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☆ FTC plans to hire child psychologist to guide internet rules
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-23 | by ( Lauren Feiner | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

The Federal Trade Commission plans to hire at least one child psychologist who can guide its work on internet regulation, Democratic Commissioner Alvaro Bedoya told The Record in an interview published Monday. FTC Chair Lina Khan backs the plan, Bedoya told the outlet, adding that he hopes it can become a reality by next fall, though the commission does not yet have a firm timeline. Surgeon General issued an advisory in May that young people's social media use poses significant mental health risks. Bedoya told The Record that it's "absolutely part of that tradition of systematically expanding our expertise." "If someone is making an allegation about mental health harms, I have no full-time staff who are experts in the psychology of it."

Persons: Alvaro Bedoya, Lina Khan, Bedoya, Douglas Farrar, I've, Aspen Institute's Vivian Schiller Organizations: Federal Trade Commission, Democratic, FTC, CNBC, ., U.S, Privacy, Technology, Georgetown University Law Center, Aspen Locations: Federal, U.S

☆ U.S. Senate panel sends three FTC nominations to full Senate
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-18 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Federal Trade Commissioner Rebecca Slaughter testifies on the "Oversight of the Federal Trade Commission" before the U.S. Senate Consumer Protection, Product Safety, Insurance and Data Security Subcommittee in the Russell Senate Office Building in Washington, U.S., November 27, 2018. REUTERS/Leah Millis/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsWASHINGTON, Oct 18 (Reuters) - The U.S. Senate Commerce Committee voted on Wednesday to send three nominations for the U.S. Federal Trade Commission to the full Senate. THE TAKEIf confirmed by the Senate, as expected, adding the two Republicans will not change the balance of power at the five-member FTC, which also enforces antitrust law. A previous Republican FTC commissioner, Christine Wilson, quit this year and sharply criticized agency leadership. Reporting by Diane Bartz; editing by Jonathan OatisOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Rebecca Slaughter, Leah Millis, Andrew Ferguson, Melissa Holyoak, Lina Khan, Christine Wilson, Diane Bartz, Jonathan Oatis Organizations: Federal, Federal Trade Commission, U.S . Senate Consumer Protection, Safety, Insurance, Data, Russell Senate, REUTERS, Rights, U.S, Senate, U.S . Federal Trade Commission, Democrat, FTC, Democratic, Amazon.com, Albertsons, Republican, Thomson Locations: Russell, Washington , U.S, Virginia, Utah

The bulk of the Trump PAC money went to law firms that have defended Trump against a series of criminal charges or in civil lawsuits. “Well, if the little fish’s lawyer is being paid by the big fish that’s less likely to happen potentially.”The Trump campaign did not respond to a request for comment. That money is earmarked for political and campaign activities, not for legal expenses, according to the campaign. To help pay the legal fees, Trump’s political operation has also moved millions from his super PAC, MAGA Inc. Those concerns are amplified in court records filed by Smith’s team in the Mar-a-Lago case.

Persons: — Donald Trump’s, Trump, ”, Randall Eliason, he’s, Letitia James ’, James, schemed, “, it’s, Anthony Michael Kreis, Donald Trump, Robert Lee, wasn’t Trump, Lee, Alina Habba, Christopher Kise, James ’, Habba Madaio, Habba, Jean Carroll, Mary Trump, Kise, Foley, Lardner, Chris Kise, Ron DeSantis, Sen, Rick Scott, Coleman, Ciara Torres, Jack Smith, ” Torres, Spelliscy, Joe Biden, Saurav Ghosh, don’t, ” Ghosh, Donald J, Smith, Carlos De Oliveira, De Oliveira, He’s, Walt Nauta, John Irving of, Brand, Stanley Woodward, Woodward, Mark Meadows, Dawn Smelcer, ” he’s, Eric Tucker, Jill Colvin Organizations: WASHINGTON, Commission, Associated, Save, Republican National Committee, Democratic National Committee, National Republican Senatorial, Trump PAC, Trump, White, George Washington University Law School, MAGA Inc, Georgia State University, Associates, Save America, New York Times, PAC, Republican, Florida Gov, Continental, Stetson University College of Law, Justice Department, Justice, Republicans, Democrats, GOP, Democratic, Legal, Smith’s, FBI, John Irving of Earth & Water Law, Brand Woodward Law, Prosecutors, AP, Associated Press Locations: New York, Georgia, Fulton, Lago, Florida, Boca Raton , Florida, Washington ,, Bedminster , New Jersey, York, West Palm Beach , Florida, Save America, Fayetteville , North Carolina, Washington

That shift in legal doctrine was profound, shaping how courts have applied antitrust law ever since. Khan’s ideas have challenged the closest thing to a sacred cow in antitrust law. The most ambitious of those never became law, but Khan’s role in the probe, which Cicilline described as “critical,” helped further raise her profile. Amazon and Meta have both pushed for Khan to recuse herself from matters involving the companies, questioning her objectivity. The US Federal Trade Commission sued Amazon.com Inc. in a long-anticipated antitrust case, accusing the e-commerce giant of monopolizing online marketplace services by degrading quality for shoppers and overcharging sellers.

Persons: Lina Khan, Khan, Stephanie Keith, ” Khan, “, Joe Biden, ”, William Kovacic, George W, Bush, Barry Lynn, Lynn, New America Foundation —, Obama, —, ” Lina Khan, Rong Xu, ” Lynn, it’s, ’ ”, Reagan, Robert Hockett, Khan’s, David Cicilline, Lina, ” Cicilline, Cicilline, Justin Tallis, Biden, Trump, Douglas Farrar, Gary Gensler, Tom Williams, Jonathan Kanter, Roe, Wade, Kevin Kiley, Meta, she’s, “ We’ve, they’re, Federal Trade Commission Lina Khan, Al Drago, Kathleen Bradish, Bradish, Christine Wilson, Wilson, Noah Phillips, Gabby Jones, NetChoice, Carl Szabo, “ It’s, ” Szabo, There’s, ” Kovacic Organizations: CNN, Federal Trade Commission, Amazon, FTC, Big, Microsoft, Meta, Bloomberg, Getty, Republican, White House, Williams College, New America Foundation, Washington Monthly, Yale Law, Washington Post, Cornell Law School, Big Tech, Rhode, Rhode Island Democratic, Apple, Facebook, Cambridge, Activision, SEC, Financial Services, General Government, Securities and Exchange Commission, Capitol, Justice Department, Epic Games, California Republican, Washington , D.C, American Antitrust Institute, GOP, US Federal Trade Commission, Amazon.com Inc Locations: Big Tech, Robbinsville , New Jersey, Washington, Larchmont , New York, Rhode Island, Washington ,, New York

☆ New Mexico man claims self-defense for protest shooting
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-13 | by ( Andrew Hay | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

The statue, located just north of Espanola, New Mexico, was removed in 2020 during nationwide anti-racism protests. Prior to the shooting Martinez told a police officer and protesters to “fuck off” when they approached him, Rio Arriba County Sheriff’s Deputy Steve Dennis testified. Protest organizer Mateo Peixinho said he asked Martinez prior to the shooting why he had come to the event. Some descendants of Spanish colonial settlers, known as Hispanos, say Onate should be celebrated as part of New Mexico's Hispanic heritage. Reporting by Andrew Hay in Tierra Amarilla, New Mexico Editing by Donna Bryson and Matthew LewisOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Ryan Martinez, Jacob Johns, Martinez, Juan de Onate, Nicole Moss, Donald Trump, MAGA, Johns, Moss, Steve Dennis, Mateo Peixinho, Onate, Andrew Hay, Donna Bryson, Matthew Lewis Organizations: Sandia Park, Police, Mr, University of New, University of New Mexico Hospital, Thomson Locations: Spanish, Rio Arriba, Tierra Amarilla , New Mexico, U.S, , New Mexico, Mexico, Spokane , Washington, Espanola , New Mexico, Espanola, Rio Arriba County, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New

Europe's telecoms operators say Alphabet's Google (GOOGL.O), Meta's (META.O) Facebook, Netflix (NFLX.O), Microsoft (MSFT.O) and Amazon (AMZN.O) should bear some of the costs because they make up a huge part of internet traffic. Deutsche Telekom (DTEGn.DE), Orange (ORAN.PA), Telefonica (TEF.MC) and Telecom Italia (TLIT.MI) call it fair-share funding while Big Tech says it amounts to an internet tax. The French commissioner, a former chief executive at France Telecom and supporter of the operators' push, faced blowback from some of his fellow commissioners and some EU countries. Breton will likely voice concerns about the recent acquisitions of telecoms stakes by sovereign investment funds and private equity firms to EU telecoms ministers at an Oct. 23-24 meeting in Leon, Spain, another person said. ($1 = 0.9418 euros)Reporting by Foo Yun Chee; Editing by Tomasz Janowski and Mark PorterOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Thierry Breton, Breton, Foo Yun Chee, Tomasz Janowski, Mark Porter Organizations: Big Tech, European Commission, Google, Facebook, Netflix, Microsoft, Deutsche Telekom, Telefonica, Telecom Italia, France Telecom, EU, Thomson Locations: BRUSSELS, Europe, Orange, Leon, Spain

☆ Walmart's Mexico unit to face anti-trust panel after three-year investigation
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-07 | by ( Daina Beth Solomon | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Walmart's logo is seen outside one of the stores ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday in Chicago, Illinois, U.S. November 27, 2019. REUTERS/Kamil Krzaczynski//File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsMEXICO CITY, Oct 6 (Reuters) - Walmart's Mexico unit said on Friday it will face an anti-trust panel for alleged relative monopolistic practices related to the supply, wholesale distribution and marketing of consumer goods. The allegations follow a three-year investigation by Mexico's antitrust regulator, Cofece, and the company now has 45 days to provide arguments and evidence in its defense. Walmart de Mexico (WALMEX.MX), known as Walmex, was first told in 2020 that it was under review for possible antitrust behavior. The retailer last year posted revenue of more than 819 billion pesos ($45 billion) from its operations in Mexico and Central America.

Persons: Kamil Krzaczynski, Walmex, Cofece, Banorte, Valentine Hilaire, Daina Beth Solomon, Stephen Eisenhammer, Sandra Maler, Edwina Gibbs Organizations: REUTERS, MEXICO CITY, Walmart, Thomson Locations: Chicago , Illinois, U.S, MEXICO, Mexico, Central America

☆ US regulators weigh penalizing bankrupt crypto lender Voyager's ex-CEO - Bloomberg
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-06 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Oct 6 (Reuters) - Investigators at the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission's enforcement division have concluded that the co-founder of Voyager Digital broke derivatives regulations before the failed crypto lender plunged into bankruptcy last year, Bloomberg News reported on Friday. Voyager filed for bankruptcy in July last year, becoming a casualty of a dramatic fall in prices that had shaken the cryptocurrency sector. "CFTC commissioners are now voting on whether to approve an enforcement action against him within days," said the Bloomberg report. The CFTC did not immediately respond to Reuters request for comment, while Ehrlich and his representatives could not be immediately reached. Reporting by Manya Saini in Bengaluru; Editing by Saumyadeb ChakrabartyOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Stephen Ehrlich, Luna stablecoin, Ehrlich, Manya Saini, Saumyadeb Organizations: U.S . Commodity, Voyager, Bloomberg, CFTC, Thomson Locations: Bengaluru

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Republicans who control the Wisconsin Senate's elections committee retaliated Tuesday against one of the three Democratic elections commissioners who tried to block them from voting to fire the state's nonpartisan top elections official earlier this year. The committee voted along party lines against confirming Democratic Commissioner Joseph Czarnezki, who was appointed to the Wisconsin Elections Commission in May by Democratic Gov. The bipartisan elections commission, which consists of three Democrats and three Republicans, deadlocked in June on a vote to reappoint nonpartisan Administrator Meagan Wolfe. Senate Republicans proceeded anyways, voting last month to fire her. Democratic Sen. Mark Spreitzer, a member of the elections committee, accused Republicans of bowing to pressure from elections skeptics on Tuesday.

Persons: Joseph Czarnezki, Tony Evers, Meagan Wolfe, Czarnezki, Wolfe, Josh Kaul, Republican Sen, Dan Knodl, ”, ” Czarnezki, “ I'm, Joe Biden, Biden, Donald Trump, Democratic Sen, Mark Spreitzer, “, Evers, Scott Walker, ” Evers Organizations: —, Democratic, Commission, Democratic Gov, GOP, Republican, Senate, Republicans, Republican Gov, Associated Press, America Statehouse News Initiative, America Locations: MADISON, Wis, Wisconsin, Milwaukee County, Milwaukee

☆ Would-Be EU Climate Policy Chief Seeks Green Light From Lawmakers
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-02 | by ( Oct. | At A.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +2 min

But lawmakers want to test him - particularly those from left-leaning groups that have recently clashed with centre-right lawmakers seeking to weaken some green policies. "We must ensure that the Commission sticks to its commitments on the Green Deal and avoids backsliding as right-wing politicians up their attacks on climate policies," Green lawmaker Philippe Lamberts said. Some lawmakers have questioned whether his previous roles equip him to lead climate policy. It is not uncommon, however, for EU commissioners to take on new portfolios and work with the EU civil service to master them. "I've met with him on the areas that I work on, and I've been very impressed," one EU official said.

Persons: Kate Abnett BRUSSELS, Wopke Hoekstra, Hoekstra, Ursula von der, Philippe Lamberts, I've, Kate Abnett, Kevin Liffey Organizations: European Commission, Green, Shell, EU Locations: Dutch, Europe, China, United States, Netherlands

☆ Ski towns in the American West are getting swankier — and pricing out frustrated locals
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-01 | by ( Jordan Pandy | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +8 min

Driggs, Idaho, is the latest western mountain town to grapple with an surge of outsider money. AdvertisementAdvertisementChristina Assante bought a half-acre lot in Driggs, a ski town on the border of Wyoming, for $500,000 in 2021. Assante, and her son, Asher, are a part of a growing population setting course for the burgeoning ski town that was once overshadowed by its trendy neighbor Jackson, Wyoming. AdvertisementAdvertisementAn uncharted ski town in Idaho is ready to explodeIn Driggs, the town's expansion trajectory hangs in the balance as a, more literal, expansion is being organized. Locals are being pushed further outside of this Colorado ski townVail, Colorado, an expensive ski town a little less than 100 miles outside of Denver, could be viewed as a cautionary tale for Driggs and other budding ski towns.

Persons: —, Rich, Dutton, Luke Smith, Engel, Völkers Jackson, Cindy Riegel, Christina Assante, Assante, Michael, Asher, Driggs, Riegel, Allison Weibel, Steve Estvanik, Weibel, Vail, Michelle Badger, Redfin, it's, Mack, Keller Williams, Everdawn Charles, Tamara Williams, Kevin Costner's, Todd O'Hair, Montana's, Jackson, Paul Diegel Organizations: Service, Wall Street Journal, Journal, Census Bureau, New York Times, Times, Vail Resorts, Denver, Getty Images, Montana Chamber of Commerce Locations: Driggs , Idaho, Teton County , Idaho, Wyoming, Alta , Wyoming, Driggs, Jackson , Wyoming, Colorado and Montana, Idaho, Alta, Colorado, Vail , Colorado, Denver, Vail, Gypsum , Colorado, Vail —, Breckenridge, Dillon, Frisco, Bozeman , Montana, DianeBentleyRaymond, Getty Images Bozeman, Yellowstone, . Bozeman, Bozeman, Montana, Park City, Aspen

☆ Biden’s pro-competition agenda put to the test as net neutrality, tech trials take shape
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-29 | by ( Lauren Feiner | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

Shortly after that, the Federal Communications Commission chair announced a proposal to reinstate net neutrality rules, which prohibit internet service providers from favoring certain websites over others. It included appointing strong enforcers and starting the White House Competition Council. Even as several prongs of competition policy take shape, the Biden administration is up against the clock. That timeline may be particularly concerning for the ability to implement and uphold net neutrality rules, given that the FCC didn't have a Democratic majority able to advance the rulemaking until just this week. Wu and other net neutrality advocates have blamed the telecom industry for opposing Biden's initial FCC nominee, Gigi Sohn, holding up her nomination for well over a year until she ultimately withdrew.

Persons: Joe Biden, Department's, Anna Gomez, Biden, Tim Wu, Wu, Hannah Garden, Gigi Sohn Organizations: White, Federal Trade Commission, Amazon, Federal Communications Commission, Department of Justice, Google, Washington , D.C, FCC, Antitrust, Biden, Competition Council, FTC, Competition, Democratic, CNBC, Comcast Locations: Washington U.S, Washington ,

☆ See inside the lavish reception rooms at the US State Department
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-26 | by ( Piper Hudspeth Blackburn | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +13 min

"America's Collection: The Art and Architecture of the Diplomatic Reception Rooms at the US Department of State." Durston Saylor/Courtesy Rizzoli The Thomas Jefferson State Reception Room. Durston Saylor/Courtesy Rizzoli The James Monroe State Reception Room, which was designed by Walter M. Macomber. Durston Saylor/Courtesy Rizzoli The James Monroe State Reception Room. Durston Saylor/Courtesy Rizzoli The design of diplomacy: See inside the lavish reception rooms at the US State Department Prev NextRooms that take you back in time“America’s Collection” gives those without diplomatic credentials a chance to experience that moment.

Persons: Harry S, John Kerry, Obama, Kerry, Truman, Oz, Durston Saylor, Benjamin Franklin, John Blatteau, Thomas Jefferson, James Monroe, Walter M, John Quincy Adams, Childe Hassam, Edmund C, Martin Van Buren, Henry Clay, George Washington, , Francis Scott Key, Paul Revere, John Adams, Clement Conger, Edward Vason Jones, Benjamin West's, John Jay, Henry Laurens, William Temple Franklin, Bruce M, Jones, King George III, Mark Alan Hewitt, Adams, Louisa Catherine, Martha Washington, Alexandra Kirtley, ” Kirtley, Kirtley, ”, Betsy Kornhauser, Kornhauser, “, Joshua Shaw, Thomas Cole, Cole, Virginia Hart, ” —, Walter Thurston Gentlemen's, we’re, ” Hart Organizations: DC CNN, US, Truman, US Department of State, State Department, Benjamin, Thomas, James, James Madison, Henry, American, Department, Powel, York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art, Winterthur Museum, Library, Philadelphia Museum of Art, CNN, Metropolitan Museum of Art, River School, “, ”, Department of State, Rizzoli Electa Locations: Washington, United States, Virginia, Mount Vernon, Paris, Great Britain, Philadelphia, British, Delaware, China, American, Europe

☆ FCC to propose rules for net neutrality that ban internet providers from blocking websites
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-26 | by ( Brian Fung | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +8 min

CNN —The US government aims to restore sweeping regulations for high-speed internet providers, such as AT&T, Comcast and Verizon, reviving “net neutrality” rules for the broadband industry – and an ongoing debate about the internet’s future. The rules would ban internet service providers (ISPs) from blocking or slowing down access to websites and online content, the people told CNN. A net neutrality reduxNet neutrality rules are more necessary than ever, Rosenworcel is expected to say in her speech, after millions of Americans discovered the vital importance of reliable internet access during the Covid-19 pandemic. The draft rules are substantially similar to the rules the FCC passed in 2015, the people said. Among Pai’s first acts as agency chief was to propose a rollback of the earlier net neutrality rules.

Persons: Jessica Rosenworcel, Trump, John Oliver, Stephen Colbert, Rosenworcel’s, Anna Gomez, Donald Trump, Ajit Pai, Pai, George W, Bush, forbearing Organizations: CNN, Comcast, Verizon, Federal Communications Commission, Bloomberg, National Press Club, FCC, Obama, Republican, Senate, European Union, Communications, White Locations: Washington

AI (Artificial Intelligence) letters are placed on computer motherboard in this illustration taken June 23, 2023. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsWASHINGTON, Sept 19 (Reuters) - The deceptive use of artificial intelligence should be a priority for the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), three commissioner nominees said at a confirmation hearing Tuesday in show of bipartisanship on the popular issue. Ferguson was chief counsel to U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell from 2019 until 2021. Asked by Senator John Thune about the FTC's role in enforcing rules involving artificial intelligence, Slaughter said it was the FTC's job to pursue instances where laws against unfair and deceptive acts and practices were broken, whether or not artificial intelligence was used. A previous Republican FTC commissioner, Christine Wilson, quit this year and sharply criticized agency leadership.

Persons: Dado Ruvic, Rebecca Slaughter, Andrew Ferguson, Melissa Holyoak, Ferguson, Mitch McConnell, John Thune, Slaughter, Holyoak, Christine Wilson, Lina Khan, Diane Bartz, Aurora Ellis Organizations: REUTERS, Rights, Federal Trade Commission, Democrat, Senate Republican, Republican, Senate, FTC, Democratic, Thomson Locations: Virginia, Utah

☆ The SEC has a problem with the way funds are named, and is looking to do something about it
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-20 | by ( Bob Pisani | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +5 min

The Securities and Exchange Commission chair and the rest of the commissioners will vote on a new rule that would clarify what investment funds can call their funds. The SEC wants to clarify rules that govern what investment funds can name their funds. This is especially evident in the naming of funds, whether they are mutual funds or exchange-traded funds. The SEC proposal "would modernize the Names Rule for today's markets," he added. If the proposed rule is adopted, some funds may be under pressure to change their names.

Persons: Gary Gensler, Gensler, there's, There's, Dorothy M, Donohue Organizations: The Securities, Exchange Commission, SEC, Electric Vehicle Mutual Fund, Electric Vehicle, Nvidia, Microsoft, Electric Vehicles, The Investment Company Institute

☆ The vicious cycle of homeowners insurance: It's increasingly expensive to protect homes in the disaster-prone areas that need it most
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-20 | by ( Dan Latu | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

Earlier this year, Allstate joined State Farm in no longer offering new home insurance in California over climate risk. Across the country, 83% of prospective homebuyers said climate risk factored into where they are shopping for homes, according to a recent Zillow study. Danny Collins of Hobe Sound, Florida, told Insider in July how the bank holding his mortgage raised his monthly rate by $1,000, citing increased flood insurance. Matheus told Insider. Have you moved or are you considering a move because of climate risk and extreme weather events?

Persons: Carolyn Kousky, Berkshire Hathaway, Vox, Dave Jones, they'll, Danny Collins, Collins, Bob Stephens, Stephens, Martha Flanagan, Jason Beury, Charles Matheus, Kelly Roberge, Matheus, Dan Latu Organizations: Service, The Washington Post, Environmental Defense Fund, Allstate, Berkshire, Nationwide, National Association of Insurance, . Erie Insurance Group, Washington Post, State Farm, Farmers Insurance, Insurance, Wall Street, Journal, Hobe, Marathon Locations: Florida, Kansas, New York, California, Louisiana, United States, Coral, Florida's, Hobe Sound, Arizona, Brooklyn , New York, Kansas City , Kansas, Utica , New York, dlatu@insider.com

☆ Bankrupt Birmingham braces for cuts as UK government takes control
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-19 | by ( Hanna Ziady | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

London CNN —The UK government has moved to take control of the country’s second biggest city, Birmingham, after the local council effectively declared itself bankrupt earlier this month. The government has also proposed an inquiry to understand how Birmingham landed in its current financial mess. “The need for action in Birmingham is pressing,” he added. Birmingham City Council issued a so-called section 114 notice on September 5, which means it must halt all spending except on essential services such as schooling, housing, social care, waste collection and road maintenance. The plan is due to be discussed at an extraordinary meeting of the council on September 25.

Persons: Michael Gove, “, Deborah Cadman Organizations: London CNN, British, Birmingham City Council Locations: Birmingham, London, United Kingdom

☆ 41,000 people are about to get $240 million in medical debt cancelled thanks to an infusion of cash from Biden's pandemic aid
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-19 | by ( Juliana Kaplan | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

In Toledo, Ohio, 41,000 residents will see around $240 million in medical debt relieved. Communities across the country have allocated at least $16 million toward relieving medical debt, according to the White House . Cook County officials connected Grim with RIP Medical Debt, a nonprofit that buys up medical debt across the country and wipes it out completely. "If you have your medical debt relieved, they can go back to the doctor again, they can put food on the table." Do you have medical debt, or have received medical debt relief?

Persons: Michele Grim, It's, Grim, Joe Biden, Grim — Organizations: Service, Kaiser Family Foundation, Consumer Financial, Bureau, American, ARPA Locations: Toledo , Ohio, Wall, Silicon, Ohio, Lucas County, Toledo, Cook County , Illinois, Cook, Cook County

Local public health officials say the potential loss of funding could severely impact several essential services, including vaccines, cancer screening and testing for sexually transmitted infections. A national public health expert said the situation is unique in the U.S. and a threat to the entire public health field — especially going into an election year when health officials and their department could again become political targets. “I’m hoping this isn’t the start of a new trend of retroactive punishment against public health departments.”More than than 300,000 people live in Ottawa County, making it Michigan's seventh largest county. “You should not be at war with your health providers.”The Network for Public Health Law and the National Association of County and City Health Officials filed amicus briefs in support of Hambley’s lawsuit last month. And Freeman said her organization is keeping a close eye on Ottawa County: “This isn't something we want on the books for other county commissioners to consider in the future."

Persons: COVID, they’ve, ”, Lori Freeman, “ I’m, Herman Miller, Joe Moss, Sylvia Rhodea, — Moss, Rhodea, John Gibbs, Adeline Hambley, Jacob Bonnema, it's, Hambley, “, ” Hambley, Gibbs, Moss, —, Freeman, Robert Wood Johnson Organizations: National Association of County, City Health, Ottawa, Republican, Diversity, Equity, Associated Press, AP, Hambley, Grand Haven, Public Health Law, Associated Press Health, Science Department, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Locations: Mich, Michigan, U.S, Ottawa County, Ottawa, Grand

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The Republican-controlled Wisconsin Senate was set to vote Thursday on firing the battleground state's top elections official — a move that was denounced by Democrats as illegitimate and is expected to draw a legal battle. Nonpartisan Wisconsin Elections Commission Administrator Meagan Wolfe has been the subject of conspiracy theories and threats from election skeptics who falsely claim she was part of a plan to rig the 2020 vote in Wisconsin. The bipartisan elections commission deadlocked in June on a vote to nominate Wolfe for a second four-year term. In addition to carrying out the decisions of the elections commission, Wolfe helps guide Wisconsin’s more than 1,800 local clerks who actually run elections. Since the 2020 election, some Republicans have floated the idea of abolishing or overhauling the elections commission.

Persons: Meagan Wolfe, Wolfe, Devin LeMahieu, Josh Kaul, Kaul, Michael Haas, Scott Walker's, ERIC Organizations: Republican, Wisconsin Senate, GOP, Democratic, Biden, Trump, Republicans, Government, Board, Republican Gov, National Association of State, Registration, Associated Press, America Statehouse News Initiative, America Locations: MADISON, Wis, Wisconsin

☆ Common Patenting Tactic by Drug Companies May Be Illegal, F.T.C. Says
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-14 | by ( Rebecca Robbins | More About Rebecca Robbins | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

The Federal Trade Commission on Thursday issued what amounted to a warning to pharmaceutical companies about the legality of a widespread patenting strategy that experts say has helped keep inhaler costs high for patients with asthma and lung problems. In a policy statement unanimously endorsed by the agency’s commissioners, the F.T.C. said it “intends to scrutinize” whether companies are illegally engaging in an unfair method of competition when they exploit a regulatory loophole that can delay rivals from entering the market. The policy statement did not single out any particular products. “This seems to be a real problem, and one that could really be contributing to unaffordable medicines and drug products,” Lina Khan, the F.T.C.

Persons: “, ” Lina Khan Organizations: Federal Trade Commission

☆ US Senate committee to consider Biden’s Republican nominees to FTC
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-13 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Signage is seen at the Federal Trade Commission headquarters in Washington, D.C., U.S., August 29, 2020. REUTERS/Andrew Kelly Acquire Licensing RightsSept 13 (Reuters) - A U.S. Senate committee will meet next week to consider President Joe Biden's nomination of Virginia Solicitor General Andrew Ferguson and Utah Solicitor General Melissa Holyoak to fill Republican slots at the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Senator Maria Cantwell, who chairs the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, said she would convene a full nominations hearing on Sept. 20. Ferguson was chief counsel to U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell from 2019 until 2021. Holyoak is the Utah Solicitor General with the Utah Attorney General's Office.

Persons: Andrew Kelly, Joe Biden's, Andrew Ferguson, Melissa Holyoak, Lina Khan, Maria Cantwell, Ferguson, Mitch McConnell, Lindsey Graham, Chuck Grassley, Holyoak, Myers, Dan Whitcomb, Josie Kao Organizations: Federal Trade Commission, Washington , D.C, REUTERS, U.S, Senate, FTC, Democratic, Commerce, Science, Transportation, Senate Republican, Utah Attorney General's, Myers LLP, Hamilton Lincoln Law Institute, Enterprise Institute's Center, Thomson Locations: Washington ,, Utah

[1/2] The headquarters of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is seen in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 12, 2021. Picture taken May 12, 2021. A lawyer for Stoner Cats did not respond immediately to requests for comment. Stoner Cats is an adult animated series about house cats that become sentient after being exposed to their owner's medical marijuana, which is used to alleviate early Alzheimer's symptoms. The NFTs provided holders with exclusive access to watch "Stoner Cats" online.

Persons: Andrew Kelly, NFTs, Jane Fonda, Mila Kunis, Ashton Kutcher, Seth MacFarlane, Chris Rock, Stoner, Carolyn Welshans, Jonathan Stempel, Chris Prentice, Deepa Babington Organizations: U.S . Securities, Exchange Commission, Washington , D.C, REUTERS, Stoner, U.S, Securities, SEC, Investors, Stoner Cats, Thomson Locations: Washington ,, New York

☆ In Renaming of Mount Evans, Colorado Grapples With Its Violent Territorial Past
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-12 | by ( Matt Whittaker | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +8 min

An hour-and-a-half drive away from the museum – and roughly 9,000 feet above it – stands Mount Evans, a popular tourist destination and towering testament to a key figure behind the massacre. It can be replaced with a name that brings healing.”Now, yearslong efforts to rename Mount Evans are tantalizingly close to fruition. JoyHeart emphasizes that the ongoing conversation about changing the name of Mount Evans highlights the enduring influence of historical events on present-day Native communities. But in March, the board deferred a vote on the name change after the Montana-based Northern Cheyenne tribe requested a consultation on the new name. I look at it as a process that’s continuing.”The Mount Evans debate comes amid a broader national push to rename places that use titles offensive to Indigenous Americans.

Persons: birdsong, John Evans, ” –, Mount Evans, Evans, ”, MorningStar Jones, Rhyia JoyHeart, Jimena Peck, Sam Bock, Bock, Sarah Ortegon Highwalking, “ Evans ”, Matthew Makley, Jared Polis, William Walksalong, ” Walksalong, “, Reggie Wassana, Deb Haaland, Cris Stainbrook, Stainbrook, Jones, ” Ortegon Highwalking, hasn’t Organizations: DENVER, History Colorado Center, Gov, Denver, Northern Cheyenne Nation, U.S . Board, Geographic, Northern Arapaho, United Indigenous, USN, North, North Art District, Mount, Metropolitan State University of Denver, Capitol, Blue, Arapaho, Sky, U.S . Interior Department, Cheyenne, Southern, Arapaho Tribes, Southern Cheyenne and, Mount Blue, Arapaho Tribes Gov, Interior Department, Sec, Tenure Foundation, Eastern Shoshone Locations: Cheyenne, Arapaho, Colorado, Mount, Eastern Shoshone, Northern, Lakewood , Colorado, Sand, North Art, Denver, ”, Creek County, U.S, Montana, Arapaho . Colorado, Southern Cheyenne, Southern Cheyenne and Southern Arapaho, Oklahoma, Wyoming, American, United States, Alaska, Eastern

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