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☆ Analysis: 21-year-old's arrest exposes larger classified documents problem
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-14 | by ( Zachary B. Wolf | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +9 min

If the many earlier and ongoing scandals regarding classified information aren’t a wakeup call that the US government has a problem, maybe the arrest of Jack Teixeira will do the trick. Classified material scandals aplentyOne thing that should be abundantly clear from the string of leaks and improperly handled pieces of classified information beyond this story is that the system has problems. The New York Times reported Wednesday that witnesses questioned as part of the Trump investigation have been asked if he was showing off a map with sensitive intelligence information. There are additional people who have security clearance but don’t currently have access to information. Gen. Pat Ryder, compared the method by which classified information is stored to a locked house where people with clearance can get a key.

☆ U.S. Senator Blumenthal fractures leg, to undergo 'routine' surgery
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-09 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Senator Richard Blumenthal fractured his leg in a mishap at a University of Connecticut parade on Saturday and will undergo surgery this weekend, he said on Twitter. If the surgery goes as planned, the 77-year-old Connecticut Senator should not miss any votes. "I did indeed fracture my femur after a fellow parade goer tripped and fell on me," Blumenthal said on Twitter. "Routine surgery tomorrow just to make sure everything heals properly. Blumenthal was elected to the U.S. Senate in 2011 after serving Connecticut for 20 years as attorney general.

San Diego State will play UConn in the NCAA men's basketball national championship game on April 3. ETHow to watch the NCAA national championship game in the USYou can watch the NCAA men's basketball national championship game on CBS or Paramount Plus. If you don't already have access to CBS via antenna or cable TV, Paramount Plus is the cheapest way to watch the NCAA national championship game. How to watch the NCAA national championship game in CanadaThe NCAA men's national championship game will air on TSN networks in Canada; TSN offers monthly streaming passes for $20, four month passes for $49.96, and annual passes for $199.90. How to watch the NCAA national championship game in the UKIn the UK, you can watch the NCAA men's national championship game with ESPN Player, which costs £10 a month or £70 a year.

☆ AI experts disown Musk-backed campaign citing their research
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-31 | by ( Martin Coulter | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

Civil society groups in the U.S. and EU have since pressed lawmakers to rein in OpenAI's research. Among the research cited was "On the Dangers of Stochastic Parrots", a well-known paper co-authored by Margaret Mitchell, who previously oversaw ethical AI research at Google. Her research argued the present-day use of AI systems could influence decision-making in relation to climate change, nuclear war, and other existential threats. Asked to comment on the criticism, FLI's Tegmark said both short-term and long-term risks of AI should be taken seriously. Twitter will soon launch a new fee structure for access to its research data, potentially hindering research on the subject.

☆ Buying a home is only going to get harder this spring as hopeful house hunters get thwarted by fewer options and still-high prices
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-28 | by ( Alcynna Lloyd | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

But buyers won't have many homes to pick from, which can lead to competition that keeps prices high. Owners are reluctant to sell because they would have to give up locked-in low mortgage rates. Considering growing expectations that the Federal Reserve will stop, or even reverse, its benchmark rate hikes this year, mortgage rates may fall further in the weeks to come. Owners happy with their homes and low, locked-in mortgage rates, aren't moving much. More competition, or demand, for a smaller number of homes, or supply, usually keeps prices high.

☆ Miami?! San Diego State?! Florida Atlantic?! Frisky First Timers Invade Final Four
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-27 | by ( Jason Gay | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

My friends, take a long look at the teams in this year’s men’s college basketball Final Four, because there has never been a final foursome like it before, and there will almost surely never be again:Hamburger University Harvard Business School The Sorbonne DukeOK, fine, I’m kidding, those aren’t really the four schools—the field is actually (for realsies) Florida Atlantic, Miami, San Diego State and something called the University of Connecticut—but it still represents a radical departure from the March Madness norm.

☆ As John Fetterman heals, his Senate staff soldiers on with the help of veteran lawmakers and crisis bonding: 'We all have each other's back'
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-20 | by ( Warren Rojas | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +9 min

Sen. John Fetterman has been hospitalized for clinical depression since February 15. Casey is coordinating with Fetterman staff on constituent services issues and legislative priorities, according to recent reports, but doesn't call Fetterman directly so as not to disturb his ongoing recovery. Some of the others working hard to meet that internal standard include legislative assistant Madeleine Marr, a former aide to Democratic Sen. Maggie Hassan of New Hampshire. Conservative commentator Stephen L. Miller has been more blunt, accusing Fetterman's staff of unduly wielding power in his absence. "John Fetterman's chief of staff is not an elected senator," Miller wrote in an op-ed run by the Delaware Valley Journal.

☆ DOJ charges Chinese businessman Guo Wengui, associate of Steve Bannon, in $1 billion fraud
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-15 | by ( Dan Mangan | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

Former White House Chief Strategist Steve Bannon greets fugitive Chinese billionaire Guo Wengui before introducing him at a news conference on November 20, 2018 in New York. The controversial exiled Chinese billionaire businessman Guo Wengui — an associate of former Trump White House advisor Steve Bannon — was arrested in New York on Wednesday for orchestrating what federal prosecutors called a more than $1 billion fraud conspiracy that duped online followers with promises of outsized investment returns. Former President Donald Trump months later pardoned Bannon in that case, shortly before Trump left the White House. IThe defendants are charged with wire fraud, securities fraud, bank fraud, and money laundering in the criminal case. Both Guo and Je face ossible sentences of up to 20 years in prison if convicted.

☆ These 14 Democratic senators broke with Biden and voted against striking down the DC criminal code
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-09 | by ( Bryan Metzger | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Most Democratic senators voted for a GOP-led resolution overruling recent changes to DC's criminal code. The 14 who voted against the resolution framed it in part as a show of support for DC statehood. Just 14 Democratic senators voted against the resolution. Ahead of the vote, DC Council Chairman Phil Mendelson even attempted to withdraw the criminal reform legislation in an attempt to prevent a Senate vote. Here are the 14 Democratic senators who voted against the resolution:

☆ The Justice Department investigated Jeffrey Epstein's death. Then it went silent.
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-09 | by ( Jacob Shamsian | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +25 min

Jeffrey Epstein's death in a federal jail was seen as a shocking Justice Department failure. But more than three years later, the office still hasn't released its report into the circumstances of Epstein's death. "We all took it by surprise," Mark Epstein told Insider. Barr tasked the Justice Department's inspector general, Michael Horowitz, and the FBI with investigating "the circumstances of Mr. Epstein's death." Mark Epstein told Insider that he spoke to his brother about once a month in the years before his death.

☆ The vote on DC's crime law has nothing to do with crime for some House Democrats
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-08 | by ( Nicole Gaudiano | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

Most House Democrats voted to uphold DC's criminal code revisions to support the District's right to self governance. That's why he was among 173 Democrats who opposed a GOP-led House measure last month to overturn the District's controversial crime law revisions. "The District of Columbia residents and their local leaders should have the ability to make those decisions," Horsford, of Nevada, told Insider. Rep. Jahana Hayes of Connecticut also told Insider the problem for her was, "Congress intervening and overturning a local vote." House Democrats are furious that Biden left them hanging, especially after his administration put out a statement opposing the GOP measure.

[1/4] Ibrahim Kurt helps salvage belongings from a collapsed home in the aftermath of a deadly earthquake in Nurdagi, Turkey, March 5, 2023. This 20-year-long rapid construction came crashing down in just two minutes," said Hasan Bal, 52, a retired teacher who lost 10 immediate relatives in the magnitude 7.8 quake. The initial quake on Feb. 6 tremor sliced directly through Nurdagi, leaving it among the worst hit communities in Turkey's deadliest modern disaster. Residents say cheap credit had helped the town expand, reflecting a nationwide building boom that has defined Erdogan's two decades in power. Aslan said her family is thankful for a furnished container home where they live for now on the outskirts of town.

☆ A growing group of lawmakers think TikTok is 'digital fentanyl' and want to ban it. Many others remain skeptical.
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-24 | by ( Bryan Metzger | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +10 min

Some members of Congress have begun pushing to ban TikTok in the US. "I'm a little less enthusiastic about an all-out ban of it," said Republican Sen. Kevin Cramer of North Dakota. "I'm an incrementalist on a lot of things, and I would be on this as well," said Republican Sen. Cynthia Lummis of Wyoming. Last week, the Senate Judiciary Committee held a hearing on social media and the internet's impact on children. Democratic Sen. Mazie Hirono of Hawaii, another committee member, said she's most concerned about how social media platforms are impacting kids.

☆ A Fight Over Wine Sales Highlights Push in U.S. to Expand Access to Alcohol
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-20 | by ( Jimmy Vielkind | Photographs Christopher Capozziello For The Wall Street Journal | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

EAST WINDSOR, Conn.—The front line of Connecticut’s latest alcohol policy debate is a strip mall just off the interstate here, where shoppers entering Geissler’s Supermarket and nearby Kaman’s Fine Wine and Liquors are greeted by signs urging them to take sides. On one end of the fight, grocers such as Geissler’s have launched a campaign this year to allow the sale of wine in grocery stores, a practice that is already legal in most states. They argue putting wine alongside the beer already on their shelves will make things more convenient for customers who can grab a bottle along with their groceries. It will also boost sales in a low-margin business.

☆ How many Chinese spy balloons did we miss and when did they start flying above the U.S.?
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-17 | by ( Dan De Luce | Ken Dilanian | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

There are currently five known Chinese balloon flights into U.S. territory, including two during the Biden administration and three during Donald Trump's presidency, according to the Biden administration's public statement. The congressman said he expected more Chinese balloon flights to be identified. Other countries are also examining whether Chinese balloon flights over their territory went undetected. British Defense Secretary Ben Wallace said his government will review the country's security in light of the Chinese balloon flight over the U.S.Australia was not aware of any Chinese surveillance balloons flying over its territory, an Australian official said. It remains unclear if new information could indicate that those balloon sightings were in fact Chinese surveillance airships.

☆ Cars crash into 7-Eleven stores every day, and the problem just cost the chain $91 million after a man tragically lost his legs
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-15 | by ( Dominick Reuter | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Vehicles crash into buildings with surprising frequency in the US: more than 100 times each day. On average, one of those crashes each day happens at a 7-Eleven. In all, there were 6,253 storefront crashes at 7-Elevens in that period — an average of more than one per day. The once-a-day crash at 7-Eleven is in fact dwarfed by the total number of crashes that take place at storefronts across the US, however. "If you install bollards, you pretty much solve that problem," Storefront Safety Council co-founder Rob Reiter told CBS Chicago.

☆ Confessions of 20-somethings who live at home and splash out on cars, designer handbags, and nightclubs instead
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-04 | by ( Dan Latu | Kelsey Neubauer | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +9 min

They're also spending the money they would have spent on rent on pricey goods and travel. Courtesy of Julia MachajProfession: EngineerIf she weren't living with her parents she'd live in: Stamford, Connecticut, where the rent starts at $1,875, according to Rent.com. Courtesy of Jonathan BranchProfession: AccountantIf he wasn't living with his parents he'd live in: Arlington, Virginia, where rent starts at $1,999, according to Rent.com. He's spent money on: $700 Sony camera and $800 lensesJonathan Branch recently turned 30, but spent his twenties living at home in Fairfax, Virginia. Courtesy of Gabby BeckfordProfession: Travel influencerIf she weren't living with her parents she'd live in: Seattle, Washington, where rent starts at $1,560, according to Rent.com.

Musk is likely to "double down" on his communication tactics after the verdict, said Minor Myers, a professor of corporate law at the University of Connecticut. Musk ultimately abandoned his effort to take Tesla private, but told jurors early in the three-week trial that he had believed what he wrote in tweets. "I expect Elon is going to write anything he wants,"Musk himself thanked the jury on Twitter -- which he bought in October for $44 billion. The tweets led to Musk and Tesla paying $40 million to resolve U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission civil charges under a consent agreement that Musk has fought unsuccessfully to lift. Still, many analysts said Musk, who has tweeted more than 22,000 times and has about 128 million Twitter followers, has no reason to slow down now.

[1/3] Tesla CEO Elon Musk and his security detail depart the company’s local office in Washington, U.S. January 27, 2023. Ives added that some Tesla investors feared Musk might have to sell more Tesla stock if he lost. Tesla investors have expressed concerns that running the social media company has taken up too much of his focus. During the three-week trial, Musk spent nearly nine hours on the witness stand, telling jurors he believed the tweets were truthful. He said his tweets in general did not always affect Tesla stock the way he expects.

☆ The New York Liberty Sign Breanna Stewart, and Build Their Superteam
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-01 | by ( Robert O'Connell | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

Breanna Stewart has done just about everything a basketball player can do. In college, at the University of Connecticut, she won four NCAA tournament championships in four years and was named the tournament’s Most Outstanding Player each time. With Team USA in the Olympics, she’s won two gold medals. Over six seasons with the Seattle Storm, she won two WNBA titles and an MVP award. Bringing a championship to a basketball-crazed city that hasn’t seen an NBA or WNBA title since 1973.

☆ Senators push for airline passenger protections after holiday travel meltdown
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-31 | by ( Leslie Josephs | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Two Senate Democrats on Tuesday reintroduced legislation to strengthen airline passenger protections following a year of travel disruptions that was capped by chaos that stranded thousands of people over the December holidays. The Airline Passengers' Bill of Rights, which is co-sponsored by Sens. Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., is planning to hold a hearing on the latest airline disruptions in the coming weeks. The bills also follow a push by the Biden administration for stricter airline passenger rules, including for traveler refunds. Airlines for America, said its members, the largest U.S. carriers, "abide by — and frequently exceed – all DOT regulations regarding consumer protections."

☆ The best acne treatment for teens, according to dermatologists
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-27 | by ( Vivian Manning-Schaffel | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +10 min

| How to treat teen acne | What makes teen acne worse? To help you find the right products for you, we spoke to dermatologists about teen acne treatments and ingredients to look for. The best treatments for teen acne to shop, according to expertsBelow, we gathered expert-recommended face washes and spot treatments that can help improve teen acne. It’s fragrance-free, non-comedogenic and should remove any excess oil, dirt or makeup from the skin, according to the brand. Making sure to minimize or avoid ways that could make acne worse is the key to reducing breakouts, according to our experts.

☆ Prosecutor appointed by Trump Justice Department used claims from Russian intelligence to obtain emails from a George Soros aide: NYT
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-26 | by ( Charles R. Davis | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

John Durham used Russian intelligence claims to obtain a US citizen's emails, per The New York Times. Durham was appointed by former Attorney General Bill Barr to examine the origins of the Trump-Russia investigation. But Durham pursued a dubious claim from Russia involving Hillary Clinton and an aide to George Soros. They "were said to make demonstrably inconsistent, inaccurate or exaggerated claims," the Times reported, "and some US analysts believed Russia may have deliberately seeded them with disinformation." As Russian intelligence analysts themselves had told it, Moscow had hacked Leonard Benardo, executive vice president of Soros' Open Society Foundations, and in doing so uncovered a plot at the highest level to sway the 2016 election.

☆ U.S. targets '08 crisis trader conflicts in new rule, decade after 1st try
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-25 | by ( Douglas Gillison | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

The rule is among the last to be adopted under the landmark Dodd Frank Wall Street reform legislation of 2010, according to SEC officials. An earlier version of the conflicts rule first proposed in 2011 was never finalized. SEC officials say it would provide exceptions for legitimate activities, such as hedging to mitigate risk, market-making and meeting liquidity commitments. Better Markets, an advocacy organization that promotes more strict financial sector regulation, welcomed Wednesday's rule proposal but vowed to study it. Without citing prominent recent examples of such conflicts of interest in the asset-backed securities market, SEC officials said the conflicts rule was needed to remove the opportunity and incentive for such conduct.

☆ SEC readies Wall Street 'conflicts' rule, a decade after first try
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-25 | by ( Douglas Gillison | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

An earlier version of the conflicts rule first proposed in 2011 was never finalized. When made effective with an SEC rule, the section would prohibit traders from betting against asset-backed securities they sold to investors. According to SEC officials, the rule would ban such actions for up to a year following sale of the securities. According to SEC officials, traders who disclosed bets contrary to clients' investments would still run foul of the rule. Without citing prominent recent examples of such conflicts of interest in the asset-backed securities market, SEC officials said the conflicts rule was needed to remove the opportunity and incentive for such conduct.

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