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☆ I was part of Russia's prisoner swap with the US. Here's how it feels to finally, suddenly be free.
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-06 | by ( Joshua Nelken-Zitser | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

She was released last week as part of the prisoner swap between the US, Russia, and other countries. On Thursday, an FSB officer told us we were going to be freed as part of a prisoner swap — the miracle we had been waiting and hoping for. On the morning of the exchange, as we were being moved around, I didn't know the prisoner swap was happening. Russian artist Aleksandra Skochilenko, also known as Sasha, left, with her girlfriend, Sonia Subbotina, right, after the prisoner swap. They all knew that the only thing I wanted to do was walk, walk, walk.

Persons: —, Aleksandra, Sasha, Skochilenko, I'd, Sonia, Aleksandra Skochilenko, Sonia Subbotina, hadn't, I'm, Sonia Skochilenko Organizations: Service, Business Locations: Russian, Russia, Ankara, Turkey, Istanbul, Frankfurt, Germany

☆ Nancy Pelosi burst out laughing after being asked if Trump screwed up by picking JD Vance
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-05 | by ( Joshua Nelken-Zitser | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

Nancy Pelosi laughed when asked about Trump's choice of JD Vance as his running mate. download the app Email address Sign up By clicking “Sign Up”, you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy . AdvertisementFormer Speaker Nancy Pelosi laughed when asked whether former President Trump had messed up by choosing JD Vance as his running mate. In a Sunday morning CBS News interview, Pelosi was asked if Trump made a mistake. "I think it was a great choice," Pelosi responded before bursting out laughing.

Persons: Nancy Pelosi, JD Vance, —, Trump, Pelosi Organizations: CBS News, Service, CBS

☆ VP hopefuls are clearing their schedules as Harris' search nears its end
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-02 | by ( Joshua Nelken-Zitser | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania, considered a frontrunner for the role of Harris' running mate, abruptly canceled a three-event fundraising event in the Hamptons, The New York Times reported. However, Beshear posted on X on Thursday that his father, former Kentucky Gov. pic.twitter.com/GMl611jC5h — Adam Wren (@adamwren) August 1, 2024The search for Harris' running mate is in its final days. The Harris campaign told Politico that Harris would stage her first rally with her running mate in Philadelphia on Tuesday. According to Politico, Harris is preparing for face-to-face interviews with her shortlist, marking the last stage of an expedited vetting process.

Persons: —, Kamala Harris, veepstakes, Josh Shapiro, Harris, Manuel Bonder, Shapiro, Shapiro's, Andy Beshear, timetabled, Jacqueline Coleman, Beshear's, Beshear, Steve Beshear, Pete Buttigieg, hasn't, Adam Wren, Pete Buttigieg truncating, GMl611jC5h, Gretchen Whitmer, Tim Walz, JB Pritzker, Arizona Sen, Mark Kelly Organizations: Service, Pennsylvania, Hamptons, The New York Times, Business, Times, Gov, Kentucky Gov, US Department of Transport, Politico, Reuters, NBC, Minnesota Gov, Illinois Gov Locations: Kentucky, Kokomo , Indiana, Indiana, Philadelphia, Illinois, Arizona

☆ Trump said having JD Vance as his VP will have 'virtually no impact' on the race. Political scientists say otherwise.
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-01 | by ( Joshua Nelken-Zitser | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

Read previewDuring a chaotic and sometimes combative interview at the National Association of Black Journalists conference on Wednesday, former President Donald Trump said vice presidents have "virtually no impact." "Historically, the vice president — in terms of the election — does not have any impact. The Influence of Vice Presidential Candidates in Presidential Elections." AdvertisementHe said that they act as "attack dogs" on behalf of the presidential candidate and work to drum up support for them. For those who do become vice president, history shows they can play a meaningful role in governing.

Persons: —, Donald Trump, Sen, JD Vance, Trump, Vance, Vance's, Karen Hult, Christopher J, Devine, Joel Goldstein, Andrew Gelman, Gelman, Richard Yon, Yon, Gore, Mondale, Carter, Cheney, Bush, Biden, Obama Organizations: Service, National Association of Black Journalists, Business, Virginia Tech, Saint Louis University, Columbia University, Shadows Locations: Trump, Clinton

Russia freed two political prisoners in a major exchange with the US, Bloomberg and others reported. The swap was said to involve Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich and former US Marine Paul Whelan. download the app Email address Sign up By clicking “Sign Up”, you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy . AdvertisementRussia freed Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich and former US Marine Paul Whelan in an exchange with the US, Bloomberg reported Thursday. Gershkovich and Whelan were on their way to undisclosed locations outside Russia, per the outlet.

Persons: Evan Gershkovich, Paul Whelan, —, Gershkovich, Whelan Organizations: US, Bloomberg, Wall, Service, Wall Street, Business Locations: Russia

☆ Harris' running mate list is narrowing after 2 top contenders ruled themselves out
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-30 | by ( Joshua Nelken-Zitser | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

Roy Cooper and Gretchen Whitmer withdrew from consideration to run with Kamala Harris. Cooper said it wasn't the right time; Whitmer said she would stay as governor until 2026. download the app Email address Sign up By clicking “Sign Up”, you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy . AdvertisementVice President Kamala Harris' veepstakes remain underway — minus two major contenders. Roy Cooper, a long-standing friend of Harris, announced his withdrawal from the selection process on Monday.

Persons: Roy Cooper, Gretchen Whitmer, Kamala Harris, Cooper, Whitmer, Josh Shapiro, Tim Walz, Sen, Mark Kelly, —, Harris Organizations: Gov, Service, North Carolina Gov, . Michigan Gov, North, Business Locations: North Carolina

☆ An injured hockey player chose to amputate part of his finger so he could compete at the Paris Olympics
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-26 | by ( Joshua Nelken-Zitser | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

Australian hockey player Matthew Dawson broke his finger during a training match a few weeks ago. He opted for a partial amputation over a lengthy recovery so he could compete in Paris. Getting a wire put in his finger may have taken months to heal and the Olympics begin on Friday. AdvertisementAn Australian hockey player made the shock move to have part of his finger amputated so that he could compete at the Paris 2024 Olympics. This story is available exclusively to Business Insider subscribers.

Persons: Matthew Dawson, —, Dawson Organizations: Service, Business Locations: Paris

☆ Barack Obama finally endorses Kamala Harris
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-26 | by ( Grace Eliza Goodwin | Joshua Nelken-Zitser | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Barack Obama has announced that he's endorsing Kamala Harris as the 2024 Democratic nominee. Earlier this week, Michelle and I called our friend @KamalaHarris. In it, Michelle Obama said: "To my girl Kamala, I am proud of you. AdvertisementFollowing this, Barack Obama said: "Michelle and I couldn't be prouder to endorse you and do everything we can to get you through this election and into the Oval Office." One person familiar with the matter told the outlet that Obama thinks Harris has "been off to a great start" with her campaign.

Persons: Barack Obama, Kamala Harris, —, Harris, Michelle, @KamalaHarris, 0UIS0doIbA — Barack Obama, Michelle Obama, Kamala, Joe Biden, Obama, Biden's, Biden Organizations: Democratic, Service, Business, NBC, Biden Locations: United States, …

☆ Bernie Sanders is holding off on endorsing Kamala Harris because he wants an influential role in her campaign: report
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-25 | by ( Joshua Nelken-Zitser | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

Bernie Sanders has not yet endorsed Kamala Harris for the Democratic presidential nomination. According to The Hill, it's because he wants influence in Harris' campaign. AdvertisementBernie Sanders is one of the few progressive holdouts who has yet to officially endorse Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic presidential nominee. According to The Hill, it's because he wants to play an influential role in her campaign. Though the independent Vermont senator said Tuesday that he wants Harris to win and will campaign for her victory, he stopped short of an outright endorsement.

Persons: Bernie Sanders, Kamala Harris, he's, Harris, — Organizations: Democratic, Service, Business Locations: it's, Vermont

☆ Who Kamala Harris picks for her running mate will show where her campaign sees its path to victory
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-25 | by ( Joshua Nelken-Zitser | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

Read previewVice President Kamala Harris' campaign is in the process of choosing her running mate, and who she chooses will provide insight into her battle plan for November. With 20 electoral votes, winning the battleground state will likely be a crucial part of both former President Donald Trump and Harris' campaign. Choosing Shapiro, the state's governor, who has proven he can win in Pennsylvania, could significantly bolster Harris' ticket there, Gift said. Kevin Fahey, an assistant professor of political science at the University of Nottingham, agrees but told BI that a Shapiro pick may indicate some trepidation in Harris' campaign. Plus, he's already been an attack dog against Trump's running mate, Sen. JD Vance, going after him for his Appalachian credentials.

Persons: —, Kamala Harris, Josh Shapiro, Roy Cooper of, Andy Beshear, Sen, Mark Kelly of, Joe Biden —, Harris, Shapiro, Cooper, Donald Trump, Thomas, Chuck Rocha, Rocha, it's, Kevin Fahey, Fahey, Beshear, Biden, JD Vance, Kelly, David Barker, Barker, they'd, Kelly wouldn't, Barry Burden, Burden, Trump Organizations: Service, Pennsylvania, Business, Electoral, Trump, University of Nottingham, Republican, American University's Center, Congressional, Presidential Studies, University of Wisconsin Locations: Roy Cooper of North Carolina, Kentucky, Mark Kelly of Arizona, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Alabama, Michigan, Wisconsin, Georgia, Arizona, Upper Midwest, North Carolina, Nevada, California, West, Madison, — Pennsylvania

☆ Trump may regret choosing JD Vance as his running mate, political scientists say
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-23 | by ( Joshua Nelken-Zitser | Taylor Berman | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

This story is available exclusively to Business Insider subscribers. Thomas Gift, director of UCL's Centre on US Politics, told BI that Trump's selection of Vance was "a confident — some might say too confident" decision. AdvertisementShe noted that with Biden leading the Democratic ticket, Trump and Vance could effectively criticize Biden's age and competency. While Vance's first solo campaign rally in Virginia on Monday wasn't as disastrous or widely watched as Biden's debate performance, Fahey told Business Insider it still revealed a potential weakness. Beyond his loyalty to Trump, Fahey said, "Vance adds nothing to the Republican ticket."

Persons: —, Tim Alberta, Donald Trump, there's, Sen, JD Vance, Kamala Harris, JD Vance —, MskTPjvVSS — Tim Alberta, Joe Biden's, Trump's, Biden, MAGA, Thomas Gift, Vance, Wilson, Harris, Trump, Colin Talbot, Doug Emhoff, 3DJY3pQTGe, Ron Filipkowski, Talbot, Kevin Fahey, Trump world's, Vance's, Fahey, Palin'd, bHBs0pNRZH — Brandon Friedman, Vance doesn't Organizations: Service, Democratic, Business, Trump, University of Manchester, University of Nottingham, Republican Locations: Atlantic, America, Virginia, Ohio

Read previewMemes and celebrity endorsements have already set the tone for Kamala Harris' presidential campaign. Kamala HQ instead posted a Venn diagram, with the two outer circles, "Biden HQ" and "Kamala HQ" merging to form "holding Trump accountable." Across the social media landscape, the energy is palpable, said David Karpf, a professor of media and public affairs at George Washington University. "When you've got a good social media team that has arrived at a cultural moment and pent-up enthusiasm, they get to play with it." While Harris' team is focusing on younger voters and voters of color, the appeal of social media transcends age, North said.

Persons: —, Kamala Harris, Joe Biden, Biden's, Kamala, Harris, Biden, Kamala HQ's, kamala, Hawaii Sen, Brian Schatz, y8baSx44FL — Brian Schatz, Jared Polis, David Karpf, Obama, Karpf, you've, It's, Karen North, Charlie XCX, Hillary Clinton —, Hillary Clinton, Phoenix Andrews, Trump, Logan, Dana White's, They've, Gen Z Organizations: Service, Business, Trump, George Washington University, USC Annenberg, University of Aberdeen, UFC Locations: Hawaii, Colorado

☆ Joe Manchin, one of the few threats to Kamala Harris, says he won't take her on
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-22 | by ( Joshua Nelken-Zitser | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

Sen. Joe Manchin rules out presidential bid, will not challenge VP Kamala Harris. But Manchin, now an Independent, said he believes Democrats' rapid support for Harris is a mistake. He wants a competitive primary process, but Harris is fast becoming the consensus candidate. download the app Email address Sign up By clicking “Sign Up”, you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy . AdvertisementSen. Joe Manchin of Virginia, who briefly sparked fears among Democrats that he could re-register as a Democrat and challenge Vice President Kamala Harris for the presidential nomination, has ruled out running.

Persons: Sen, Joe Manchin, Kamala Harris, Harris, —, Manchin Organizations: Democrats, Service, CBS, Democratic Party, Independent Locations: Virginia

☆ All the Democrats who have endorsed Kamala Harris to replace Joe Biden after he dropped out
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-21 | by ( Joshua Nelken-Zitser | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

President Joe Biden dropped out of the presidential race after weeks of mounting pressure. Biden endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris to replace him and become the Democratic nominee. download the app Email address Sign up By clicking “Sign Up”, you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy . AdvertisementAfter weeks of mounting pressure, President Joe Biden announced Sunday he would drop out of the presidential race. Biden's endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris places her as a frontrunner, though it's uncertain if any other potential candidates will choose to challenge her.

Persons: Joe Biden, Biden, Kamala Harris, —, Donald Trump Organizations: Democratic, Harris, Service, Democrats

☆ Iran Pays You to Become Trans, but It Comes at a Cost — Your Dignity
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-20 | by ( Joshua Nelken-Zitser | Additional Reporting Ida Reihani | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +17 min

In 2007, The Guardian reported that Iran ranked second only to Thailand in the number of gender-affirming surgeries performed. Related stories"They told me I had two options," she told BI. Molkara, who died in 2012, was instrumental in securing the fatwa that legalized gender-affirming surgeries in Iran. Related stories"The questions were so graphic that my mom, at some point, left the room," she told BI. Homosexuality as a sinJavad Sadidi, a Mashhad surgeon who specializes in gender-affirming surgeries, told BI that the process takes a minimum of two years.

Persons: Varamini, He'd, Becca Kia, I'm, Ajoudani, she's, Vahid, Ruhollah Khomeini, Khomeini's, Maryam Khatoon Molkara, Molkara, Khomeini, Kaveh Kazemi, Legal Medicine Organization —, Pooya, Eugene Gologursky, it's, Sadidi, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, SPENCER PLATT, Elina, Shadi Sadr, who's, Soheil, he's Organizations: Business, Guardian, Eleos, Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Revolutionary Guard Corps, State Welfare Organization of, Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade, Legal Medicine Organization, BI, Columbia University, Justice, Tristar Media, United, Lancet, Global Surgery, State Welfare Organization of Iran, Mahtaa Institute Locations: Tehran, Shayan, Iran, Thailand, Tehran's, Islamic Republic, Iraq, London, State Welfare Organization of Iran, Iranian American, Mashhad, Shadi, Iranian, Shadi Sadr, United Nations, Karaj, Canada

☆ This will be the largest IT outage in history, bringing Y2K fears to reality, web-security expert says
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-19 | by ( Joshua Nelken-Zitser | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

A massive IT outage on Friday caused widespread disruption across different sectors worldwide. An expert said the outage, linked to a CrowdStrike update, mirrors Y2K fears that never came true. Air travel, banks, and 911 lines are among some of the many services affected by the global outage. Y2K passed with barely a blip, but over two decades later, one web security consultant says those fears have finally been realized, thanks to a massive IT outage on Friday. "This is basically what we were all worried about with Y2K, except it's actually happened this time," Troy Hunt, an Australian web security expert, said in an X post.

Persons: —, Troy Hunt Organizations: Service, Business Locations: Australian

☆ WSJ reporter Evan Gershkovich sentenced to 16 years in a Russian prison
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-19 | by ( Joshua Nelken-Zitser | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

A Russian court sentenced Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich to 16 years in prison. Gershkovich was accused of espionage, which he, his family, and US officials have denied. download the app Email address Sign up By clicking “Sign Up”, you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy . AdvertisementEvan Gershkovich, a reporter for The Wall Street Journal, was given a 16-year prison sentence by the Russian court system on Friday, according to the Russian state media news agency TASS. Gershkovich was accused of espionage by Russian officials in a case widely derided as unjust and political.

Persons: Evan Gershkovich, Gershkovich, — Organizations: Wall Street, Service, ABC, Business Locations: Russian

☆ A Kentucky motel has to pay $2M to the family of a man who died after a 150-degree shower
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-19 | by ( Joshua Nelken-Zitser | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

A jury awarded $2 million to the family of a man who died from 150-degree shower burns at a Kentucky motel. Most adults will suffer third-degree burns if exposed to 150-degree water for even two seconds. The man sustained third-degree burns and died months after the incident. download the app Email address Sign up By clicking “Sign Up”, you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy . AdvertisementA jury awarded more than $2 million to the family of a 76-year-old man who died after suffering severe burns from a 150-degree shower at a Kentucky motel.

Persons: —, Alex Chronis Organizations: Service, Business Locations: Kentucky

☆ A North Korean defector was made a minister in South Korea, likely irking Kim Jong Un, experts say
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-18 | by ( Joshua Nelken-Zitser | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Tae made a high-profile defection to South Korea in 2016, and was previously an ambassador at the North Korean Embassy in London. The appointment makes him the first North Korean defector to be given a vice-ministerial job in South Korea, according to AP. Related stories"He's definitely considered a traitor of the current North Korean regime and I think that's how they'll paint it," she said. But "North Korea doesn't consider the Council to be particularly relevant," Pardo, the KF-VUB Korea Chair, told BI. Smith added: "He has been and will continue to be actively involved in campaigns that expose the North Korean government and the problems of the North Korean population."

Persons: —, Yoon Suk, Yongho, Tae, Ramon Pacheco Pardo, Sarah A ., Kim Jong, He's, Pardo, Hazel Smith, Smith, It's Organizations: Service, Korea, Advisory Council, North Korean Embassy, Business, North, KF, VUB, Brussels School, Governance, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, National Assembly, CNN, Korean Studies, University of Sheffield, South Korea's National Assembly, Korea doesn't, SOAS University of London, South Korean, Korean Locations: North Korean, South Korea, London, VUB Korea, Vrije, North, Korea, North Korea

☆ What we know about Usha Vance's politics
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-17 | by ( Alice Tecotzky | Joshua Nelken-Zitser | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

Read previewUsha Vance's classmates at Yale Law School didn't know much about her politics. Less obvious, however, is Usha Vance's political orientation and relationship to the newfound national spotlight. In 2022, two colleagues at the firm described Usha Vance as liberal or moderate to The Times. When JD Vance was himself running for Senate, Usha Vance appeared in his very first campaign ad, sitting in front of a bookshelf and talking about their three children. AdvertisementWhile Usha Vance's political orientations and interest in life as a national figure remain foggy, her devotion to her husband has seemed strong since her days at Yale Law School.

Persons: —, Usha Vance's, Yale Law School didn't, Marvin Lim, Usha, Elliot Forhan, Usha Chilukuri, JD Vance, Lim, Usha Vance, Vikram Rao, Gabriel Winant, Vance's spokespeople, Vance, SCOTUS Brett Kavanaugh, John Roberts, Munger, Olson, Blake Masters, Vance hasn't Organizations: Service, Yale Law School, Democrat, Business, New York Times, Times, Yale, Cambridge, The Times, Tolles, GOP, American, Newsmax, Fox & Friends, JD, Republican, Convention Locations: Georgia, Ohio, San Diego, Arizona

☆ Running mates usually balance the ticket. By choosing JD Vance, Trump flipped the script and chose a mini-me.
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-16 | by ( Joshua Nelken-Zitser | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

Read previewFormer President Donald Trump's veepstakes concluded with him choosing Sen. JD Vance of Ohio as his running mate. AdvertisementInstead, Trump has chosen a mini-me and a populist protégé, flipping the script on a common political practice he seemed to subscribe to in 2016. Balancing the ticketPresident Joe Biden's selection of Vice President Kamala Harris is a notable example of balancing the ticket. Even Trump, in selecting former Vice President Mike Pence, appeared to be trying to balance the 2016 ticket. But this time, instead of seeking balance, Trump chose a candidate in his own image, doubling down on the MAGA brand with a loyalist.

Persons: —, Donald Trump's veepstakes, Sen, JD Vance, Ohio, Trump, Joe Biden's, Kamala Harris, Biden, Harris, Barack Obama's, Mike Pence, Trump's, MAGA, Vance, they're, Trumpism Organizations: Service, Business, Israel, Trump, Ohio, Democratic Locations: Ukraine, China, Appalachia, Ohio

☆ An Instagram influencer who partied with Leonardo DiCaprio got 8 years in prison for human trafficking: report
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-15 | by ( Joshua Nelken-Zitser | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

Read previewKat Torres, an Instagram influencer, was sentenced to eight years in a Brazilian prison for the human trafficking and slavery of a woman, according to the BBC. According to the BBC, Torres had gone from living in a Brazillian favela to partying with Leonardo DiCaprio and other A-listers. But according to the BBC, Ana and other followers said taking Torres' advice led to them becoming increasingly isolated from family and friends. Freitas told the BBC that Torres later tried to persuade her to become a sex worker. According to the BBC, Ana saw the news stories and contacted law enforcement agencies, including the FBI.

Persons: —, Kat Torres, Torres, Leonardo DiCaprio, Ana, Letícia Maia, Desirrê Freitas, Freitas, Maia, @searchingDesirrê, Jesus Organizations: Service, BBC, BBC Eye, BBC News Brasil, FBI, Business, Globo Locations: Brazilian, New York, Brazil, Germany

☆ An Instagram influencer who partied with Leonardo DiCaprio was jailed for trafficking and slavery: report
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-15 | by ( Joshua Nelken-Zitser | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

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