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☆ Adams Blocks Law That Bans Solitary Confinement in New York Jails
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-28 | by ( Chelsia Rose Marcius | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

Mayor Eric Adams declared a state of emergency in New York City jails on Saturday and issued an executive order that blocked key parts of a local law that would have banned solitary confinement in the jails. The order, one of three Mr. Adams issued on Saturday that pertained to the jails, was an unusual step that came only one day before the law was set to go into effect. After Mr. Adams vetoed the bill in January, arguing that it would make jail staff and detainees less safe, the Council issued a rare override of his veto. The law would have banned solitary confinement for detainees who were accused of breaking jail rules, beyond a four-hour “de-escalation period” during an emergency. It would also have banned the use of handcuffs or shackles to restrain detainees riding in Correction Department vehicles.

Persons: Eric Adams, Adams, Amaris Organizations: City Council, Department, Correction, Hall Locations: New York City

☆ Live Election Updates: Harsh Rhetoric on Biden and the Border Dominates R.N.C.
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-17 | by ( Michael C. Bender | Maggie Astor | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +8 min

“I just want to make sure those snakes and the liars don’t get those positions of power,” the younger Mr. Trump said. “My biggest role is just making sure that we have an America First, a MAGA bench for the future,” the younger Mr. Trump said. Image Donald Trump Jr. at the R.N.C. Mr. Kirk credits the size of his multimillion-dollar conservative advocacy group in part to the younger Mr. Trump’s support. “I expect nothing less from you clowns,” Donald Trump Jr. told the reporter.

Persons: J.D, Vance, Donald Trump Jr, Donald J, Trump, Don, ”, Charlie Kirk, MAGA, don’t, “, Ivanka Trump, Jared Kushner, Maddie McGarvey, ” Mr, Steve Daines, Daines, Mr, Damon Winter, Don Jr, Kirk, “ Don Jr, —, ’, Evander Holyfield, applauds, Kenny Holston, Eric, ” Donald Trump Jr, Sean Hannity, Hannity, ” Don Jr, Maggie Haberman Organizations: Republican, Convention, Republican National Convention, Trump White House, White, The New York Times, Republican Party, Trump, Republicans, National Republican Senatorial Committee, New York Times, PAC, Red Bulls, ., Fox News Locations: Ohio, Montana, Milwaukee

Share Share Article via Facebook Share Article via Twitter Share Article via LinkedIn Share Article via EmailHouse fails to override veto of SEC crypto guidance, and probe into Stacks ends: CNBC Crypto WorldCNBC Crypto World features the latest news and daily trading updates from the digital currency markets and provides viewers with a look at what's ahead with high-profile interviews, explainers, and unique stories from the ever-changing crypto industry. On today's show, Bill Barhydt, founder and CEO of Abra, a global platform for digital asset prime services and wealth management, weighs in on why the price of bitcoin has been stuck below $60,000.

Persons: explainers, Bill Barhydt Organizations: Email, SEC, CNBC Crypto, CNBC Locations: Abra

☆ Developments in Gaza ceasefire talks raise hopes but challenges persist. Here’s what to know
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-08 | by ( Nadeen Ebrahim | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +9 min

Last week, a US official told CNN that a framework agreement is “in place” and talks resumed Friday in Doha. Hatem Khaled/ReutersOn Thursday, a senior US administration told CNN that the framework for a deal is “now in place,” following a call between Biden and Netanyahu. Hamas has long demanded that Israel agree to a permanent ceasefire before signing any deal, which Israel has so far refused. Netanyahu also said there will be “no return of thousands of armed terrorists to the northern Gaza Strip,” the statement said. “If the Americans are still optimistic (after Netanyahu’s Sunday statement), then they are really living in La La land,” Baskin told CNN.

Persons: ”, ” Israel, Israel, ” Gershon Baskin, Baskin, Joe Biden, “, who’ve, Khan Younis, Hatem Khaled, Biden, Netanyahu, –, Donald Trump, Yair Lapid, ” Lapid, Benjamin Netanyahu's, Ilan Rosenberg, Reuters Baskin, ” Baskin Organizations: CNN, Hamas, Reuters, Sunday, Trump, “ Locations: Israel, Palestinian, Gaza, Doha, Cairo, ”, Egypt, Israeli, Rafah, Jerusalem, La La

☆ Why McDonald’s removed salads from their menu
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-08 | by ( Danielle Wiener-Bronner | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

“If people really want salads from McDonald’s we will gladly relaunch salads,” said Joe Erlinger, the president of McDonald’s USA, in a June interview at the Wall Street Journal’s annual Global Food Forum. For McDonald’s, putting salads on the menu was likely a way to avoid the veto vote and stay atop recent healthy food trends. McDonald’s salads were “one likely source of these infections,” the CDC said at the time. McDonald’s removed salads from national menus in 2020 to help simplify restaurant operations, the company said. Another menu item that’s not coming to McDonald’s any time soon?

Persons: New York CNN —, ”, Joe Erlinger, McDonald’s, Covid, ” Erlinger Organizations: New, New York CNN, McDonald’s, Food, Wall Street Journal Locations: New York, McDonald’s

☆ It's official: McDonald's should stick to unhealthy food
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-08 | by ( Emily Stewart | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

At The Wall Street Journal's Global Food Forum in June, Joe Erlinger, the president of McDonald's US, detailed the company's missteps in meatless burgers and salads. Over the years, McDonald's has been able to fold in some noncore items — namely, coffee and chicken. It's not just consumer demand that's keeping McDonald's menu limited to the more-traditional, less-than-body-boosting items — it's its franchisees, too. And no one goes to McDonald's looking for greens. And no one goes to McDonald's looking for greens.

Persons: McDonald's, Joe Erlinger, Erlinger, Darren Tristano, Danilo Gargiulo, it's, Tristano, Benedict, hasn't, Gargiulo, Burger King, Burger, It's, they're, Emily Stewart Organizations: Food Forum, Dallas, Bernstein, Foods, Apple, Toyota, Consumers, McDonald's, Business Locations: San Francisco, Europe, Sweetgreen, Cava, McDonald's, Australia, Chicago

☆ I'm married but also date other people. Our partnership is forever, and this way, both of our needs are met.
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-29 | by ( Zach Rocchino | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

Our first date involved piling into my station wagon that had a Phillies magnet covering the broken gas port cover. AdvertisementWe decided that a poly vee would be the best fit for our relationship and we took steps to establish baselines of expectations. Though we're in a poly vee relationship, my wife chooses not to pursue other partners. I use dating apps, and the first line of every dating profile is, "I am married and ethically non-monogamous (poly vee)." I tell my wife when I'm going out and where I'm going for safety.

Persons: aren't, I'm, I've, We're Organizations: Service, Phillies, Business Locations: Los Angeles

☆ US aircraft carrier arrives in South Korea as Russia-North Korea defense pact deepens regional fears
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-24 | by ( Brad Lendon | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

Besides signing the defense deal with Kim Jong Un, Putin also linked security on the Korean Peninsula to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, threatening to arm North Korea should South Korea provide military aid to Kyiv. The aircraft carrier’s presence in Busan is just the latest in a series of US military moves to show Washington’s “ironclad” commitment to its own treaty ally in South Korea. Earlier this month, US Air Force B-1B bombers participated in a live-fire exercise on the peninsula, the first time in seven years those long-range strike aircraft have dropped live munitions in South Korea. The visit of the USS Theodore Roosevelt to Busan marks the second time a Nimitz-class carrier has visited South Korea in seven months. Neither the US nor South Korea would give details or exact dates of the upcoming Freedom Edge exercise.

Persons: Theodore Roosevelt, Vladimir Putin, Kim Jong Un, Putin, Kim, ” Putin, Carl Vinson, Roosevelt, “, ”, Dwight D, Eisenhower, Ronald Reagan Organizations: Hong Kong CNN, United States Navy, DPRK, Democratic People’s, CNN, US Air Force, United Nations, South, Nimitz, Hornet, South Korean, Pentagon Locations: Hong Kong, South Korea, Washington, Seoul, Tokyo, North Korea, Russia, Busan, Japan, Russian, Pyongyang, Ukraine, Kyiv, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, North, Korea, Moscow, Yemen, Iran, Pacific, Yokosuka

☆ DeSantis Vetoes All Arts Grants in Florida
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-21 | by ( Patricia Mazzei | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: 1 min

For the past 10 days, Richard Russell has been rattled, poring over budgets and working the phones in an attempt to limit the consequences of Gov. Mr. Russell, the general director of the Sarasota Opera on Florida’s Gulf Coast, had expected his nonprofit organization to receive a state grant of about $70,000 once Mr. DeSantis signed a budget that state lawmakers had approved in March. But in a move that stunned arts and culture organizations, Mr. DeSantis vetoed the entirety of their grant funding — about $32 million — on June 12, leaving them scrambling to figure out how to offset the shortfall. “It’s not going to close us,” Mr. Russell said. “But it is a gap that I am going to have to figure out how to make up, and if I don’t find alternate sources of funding, that could be someone’s job.”

Persons: Richard Russell, Ron DeSantis’s, Russell, DeSantis, It’s, ” Mr, ” Organizations: Sarasota Opera Locations: Gulf

Chang emphasized the need to strengthen the extended deterrence power of the South Korea-US alliance and the South Korea-US-Japan security cooperation system to address North Korea’s nuclear weapons and missiles. Currently, South Korea’s policy is not to provide lethal weapons to Ukraine. Nikoletta Stoyanova/Getty ImagesReports from earlier in the war say South Korea may have provided 155mm artillery shells to the United States to replace 155mm rounds sent to Ukraine. “Public reports suggest South Korea has around 3.4 million 105mm artillery shells,” the CSIS report said. Earlier on Thursday, Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi also expressed strong concern about the agreement signed by Russia and North Korea.

Persons: Vladimir Putin, Kim Jong Un, “, ” Putin, Kim, Chang Ho, ”, ” Chang, Chang, Putin, Nikoletta Stoyanova, Yoshimasa Hayashi, Putin “, ” Hayashi Organizations: CNN, Democratic People’s, DPRK, UN Security Council, CNN South, National Security, Korean, 57th Motorized Brigade, Getty, Center for Strategic, International Studies, “, CSIS, UN, Japan’s Locations: Korea, Ukraine, Seoul, Russia, North Korea, DPRK, Democratic People’s Republic, Republic of Korea, South, South Korea, Japan, Vovchansk, Kharkiv Region, United States, Kyiv, Vietnam, Ukrainian

☆ India wants to be a developed nation by 2047. Here are 4 critical areas Modi can't ignore
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-20 | by ( Charmaine Jacob | In Charmainemariajacob | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +7 min

India has undergone a massive infrastructure push and has made significant strides in connecting and modernizing its highways, railways and airports. He's going to double down on that," said Samir Kapadia, CEO of India Index and managing principal at Vogel Group. "Along with creating physical infrastructure, India needs to remain steadfast on the structural reforms ... Increase foreign investmentsFrom veteran emerging markets investor Mark Mobius to global strategist David Roche, market experts remain bullish on India. Foreign direct investments into the country needs to however pick up pace to further drive economic growth and development, analysts told CNBC.

Persons: Vikram Singh, Narendra Modi, Modi, Reema Bhattacharya, Verisk, Modi's, he's, Samir Kapadia, Nirmala Sitharaman, Santanu Sengupta, Goldman Sachs, Sengupta, Richard Rossow, Kapadia, Sumedha Gupta, Vivek Prasad, Prasad, Mark Mobius, David Roche Organizations: Bharatiya Janata Party, BJP, Infrastructure, India Index, Vogel Group, Nurphoto, CNBC, Center for Strategic, International Studies, Padget Electronics, Dixon Technologies, Bloomberg, Getty, Research, India Electronics, Semiconductor Association, Economist Intelligence Unit, Centre, Monitoring, National Stock Exchange of, World Federation of Exchanges Locations: India, Asia, China, Mumbai, Noida, PwC India, National Stock Exchange of India

☆ North Korea says Kim and Putin’s defense pact permits all available means to assist each other if either nation attacked
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-20 | by ( Helen Regan | Gawon Bae | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —North Korea and Russia have pledged to use all available means to provide immediate military assistance in the event the other is attacked, according to the text of a new landmark defense pact agreed by the two autocratic nations. Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un signed a new strategic partnership agreement Wednesday in Pyongyang during a rare state visit by the Russian leader who said the two allies have ramped up ties to a “new level.”North Korean state media reported on Thursday the full text of that pact, which also includes political, trade, investment, and security cooperation. According to the text, Article 4 states that should either country “get into a state of war due to an armed aggression” the other “shall immediately provide military and other assistance with all the means at its disposal.”The pact, which comes against the backdrop of Putin’s grinding war against Ukraine, is the most significant agreement signed by Russia and North Korea in decades and is seen as something of a revival of their Cold War-era mutual defense pledge. It also consolidates Kim’s powerful link with a world power that wields a veto on the UN Security CouncilThe newly released text will now raise several questions for Western observers, including whether Russia’s powerful nuclear deterrent now extends to North Korea, and vice versa, or whether the two nations will now hold joint military drills. Putin referenced the defense clause after the meeting with Kim Wednesday, saying it provides “for the provision of mutual assistance in the event of aggression against one of the parties to this agreement.”Kim, meanwhile, called the new “alliance” a “watershed moment in the development of the bilateral relations.”This is a developing story and will be updated.

Persons: Vladimir Putin, Kim Jong Un, Putin, Kim Wednesday, ” Kim Organizations: CNN, North, UN Security Locations: North Korea, Russia, Russian, Pyongyang, Ukraine

☆ The Sticking Points That Kept Russia and Ukraine Apart
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-15 | by ( Anton Troianovski | Michael Schwirtz | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +8 min

The Sticking Points That Kept Russia and Ukraine ApartRussia and Ukraine failed to agree on a range of critical issues when they held peace talks in the spring of 2022. Russia’s Position Russia demanded that Ukraine never join NATO or other alliances; host foreign military bases or weapons; or conduct military exercises with other countries without its consent. Russia’s Position Russia agreed to much of Ukraine’s security guarantees proposal but with key exceptions. Russia’s Position Russia’s stance has also fluctuated. Russia’s Position But Russia’s definition of “denazification” shifted quickly after its initial invasion failed.

Persons: Vladimir V, Putin, —, Volodymyr Zelensky, Russia’s, ” Organizations: The New York Times, NATO, European Union, Ukraine’s, Crimea ”, Ukraine, Mr, Russia’s, ” International, United Nations Locations: Russia, Ukraine, United States, France, China, guarantors, Belarus, Turkey, Territory, Crimea, Moscow, Ukrainian, Russian

Representatives from the warring nations held peace talks in the early weeks of the Russian invasion. It was the only time that Ukrainian and Russian officials are known to have engaged in direct peace talks. This includes the Crimean Peninsula, which Mr. Putin annexed in 2014 in a swift operation that he considers central to his legacy. At another point, Russia’s lead negotiator, Mr. Medinsky, interrupted a video conference by claiming that Mr. Putin was phoning him directly. There were signs that Mr. Putin was micromanaging not only the Russian invasion but also the peace talks.

Persons: Vladimir V, Putin, —, Putin’s, … ”, “, Oleksandr Chalyi, Mr, Vladimir Medinsky, Oleksii Reznikov, Vladimir Putin, Leonid Slutsky, Medinsky, ”, Aleksandr Fomin, Reznikov, Ukraine’s, … “, Sergey Ponomarev, Ukraine —, Andrzej Duda, Duda, Putin “, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Murat Cetin Muhurdar, Russia’s, Zelensky, …, ‘, ’, Daniel Berehulak, Davyd Arakhamia, ” “, Roman Abramovich, ” Mr, Arakhamia, Abramovich, micromanaging, Nanna Heitmann, France —, Laetitia Vancon, Kamala Harris, Volodymyr Zelensky, “ Putin, Marc Weller, Russia “, Weller Organizations: The New York Times, Ukraine, Kremlin, NATO, “, Russian Federation, ”, European Union, West, Ministry, Times, Europe’s, Russian, Moscow, Donetsk People's, Nazi, U.S, Ukrainian, Turkish Presidential Press Service, Agence France, The Times, Russia, New York Times, stoke, Cambridge Locations: Ukraine, Russia, Moscow, Kyiv, Crimean, Switzerland, Ukrainian, Crimea, “ Ukraine, Republic of Crimea, Sevastopol, ”, … ” Russia, Russian, ” Russia, Istanbul, Geneva, Belarus, Western, Russia’s, Donetsk, Donetsk People's Republic, Luhansk People's Republic, Simferopol, Poland, Germany, France, European, Brussels, Turkish, Zelensky, “, Great Britain, China, United States, Turkey, Canada, Italy, Israel, Bucha, Washington, Swiss, Russians

☆ Hungary agrees not to veto NATO's deepening support for Ukraine in exchange for nonparticipation
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-12 | by ( Ruxandra Iordache | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said Hungary will neither block nor participate in the military alliance's deepening support for Ukraine, as he looks to shore up support ahead of a key summit in Washington next month. "At the summit, I expect allies will agree a leading role for NATO in coordinating and providing security assistance and training for Ukraine. I also expect allies will agree long-term financial pledge to provide military support," Stoltenberg said Wednesday at a press briefing in Budapest, where he carried out a surprise visit. In exchange for these concessions, Hungary has agreed not to veto NATO's deepening military aid in support of Ukraine. And he has confirmed that Hungary will meet all of its NATO commitments in full," Stoltenberg said Wednesday.

Persons: Jens Stoltenberg, Stoltenberg, Viktor, Orban Organizations: NATO, Ukraine, Associated Locations: Hungary, Washington, Budapest, Ukraine

CNN —A United Nations inquiry into the first few months of the war in Gaza has found both Israel and Hamas committed war crimes and grave violations of international law, in the body’s first in-depth investigation into the October 7 attacks and the ensuing conflict. Rockets are launched by Hamas from the Gaza Strip towards Israel on October 7, 2023. Hatem Moussa/APIn the first 2.5 months of the conflict, the commission found, Israel committed war crimes as well as crimes against humanity – the latter defined as a widespread, systemic attack directed at a civilian population. The International Criminal Court announced last month it was seeking arrest warrants for several top Hamas and Israeli leaders, including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity. “It is imperative that all those who have committed crimes be held accountable,” said commission chair Navi Pillay.

Persons: Hatem Moussa, Israel, –, Israel’s, maiming, Benjamin Netanyahu, ”, Netanyahu, West Bank –, …, Said Khatib, Mahmud Hams, Nir, Itamar Ben Gvir, Bezalel Smotrich, Benny Gantz, Yoav Gallant, Gilad Erdan, Erdan, Anwar Organizations: CNN, United, The United Nations Commission, Rockets, AP, Criminal, Palestinian, West Bank, Getty, Al, Israel Defense Forces, UN, Gaza, National, Finance, UN Human Rights, Palestinian Authority, Hamas, Human Rights, Israel, UN Security Council, Assembly, United Nations Relief, Works Agency, Anwar Amro, UNRWA, Navi Pillay Locations: United Nations, Gaza, Israel, Gaza City, Rafah, AFP, Aqsa, Israel’s, Palestinian, United States, Lebanese, Beirut, East Jerusalem

☆ Israel-Hamas War: U.N. Security Council Resolution Latest Updates
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-11 | by ( Farnaz Fassihi | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +7 min

In passing the resolution, the Council delivered a diplomatic victory to Washington, which had vetoed three previous cease-fire resolutions before the Council. Video transcript Back bars 0:00 / 0:43 - 0:00 transcript United Nations Security Council Backs Gaza Cease-Fire Resolution Fourteen of the 15 members on the U.N. Security Council, with Russia abstaining, voted in favor of adopting a proposal calling for a permanent cease-fire in Gaza. The draft resolution has been adopted as resolution 2735.” “Colleagues, the cease-fire deal would pave the way toward an enduring cessation of hostilities and a better future for all. Russia and China and Algeria, the only Arab member of the Security Council, had said in back-channel negotiations that the text appeared too lopsided in favor of Israel. Ever since the war started eight months ago, the Security Council has been in a deadlock over finding a way to end the conflict and fulfill its mandate to uphold international peace and stability.

Persons: ”, Linda Thomas, Greenfield, Thomas, Israel, “, ” “, Biden, There’s, Michael M, Reut Shapir Ben, Naftaly, Ms, Shapir Ben, Vasily Nebenzya, Nebenzya, Nate Evans, Evans, “ Israel, Marko Djurica, Benjamin Netanyahu, Fu Cong Organizations: . Security, United Nations, United Nations Security, Hamas, Credit, U.S, ., Reuters, ” Diplomats, States, Security, Security Council, United Locations: U.S, Gaza, Russia, Washington, United States, Qatar, Egypt, Israel, Russian, Tel Aviv, China, Algeria

☆ U.N. Security Council Passes U.S.-Backed Cease-Fire Resolution
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-10 | by ( Michael Crowley | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +6 min

Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield and other members of the United Nations Security Council voted on the resolution. The U.N. Security Council on Monday adopted a U.S.-backed cease-fire plan for the Gaza Strip after Russia opted not to block it, adding extra heft to a growing international push for an end to the fighting. In passing the resolution, the Council delivered a diplomatic victory to Washington, which had vetoed three previous cease-fire resolutions before the Council. Russia and China and Algeria, the only Arab member of the Security Council, had said in back-channel negotiations that the text appeared too lopsided in favor of Israel. Ever since the war started eight months ago, the Security Council has been in a deadlock over finding a way to end the conflict and fulfill its mandate to uphold international peace and stability.

Persons: Linda Thomas, Greenfield, ”, Thomas, Israel, “, Reut Shapir Ben, Naftaly, Ms, Shapir Ben, Vasily Nebenzya, Nebenzya, Biden, Nate Evans, Evans, “ Israel, Marko Djurica, Benjamin Netanyahu, Fu Cong Organizations: United Nations Security, . Security, United Nations, U.S, ., Reuters, ” Diplomats, States, Security, Security Council, United Locations: U.S, Gaza, Russia, Washington, United States, Qatar, Egypt, Russian, Israel, Tel Aviv, China, Algeria

☆ Judge Cannon expands hearing on Trump’s request to declare special counsel’s appointment invalid
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-04 | by ( Dan Berman | Katelyn | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

Cannon is planning on holding a sprawling hearing on Trump’s request to declare Jack Smith’s appointment as special counsel invalid, signaling she could be more willing than any other trial judge to veto the special prosecutor’s authority. Wednesday, Cannon went further, adding a hearing on a gag order request from prosecutors to limit Trump’s rhetoric about law enforcement and allotting more time to hear arguments on the special counsel issue. Cannon’s signal of willingness to entertain challenges to the special counsel comes in the same week Republicans are bearing down on Attorney General Merrick Garland for his use of special counsels. A third group says the Department of Justice’s use of a special counsel should be upheld. Cannon still agreed to the hearing Trump wanted.

Persons: Aileen Cannon, Donald Trump’s, Cannon, Jack Smith’s, It’s, –, Trump, Evan Corcoran, Hunter, didn’t, Paul Manafort’s, Robert Mueller’s, Andrew Miller, Roger Stone, General Merrick Garland, David Weiss, Hunter Biden, – Cannon, ” Bradley Moss, Edwin Meese, Michael Mukasey, Meese, Mukasey, ’ Organizations: CNN, FBI, Trump, Southern District of, Justice Department, Republican Locations: Los Angeles and Delaware, Southern District, Southern District of Florida, Delaware, Washington ,

☆ Plastics and Social Media: N.Y. Lawmakers’ End-of-Session Targets
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-03 | by ( Grace Ashford | Claire Fahy | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

In New York, the state legislative session runs for roughly 60 days spread out from January to early June, but most of the actual passing of laws occurs over two periods. Kathy Hochul rush to squeeze in legislative priorities they couldn’t shoehorn into the budget. In most years, the Legislature passes roughly 1,000 bills for the governor to sign or veto. Some proposals, like a measure that would restrict social media companies from using algorithms on minors, are known to have the backing of Ms. Hochul, a centrist Democrat from Buffalo. Others — like a bill restricting state business with companies that contribute to tropical deforestation — seem likely to face a steeper road to becoming law.

Persons: Kathy Hochul, Hochul Organizations: Capitol, Lawmakers, Democrat Locations: New York, Buffalo

☆ 14 pro-democracy activists found guilty of subversion in Hong Kong’s biggest national security case
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-30 | by ( Jennifer Jett | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

HONG KONG — A Hong Kong court on Thursday found 14 of 16 pro-democracy activists guilty of conspiring to subvert the state in the Chinese territory's single largest case under a sweeping national security law imposed by Beijing. Of those, 31 pleaded guilty in the hopes of a reduced sentence, while the remaining 16 pleaded not guilty. Hong Kong had had a 100% conviction rate in national security cases, which are prosecuted under rules that diverge from the city's legal norms, including presumption against bail. Almost 300 people have been arrested under the national security law, which came into force in the summer of 2020. The charges stem from an informal primary election held in July 2020 in which more than 600,000 voters selected pro-democracy candidates for a legislative election that was scheduled for that September.

Persons: Lau, Lee Yue, Critics, Eric Yan, Lai, Benny Tai, Claudia Mo, Joshua Wong, Leung Kwok, Raymond Chan, Gwyneth Ho, Hong Kong, Carrie Lam Organizations: Hong, Georgetown Center, Asian Locations: HONG KONG, Hong Kong, Beijing, Hong

☆ Spain, Ireland and Norway have recognized Palestinian statehood. Where does Europe stand on the issue?
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-28 | by ( Rob Picheta | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

CNN —Spain, Ireland and Norway formally recognized Palestinian statehood on Tuesday, cementing a joint move that further isolates Israel over its war against Hamas in Gaza. The move also highlights just how split Europe is on whether to recognize Palestinian statehood. Spain, Ireland and NorwayThe move by these three countries to recognize Palestinian statehood in tandem sent an impactful message to Israel, and other Western states. Western EuropeIn 2014, Sweden became the first major Western European nation to recognize Palestinian statehood. “The path of symbolic recognition of statehood is not the way forward.”Eastern EuropeOfficially, a number of countries that previously fell under the Soviet sphere of influence in eastern Europe recognize Palestinian statehood.

Persons: Simon Harris, “, Harris, Ireland “, ”, Netanyahu, Israel, ” Harris, Espen Barth Eide, Pedro Sánchez, Israel Katz, ” “, ” Katz, Margot Wallstrom, Olaf Scholz, ” Scholz, Robert Golob, Golob, Palestine ” Organizations: CNN —, Palestinian, Gaza . Irish, United, Ireland, CNN, Palestine, Swedish, UN, Assembly, Reuters, Europe Officially, Soviet Locations: CNN — Spain, Ireland, Norway, Israel, Gaza ., Europe, United Nations, Eastern, Spain, Palestine, Gaza, Norwegian, Madrid, Palestinian, Iran, Sweden, France, Belgium, Poland, Greece, Denmark, United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, States, Hungary, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Romania, Bulgaria, Ramallah, Argentina, Micronesia, Nauru, Palau, Papua New Guinea, United States

☆ Georgia president overruled as lawmakers push forward with Russia-style 'foreign agents' law
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-28 | by ( Sam Meredith | In Samuelmeredith | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

Demonstrators protesting the "foreign influence" law crowd outside the parliament building in central Tbilisi on May 28, 2024. Georgian lawmakers on Tuesday voted to override a presidential veto on a Russia-style "foreign agents" law, pushing forward with legislation that has triggered international condemnation and large-scale protests in the South Caucasus nation. Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili vetoed the controversial legislation on May 18, saying on social media platform X that the "fundamentally Russian" law represents "an obstacle to our European path." Zourabichvili, a critic of the ruling Georgian Dream government, has called for a repeal of the law. Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has said the bill will create "strong guarantees" to help ensure long-lasting peace in the country.

Persons: Salome Zourabichvili, Irakli Kobakhidze Organizations: Union, NATO, United Nations, EU, Kremlin ., Georgian Locations: Tbilisi, Russia, South Caucasus, The U.S, Georgian, Soviet Union

☆ Georgia parliament overrides president to pass Kremlin-style ‘foreign agents’ bill, defying Western pressure
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-28 | by ( Christian Edwards | Niamh Kennedy | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —Georgia’s parliament has voted to override the presidential veto of a Russian-inspired “foreign agent” law, defying fierce protests at home and criticism abroad. The ruling Georgian Dream party has for weeks tried to force through the “foreign agent” law, likened by critics to a measure introduced in Russia to stifle dissent. Protesters stare down riot police outside the Georgian Parliament. Irakli Gedenidze/ReutersResponding to Tuesday’s vote, Lithuanian foreign minister Gabrielius Landsbergis said it marked “a very sad day” for Georgia and the rest of Europe. But the government reintroduced the same bill in March and this time refused to cave to public pressure, despite a month of renewed protests.

Persons: CNN —, Salome Zourabichvili, “, I’m, Sen, Jeanne Shaheen, Irakli Gedenidze, Gabrielius Landsbergis, ”, Natalie Sabanadze, –, Sabanadze Organizations: CNN, European, Georgian, United, – Locations: Russian, Georgian, Russia, Soviet, European Union, United States, Georgia, New Hampshire, Europe

☆ Georgia’s Ruling Party Secures a Contentious Law on Foreign Influence
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-28 | by ( Ivan Nechepurenko | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

Georgia’s Parliament overrode a presidential veto to give final approval on Tuesday evening to a contentious bill that has plunged the country into a political crisis and threatened to derail the pro-Western aspirations of many Georgians in favor of closer ties with Russia. The law will require nongovernmental groups and media organizations that receive at least 20 percent of their funding from abroad to register as organizations “pursuing the interests of a foreign power.” The country’s justice ministry will be given broad powers to monitor compliance. Violations could result in fines equivalent to more than $9,000. The passage of the bill is likely to represent a pivotal moment for Georgia, which has been one of the most pro-Western states to emerge from the collapse of the Soviet Union. The bill has already unsteadied Georgia’s relationship with the United States and the European Union, and it could upset the fragile geopolitics of the Caucasus, a volatile region where the interests of Russia, Turkey, Iran and the West have long come into conflict.

Organizations: Soviet Union, European Union Locations: Russia, Georgia, Soviet, United States, Caucasus, Turkey, Iran

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