Digital Alabama News

January 6 Committee Finale Was Just The Beginning https://digitalalabamanews.com/january-6-committee-finale-was-just-the-beginning/ In its last scheduled public hearing before the midterms, the bipartisan House January 6 Committee summarized its most damning evidence. The violent mob attempt to overthrow the government of the United States on Jan. 6, 2021, wasn’t just planned, incited and inflamed by President Trump, but he did nothing to stop the rampage for hours, hoping to retain the presidency through violence after his defeat by the American people. There are lots of other issues in the midterm elections on Nov. 8 including rising prices, abortion rights, gun violence, voting rights and a climate crisis threatening life on earth, but American democracy will also be on the ballot. In an ideal world, both parties would be working together to make sure our democracy is never again threatened by violent, homegrown, unAmerican terrorists. Sadly, that’s not yet true. The January 6 Committee has laid out a compelling case to hold accountable those who devised that historic assault on America as well as the riotous mob that publicly participated in the mayhem and destruction. The committee will issue a final report before the current session ends recommending steps Congress should take to prevent another violent attack on democracy. Republican Obstruction But no one really expects any legislation to try to prevent another violent insurrection to pass until Republicans join Democrats in protecting the outcomes of elections in our democracy. Wyoming Rep. Liz Cheney and Illinois Rep. Adam Kinzinger were the only two House Republicans out of 212 willing to join the January 6 Committee to recommend ways to protect the results of free and fair elections in America. As a result, it has ended their Republican political careers. But that doesn’t mean the January 6 Committee hasn’t already made an invaluable contribution to the future of democracy. The measure of the committee’s success was never whether it changed the minds of Republicans who believed Trump’s preposterous lies that a nonexistent landslide victory was stolen from him. They simply stuck their fingers in their ears and recited nursery rhymes during months of compelling public testimony. Friends of the Shepherd Help support Milwaukee’s locally owned free weekly newspaper. LEARN MORE But here’s something the committee has changed. When the committee’s televised hearings began in June, there was widespread commentary by legal experts Atty. Gen. Merrick Garland might be reluctant to criminally indict Trump because taking such an action against a president would be unprecedented. It’s no longer considered unlikely. Multiple crimes involving Trump are under active investigation by the U.S. Justice Department because January 6 itself was unprecedented. Stone: ‘Claim Victory’ In a documentary film interview shown by the committee, Roger Stone, Trump’s crude, unethical political advisor, revealed months before the election Trump intended to claim he won and remain in office if he was defeated. “The key thing to do is to claim victory,” Stone said. “Possession is nine-tenths of the law. ‘No, we won. Fuck you.’ We’ll have to start smashing pumpkins if you know what I mean.” Jason Miller, another political advisor, bragged in a text on January 6 to Trump’s chief of staff Mark Meadows: “I got the base fired up.” As proof, he proudly forwarded violent online comments from Trump supporters including “Our ‘lawmakers’ in Congress can leave in one of two ways: 1. In a bodybag. 2. After rightfully certifying Trump the winner.” Here’s another one: “Keep your guns hidden. Don’t fuck around, full kits, 180 rounds minimum.” The detailed revelations of what was going on in the White House from Election Day through January 6, mostly provided by Republican appointees and staff, have been shocking. Just as shocking has been the reluctance of elected Republicans to distance themselves from it out of fear of losing votes or possibly their lives from Trump’s most dangerous supporters. Think About Your Vote When we vote for major state and national candidates in the midterms, we can’t escape thinking about which party represents the country we want to live in. That determines how elected officials approach every issue directly affecting our lives.  Wisconsin voters continue to be frustrated by their inability to have any control over their radically gerrymandered Republican state legislature still fighting over how to sabotage Biden’s election victory two years ago. Statewide elections for Gov. Tony Evers, U.S. Senator Mandela Barnes and Atty. Gen. Josh Kaul are among the few elections Republicans can’t corruptly gerrymander allowing voters to make their voices heard. There is nothing recognizably conservative about the Republican Party that has been remade in Trump’s angry, hateful image. Its major candidates in Wisconsin and across the country are loyal Trumpians. Republican leaders clearly won’t have the political courage to rid their party of all those who attempted to destroy democracy on January 6 until it starts costing them elections.  If it doesn’t happen in the midterms, we’ll have to fight for our democracy again in two years. We’ve had two national elections in a row with record turnouts supporting American democracy. We need to make it three. Joel McNally Joel McNally is a national-award-winning newspaper columnist and a longtime political commentator on Milwaukee radio and television. Since 1997, Joel has written a column for the Shepherd Express where he also was editor for two years. Read more by Joel McNally Oct. 17, 2022 10:49 a.m. Read More…

US Urges 6-Month Sentence For Ex-Trump Adviser Bannon Over Contempt Conviction https://digitalalabamanews.com/us-urges-6-month-sentence-for-ex-trump-adviser-bannon-over-contempt-conviction/ WASHINGTON —  The U.S. Justice Department on Monday asked a federal judge to sentence former President Donald Trump’s adviser Steve Bannon to six months behind bars, saying he pursued a “bad faith strategy defiance and contempt” against the congressional committee probing the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol. Bannon, an influential far-right political figure, was convicted in July on two counts of contempt of Congress for defying a subpoena. Each count is punishable by between 30 days to one year in prison and a fine ranging between $100 to $100,000. He is due to be sentenced before U.S. District Judge Carl Nichols on Friday morning. Prosecutors told Nichols in their sentencing recommendation on Monday that Bannon’s actions, including his refusal to this day to produce “a single document” to the congressional committee, led them to recommend a prison sentence at the top of the guidelines range. They also urged the judge to impose the maximum fine of $200,000, which they said they based on Bannon’s “insistence on paying the maximum fine rather than cooperate with the Probation Office’s routine pre-sentencing financial investigation.” “Throughout the pendency of this case, the Defendant has exploited his notoriety — through courthouse press conferences and his War Room podcast — to display to the public the source of his bad-faith refusal to comply with the committee’s subpoena: a total disregard for government processes and the law,” prosecutors wrote in their filing. “The defendant’s statements prove that his contempt was not aimed at protecting executive privilege or the Constitution, rather it was aimed at undermining the committee’s efforts to investigate an historic attack on government.” Read More…

Government Says Steve Bannon Should Get 6-Month Sentence For Defying Jan. 6 Committee Subpoena https://digitalalabamanews.com/government-says-steve-bannon-should-get-6-month-sentence-for-defying-jan-6-committee-subpoena/ WASHINGTON — The Justice Department said Monday that Steve Bannon should serve six months in prison and pay a $200,000 fine for defying a congressional subpoena from the House committee investigating the Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. The longtime ally of former President Donald Trump should serve a hefty sentence because he “pursued a bad-faith strategy of defiance and contempt” and he publicly disparaged the committee itself, undermining the effort to get to the bottom of the violent attack and keep anything like it from happening again, federal attorneys wrote. He has not yet provided any documents or answered any questions, they said. “The rioters who overran the Capitol on January 6 did not just attack a building — they assaulted the rule of law upon which this country was built and through which it endures,” federal attorneys wrote in court documents. “By flouting the Select Committee’s subpoena and its authority, the Defendant exacerbated that assault.” Bannon’s defense attorneys didn’t immediately respond to a message seeking comment. His lawyer, David Schoen, has said the case would be reversed on appeal. The Justice Department push comes shortly after the committee took the extraordinary step last week to subpoena Trump himself, something the members said was necessary to get the full story of what happened that day. It’s unclear how Trump will respond to the summons, but a refusal to comply could open up a similar path in court — though holding a former president in contempt would be an unprecedented and fraught process. Bannon, meanwhile, is set to be sentenced Friday on two counts of contempt of Congress: one for refusing to sit for a deposition and another for refusing to provide documents. The committee had sought Bannon’s testimony over his involvement in Trump’s efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election. Bannon initially argued that his testimony was protected by Trump’s claim of executive privilege, but the committee was skeptical because the adviser had been fired from the White House in 2017 and was thus a private citizen when he was consulting with the then-president in the run-up to the riot on Jan. 6, 2021. Trump’s own lawyer, meanwhile, told Bannon’s lawyer in October 2021 that he didn’t believe there was immunity for him, and he should cooperate with the subpoena, according to Monday’s sentencing memo. Federal attorneys are also asking for the maximum fine, saying Bannon refused to cooperate with routine questions about his finances and said he could pay whatever the court imposed. Defense attorneys argued during the trial that he didn’t refuse to cooperate and that the deadline dates “were in flux.” They pointed to the fact that Bannon had reversed course shortly before the trial kicked off — after Trump waived his objection — and had offered to testify before the committee. But that offer cam with strings attached, federal attorneys wrote, including the dismissal of the criminal case against him. When it became clear that wasn’t in the cards, the possibility of cooperation faded, court records state. Bannon was convicted after a four-day trial in July. Outside the courthouse, he compared the trial to a battle and said “we’re not going to lose this war,” then referred to members of the committee as “gutless.” It was not the only time Bannon disparaged the committee in “exaggerated and sometimes violent” language in press conferences and on his “War Room” podcast, prosecutors wrote. “The defendant’s statements prove that his contempt was not aimed at protecting executive privilege or the Constitution, rather it was aimed at undermining the Committee’s efforts to investigate an historic attack on government,” federal attorneys said in court documents. “To this day, he continues to unlawfully withhold documents and testimony that stand to help the Committee’s authorized investigation to get to the bottom of what led to January 6 and ascertain what steps must be taken to ensure that it never happens again. That cannot be tolerated.” Read More…

Credit Suisse Pays $495 Mln To Settle Legacy U.S. Case https://digitalalabamanews.com/credit-suisse-pays-495-mln-to-settle-legacy-u-s-case/ Settlement ends bank’s largest outstanding RMBS case Credit Suisse says settlement is fully covered by provisions Bank still has five cases to resolve Expects to resolve outstanding cases in next six months ZURICH, Oct 17 (Reuters) – Credit Suisse (CSGN.S) has agreed to pay $495 million to settle a case related to mortgage-linked investments in the United States, the latest pay-out related to past blunders that have battered the Swiss bank’s reputation. The lender has been paying out billions of dollars to resolve legal cases linked to its residential mortgage-backed securities (RMBS) business in the run up to the 2008 financial crisis. The decline in mortgage payments reduced the value of the assets, leading to huge losses for investors. Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com Switzerland’s second biggest bank is trying to move on from these legacy issues which have dogged its performance and cost it billions of dollars. The bank is also trying to recover from other missteps, including losing more than $5 billion from the collapse of investment firm Archegos last year, when it also had to suspend client funds linked to defunct financier Greensill Capital. The latest RMBS case, brought by the New Jersey Attorney General, alleged Credit Suisse had “misled investors and engaged in fraud or deceit in connection with the offer and sale of RMBS.” The attorney general’s office had claimed more than $3 billion in damages in a case filed in 2013. “Credit Suisse is pleased to have reached an agreement that allows the bank to resolve the only remaining RMBS matter involving claims by a regulator,” the bank said in a statement. “The settlement, for which Credit Suisse is fully provisioned, marks another important step in the bank’s efforts to pro-actively resolve litigation and legacy issues.” The logo of Swiss bank Credit Suisse is seen at its headquarters in Zurich, Switzerland February 22, 2022. REUTERS/Arnd Wiegmann The New Jersey case was the largest of its remaining exposure on its legacy RMBS business, Credit Suisse said, with five remaining cases at various stages of litigation. These are expected to be resolved in the next six months, a person familiar with the matter told Reuters. The total cost likely to be much less than $100 million, the source added. RMBS are a debt-based securities, seen as similar to bonds, which are backed by the interest paid on home loans packaged together to sell to investors. But poorly constructed RMBS’s contributed to the financial crisis in 2008 – when wider groups of mortgages defaulted leading to big losses. Credit Suisse, whose share price has more than halved in the last 12 months, has already paid out huge sums to resolve claims related to the products, including a $5.3 billion deal with the Department of Justice in 2017. It said at that time products it sold did not meet underwriting guidelines. It also paid $600 million to MBIA Inc last year after the New York based-municipal bond insurer paid out hundreds of millions to compensate investors. The bank, one of the largest in Europe and one of Switzerland’s global systemically important banks, is scheduled to release details of a much anticipated strategic review alongside third-quarter results on Oct. 27. In June, the bank was convicted of failing to prevent money laundering by a Bulgarian cocaine trafficking gang, while a Bermuda court ruled that a former Georgian Prime Minister and his family were due damages of more than half a billion dollars from Credit Suisse’s local life insurance arm. The U.S. Justice Department is also investigating whether Credit Suisse continued helping U.S. clients hide assets from authorities, eight years after the Swiss bank paid a $2.6-billion tax evasion settlement. Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com Reporting by John Revill and Oliver Hirt; Editing by Kirsten Donovan, Mark Potter and Jane Merriman Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles. Read More…

Prosecutors Want Bannon To Be Sentenced To Six Months | CNN Politics https://digitalalabamanews.com/prosecutors-want-bannon-to-be-sentenced-to-six-months-cnn-politics/ CNN  —  Federal prosecutors want Steve Bannon, a former top adviser to former President Donald Trump, to be sentenced to six months in prison for contempt of Congress, according to a recommendation filed Monday. In addition to serving time, the government is seeking $200,000 in fines. “For his sustained, bad-faith contempt of Congress, the Defendant should be sentenced to six months’ imprisonment – the top end of the Sentencing Guidelines’ range – and fined $200,000 – based on his insistence on paying the maximum fine rather than cooperate with the Probation Office’s routine pre-sentencing financial investigation,” prosecutors wrote in their court filing on Monday. They said he did not fully comply with the probation office in their pre-sentencing investigation, writing that Bannon “freely answered questions about his family, professional life, personal background, and health. But the Defendant refused to disclose his financial records, instead insisting that he is willing and able to pay any fine imposed, including the maximum fine on each count of conviction.” Prosecutors added: “The rioters who overran the Capitol on January 6 did not just attack a building – they assaulted the rule of law upon which this country was built and through which it endures. By flouting the Select Committee’s subpoena and its authority, the Defendant exacerbated that assault.” Bannon was found guilty by a jury in July of two counts of contempt of Congress. His sentencing is set for Friday. Prosecutors also said that once subpoenaed, Bannon’s lawyer sought an attorney for the former president to seek an assertion of executive privilege, “even though executive privilege could not possibly permit the Defendant’s total noncompliance.” Bannon, the government said, received a letter saying privilege may be of issue but that the letter did not direct any specific document to be withheld because Trump’s attorney was not certain there were any privileged documents or information at all. The government added the former president “did not believe the Defendant had immunity from testimony.” Prosecutors also revealed that before Bannon’s trial this summer, a last-minute offer to comply with the committee subpoena “had strings attached.” “Namely, that it would require the committee and the Government to agree that if the Defendant complied with the subpoena, the Government would delay and ultimately dismiss his trial,” according to the new filing. The government got the information from an interview with a committee staffer on October 7. A lawyer for Bannon reached out to the January 6 committee just before Bannon’s contempt of Congress trial this summer seeking to convince the congressional committee to help delay and ultimately dismiss the trial, prosecutors said in the sentencing memo. Bannon lawyer Evan Corcoran spoke to the committee’s top investigator, Tim Heaphy, asking whether the committee would join with Bannon’s lawyer in a request to dismiss the contempt trial if Bannon would comply with the panel’s subpoena by providing documents and testimony, Heaphy told FBI investigators in a voluntary interview last week. Heaphy responded that Bannon’s team should reach out to the prosecutors, while declining to agree to join any effort. “My takeaway is that Bannon knows that this proposal for a continuance and ultimate dismissal of his trial is likely a non-starter, which prompted him to call us to explore support as leverage,” Heaphy wrote in an email to House staff that was included in the sentencing memo. “I expect that DOJ will not be receptive to this proposal, as he is guilty of the charged crime and cannot cure his culpability with subsequent compliance with the subpoena.” Prosecutors wrote in the sentencing memo that Bannon’s lawyer “made clear that the Defendant’s newfound cooperative spirit had strings attached.” “When his quid pro quo attempt failed, the Defendant made no further attempt at cooperation with the Committee – speaking volumes about his bad faith,” the Justice Department wrote. The sentencing memo also provided new detail about Bannon lawyer Robert Costello’s interactions with Trump’s counsel, Justin Clark, last year. Costello had written to the committee claiming that Trump was invoking executive privilege over Bannon’s testimony, citing a letter from Clark. But Clark had told Costello that the letter did not claim executive privilege for Bannon. Clark told federal investigators he was “pissed” that Bannon’s lawyer had “completely misrepresented” to the committee what Clark had told him, federal prosecutors said in the sentencing memo. Clark wrote in an October 2021 email to Costello that the letter he had sent “didn’t indicate that we believe there is immunity from testimony for your client. As I indicated to you the other day, we don’t believe there is. Now, you may have made a different determination. That is entirely your call.” This story has been updated with additional reporting. Read More…

Trans-Siberian Orchestra Is Back, Guitarist Al Pitrelli Reveals Details Of Winter Tour 2022 https://digitalalabamanews.com/trans-siberian-orchestra-is-back-guitarist-al-pitrelli-reveals-details-of-winter-tour-2022/ It’s that time of year again when ornaments, trees, and tinsel are put on display in supermarket aisles and in commercials on television that start heralding the holidays. That can only mean one thing: Trans-Siberian Orchestra is coming to a town near you. Progressive rock ensemble, Trans-Siberian Orchestra (TSO), will embark on their much-anticipated annual winter tour. What began over two decades ago with just two buses, one box truck, and a fog machine across seven cities, has grown into a caravan of 20 tractor-trailers, 12 buses, and innumerable fog machines. This year, audiences in 60 cities across the U.S. will see a completely updated presentation of their unforgettable holiday story and rock opera, “The Ghosts of Christmas Eve.” “This year will be bigger and better and crazier and more nuts than last year,” TSO’s music director and lead guitarist Al Pitrelli tells American Songwriter. “It’s something we take a lot of pride in. The audience that’s grown up with us knows that every year we’re going to do something more over-the-top than previous years both musically and visually.” It’s a challenge, but a fun one, he insists. Pitrelli’s passion for TSO is palpable. Having not performed in 2020 due to the pandemic, the next year felt like a homecoming for the group. The guitarist admitted the return to the stage in 2021 felt a little strange amid masks, mandates, and tests, however, he says, “I’d do the show in a hazmat suit, I don’t care.” “I love what I do,” he continues. “If you love something and you lose it, when you get it back in your hands, you never want to let go. You hold it a little tighter.” It’s safe to say fans can expect a momentous performance of this year’s tale. “The Ghosts of Christmas Eve,” is the product of the imagination of the group’s late founder, Paul O’Neill, and his wife Desi. It tells the story of a runaway teen who—cold, scared, and lonely—takes refuge in an abandoned theatre on Christmas Eve. Ghostly visions appear as the tale of the theatre’s past unfolds against the band’s musical performances. “The singers are no longer singers in our band,” explains Pitrelli. “They become the characters in the story and the story becomes the listener’s story as well and that’s the magic that TSO brings.” The story has a happy ending, Pitrelli assures, but in real life, not everybody gets that same ending. He says, “Especially around the holidays, everybody misses somebody that much more … There’s an empty chair at everyone’s dining room table.” That’s when the show strays from being a holiday show and becomes a human show, one big communal experience for the audience. “When you put 14,000 people who have the same sentiment or same emotion, listening to Paul’s story, it’s almost cathartic,” Pitrelli adds, stating there’s comfort in knowing that the people around you feel a similar way. The electric orchestra tackles over 100 shows in a little over a month, performing sometimes two shows a night, multiple cities a day. How do they do it? Maybe it’s a touch of “Beam me up, Scotty” or maybe it’s just a Christmas miracle, but the real answer is the crew. “We’d be dead in the water without them,” says Pitrelli. And it’s all worth it for the fans. Many returning audience members, affectionately referred to as “repeat offenders,” have made TSO their holiday tradition, and TSO have made the fans theirs. This year’s performance will feature fan favorites like “Christmas Eve/Sarajevo 12/24,” “O’ Come All Ye Faithful,” “Christmas Canon,” “This Christmas Day,” and so many more classics. The upcoming tour will also surprise fans as each show’s second set will consist of TSO’s greatest hits and songs never-before-played live. TSO will kick off its extensive tour in Green Bay, Wisconsin, and will zig-zag across America, ending its final show just before Christmas Eve in San Antonio, Texas. Tour Dates Nov. 16 – Green Bay, WI – Resch Center – Matinee & Evening Nov. 16 – Council Bluffs, IA – Mid America Center – Evening Nov. 17 – Wichita, KS – INTRUST Bank Arena – Evening Nov. 18 – Fort Wayne, IN – Allen County War Memorial Coliseum – Evening Nov. 19 – Denver, CO – Ball Arena – Matinee & Evening Nov. 19 – Cincinnati, OH – Heritage Bank – Matinee & Evening Nov. 20 – Colorado Springs, CO – World Arena – Matinee & Evening Nov. 20 – Youngstown, OH – Covelli Centre – Matinee & Evening Nov. 22 – Salt Lake City, UT – Vivint Arena – Matinee & Evening Nov. 23 – Uncasville, CT – Mohegan Sun Arena – Matinee & Evening Nov. 25 – Spokane, WA – Spokane Arena – Evening Nov. 25 – Manchester, NH – SNHU Arena – Matinee & Evening Nov. 26 – Seattle, WA – Climate Pledge Arena – Matinee & Evening Nov. 26 – Worcester, MA – DCU Center – Matinee & Evening Nov. 27 – Eugene, OR – Matthew Knight Arena – Evening Nov. 27 – Wilkes-Barre, PA – Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza – Matinee & Evening Nov. 28 – Portland, OR – Moda Center – Evening Nov. 30 – Albany, NY – MVP Arena – Evening Dec. 1 – Fresno, CA – Save Mart Center – Evening Dec. 1 – Rochester, NY – Blue Cross Arena – Evening Dec. 2 – Sacramento, CA – Golden 1 Center – Matinee & Evening Dec. 2 – Toledo, OH – Huntington Center – Matinee & Evening Dec. 3 – Ontario, CA – Toyota Arena – Matinee & Evening Dec. 3 – Dayton, OH – Nutter Center – Matinee & Evening Dec. 4 – Phoenix, AZ – Footprint Center – Matinee & Evening Dec. 4 – Grand Rapids, MI – Van Andel Arena – Matinee & Evening Dec. 7 – Austin, TX – Moody Center – Evening Dec. 7 – Lexington, KY – Rupp Arena – Evening Dec. 8 – Oklahoma City, OK – Paycom Center – Evening Dec. 8 – Knoxville, TN – Thompson-Boling Arena – Evening Dec. 9 – Little Rock, AR – Simmons Bank Arena – Evening Dec. 9 – Greenville, SC – Bon Secours Wellness Arena – Matinee & Evening Dec. 10 – St Louis, MO – Enterprise Center – Matinee & Evening Dec. 10 – Charlotte, NC – Spectrum Center – Matinee & Evening Dec. 11 – Indianapolis, IN – Gainbridge Fieldhouse – Matinee & Evening Dec. 11 – Atlanta, GA – Gas South Arena – Matinee & Evening Dec. 14 – Nashville, TN – Bridgestone Arena – Evening Dec. 14 – Raleigh, NC – PNC Arena – Evening Dec. 15 – Birmingham, AL – BJCC – Evening Dec. 15 – Charlottesville, VA – John Paul Jones Arena – Evening Dec. 16 – Jacksonville, FL – VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena – Evening Dec. 16 – Allentown, PA – PPL Center – Matinee & Evening Dec. 17 – Orlando, FL – Amway Center – Matinee & Evening Dec. 17 – Pittsburgh, PA – PPG Paints Arena – Matinee & Evening Dec. 18 – Tampa, FL – Amalie Arena – Matinee & Evening Dec. 18 – Philadelphia, PA – Wells Fargo Center – Matinee & Evening Dec. 21 – Chicago, IL – Allstate Arena – Matinee & Evening Dec. 21 – Hershey, PA – Giant Center – Matinee & Evening Dec. 22 – Milwaukee, WI – Fiserv Forum – Matinee & Evening Dec. 22 – Buffalo, NY – KeyBank Center – Matinee & Evening Dec. 23 – St Paul, MN – Xcel Energy Center – Matinee & Evening Dec. 23 – Columbus, OH – Nationwide – Matinee & Evening Dec. 26 – Kansas City, MO – T-Mobile Center – Matinee & Evening Dec. 26 – Washington, D.C. – Capital One Arena – Matinee & Evening Dec. 27 – Newark, NJ – Prudential Center – Matinee & Evening Dec. 28 – Dallas, TX – American Airlines Center – Matinee & Evening Dec. 29 – Houston, TX – Toyota Center – Matinee & Evening Dec. 29 – Detroit, MI – Little Caesars Arena – Matinee & Evening Dec. 30 – Cleveland, OH – Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse – Matinee & Evening Dec. 30 – San Antonio, TX – AT&T Center – Matinee & Evening Photo by Daniel Knighton/Getty Images Read More…

Broncos’ Patrick Surtain II Ready For Prime Time Again https://digitalalabamanews.com/broncos-patrick-surtain-ii-ready-for-prime-time-again/ The Broncos’ offseason trade for quarterback Russell Wilson paired with the hiring of Green Bay Packers offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett as the NFL team’s new head coach held the promise for an exciting season in Denver. As such, the Broncos were scheduled into four prime-time slots in the first six weeks of the NFL’s 2022 season, including Monday night’s meeting with the Los Angeles Chargers. MORE NFL: · STATE ROUNDUP: TYREEK HILL RINGING UP BIG STATS · ALABAMA ROUNDUP: QUINNEN WILLIAMS PLAYING ‘AT DIFFERENT LEVEL’ · AUBURN ROUNDUP: BRADEN SMITH DROPS ANCHOR AGAIN But while Denver’s prime-time appearances have been dramatic, they haven’t exactly been exciting. The Broncos lost to Wilson’s former team, the Seattle Seahawks, 17-16 in the first Monday night game of the season, defeated the San Francisco 49ers 11-10 in Week 3′s Sunday night game and fell to the Indianapolis Colts 12-9 in overtime in Week 5′s Thursday night game. The prime-time games didn’t produce the offensive output expected, but they have put on display the talent of Denver cornerback Patrick Surtain II. Pro Football Focus rated Surtain as the NFL’s best cornerback in coverage through the first five weeks of the season, and profootballreference.com stats show the former Alabama All-American has given up 159 yards in receptions in 2022 even though he spends most of each game matched against the opponent’s top wideout. On Monday night, Surtain will have a matchup that has produced perhaps his best game in the NFL so far. When the Broncos defeated the Chargers 28-13 on Nov. 28 in his rookie season, Surtain intercepted Los Angeles quarterback Justin Herbert twice in the fourth quarter. Surtain’s first interception came in the end zone, and he returned the second 70 yards for a touchdown. “That was one of my best games, for sure,” Surtain said. “That was a game that I prepared for a lot. Each and every week, I expect to make big plays, so that game sort of happened to be one of my biggest games. I just step in and just expect the best.” Herbert enters Monday night’s game on pace for another 5,000-yard passing season, and he’s been intercepted twice in 200 throws. “He’s a great quarterback,” Surtain said. “He’s got all the intangibles, can make every throw on the field. He could run, too — a very mobile quarterback — so he’s going to present some challenges to us. He’s got a lot of playmakers around him, surrounding him. It makes it easy for him, but he’s just a great quarterback all-around that’s capable of doing everything.” Herbert might be without one of those playmakers again on Monday night. Wide receiver Keenan Allen hasn’t played since the season-opener because of a hamstring injury, and he’s listed as doubtful for Game 6 on the Chargers’ injury report. But the Broncos will be without starting cornerback Ronald Darby, who tore an anterior cruciate ligament in Week 5 and will miss the rest of the season. Denver could get a boost from the return of safety Justin Simmons. He’s been on injured reserve since sustaining a thigh injury in the season-opener, but Simmons has returned to practice and could be activated for Monday night’s game. “It helps a lot having a guy like Justin back,” Surtain said. “Just having his presence back there in the secondary, him being vocal, commanding the defense in the back end. You know that it helps when you have him and Kareem (Jackson) back there, two veterans back there that have been in the league for a long time at a high level, been doing it at a high level, so it’d be great to have him back.” Monday night’s game will be the Chargers’ third against AFC West rivals already this season. Los Angeles defeated the Las Vegas Raiders 24-19 on Sept. 11 and lost to the Kansas City Chiefs 27-24 on Sept. 15. The Broncos have played one of their six division games so far, falling to the Raiders 32-23 on Oct. 2. Las Vegas is the only team to top 17 points against Denver this season. “I can say the competitiveness of the whole division is rising,” Surtain said. “You could see from (Kansas City’s 30-29 victory over Las Vegas in the Week 5 Monday night game) that it was a highly competitive game. It was going both ways, a high-scoring game. It’s just going to come down to the wire in some games like this because the division is highly talented, highly stoked.” The Broncos and Chargers square off at 7:15 p.m. CDT Monday at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. ESPN will televise the game. FOR MORE OF AL.COM’S COVERAGE OF THE NFL, GO TO OUR NFL PAGE Mark Inabinett is a sports reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter at @AMarkG1. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. Read More…

Drone Attacks Rock Kyiv; Ukraine Conductor Shot By Russians For Refusing To Perform: Live Updates: Live Updates https://digitalalabamanews.com/drone-attacks-rock-kyiv-ukraine-conductor-shot-by-russians-for-refusing-to-perform-live-updates-live-updates/ Explosions rocked Kyiv on Monday as dozens of armed drones unleashed by Russian forces set buildings ablaze, killed at least four people and sent residents scrambling for cover. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said most of the 28 drones targeting Kyiv were shot down, but that explosions were heard across the city. One strike appeared to target the city’s heating network; another virtually destroyed a four-story residential building, collapsing at least three apartments on top of each other. Four deaths were reported at one residential building alone, Klitschko said.  He said the drones were Iranian-made Shaheds, which Russia has rebranded as Geran-2 drones. Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kanaani on Monday denied that Iran provided drones to Russia. The attack came a week after Russia’s massive barrage of missile strikes in Kyiv and other major cities across Ukraine killed at least 20 people. That assault was the first to reach Kyiv in four months.  “Enemies can attack our cities, but they won’t break us,” President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in a video address. Other developments ►The European Union approved a program Monday to train 15,000 Ukrainian troops in Europe and agreed to provide almost $500 million in more funds to help supply weapons and other military support to Ukraine. ►Belarus, Russia’s closest ally, will host 9,000 Russian troops and 170 tanks as part of a new joint Russian-Belarusian military force. Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko said the effort is in response to his unsubstantiated claim that Ukraine is plotting an attack on its ex-Soviet neighbor. ►NATO on Monday began its annual nuclear exercises in northwestern Europe. Fourteen of NATO’s 30 member countries were due to take part in the exercises, which were planned before Russia’s February invasion of Ukraine. ►Four Russians are being detained in Norway after being accused of taking photos in areas where photography is banned. Norwegian officials declined to provide additional information and are continuing to investigate. The Russians say they are just tourists. RUSSIAN DRAFTEES IN BATTLE: New draftees already in combat with scant equipment; Kremlin in no hurry to release Brittney Griner: Ukraine updates Ukrainian conductor reportedly killed for rejecting Russian concert A Ukrainian philharmonic conductor was fatally shot in his home by Russian soldiers after refusing to participate in a propaganda concert in Russian-occupied Kherson, the Ukraine Cultural Ministry said. Yuri Kerpatenko has been conducting in Kherson since 2000 and was the main conductor of the Gilea Chamber Orchestra, the ministry said in a Facebook post citing local journalist Elena Vanina. “Kerpatenko openly showed his civic position and refused to leave occupied Kherson,” the ministry said. The Russians wanted the orchestra as part of a concert intended to demonstrate “improvement of peaceful life” in Kherson under Russian rule, but Kerpatenko refused to cooperate, the ministry said. Ukraine seeks sanctions against Iran for supplying Russia with drones Ukraine Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba urged the European Union to impose sanctions on Iran for supplying Russia with deadly drones. The EU foreign ministers were meeting Monday in Luxembourg to adopt a package of sanctions against Iran in connection with the violation of human rights and will also consider the evidence regarding Iran’s involvement in the supply of weapons to Russia. Iran denies involvement. “I’m probably the first foreign minister to address EU FAC from a bomb shelter because of the air raids siren,” said Kuleba in a Twitter post that also urged the EU to approve another “strong” sanctions package for Russia. Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant once again loses external power from shelling Ukrainian nuclear energy company Energoatom says external power to the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant was once again cut off because of shelling by Russian forces that struck a power substation on Ukrainian territory. Operators have been compelled to temporarily use diesel generators to power the safety systems at the plant, the largest nuclear power plant in Europe. The six reactors have been shut down amid the fighting, but the plant needs power to ensure critical safety systems remain operational. Energoatom and international atomic energy experts have repeatedly called for a demilitarization of the plant and the withdrawal of Russian forces that surround it. Contributing: The Associated Press Read More…

The Top 10 Richest Of The Rich In Connecticut https://digitalalabamanews.com/the-top-10-richest-of-the-rich-in-connecticut/ How much money does one need to be happy and fulfilled? Would you be more comfortable if you could buy anything you wanted anytime you wanted? So, if I had the opportunity, those are the two questions I would ask the owner of the New York Mets, Steve Cohen, who’s the second wealthiest individual in the state and 107th in the world. And then, I would ask him for a pair of season tickets. In the following list of the Top 10 Richest People in Connecticut, Cohen placed second with a net worth of $17.4 billion. After writing this article, I realized most of the top 10 had two things in common: hedge funds and the town of Greenwich. Over half of Connecticut’s most affluent residents have earned their millions through hedge funds limited to wealthier investors who can afford the higher fees and risks of hedge fund investing, according to investor.gov. Hedge funds pool money from investors and invest in securities or other types of investments to earn positive returns. It’s as if your portfolio were on steroids times one thousand. I don’t begrudge the wealth these 10 Connecticut residents have accumulated because their vast knowledge in the art of finance has served them well. However, do you think if I asked nicely and informed Steve Cohen that we had Mets season tickets in the 80s, Mr. Cohen would hand over $100,000 to pad my portfolio? I didn’t think so. The 10 Wealthiest Individuals in Connecticut KEEP READING: See the richest person in every state LOOK: Here is the richest town in each state Just saying the names of these towns immediately conjures up images of grand mansions, luxury cars, and ritzy restaurants. Read on to see which town in your home state took the title of the richest location and which place had the highest median income in the country. Who knows—your hometown might even be on this list. Read More…

DOJ Recommends Bannon Serve 6 Months In Prison, Pay $200K Fine For Failing To Appear Before Jan. 6 Committee https://digitalalabamanews.com/doj-recommends-bannon-serve-6-months-in-prison-pay-200k-fine-for-failing-to-appear-before-jan-6-committee/ The Justice Department is recommending a six-month prison sentence and a $200,000 fine for former Trump aide Steve Bannon due to his failure to comply with a subpoena to appear before the House Select Committee investigating January 6. In a filing Monday, the Justice Department said “the rioters that overran the Capitol on January 6 did not just attack a building—they assaulted the rule of law upon which this country was built and through which it endures.” “By floating the Select Committee’s subpoena and its authority, the Defendant exacerbated that assault,” the Justice Department wrote. “To this day, he continues to unlawfully withhold documents and testimony that stand to help the Committee’s authorized investigation to get to the bottom of what led to January 6 and ascertain what steps must be taken to ensure that it never happens again.” STEVE BANNON FOUND GUILTY OF CONTEMPT OF CONGRESS FOR IGNORING JAN. 6 HEARING SUBPOENA Former Trump White House chief strategist Steve Bannon refused to cooperate with the U.S. House Select Committee investigating the January 6, 2021 attack on the Capitol. (Reuters/Michael A. McCoy/File Photo) The DOJ added: “That cannot be tolerated.” MARK MEADOWS COMPLYING WITH DOJ SUBPOENA, TURNING OVER DOCUMENTS PREVIOUSLY SHARED WITH HOUSE JAN. 6 COMMITTEE The DOJ said that respect for the rule of law is “essential to the functioning of the United States government and to preserving the freedom and good order this country has enjoyed for more than two centuries.” “The Defendant’s bad-faith strategy of defiance and contempt deserves severe punishment,” the Justice Department said, recommending that the court impose a six-month prison sentence “reflecting the most severe Guidelines-compliant punishment available” and fine Bannon $200,000. Chairman Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., makes remarks during the Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack on the United States Capitol. (Photo By Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images) Sentencing is scheduled for Friday, Oct. 21. FORMER TRUMP ADVISER PETER NAVARRO PLEADS NOT GUILTY TO CONTEMPT OF CONGRESS CHARGES The Department of Justice charged Bannon with two counts of contempt of Congress after he ignored a subpoena from the committee. Bannon pleaded not guilty.  Bannon, in July, was found guilty of contempt of Congress. He claimed executive privilege precluded him from appearing before the committee to talk about the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol, though prosecutors noted that he left the White House in 2017. Capitol Police during the Jan. 6 riot. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) Former Trump White House adviser Peter Navarro was also charged by the Justice Department with contempt of Congress earlier this year.  TRUMP WRITES BLISTERING JAN. 6 COMMITTEE RESPONSE, DOESN’T SAY IF HE’LL TESTIFY Navarro pleaded not guilty to two counts of criminal contempt of Congress charges after he refused to comply with a subpoena issued by the House Jan. 6 committee, also claiming executive privilege. The committee voted to subpoena former President Trump last week.  Fox News’ Jake Gibson and David Spunt contributed to this report.  Brooke Singman is a Fox News Digital politics reporter. You can reach her at Brooke.Singman@Fox.com or @BrookeSingman on Twitter. Read More…

Post Politics Now: More Debates In Marquee Races Playing Out Ahead Of Midterms https://digitalalabamanews.com/post-politics-now-more-debates-in-marquee-races-playing-out-ahead-of-midterms-2/ Today, candidates are squaring off in more debates in marquee midterm races: in Georgia’s gubernatorial race, Gov. Brian Kemp (R) vs. Democratic challenger Stacey Abrams; in Ohio’s Senate race, Rep. Tim Ryan (D) vs. Republican J.D. Vance; and in Utah’s Senate race, Sen. Mike Lee (R) vs. independent Evan McMullin. In Washington, the Biden administration is touting a new rule that makes hearing aids available over the counter, without a prescription, and often at a much lower price. The move coincides with a push by President Biden to convince voters that Democrats are working to counter the impact of inflation by lowering costs of living in other ways. Your daily dashboard 12:20 p.m. Eastern time: Biden returns to the White House. 1:30 p.m. Eastern: White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre briefs reporters. Watch live here. 6 p.m. Eastern (3 p.m. Pacific): Vice President Harris hosts a conversation in Los Angeles about reproductive rights. Watch live here. Got a question about politics? Submit it here. After 3 p.m. Eastern weekdays, return to this space and we’ll address what’s on the mind of readers. Noted: Republicans sue to keep undated mail-in ballots from being counted in Pa. Return to menu Republicans are asking the state’s highest court in Pennsylvania to block undated mail-in ballots from being counted in this year’s midterms. A lawsuit filed Sunday night by the Republican National Committee and state GOP, among others, asks the Pennsylvania Supreme Court to order the immediate segregation of all absentee and mail-in ballots received for the 2022 general election that are undated and ensure they are not part of official vote totals. In Pennsylvania, state law requires voters to handwrite a date on the outer envelope when returning mail-in ballots. But the issue has been a source of multiple state and federal lawsuits since the 2020 election, leaving an uncertain terrain. This just in: Justice Dept. seeks jail for Bannon in contempt of Congress case Return to menu Federal prosecutors urged a judge Monday to make former president Donald Trump’s political confidant Stephen K. Bannon the first person to be incarcerated for contempt of Congress in more than half a century, recommending he serve six months in prison for refusing to cooperate with a House committee probing the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol attack. The Post’s Spencer S. Hsu reports that prosecutors also sought to fine Bannon the maximum $200,000 allowed because he refused to cooperate with court officials’ routine presentencing investigation and divulge his financial records. Per our colleague: Analysis: Can abortion flip the most competitive House seat in North Carolina? Return to menu In a classroom at North Carolina State University in Raleigh, eight college students sat in a circle and told Wiley Nickel what issues were important to them in this election. All but one, including three male students, listed abortion access as one of their top issues. The Post’s Leigh Ann Caldwell and Theodoric Meyer say that’s good news for Nickel, the Democrat running in North Carolina’s 13th District, the most competitive House seat in the swing state, and a critical pickup opportunity for Democrats in their uphill effort to maintain control of the House despite disapproval of President Biden and record-level inflation. Per our colleagues: On our radar: Chinese hackers are scanning state political party headquarters, FBI warns Return to menu Chinese government hackers are scanning U.S. political party domains ahead of next month’s midterm elections, looking for vulnerable systems as a potential precursor to hacking operations, and the FBI is making a big push to alert potential victims to batten down the hatches, officials say. Writing in The Technology 202, The Post’s Josh Dawsey, Ellen Nakashima and Tim Starks report that over the past week, FBI agents in field offices across the country have notified some Republican and Democratic state party headquarters that they might be targets of the Chinese hackers, according to party and U.S. officials, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the matter’s sensitivity. Per our colleagues: On our radar: White House touts new over-the-counter hearing aid rule Return to menu The Biden administration is highlighting a new rule Monday that makes hearing aids available over the counter, without a prescription, and often at a much lower price. The move coincides with a push by President Biden to convince voters that Democrats are combating inflation by lowering costs of living in various other ways. “Starting today, hearings aids are now on store shelves across the country — for thousands of dollars less than they previously cost,” the White House said in a fact sheet distributed early Monday morning. The latest: Walker concedes he wrote check but denies it was for an abortion Return to menu Georgia Republican Senate candidate Herschel Walker acknowledged giving a $700 check to an ex-partner in 2009, but in an interview broadcast Monday he continued to deny the woman’s claim that the money was to pay for an abortion. “I have no idea what that could be for,” Walker said, when presented with a copy of the check by NBC’s Kristen Welker during the interview that aired on the “Today” show. Walker later acknowledged that it was his signature on the check but rejected the allegation by the woman, who is the mother of one of Walker’s children, now 10 years old. Noted: How the ‘Never Trump’ movement became ‘Never Trumpism’ Return to menu For many disaffected Republicans, 2022 is the year the “Never Trump” movement became “Never Trumpism.” The Post’s Isaac Arnsdorf reports that in races across the country, former and even some sitting Republican elected officials are endorsing Democratic candidates in unusual numbers. And a crop of Republican-led groups that sprang up to oppose former president Donald Trump has now turned to persuading Republican voters not to support the party’s nominees who are imitating his divisive appeals and false clams about the 2020 election. Per Isaac: The latest: Trump lashes out after Paul Ryan says Trump won’t be 2024 nominee Return to menu Former president Donald Trump is lashing out at former House speaker Paul D. Ryan (R-Wis.), calling him “grossly incompetent” and “dopey” after Ryan said publicly last week that Trump will not be the next Republican presidential nominee and that he would lose in the 2024 general election if he were. In a posting on Truth Social, Trump’s social media site, he called Ryan “grossly incompetent” during the stretch they overlapped as president and speaker, accusing Ryan of doing “everything possible” to thwart Trump’s southern border wall. Trump also claimed that Ryan was “even worse” as the Republican vice-presidential nominee in 2012 on the ticket with Mitt Romney. (In the same posting, Trump attacked Romney as a “RINO,” shorthand for Republican in Name Only.) Take a look: What voters in swing states are saying three weeks before midterms Return to menu Ricardo Sanchez is a 51-year-old voter in Olmsted Township, Ohio. (Video: The Washington Post) The 2022 midterm election is three weeks away, with control of the House of Representatives and the Senate — along with three dozen gubernatorial races — at stake. To get a sense of which issues are most important for prospective voters ahead of the election next month, The Washington Post dispatched reporters to NFL stadiums across the country Sunday. While some fans considered their pregame rituals too sacred to sully by talking politics, the tailgate lots proved to be a fertile ground for finding voters willing to share their opinions. Here is what likely voters had to say in Miami, Atlanta, Cleveland and Pittsburgh. On our radar: John Fetterman’s health sparks contentious debate in final stretch Return to menu Since he suffered a stroke in May days before the Democratic Senate primary in Pennsylvania, John Fetterman and his allies have sought to make his recovery a lesson in empathy. The Post’s Colby Itkowitz, Lenny Bernstein and Amanda Morris report that the campaign has shared messages from people who say Fetterman inspired them to prioritize their own health. After an event Saturday, Fetterman knelt and spoke with a woman in a wheelchair who had also suffered a stroke. Per our colleagues: Republicans, including Fetterman’s opponent, Mehmet Oz, have made the aftermath of the stroke central to their attacks against him. Some have called attention to his verbal struggles, reliance on closed captioning and summer absence from the trail. The Republican National Committee last week shared a montage of Fetterman’s verbal stumbles with the caption, “Does it sound like Fetterman is fit for office?” Oz has suggested Fetterman has something to hide, recently tweeting: “John Fetterman won’t answer questions from voters, he won’t debate more than once, and he won’t be honest about his health.” Now, in the final weeks of one of the most consequential and competitive Senate races in the country, Fetterman’s health has become a focal point for both campaigns. You can read the full story here. The latest: Trump attacks American Jews, posting they must ‘get their act together’ on Israel Return to menu Former president Donald Trump attacked American Jews in a post on his Truth Social platform on Sunday, saying Jews in the United States must “get their act together” and show more appreciation for Israel “before it is too late.” The Post’s Rosalind S. Helderman reports that American Jews have long been accused of holding secret loyalty to Israel rather than the United States, and Trump’s post leaned on that antisemitic trope, suggesting that by virtue of their religion, American Jew...

Democrats Are Facing Stiff Battles For Governor In These Key States https://digitalalabamanews.com/democrats-are-facing-stiff-battles-for-governor-in-these-key-states/ By Gregory Krieg, Maeve Reston, Eric Bradner, Dan Merica, Michael Warren and Steve Contorno CNN (CNN) — Democratic nominees for governor are facing the stiffest competition this year as the party tries to hold on to its gains from the “blue wave” of 2018, even though Republicans are defending more governorships in November. Democrats hold 16 of the 36 gubernatorial seats on the ballot, including in key states like Arizona, Pennsylvania and Michigan. Events of the past two years have brought to the fore the power of governors, who have played decisive roles in dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic, the aftermath of former President Donald Trump‘s defeat in 2020 and new clashes over the future of abortion rights following the US Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. Gubernatorial races are on the ballot in the five states that flipped from Trump in 2016 to now-President Joe Biden four years later. Those contests, all but one of which feature Trump-backed GOP nominees will test of the strength of the former President’s movement and his ability to boost his picks in a general election. Meanwhile, Republican incumbents in states such as Florida and Texas could be using their reelection campaigns as possible jumping-off points for future presidential bids. The 2022 races are also expected to mark the end of an era in states such as Maryland and Massachusetts, where two-term moderate Republican governors are on their way out — one via term limits, the other facing dissent within his own party — with Democrats poised to replace them. As the campaign hits the home stretch, these are the 10 states — eight where Democrats currently hold the governorship — with the most consequential contests on the ballot. Arizona The Grand Canyon State became ground zero for Trump’s 2020 election conspiracy theories after voters there narrowly backed Biden and Trump-aligned state lawmakers later forced a deeply flawed partisan ballot review in Maricopa County that ultimately did not alter the outcome. But that controversy has lingered, with Republican gubernatorial nominee Kari Lake echoing Trump’s falsehoods that the 2020 election was “corrupt” and “stolen.” She has also stated that she would not have certified the 2020 election results in Arizona. Lake’s Democratic opponent, Arizona Secretary of State Katie Hobbs, who defended the state’s election systems against the baseless fraud accusations, has cast the former news anchor as a dangerous threat to democracy. Lake is focusing on her economic agenda in the campaign’s final weeks and on her plans to address increased migration across the border — including a promise to declare an “invasion” at the border to give the state greater power to address the issue. She also has accused Hobbs of cowardice for refusing to debate her. Hobbs has centered her campaign on abortion, arguing that her GOP opponent’s extreme positions would endanger Arizona women. The Hobbs-Lake race is one of five gubernatorial contests this cycle in which both major-party nominees are women. Up until this year, there had only been four such matchups in US history. Kansas Democrat Laura Kelly seized on voter antipathy for state and national Republicans in 2018 to become governor of reliably red Kansas. Four years later, it may be anger aimed at her own party that dooms her reelection bid. Kelly faces Republican state Attorney General Derek Schmidt in a state Trump won by 15 points in 2020. Schmidt has not impressed party officials with his campaign or his fundraising — Kelly raised over $1.5 million from January to July, while her GOP opponent only brought in around $700,000 in that time frame. But Republicans are hopeful that Schmidt will benefit from the state’s natural political tilt, which they’re seizing on by tying Kelly to Biden at every turn. Democrats got a boost this summer when a turnout surge helped defeat a ballot measure that would have allowed lawmakers to ban abortion in the state. The victory — with the “no” vote carrying nearly 60% of the vote — invigorated Kansas Democrats and seemingly Kelly’s reelection chances. But Kelly has not exactly seized on abortion as an issue in her bid for a second term. On the campaign trail, she has largely focused on speaking about the economy, education and tax cuts, three more palatable issues for the independent and Republican-leaning voters she will need to defeat Schmidt. Nevada Democratic Gov. Steve Sisolak faces fierce headwinds in a state that has seen some of the nation’s highest inflation rates as well as frustration among blue-collar workers about the pace of the post-pandemic recovery. Many Nevadans in the tourism-reliant state were hit hard by pandemic-era closures and are now grappling with the high cost of gas and groceries. Sisolak’s opponent, Clark County Sheriff Joe Lombardo, has the backing of both the GOP establishment and Trump, though the Republican nominee has said he does not agree with the former President’s false claim that the 2020 election was rigged. Lombardo has focused on kitchen table issues, including education and the expansion of school choice. He has blamed Biden and the Democrats for inflation — and accused the governor of hampering the economic recovery by being overly restrictive with school and business closures during the pandemic. Sisolak has defended his actions as necessary to save lives, but he has also attempted to distance himself from the unpopular President. The Democrat has also pounded Lombardo for a series of inconsistent statements on abortion, which is protected up to 24 weeks under Nevada law. Sisolak has faulted his opponent for an uptick in crime in Clark County, home to Las Vegas. At a recent debate, Lombardo said that crime went down for six years of his tenure as sheriff but acknowledged it has increased in the past two years — which he blamed on “soft on crime” policies advanced by the governor and Democratic lawmakers. Oregon An unpredictably close race between three well-funded women could culminate in Oregon electing its first Republican governor in 40 years. Democrat Tina Kotek, the longest-serving state House Speaker in Oregon history, started out as the favorite to replace term-limited Gov. Kate Brown in the blue-leaning state. But independent candidate Betsy Johnson has proved to be a formidable contender who Democrats fear could act as a spoiler in the race. A former Democratic state senator with two decades of legislative experience, Johnson has powerful allies in the business community who have made it possible for her to outraise her opponents. Johnson — a gun rights advocate who relishes the fact that she is being attacked by the “woke left” and the “radical right” — has blamed liberal Democratic policies for trash-lined streets and tent cities, as the state struggles with homelessness. Johnson’s candidacy has created a path for Republican Christine Drazan, the former state House minority leader, who is promising to bring “balance” back to Oregon while charging that all-Democratic control over the past decade has failed to hold the governor and the Legislature “to account.” Biden made a recent foray to the state to offer Kotek a fundraising assist. Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers’ bid for reelection in one of the nation’s most competitive states could hinge on what’s most important to voters: abortion rights, which the Democrat has made his top focus in recent weeks, or the economy, which could benefit his Republican challenger, businessman Tim Michels. Evers recently called the state’s GOP-led legislature into a special session, urging lawmakers to allow a Michigan-style referendum to undo the state’s 1849 law that bans abortion in all cases except to save the life of the mother. But Republicans gaveled in and out of session within 30 seconds, ignoring Evers’ calls. Michels, who won the GOP nomination in August buoyed by a Trump endorsement, has focused his campaign on crime and inflation. Republicans are blaming Evers for a 70% increase in homicides in Wisconsin from 2019 to 2021, and Michels has also criticized the governor’s push to cut the state’s prison population. Wisconsin’s elections have long been hard-fought: Biden defeated Trump there by about 20,000 votes out of more than 3.2 million cast in 2020, four years after Trump carried the state by a similar margin. Evers narrowly unseated GOP Gov. Scott Walker in 2018 but he faces a decidedly different political climate this year. As does his No. 2, Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes, who is challenging Republican Sen. Ron Johnson in one of the nation’s most competitive and expensive contests. Michigan Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has made her support for abortion rights the centerpiece of her bid for a second term against Republican Tudor Dixon, a conservative commentator. Whitmer has positioned herself as the last line of defense for abortion rights in the state. She sued to block Michigan’s 1931 ban from taking effect after the Supreme Court eliminated federal abortion rights protections in June. She is also backing a Michigan ballot measure that would enshrine abortion rights in the state’s constitution. Dixon won a wide-open GOP primary in August, benefiting from the financial backing of the family of former Education Secretary Betsy DeVos and a late endorsement from Trump. She has embraced Trump’s lies about fraud in the 2020 election. In recent weeks, Dixon has sought to shift the focus of the race from abortion to other cultural issues. She has proposed a measure that would ban transgender girls from competing in sports with the gender they identify with, as well as one modeled after a Florida law, which critics have dubbed “Don’t Say Gay,” that bans discussion of gender and sexuality issues with younger students in classrooms. Di...

Hong Kong Protester Dragged Into Chinese Consulate In Manchester And Beaten https://digitalalabamanews.com/hong-kong-protester-dragged-into-chinese-consulate-in-manchester-and-beaten/ British lawmakers and rights activists called for an investigation Monday into the case of a Hong Kong protester who was dragged into the Chinese Consulate in Manchester and beaten by staffers after he demonstrated against the Chinese government. According to the Hong Kong Indigenous Defense Force, which organized a rally to coincide with the opening of a Chinese Communist Party meeting in Beijing on Sunday, the protester was among about 60 people who had gathered outside the consulate to demonstrate against Chinese President Xi Jinping. Protest banners and flags calling for Hong Kong independence were draped outside the consulate. One poster was an image of Xi standing before a mirror wearing nothing but a crown and a pair of boxers — a play on the fable of the emperor’s new clothes. As one of the demonstrators began to speak, staff in riot gear emerged from the consulate and attempted to seize the poster from the protesters, according to a statement from the group. A demonstrator identified by the group only as Bob was holding up the painting when he was dragged into the consulate, where he was beaten by a group of men. Jimmy Chen, a 19-year-old who was at the gathering, said he saw the protester pulled through a gate into the consulate where he was attacked for around 30 seconds before a British police officer intervened and dragged him back out. “The event was calm until several people with bulletproof vests on came out from the consulate and started to tear down the posters,” he said. “Some protesters tried to stop them and got pushed back, so they ended up fighting.” Video captured at the scene showed the men punching and holding the demonstrator down on the ground. According to rally organizers, after British police stopped the attack they set up a cordon separating protesters from the consulate staff. The injured demonstrator was taken to a hospital and is in stable condition, the group said. The Chinese Consulate in Manchester confirmed the incident to The Washington Post but declined to comment further. The Chinese Embassy in London did not respond to a request for comment. “If the UK police had not intervened today, or if the assembly had taken place in Hong Kong or China, I am afraid that the peaceful protesters like us would have already been … disappeared,” the protester said, according to the group’s statement. On Monday, several British members of Parliament called on authorities to investigate the incident. Alicia Kearns, chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee, called for the Chinese ambassador to be summoned and for any consulate member involved in the beating to be expelled from the country. Former Conservative Party leader Iain Duncan Smith demanded a full apology from the Chinese ambassador. .@SuellaBraverman & @JamesCleverly need to urgently investigate. The CCP will not import their beating of protestors and denial of free speech to British streets. Chinese Ambassador should be summoned & if any official has beaten protesters, they must be expelled or prosecuted. https://t.co/q7Nh55k8fG — Alicia Kearns, MP for Rutland and Melton (@aliciakearns) October 16, 2022 Xi, who is expected to secure a third term at the party congress that began on Sunday, oversaw a severe crackdown on Hong Kong’s pro-democracy movement that culminated in a far-reaching national security law that has severely curtailed the city’s once active democracy movement. Read More…

Exclusive: China's State Banks Seen Acquiring Dollars In Swaps Market To Stabilise Yuan https://digitalalabamanews.com/exclusive-chinas-state-banks-seen-acquiring-dollars-in-swaps-market-to-stabilise-yuan/ SHANGHAI/BEIJING, Oct 17 (Reuters) – China’s state banks stepped up their intervention to defend a weakening yuan on Monday, with banking sources telling Reuters these banks sold a high volume of U.S. dollars and used a combination of swaps and spot trades. Six banking sources told Reuters the country’s major state-owned banks were spotted swapping yuan for U.S. dollars in the forwards market and selling those dollars in the spot market, a playbook move used by China in 2018 and 2019 as well. The selling seemed to be aimed at stabilising the yuan , with the swaps helping procure dollars as well as anchoring the price of yuan in forwards, said the sources, who have direct knowledge of market trades. Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com The yuan is down 11.6% versus the dollar this year. It was trading around 7.1980 per dollar on Monday. One-year dollar/yuan forwards fell rapidly following the state bank actions, pushing the yuan to 6.95 per dollar. One of the sources noted the size of the dollar selling operation was “rather huge”. “The big banks want to acquire dollar positions from the swap market to stabilise the spot market,” said another source. State banks usually trade on behalf of the central bank in China’s FX market, but they can also trade for their own purposes or execute orders for their corporate clients. A third source noted that the state banks’ trades appeared to be managed so that the country’s closely-watched $3 trillion foreign exchange reserves will not be tapped for intervention. At the same time, the move helps state banks to procure dollars at a time when rising U.S. yields have made dollars scarce and expensive. China burned through $1 trillion of reserves supporting the yuan during the economic downturn in 2015, and the sharp reduction in the official reserves attracted much criticism. Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com Reporting by Shanghai and Beijing Newsroom; Editing by Vidya Ranganathan and Ana Nicolaci da Costa Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles. Read More…

Alabama Divvied Up $100 Million For Mortgage Help, Closes Applications https://digitalalabamanews.com/alabama-divvied-up-100-million-for-mortgage-help-closes-applications/ News Published: Oct. 17, 2022, 8:43 a.m. MLive.com Alabama has stopped taking new applications to help people pay their mortgages during the COVID-19 pandemic. “We are not accepting further applications at this time, because the number of applications we can accept based on funds made available by the U.S. Treasury has been met,” said Caryllee Cheatham, spokesperson for the Alabama Housing Finance Authority. So far 2,808 households, representing all but two counties in the state, received financial help through Mortgage Assistance Alabama, funded by the American Rescue Plan in 2021. The state received $100 million dollars to distribute to Alabamians at risk for foreclosure during the pandemic, including paying up to 12 months of mortgage payments for people in need. The state paid out over $39 million dollars so far. The remaining portion of Alabama’s federal money has been earmarked for existing applicants. “(We have) obligated $64.5 million in funds to pay existing applicants future months of mortgage payment assistance under program guidelines,” said Carrie Hamaker, single-family administrator for the Alabama Housing Finance Authority. Mortgage Assistance Alabama projects that by October of 2023, it will have distributed the full $100 million for monthly mortgage payments to the more than 4,000 households that sought help through the program. On average, Alabama’s recipients have so far received about $13,905 for help with paying mortgages and other costs of preventing foreclosure. The money comes from the American Rescue Plan, which set aside over $9.9 billion for states to help low to moderate income Americans prevent foreclosure and utility shutoffs following financial difficulties during the pandemic. At this point, 1,423 applications in Alabama are still pending review. Of the total applications sent to the department since the program started in August of 2021, 612 were denied or withdrawn by the applicant. Most of the applicants to the program were between the ages of 35 and 50, according to the department. Over 76 percent of the homeowners who participated were Black, and 17.8 percent were white. More than half were employed and less than ten percent were either unemployed or disabled. Montgomery County saw the most help with 537 applicants, followed by 369 applicants from Jefferson County and 279 applicants from Mobile County. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. Read More…

Junior League Gears Up For 'Dinner At Your Door' Fundraiser https://digitalalabamanews.com/junior-league-gears-up-for-dinner-at-your-door-fundraiser/ TUSCALOOSA, AL — The Junior League of Tuscaloosa is gearing up to host its Dinner at Your Door fundraiser on Tuesday, Nov. 1. Click here to subscribe to our free daily newsletter and breaking news alerts. The annual fundraiser offers community members the chance to purchase dinner for four, which is donated by local restaurants and businesses. The meals are then delivered to their home. Interested in local real estate?Subscribe to Patch’s new newsletter to be the first to know about open houses, new listings and more. Pinnacle Personal Chef has been announced as the provider of this year’s meals, with proceeds going back into the Tuscaloosa community and used to support the JLT’s goal of empowering women. “We are so excited to work with Jolando Hill of Pinnacle Personal Chef, showcasing a local minority businesswoman,” said JLT Vice President of Fund Development Stephanie Reinhart The Junior League of Tuscaloosa is committed to celebrating diversity and inclusivity will all individuals, organizations and communities.” Interested in local real estate?Subscribe to Patch’s new newsletter to be the first to know about open houses, new listings and more. JLT says meal delivery is available up to 15 miles from Cornerstone Full Gospel Baptist Church. Customers can also save $5 by picking up their meal from Cornerstone Full Gospel Baptist Church at 610 Brooksdale Drive in Tuscaloosa, between 4 p.m. – 6 p.m. Orders are set to close on Oct. 25. This fall’s meal includes: Two meal options: Grilled chicken with white BBQ sauce: smoked gouda mac & cheese, grilled vegetables, and rolls or hamburger steak with mashed potatoes, green beans, and cornbread All meals will come with drinks and dessert Four drinks from Buffalo Rock Thermal bag from West-Mid Alabama Community Development Corporation Have a news tip or suggestion on how I can improve Tuscaloosa Patch? Maybe you’re interested in having your business become one of the latest sponsors for Tuscaloosa Patch? Email all inquiries to me at ryan.phillips@patch.com. Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts. The rules of replying: Be respectful. This is a space for friendly local discussions. No racist, discriminatory, vulgar or threatening language will be tolerated. Be transparent. Use your real name, and back up your claims. Keep it local and relevant. Make sure your replies stay on topic. Review the Patch Community Guidelines. Read More…

Somalia Is Fighting With Al Shabaab Over Control Of The Media https://digitalalabamanews.com/somalia-is-fighting-with-al-shabaab-over-control-of-the-media/ The Somali government wants to curtail the coverage of terrorism in its country believing that will help in the war on terror. At least 10 news websites and one television station have been banned from covering terrorist group Al Shabaab, with telcos also mandated to play a part in stamping out insecurity. The information ministry issued a directive warning news outlets that “dissemination of extremism ideology messages both from traditional media broadcasts and social media is forbidden.” Deputy minister of information Abdirahman Yusuf announced the government will regard “all Al Shabaab related propaganda coverage including their terrorist acts and their ideology as punishable crimes.” So far, he said, more than 40 accounts on Facebook and Twitter have been suspended. Underlining its call for journalists to preach respect for human rights, a government statement first seen by the East African reads: “This order is based on Article 10 of Somalia’s [provisional] constitution that safeguards social stability and integrity.” Al Shabaab media war But the order has just kick started a war of who will control what is published in Somalia after Al Shabaab’s response warned reporters not to take sides and instead “discharge you jobs in full fairness.” “We are hereby warning all the media houses inside Somalia joining the war against the Islamic Sharia [Islamic laws]. Any media that intentionally sides with the government will be considered as part of the aggression.” Journalists in the country decry attacks from the government, Al Shabaab, and even online trolls, with some being forced to delete their social media accounts, according to the National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ). “Journalists are routinely and personally harassed and attacked for writing in their Facebook pages or accounts. Those who report on political events have been the subject of open and violent online attacks,” says NUSOJ secretary general Omar Osman. Paris-based Reporters Without Borders (RSF) ranks Somalia at position 140 out of 180 in terms of press freedom in 2022, noting that the country’s legal framework “is extremely repressive. Journalists are frequently forced to face military courts, which are used to justify prolonged detention.” But even if local Somali journalists avoid covering the militia’s acts, international media and newsrooms in the neighboring countries of Kenya, Ethiopia, Tanzania, and Uganda continue to cover terrorism in the region as it keeps claiming thousands of innocent lives. According to Sarah Repucci, senior director for research and analysis at US freedom advocacy non-profit Freedom House, technology can be used to circumvent censorship by recording “videos with low bandwidth on mobile devices and then automatically delete it after transfer to a secure server, reducing the risk of reprisals against journalists.” Al Shabaab has been terrorizing Kenya Kenya, which has had its soldiers in peace keeping missions in Somalia, has suffered greatly from Al Shabaab’s bloody killings, and its journalists have given extensive coverage to fatal terrorist activities in the recent past, starting with the execution of 67 people at a mall in the capital Nairobi in 2013, followed by the murder of 147 people at a university close to the Somalia border in 2015, and that of 21 people in a hotel in the capital in 2019. And in what was largely seen as a controversial move, in August, prime minister Hamza Barre appointed former Al-Shabaab commander Mukhtar Robow, who in 2012 had a $5 million US bounty on his head, as the minister for endowment, religious affairs, and counter-terrorism ideology, telling the press that he wanted to form “an inclusive government.” The African Center for the Study and Research on terrorism reports that between there were 379 terrorist attacks that resulted in over 2,824 deaths across Africa in the first three months of this year. The Horn of Africa region accounted for 47 attacks with 310 deaths during the period. In 2016, Uganda jailed for life five Al Shabaab terror suspects for their role in two bombings that killed 76 people watching the World Cup soccer final in July 2010. The cost of terrorism in Somalia has been dire going beyond the loss of lives and the restriction of individual freedom to economic devastation with many foreign investors avoiding the market and choosing to do business in neighboring countries. Read More…

Arizona Governor Candidate Refuses To Say If She Will Accept Midterms Result https://digitalalabamanews.com/arizona-governor-candidate-refuses-to-say-if-she-will-accept-midterms-result/ The Republican gubernatorial nominee in Arizona, Kari Lake, refused to say whether she would accept the results of the election if she loses in November. Lake, a former Phoenix-area news anchor, has made denying the 2020 election results that her preferred candidate Donald Trump lost a pillar of her campaign. She has said she wouldn’t have certified the 2020 vote that the former president lost – and which the Democratic victor Joe Biden won in Arizona by just over 10,000 votes, saying the election was “corrupt, rotten”. Appearing on CNN’s State of the Union on Sunday, Lake was asked three times by host Dana Bash whether she would accept the results of next month’s election. She avoided the question twice, before saying she would accept it if she won. “I’m going to win the election, and I will accept that result,” she said. She declined to answer when Bash followed up to ask if she would accept the result of she lost. “I’m going to win the election, and I will accept that result,” she repeated. Denying the results of the last presidential election has become orthodoxy in Republican politics. On the ballot this fall, 291 Republican nominees – a majority running – have denied or questioned the election results, according to a Washington Post analysis. Arizona is one of several states across the country where Republicans who deny the results of the 2020 election are on the cusp of winning offices in which they would have oversight over how elections are run and play a role in certification. Lake is in a tight race against her Democratic opponent Katie Hobbs. Lake has hammered Hobbs recently over her decision not to debate her, and there are grumblings among Arizona Democrats about Hobbs’ campaign. In addition to Lake, Mark Finchem, a state lawmaker who played a key role in Trump’s failed efforts to overturn his ouster from the Oval Office, is also in a close race to be Arizona’s secretary of state. Finchem, who introduced a resolution to decertify the 2020 election earlier this year, led Democratic candidate Adrian Fontes 49%-45% in a recent CNN poll, which was within the poll’s margin of error. iVote, a group that works to elect Democratic secretaries of state, recently announced it would spend $5m on the race. Appearing in Arizona recently, Liz Cheney, the Republican vice-chair of the January 6 committee, warned voters against backing Lake and Finchem. “They both said that they will only honor the results of an election if they agree with it,” she said. “We cannot give people power who have told us that they will not honor elections. Elections are the foundation of our republic and peaceful transfers of power are the foundation of our republic.” Read More…

Mon. 8:46 A.m.: For Biden And Trump, 2022 Is 2020 Sequel — And 2024 Preview? https://digitalalabamanews.com/mon-846-a-m-for-biden-and-trump-2022-is-2020-sequel-and-2024-preview/ Former President Donald Trump makes his entrance at a rally at the Minden Tahoe Airport in Minden, Nev., earlier this month. (AP Photo/José Luis Villegas, File) WASHINGTON (AP) — This year’s midterm elections are playing out as a strange continuation of the last presidential race — and a potential preview of the next one. Donald Trump, who refused to exit the stage after his defeat, has spent months raging against Joe Biden, reshaping down-ballot campaigns that normally function as a straightforward referendum on the incumbent president. The result is an episode of political shadowboxing with little precedent, as the current president and his immediate predecessor — and possible future challenger — crisscross the country in support of their party’s candidates. Trump has been holding raucous rallies in battleground states, where he alternates between touting his handpicked candidates and denouncing his enemies. He belittles and excoriates Biden while lying, as he did in Ohio last month, that “we didn’t lose” the last election. Biden has so far steered clear of some of the tightest midterm races, instead focusing on fundraisers and official events where he draws contrasts between Democratic and Republican policy agendas. He often avoids direct references to “the last guy,” but on Saturday in Oregon, Biden warned that “Trump controls the Republican Party.” Sometimes the two men travel to the same places, such as when they visited Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, within days of each other, a reflection of the narrow political map that will determine which party controls the U.S. Senate. “It’s remarkably unusual,” said Jeffrey Engel, founding director of the Center for Presidential History at Southern Methodist University, who strained to think of any comparison in previous election cycles. “Without exception, since the Great Depression” — Republican Herbert Hoover tried to plot a path back to power despite losing to Democrat Franklin Delano Roosevelt in 1932 — “we have not had a former president who believed they still had a viable political career ahead of them,” he said. Neither Trump nor Biden has formally announced they will run again. Trump has come close to declaring his candidacy, and Biden has said he intends to seek a second term. If they face off again, the competition between them could become one of the longest and impactful political duels in American history, spanning several years and multiple elections. Voters seem to have little appetite for a rematch. A recent AP-NORC poll shows only about 3 in 10 Americans want either Biden or Trump to run for president in two years. Just 5 in 10 Democrats want Biden to seek a second term, while 6 out of 10 Republicans hope to see Trump seek the presidency again. Engel said another battle between Biden and Trump would likely prove dispiriting. “What that fundamentally means is our country is not moving forward,” he said. “I have not met anybody who relishes that campaign.” However, it’s clear that both men see their fortunes tied to the other. When CNN’s Jake Tapper asked Biden whether he’s the only one who could fend off his predecessor in another campaign, the president sidestepped the question but expressed confidence about his chances. “I believe I can beat Donald Trump again,” he said. Trump would take issue with the use of the word “again” — he continues to spread the lie that Biden only took office through voter fraud. It’s an integral part of Trump’s political message, and he never fails to bring it up at rallies for Republican candidates who have endorsed his false views on the last election. Sometimes the rhetoric dives even deeper into conspiracies, a reminder that another campaign could represent an even sharper break with reality. In Arizona, during his most recent rally, Trump darkly suggested that Biden is surrounded by “vicious, very smart people” who are “pulling strings.” “No one thought this could happen in our country, and it all happened because of a rigged and stolen election,” he said. The former president has also tightened his embrace of the QAnon conspiracy theory, which portrays Trump as battling sinister, hidden forces. Using his Truth Social platform, Trump shared an image of himself wearing a Q lapel pin overlaid with the words “The Storm is Coming,” referencing his eventual victory over opponents who would be tried — or even executed — on live television. People close to Trump have said they believe a strong performance by Republicans in November will further encourage Trump to run again in two years, as he has been openly teasing for months. In addition to his rallies, which earn candidates local media attention and fire up the Republican base, Trump has been helping candidates in other ways, holding fundraisers and tele-rally calls on their behalf. Most significantly, last week, his new super PAC, MAGA Inc., reserved nearly $5 million in airtime for ads in key states attacking the opponents of his favored candidates. The first round of ads from the group notably do not feature Trump or even mention his name. Republicans have expressed frustration that Trump was hoarding small-dollar donations for himself and refusing to help the candidates he had pushed voters to nominate, despite sitting on an enormous war chest. But Mike DuHaime, a longtime Republican strategist, isn’t sure the outcome of the midterms will make a difference in Trump’s plans for the next presidential race. “He’ll take credit for every win and deflect blame for every loss,” he said. Trump has claimed, as he did in Pennsylvania last month, that the midterms are “a referendum on the corruption and extremism of Joe Biden and the radical Democrat party.” But DuHaime said Trump has prevented that from happening by injecting himself into this year’s races, providing a boost to Biden, whose poll numbers remain underwater as voters express concerns about the economy. “Trump is no ordinary president, nor did he really seem to care about the party,” he said. “He seems to care about himself more than the party that put him in office.” Biden’s circle has a similar view. An adviser, speaking on the condition of anonymity to discuss internal conversations, said those around Biden see the midterms as having become more of a choice than a referendum. Trump’s presence on the trail, the adviser said, is seen as helping make Democratic points for them. Celinda Lake, a Democratic pollster, said the only thing more helpful would be if Trump announced another presidential campaign. “He’s getting dangerously close to that,” she said. Biden has deferred any announcement about his own candidacy until after Election Day, keeping his focus on the midterms. Like other incumbent presidents in an election year, Biden has blended his political and governmental duties as voting begins. He stopped in Colorado on Wednesday to designate the first national monument of his administration, fulfilling the wishes of the state’s senior Democratic senator, Michael Bennet, who is seeking reelection this year. Although Bennett is favored to win, he’s facing a concerted challenge from Joe O’Dea, a Republican businessman. Today’s breaking news and more in your inbox Read More…

Biden Turning To Trump-Era Rule To Expel Venezuelan Migrants https://digitalalabamanews.com/biden-turning-to-trump-era-rule-to-expel-venezuelan-migrants-3/ WASHINGTON (AP) — Two years ago, candidate Joe Biden loudly denounced President Donald Trump for immigration policies that inflicted “cruelty and exclusion at every turn,” including toward those fleeing the “brutal” government of socialist Nicolas Maduro in Venezuela. Now, with increasing numbers of Venezuelans arriving at the U.S.-Mexico border as the Nov. 8 election nears, Biden has turned to an unlikely source for a solution: his predecessor’s playbook. Biden last week invoked a Trump-era rule known as Title 42 — which Biden’s own Justice Department is fighting in court — to deny Venezuelans fleeing their crisis-torn country the chance to request asylum at the border. The rule, first invoked by Trump in 2020, uses emergency public health authority to allow the United States to keep migrants from seeking asylum at the border, based on the need to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Under the new Biden administration policy, Venezuelans who walk or swim across America’s southern border will be expelled and any Venezuelan who illegally enters Mexico or Panama will be ineligible to come to the United States. But as many as 24,000 Venezuelans will be accepted at U.S. airports, similar to how Ukrainians have been admitted since Russia’s invasion in February. Mexico has insisted that the U.S. admit one Venezuelan on humanitarian parole for each Venezuelan it expels to Mexico, according to a Mexican official who was not authorized to discuss the matter publicly and spoke condition of anonymity. So if the Biden administration paroles 24,000 Venezuelans to the U.S., Mexico would take no more than 24,000 Venezuelans expelled from the U.S. The Biden policy marks an abrupt turn for the White House, which just weeks ago was lambasting Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, both Republicans, for putting Venezuelan migrants “fleeing political persecution” on buses and planes to Democratic strongholds. “These were children, they were moms, they were fleeing communism,” White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said at the time. Biden’s new policy has drawn swift criticism from immigrant advocates, many of them quick to point out the Trump parallels. “Rather than restore the right to asylum decimated by the Trump administration … the Biden administration has dangerously embraced the failures of the past and expanded upon them by explicitly enabling expulsions of Venezuelan migrants,” said Jennifer Nagda, policy director of the Young Center for Immigrant Children’s Rights. The administration says the policy is aimed at ensuring a “lawful and orderly” way for Venezuelans to enter the U.S. Why the turnaround? For more than a year after taking office in January 2021, Biden deferred to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which used its authority to keep in place the Trump-era declaration that a public health risk existed that warranted expedited expulsion of asylum-seekers. Members of Biden’s own party and activist groups had expressed skepticism about the public health underpinnings for allowing Title 42 to remain in effect, especially when COVID-19 was spreading more widely within the U.S. than elsewhere. After months of internal deliberations and preparations, the CDC on April 1 said it would end the public health order and return to normal border processing of migrants, giving them a chance to request asylum in the U.S. Homeland Security officials braced for a resulting increase in border crossings. But officials inside and outside the White House were conflicted over ending the authority, believing it effectively kept down the number of people crossing the border illegally, according to senior administration officials. A court order in May that kept Title 42 in place due to a challenge from Republican state officials was greeted with quiet relief by some in the administration, according to officials who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity to discuss internal discussions. The recent increase in migration from Venezuela, sparked by political, social and economic instability in the country, dashed officials’ hopes that they were finally seeing a lull in the chaos that had defined the border region for the past year. By August, Venezuelans were the second-largest nationality arriving at the U.S. border after Mexicans. Given that U.S. tensions with Venezuela meant migrants from the country could not be sent back easily, the situation became increasingly difficult to manage. So an administration that had rejected many Trump-era policies aimed at keeping out migrants, that had worked to make the asylum process easier and that had increased the number of refugees allowed into the U.S. now turned to Title 42. It brokered a deal to send the Venezuelans to Mexico, which already had agreed to accept migrants expelled under Title 42 if they are from Guatemala, Honduras or El Salvador. All the while, Justice Department lawyers continue to appeal a court decision that has kept Title 42 in place. They are opposing Republican attorneys general from more than 20 states who have argued that Title 42 is “the only safety valve preventing this Administration’s already disastrous border control policies from descending into an unmitigated catastrophe.” Under Title 42, migrants have been expelled more than 2.3 million times from the U.S. after crossing the country’s land borders illegally from Canada or Mexico, though most try to come through Mexico. The administration had announced it would stop expelling migrants under Title 42 starting May 23 and go back to detaining and deporting migrants who did not qualify to enter and remain in the U.S. — a longer process that allows migrants to request asylum in the U.S. “We are extremely disturbed by the apparent acceptance, codification, and expansion of the use of Title 42, an irrelevant health order, as a cornerstone of border policy,” said Thomas Cartwright of Witness at the Border. “One that expunges the legal right to asylum.” A separate lawsuit from the American Civil Liberties Union also is trying to end Title 42, an effort that could render the administration’s proposal useless. “People have a right to seek asylum – regardless of where they came from, how they arrive in the United States, and whether or not they have family here,” said ACLU lawyer Lee Gelernt. Read More…

7 Most Beautiful Cities In Maine https://digitalalabamanews.com/7-most-beautiful-cities-in-maine/ Maine is the land of rugged shores-bounded by exciting cities where one can get all the dramatic vistas of nature from a luxuriously-set dinner table over water. These seven cities will astound with natural scenery, historic architecture, and nautical romance. Portland The beautiful skyline of Portland, Maine. Maine’s largest, Portland, is an incredibly-scenic city that is the epitome of everything cool, creative, artsy, and innovative. The city is a vibrant metropolis with typical Maine topography, nonchalantly named after its thriving harbor. The port hub, at heart, was the largest 17th-century port in New England, now the destination for the best whale watching and other soothing-to-the-soul tourist activities and sights.  It is a place where one “runs out of time, and not things to do,” with must-visits including the fabulous Portland Museum of Art. There’s endless shopping at the Old Port and South Portland and explorations around the beautiful Casco Bay. The coma-inducing foodie galore features an amazing selection of fresh ocean treasures, including drool-worthy lobster rolls, alongside farm-to-table eateries, creative fusion restaurants, and incredible bakeries. Portland is also renowned as a craft beer destination, with breweries strewn throughout the city. Portland would also not be “wholly Maine” without the best secluded beaches on island shorelines and coastal bluffs topped by centuries-old lighthouses. Auburn A beautiful lake in Auburn, Maine. The beautiful city of Auburn is located near the Maine Lakes and Mountains region, with Great Falls on the river and a scenic Auburn Riverwalk path. Set southwest in the state, this city is often associated with Lewiston across the Androscoggin River, with monikers “Twin Cities” and “L/A.” One can travel between the two cities via the two-mile-long path from a small park in Auburn beside the falls to a pedestrian bridge across the river to Lewiston’s Simard-Payne Memorial Park. The cities are hubs for the state’s rich Franco-American heritage, with the Museum L/A showcasing the history and culture of Maine’s laborers. They are also central to the state’s many arts and culture venues, such as Midcoast Symphony Orchestra in Auburn. The Festival Plaza beside the Androscoggin hosts performances by Auburn Community Band, among other free summer concert series, while wintertime brings the Winter Festival to the Lost Valley ski area.  One can experience the city’s rich nature year-round in great weather through birdwatching, fishing for bass or lake trout in Lake Auburn, and scouting for minerals at Mount Auburn’s Apatite Park. There are cozy urban spots to stay in, along with the fancy Hilton Garden Inn Auburn Riverwatch in the heart of the historic city, with activities and dining steps away. The Twin Cities’ booming restaurant scene includes classic Franco-American comfort food. For drinks, there are the Gritty McDuff’s and Side By Each Brewing Co. in Auburn.  Augusta Aerial view of Augusta, Maine. Maine’s capital is a culturally-rich and endlessly-scenic city that is a popular summer visit for state dwellers. The place where pilgrims first settled along the Kennebec River in the 17th century began as a small city with beach access. Its rich history is now reminiscent throughout the historic downtown with Victorian mansions, cozy B&Bs, and the University of Maine. The cultured will enjoy the insights at the Maine State House, the Maine State Museum, and the 1754 Old Fort Western British still-standing from the French and Indian War.  The humble city, with hospitable locals numbering only 19,000, boasts many outdoor activities to enjoy in peace and tranquility from the crowds. There is the serene Viles Arboretum, the gorgeous Capitol Park for atmospheric picnics on the grass, and hiking along the Bond Brook Trails. The food scene is a shellfish and chowder galore, while those looking for a respite can make a quick day trip to the surrounding small towns. There is the nearby Hallowell and Gardiner with boutiques, antique stores, and specialty shops, as well as the Richmond Corner Sauna to sweat-off stress via an authentic wood-heated experience. Bangor Franklin St. Bridge (Kenduskeag Stream Trail), Bangor, Maine. The third biggest city in Maine, founded in the late 18th century, presides over the Penobscot River, with the nearby beautiful Bangor City Forest. The city of many nicknames is a long-time hit-spot for horror fans, as home to the legendary Stephen King’s house and city walking tours. One can see the place along Central Street where the FBI agents had one of Maine’s bloodiest street fights with Al Brady and his gang in 1937 or take a walking tour to spooky spots of unexplained paranormal activity.  Bangor is also known as the ‘Vegas of the Northeast’ for the huge casino complex and many cultural landmarks, including museums, the oldest state fair in Maine, notable buildings, and art installations. The massive 31-foot-tall statue of Paul Bunyan presiding over downtown reminds of Bangor’s past as the “lumber capital of the world.” The family-friendly 22,000 square feet-broad Maine Discovery Museum has interactive displays and activities for kids of all tastes. Nature fans love to R&R along the river’s banks and explore the scenic 680 acres of forest and wildlife habitat via strolls or hikes.  Lewiston Veterans Memorial Park overlooking Lewiston Falls in Maine. Editorial credit: Jennifer Yakey-Ault / Shutterstock.com Lewiston is known as the more vibrant “Twin” from its subdued brother Auburn over the river, not far from Augusta. It is also directly north of Portland, acting as the getaway to the state’s two major cities. The city has something for everyone, including Bates College, which hosts the summertime annual Bates Dance Festival of internationally-acclaimed performances, as well as the Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, set downtown. The state’s only basilica is an architectural wonder, built in the style of Chartres’ cathedrals in France, with a rose window. The Gendron Franco Center gives a deep insight into Maine’s Franco-American heritage and culture through performing arts. The outdoor fans thoroughly enjoy fresh-air strolls, jogging trails through fields and forests at the Thorncrag Nature Sanctuary, and birdwatching. There’s also Lewiston’s Simard-Payne Memorial Park for scenic walks and optimal for watching the Liberty Festival on July 4th and the Great Falls Balloon Festival in August. The local faves include the Forage Market for fantastic breakfast bagels, Fish Bones or the Italian, DaVinci’s Eatery for dinner, Grant’s Bakery for traditional tourtiere meat pies, and the popular MaBaxter Brewing for drinks.  South Portland A skyline of South Portland as seen from Portland. South Portland, south across the harbor from the state’s largest, Portland, was established as a settlement in the early 1600s for fishing, shipping, and shipbuilding. The scenic Portland Breakwater Light and the Portland Harbor Museum reveal more about the city’s marine history. One can absorb local culture at the South Portland Farmers’ Market and the annual Art in the Park special events that comprise regular get-togethers for atmospherically-fun times of mingling and people-watching. There is the wonderful Bug Light Park with a small lighthouse. Its 30,000 workers turned out 244 Liberty ships by the end of war that hauled cargo to European destinations.  The mile-long Spring Point Shoreway in South Portland is made for strolls with water views and notable stops on the way. It passes through the Southern Maine Community College campus, the historic Fort Preble, and another lighthouse. One can reach the Spring Point Ledge Light via a hike over a granite breakwater connecting to the mainland. For a day’s-worth outing, the Shoreway eventually leads to the popular, small Willard Beach, with more scenic R&R in the fresh air. The city is a shopper’s paradise to the core, with the state’s largest Maine Mall near the Maine Turnpike, with dozens more stores, restaurants, and accommodations in the immediate orbit. York People enjoy playing summer games on Long Sands Beach in York, Maine. Editorial credit: James Kirkikis / Shutterstock.com The small, quintessential city is set at the southern tip of the state by the Gulf of Maine. It is full of character, sights, and activities for any taste on a scenic getaway to the shores-veiled in a small-town atmosphere, with amenities at hand. There’s Cape Neddick with the famously-historic Nubble Lighthouse, the state’s most photographed, for admiring strolls and Insta-shots. The four pristine sandy beaches are great for R&R sans crowds, including the telling-name Long Sands Beach with a grand stretch of sand and surf and Short Sands Beach near the entertainment scene. The city is full of attractions for all groups and ages, including excellent museums, shopping, Maine’s largest zoo, and an amusement park. It is a real resort destination, with saltwater taffy stands along the streets to watch the treat-made-to-order, three 18-hole golf courses, and a nature scape for serene explorations. These beautiful cities of Maine will surely deliver all the views and exceed expectations for the entertainment and family-fun galore within their vibrant hearts on your next visit. Alisa Mala October 17 2022 in Places Read More…

Patriot Trump Badge Reviews – Certified President Donald Trump Badge: Commemorative Memorabilia Worth It https://digitalalabamanews.com/patriot-trump-badge-reviews-certified-president-donald-trump-badge-commemorative-memorabilia-worth-it/ Technology has changed how presidential candidates campaign for the White House. However, their goal has not changed since the first presidential election in the United States, which was to persuade voters to support a particular candidate. The populace has traditionally exhibited strong feelings toward politicians. Supporters of a specific political person are exceedingly zealous and hold strong opinions. A souvenir is the best method to demonstrate your admiration and support. President Donald Trump’s supporters have amassed a variety of political artifacts to demonstrate their support and affection for him. Political campaigns heavily rely on historical artifacts and are available in various formats, such as bumper stickers, posters, ribbons, and buttons. While most of the memorabilia express support for the politician, a few items express opposing views. The “Patriot Trump Badge” is another item generating much interest among Trump fans. The Patriot Trump Badge is a piece of political memorabilia that every Trump supporter should possess. The Patriot Trump Badge is an exquisitely etched collectible badge bearing the likeness of President Trump, manufactured with excellent craftsmanship. On the reverse of each badge is a serial number, thereby making each badge unique. Your friends will feel ecstatic to get this gold Badge as a present! Please continue reading to learn more about the Patriot Trump Badge and why you should own one! What is Patriot Trump Badge? Donald Trump has accomplished everything in his life. He is an exemplary model of achievement. Now is the time to celebrate his legacy with the Patriot Trump Badge. This emblem conveys a sense of uncontrolled luxury with its stunning elegance and delicate form. The exquisite design has tiny gold stones styled as stars to symbolize perseverance and determination. The Patriot Trump Badge is an essential item for all Trump supporters and a suitable tribute to the legacy of former President Trump. As per the maker, Patriot Trump Badge is a valuable piece of memorabilia created with exceptional expertise and attention to detail. The finely carved Trump badge’s smooth exterior offers a strong sensation of pride and a trendy appeal. This badge is a wonderful gift for family members joining the military or supporting national causes. This beautiful Trump Badge is a must-have, especially on election day or during the parade. How to take care of Patriot Trump Badge? Gold-plated badges are often seen on the lapels of important figures like Donald Trump as a symbol of power and prestige. While these badges may look regal and expensive, they require special care to maintain their lustrous appearance. Here are some tips on how to take care of your gold-plated badge: Avoid contact with water or other liquids. This can cause the gold plating to come off, exposing the underlying metal beneath. Be careful when cleaning your badge. Use a soft piece of cloth to avoid scratching the surface. Store your badge in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. This will help prevent surface tarnishing and keep it looking its best. By following these simple tips, you can keep your gold-plated badge looking new for years to come! Where to buy the Patriot Trump Badge Patriot Trump Badge is only available for purchase on the official website. The initial pricing for these Patriot Badges has been decreased by 80%. Place your order after selecting the desired bundle from the list below. On the main website, the following discounted offers can be found: One Patriot Trump Badge: $149.99 each Three Patriot Trump Badges: $119.99 each Five Patriot Trump Badges: $99.99 each Due to strong demand, orders of Patriot Trump Badges may take up to three weeks to arrive. Encryption of 256 bits safeguards customer data against all internet risks. The maker offers some of the most attractive and high-quality items found worldwide. This collectible Badge comes with a 60-day money-back guarantee and free shipping insurance. It also comes with a lifetime warranty. Customers who are disappointed with their purchases are eligible for refunds minus the cost of shipping. You can contact the support team via the following: Email: contact@trumpbadgeshop.com Return Address: 19655 E 35th Drive. Suite 100 Aurora, CO 80011, United States Conclusion This Patriot Trump Badge item will shine whether you’re seeking a unique gift for a particular occasion or want to treat yourself. Tiny gold stones in the shape of stars are present on this Trump Badge. These stars show Trump’s strength and resolve. This emblem of patriotism is unique and would be a fantastic addition to any collection. The Trump Badge proved extremely popular with customers, and many took advantage of its perks. According to the manufacturer, many consumers were pleased with the overall quality and appearance of the Patriot Trump Badge. Your loved ones will like the Patriot Trump Badge that you wear, and it would make an appropriate gift for any special occasion. Don’t wait. Get Patriot Trump Badge Today! Affiliate Disclosure: The links contained in this product review may result in a small commission if you opt to purchase the product recommended at no additional cost to you. This goes towards supporting our research and editorial team. Please know we only recommend high-quality products. Disclaimer: Please understand that any advice or guidelines revealed here are not even remotely substitutes for sound medical or financial advice from a licensed healthcare provider or certified financial advisor. Make sure to consult with a professional physician or financial consultant before making any purchasing decision if you use medications or have concerns following the review details shared above. Individual results may vary and are not guaranteed as the statements regarding these products have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration or Health Canada. The efficacy of these products has not been confirmed by FDA, or Health Canada approved research. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease and do not provide any kind of get-rich money scheme. Reviewer is not responsible for pricing inaccuracies. Check product sales page for final prices. Read More…

Monday News: Kyiv Hit By “Kamikaze Drones”; Rs Silent As Trump Attacks American Jews; “Kanye West And Herschel Walker Are Puppets For Trump”; “Voting In Virginia Is More Accessible Than Ever — So Vote!” https://digitalalabamanews.com/monday-news-kyiv-hit-by-kamikaze-drones-rs-silent-as-trump-attacks-american-jews-kanye-west-and-herschel-walker-are-puppets-for-trump-voting-in-virgini/ by Lowell Here are a few international, national and Virginia news headlines, political and otherwise, for Monday, October 17. How climate change is impacting the wine and spirits industries Official: China mining more coal but increasing wind, solar Putin’s war on energy is testing solidarity between EU nations Inside the U.S. Effort to Arm Ukraine (“Since the start of the Russian invasion, the Biden Administration has provided valuable intelligence and increasingly powerful weaponry—a risky choice that has paid off in the battle against Putin.”) Fiona Hill: ‘Elon Musk Is Transmitting a Message for Putin’ Despite sanctions, Russian fuel is still selling — here’s who’s buying What are kamikaze drones and why is Russia using them in Ukraine? Ukrainians’ resilience persists despite new Russian barrage Ukraine: Explosions rock Kyiv, struck by waves of drones ‘Coffins Are Already Coming’: The Toll of Russia’s Chaotic Draft How Russian Ships Are Laundering Grain Stolen From Occupied Ukraine China’s Economy Needs to Double in Size to Meet Xi’s Ambitious Plans ‘Moving Backward’: In Xi Jinping’s China, a ‘New Era’ of Total Control ‘Walled-in’ China under Xi Jinping poses long-term global challenges Senator raises alarm Saudis could share US defense technology with Russia (“Richard Blumenthal to seek reassurances from Pentagon that ‘they are on top of’ risk of sharing information with Gulf state”) Biden wants ‘consequences’ for the Saudis? Here’s one, ready-made. Pound rises and borrowing costs fall as chancellor moves to calm markets UK Treasury chief scraps nearly all government tax cut plans ‘We’ve messed this up’: Tories plan for life after Liz Truss Satellite photos show damage at Iran prison amid protests Iran’s Loyal Security Forces Protect Ruling System From Protesters (“The Revolutionary Guards have become so deeply woven into Iran’s economy and power structure that they have everything to lose if protesters topple them.”) Lula brands Bolsonaro ‘tiny little dictator’ in Brazil TV debate (“Leftist challenger Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva calls incumbent Jair Bolsonaro a ‘shameless liar’ who ‘fooled around’ with Covid causing huge fatalities”) Leaders of democracies increasingly echo Putin in authoritarian tilt (“Some of the world’s major democracies have embraced far-right leaders. In the U.S., an epidemic of election denialism is drifting the country toward authoritarianism.” Of course, this should say “an epidemic of election denialism AMONG REPUBLICANS.”) But Her Emails! Behind The New York Times’ Maddening Hillary Clinton Coverage (“In an adaptation from her new memoir, Newsroom Confidential, former Times public editor Margaret Sullivan revisits the ‘many strange chapters’ of the paper’s coverage of the 2016 Democratic nominee.”) What Republicans Really Thought on January 6 (“The president turned his back on seemingly everyone.”) Intelligence failures before Jan. 6 warrant even more investigation Republican Adam Kinzinger: election deniers won’t ‘go away organically’ (“January 6 committee member speaks days after panel voted to subpoena Trump and says ex-president ‘required by law to come in’”) With renewed finger pointing around January 6, was there a failure of intelligence or a political failure? (Both, obviously.) Most say voting vital despite dour US outlook: AP-NORC poll With Just Over Three Weeks Until the Crucial 2022 Midterm Elections and the Fate of Our Democracy on the Line, “We decide. You will decide.” (“It now remains for us to determine whether [Jan. 6] was a tragedy, the beginning of the last act of the American experiment, or something else”) Opinion/Editorial: Women must vote for abortion rights or accept their loss GOP keeps lead for House control, Democrats’ momentum stalls amid economy worries — CBS News Battleground Tracker poll Republicans Gain Edge as Voters Worry About Economy, Times/Siena Poll Finds Juan Williams: Kanye West and Herschel Walker are puppets for Trump Kanye West is buying conservative social media platform Parler, company says (This guy is a virulent anti-Semite and all-around extremist nutjob.) Trump attacks American Jews, posting they must ‘get their act together’ on Israel Smug Trump Tells U.S. Jews to Be More Thankful—’Before It Is Too Late’ Even Trump Says Kanye West Is Acting Too ‘Crazy’ and Needs ‘Help’ Walker’s empty lectern co-stars in Senate debate with Warnock, Oliver Senate candidate Herschel Walker say why he flashed a police badge during Friday’s debate Doug Mastriano Is the Most Frightening Face of Christian Nationalism Today Mike Lee seems to be getting nervous (“If Evan McMullin somehow manages to win Utah’s Senate seat, it would be a political earthquake.”) Utah emerges as wildcard in battle for the Senate Arizona gubernatorial candidate Kari Lake won’t commit to honoring election results Cleveland Plain Dealer: Tim Ryan for U.S. Senate New Book Reveals Jim Jordan’s Dirty Tricks With Impeachment How Michael Flynn goes local to spread Christian nationalism Marjorie Taylor Greene Claims She’s A Jan. 6 ‘Victim’ During Wild Debate (Fascist and nutjob.) Bob Good calls the Democrats ‘the party of death’ (“Republican incumbent in VA-5 talks to Cardinal News ahead of midterm elections. Coming Tuesday: Democrat Josh Throneburg.”) Youngkin to Campaign Wednesday in Phoenix, AZ for “loon,” “pathological liar,” “political extremist and manifestly unfit for public trust” After Virginia legalized pot, majority of defendants are still Black Editorial: Voting in Virginia is more accessible than ever — so vote! The Other Shoe Drops: APCo Follows Dominion in Seeking Rate Increase Due to High Fossil Fuel Costs Amid push for local investment, report offers glimpse of Norfolk development group activities Suspect arrested for shooting near JMU that wounded 8 D.C.-area forecast: Blast of chilly air arrives Tuesday; warmer by weekend Read More…

5 Things To Know For Oct. 17: Hearing Aids, Ukraine, January 6, Immigration, Nigeria – ABC17NEWS https://digitalalabamanews.com/5-things-to-know-for-oct-17-hearing-aids-ukraine-january-6-immigration-nigeria-abc17news/ By Alexandra Meeks, CNN ‘Tis the season for overpriced costumes and confiscating unwrapped candy. Halloween is right around the corner and several cities may boast about being the spookiest place in the US — but only three cities have the haunting histories to truly earn the title. Here’s what else you need to know to Get Up to Speed and On with Your Day. (You can get “5 Things You Need to Know Today” delivered to your inbox daily. Sign up here.) 1. Hearing aids For the first time, adults in the US will be able to buy over-the-counter hearing aids beginning today instead of getting a prescription and having to wait for a custom fitting. According to the FDA, adults with mild to moderate hearing loss can now buy hearing aids directly from a store or online — and for a lower price. The high cost of hearing aids has long been a barrier for many people who have hearing problems. Traditional prescription hearing aids cost on average $2,000 per ear, and many people need two of them. While those who are under 18 or who have severe hearing loss will still need a prescription, experts are calling the move a “game changer.” Tens of millions of people have hearing loss, but only about 16% of them use a hearing aid, according to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. 2. Ukraine Air raid sirens rang out in Ukraine today as Russia attacked Kyiv with “kamikaze” drones, according to Ukrainian officials, who repeated their calls for Western allies to supply Ukraine with more advanced air defense systems. Kamikaze drones, or suicide drones, are small, portable aerial weapon systems that are hard to detect and can be fired at a distance. They can be easily launched and are designed to hit behind enemy lines and be destroyed in the attack. The Ukrainian military and US intelligence say Russia is using Iranian-made drones, but Iran denies supplying Russia with such weapons. The attacks come after Moscow fired hundreds of missiles at civilian targets in deadly strikes across Ukraine last week. 3. January 6 President Joe Biden said on Saturday the video and testimony shared at last week’s January 6 hearing was “devastating” and said the committee overall has made an “overwhelming” case. The final hearing ahead of the midterms from the House select committee investigating the attack on the US Capitol revealed new evidence and testimony that then-President Donald Trump knew he had lost his bid for reelection even as he continued efforts to overturn the results. In a significant move, the January 6 committee also voted last week to subpoena Trump, but it’s not expected that he will comply. A member of the committee also told CNN on Sunday the panel will ask former Secret Service Assistant Director Tony Ornato to testify again. The committee believes Ornato was a central figure who could provide valuable information about Trump’s movements and intentions leading up to and during the riot. 4. Immigration With the arrival of migrant buses showing no sign of slowing, officials in New York City have constructed large emergency tents that will soon house hundreds of people traveling from the southern border. This comes after NYC Mayor Eric Adams declared a state of emergency last week, warning that the growing number of new arrivals was overwhelming homeless shelters, straining resources and could end up costing the city $1 billion. Meanwhile, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said he has no plans to stop sending the buses, arguing that he’s exposed liberal leaders who are buckling under pressure that’s a fraction of what border states like his deal with daily. According to the latest tally from New York this weekend, more than 19,400 asylum seekers had entered the city’s shelter system in recent months. 5. Nigeria More than 600 people have been killed in the worst flooding Nigeria has seen in a decade, the country’s humanitarian affairs ministry said in a statement on Sunday. According to the ministry, more than 2 million people have been affected by flooding that has spread across parts of the country’s south after a particularly wet rainy season. More than 200,000 homes have been destroyed or partially damaged, the ministry added. Earlier this month, Nigeria’s National Emergency Management Agency warned of catastrophic flooding for various states, noting that three of Nigeria’s overfilled reservoirs were expected to overflow. BREAKFAST BROWSE This Netflix show breaks the record for most jump scares in one episode If loud noises or lightning-fast effects make you jump easily, beware of this new show on Netflix. 25 creepy-cute dishes for a Halloween potluck Bone appétit! Who can resist goblin up these festive appetizers and snacks? Tennessee football fans tear down goalpost, throw it into river It got pretty rowdy after the University of Tennessee football team defeated the Alabama Crimson Tide. Watch the video here. What will happen to all those stuffed bears left as tribute for the Queen? You guessed it. All of those cute Paddington Bears will be donated to a children’s charity, Buckingham Palace announced. How Marshalls, TJ Maxx and Ross offer such deep discounts If you’re a fan of designer deals, you’re in luck. Analysts say that the current inventory pileup across retail stores will make its way to off-price chains. TODAY’S NUMBER 7 billion That’s about how many snow crabs disappeared from the waters around Alaska in recent years, resulting in the cancellation of the Alaska snow crab harvest for the first time ever. Officials cited overfishing as their rationale for canceling the harvest season, but human-caused climate change is also a significant factor in the crabs’ alarming disappearance, according to Michael Litzow, a lab director for NOAA Fisheries. TODAY’S QUOTE “I’m your chef, I’m not your doctor.” — Restauranteur and celebrity chef Guy Fieri, responding to criticism about the type of food he features on his show “Diners, Drive-ins and Dives.” In an interview with CNN’s Chris Wallace, Fieri acknowledged that some of the dishes featured on his show could be unhealthy if consumed in large quantities. But he added that viewers should be responsible about their eating choices and “eat in moderation.” TODAY’S WEATHER Check your local forecast here AND FINALLY Living in the Netherlands’ futuristic homes It may look like aliens live here, but the only inhabitants in this futuristic village are humans. (Click here to view) The-CNN-Wire & © 2022 Cable News Network, Inc., a Warner Bros. Discovery Company. All rights reserved. Read More…

New UK Finance Minister Hunt Reverses Tax Plan, Reins In Energy Support https://digitalalabamanews.com/new-uk-finance-minister-hunt-reverses-tax-plan-reins-in-energy-support/ Hunt to rein in energy support Hunt reverses nearly all of Truss’s tax-cutting plan Announcement is two weeks earlier than scheduled Sterling rises against dollar Bond prices rally in early London trade LONDON, Oct 17 (Reuters) – New British finance minister Jeremy Hunt on Monday reversed nearly all of Prime Minister Liz Truss’s mini-budget that had sparked market turmoil, and reined in a vast energy subsidy plan, saying the country needed to rebuild investor confidence. Hunt, appointed on Friday to fix the public finances after Truss’s economic plan hammered the value of British assets, said the country needed to generate confidence and stability before it could seek to grow the economy. He said changes to planned tax cuts would raise 32 billion pounds ($36 billion) every year. Government spending cuts will also be required to narrow a hole in public finances that the Sunday Times reported was as big as 72 billion pounds ($81 billion). Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com “I remain extremely confident about the UK’s long term economic prospects as we deliver our mission to go for growth,” he said in a televised clip. “But growth requires confidence and stability, and the United Kingdom will always pay its way.” Sterling extended its gains against the dollar, to be up 1.2% at 11.20 a.m. (1020 GMT), and government bond prices edged higher. The near total reversal of the economic plan leaves Truss, Britain’s fourth prime minister in six years, battling to survive in Downing Street less than six weeks after she came to power promising bold tax cuts and deregulation to reignite economic growth. She has been forced to reverse course after markets reacted violently to her plan, hammering the value of the pound and government bond prices and forcing the Bank of England to intervene to protect pension funds. The Bank stuck to its schedule of ending the support on Friday, adding to the pressure on Hunt over the weekend to find ways to reduce spending before the bond markets re-opened. While he had been expected to reverse some of the tax cuts, the change to the energy support scheme had been unexpected. Truss had announced a two-year subsidy scheme to support households and businesses through the period of surging energy prices, costing 60 billion pounds in six months. Hunt said on Monday that the scheme would now run until April, but become more targeted and capped after that. Hunt would still deliver a fuller medium-term fiscal plan as scheduled on Oct. 31, alongside forecasts from the independent Office for Budget Responsibility, the Treasury said. ($1 = 0.8887 pounds) Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com Writing by William Schomberg and Kate Holton; Editing by Gerry Doyle, Kate Holton and Alex Richardson Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles. Read More…

Stock Futures Rise After A Rollercoaster Week, Investors Await Key Earnings Reports https://digitalalabamanews.com/stock-futures-rise-after-a-rollercoaster-week-investors-await-key-earnings-reports/ Traders on the floor of the NYSE, Aug. 4, 2022. Source: NYSE Stock futures traded higher early on Monday as investors awaited big earnings reports to roll in. Futures on the Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 277 points, or 0.9%. S&P 500 futures and Nasdaq 100 futures advanced 1.1% and 1.3% higher, respectively. Monday’s moves came as the British pound rose on more policy reversals from the UK government. New UK finance minister Jeremy Hunt announced that almost all planned tax cuts would be scrapped. The pound traded 1% higher at $1.127 per U.S. dollar. The S&P 500 just came off its fourth negative week in five with a 1.6% loss last week. A hotter-than-expected inflation reading stoked wild price swings in the markets as investors readjusted their expectations for the Federal Reserve’s coming rate hikes. “As inflation remains elevated for longer and the Fed hikes further, the risk increases that the cumulative effect of policy tightening pushes the U.S. economy into recession, undermining the outlook for corporate earnings,” Mark Haefele, CIO at UBS Global Wealth Management, said in a note. Meanwhile, the third-quarter earnings season has kicked off. Investors are monitoring if corporate America will have any significant downward revisions to their outlooks in the face of stubbornly high inflation and the economic slowdown. Bank of America is slated to report Monday before the bell, while Goldman Sachs will release numbers Tuesday morning. JPMorgan and Wells Fargo reported solid results last week, while Morgan Stanley’s equity trading revenue disappointed. Many notable technology names are also reporting this week, including Netflix, Tesla and IBM. Johnson & Johnson, United Airlines, AT&T, Verizon and Procter & Gamble are other big companies on investors’ radar. New UK finance minister scraps most planned tax cuts U.K. Finance Minister Jeremy Hunt on Monday announced that almost all proposed tax cuts in the country would be scrapped. “A central responsibility for any government is to do what is necessary for economic stability,” Hunt said in a statement. “No government can control markets, but every government can give certainty about the sustainability of public finances. That is one of the many factors that influence how markets behave. For that reason, although the prime minister and I are both committed to cutting corporation tax, on Friday she listened to concerns about the mini budget.” Hunt said a full statement with questions would come in parliament later Monday, but because the details were market sensitive he wanted to give a brief summary in an effort to instil “confidence and stability.” Previously proposed tax cuts sent rates in the United Kingdom soaring and the pound tumbling against the U.S. dollar. — Jenni Reid Watch these S&P 500 levels in the near term, BofA’s Suttmeier says Bank of America technical strategist Stephen Suttmeier said he’s watching the 4,126 level on the S&P 500, noting that regaining that level is “critical for the SPX to maintain its secular bull market and avoid a shift into to a secular bear market.” “The failure to reclaim the 40-week MA after correcting to or below the 200-week MA is a secular bear market pattern. The exception was the 1980-1982 cyclical bear market, which saw three rallies fail at the 40-week MA prior to a low that preceded a breakout for the SPX above both its 40-week and 200-week MAs in August 1982.” The S&P 500 entered the week at 3,583. — Fred Imbert, Michael Bloom Credit Suisse downgrades Fox Fox shares dipped slightly after Credit Suisse downgraded the media giant to neutral from outperform, citing concern over the company’s potential merger with News Corp. “The pivot seems a tacit admission of challenges for Fox,” Credit Suisse said in a note to clients. “Even if this merger does not ultimately come to fruition, the investment backdrop for Fox has been altered.” CNBC Pro subscribers can read more here. — Alex Harring British pound strengthens after policy reversals Sterling rose on Monday morning in Asia following more policy reversals by the U.K. government late last week. The pound was last 0.56% higher at $1.1233. CNBC Pro: As market volatility persists, Wall Street analysts say to sell these stocks Stocks worldwide have taken a beating this year, and major indexes remain deep in negative territory. As investors weigh whether to sell or stay invested, CNBC Pro screened almost 1,500 large and mid-cap global stocks and found a number of major companies with sell or underweight ratings. CNBC Pro subscribers can read more here. — Ganesh Rao CNBC Pro: Nearing retirement? How to allocate your portfolio right now, according to the pros Despite the volatility in markets, asset managers say it’s important to remain invested if you’re nearing retirement. But how should one allocate funds, bearing in mind unsettled markets, a shorter investing horizon and the need for retirees to have some liquidity? CNBC Pro asks the experts for their views. Pro subscribers can read more here. — Weizhen Tan CNBC Pro: Morgan Stanley’s Mike Wilson flags a key risk to earnings — and names the stocks to avoid Morgan Stanley’s U.S. equity team, led by Michelle Weaver and Mike Wilson, says there’s a key risk to earnings on the horizon. The investment bank named several stocks it believes will be most impacted in the next 3-6 months, and which could see downside to their share prices in the same period. Pro subscribers can read more here. — Zavier Ong A relief rally could be close? Last Thursday, the market pulled off a historic intraday reversal that saw the S&P 500 end the day up 2.6% after losing more than 2% earlier. It marked the fifth largest intraday reversal from a low in the history of the S&P 500, and it was the fourth largest for the Nasdaq Composite, according to SentimenTrader. The dramatic rebound gave some investors confidence that a more lasting comeback could be on the horizon. “Markets have attempted a rally several times in recent weeks with no success, though the impressive reversal on Thursday is an indication that a relief rally may be near given the excess degree of pessimism priced into markets,” said Mark Hackett, Nationwide’s chief of investment research. Hackett noted that institutional investors have remained on the sidelines, while retail investors continued to be in buy-the-dip mode, with positive fund flows in seven-consecutive weeks. Read More…

How To Combat The Nursing Shortage: Tips For Recruiting Quality Candidates – Daily Nurse https://digitalalabamanews.com/how-to-combat-the-nursing-shortage-tips-for-recruiting-quality-candidates-daily-nurse/ Listen to this article. Are you a recruiter or healthcare manager looking for an edge on what nurses want and how to attract quality nurse applicants? Recruiting quality nurse candidates requires knowledge of the historical nursing shortage, present conditions of vacancies, insight into what candidates want, and nurse recruitment skills to secure an interview that will likely lead to onboarding a new nurse for your organization. Nursing Recruitment Insights Over the last two decades, there has been a steady increase in nurse job vacancies. There are various reasons for the number of job openings. One is the demand for nurses has outpaced the supply. According to the 2020 American Association of Colleges of Nursing Annual Survey, universities have turned away qualified Registered Nurse (RN) candidates for their nursing programs due to a lack of nurse faculty to teach courses. Unfortunately, the implications of not having enough nurses to care for the aging and the sick affect everyone who utilizes healthcare. The nursing demand for RNs and Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) is projected to grow by 9% from 2020 to 2030. In addition, the number of projected retiring nurses, 1.1 million, will ultimately drive up the number of vacancies. Therefore, recruitment strategies need to be sound for the long haul. Tips for Recruiting Quality Nurse Applicants Understand the job requirements before posting the position. Since there are various skill levels the nursing profession offers (i.e., LPN, RN, Advanced Practice RNs), determine the minimum qualifications needed. For highly skilled positions, it may be necessary to require specialty certifications and experience. The best recruiters seek out quality candidates by thoroughly vetting nurse applicants. Appropriately vetting includes ensuring they meet the basic job requirements before scheduling an interview. Nursing is one of the most popular majors for new college students. You’ll increase the odds of securing quality applicants through up-to-date research and market analysis. Understanding the climate of the available workforce, the new graduate work pool, and the regional market wage is critical. Furthermore, awareness of the employer’s geographic location and the job pool will impact the nurse recruiter’s ability to negotiate. In other words, know if there are enough skilled nurses in the region to meet demand. If not, the recruitment reach may need to widen to attract quality candidates. Preparation is key, and knowing what candidates are looking for will help recruit the right person. What do nurses want? According to Minority Nurse, the nursing workforce regards safe staffing levels as a priority and will likely ask about nursing staff plans. Nurses also regard their health and well-being as extremely important. The COVID-19 pandemic caused and continues to strain the well-being of nurses from a personal standpoint. Therefore, you need to be ready to answer the hard questions about work-life balance and what well-being programs are in place for them should they be hired. Lastly, healthcare managers and recruiters need to look for specific characteristics of quality nurses, especially if the nurse will be at the bedside. Some of these qualities include empathy, compassion, the ability to communicate, being ethically sound, reliable, unbiased, a problem-solver, and a team player. Nurses who hone these qualities can be trusted to perform quality nursing care and should be at the top of the list to fill a much-needed vacancy. Author Recent Posts Versatile and enthusiastic communications unicorn- editor, writer and content strategist Latest posts by Renee Hewitt (see all) Read More…

Heated Competition Emerges In Franklin County House Races https://digitalalabamanews.com/heated-competition-emerges-in-franklin-county-house-races/ Franklin-3 district. Both candidates are well-known in political circles: McCarthy has served three terms in Montpelier and is currently the House Democratic whip, while Luneau is a former chair of the Franklin County GOP.  Republicans hold nine of the county’s 11 House seats; McCarthy and Rep. Barbara Murphy, a Fairfax independent not seeking reelection, hold the other two. Paul Dame, chair of the Vermont Republican Party, predicted earlier this year that Luneau would give McCarthy “the toughest race that he’s ever had.” Dame said he’s confident that Luneau has the name recognition and campaigning skills to win.  The Republican chair also said he believes the newly-drawn Franklin-1 district — which Murphy’s district is part of — is favorable to Republicans because the district now also includes the reliably conservative town of Georgia, in addition to Fairfax.  That race has four contenders: former Rep. Carolyn Branagan, R-Georgia; Republican Ashley Bartley; and Democrats Alan “Al” Maynard and Devon Thomas. At the same time, Democratic leaders contend they have strong candidates across the region and suggest they have perhaps their best chance in decades to make inroads in a county that historically has gone back and forth between parties.  Jim Dandeneau, executive director of the state’s Democratic Party, has said Democrats may gain ground in the county as people from the Burlington area migrate north, seeking more affordable housing. Dandeneau pointed to the House’s narrow failure in May to resurrect legislation that would have barred “evictions without cause” in Burlington — after Gov. Phil Scott vetoed the measure — as a case of Republicans blocking a measure he believes would have helped Franklin County residents, especially those in towns bordering Chittenden County.  “If we have more rational housing policy in Burlington, that has a knock-on impact in Franklin County,” he said. “And all of the Republicans stood united against that.” McCarthy said he believes his role in House leadership positions him well to be an advocate for St. Albans residents’ interests.  Luneau, who is director of operations at Handy Toyota in St. Albans, has framed McCarthy’s role as the opposite. “I will vote my conscience on every question and not toe the party line — let alone whip others into falling in line against my constituents,” Luneau’s campaign website reads.  Following redistricting this year, Luneau or McCarthy will represent four wards of St. Albans City. The city’s two southernmost wards, plus a part of St. Albans Town, were slotted into another new district: Franklin-8, which is also seeing a competitive race. Franklin district Senate candidate Jessie Nakuma Palczewski).  Dees-Erickson said she would have come down differently than Toof on several recent key votes in the House. She pointed to the Reproductive Liberty Amendment (known as Prop 5 or Article 22) — which Toof voted against approving earlier this year — as well as Scott’s 2020 veto of a paid family leave program, which Toof voted to sustain.  Toof said he believes it’s important for Republicans to win enough seats in the Legislature to be able to uphold potential vetoes should Scott get reelected alongside a Democratic majority in both Legislative chambers.  In a televised forum this month, Toof also said he had changed his mind on Article 22 after the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, and now supports the Vermont amendment. He acknowledged he’s faced criticism for shifting his position.  “But I feel like if I’m able to grow as a candidate and listen to what my constituents are telling me,” Toof said in the forum, “I think that people should be happy.” In the Franklin-7 district, to the northeast, voters are also seeing a competitive contest. Enosburgh Republican Rep. Felisha Leffler’s decision not to seek reelection has produced a three-way race for the single seat representing Enosburgh and Montgomery.  Voters will likely recognize the Progressive/Democratic candidate from Enosburgh on their ballots: Cindy Weed, who has run in four of the district’s five most recent elections, winning twice. Republican Allen “Penny” Demar and independent Suzanne “Suzi” Hull-Casavant — both of Enosburgh — also are running.  Just south in the Franklin-6 district, Republican Rep. James Gregoire, of Fairfield, is facing his first competitive race since he first won a seat in the House in 2018. His challenger is Brenda Churchill, a Bakersfield Democrat and Statehouse advocate for the LGBTQIA Alliance of Vermont. She also sits on her hometown’s selectboard. The candidates gave differing answers when asked about Article 22 in a televised forum. Churchill said she supported the amendment, while Gregoire declined to say how he would vote on it on his ballot. Gregoire voted against the amendment on the House floor earlier this year, saying in the forum he took issue with the “very partisan” debate. If Churchill is elected, she would be the second openly transgender person to serve in the Legislature, joining Rep. Taylor Small, P/D-Winooski.  Dame made Gregoire the first subject of a series of fundraising emails this fall highlighting GOP candidates. He did not mention Churchill by name but did cite Emerge Vermont — an organization she has worked with that recruits and trains Democratic women to run for office. The chair also said the race could be close. Gregoire “did such a great job serving his constituents that he ran uncontested in both the Republican primary, and the general election in 2020,” Dame wrote.  “But this year Emerge VT has made a target out of James’s race and may give him the toughest fight thus far in his three races.” Heated competition emerges in Franklin County House races In Franklin Senate race, both sides claim moderate label Spending for and against Vermont’s abortion rights amendment tops $1.2 million Sen. Mark MacDonald hospitalized after experiencing ‘mild stroke,’ family says Stowe’s House seat has long been a Democratic white whale. Can the party finally flip it? Missing out on the latest scoop? Sign up for Final Reading for a rundown on the day’s news in the Legislature. Read More…

Mercedes EQE SUV Priced Above Tesla Model Y As It Becomes First Non-Apple Product To Offer Spatial Audio https://digitalalabamanews.com/mercedes-eqe-suv-priced-above-tesla-model-y-as-it-becomes-first-non-apple-product-to-offer-spatial-audio/ The EQE specs and price go directly after the Model Y (image: Mercedes) The new made-in-USA Mercedes-Benz EQE electric SUV is the first non-Apple gear to sport the exclusive Spatial Audio surround sound tech with support for Dolby Atmos. The Mercedes EQE is priced at US$68,000, a bit above the Model Y, and offers 326-mile EPA range estimate. Mercedes-Benz just unveiled the “multipurpose variant” of the luxury EQE electric sedan that it launched back in the spring. A fancy phrase for an electric SUV vehicle, the “multipurpose” adjective for the EQE here refers to the off-road abilities and one of the largest interior spaces in its class. With an EPA range estimate expected to top the 320 miles mark, and a Mercedes EQE price set at US$68,000, it is shaping up to be a direct Tesla Model Y competitor in the US. The 191.5/76.4/66.4 inch dimensions at 119.3 wheelbase make it slightly more compact than the EQE sedan, all the while it offers more interior space. There are 2WD and 4WD versions, with the 4MATIC one able to decouple the front axle motor completely for increased range on a charge when the off-road capabilities, or heavy load pulling, aren’t needed. The battery comes standard with 10-year or 155,000-mile warranty. The cheapest Mercedes EQE 350+ model is a RWD affair that offers 288 HP and 417 pound-feet torque that go up to 564 pound-feet on the 350 4MATIC model with extra motor on the front axle. The performance 500 4MATIC version also has a dual-motor electric drivetrain, but comes with the whopping 536 HP and 633 pound-feet of torque. The 0-62 mph acceleration of the 500 model is 4.6 seconds, while all versions top out at 130 MPH. Power comes from a 90.6-kWh battery pack that can be charged to 80% for about half an hour at rated 170 kW chargers. Inside, you will find the giant pillar-to-pillar 55.5-inch Mercedes Hyperscreen with dual-stack OLED technology made by LG. Mercedes says it has paid special attention to road noise and car noise insulation to the point of arranging the magnets inside the electric motor’s rotor in a way that minimizes noise and vibration. The Mercedes EQE is the first product with Apple’s Spatial Audio surround sound tech with Dolby Atmos support that is made from another company, and Apple boasted that the audio quality is akin to that of a concert hall: Apple Music with Spatial Audio comes fully integrated through the MBUX infotainment system in Mercedes-Maybach models, the EQS and EQS SUV, as well as the EQE and the S-Class, equipping these vehicles with studio-quality sound better than in any concert hall, and giving drivers a fully immersive listening experience with unparalleled, multidimensional sound and clarity. The Mercedes EQE sports an efficient heat pump that allows a very little draw from the battery to warm up the cabin, while the A/C compressor is designed to avoid noisy frequencies as “certain rpm ranges at which disturbing resonances may be audible when stationary or in a traffic jam are avoided or quickly passed through.” Made in the USA, or, more precisely, in the Tuscaloosa, AL factory, with a nickel-cobalt-manganese battery coming straight from the Bibb County plant there, the Mercedes EQE will be eligible for the new EV subsidies that kicked in after the Inflation Reduction Act passed as it is priced way below the US$80,000 SUV grant threshold, too. Get the Pioneer AVH-2500NEX 2-Din stereo with Apple Carplay and Android Auto on Amazon Daniel Zlatev – Tech Writer – 424 articles published on Notebookcheck since 2021 Wooed by tech since the industrial espionage of Apple computers and the times of pixelized Nintendos, Daniel went and opened a gaming club when personal computers and consoles were still an expensive rarity. Nowadays, fascination is not with specs and speed but rather the lifestyle that computers in our pocket, house, and car have shoehorned us in, from the infinite scroll and the privacy hazards to authenticating every bit and move of our existence. Read More…

Suspect Arrested For Shooting Near JMU That Wounded 8 – WTOP News https://digitalalabamanews.com/suspect-arrested-for-shooting-near-jmu-that-wounded-8-wtop-news/ The man who police say wounded eight people when he fired shots into a crowd near James Madison University Sunday morning was taken into custody by police in Harrisonburg, Virginia, in the afternoon. The shooting happened early Sunday morning in the 1500 block of Devon Lane, which is around a mile from the building that houses the university’s business school. More Virginia News More Local News Tyreaf Isaiah Fleming, 20, of Harrisonburg, was arrested and charged with attempted murder, aggravated malicious wounding, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and the use of a firearm during the commission of a felony, according to a news release from Harrisonburg Police. “Our work continues on this case as we investigate all aspects of this incident and determine if any other individuals were involved,” Harrisonburg Police Chief Kelley Warner said in a news release. The victims were shot early Sunday morning around 2:20 a.m. during an outdoor gathering at a housing complex. Both JMU students and local Harrisonburg residents live in the complex, according to Michael Parks, a city spokesperson. Parks told WTOP that none of the victims suffered life threatening injuries and their ages range from 18 to 27. None of the victims is enrolled at the university. Witnesses told police the suspect fired multiple times into a crowd at the outdoor gathering. Five of the victims were taken to Sentara RMH Medical Center for treatment, while three others were transported to Charlottesville at UVA. Police didn’t have an update on the people who were shot when the arrest was announced Sunday afternoon. Police said a combination of witness statements and available security camera video helped them identify Fleming as a suspect. Police ask anyone with information on the shooting to contact HPD’s Det. Thurston at 540-432-7787. See a map of where the shootings took place below: WTOP’s Joshua Barlow contributed to this story. Jessica Kronzer Jessica Kronzer graduated from James Madison University in May 2021 after studying media and politics. She enjoys covering politics, advocacy and compelling human-interest stories. Like WTOP on Facebook and follow WTOP on Twitter and Instagram to engage in conversation about this article and others. Get breaking news and daily headlines delivered to your email inbox by signing up here. © 2022 WTOP. All Rights Reserved. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area. More from WTOP Read More…