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☆ First Solar jumps on strong quarter, record backlog in rare bright spot for beaten-down renewable sector
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-28 | by ( Spencer Kimball | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

First Solar shares jumped Wednesday after reporting another solid quarter, with the company booked solid through 2026 and an order backlog that stretches into the end of the decade. First Solar is one of the few companies that has weathered the sharp downturn in the solar sector. JPMorgan has a price target of $226 for the stock, implying about 56% upside from Tuesday's close. Goldman Sachs lowered its price target for First Solar to $265 from $275 prior despite the company's strong quarter. The investment bank said solar module oversupply and potential changes to U.S. tax credits are key risks for First Solar moving forward.

Persons: Morgan Stanley, Andrew Percoco, Mark Strouse, Corinne Blanchard, Blanchard, Alexander Bradley, Mark Widmar, Goldman Sachs Organizations: Solar, JPMorgan, Deutsche Bank, Deutsche Locations: Perrysburg , Ohio, India, Europe

☆ Stocks making the biggest moves midday: Bumble, Beyond Meat, eBay, Urban Outfitters and more
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-28 | by ( Lisa Kailai Han | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +5 min

Beyond Meat reported fourth-quarter revenue of $73.7 million, versus the $66.7 million consensus estimate, per LSEG, formerly known as Refinitiv. First Solar — Shares added more than 3% after the solar panel manufacturer reported a fourth-quarter earnings beat . Urban Outfitters — The clothing retailer plunged 15% after missing estimates for its fourth-quarter earnings and revenue. Axon Enterprise — The weapons manufacturer popped 14% after reporting a fourth-quarter earnings beat. Novavax — The vaccine maker slid 27% after Novavax missed Wall Street's estimates for its fourth-quarter revenue and earnings .

Persons: Bumble —, Bumble, FactSet, Lemonade, Viatris, LSEG, —, Novavax, Axel Springer, Schibsted, — CNBC's Brian Evans, Michelle Fox, Alexander Harring, Pia Singh, Samantha Subin Organizations: Advance, FactSet, eBay, Baidu, U.S . Securities, Exchange Commission, Attorney's, District of Massachusetts, Materials, Urban Outfitters, Boeing —, Federal Aviation Administration, Boeing, Alaska Airlines, Street, Justice Department Locations: U.S, China

☆ What to watch for out of Hunter Biden’s closed-door depositions with Republicans on Capitol Hill
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-28 | by ( Jeremy Herb | Annie Grayer | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +9 min

Hunter Biden has been the focus of Republicans in Congress since they won the majority over a year ago. Regardless, Hunter Biden’s appearance is expected to create a spectacle on Capitol Hill, even as he will be testifying behind closed doors. Not surprisingly, the committees are expecting more lawmakers to show up for Hunter Biden than typical for depositions. “You are the epitome of White privilege,” GOP Rep. Nancy Mace of South Carolina told Hunter Biden from the dais. The stand-off led to contempt proceedings against Hunter Biden, after he showed up on Capitol Hill the day the committees scheduled his deposition.

Persons: Hunter Biden, Joe Biden’s, Joe Biden, –, Biden, There’s, Hunter, ’, Hunter Biden won’t, James Comer, that’s, Hunter Biden’s, Alexander Smirnov, Donald Trump’s, White, Nancy Mace, weren’t, Marjorie Taylor Greene, Greene, Where’s Hunter, ” Hunter Biden Organizations: Congress, Republican, FBI, Republicans, GOP, CNN, Justice Department, Capitol, South Carolina Locations: Ukrainian, Georgia

Hunter Biden’s appearance Wednesday represents the most significant testimony to date for the two congressional committees leading the impeachment inquiry into President Biden, a probe that’s heavily focused on Hunter Biden’s foreign business dealings. But it comes as a key allegation that launched the impeachment inquiry has been discredited. Sources familiar with terms negotiated between Hunter Biden’s team and congressional Republicans told CNN that Wednesday’s deposition will have several unique features that are different from the other interviews the committees have conducted to date. While Hunter Biden’s lawyers insisted that he would only testify publicly, Comer insisted that a public hearing would follow the private deposition. Republicans repeatedly pointed to Smirnov’s allegations as a reason for opening the impeachment inquiry into Joe Biden last fall.

Persons: Hunter Biden, Joe Biden’s, –, Hunter, Biden, Hunter Biden’s, James Comer’s, Comer, Joe Biden, Department’s, Alexander Smirnov, Jim Jordan, Jordan, Burisma, wouldn’t, Abbe Lowell, Lowell Organizations: Capitol, CNN, FBI, Republicans, GOP, Justice Department Locations: Washington

☆ Citi is betting big on high-profile executives to turn things around
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-27 | by ( Dan Defrancesco | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

In today's big story, we're looking at the reshuffling of top executives at two of the biggest US banks . Viswas Raghavan, JPMorgan's top dealmaker, has joined Citi as its head of banking and executive vice chair, reporting directly to CEO Jane Fraser. The move is a big deal, but even more shocking since Raghavan was just promoted to be the sole head of JPMorgan's deals business. Since high interest rates aren't stopping stocks from reaching record highs, cuts might not come at all this year , according to analyst Jim Bianco. Market vet Ed Yardeni said interest rates are actually in a sweet spot for stocks, similar to the late '90s.

Persons: Viswas Raghavan, Jane Fraser, Raghavan, Filippo Gori, Doug Petno, Insider's Reed Alexander, Patrick T, Fallon, Fraser, Merrill Lynch, Andy Sieg, Warren Buffett, Warren, Berkshire Hathaway's, Jim Bianco, Ed Yardeni, Gemini, Demis Hassabis, Long, Alyssa Powell, they've, Dan DeFrancesco, Jordan Parker Erb, Hallam Bullock Organizations: Citi, JPMorgan, Warren, Warren Buffett REUTERS, Chip, Berkshire, Buffett, Research, Wall, BI, Google, eBay Locations: Bronx, Gori, Rivian, New York, London

☆ Ex-F.B.I. Informant to Be Held in Custody Indefinitely, Judge Says
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-26 | by ( Lauren Herstik | Glenn Thrush | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

informant charged with falsely claiming that President Biden and his son Hunter had accepted bribes, will be held in custody indefinitely because he poses a significant flight risk, a judge in California ruled on Monday. After a 45-minute hearing, a bespectacled Mr. Smirnov — stocky, bearded with close-cropped salt-and-pepper hair and wearing tan and orange prison togs — pleaded not guilty in heavily accented English, turning around briefly to wave at his longtime girlfriend seated in the gallery. Prosecutors working for David C. Weiss, the special counsel investigating Hunter Biden, offered new details about the circumstances of Mr. Smirnov’s rearrest last week in the office of his lawyer. They grew alarmed after a search of the $980,000 condo where he has lived for the past two years revealed nine handguns, they said. (Prosecutors said that Mr. Smirnov had paid for the apartment but that it was in his girlfriend’s name.)

Persons: Alexander Smirnov, Biden, Hunter, Smirnov, —, Otis D, Wright, David C, Weiss, Hunter Biden, Smirnov’s rearrest Organizations: Federal, Court, Prosecutors Locations: California, Las Vegas, Russia

☆ Wall Street gets its biggest investment-banking shakeup in years. Here are the key players making moves.
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-26 | by ( Reed Alexander | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

Read previewWall Street experienced a big shakeup on Monday when two big banks announced new leaders for their investment-banking units. Citi's hire comes just weeks after JPMorgan promoted Raghavan to the sole head of its deals business, forcing America's biggest bank by assets to regroup. Under Raghavan, JPMorgan rose to No. For the last decade, the 59-year-old has been CEO of the bank's commercial bank, dedicated to corporate lending, including to Silicon Valley startups and real-estate investors. In an internal memo announcing his new role, bank executives said he's "significantly" grown revenue in the region since he took over the region in 2019.

Persons: —, Viswas Raghavan, Raghavan, Jamie Dimon, Filippo Gori, Doug Petno, Filippo Gori —, Jane Fraser, Fraser, Merrill Lynch, Andy Sieg, Patrick T, Fallon, Raghavan Raghavan, Doug Petno Petno, Jennifer Piepszak, Troy Rohrbaugh, Piepszak, Marianne Lake, Rohrbaugh, he's, He'll, Sjoerd Leenart, Mary Erdoes, Reed Alexander Organizations: Service, Citigroup, America's, Business, JPMorgan, Citi, Financial Times, Banking & International, Citi Foundation, EMEA, Financial News, JPMorgan's, Corporate Banking Locations: Hong Kong, London, Europe, Africa, Fraser, EMEA, Silicon, Filippo Gori Gori, JPMorgan's Asia, Pacific

☆ Homebuyers are flocking to areas most exposed to extreme weather risk and pushing prices higher, JPMorgan says
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-26 | by ( Filip De Mott | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

But the firm says rising insurance costs could eventually dampen demand. The researchers then gave each county a composite climate risk score, measured against each area's house price index. AdvertisementA positive relationship also emerged between higher climate risk and population growth, indicating that more people were migrating in than leaving these areas. Others may simply have no intent on selling, and consider themselves too old to experience these rising costs. But changes to property insurance may force prospective buyers to give more attention to climate risks, JPMorgan noted.

Persons: Alexander Wise, Jan Loeys, Risks, Redfin Organizations: JPMorgan, Service, Foundation Locations: Florida

☆ 6 Podcasts for Food Lovers
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-25 | by ( Emma Dibdin | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +3 min

On its surface, food seems like a safe, low-stakes topic of conversation. Yet just like on matters of religion and politics, discussions of food can become surprisingly contentious — to demonstrate this, just ask your dinner guests to consider whether a hot dog is a sandwich. And some dissect food trends like bone broth, cold brew coffee and air fryers to judge whether the hype is warranted. Starter episode: “What’s The Best Type of French Fry?”As you’d expect from a BBC World Service production, this series has a nuanced, global perspective on the production and consumption of food. Although the guests featured in this American Public Media series are all food professionals, part of the fun is just how varied their recipes are in terms of both complexity and category.

Persons: Josh Scherer, Nicole Enayati, Scherer, Enayati, Fry, Ruth Alexander, “, you’re, Paola, Kenji López, Jesse Sparks Organizations: BBC, Service, Public

☆ Arsenal players ‘living the dream’ after underlining title credentials with impressive win
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-25 | by ( Ben Church | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

CNN —Arsenal underlined its place in this year’s English Premier League title race with a statement 4-1 win against Newcastle at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday. But when the chips were down, Arsenal’s players stepped up to produce one of the best performances from any team in the league this year. “We are all living the dream, we have all been dreaming of being here on the biggest stage in the best league in the world,” Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard told TNT Sports after the match. Many fans are therefore rightly cautious about their team’s chances of winning a league title for the first time since 2004, but things do look slightly different this season. “We want the best club in the world, and to be the best club in the world we have to have the best stadium and best atmosphere in the world, that’s for sure,” Arteta said.

Persons: Martin Odegaard, David Klein, Kai Havertz, Jakub Kiwior’s, Joe Willock, ”, “ It’s, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes, Trent Alexander, Arnold, Arteta, ” Arteta Organizations: CNN, Arsenal, English Premier League, Newcastle, Emirates, Porto, Champions League, ” Arsenal, TNT Sports, Manchester City, Liverpool, North London, Reuters Saturday’s, Premier League, Sheffield United, Brentford Locations: North, Newcastle

☆ Alexander Lukashenko: Belarus’ president to stand for re-election in 2025
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-25 | by ( Sophie Tanno | Robbert Iddiols | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko says he will run for another term in elections set to be held in 2025, a move likely to extend the long rule of a key ally of Russia’s Vladimir Putin. Lukashenko, while speaking to journalists at a polling station after voting in parliamentary and local council elections, was asked whether he planned to stand in the next contest. Lukashenko, who has ruled Belarus since 1994, will be confident of winning again, with votes in Belarus widely seen as neither free nor fair. The last presidential vote, in 2020, triggered riots when preliminary results showed Lukashenko had won in a landside victory. Tihkhanovskaya demanded a recount after the country’s Central Election Commission announced Lukashenko had won with 80.23% of the vote, while Tikhanovskaya stood at 9.9%.

Persons: Alexander Lukashenko, Russia’s Vladimir Putin, Lukashenko, “, ”, BelTA, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, “ Lukashenka, Putin, –, “ Europe’s, ” Lukashenko, Yevgeny Prigozhin, Prigozhin’s Wagner, Tihkhanovskaya, Tikhanovskaya Organizations: CNN, Belarusian, Belarus –, Russian, Observers, Commission Locations: Belarusian, Belarus, Ukraine, Soviet, Kyiv, Moscow

☆ Delays in promised Western military aid to Ukraine are costing lives, the defense minister says
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-25 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

Half of promised Western military support to Ukraine fails to arrive on time, complicating the task of military planners and ultimately costing the lives of soldiers in Russia's war, the Ukrainian defense minister said Sunday. Year 2024" forum in Kyiv, stressed that each delayed aid shipment meant Ukrainian troop losses, and underscored Russia's superior military might. Commemorations to mark the second anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine on Saturday brought expressions of continued support, new bilateral security agreements and new aid commitments from Ukraine's Western allies. The defense minister also said that a "strong" military strategy is already in place for the coming months, but didn't disclose details. A Russian drone on Sunday morning struck an unspecified facility in Ukraine's western Khmelnytskyi region, the regional military administration reported without giving details.

Persons: Volodymyr Zelenskiy, Ursula von der Leyen, Giorgia Meloni, Alexander De Croo, Justin Trudeau, Rustan, Umerov, Oleksandr Syrskyi, Syrskyi, Oleksandr Tarnavskyi, Valerii Zaluzhny Organizations: Belgium's, Canada's, Russia, U.S . Congress, Sunday Locations: Italian, Hostomel, Ukraine, Kyiv, Ukrainian, Avdiivka, Moscow, Russia, Kherson, Kostiantynivka, Russian, Khmelnytskyi, Belgorod

☆ Kenneth Mitchell, ‘Star Trek’ and ‘Marvel’ actor, dead at 49
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-25 | by ( Megan Thomas | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —Kenneth Mitchell, an actor who appeared in the series “Star Trek: Discovery” and Marvel’s “Captain Marvel,” has died, his family announced in a statement shared on his verified social media Sunday. “With heavy hearts we announce the passing of Kenneth Alexander Mitchell, beloved father, husband, brother, uncle, son and dear friend,” the family’s statement read. He and his family shared periodic updates about his health in recent years. Incredibly hard times, mixed with so many more blessings,” Mitchell wrote at the time. This disease is absolutely horrific…yet despite all the suffering, there is so much to be grateful for.”Kenneth Mitchell as Aurellio in 'Star Trek:Discovery.'

Persons: Kenneth Mitchell, Marvel’s, Marvel, ”, Kenneth Alexander Mitchell, Mitchell, “, I’m, It’s, ” Mitchell, ” Kenneth Mitchell, Michael Gibson, Carol Danvers, “ Jericho, Club ”, Kol, StarTrek.com, “ You’ll, Ken, Susan Organizations: CNN, “, CBS, Club Locations: Canada, Marvel’s

☆ The war in Ukraine in 12 key moments
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-24 | by ( Sophie Tanno | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +13 min

We’ve been taking a look at some of the most significant moments of the war so far. Putin’s announcement signaled the start of Russia’s war in Ukraine, which has so far cost the lives of over 10,300 civilians, according to the United Nations. May 20, 2023: Russia takes control of BakhmutUkrainian army medics treat wounded soldiers at a stabilisation point near Bakhmut frontline. June 2023: Ukraine counteroffensiveUkrainian soldiers shoot rounds into Russian positions with an S60 anti-aircraft canon placed on a truck, outside Bakhmut. February 8, 2024: Ukraine military chief firedCommander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Valerii Zaluzhnyi during an event dedicated to Ukraine's Independence Day on August 24, 2023 in Kyiv.

Persons: Vladmir Putin, Putin, We’ve, ’, Volodymyr Zelensky, Pavel Klimov, ”, Marko Djurica, Russia's, Kolya Serga, Ed Ram, Sefa, Diego Herrera Carcedo, Moscow, Bakhmut, Wojciech Grzedzinski, Wagner, Prigozhin, Reuters Yevgeny Prigozhin, Russia’s Wagner, Alexander Lukashenko, Mike Johnson, Samuel Corum, Ukraine Valerii, Yan Dobronosov, Zelensky, Ukraine’s, General Valerii Zaluzhnyi, CNN’s Jennifer Hauser, Victoria Butenko, Daria Tarasova, Andrew Carey Organizations: CNN, NATO, Reuters, Ukraine, United Nations, Presidential Press, Snake, Social Media, Anadolu Agency, Concord, Putin, Getty, Republican, Armed Forces, Moscow Locations: Russia, Ukraine, Moscow, Russia’s, Kyiv, United States, Russian, West, Dnipro, Hroza, Kharkiv, Bucha, Moskva, Crimea, Kherson, Ukrainian, Kremlin, Belgorod, Bakhmut, NATO, Robotyne, Mariupol, Washington , DC, Avdiivka

☆ Four Western leaders arrive in Kyiv to show solidarity on 2nd war anniversary
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-24 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: 1 min

A view of the damaged business center after a Russian missile attack on December 29, 2023 in Kyiv, Ukraine. Russia attacked Ukraine's capital with cruise missiles and drones. Four Western leaders, including the prime ministers of Italy, Canada, and Belgium, arrived in Kyiv on Saturday to show solidarity with Ukraine on the second anniversary of Russia's invasion. Italy's Giorgia Meloni, Canada's Justin Trudeau, Belgium's Alexander De Croo and the president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, travelled to the Ukrainian capital together overnight by train from neighboring Poland, the Italian government said in a statement. Meloni was due to host a videoconference later in the day from Kyiv that will involve leaders from the Group of Seven major democracies, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy invited to join the discussion.

Persons: Giorgia, Canada's Justin Trudeau, Belgium's Alexander De Croo, Ursula von der Leyen, Meloni, Volodymyr Zelenskiy Organizations: Ukraine's, European Commission Locations: Russian, Kyiv, Ukraine, Russia, Italy, Canada, Belgium, Poland

☆ Carabao Cup final: With Jürgen Klopp’s farewell tour in full swing, Liverpool targets first trophy of season
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-24 | by ( Matias Grez | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

CNN —Jürgen Klopp’s season-long send-off is well and truly in full swing and Liverpool can get the German’s farewell off to a perfect start with victory over Chelsea in Sunday’s Carabao Cup final. The Reds can win four trophies this season to give Klopp a perfect send-off, with the Carabao Cup, Europa League, FA Cup and Premier League all very much within Liverpool’s grasp. Liverpool can win four trophies in Klopp's final season. He’s a huge, huge figure, someone who’s been amazing. We are going to give our best to compete, be better than Liverpool and deserve to lift the trophy.”

Persons: Klopp, ” Klopp, Joël Matip, Diogo Jota, Trent Alexander, Arnold, Alisson, Thiago, Mo Salah, Darwin Nuñez, Dominik Szoboszlai, Ryan Pierse, Alexander, ”, “, He’s, who’s, that’s, ” Chelsea, Wesley Fofana, Reece James, Marc Cucurella, Romeo Lavia, Benoit Badiashile, Thiago Silva, Robert Sánchez, Mauricio Pochettino, Todd Boehly, Boehly, Pochettino, Roman Abramovich, ” Pochettino, Catherine Ivill Organizations: CNN, Jürgen, Liverpool, Chelsea, Premier League, The Reds, Europa League, FA Cup, Luton Town, Luton, Argentine, Thursday’s, Wembley Locations: Sunday’s, Liverpool, Merseyside, Chelsea, Klopp, Roman, Southampton, Tottenham

☆ Opinion: What is Putin afraid of?
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-24 | by ( Opinion Frida Ghitis | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

She is a weekly opinion contributor to CNN, a contributing columnist to The Washington Post and a columnist for World Politics Review. But in its attempt to exercise and display its strength, Putin is showing his fear. Security forces have arrested Russians questioning the war in Ukraine, let alone questioning Putin. According to rights organization Freedom House, Russia has become one of the world’s top perpetrators of transnational repression. Criticism of the war or of Putin can lead to death in a Russian prison camp.

Persons: Frida Ghitis, Vladimir Putin, Ksenia, Putin, Karelina, Alexey Navalny, Navalny, Chris Van Heerden, didn’t, Boris Nemtsov, Anna Politkovskaya, There’s Navalny, Brittney Griner, Paul Whelan, Evan Gershkovich, —, Gershkovich, Vadim Krasikov, ”, Maxim Kuzminov, Russia “, Alexander Litvinenko, Sergei Skripal, “ Organizations: CNN, Washington Post, Politics, Frida Ghitis CNN, Kremlin, Russia’s Federal Security Service, KGB, Security, US, Wall Street, House, Police Locations: Russia, Russian, Los Angeles, Ukraine, Yekaterinburg, Germany, Chechen, Alicante, Kuzminov, London, Salisbury, England, Moscow, Ukrainian

☆ Indicted ex-FBI informant’s lawyers may be trying to help him flee the US, judge says
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-23 | by ( Hannah Rabinowitz | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

His second arrest Thursday was on a new warrant for the exact same charges. In a brief order, district Judge Otis Wright, who will oversee the criminal case against Smirnov in California, raised the possibility that Smirnov’s defense lawyers might be trying to make it easier for him to flee the United States. Wright has scheduled a detention hearing for Smirnov in his Los Angeles courtroom for Monday morning. As a result, the public should have confidence that it will be conducted consistent with the rule of law,” Smirnov’s attorneys wrote. “In this case, the Court has prejudged the detention issue.”Smirnov’s attorneys declined to comment on Wright’s order.

Persons: Alexander Smirnov, ” Smirnov, Joe Biden’s, Prosecutors, Smirnov, Otis Wright, Defendant Smirnov, ” Wright, Wright, ” Organizations: CNN, FBI, District of Locations: California, United States, Ukraine, Nevada, District, District of Nevada, Los Angeles

☆ Paris Fashion Week: What to expect from the runways
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-23 | by ( Leah Dolan | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —Fashion months’ finale — otherwise known as Paris Fashion Week — kicks off on Monday February 26th with over 70 shows and 38 presentations scheduled. From Miu Miu to Mugler, the nine-day calendar is filled to the brim with storied luxury houses, which will no doubt draw a slew of stars into the city. On Thursday, Virgil Abloh’s brand Off—White will return to the runway for the first time since 2022. McGirr, who follows the houses’ tradition of being a Central Saint Martins alumni, previously oversaw ready-to-wear at landmark British brand JW Anderson. From staging runways everywhere from the Louvre to Rio de Janiro’s Niteròi Contemporary Art Museum, there’s no doubt Ghesquière’s tenure will be commemorated with a bang.

Persons: Miu Miu, Mugler, Virgil Abloh’s, Ibrahim Kamara, Kamara, Chemena, Kamali, Gabriela Hearst, Phoebe Philo, “, ”, McGirr, Alexander McQueen, McQueen, Sarah Burton, JW Anderson, Louis Vuitton, Nicolas Ghesquière’s Organizations: CNN, Business of Fashion, Chloé, Central Saint Martins, British, JW, Art Museum Locations: Paris, British, Central, Rio

☆ Ex-F.B.I. Informant to Appear in Federal Court in Las Vegas
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-23 | by ( Glenn Thrush | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: 1 min

Alexander Smirnov, 43, the former F.B.I. informant accused of peddling lies about President Biden and his son Hunter, is scheduled to appear in federal court on Friday after being arrested for the second time in a week. Mr. Smirnov was sitting in his lawyer’s office in Las Vegas Thursday morning when U.S. Marshals burst in to take him into custody. The bizarre episode is the latest development in a case that has spawned public interest and confusion in equal measure, centering on an enigmatic fixer whose accusations formed the fractured bedrock of a push by Republicans to impeach Mr. Biden.

Persons: Alexander Smirnov, Biden, Hunter, Smirnov, Mr Organizations: U.S Locations: Las Vegas

CNN —A woman who left the United Kingdom to join ISIS at the age of 15 has lost her Court of Appeal challenge over the decision to remove her British citizenship. Shamima Begum flew to Syria in 2015 with two school friends to join the terror group. She told UK media she had two other children prior to that baby, who also died in Syria during infancy. He pointed to Begum being left stateless as grounds for this, something her lawyers have argued the British government has not fully considered the consequences of. Her lawyers have argued she was a victim of child trafficking, and that the decision was unlawful as it rendered her stateless.

Persons: Shamima Begum, Begum, ”, Sajid Javid, Sam Tarling, Baroness Carr, Begum’s, ” Friday’s, Alexander dos Santos, ” Begum Organizations: CNN, ISIS, PA Media, Sky News, BBC Locations: United Kingdom, Syria, Raqqa, Syrian

☆ 125 House Republicans — including Speaker Mike Johnson — back a 'life at conception' bill without any IVF exception
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-23 | by ( Bryan Metzger | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

IVF treatments have been halted in Alabama after a ruling declared frozen embryos to be human life. Most House Republicans back a bill making a similar argument — with no IVF exception. Most House Republicans have cosponsored a bill declaring that life begins from the moment of conception, a position under increased scrutiny after the Alabama Supreme Court ruled that frozen embryos are "unborn children." This Congress, 125 House Republicans — including Speaker Mike Johnson — have cosponsored the "Life at Conception Act," which states that the term "human being" includes "all stages of life, including the moment of fertilization, cloning, or other moment at which an individual member of the human species comes into being." AdvertisementSome House Republicans in swing seats who have previously cosponsored the Life at Conception Act have done the same, including current cosponsor Reps. Michelle Steel of California and past cosponsor David Schweikert of Arizona.

Persons: Mike Johnson —, Republican Sen, Rand Paul of Kentucky, Alexander Mooney, Johnson, Michelle Steel, cosponsor David Schweikert, David Schweikert, Courtney Rice, Nancy Mace, Axios Organizations: Republicans, Alabama, Conception, Republican, GOP, —, Democratic Congressional, PAC, House Democrats, Democratic Locations: Alabama, California, Arizona, South Carolina

☆ A NATO country thought it could get by without tanks. It doesn't any more.
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-23 | by ( Sinéad Baker | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Lithuania, a NATO state that borders Russia, is acquiring tanks for the first time. AdvertisementLithuania, a NATO member with Russia on its doorstep, is acquiring tanks for the first time in its history. Vaidotas Urbelis, the policy director of Lithuania's defense ministry, told BI the purchase was driven by watching Russia's invasion of Ukraine. It's the first time the country has acquired tanks since its independence from the collapsing Soviet Union in 1990. Lithuania is also acquiring more armored vehicles and missiles, hosting more NATO troops permanently in the country, and strengthening its border fortifications.

Persons: —, Vaidotas Urbelis, Alexander Welscher, Urbelis Organizations: Lithuanian, Service, NATO, Business, Defense, Getty Locations: Lithuania, NATO, Russia, Ukraine, Germany, Soviet Union, Russia's

☆ Exclusive: Russia-linked smear campaign against Hunter Biden began earlier than previously thought
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-23 | by ( Mattathias Schwartz | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +8 min

The man pushing the thumb drive was a citizen of an Eastern European country and a guest of Claremont. That evening, Rollie passed a thumb drive containing disinformation about Hunter Biden and Burisma to a Pompeo aide. Smirnov was indicted last week for lying to the FBI about Hunter Biden. The revelation about Rollie's thumb drive comes shortly after the indictment of Smirnov, for allegedly making false statements about Hunter Biden in June 2020. Like Smirnov, Rollie's materials accuse Hunter Biden of involving his father in Burisma's business and committing a vast off-the-books fraud.

Persons: Mike Pompeo, Hunter Biden, Rollie, Pompeo, Burisma, BI Rollie, I'm, Rollie's, Biden's, Josef, Johnathan Buma, Donald Trump, Joe Biden's, Peter Schweizer, Rudy Giuliani, John Solomon, Hunter, Giuliani, Alexander Smirnov, Smirnov, Biden, David Weiss, Smirnov's, Joe Biden, GOP Sen, Charles Grassley, MAGA, Jack Posobiec, Buma, Anastasiia Carrier Organizations: Claremont Institute's, Claremont, Business, BI, KGB, Department, Claremont Institute, FBI, New York Times, Prosecutors, GOP, State Department, Justice Department, Anastasiia Locations: Russia, Ukrainian, Beverly Hills, Eastern, Soviet, Los Angeles, Russian, Delaware, Ukraine, The Hill, East, West, Eastern Europe

☆ Moschino: Adrian Appiolaza makes his Milan debut
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-23 | by ( Scarlett Conlon | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

Milan CNN —Trompe ‘l’oeil suspenders, resplendent ruffles, and polka dots aplenty: the 1980s Moschino archive was out in force to mark Adrian Appiolaza’s debut as creative director at the house on Thursday evening in Milan, albeit filtered through a fresh perspective. “It was about taking Franco Moschino’s masterpieces and bringing them back to life while balancing the theatricality that he was known for,” said Appiolaza at a preview of the pieces before the show. “Today, it’s important for people to feel related to the collection.”Appiolaza said his aim with this collection was to bring Franco Moschino's masterpieces "back to life." As an avid collector and self-proclaimed archivist, Appiolaza’s instinct took him straight to the founder Franco Moschino’s back catalogue. Jacopo Raule/Getty ImagesSpliced Stetsons and double denim also continued the cowboy-core theme we've seen a lot for fall.

Persons: Milan, resplendent ruffles, Adrian Appiolaza’s, Franco, ”, Appiolaza, ” Appiolaza, Jacopo Raule, Loewe, Alexander McQueen, Miguel Andover, Phoebe Philo, Davide Renne, Jeremy Scott, Franco Moschino’s, “, Pietro D'Aprano, Smiley, –, Katy Perry, SpongeBob, Tweety Bird, Adrian Appiolaza Organizations: Milan CNN, ”, CNN, McDonalds Locations: Milan, Chloé

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