bring the policy rate to the 4.5%-4.75% range. That's two quarter-point rate hikes short of the level most Fed policymakers in December thought would be "sufficiently restrictive" to bring inflation under control. At the same time, he said, "there's going to be some caution" about doing anything that could feed market expectations that a pause in rate hikes is imminent. Fed policymakers, as of December at least, all see no rate cuts until 2024. "The key question is how committed they are to further rate hikes."

☆ Hawaii man imprisoned for 1991 murder and rape of tourist released after judge hears new evidence of innocence
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-25 | by ( The Associated Press | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +7 min

A court officer removes Albert Schweitzer's handcuffs at a hearing in Hilo, Hawaii, on Jan. 24, 2023. “Nerves, anxiety, scared.”The justice system is “flawed,” he said, calling himself one of many imprisoned for crimes they didn’t commit. Some intentional and some unintentional.”Ireland’s relatives couldn’t immediately be reached for comment on the petition and Schweitzer’s release. In 2019, Schweitzer’s attorneys and Hawaii County prosecutors entered into a “conviction integrity agreement” to reinvestigate the case. Despite the lack of evidence linking them to the killing, the two Schweitzers and Pauline were indicted in 1997.

☆ A former Long Island GOP congressman says the 'lack of trust' in embattled Rep. George Santos is a 'prescription for disaster'
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-22 | by ( John L. Dorman | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Former Rep. Peter King in a New York Times op-ed questioned the effectiveness of George Santos. How do committee members sit still for this guy in their midst?" "Except perhaps for a few ineffective congressional outliers, I can't imagine a member of either party working or cooperating with Mr. Santos," the former congressman wrote. "And when you don't have that, you're just faking your way through the workday — something Mr. Santos is apparently pretty good at." "As long as Mr. Santos remains in Congress, he is dead man walking and will be unable to get anything done for his constituents.

☆ Former GOP House Speaker Paul Ryan calls on Rep. George Santos to resign: 'This isn't an embellished candidacy, it's a fraudulent candidacy'
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-13 | by ( Taiyler Simone Mitchell | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

Rep. George Santos lied about key details of his life, education, and background. Former GOP House Speaker Paul Ryan told CNN's Jake Tapper that Santos should resign. "I can't imagine the guy is going to stay very long," Ryan told Tapper. "Congressman George Santos, he's lied about apparently everything on his resumé," Tapper said to Ryan Capping off a 12-minute interview. This isn't an embellished candidacy, it's a fraudulent candidacy," Ryan added.

☆ Pentagon drops Covid-19 vaccination mandate for troops
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-11 | by ( The Associated Press | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +5 min

WASHINGTON — The Pentagon formally dropped its Covid-19 vaccination mandate Tuesday, but a new memo signed by Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin also gives commanders some discretion in how or whether to deploy troops who are not vaccinated. The Defense Department had already stopped all related personnel actions, such as discharging troops who refused the shot. “The Department will continue to promote and encourage Covid-19 vaccination for all service members,” Austin said in the memo. “Vaccination enhances operational readiness and protects the force.”Austin said that commanders have the authority to maintain unit readiness and a healthy force. Roughly 99% of active-duty troops in the Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps had gotten the vaccine, and 98% of the Army.

The best hotel credit cards all have one outstanding benefit that gives cardholders the incentive to renew year after year: free night certificates and/or bonus points that are worth more than the annual fee. 2 Bonus Points per $1 spent in your top three spend categories each quarter through 12/31/23, then your top two categories each quarter. Each calendar year after spending $60,000 on eligible purchases, Card Members are eligible to select an Earned Choice Award benefit. Show more Regular Annual Percentage Rate (APR) 20.24% - 27.24% Variable Editor's Rating 4.4 /5 A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star 4.4 out of 5 Stars Our editor's ratings analyze fees, bonuses, rewards, and benefits to highlight the simplest and most valuable credit cards available. Credit Cards With Annual Free Nights Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)How do I use a free night certificate?

☆ The best food marketing stunts of the year
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-23 | by ( Danielle Wiener-Bronner | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +10 min

“The Big Cheez-It Tostada and Big Cheez-It Crunchwrap are in such Big demand that our limited offer is no longer available,” the chain said. Diane Bondareff/AP Images for Fancy FeastOver the summer, Fancy Feast invited people to answer the question: What does cat food taste like? The restaurant dishes drew inspiration from Fancy Feast Medleys, cat food that is itself inspired by human food like salmon primavera and turkey florentine. The restaurant’s menu was created by Amanda Hassner, in-house chef for Fancy Feast, as well as restaurateur Cesare Casella, a Michelin star winner, according to a Fancy Feast press release. Papa JohnsAs a permanent addition to the Papa Johns menu, the no-crust, toppings-only Papa Bowls are technically not a stunt.

☆ Democrats fret as Biden tries to bolster re-election case touting legislative wins
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-22 | by ( Peter Nicholas | Https | Media-Cldnry.S-Nbcnews.Com Image Upload Newscms Carol-Lee-Circle-Byline-Template.Jpg | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +8 min

WASHINGTON — As 2022 draws to a close, President Joe Biden plans to give an upbeat national address Thursday afternoon with a unifying message. Biden would be traveling the country touting reduced insulin prices and new road projects, while House Republicans hold hearings into obscure conspiracy theories. The first is Biden runs and loses, perhaps to a younger Republican opponent who eclipses Trump as the new GOP favorite. His top aides have been meeting privately with left-leaning interest groups urging them to go out and showcase Biden’s record. “President Biden became the first president since FDR in 1934 to not lose a single incumbent United States Senate seat” in the midterms, Donilon wrote.

As a woman in South Asian culture, I was taught that I wasn't supposed to be good with money. In fact, I can recall several conversations with aunties in our community advocating that we younger South Asian girls just "marry a rich Indian boy, from a good family." When it comes to South Asian women's relationship with money and their ability to attain financial agency, it's important to understand cultural context. "It became standard to try and pick up the bill, even when I knew I couldn't afford to, because this was something I'd seen up front and center in South Asian culture. Cultural expectations and narratives play a huge role in our ability as South Asian women to make different decisions, especially when it comes to our money and building wealth.

☆ The Taliban has reintroduced public floggings and executions in Afghanistan, reports say
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-11 | by ( Bethany Dawson | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

The Taliban have reintroduced public floggings and executions in Afghanistan under sharia law. On Wednesday, the Taliban performed the first public execution since seizing Kabul in August 2021. Girls attend class at a secret school on August 14, 2022 in Kabul, Afghanistan. Photo by Nava Jamshidi/Getty ImagesAn Afghan woman spoke to Al Jazeera about her experience living under the Taliban regime and her fear of public floggings or execution. Sadaf told Al Jazeera she was sentenced to a public flogging and whipped around 30 times until she passed out.

☆ 'The White Lotus': The show's most cringeworthy moments
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-10 | by ( Dan Heching | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +8 min

(“White Lotus” and “Enlightened” are from HBO, which like CNN is part of the same parent company, Warner Bros. Tanya usurps a boat ride to NOT spread her mother’s ashesJennifer Coolidge (center) in 'The White Lotus' Season 1. Valentina gives Isabella a lavish (and hideous) brooch as a giftSabrina Impacciatore (L) and Eleonora Romandini in 'The White Lotus' Season 2. With White Lotus Sicily manager Valentina (Sabrina Impacciatore), White has beautifully constructed a driven and capable employer who nonetheless has quite a huge blindspot. Kai gets caught stealingKekoa Scott Kekumano in 'The White Lotus' Season 1.

The Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America doesn’t support same-sex marriage. It demonstrates that the American model of representative democracy — though riddled with divisions — can still address complex contemporary issues. This victory was achieved because the Respect for Marriage Act also includes important principles of religious freedom for those who don’t endorse same-sex marriage itself. On the right, criticism has largely centered on calling for even stronger religious freedom amendments or strenuously objecting to the inclusion of same-sex marriage in any federally codified definition of marriage. But over time, the model of political pluralism embodied in the Respect for Marriage Act can help renew national trust.

☆ Service members kicked out of the U.S. military for refusing Covid vaccine could be allowed to rejoin, officials say
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-07 | by ( Https | Media-Cldnry.S-Nbcnews.Com Image Upload Newscms Courtney-Kube-Circle-Byline-Template.Jpg | Courtney Kube | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +5 min

Service members who were kicked out of the U.S. military for refusing the Covid vaccine could be allowed back in uniform if the vaccine mandate is lifted, according to two U.S. military and two senior defense officials. Pentagon leaders are now discussing whether service members who were separated can rejoin if the NDAA is signed into law, the four officials said. After Austin issued his mandate, thousands of active-duty service members were separated for refusing the Covid vaccine. If they left for failing to obey a lawful order, even if it is no longer a lawful order, they may not be allowed to reinstate their commissions. Service members often live and work in close quarters like ships and barracks, making infectious diseases more worrisome.

☆ The Urgency of Republicans’ Leaving Trump Behind
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-07 | by ( William A. Galston | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

I’ve never met Rep. David Joyce , a moderate Republican from Ohio, but he seems to be an honest and honorable man. In a recent interview, he talked frankly about the midterm elections. “We lost,” he said. He views this group as a counterweight to some of the more extreme elements of the Republican caucus, such as Colorado Rep. Lauren Boebert . Moderate Democrats see him as someone with whom they can do business.

☆ Supreme Court case on same-sex marriage could allow LGBTQ discrimination
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-05 | by ( Caroline Mala Corbin | Caroline Mala Corbin Is A Professor Of Law | Dean S Distinguished Scholar At The University Of Miami School Of Law. She Is A First Amendment Expert Who Has | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +9 min

Does a website design company have a First Amendment right to discriminate against same-sex couples? But the Supreme Court reached no conclusion on the free speech claim and instead ruled in favor of the bakery on narrow religious grounds. The challenge here is how to classify 303 Creative’s making or refusing to make a website for same-sex couples. If so, it does not trigger, never mind violate, the free speech clause. It would extend to companies that oppose it for nonreligious reasons but can argue that providing their speech-based services to same-sex couples compelled them to express a message of support for that marriage.

☆ Senate same-sex marriage bill says people with 'diverse beliefs about the role of gender in marriage' are 'due proper respect'
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-14 | by ( Bryan Metzger | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

A bipartisan group of senators released the text of their amendment to a bill that codifies same-sex marriage. "Diverse beliefs about the role of gender in marriage are held by reasonable and sincere people based on decent and honorable religious or philosophical premises. A Gallup poll from June 2021 found that 71% of Americans — including 55% of Republicans — support same-sex marriage. A handful of Republican senators stated their support for the bill following House passage, though some balked at the necessity of the legislation. If the amended bill passes the Senate, the House will have to vote on the measure again before January.

☆ GOP Rep. Mo Brooks says it would be a 'bad mistake' to nominate Trump as the party's 2024 presidential nominee, calling his onetime ally 'incompetent' and 'crude'
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-13 | by ( John L. Dorman | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Rep. Mo Brooks said ex-President Donald Trump should not be the GOP presidential nominee in 2024. In an interview with AL.com, Brooks was highly critical of his onetime political ally. "I challenge anybody to make the argument that you can trust the word of Donald Trump," he said. "It would be a bad mistake for the Republicans to have Donald Trump as their nominee in 2024. "I did not fight for Donald Trump after the 2020 election," Brooks said.

Forum, founded in 1948 to ensure that Mexican American World War II veterans could access their government benefits. “Latinos have a long and honorable tradition of military service,” he said, “only somehow it is not as well-known as that of other groups. According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, there are nearly 1.3 million Latino veterans, or about 8 percent of the veteran population. Issues for Latino veterans, Vazquez-Contes noted, range from accessing medical care through the Veterans Administration system to homelessness to suicide. “The promotion rates for the top enlisted ranks, and the top officer ranks, are just basically void of Hispanic names.”Ricardo Aponte of the Hispanic Veterans Leadership Alliance.

☆ Jim Cramer says to hold on to these 3 cloud stocks and sell the rest
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-11 | by ( Krystal Hur | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

CNBC's Jim Cramer on Friday offered a list of stock picks for investors who are bullish on cloud computing but cautioned that he believes there's more pain to come. "I recommend using this incredible rebound actually as a rare opportunity to sell the weaker cloud stocks into strength," he said. Here is his list of keepers:Honorable mentions, which he likes but doesn't necessarily recommend buying, include Salesforce and Workday . To come up with his list, Cramer first looked at the WisdomTree Cloud Computing Fund , an ETF that soared over 13% on Thursday after the October consumer price index came in lighter than expected. Cramer maintained that while he likes the stocks he picked, investors should take the chance to exit their cloud stocks while they're up.

Prosecutors have charged two Trump Organization units with cheating tax authorities over a 15-year period. Lawyers for the two Trump Organization units said Weisselberg cheated on taxes to benefit himself, not the company. To prove the Trump Organization is guilty, prosecutors must show that a "high managerial agent" of the company - in this case, Weisselberg - acted in his official capacity. He and others also got paid bonuses from other Trump Organization entities as contractors, rather than as employees. Justice Juan Merchan, the judge overseeing the case, has rejected the argument that the Trump Organization was targeted for selective prosecution.

REUTERS/Go NakamuraNEW YORK, Oct 31 (Reuters) - Former President Donald Trump's real estate company cheated tax authorities over a 15-year period, a New York prosecutor told a jury on Monday in her opening statement in the Trump Organization's criminal tax fraud trial. The Trump Organization has pleaded not guilty. If convicted, the Trump Organization - which operates hotels, golf courses and other real estate around the world - could face up to $1.6 million in fines. It could also further complicate the real estate firm's ability to do business. Justice Juan Merchan, the judge overseeing the case, has rejected the argument that the Trump Organization was targeted for selective prosecution.

NEW YORK, Oct 31 (Reuters) - Opening statements are set for Monday in the criminal case accusing former President Donald Trump's real estate company of a 15-year tax fraud. If convicted, the company - which operates hotels, golf courses and other real estate around the world - could face up to $1.6 million in fines. It could also further complicate the real estate firm's ability to do business. But in a pretrial hearing this month, a Trump Organization lawyer accused Weisselberg of lying, an indication of the bind the company finds itself in. Justice Juan Merchan, the judge overseeing the case, has rejected the argument that the Trump Organization was targeted for selective prosecution.

☆ GOP Rep. Liz Cheney backs Rep. Elissa Slotkin in tight Michigan House race in her first endorsement of a Democrat
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-27 | by ( Kevin Breuninger | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

U.S. Rep. Elissa Slotkin speaks at a campaign rally she held on October 16, 2022 in East Lansing, Michigan. Republican Rep. Liz Cheney, co-leader of the House Jan. 6 committee and a staunch critic of former President Donald Trump, is endorsing Democratic Rep. Elissa Slotkin in her tough re-election fight in Michigan. It's also Cheney's first endorsement since Trump-backed GOP challenger Harriet Hageman trounced the incumbent in Wyoming's GOP primary. Cheney and Slotkin are set to campaign together in Lansing on Tuesday, the Democrat's campaign said Thursday. "I'm proud to endorse Elissa Slotkin," Cheney said in a statement shared by Slotkin's campaign.

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