Digital Arizona News

News Outlets To Federal Judge: Unseal The Warrant For Scott Perry https://digitalarizonanews.com/news-outlets-to-federal-judge-unseal-the-warrant-for-scott-perry/ A federal judge should lift the seal on records outlining why the FBI seized U.S. Rep. Scott Perry’s mobile phone last month, a new court filing argues. The motion, filed Thursday by three newspapers including The York Dispatch, seeks the uncover arguments made as part of federal investigators’ efforts to obtain a warrant for data from the sitting congressman’s phone. It joins an emergency suit the York County Republican filed last month to get his phone back from investigators. FBI agents served a warrant to seize Perry’s phone data Aug. 9 as he vacationed with his family in New Jersey. The move came a day after agents searched former President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida for classified documents taken from the White House after Trump left office in 2021. Perry alleged in his suit that the seizure, which came amid a Justice Department investigation into efforts to overturn the 2020 election, was part of a politically motivated attempt to affect his chances at reelection in November. A spokesperson for Perry did not immediately respond to a request for comment Friday. Attorneys for the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press filed the new motion on behalf of The York Dispatch, the York Daily Record and The Patriot-News. The filing calls for a federal court to unseal judicial records in the case, including the actual warrant, warrant application, associated affidavits and other related documents. More:Ambulance shot in York County, police say: Can you ID the suspect’s car? More:More questions emerge around York City’s $4M plan for Dentsply site More:York City mulls removal of decades-old cap on police staffing Attorneys for the news outlets argued that searching a Congress representative’s property raises concerns about the separation of powers as well as potential infringements of the Fourth Amendment’s constitutional protections against unreasonable searches and seizures. “When investigators take a step as dramatic as seizing property from a member of Congress, the public deserves to understand the basis for it,” Grayson Clary, an attorney with the Reporters Committee, said in an email. “That’s why we’ve asked the court to unseal the records that would provide that transparency.” Please consider subscribing to support local journalism.  The new motion argues the Justice Department has sometimes included “special procedures” in warrant applications for searches involving Congress persons to limit infringing on legislative activities. Perry’s lawsuit reportedly asked a federal court to block government agents from searching his phone. Two weeks after the seizure, he told The York Dispatch he hadn’t heard from the FBI since the confrontation. Staff reporter Matt Enright contributed to this report. — Reach Aimee Ambrose at aambrose@yorkdispatch.com or on Twitter at @aimee_TYD. Read More Here

School Choice Expansion In Arizona Will Move Forward https://digitalarizonanews.com/school-choice-expansion-in-arizona-will-move-forward/ PHOENIX — School choice expansion in Arizona will move forward after the group Save Our Schools failed to get enough signatures on a citizens’ referendum to put the expansion on hold and turn the issue back over to voters in 2024, according to a brand new statement from Sec. of State Katie Hobbs. In a tweet Friday morning, Hobbs said, “We have informed the SOS committee that the referendum will not qualify for the 2024 General Election Ballot. While the statutorily required review continues, our office has inspected enough petitions & signatures to confirm that the 118,823 signature minimum will not be met.” We have informed the SOS committee that the referendum will not qualify for the 2024 General Election Ballot. While the statutorily required review continues, our office has inspected enough petitions & signatures to confirm that the 118,823 signature minimum will not be met. pic.twitter.com/UVydtBH5oi — Secretary Katie Hobbs (@SecretaryHobbs) September 30, 2022 Governor Doug Ducey signed the expansion into law back on August 16. Under the expansion, all Arizona K-12 students will have access to what’s known as an “Empowerment Scholarship Account” or ESA, which allows families to use funding that would have gone to public schools for a variety of other approved education options, such as private schools, home education, or tutoring.  Videos in the player above include previous ABC15 coverage on this topic. Currently, a student must fall into a specific category to qualify for an ESA, but under the new law, all students qualify. Supporters say it will help even the playing field for students and give families more control and more of a choice when it comes to education, but people who oppose say it will take money away from already struggling public schools in Arizona. There is also concern that there is no income cap for families who use the ESA, meaning rich families would get the same amount of assistance as low-income families.  The group Save Our Schools also raised questions about oversight and accountability.  Today, Arizona’s public schools were dealt a devastating blow. The universal ESA voucher scheme passed by the R-controlled #AZLeg & Gov.Ducey has gone into effect despite our network’s herculean effort to stop it in its tracks. We will never stop fighting for AZ’s students. pic.twitter.com/VMbw3mLYgD — Save Our Schools AZ (@arizona_sos) September 30, 2022 In 2018, Arizona voters rejected a similar school choice expansion plan.  Copyright 2022 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Sign up for the Headlines Newsletter and receive up to date information. Read More…

Burt’s Bees Latest Research From The Integrative Dermatology Symposium https://digitalarizonanews.com/burts-bees-latest-research-from-the-integrative-dermatology-symposium/ Tolerability and effectiveness of bakuchiol with mineral sunscreen, nature-based liquid exfoliants for dark spots and information on blue light protection. 09.30.22 Burt’s Bees has provided details on its latest research findings on the benefits of nature-based regimens to protect and restore skin health across various skin conditions, types, and tones. The studies will be presented at the hybrid in-person and virtual Integrative Dermatology Symposium (IDS), which begins today in Tucson, AZ. The latest research findings from Burt’s Bees highlight: • Tolerability and effectiveness of bakuchiol containing mineral, broad-spectrum sunscreen to protect, firm and smooth photodamaged skin. • Efficacy of nature-based liquid exfoliants in targeting hyperpigmentation like dark spots. • Effectiveness of a nature-based broad-spectrum sunscreen in protecting from blue light damage and safety in sensitive skin populations. “We are excited to be back in person at this year’s Integrative Dermatology Symposium to share our latest clinical data showcasing the proven power of nature,” said Hemali Gunt, Ph.D., head of clinical and scientific affairs at Burt’s Bees. “There is a lot at work behind our skin care, just like in nature, and we will go ‘Beyond the Skin, Beneath the Surface’ to demonstrate our continued dedication to purposeful ingredients and rigorous testing that ensures our regimens are safe and effective for all skin tones and types.” Posters at IDS Burt’s Bees posters at IDS include:  Daily Photoprotection with Topical Bakuchiol Containing Sunscreen Improves Signs of Aging; Shakhbazoca A., Pan A., Gunt H., and Sivamani R. An open-label study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of a broad-spectrum Sun Protection Factor (SPF) 30 sunscreen containing bakuchiol in protecting the skin from ultraviolet radiation damage. A 12-week study in subjects ranging from 35-60 years of age were evaluated with high-resolution facial photographs to determine the efficacy of bakuchiol in improving the appearance of photodamaged skin. Daily use of a sunscreen containing bakuchiol, a naturally derived retinol alternative, showed no visible signs of irritation typically seen with retinol products, as well as reducing the appearance of wrinkle severity and facial spots. Visible Reduction in Appearance of Moderate Hyperpigmentation with Nature-based Exfoliating Liquid; Gunt H. and Levy S. The efficacy of a nature-based liquid exfoliant in improving the appearance of hyperpigmentation was evaluated in 93 female subjects with moderate hyperpigmentation over 12 weeks. Effectiveness and tolerability were assessed by evaluating skin pigmentation, radiance, pore size, and skin tone. Results indicate that the nature-based liquid exfoliant is clinically safe and effective in improving the appearance of hyperpigmentation. Tolerability in a Sensitive Skin Population and Photo-protective Effects of a Nature-based, Broad Spectrum Sunscreen Product Against Blue Light; Gunt H. and Levy S. A study of participants with clinically diagnosed sensitive skin and facial redness evaluated the safety of a nature-based, broad-spectrum SPF30 sunscreen and separately, its effectiveness in protecting the skin against repeated exposure to LED-based blue light was tested. A nature-based, broad-spectrum sunscreen is well-tolerated by individuals with sensitive skin and showed an improvement in skin radiance texture, and overall condition without causing signs of irritation. Results showed a nature-based, broad-spectrum sunscreen protects against darkening and tanning caused by blue light irradiation. “Sensitive skin sufferers with visible face redness can use a nature-based broad-spectrum sunscreen to protect against repeated irradiation of skin from LED-based blue light,” said Stanley Levy, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Chapel Hill, NC, and study consultant. “Our assessments showed this mineral sunscreen is safe for sensitive skin without causing the signs and symptoms of irritation and protects against hyperpigmentation from blue light exposure.” Burt’s Bees is part of Clorox, No. 10 on Happi’s 2022 Top 50 List. Read More Here

TikTok Politics: Candidates Turn To It ‘for Better Or Worse’ https://digitalarizonanews.com/tiktok-politics-candidates-turn-to-it-for-better-or-worse/ By DAVID KLEPPER, Associated Press Published: September 30, 2022, 7:39am 3 Photos FILE – The TikTok app logo appears in Tokyo on Sept. 28, 2020. TikTok may be the platform of choice for catchy videos, but anyone using it to learn about COVID-19, climate change or Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is likely to encounter misleading information, according to a new research report. (AP Photo/Kiichiro Sato, File) Photo Gallery Wade Herring didn’t know the teenage voter who approached him at a restaurant over the weekend. But she knew Herring, a Democrat running for Congress in Georgia, from his campaign videos on TikTok. To Herring, a 63-year-old Savannah attorney, it was proof of TikTok’s precision-guided ability to reach young voters — the very reason why he and candidates from both parties have eagerly embraced the platform ahead of the 2022 midterm elections. “A year and a half ago, I thought it was just dancing videos,” Herring said of TikTok. Young voters, he added, “aren’t watching CNN, or MSNBC or Fox. They’re getting their information on TikTok, and for better or worse, it’s the way to reach them.” For a number of government officials, it’s worse. TikTok’s popularity has surged despite worries from policy makers in Washington about TikTok’s handling of user data and misinformation, as well as its ties to China’s government. Those fears prompted the U.S. armed forces to prohibit the app on military devices, and spurred calls to ban it on all government computers and phones as well. “I have serious concerns about the opportunities that the Chinese communist party has to access TikTok’s data on American users,” Sen. Rob Portman, R-Ohio, said at a hearing this month focused on the national security implications of social media. Still, its reach is undeniable. TikTok is consumed by two-thirds of American teens , a number that has risen as other platforms have lost popularity. It’s the world’s most downloaded app, and the second-most visited website after Google. And it’s not just about viral dance challenges anymore, but also a place to shop, learn about beauty, fashion or sports, and even find out how to register to vote. The benefits of using the platform are simply too great to pass up even with concerns about TikTok as a conduit for misinformation or exploiting privacy. “People are going to use it. It’s a highly effective tool,” said Colton Hess, who created Tok the Vote, a 2020 voter registration and engagement effort that reached tens of millions of young voters. “As long as that’s the game in play, you have to be in the arena.” TikTok is owned by ByteDance Ltd., a Chinese company that moved to new headquarters in Singapore in 2020. Questions about the company’s ties to the Chinese government have hounded TikTok even as its popularity exploded. At the Senate hearing earlier this month, members of both parties questioned a TikTok executive about the influence of government officials in China, and whether that country’s authoritarian leaders have control over the platform’s data and content. TikTok Chief Operating Officer Vanessa Pappas, based in Los Angeles, said the company protects all data from American users and that Chinese government officials have no access to it. “We will never share data, period,” Pappas said. TikTok also says it works to stop the flow of harmful misinformation and has created an election center to help users find information about U.S. elections, voting and candidates. The platform’s defenders also note that TikTok isn’t the only site criticized for failing to stop misinformation. Its rivals — Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube — face their own challenges regarding data privacy too. A report released this month from New York University faulted all four of those platforms plus TikTok for amplifying former President Donald Trump’s lies about the 2020 election. The study cited inconsistent rules regarding misinformation as well as poor enforcement. “While TikTok has these very strong sounding policies, the enforcement is extremely erratic,” said Paul Barrett, the professor and researcher who led the study. Another study this month by NewsGuard, a firm that monitors online misinformation, found that nearly 1 in 5 TikTok videos about key news events contained misinformation. The videos focused on topics like COVID-19, the 2020 election, Russia’s war in Ukraine and the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. TikTok’s ties to China set it apart from other platforms, according to Geoffrey Cain, a senior fellow at the Lincoln Network, a conservative-leaning think tank that studies technology policy. The country’s leaders have shown a willingness to spread disinformation that undermines the West, he said, and it would be foolish to think they haven’t tried to enlist TikTok in this work. “This is not the Cold War where we had hardware, where we had missiles pointed at each other,” Cain said. “Now we have smart phones.” TikTok is not available in China. Instead, the platform’s parent company offers a similar platform that has the same dance videos, but also promotes educational content about math and science, experts told lawmakers at the recent Senate hearing. Another difference: the Chinese version limits 13- and 14-year-old users to 40 minutes a day. No such limits are included in the U.S. version, which prohibits users under 13. Concerned about China’s influence over TikTok, the Trump administration in 2020 threatened to ban the app within the U.S. and pressured ByteDance to sell TikTok to a U.S. company. U.S. officials and the company are now in talks over a possible agreement that would resolve American security concerns. The Columbian is becoming a rare example of a news organization with local, family ownership. Subscribe today to support local journalism and help us to build a stronger community. Sen. Edward Markey, D-Mass., helped write the Children’s Online Privacy and Protection Act when he served in the House, and supports new regulations for data collection and marketing to children that he says will make platforms like TikTok safer. He’s not waiting for those changes to happen before using the platform, however. Markey emerged as an unlikely TikTok sensation in 2020 when his videos were credited with helping him defeat a primary challenge from former Rep. Joe Kennedy. “I feel lucky to join them online in pursuit of a better future and a livable planet,” Markey said of young voters, who he said are especially concerned about climate change and other environmental challenges. While the right video can reach hundreds of thousands or even millions of viewers, TikTok also works in reverse, giving politicians and advocacy groups a window into the concerns of millions of young Americans whose political influence will only grow, according to Ellen Sciales, director of communications for the Sunrise Movement, a youth-led organization that works to address climate change. “It’s young people talking to other young people. It’s meeting them where they’re at,” said Sciales, 25. Younger voters will judge candidates based on their stances on issues instead of whether they’re on TikTok or not, Sciales said, adding that those who stay off the platform are missing out on a powerful tool for organizing and communicating with voters. It’s a gamble some lawmakers say they’re not willing to take. “I would have a great deal of caution about TikTok at this point,” Democratic Sen. Mark Warner of Virginia said in July. “I would not have TikTok on any of my devices.” Read More Here

Stefanik Says She Brings $600M Into NY21. But Some Of Her Claims Are Misleading. https://digitalarizonanews.com/stefanik-says-she-brings-600m-into-ny21-but-some-of-her-claims-are-misleading/ Sep 30, 2022 — Rep. Elise Stefanik at a forum in Moriah in 2018. Photo: Nancie Battaglia Since the North Country last elected Elise Stefanik to Congress, she’s become one of the highest profile politicians in the Republican Party. She leads the House GOP’s messaging as the Conference Chair, and she’s become one of former President Donald Trump’s most trusted allies. So as she ascends the national political ladder, how focused has she been on local, North Country issues – what’s known as constituent services? She told residents on a call in July she’s very focused. “You always know I’m focused on constituent services, case work like social security, Medicare, VA issues,” Stefanik said. “We will continue to stay on top of all those constituent services.” Our reporter Zach Hirsch has been taking a deep look at Stefanik’s attention to local issues and attracting federal funding, and has this special report. Stefanik says she does a lot of work helping people and local governments. On her website, she claims to have returned more than $600 million to the district through grants and other federal funding. She says she also attended more than a thousand district events and responded to hundreds of thousands of letters. We wanted to know more about where all that money comes from, and where it all goes. So, we asked around. “Anytime that we’ve needed assistance or called her office, her staff has been extremely cooperative. I think she’s an extremely bright, very astute individual who has a great future,” said Lake George Mayor Robert Blais. He credits Stefanik with securing a $500,000 Northern Border Regional Commission grant for a new wastewater treatment plant. “She identified that source for us and [wrote] a letter of support. She also came and made the announcement personally, at local press conference,” Blais said. In the Village of Dolgeville, there was severe flooding a few years ago. Mayor Mary Puznowski said the help she got from Stefanik made a huge difference. “I believe it was her persistence that helped us to receive that $1.9 million in the FEMA funding,” Puznowski said. Stefanik wrote letters to FEMA and former Governor Andrew Cuomo, and called on former President Trump to issue a disaster declaration. We spoke with more than 30 people for this story, mostly Stefanik supporters. They talked about her advocacy for Fort Drum and economic development projects.  A spokesperson for Clarkson University said Stefanik helps them get research grants. SUNY Plattsburgh said Stefanik’s office intervened to make sure their Upward Bound program got funded this year. And Stefanik has helped airports apply for grants. Rep. Elise Stefanik invited President Trump to Fort Drum in 2018. Photo: courtesy of Watertown Daily Times But her supporters were not totally uniform in their praise for her work on local issues.  Scott Horton is the town supervisor of Caroga in Fulton County. He likes Stefanik’s record on agriculture and veterans issues. But in his community, a fire damaged the town hall and wiped out another building. He applied for federal grants through her office to help with the repairs, and he got rejected – twice.  “It was not supported by the Congresswoman and I think it should have been,” Horton said. Horton said he was told his applications were strong, but “didn’t quite make the grade.” He suspects his community wasn’t a priority because it’s too small – only about 1,200 people live there. He says he feels ignored.  “And I don’t think that we’re any different than many other small communities. Not that they’ve had a tragedy like we had, but many, many small communities in her district are suffering just like we are.” Correction officers at the federal prison in Ray Brook have also said they feel ignored. The local prison workers union has been trying to meet with Stefanik to talk about staffing issues, to no avail.  But many local leaders say she’s responsive and present in the district – even as she’s taken on a new leadership role in Washington. Legislator Jim Nabywaniec from Jefferson County called Stefanik “one of the most hands-on Congress people we have ever had.”  “I don’t think she’s changed,” he said. “Her record to me is putting the district first, which I appreciate very much.” Our reporting found a lot of leaders who echoed that praise. But we also found that the way Stefanik talks about her work on local issues includes a lot of misleading information. Take this announcement from a few weeks ago, a press release titled “Stefanik Delivers Over $586,000 for NY-21 Fire Departments.” It lists a bunch of fire companies that won grants for new equipment. Stefanik says she wrote letters of support, and helped them through the grant process.  But in the fine print, the release acknowledges that Stefanik only helped some of the fire departments.  Scott Alexander wrote the grant application for the North Pole Fire Company in Watertown, which was on the list. “I’m just a simple North Country guy. I work hard, write a good grant, and hopefully got it on that basis. I didn’t go seeking any political pull for our grant this time,” he said. Alexander was applying to the Federal Emergency Management Agency for funding to pay for an industrial washer-dryer system, with a price tag of nearly $20,000. “It’s a specialized piece of equipment that is designed specifically […] for firefighter turnout gear. So it removes the contaminants, the cancer-causing agents, the carcinogens, without doing damage to the fiber,” Alexander said.  He has asked Stefanik for help in the past, he said – but not this time. There was no letter of support, and he didn’t participate in a webinar with the congresswoman. He said the application was strong enough on its own merit. So that’s about $20,000 that Stefanik took credit for, where she apparently had no direct involvement. In an email, Stefanik’s senior advisor Alex deGrasse didn’t comment on any specific fire department. But he said the congresswoman supports “all FEMA fund applications from her district.” He said she holds info sessions, works directly with federal agencies, and works “to support fully funding these FEMA programs through appropriations.”  Rep. Stefanik at an event in Saranac Lake this year. Photo: Nancie Battaglia The day after the press release mentioning the North Pole Fire Company, Stefanik issued another release – more money for more fire departments. She took credit for $126,400 that was awarded to the Potsdam Volunteer Rescue Squad. But in an email, chief Chris Towler said, “We did not solicit any congressional support while applying for this federal grant.”  “This has become a pattern with her over and over again,” said Phyllis Sinclair, a Democratic activist with the group Adirondack Voters for Change. The group has been tracking what Stefanik says about her constituent services. (Thery’re also campaigning for Matt Castelli.) Sinclair says “it’s hard to trace the money,” making it easy for Stefanik to claim credit. As for the local projects where Stefanik really does have a role: “I mean, that’s great. That’s good if she does that, but that’s her job as a Congresswoman to do that. That’s nothing special or out of the ordinary,” Sinclair said.  North Country Public Radio also found instances of Stefanik touting projects that she voted against in Congress.  Take the American Rescue Plan Covid relief package. Stefanik opposed that last year, describing it as “filled with pork projects, special interest giveaways, and the Far-Left’s policy wish list.” But later she sent a press release heralding a grant for the St. Regis Mohawk Tribe. The money, over $850,000, came from the Covid relief package that she voted against. In federal budget negotiations in March, Stefanik worked to include several North Country projects. But ultimately, she fell in line with most of her party and voted against the budget – saying the final bill contained “Far-Left, partisan provisions.” Yet she still took credit for millions of dollars from that same bill. Congresswoman Stefanik spoke in 2018 with reporters in the Town of Plattsburgh, at the site of a water infrastructure project she helped fund. Photo: Zach Hirsch Stefanik’s advisor Alex deGrasse acknowledged that she opposed those bills – calling them “unnecessary spending.” But he said “when federal dollars are available, she works to ensure her district has a strong ability to access those funds.” Mark Henry chairs the Clinton County legislature. He says that approach makes sense.  “There are parts of bills that she has worked on that would be good for her constituents. But oftentimes, sometimes, the entire bill is not good for the constituents,” Henry said. “You can get some of your views into a bill, and you should take credit for that.”  Like Henry, most Republican leaders are fully on board with Stefanik. But there is hesitation among some of them about the way she has embraced former President Donald Trump’s lies. “It’s probably gonna kill me politically, but you know, I don’t think the election was stolen. And I wish she would drop that,”  said Scott Horton, Caroga’s Republican town supervisor.  A few other local Republicans agreed. Lake George Mayor Robert Blais said he’s “baffled” by Stefanik’s loyalty to Donald Trump. “As you go up through the ranks, […] through each level of government, you tend to sell yourself a little bit to the people that are your donors, the people that are your backers. And if you hitch your wagon to the wrong individual, then you don’t become that person that you wanna become,” Blais said. In the last couple of years, Stefanik has carved out increasingly radical positions. She voted to overturn the 2020 election based on the same lies that inspired a vio...

Trump Won’t Have To Say If He Thinks FBI Planted Documents, Judge Rules https://digitalarizonanews.com/trump-wont-have-to-say-if-he-thinks-fbi-planted-documents-judge-rules/ The Florida federal judge who has repeatedly intervened in the FBI’s investigation of Donald Trump’s hoarding of government-owned documents after his term ended in 2021 has once again stepped in to assist the ex-president’s efforts to delay review of documents seized during the 8 August search of his Florida residence. Judge Aileen Cannon on Thursday rejected a case management plan put forth by Judge Raymond Dearie, the New York jurist who she appointed as a special master to review the more than 10,000 documents taken from Mr Trump’s Mar-a-Lago property to determine whether any should be shielded from the government under attorney-client or executive privilege. Judge Dearie had ordered Mr Trump’s attorneys to submit a declaration under oath regarding whether any of the documents listed in an FBI inventory of what was seized from Mr Trump’s property were planted as the ex-president has repeatedly alleged. But Judge Cannon overruled him and said she was doing so because her order appointing him as a special master in the case did not direct him to ask for such declarations. “There shall be no separate requirement on Plaintiff at this stage, prior to the review of any of the Seized Materials, to lodge ex ante final objections to the accuracy of Defendant’s Inventory, its descriptions, or its contents,” she wrote, adding that her previous order “did not contemplate that obligation”. Judge Cannon also rejected an accelerated timeline for review of the documents that had been laid out by Judge Dearie, instead choosing to give the Trump team more leeway to delay the proceedings by extending the deadline for completion to 14 December. Legal experts have panned her ruling as being without basis in law and as showing bias towards Mr Trump, who named her to the bench in late 2020. Andrew Weissman, an ex-prosecutor who worked on the Justice Department’s investigation into Mr Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign’s alleged ties with Russia, wrote that the Florida judge had “tinker[ed] badly with Judge Dearie’s scheduling order, relieving Trump of obligation to say whether docs were planted, even though she had wanted a clear inventory of what was found”. “She is such a disgrace,” he added. Harvard Law School emeritus professor Laurence Tribe said on Twitter that she was “clearly wrong” in her order, but he also called her a “sideshow” because her previous injunction against using the classified documents seized from Mar-a-Lago to further the DOJ’s probe has been lifted by the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals. Another law professor, University of Texas Law School professor Steve Vladek, wrote: “Everyone has a point past which it’s hard to believe that a particular person is acting in good faith. If we weren’t there already for Judge Cannon…” Read More Here

Hurricane Ian Starts Lashing South Carolina After Leaving At Least 21 Reported Dead And Millions Without Power Across Florida | CNN https://digitalarizonanews.com/hurricane-ian-starts-lashing-south-carolina-after-leaving-at-least-21-reported-dead-and-millions-without-power-across-florida-cnn/ Editor’s Note: Affected by the storm? Use CNN’s lite site for low bandwidth. You also can text or WhatsApp your Ian stories to CNN +1 332-261-0775. CNN  —  As much of Florida takes stock Friday of apocalyptic damage – with searchers still checking for people in need and millions without power – deadly Hurricane Ian has begun lashing South Carolina, where an expected afternoon landfall threatens more lethal flooding and enough force to alter the coastal landscape. With at least 21 deaths reported in Florida, Ian restrengthened to a Category 1 storm in the Atlantic and was barreling toward South Carolina with sustained core winds of 85 mph as of 8 a.m. ET Friday. Its center was due to move onto land between Charleston and Myrtle Beach, forecasters said, with winds up to 73 mph already hitting much of the Carolinas’ coast and life-threatening storm surge and hurricane conditions expected within hours. “This is a dangerous storm that will bring high winds and a lot of water,” South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster tweeted. “Be smart, make good decisions, check on your loved ones, and stay safe.” FOLLOW LIVE UPDATES Meanwhile, Florida confronts the dizzying destruction Ian wrought through much of the peninsula Wednesday and Thursday after it smashed into the southwest coast as a Category 4 storm and plowed through central and northeastern areas. Homes on the coast were washed out to sea, buildings were smashed throughout the state, and floodwater ruined homes and businesses and trapped residents, even inland in places like the Orlando area. Hundreds of rescues have taken place by land, air and sea, with residents stuck in homes or stranded on rooftops, and searchers have made many wellness checks, especially in the Fort Myers and Naples areas, where feet of storm surge inundated streets and homes. And now, the storm’s aftermath poses new, deadly dangers of its own. Some standing water is electrified, officials warned, while maneuvering through debris-strewn buildings and streets – many without working traffic signals – risks injury. Lack of air conditioning can lead to heat illness, and improper generator use can cause carbon monoxide poisoning. In North Port between Fort Myers and Sarasota, Rosanna Walker stood Thursday in the flood-damaged home where she rode out the storm. Part of her drywall ceiling was hanging down. “And all of a sudden, the water was coming in through the doors – the top, the bottom, the windows over here,” she told CNN’s John Berman. “It’s all in my closets; I’ve got to empty out my closets.” “Everything got ruined.” Here’s what to know: • Deaths reported: At least 21 storm-related deaths have been reported in Florida. Among them, 20 are unconfirmed – 12 in Charlotte County and eight in Collier County, state emergency management Director Kevin Guthrie said Friday. One confirmed death was in Polk County, he said, noting unconfirmed death cases are being processed by local medical examiners, who decide whether they are disaster-related. • More than 1.9 million outages: Millions of Floridians who were in Ian’s path are still in the dark as of early Friday, according to PowerOutage.us. Most counties with the highest percentage of residents without power lie in the southwest, including Lee, Charlotte, DeSoto and Hardee. • Historic flooding in some areas: Record flooding was recorded across central and northern Florida, including at least three rivers that hit all-time flood records. Officials in Orlando warned residents of dangerous flooding, which exceeded a foot in some areas. • Hundreds of rescues and thousands of evacuations: More than 700 rescues have happened across Florida so far, the governor said Thursday, and thousands of evacuees have been reported. In Lee County, a hospital system had to evacuate more than 1,000 patients after its water supply was cut off, while other widespread evacuations have been reported in prisons and nursing homes. In Fort Myers, the fire chief was “pretty comfortable” by Friday morning that everyone needing help had been rescued, Mayor Kevin Anderson said. • Much of Fort Myers Beach obliterated: A helicopter flight over Fort Myers Beach shows utter devastation: empty or debris-littered lots where homes and businesses used to be and boats tossed into mangroves. “You’re talking about no structure left. … You’re talking about homes that were thrown into the bay. This is a long-term fix, and it’s life-changing,” Lee County Sheriff Carmine Marceno said. • Coast Guard continues rescue flights Friday: Coast Guard crews rescued 95 people in Florida on Thursday, including by lifting people from flooded areas by helicopter, and will continue rescue flights Friday, Rear Adm. Brendan McPherson said. “We’re going to find anybody else that needs assistance,” he said. • Coastal islands isolated from mainland: Sanibel and Captiva islands in southwest Florida are cut off from the mainland after several parts of a critical causeway were torn away. At least two people were killed in the storm in Sanibel, and the bridge may need to be completely rebuilt, local officials said. Chip Farrar, a resident of the tiny island of Matlacha, told CNN that 50 feet of road essential to reaching the mainland bridge has been washed out, and a second nearby bridge has also collapsed. • Storm’s impacts today: A hurricane warning has been issued from the Savannah River at the Georgia-South Carolina state line to Cape Fear, North Carolina. Considerable flooding is possible from seawater and rain, especially in parts of coastal South Carolina, where storm surge up to 7 feet and 4 to 12 inches of rain could hit, forecasters say. As Hurricane Ian moved away from Florida, governors in South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia and Virginia declared emergencies. McMaster, of South Carolina, implored residents not to underestimate the storm’s danger and urged them to follow storm warnings closely to prepare for impact on Friday. Ian likely will have left behind lasting changes to landscape. The coastlines along Georgia and South Carolina may sustain significant alterations because the powerful waves and storm surges brought by Ian could inundate coastal sand dunes, according to the US Geological Survey. In addition to flooding communities behind the dunes, the storm may push sand back and deposit it inland, which could “reduce the height of protective sand dunes, alter beach profiles and leave areas behind the dunes more vulnerable to future storms,” the agency said. Read More Here

Things To Do In The Phoenix Area This Weekend: Sept. 30 – Oct. 2 https://digitalarizonanews.com/things-to-do-in-the-phoenix-area-this-weekend-sept-30-oct-2/ Published September 30, 2022 7:09AM Need plans this weekend? From mariachi festivals to Oktoberfests to King Tut exhibits, here’s a few fun events in the Phoenix metropolitan area to check out for Sept. 30 to Oct. 2: Want your weekend event featured? Click the link here to send over your ideas. Ahwatukee 14th Annual Tukee Fest Rockin’ in the Park  “Bring your blankets and chairs and relax with family and friends while listening to the Splash Band. Let the kids play in/on bounce houses and a rock wall. Enjoy great food, cold beer, and other concessions.” Oct. 1 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. Free Ahwatukee Park – 4700 E Warner Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85044 https://www.ahwatukeecommunitycenter.com/tukee-fest/ Chandler 23rd Annual Mariachi and Folklórico Festival  “Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with a Chandler tradition – experience the rich cultural history of Mexico through vibrant music and dance at the 23rd Annual Mariachi and Folklorico Festival, presented in partnership with C.A.L.L.E. de Arizona and Maestra Vanessa Ramirez. The annual event features GRAMMY Award-winning Mariachi Los Camperos and 16-member Mariachi Estrella de Mexico, along with a dazzling array of folklorico dancers from Ballet Folklorico Quetzalli-AZ.” Oct. 1 7 p.m. $48 – $78 Chandler Center for the Arts – 250 N Arizona Ave, Chandler, AZ 85225 https://www.chandlercenter.org/events/cca-and-calle-de-arizona-present-23rd-annual-mariachi-and-folkl%C3%B3rico-festival Downtown Chandler Oktoberfest “Join us on Saturday, October 1st at Dr. A.J. Chandler Park in the heart of the original town square with our friends from Pedal Haus Brewery! We’ll be having live music all day, featuring local beer, craft cocktails, German fare, games, and a family zone.” Oct. 1 3 p.m. – 11 p.m. $15 – $20, kids 6 and under free Dr. A. J. Chandler Park – 3 S Arizona Ave, Chandler, AZ 85225 https://www.eventbrite.com/e/downtown-chandler-oktoberfest-2022-tickets-383127944997 Litchfield Park Litchfield Park Oktoberfest at The Wigwam “Eins, zwei, drei! Who is ready for a good time? Celebrate Oktoberfest at The Wigwam, in partnership with the City of Litchfield Park, with live music, lawn games, German-inspired cuisine and, of course, beer! Prost!” Oct. 1 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. $20-$25 The Wigwam Front Lawn – 300 E Wigwam Blvd, Litchfield Park, AZ 85340 https://www.eventbrite.com/e/litchfield-park-oktoberfest-at-the-wigwam-tickets-391184983817 Glendale Monster Jam  “At the event, you will witness world-class driver athletes and the most recognizable trucks tear up the dirt and compete in intense competitions of speed and skill.” Oct. 1 7 p.m. $45 – $105 State Farm Stadium – 1 Cardinals Dr, Glendale, AZ 85305 https://www.monsterjam.com/en-US/events/glendale-az/oct-01-2022-oct-01-2022 Phoenix Downtown Phoenix Urban Ale Trail  “Long celebrated as a foodie paradise, Downtown Phoenix also boasts one of the most extensive and diverse craft beer scenes in Arizona. Don’t miss your opportunity to taste (and sip) your way through some of the state’s best bars and restaurants. Each location will be serving three varieties of 4-ounce beer samples for $5 each, plus a complimentary snack. There is no registration necessary, and the Trail can be done in any order.” Oct. 1 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. & More + Carcara – Sheraton Phoenix Downtown: 340 N 3rd Street Ac, Phoenix, AZ 85004 https://dtphx.org/aletrail/ Guelaguetza “Enjoy the colorful celebration of Guelaguetza at the Garden. Guelaguetza is an annual indigenous cultural event in Mexico that takes place in the city of Oaxaca. Immerse yourself in art, music, dance and enjoy the flavors of Oaxaca’s eight regions. Join a colorful Oaxacan Calenda (parade), try some spicy and sweet mole, visit the mercado and don’t forget to sample some mezcal.” Oct. 1 – 2 12 p.m. – 6 p.m. $15 for kids, $25 for adults Desert Botanical Garden – 1201 N Galvin Pkwy, Phoenix, AZ 85008 https://dbg.org/events/guelaguetza/2022-10-01/ Jamaican Jerk, Roots & Reggae Festival  “The Afro-Caribbean Cultural Association of Arizona in partnership with Ocho Rios Jerk Spot and Big Dreamz promotions invites you to our 1st Annual Jamaican Roots, Jerk & Reggae Festival! It’s going to be a fun day full of food, culture, music and vibes from Africa, Jamaica and the Caribbean islands! Come jam with us!” Oct. 1 12 p.m. – 7 p.m. $25 – $75, kids 6 and under free Historic Heritage Square – 115 N 6th St, Phoenix, AZ 85004 https://www.eventbrite.com/e/jamaican-jerk-roots-reggae-festival-tickets-365404002207 Scottsdale Immersive King Tut “The ground-breaking Immersive King Tut Experience takes you on a mythical journey through the Egyptian afterlife! As pharaoh, Tutankhamun is the sun of his nation. In this immersive experience, you will follow him on his journey through the underworld – will he triumph and bring his people eternal light and prosperity?” Starting Sept. 30 $35-$40 Lighthouse Artspace Phoenix – 4301 N Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85251 https://immersive-kingtut.com/phoenix/ Read More Here

Burkina Faso Junta Leader Urges Calm After Gunshots Raise Coup Fears https://digitalarizonanews.com/burkina-faso-junta-leader-urges-calm-after-gunshots-raise-coup-fears/ President of Burkina Faso Lieutenant Colonel Paul-Henri Damiba visits 14th Inter-Arms Regiment soldiers in Djibo, Burkina Faso September 29, 2022 in this still image obtained from a video. Burkina Faso Presidency/REUTERS TV via REUTERS OUAGADOUGOU, Sept 30 (Reuters) – Burkina Faso’s military leader said he was in talks to restore calm on Friday after gunfire and a blast in the capital raised fears of a second coup in eight months. Soldiers and military vehicles took to the deserted streets of Ouagadougou after dawn on Friday, cutting off access to administrative buildings. By mid-morning, the city, usually buzzing with motorbikes and cars, was quiet. Schools, businesses and banks were shut. State television stopped broadcasting. Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com It was not clear if the gunfire near a military base and the explosion were part of a coup attempt, but security sources say there has been frustration within the military at a lack of progress in combating Islamist militants. Damiba, who took power in a coup in January, urged calm in a statement. Certain members of the armed forces overcome by “moods swings” had created a “confused situation,” he said. His whereabouts are unknown. The latest unrest bore the hallmarks of other power grabs that have swept across West and Central Africa over the past two years, undoing years of democratic progress. The coups have been driven in part by violence committed by Islamist groups who have taken over large areas of northern Burkina Faso and parts of neighbouring Mali and Niger. Civilian populations have cheered military juntas in the hope that they would be more successful at containing the insurgents than their democratically-elected predecessors. “If successful, it would mark the sixth unconstitutional takeover in the Sahel in the past two years,” said Eric Humphery-Smith, Senior Africa Analyst at risk intelligence company Verisk Maplecroft. “If it isn’t, it’s still a damning indictment for the state of democracy in the region.” As well as Burkina Faso, Mali, Chad, and Guinea have all seen coups since 2020. INSECURITY Damiba’s takeover was largely celebrated by Burkinabe fed up with the inability of former President Roch Kabore’s government to rein in militants linked to Islamic State and al Qaeda. Burkina Faso has become the epicentre of the violence that began in neighbouring Mali in 2012 and has spread across the Sahel region south of the Sahara Desert. The militants have killed thousands of people in Burkina Faso in recent years. Damiba had pledged to restore security but attacks have worsened. The army is in disarray and frustrated, security sources say. Militants have blockaded areas of the north, leaving communities stranded. Government convoys and air drops deliver essential goods to trapped civilians. This week, unknown assailants killed 11 soldiers in an attack on a convoy taking supplies to a town in northern Burkina Faso. Fifty civilians are missing. read more Many cities and towns not under siege have seen their populations swell as people flee violence in the countryside. Protests against the military took place across Burkina Faso this week to demand the government do more to improve the security situation. Much of the country has become ungovernable since 2018. Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com Writing by Edward McAllister, Bate Felix and Sofia Christensen, Editing by Angus MacSwan, William Maclean and Toby Chopra Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles. Read More Here

Elon Musk Set To Showcase Tesla's Humanoid Robot After Delay https://digitalarizonanews.com/elon-musk-set-to-showcase-teslas-humanoid-robot-after-delay/ SAN FRANCISCO, Sept 30 (Reuters) – Tesla (TSLA.O) CEO Elon Musk has said a robot business will be worth more than its cars, and on Friday investors, customers and potential workers expect to see a prototype at Tesla’s “AI Day” that could prove whether the bot named “Optimus” is ready for work. The robot will be the star of the AI show, but Musk is also expected to discuss Tesla’s long-delayed self-driving technology. In May, Musk said that the world’s most valuable carmaker would be “worth basically zero” without achieving full self-driving capability, and it faces growing regulatory probes, as well as technological hurdles. “There will be lots of technical detail & cool hardware demos,” Musk wrote on Twitter late on Wednesday, adding the event was aimed at recruiting engineers. Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com Tesla’s live demonstration record is mixed. Launches typically draw cheers, but in 2019 when Musk had an employee hurl a steel ball at the armored window of a new electric pickup truck, the glass cracked. The key test for the robot is whether it can handle unexpected situations. read more read more Musk announced Tesla’s plan for humanoid robots at its AI day in August last year and delayed this year’s event from August to have its robot prototype working, with a plan to start production possibly next year. read more Tesla teased the unveiling of the bot on social media with an image of metallic robotic hands making a heart shape. But building human-like, versatile hands that can manipulate different objects is extremely challenging, said Heni Ben Amor, a robotics professor at Arizona State University. Initially, Optimus, an allusion to the powerful and benevolent leader of the Autobots in the Transformers media franchise, would perform boring or dangerous jobs, including moving parts around Tesla factories or attaching a bolt to a car with a wrench, according to Musk. “There’s so much about what people can do dexterously that’s very, very hard for robots. And that’s not going to change whether the robot is a robot arm or whether it’s in the shape of a humanoid,” Jonathan Hurst, chief technology officer at Agility Robotics, a humanoid robot firm, told Reuters. Musk has said that in the future robots could be used in homes, making dinners, mowing the lawn and caring for the elderly, and even becoming a “buddy” for humans or a sex partner. He is due at Friday’s event to give updates on Tesla’s much-delayed plan to launch self-driving cars, and on its high-speed computer, Dojo, which was unveiled last year and the company has said is integral to its development of self-driving technology. Musk has said he expects Tesla will achieve full self-driving this year and mass produce a robotaxi with no steering wheel or pedal by 2024. At an “Autonomy” event in 2019, Musk promised 1 million robotaxis by 2020 but has yet to deliver such a car. Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com Reporting by Hyunjoo Jin; Additional reporting by Akash Sriram; Editing by Peter Henderson and Daniel Wallis Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles. Read More Here

Marcia Godfrey Cook https://digitalarizonanews.com/marcia-godfrey-cook/ Marcia Godfrey Cook, 86, of Sun Lakes, AZ, passed away on September 14, 2022, after a brief illness. Marcia was born on March 5, 1936, to Grant and Mildred Barclay Godfrey in Lincoln, Nebraska.  Marcia graduated from Beatrice High School in 1954 and attended Hastings College before moving to Hays, Kansas, where she met and married her husband of 42 years Kenneth W. Cook, Jr.  Ken’s career in hospital administration took them from Iowa to St. Paul, MN to Guymon, OK to Elko, NV where they raised their three children.  They moved to Arizona in 1987 and settled in Sun Lakes in 1989. Marcia was a loving mother to her three children Kelly Cook Cole (Lakewood, CO), Randall Cook (Paris, France) and Dana Cook (Pleasant Hill, CA).  She had various careers with her favorite being the writer of radio commercials for KELK Radio in Elko, NV.  She also worked for Southwestern Bell in Guymon, OK, and Newmont Exploration and Nevada First Thrift bank also in Elko. Marcia was predeceased by her parents, her husband Ken (2001), and her brother Alan “Skip” Godfrey (2014). Marcia is survived by her granddaughter Madison Cole (Phoenix, AZ), her niece Chris Godfrey Fulton (Tucson, AZ) and other cousins and great-nieces. Marcia was active in Beta Sigma Phi and PEO in Nevada and Arizona and volunteered for several charities throughout her life including the American Red Cross, American Heart Society, Elko General Hospital Auxiliary.  She was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church in Elko and the Sun Lakes United Methodist Church. She loved traveling, camping, reading, and was always learning.  She loved to sing and was in the church choir in Elko and in college.  She treasured time spent with her family. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Donations in Marcia’s memory can be made to St. Mary’s Food Bank, 2831 N. 31st Avenue, Phoenix, AZ  85009 Read More…

The Long Awaited Hope https://digitalarizonanews.com/the-long-awaited-hope/ A true labor of love, Hope’s Frybread brick-and-mortar has been a long time coming. Hope Peshlakai and her husband, Aaron, started their business to help raise funds for a neighbor in trouble in 2011 and they kept adding popup events to their schedule. For years, they sold fry bread at a food stand on Power Road. “On the reservation, if you needed to do a fundraiser, if someone needed money for student trips or school supplies, that’s usually the easiest thing to do,” she said to The Republic. “You get 10 different people and say, ‘You make the dough, you make the beans for it.’ You get people to donate lettuce and cheese, do a pop-up sale somewhere and that’s how you can earn quite a bit of money.” The Peshlakais decided to open a brick-and-mortar in 2020, but the pandemic thwarted their plans. In 2021, the couple came very close to realizing their dream when they found a space in Mesa, but the high cost of renovation dissuaded them. After walking away from their first space, they found and took over the former Desert Book shop in a strip mall on S. Mesa Drive near E. Second Avenue. “We did everything that didn’t require a certified contractor,” said Hope. Fans have followed the restaurant’s progress on social media, where Hope posted update videos showing the amount of work they put in the restaurant while continuing their fry bread popups. Followers no doubt guessed the opening date was drawing near when she showed her “childhood dream come true” — a soda fountain.  “We are super excited for our grand opening and can’t wait to feed all of our neighbors and community who have been patiently waiting for over a year,” she said. What to expect at the new brick and mortar The 30-seat restaurant offers counter service. The perch seating offers a front row seat overlooking the open kitchen, close enough to hear the sizzle and pop of bread frying.  On one wall, there’s a colorful mural of two women and a child. Birds fly around them. A blue bowl of dough sits in front of the woman on the left who holds it with one hand, the child holds the other side of the bowl. The second woman is stretching dough. The mural, painted by Navajo artist Leandra Yazzi from Blue Gap Arizona, emerged from a conversation with Hope. “I was thinking if I could choose one person in the world to do this business venture with,” she said. “It would be my grandmother, Dorothy, because she’s my inspiration for all things in the kitchen. All my recipes come from her.” In the mural, Hope stands on the left and a young Dorothy stands on the right. In the middle is a happy little girl, Hope’s youngest, Birdie, who represents Hope’s six children. Farther to the left, Yazzie has painted the mesas in Ganado and on the right side, the Superstition Mountains. It’s everything the restaurant represents: Hope’s love of cooking and family, her connection with her grandmother and the family’s involvement in the business. Even 5-year-old Birdie helped. The mountains and mesas represent their path from the reservation to the city. “I want people to experience a piece of Navajo in Mesa, Arizona,” Hope said.  What’s on the menu at Hope’s Frybread Fry bread or dah diníilghaazh is a deep-fried flat bread made with flour, salt, water baking powder and oil for frying. The result is puffy bread, crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside. Hope remembers it as a staple of every family gathering.  She said fry bread wasn’t easy to learn to make, especially since her grandmother made it without exact measurements, but she’s perfected the technique over the years. At her restaurant, the menu is small, with savory and sweet sections. Savory options include a Navajo Taco: fry bread loaded with chili beans, lettuce, tomato and cheese. The Navajo Burger is frybread with two patties and all the usual fixings. Asian Persuasion is topped with teriyaki chicken, grilled pineapple slices, fresh cabbage and sriracha. The latter two come with a small side of potato salad, pasta salad or a bag of chips. For dessert, Hope offers classic fry bread topped with honey and powdered sugar, Nutella and banana fry bread and s’more’s fry bread.  The restaurant will host a Grand Opening on Oct. 8 at 11 a.m. Details: 144 S. Mesa Drive, Suite E, Mesa. hopesfrybread.com. Hours: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday to Saturday, Closed on Sunday Prices: $10 to $12 for entrees, $4 to $5 for desserts and $3 for plain fry bread. Reach the reporter at BAnooshahr@azcentral.com. Follow @banooshahr on Twitter. Read More Here

Trump Ad Libbed Infamous Excuse For Not Releasing Tax Returns, Book Claims https://digitalarizonanews.com/trump-ad-libbed-infamous-excuse-for-not-releasing-tax-returns-book-claims/ A new book claims Donald Trump came up with his now infamous excuse for not releasing his tax returns literally on the fly—while on board his campaign plane in 2016 during the Republican primary. Although every president or nominee since Richard Nixon has released their tax returns, Trump refused to do so, arguing that he couldn’t because his taxes were under audit. According to journalist Maggie Haberman’s book Confidence Man: The Making of Donald Trump and the Breaking of America, Trump cooked up the excuse while discussing the obligation to release his taxes with then campaign manager Corey Lewandowski and then press secretary Hope Hicks. “Trump thought for a second about how to ‘get myself out of this’, as he said,” Haberman writes. “He leaned back, before snapping up to a sudden thought. ‘Well, you know my taxes are under audit. I always get audited,’ Trump said … ‘So what I mean is, well I could just say, ‘I’ll release them when I’m no longer under audit. ‘Cause I’ll never not be under audit.’” Read it at The Guardian Read More Here

Trevor Noah Announces 'Daily Show' Exit https://digitalarizonanews.com/trevor-noah-announces-daily-show-exit/ Trevor Noah is stepping down as host of Comedy Central’s “The Daily Show” after seven years. What You Need To Know Trevor Noah announced to his audience Thursday he is stepping down as host of Comedy Central’s “The Daily Show” after seven years Noah indicated that he missed touring as a stand-up comedian Neither Noah nor Comedy Central announced when his last show would be, and a successor was not immediately named Noah was a surprise pick in 2015 to replace Jon Stewart, who hosted the show for 16 years and turned it into a political comedy institution Noah, 38, made the announcement to his audience at the taping of Thursday night’s show.  “It’s been absolutely amazing,” Noah said. “It’s something that I never expected. I found myself thinking throughout the time of everything we’ve gone through — the Trump presidency, the pandemic, just the journey, more pandemic — and I realize that after the seven years, my time is up.” The announcement drew an audible gasp from the audience. Noah indicated he missed touring as a stand-up comedian. Since taking over “The Daily Show,” he has continued to film stand-up specials and announced this week he will be touring in his native South Africa in 2023. “I spent two years in my apartment, not on the road, and when I got back out there, I realized there’s another part of my life out there that I want to carry on exploring,” he said. “I miss learning other languages. I miss going to other countries and putting on shows.” Neither Noah nor Comedy Central announced when his last show would be. A successor was not immediately named. In a statement, Comedy Central said it is “grateful to Trevor for our amazing partnership over the past seven years.” “With no timetable for his departure, we’re working together on next steps,” the network said. “As we look ahead, we’re excited for the next chapter in the 25+ year history of ‘The Daily Show’ as it continues to redefine culture through sharp and hilarious social commentary, helping audiences make sense of the world around them.” Noah was a surprise pick in 2015 to replace Jon Stewart, who hosted the show for 16 years and turned it into a political comedy institution. At the time, Noah was largely unknown in the U.S., having briefly served as a contributor on the program. Noah remarked Thursday that he still thinks he was “a crazy choice” to host the show. He, however, found following Stewart to be difficult.  “I will say the first two years were horrible — and it was horrible because I had taken over one of America’s most beloved institutions,” Noah told Variety in 2020. “And even though Jon Stewart had passed over the reins to me, it was essentially a year of people telling me I shouldn’t be doing the job and I was unworthy of being in that seat. And I continued to believe that.  “You step into this new role and you’re doing a new job and most of the first year was just trying to stay afloat, just trying not to get canceled and trying to find my footing. And the analogy I use is trying to learn how to fly a plane while the plane is flying. That’s what it felt like every single day.” But Noah eventually settled in, putting his own stamp on the show. He embraced bringing an outsider perspective to American politics and other issues. Noah’s jokes and commentary about the Donald Trump presidency helped define his tenure, with him often impersonating Trump. And hosting the show from his apartment during the COVID-19 pandemic, he sometimes engaged in more serious interviews, including about race relations.  “I want to say thank you to you, to you who watched this,” Noah said Thursday. “I never dreamed that I would be here. I sort of feel like ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.’ I came here for a tour of what the previous show was and then the next thing you know I was handed the keys.” Read More Here

Eurozone Inflation Sets Another Record, Hitting 10 Percent In September https://digitalarizonanews.com/eurozone-inflation-sets-another-record-hitting-10-percent-in-september/ Jumps in energy and food prices again pushed inflation in the 19 countries that use the euro to the highest annual rate recorded since the currency was created. Send any friend a story As a subscriber, you have 10 gift articles to give each month. Anyone can read what you share. This article is part of our Eurozone and U.S. Inflation Sept. 30, 2022Updated 8:33 a.m. ET Consumer prices in the countries that use the euro as their currency rose at an annual rate of 10 percent in September, again reaching the highest level since the creation of the euro more than two decades ago, the European Commission reported on Friday. The double-digit pace was a big jump from 9.1 percent in August, the previous record. Energy prices, which rose at an annual rate of 40.8 percent in September, were again the main contributor to accelerating inflation in the eurozone, driven higher by the invasion of Ukraine by Russia, which previously supplied most of Europe’s natural gas. Food prices rose 11.8 percent in September, from 10.6 percent in August. Of the 19 eurozone countries, 10 recorded double-digit overall inflation, including the largest economy, Germany, which released its own inflation result the day before — 10.9 percent. That was the highest rate of inflation that Germany had seen since 1951, well before the reunification of the former East and West. Estonia, Lithuania and Latvia all registered inflation rates above 22 percent. The reason, said Beata Javorcik, the chief economist of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, is that the increase in wholesale energy prices has been reflected in retail prices paid by households. The Netherlands, at 17.1 percent in September, up from below 14 percent the previous month, and Slovakia, at 13.6 percent, were also in the unfortunate group of nations with higher-than-average rates. In France, where the government has moved aggressively to cap energy prices, inflation eased a bit, dropping to 6.2 percent in September, from 6.6 percent the previous month. Energy inflation eased there, but food inflation increased. Still, thousands took to the streets across the country on Thursday to demand higher wages to cope with inflation. “Inflation is also higher in non-energy industrial goods and services, in particular,” said Lucrezia Reichlin, an economics professor at the London Business School and a former head of research at the European Central Bank. “This is an indication that the energy shock is having a broader effect on all other items.” Excluding food and energy, so-called core inflation rose 4.8 percent in the year through September, up from 4.3 percent the month before. Ms. Reichlin added that there is still a lot of uncertainty about how inflation will develop in the coming months, “because the economy will slow down in the future and that will have downward pressure on inflation.” Pantheon Macroeconomics noted that government policies designed to manage soaring energy costs will also be “a key swing factor” influencing energy prices over the next six months. Inflation has been gnawing at living standards and savings not only in Europe but all over the world. Supply chain backlogs and disruptions stemming from the coronavirus pandemic, and the surge of activity that accompanied the reopening of economies, have pushed up prices. Soaring energy and food prices that followed Russia’s invasion of Ukraine also stoked inflation, with sanctions imposed by Europe, the United States and their allies turbocharging it. The European Central Bank has been aggressively raising rates in hopes of halting inflation’s march across the eurozone. On Thursday, E.C.B. policymakers indicated that they are likely to approve another three-quarter-point interest rate increase at their next meeting, in late October. The Federal Reserve’s determination to beat back inflation with higher interest rates has been nudging prices down in the United States, but pumping them up elsewhere. Anxiety about global political and economic turmoil has encouraged investors to put their money into American securities and assets because they are considered havens during times of upheaval. Elevated interest rates makes those investments even more attractive by offering bigger returns. The result is that the United States is exporting some of its inflation to other countries. As the dollar strengthens, imports from around the world become cheaper in the United States, which helps to check inflation there. The flip side is that a strong dollar makes imports in other countries, particularly essential ones like energy and food, more expensive to buy with weaker currencies. The dollar is the world’s reserve currency and many key commodities, like oil, are priced in dollars. Inflation across the European Union, which has 27 members, rose above a 10 percent annual pace already in August, with nations that do not use the euro also seeing the price of energy and food soar to record heights. In the Czech Republic, which has seen mass protests over the high cost of energy, inflation came in at more than 17 percent in August, roughly the same rate Poland recorded for September, which was a 25-year record. In Britain, consumer prices rose 9.9 percent in August from a year earlier, down from 10.1 percent in the previous month, but still near the fastest pace in 40 years. Households and businesses in Britain are feeling the squeeze on their budgets, along with market turmoil this week stemming from the government’s new economic strategy that upended mortgages, pensions and the value of the pound. Several experts say that Europe’s transition away from Russian energy is a slow process and is likely to keep oil, gas and electricity prices at painful levels for years. Sven Smit, a senior partner at the consulting firm McKinsey, said that when there is significant energy shortage that pushes up prices, there is only so much that central bankers can do about it. Higher interest rates cannot suddenly manufacture more supply, he said, so prices will remain high. Read More Here

Putin Declares Annexation Of Ukrainian Lands In Kremlin Ceremony https://digitalarizonanews.com/putin-declares-annexation-of-ukrainian-lands-in-kremlin-ceremony/ Putin attends treaty ceremony with occupation leaders Ukraine, U.S. and U.N. say exercise has no legal value Annexation, nuclear threat take war into new phase LONDON, Sept 30 (Reuters) – Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday presided over a ceremony to annex four Ukrainian regions partly occupied by his forces, escalating his seven-month war and taking it into an unpredictable new phase. “This is the will of millions of people,” he said in a speech before hundreds of dignitaries in the St George’s Hall of the Kremlin. The ceremony took place three days after the completion of hastily staged referendums in which Moscow’s proxies in the occupied regions claimed majorities of up to 99% in favour of joining Russia. Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com Ukraine and Western governments described those votes as bogus, illegitimate and conducted at gunpoint. In a speech repeatedly interrupted by applause, Putin declared that Russia had four new regions. He urged Ukraine to cease military action and return to the negotiating table. Kyiv has vowed to recapture all the lands seized by Russia and said that Russia’s decision to annex the territories had destroyed any prospect of talks. Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com Writing by Mark Trevelyan; editing by Jonathan Oatis/Guy Faulconbridge Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles. Mark Trevelyan Thomson Reuters Chief writer on Russia and CIS. Worked as a journalist on 7 continents and reported from 40+ countries, with postings in London, Wellington, Brussels, Warsaw, Moscow and Berlin. Covered the break-up of the Soviet Union in the 1990s. Security correspondent from 2003 to 2008. Speaks French, Russian and (rusty) German and Polish. Read More Here

2020 Election Conspiracists Could Soon Oversee Voting In U.S. Battleground States https://digitalarizonanews.com/2020-election-conspiracists-could-soon-oversee-voting-in-u-s-battleground-states/ By Andrew R.C. Marshall, Joseph Tanfani and Peter Eisler (Reuters) – Two far-right U.S. politicians who want to upend the way votes are cast and counted are tied or leading in races to become the top election administrators in their states, according to recent polls. Republicans Jim Marchant of Nevada and Mark Finchem of Arizona promote wild conspiracy theories about how the 2020 election was stolen from Donald Trump. A victory in November could allow them, as secretaries of state, to restrict voting access or seek to block certification of results in these two critical battlegrounds for presidential elections. Marchant and Finchem want to curtail or abolish early voting, mail-in voting and ballot drop-boxes, claiming without evidence that they breed fraud. Both advocate banning electronic voting machines and returning to hand-counted paper ballots to secure elections. Election experts and officials of both major parties have said such changes would actually make elections more prone to fraud and error, while making it harder for citizens to vote. Finchem and Marchant are among the strongest of 13 secretary-of-state candidates who falsely claim the 2020 election was rigged. Two, in the Republican strongholds of Wyoming and Alabama, are expected to win easily. Four others are running competitive campaigns in Michigan, Minnesota, Indiana and New Mexico. The remainder are long shots. The movement to seize control of election administration is part of a broader phenomenon that makes November’s midterm elections unique in American history. Election deniers are campaigning in every state, according to politics website FiveThirtyEight. Out of 552 Republican nominees for Congress, governor, secretary of state and attorney general, 262 — nearly half — have rejected or questioned the 2020 result. The prospect of controlling state voting offices is bringing national money into once-sleepy secretary-of-state races and drawing support from some of Trump’s most prominent allies. Right-wing provocateur and former Trump White House advisor Steve Bannon declared last week on his podcast that Democrats “are not going to be winning anymore” because the likes of Marchant and Finchem will be “in the counting room,” rooting out ballots they deem illegal or illegitimate. At a recent Florida conference featuring right-wing secretary-of-state candidates, Marchant cast himself as an outsider and claimed that “vicious” elements of his own party are scheming to help his Democratic rival. He has claimed Nevada elections have been rigged for the last decade by a “deep state cabal” bent on establishing “a socialist, communist, tyrannical government.” Marchant vowed to “simplify” the election system. “It’s way too complicated,” he told Reuters. Finchem, an Arizona state representative since 2015, appeared at the same conference, sporting a cowboy hat and Old West mustache. In an interview with Reuters, he dismissed accounts that he’s a “far-right fringe” politician as “propaganda crap.” Finchem has been linked to the Oath Keepers, the far-right extremist group, and once accused “a whole lot of elected officials” of being sex-trafficking pedophiles, an apparent reference to the QAnon conspiracy theory. Trump has endorsed Finchem’s campaign, but not Marchant’s. In an interview at the Florida conference, Marchant said Trump has been influenced by the “uniparty,” a derisive right-wing term describing a hostile political bloc of Democrats and mainstream Republicans. “He’s not really helping us,” Marchant said of Trump. “We have decided that we’re just going to do this on our own. . . We don’t need him!” A spokesperson for Trump didn’t respond to requests for comment on Finchem, Marchant or other secretary-of-state candidates echoing his false voter-fraud claims. Recent polls show Marchant and Finchem doing well. An August Reno Gazette/Suffolk University poll put Marchant ahead by nearly five points, with 31.6% compared to 26.6% for Democrat Cisco Aguilar, and 26% undecided. A mid-September survey by the Trafalgar Group has Finchem leading Democrat Adrian Fontes by six points – 47.5% to 41.1%, with 11% undecided. NATIONAL SUPPORT The Florida conference was organized by America First Secretaries of State, a group created by Marchant, and sponsored by a Marchant-led political action committee (PAC) largely funded by The America Project, which was co-founded by millionaire Patrick Byrne. Byrne resigned as CEO of internet retailer Overstock.com in 2019 and has since become one of the top financiers of the election-denial movement. Byrne’s America Project has donated $155,000 to Marchant’s PAC, Conservatives for Election Integrity. Before the conference, Byrne met with Marchant and Finchem at a $500-a-head fundraiser at the same hotel. Byrne took the conference stage the next day and said the 2020 election “heist” was part of a decades-old plot by communist China to turn the United States into a food-producing colony. Byrne didn’t respond to a request for comment. In Arizona, Finchem has raised more than $1.2 million, far exceeding the totals in previous Arizona secretary-of-state races and nearly doubling that of his Democratic opponent, according to his most recent campaign finance disclosure. More than half of that sum came from out-of-state donors. “Secretaries of state have suddenly become the subject of great interest,” Finchem told Reuters. Marchant, who built a fortune in the internet and telecoms industry, has financed much of his campaign himself. As of June 30, he had donated nearly $200,000 in personal funds, leftover funds from a previous congressional campaign and money from his PAC, campaign finance records show. The unusual level of media attention on the controversial campaigns of Finchem and Marchant may help their chances in these typically low-profile races, said Robert Cahaly, chief pollster and strategist for Trafalgar Group. “It may be the only name some voters have ever heard of,” he said. The money and notoriety heaped on those candidates has also galvanized their opponents, who have generated substantial donations by casting themselves as alternatives to extremists. Aguilar, Marchant’s opponent, said his campaign has raised more than $2 million with help from national groups sounding alarms about election deniers. One such group, MoveOn, said it will spend more than $1 million to help Democratic secretary-of-state candidates this year. Semedrian Smith of the Democratic Association of Secretaries of State, a political organization working to defeat election deniers, said her organization and an affiliated nonprofit have raised a total of $16 million. “If one election denier wins in November, that could easily put us in a constitutional crisis,” Smith said. ‘THE GOLDEN THREAD’ Finchem effectively launched the post-2020 election-denial movement in Arizona by organizing a meeting where Trump’s allies gathered to plan an attempt to overturn the results. During the Nov. 30, 2020 event – held in a Phoenix hotel because Arizona’s legislative leaders wouldn’t allow it in their chambers – Trump’s lawyers Rudy Giuliani and Jenna Ellis, among others, aired conspiracy theories about machines switching votes and trucks carrying fraudulent ballots. Trump called in to say he had won. Finchem drew a standing ovation for denouncing “tyranny” and urging attendees to “put on the armor of God” to fight Satan. The Arizona lawmaker was outside the U.S. Capitol during the Jan. 6, 2021 riot and was subpoenaed by the congressional committee investigating it. Finchem denies participating in the violence and has said the committee called him as a witness. Finchem’s Democratic opponent, Fontes, is the former election administrator in Maricopa County, Arizona’s largest and the target of an expensive vote audit, approved by state senators, that found no fraud evidence. Fontes, in an interview, called Finchem a “wide-eyed conspiracy theorist.” “Elections in America are basically the golden thread that holds the whole fabric together,” he said. “We’re in some really, really unpredictable, scary ground.” Finchem moved to Arizona in 1999 after retiring from the city of Kalamazoo, Michigan, where he worked for 21 years as a firefighter and a police officer. He identified himself as a member of the Oath Keepers, a far-right extremist group, on a candidate questionnaire in 2014, according to a news report. Finchem also appears on a leaked membership list for the group, which shows he signed up for an annual membership, according to a spokesman for the Anti-Defamation League, which reviewed the database. Finchem told Reuters he was “not aligned” with the Oath Keepers but did not respond to further questions. On a financial disclosure form required of state legislators, Finchem lists his Kalamazoo pension as his only source of outside income. “I’m a pauper,” Finchem told Reuters at the Florida conference. Then, cradling a bourbon at the hotel bar, he quoted the book of Exodus, urging voters to choose “Godly men disinterested in personal gain.” (Reporting by Andrew R.C. Marshall, Joseph Tanfani and Peter Eisler; editing by Jason Szep and Brian Thevenot) Read More Here

SPECTACULAR RENOVATION OF FLAGSHIP LOCATION IN MIAMI https://digitalarizonanews.com/spectacular-renovation-of-flagship-location-in-miami/ (BLUE MARTINI ANNOUNCES GRAND RE-OPENING IN NOVEMBER) , /PRNewswire/ — Blue Martini, well known for its entertainment at their upscale martini bars, will be re-opening in Miami after a multi-million dollar facelift. The new features include a state of the art video wall, new sound system, laser lighting, indoor/outdoor patio bar, new furniture and an electronic window system. In addition, Blue Martini has vastly opened up the space to allow for all to enjoy the excitement. One of the most respected bars in the industry, Blue Martini is celebrating 22-years in the business including locations in Las Vegas, Scottsdale, AZ, Lake Charles, LA; Atlanta, GA; as well as Florida locations in Naples, Orlando, Ft Lauderdale and Kendall. The Miami location, at Mary Brickell Village, features over 300 seats and is open nightly from 4PM until 3AM on weekdays and until 5AM on Friday and Saturday nights. Bands, DJs and dancers are all part of the weekly line-up. “We are beyond delighted to be re-opening our Brickell location,” says Mark Vasu, CEO of Blue Martini. “Come and join us for cocktails and the best live entertainment in Miami.” Blue Martini has also announced plans for expansion thru new stores and franchising. To learn more about Blue Martini visit www.bluemartini.com. SOURCE Blue Martini Read More Here

D.C.-Area Forecast: Rains From Ian Arrive Today, Linger Through Weekend https://digitalarizonanews.com/d-c-area-forecast-rains-from-ian-arrive-today-linger-through-weekend/ A somewhat subjective rating of the day’s weather, on a scale of 0 to 10. 6/10: Despite clouds we have dry conditions until perhaps mid- or late afternoon when #Ian’s rains start arriving. Today: Mid-to late-afternoon rain chances. Highs: Mid-60s. Tonight: Rain and breezes increase. Lows: Low to mid-50s. Tomorrow: Cloudy, breezy, damp. Highs: Low to mid-60s. Sunday: Mostly cloudy with breezes, showers. Highs: Near 60 to mid-60s. Ian’s remnants likely bring us a rainy weekend. Slowly and lightly, rains move in later today, with intensity and coverage increasing after sunset. Heaviest and most widespread rains start tonight, especially around and after midnight. Patchy flooding is possible as waves of rain move through. Some dry moments are also possible. We may keep cloudy and damp conditions into Tuesday, but at least rain coverage and intensity isn’t constant or persistently heavy. Today (Friday): Any partial morning sun gives way to cloudy skies, likely turning overcast by early afternoon. Light showers and waves of rain become possible by mid-afternoon and especially toward sunset. High temperatures may only make it into the mid-60s unless we see more sunshine and drier afternoon conditions than currently expected. Rain amounts should stay light during the day. A couple of northeasterly wind gusts near 25 mph are possible late day. Confidence: Medium-High Tonight: Breezes, showers and waves of rain become steadier and heavier with time. The heaviest rains, which may add up to a quick inch or more overnight, arrive around midnight and into the early morning hours. Northeasterly winds gust around 30 mph before dawn. Low to mid-50s are likely the coolest temperatures we see overnight. Confidence: Medium-High Follow us on YouTube, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for the latest updates. Keep reading for the forecast into next week … Tomorrow (Saturday): Rain may be steadiest during the morning hours. Intensity should tend to diminish with time, but additional downpours can’t be ruled out most any time of day. Skies likely remain cloudy. Gusty northeast winds may hit 35 mph once or twice. Rain may amount to another inch in the wettest spots, while others don’t see a whole lot. High temperatures top out in the low to mid-60s. Confidence: Medium-High Tomorrow night: Breezes continue to slowly diminish, similar to rain intensity. It may be light with intermittent waves of showers. Skies stay mostly cloudy as temperatures bottom out in the low to mid-50s. Confidence: Medium Sunday: Occasional showers are likely, and perhaps a storm. A few waves may be moderate in intensity. Skies are mostly cloudy, with a few peeks of sunshine possible. Breezes could kick up again toward 25 mph, but we will monitor. High temperatures are also a bit less certain, perhaps as cool as near 60 to mid-60s. Confidence: Medium Sunday night: Showers and even a thunderstorm or two are possible. We’ll have to see when Ian’s remnant low pressure center makes its closest pass to our region. Low temperatures may hover in the mid-50s with skies staying mostly cloudy. Confidence: Medium Breezes and rain intensity may only slowly wane on Monday and Tuesday. High temperatures should be near 60 to the mid-60s, as it appears now. This assumes showers, breezes and mostly cloudy skies continue. If Ian slows, we could have a bit more rain than currently anticipated. Confidence: Low-Medium Read More Here

Hurricane Ian Heads For Carolinas; Tensions Flare Over Trump Special Master; Miami QB's Scary Injury – KXLY https://digitalarizonanews.com/hurricane-ian-heads-for-carolinas-tensions-flare-over-trump-special-master-miami-qbs-scary-injury-kxly/ September 30, 2022 4:30 AM Associated Press, CNN Posted: September 30, 2022 4:30 AM Updated: September 30, 2022 4:40 AM Today is Friday, Sept. 30, 2022. Let’s get caught up. Here are today’s top stories, celebrity birthdays and a look back at this date in history: *** TODAY’S WEATHER *** TOP STORIES AP In 1938, after co-signing the Munich Agreement allowing Nazi annexation of Czechoslovakia’s Sudetenland, British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain said, “I believe it is peace for our time.” AP In 1947, the World Series was broadcast on television for the first time; the New York Yankees defeated the Brooklyn Dodgers 5-3 in Game 1 (the Yankees went on to win the Series four games to three). AP In 1949, the Berlin Airlift came to an end. AP In 1955, actor James Dean, 24, was killed in a two-car collision near Cholame, California. AP In 1962, James Meredith, a Black student, was escorted by federal marshals to the campus of the University of Mississippi, where he enrolled for classes the next day; Meredith’s presence sparked rioting that claimed two lives. AP In 1972, Roberto Clemente hit a double against Jon Matlack of the New York Mets during Pittsburgh’s 5-0 victory at Three Rivers Stadium; the hit was the 3,000th and last for the Pirates star. AP In 1984, the mystery series “Murder, She Wrote,” starring Angela Lansbury, premiered on CBS. AP Ten years ago: A U.S. drone airstrike in Yemen killed two American members of al-Qaida, cleric Anwar al-Awlaki and recruiting magazine editor Samir Khan. Jack Dempsey Mike Trout of the Los Angeles Angels became the first rookie in Major League history to hit 30 home runs and steal 40 bases in a season as the Angels defeated the Texas Rangers 5-4. AP In 2014, the first case of Ebola diagnosed in the U.S. was confirmed in a patient who had recently traveled from Liberia to Dallas.  Invision In 2017, Monty Hall, the long-running host of TV’s “Let’s Make a Deal,” died of heart failure at his home in Beverly Hills at the age of 96. AP One year ago: Authorities in California said they had arrested and charged a man in connection with the shooting earlier in the month that wounded two Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputies as they sat in their squad car. (Deonte Lee Murray has pleaded not guilty to attempted murder and other charges.) AP One year ago: Serena Williams’ latest bid for a record-tying 24th Grand Slam title ended when she was unable to play a second-round match at the French Open because of an injury. AP One year ago: Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves announced he was ending a statewide mask mandate, but the Republican governor said he would still require people to wear masks in school to curb the spread of novel coronavirus.  Susan Walsh One year ago: With only hours to spare, Congress passed and President Joe Biden signed legislation to avoid a partial federal shutdown and keep the government funded through Dec. 3.  Invision Actor Amy Landecker is 52.  Invision Actor Barry Williams is 67.  Invision Actor Christopher Jackson is 46. Invision Singer Cissy Houston is 88.  Invision Country singer Eddie Montgomery (Montgomery-Gentry) is 58.  Invision Actor Eric Stoltz is 60.  Invision Actor Fran Drescher is 64.  Invision Actor Jenna Elfman is 50. Invision Singer Johnny Mathis is 86.  Invision Actor Kieran Culkin is 39.  Invision Actor Lacey Chabert is 39.  Invision Actor Marion Cotillard is 46.  AP Former tennis player Martina Hingis is 41.  Invision Country singer Marty Stuart is 63.  Invision Actor Monica Bellucci is 57.  AP Rock musician Robby Takac (Goo Goo Dolls) is 57.  Invision Actor Stark Sands is 43.  Invision  Singer-rapper T-Pain is 37. Invision Actor Toni Trucks is 41. Invision Actor Tony Hale is 51. Invision Rock singer Trey Anastasio is 57.  Invision Actor Vondie Curtis-Hall is 71.  AP FILE 1927 — Babe Ruth hits his 60th home run of the season in the eighth inning off Tom Zachary to lead the New York Yankees to a 4-2 victory over the Washington Senators. In this undated file photo, New York Yankees’ Babe Ruth hits a home-run. (AP Photo/File) AP FILE 1972 — Roberto Clemente hits a double against New York Mets left-hander Jon Matlack during Pittsburgh’s 5-0 victory at Three Rivers Stadium. The hit is the 3,000th and last for the Pirates’ star, who dies in a plane crash during the offseason. Pirates right fielder Roberto Clemente, left, gets a hand from Mets’ Willie Mays after he belted his 3,000th hit in Pittsburgh, Sept. 30, 1972. (AP Photo/MB) AP FILE 1992 — George Brett becomes the 18th player to get 3,000 hits in the Kansas City Royals’ 4-0 win over the California Angels. In this Sept. 30, 1992, file photo, Kansas City Royals’ George Brett holds the ball he hit as he heads toward the Royals’ dugout after hitting his 3,000th career hit, against the California Angels in Anaheim, Calif. (AP Photo/Kevork Djansezian, File) AP FILE 2006 — Peyton Manning of the Indianapolis Colts becomes the second-fastest quarterback to throw 250 touchdown passes in his career, doing it in 132 games. Only Dan Marino (128) reached that number faster. Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning delivers a pass during the Colts’ 31-28 win over the New York Jets in NFL football Sunday, Oct. 1, 2006, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Jason DeCrow) Jim Mone 2007 — Brett Favre passes Dan Marino to become the NFL leader in career touchdown passes, throwing Nos. 421 and 422 in Green Bay’s 23-16 victory over Minnesota. Green Bay Packers quarterback Brett Favre carries wide receiver Greg Jennings after completing a 16-yard touchdown pass to him in first quarter, setting the NFL record for career touchdown passes at 421, in a football game against the Minnesota Vikings Sunday, Sept. 30, 2007 in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Jim Mone) AP FILE 2007 — Detroit scores an NFL-record 34 points in the fourth quarter of a 37-27 victory over Chicago. The Lions combine with Bears for 48 points — also a league record. Detroit Lions wide receiver Mike Furrey runs for yardage during a football game against the Chicago Bears Sunday, Sept. 30, 2007 in Detroit. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson) AP FILE 2012 — Europe wins the Ryder Cup with an historic comeback from a 4-point deficit to beat the United States. Martin Kaymer delivers the Europeans finish with 14½ points while the Americans had 13½. The Americans had a 10-4 lead midway through matches. But the Europeans rally to win the final two, then built on the lead by winning the first five matches the next day. Europe’s Sergio Garcia, left to right, Luke Donald and Justin Rose celebrate after winning the Ryder Cup PGA golf tournament Sunday, Sept. 30, 2012, at the Medinah Country Club in Medinah, Ill. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson) AP FILE 2012 — Greg Zuerlein of St. Louis converts all four-field goal attempts (58, 48, 60, 24 yards) in the Rams’ 19-13 win over Seattle. Zuerlein becomes the first kicker in NFL history to convert a 60-yard field goal and a 50-yard field goal in the same game. St. Louis Rams kicker Greg Zuerlein (4) is congratulated by Johnny Hekker after kicking a 60-yard field goal during the second half of an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks Sunday, Sept. 30, 2012, in St. Louis. The Rams defeated the Seahawks, 19-13. (AP Photo/Tom Gannam) AP FILE 2015 — The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals agrees that the NCAA’s use of college athletes’ names, images and likenesses in video games and TV broadcasts violate antitrust laws but strikes down a plan to allow schools to pay players up to $5,000. In this April 2, 2015, file photo, NCAA President Mark Emmert answers questions during a news conference at the Final Four college basketball tournament in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings, File) AP FILE 2017 — Troy’s defense forces four turnovers and the surging Trojans upset No. 25 LSU 24-21. Troy is the first team from outside the Southeastern Conference to win in LSU’s Death Valley since UAB in 2000. Troy wide receiver Damion Willis (15) and defensive end Seth Calloway (94) celebrate a missed field goal by LSU place kicker Jack Gonsoulin (39) in the first half of an NCAA college football game in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Sept. 30, 2017. (AP Photo/Matthew Hinton) AP FILE 2017 — Notre Dame reaches 900 wins with a 52-17 win over Miami (Ohio). The Notre Dame mascot takes the field during the first half of an NCAA college football game between Notre Dame and Miami (Ohio) Saturday, Sept. 30, 2017, in South Bend, Ind. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast) AP FILE 2017 — Seventh-ranked Georgia hits a big milestone as a program, notching win No. 800 with a 41-0 rout of Tennessee. Georgia running back Elijah Holyfield (13) outruns Tennessee defensive back Justin Martin (8) and defensive back Nigel Warrior (18) in the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 30, 2017, in Knoxville, Tenn. Georgia won 41-0. (AP Photo/Wade Payne) *** MORNING LISTEN *** IMAGE OF THE DAY Read More Here

Barabak: Trump Isn’t On The Ballot. But Thank Him For High Voter Turnout, Again https://digitalarizonanews.com/barabak-trump-isnt-on-the-ballot-but-thank-him-for-high-voter-turnout-again/ Four years after voters set a modern record for turnout in a midterm election, they seem poised to do so again. Or at least come close. The most recent NBC News poll, consistent with other surveys, found 64% of those responding had a high interest in voting in the Nov. 8 election, registering a “9” or “10” on a 10-point scale. That’s more than the poll found at the same point in 2018, when 114 million voters cast ballots in the highest turnout rate for a midterm election since 1914. The 2020 election also shattered a modern record, with two-thirds of eligible voters turning out. That was the highest percentage in more than a century. To be clear, it’s a relative thing. We’re not talking about the frenzy surrounding the Dodgers’ World Series drive, or the rush to catch Harry Styles in concert. If a third of their seats went unsold, that would be embarrassing. But in the world of politics — where a 50% turnout in 2018 caused eyes to bug out — the level of excitement surrounding the midterms is a pretty big deal. There are several reasons for this heightened engagement, none of them particularly happy or healthy. Voters are deeply anxious and discontented. The gulf between the two major parties has grown vast and wide, and relations between their supporters have become increasingly hostile. And there’s the presence of the pouty former President Trump, who, despite grudgingly leaving the White House, continues to loom unusually large over the political landscape. Given events of the last two years — an insurrectionary raid on the U.S. Capitol; a Supreme Court decision ending the constitutional right to abortion; the highest inflation in decades — it’s no surprise that polls find voters regarding this election with particular urgency. Two in 3 registered voters surveyed by NBC News said they considered it more important than past midterm campaigns, a feeling shared by Democrats and Republicans alike. Three-quarters of registered Democrats surveyed said they were almost certain to vote, compared with about 80% of Republicans; that high level of Democratic interest has the party hoping Nov. 8 won’t yield the midterm drubbing the faithful have long feared. Of course, people have different reasons for voting. Some consider it their duty as an upstanding citizen. Others, deeply committed to a party or political cause, are eager to make their voice heard, or at least try to keep the other side from seizing power. For many it comes down to deciding whether it’s worth the time and effort. If things are going great, or even basically OK, some figure why bother voting? Contentment has never been a huge motivator. Which is why, as turnout expert Michael McDonald explained, “If you look at the big arc of history, moments when we see high turnout are moments when there is dissatisfaction with the country.” “When it seems like the stakes are high, when there are real consequences and an election really matters, people are more likely to vote,” said McDonald, who teaches political science at the University of Florida. With just 30% of voters saying things are on the right track, it’s little wonder forecasters predict a robust turnout in November. Voters are also more likely to cast a ballot when they see a meaningful difference between the candidates running, which is certainly the case this election. Whether it’s abortion, immigration or school curriculum, the divergence between your average Democrat and Republican is stark. Not least, there is the Trump factor. Since losing power, the former president’s assault on the truth and the institutions girding American democracy has been a dangerous and frightening thing to witness. But give credit where due. He’s also made voting great again. And seemingly more vital than ever. Mark Z. Barabak is a Los Angeles Times columnist. ©2022 Los Angeles Times. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency. Read More Here

New York Attorney General Seeks 2023 Trial Date For Trump Fraud Lawsuit https://digitalarizonanews.com/new-york-attorney-general-seeks-2023-trial-date-for-trump-fraud-lawsuit/ The New York attorney general’s office wants to accelerate its tax-fraud lawsuit against former President Donald Trump and his three eldest children, and “set a trial date before the end of 2023.” The office of Attorney General Letitia James told a New York judge on Thursday that it wants “an expedited preliminary conference” to swiftly schedule the trial, citing its allegation that the Trumps are engaged in “an ongoing scheme” of fraud. “Given the fact that this action involves allegations of an ongoing scheme and conspiracy to obtain millions of dollars through fraudulent activity, and that defendants repeatedly have sought to delay the conclusion of OAG’s investigation, it is imperative that this case proceed quickly,” wrote Kevin Wallace, a senior counsel for the Division of Economic Justice, in a court filing shared by CNN. Last week, James filed a $250 million lawsuit against Trump, Donald Trump Jr., Eric Trump and Ivanka Trump, seeking to prevent them from conducting business in the state and curtail their access to loans. “Donald Trump falsely inflated his net worth by billions of dollars to unjustly enrich himself and to cheat the system, thereby cheating all of us,” James told reporters at the time. Trump lawyer Alina Habba on Wednesday sought to get the case reassigned to the state court’s commercial division, alleging in a court filing obtained by CNN that James’ office was trying to “judge shop.” The case was later assigned to State Supreme Court Justice Arthur Engoron, who previously held Trump in contempt of court for refusing to turn over documents James had requested. James’ office on Thursday said Engoron should remain on the case, adding the judge has spent over two years overseeing “the conduct of the investigation that led to this enforcement proceeding.” “Allowing for an expedited trial schedule on an enforcement proceeding after extensive litigation over subpoena enforcement is precisely the circumstance that warrants keeping this case before Justice Engoron in the interests of judicial economy,” Wallace wrote. Read More Here

Here Is Today https://digitalarizonanews.com/here-is-today-11/ Hot temperatures are predicted today. It looks to reach a warm 88 degrees. Today’s forecasted low temperature is 68 degrees. The Tucson area should see a light breeze, with winds only reaching 7 miles per hour, coming from Southeast. This report is created automatically with weather data provided by TownNews.com. Keep an eye on tucson.com for forecast information and severe weather updates. Local Weather Get the daily forecast and severe weather alerts in your inbox! The forecast is showing a hot day in Tucson. Temperatures are projected to be a quite blazing high of 95. Today has the makings of a perfect d… Tucson folks should be prepared for high temperatures. Temperatures are projected to be a steamy day today with temperatures reaching a high o… The forecast is showing a hot day in Tucson. Temperatures are projected to be a scorcher today with temperatures reaching a high of 94, though… For the drive home in Tucson: Clear to partly cloudy. Low 74F. Winds SE at 5 to 10 mph. Hot temperatures are predicted tomorrow. Temperatures … Tucson’s evening forecast: A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible early. Partly cloudy skies. Low 74F. Winds ESE at 10 to 15 mph. Looking … Lightning can travel through plumbing, so don’t shower or wash hands or dishes during a thunderstorm. That’s what the CDC advises. Tonight’s weather conditions in Tucson: A clear sky. Low 74F. Winds ESE at 5 to 10 mph. Hot temperatures are predicted tomorrow. Temperatures … This evening in Tucson: Mostly clear. Low 72F. Winds SSE at 5 to 10 mph. Hot temperatures are predicted tomorrow. Temperatures are projected t… Scientists on planes flying through Hurricane Ian’s center are taking measurements satellites can’t and sending them to hurricane forecasters. This evening in Tucson: A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible early. Mostly clear. Low 71F. Winds light and variable. Sunday, Tucson folk… Read More Here

Names And Faces https://digitalarizonanews.com/names-and-faces/ FILE – Bruce Springsteen performs at Stand Up For Heroes in New York on Nov. 1, 2016. Springsteen’s new album “Only the Strong Survive” will be released on Nov. 11. (Photo by Greg Allen/Invision/AP, File) • Bruce Springsteen takes on the Four Tops, the Temptations, the Supremes, Jimmy Ruffin and other soul legends in an album of cover songs due out next month. The disc “Only the Strong Survive” is named for the Jerry Butler song, one of the 16 covers to be released Nov. 11. “I wanted to make an album where I just sang,” Springsteen said. “And what better music to work with than the great American songbook of the Sixties and Seventies? I’ve taken my inspiration from Levi Stubbs, David Ruffin, Jimmy Ruffin, the Iceman Jerry Butler, Diana Ross, Dobie Gray and Scott Walker, among many others.” Those who’ve seen Springsteen perform live know that he’ll frequently pull out some soul covers. The disc arrives three months before the beginning of a new tour with the E Street Band. Among the songs he tackles are the Commodores’ “Nightshift,” The Walker Brothers’ “The Sun Ain’t Gonna Shine Anymore” and the Four Tops’ “When She Was My Girl.” Also featured are “I Wish It Would Rain” by The Temptations and “Someday We’ll Be Together” by Diana Ross and The Supremes. Soul legend Sam Moore sings on two of the cuts. • The husband of U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., has filed for divorce, stating his marriage is “irretrievably broken.” According to the divorce petition filed Wednesday in the Georgia Superior Court of Floyd County, the couple had already separated. Perry Greene, who married Marjorie Taylor in 1995 while they were at the University of Georgia, asks for an equitable division of assets and debt, and that all future filings in the case be sealed — “because the parties’ significant privacy interest in sealing the records outweighs the public’s minuscule interest in access to said records,” the motion says. The lawmaker, one of former President Donald Trump’s top allies, has often stressed her traditional values and angered many for her far-right political leanings. “Marriage is a wonderful thing and I’m a firm believer in it,” she told Fox News. “Our society is formed by a husband and wife creating a family to nurture and protect. Together, Perry and I formed our family and raised three great kids. He gave me the best job title you can ever earn: Mom.” She added, “I’ll always be grateful for how great of a dad he is to our children.” Perry Greene said his wife had been an “amazing” mother and friend. “Our family is our most important thing we have done,” he said. “As we go on different paths we will continue to focus on our 3 incredible kids and their future endeavors and our friendship.”     This cover image released by Columbia Records shows “Only the Strong Survive” by Bruce Springsteen, releasing Nov. 11. (Columbia Records via AP)    Read More Here

New Lawyer For Jan. 6 Defendant From Yellville Says Plea Offer Being Considered https://digitalarizonanews.com/new-lawyer-for-jan-6-defendant-from-yellville-says-plea-offer-being-considered/ The new attorney for a Yellville man charged in connection with the U.S. Capitol riot said Thursday that he will decide soon whether his client should take a plea offer or go to trial. Joseph William Allen of Branson filed a notice Sept. 14 in federal court in the Distinct of Columbia indicating he would be serving as attorney for Jon Thomas Mott, 39, of Yellville. Mott was previously represented by Michelle M. Peterson, a public defender in Washington, D.C. Mott faces four misdemeanor charges stemming from the Jan. 6, 2021, breach of the U.S. Capitol: Entering and remaining in a restricted building; disorderly and disruptive conduct in a restricted building; violent entry and disorderly conduct in a Capitol building; and parading, demonstrating or picketing in a Capitol building. In a teleconference status hearing Thursday from federal court in the District of Columbia, Assistant U.S. Attorney Graciela Rodriguez Lindberg said a plea offer was extended to Mott last year. “I don’t mind leaving that offer open or at least getting another offer on the table,” she said. “That one has technically expired, but we can work on that.” Lindberg said that since Allen is new on the case, he may need some time to pore over the extensive discovery related to the Capitol riot. “Just for the record, as of September 16 of this year … we have over 3.37 million files related to the Capitol riot discovery in the defense Relativity workspace,” Lindberg told U.S. District Judge Royce C. Lamberth during Thursday’s hearing. She said the video footage alone would take 100 days to watch straight through without taking a break. “I’m aware of the larger discovery available,” Allen told the judge. “Of course I’m new to the case. However, I’ve been trying to focus on peeling back the layers of discovery as it is specific to Mr. Mott’s case. So I believe that I am pretty well up to speed and I do have access to the discovery.” Allen said he has spoken extensively with Mott and has been in contact with attorneys for the federal government. Allen said he needed a little more time, so Lamberth set the next status hearing for Nov. 17. If both sides come to an agreement regarding a plea, a court date can be set earlier, Lamberth said. If the case goes to trial, Lindberg estimated it would take a week including jury selection. Last Friday, Allen asked the judge to allow Mott to use his legally owned guns to go hunting. “For the majority of his life, Defendant has participated in the Conservation efforts of wildlife management by engaging in the practice of subsistence hunting,” Allen wrote in the motion. “This practice also contributes toward supplementing the monies spent by the Defendant toward groceries for an average annual estimate of $5,000.00 in savings.” Lamberth granted that request Monday, but Mott isn’t allowed to keep firearms or ammunition at his home or workplace. One condition of Mott’s pretrial release was that he not possess firearms. The Jan. 6 riot escalated from a “Stop the Steal” rally when some supporters of then-President Donald Trump entered the U.S. Capitol and attempted to stop Congress from certifying the Electoral College vote indicating that Joe Biden had won the presidential election. Richard “Bigo” Barnett, 62, of Gravette, and Peter Francis Stager, 43, of Conway face felony charges in connection with the Jan. 6 riot at the Capitol. Stager remains in the District of Columbia jail. He is the only Jan. 6 defendant from Arkansas still incarcerated. Mott, Barnett and Stager have all pleaded innocent. Robert Thomas Snow, 78, of Heber Springs pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge for “parading, demonstrating or picketing in the Capitol building.” He was sentenced to probation and community service. Print Headline: D.C. riot suspect weighs plea offer Read More Here

Civilians Killed In Ukraine Convoy Attack As Putin To Proclaim Rule Over Seized Land https://digitalarizonanews.com/civilians-killed-in-ukraine-convoy-attack-as-putin-to-proclaim-rule-over-seized-land/ Russian annexation of four regions condemned worldwide Move is ‘dangerous escalation’ jeopardising peace – U.N. chief Ukraine’s Zelenskiy says for war to end Putin must be stopped Zelenskiy summons emergency meeting on security, defence ZAPORIZHZHIA, Ukraine, Sept 30 (Reuters) – A missile attack on a convoy of cars in southern Ukraine killed a number of civilians on Friday, hours before President Vladimir Putin was due to proclaim Moscow’s rule over lands it has seized in his invasion. The convoy was assembling in a car park near Zaporizhzhia city to carry people and supplies into Russian-held territory in Ukraine’s southern Zaporizhzhia province. The regional capital is still controlled by Ukraine. A missile had gouged a crater in the ground near two lines of vehicles. The impact had thrown chunks of dirt ino the air and sprayed the vehicles with shrapnel. The windows of the vehicles – mostly cars and three vans, were blown out. Reuters saw around a dozen bodies, four of them in cars. Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com “So far, 23 dead and 28 wounded. All civilians,” Zaporizhzhia regional governor Oleksandr Starukh wrote on Telegram. The vehicles were packed with the occupants’ belongings, blankets and suitcases. A body leaned from the driver’s seat into the passenger seat of a yellow car, his left hand still clutching the steering wheel. The attack took place hours before President Vladimir Putin was due to stage a ceremony in an ornate Kremlin hall to proclaim Russia’s rule over around 15% of Ukraine, the biggest annexation in Europe since Hitler. It would be followed by a celebratory pop concert outside the Kremlin walls on Red Square. Russia’s annexation of the Russian-occupied areas of Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia has been condemned in the West and beyond. U.N. chief Antonio Guterres called it was a “dangerous escalation” and a violation of the United Nations charter. “It can still be stopped. But to stop it we have to stop that person in Russia who wants war more than life. Your lives, citizens of Russia,” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said in a Thursday evening address. The Russian annexation, held after what the West denounced as phoney referndums at gunpoint in occupied territory, followed weeks of defeats for Moscow’s forces on the battlefield in which they were routed from their positions in Ukraine’s northeast. Putin has ordered the call-up up of hundreds of thousands of Russian reservists, a move that prompted tens of thousands of Russian men to flee over borders to escape being shipped off to war. Military experts said Russia could soon be facing one of its biggest defeats of the war so far, with thousands of troops trapped in Lyman, the last major Russian stronghold in the north of Donetsk province. The town’s fall would pave the way for Ukraine to recapture swathes of land Russia is now claiming. Kyiv has so far kept silent about the situation there, but Russian military bloggers have described the Russian force as all but surrounded, with advancing Ukrainians having cut off the last possible routes of escape. “Possible that the pocket collapses tonight or tomorrow, which would overshadow the annexation announcement,” tweeted Rob Lee, an expert on the Russian military and senior fellow at the Foreign Policy Research Institute. A crater left by a Russian missile strike, that hit a convoy of civilian vehicles amid Russia’s attack on Ukraine, is seen in Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine September 30, 2022. REUTERS/Stringer NUCLEAR THREAT Since his troops were forced to flee from Ukraine’s Kharkiv province, Putin has chosen to escalate the war. Last week he endorsed the annexation, ordered the call-up of reservists, and threatened to use nuclear weapons if Russia is attacked. Russian officials, including Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, have explicitly said the threat of nuclear retaliation would apply to any attacks on the areas they plan to annex, despite the thousand km-long (600 mile) frontline through it. Ukraine has said it will take back all its territory. Zelenskiy promised a strong response to the annexations and summoned his defence and security chiefs for an emergency meeting on Friday where “fundamental decisions” will be taken, an official said. ‘NO LEGAL VALUE’ On the eve of the annexation ceremony in the Georgievsky Hall of the Great Kremlin Palace, Putin said that “all mistakes” made in a call-up announced last week should be corrected, his first public acknowledgment that it had not gone smoothly. Putin’s call-up order gave no details of who must be drafted. Russian officials have publicly said older men or those with no military experience should by exempt, but call-up notices have been given to men of all ages and background. Members of ethnic minorities say they have been particularly targetted, leading to unrest in southern Russia and Siberia. At Friday’s event, Putin will give a speech and meet Kremlin-backed leaders of the four regions. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov did not say whether Putin would attend the concert, as he did at similar event in 2014 after Russia proclaimed it had annexed Ukraine’s Crimea region. A stage has been set up in the Moscow square with giant video screens and billboards proclaiming the four areas part of Russia. U.S. President Joe Biden said the United States would never recognise Russia’s claims on Ukraine’s territory, denouncing the referendums. “The results were manufactured in Moscow,” Biden said at a conference of Pacific Island leaders on Thursday. U.N. Secretary General Guterres told reporters: “Any decision to proceed with the annexation … would have no legal value and deserves to be condemned.” Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com Reporting by Reuters bureaux; Writing by Peter Graff; Editing by Robert Birsel and Angus MacSwan Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles. Read More Here

Trevor Noah Said He Is Leaving The Daily Show. Take A Look At Some Memorable Moments https://digitalarizonanews.com/trevor-noah-said-he-is-leaving-the-daily-show-take-a-look-at-some-memorable-moments/ Trevor Noah, host of Comedy Central’s “The Daily Show,” speaks at the annual White House Correspondents’ Association dinner, Saturday, April 30, 2022, in Washington. Patrick Semansky / AP The Daily Show host Trevor Noah announced he is leaving the show after seven years with the program. “I found myself thinking throughout the time, everything we’ve gone through – the Trump presidency, the pandemic, just the journey … and I realized that after the seven years, my time is up,” he said on Thursday night’s episode before a shocked audience. Noah gave no timetable for his departure. Noah first joined The Daily Show as a consultant in 2014, and took over hosting duties from Jon Stewart in 2015. Here’s a look back at some of Noah’s most memorable moments on the show. His first episode as host In his first episode as the official host, he started the show by paying tribute to Stewart and addressed the controversy about him taking over the show. Noah, a native of South Africa, joked, “Why didn’t they get an American to host, and again, Comedy Central tried, and those people also declined, and so once more a job Americans rejected is now being done by an immigrant.” His interview with Tomi Lahren Noah sat down in 2016 with conservative commentator Tomi Lahren, who received backlash at the time for her views on Black Lives Matter and immigration. “Why are you so angry?” Noah asked her. “I’m actually not that angry. It’s just there’s things that need to be said, Trevor, and a lot of people are afraid to say them,” she responded. He went on to address her opinion on Black Lives Matter, saying, “For somebody who is not racist, you have to spend a lot of time saying ‘I’m not racist.'” “I think [BLM] started with good intentions,” she said. “The minute protesting turned into rioting and looting and burning and militant actions, that’s when I lost respect for Black Lives Matter,” to which Noah reasoned people riot after sporting games and that Lahren is judging the movement on the actions of a few. The 15-minute interview was seen almost 19 million times. His interview with Bad Bunny In his interview with international reggaeton sensation Bad Bunny last year, the Puerto Rican artist talked about his acting role on Narcos:Mexico, how much he loves World Wrestling Entertainment and bending gender norms. “I’m just trying to unify,” Bad Bunny said. “Every person, everybody can feel comfortable with my music, with my videos, can feel comfortable in the concerts, like create space where everyone can feel comfortable is what I try.” Bad Bunny also spoke of having mass appeal, even with those who don’t understand his Spanish lyrics: “This is who I am, this is my music, this is my culture. If you don’t like it, don’t listen to me.” His critique of Donald Trump Noah often went viral for his critiques of former President Trump, during moments such as Trump’s inauguration, his impeachment and more recently, the lawsuit against him by New York Attorney General Letitia James on fraud charges. “And here’s the problem that everyone realized about Donald Trump, almost too late,” Noah said in one episode. “Facts mean nothing to him. Donald Trump has no relationship to facts, none, like no relationship, not even like a distant cousin.” In one episode, a correspondent gives Trump supporters an ideology test, asking them questions about religion, LGBT rights and if a woman should be president. Copyright 2022 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org. CapRadio provides a trusted source of news because of you.  As a nonprofit organization, donations from people like you sustain the journalism that allows us to discover stories that are important to our audience. If you believe in what we do and support our mission, please donate today. Donate Today   Read More Here

European Markets Climb, Looking For Relief Rally After Global Sell-Off; Stoxx 600 Up 1% https://digitalarizonanews.com/european-markets-climb-looking-for-relief-rally-after-global-sell-off-stoxx-600-up-1/ LONDON ― European markets advanced on Friday, gaining some respite from a torrid week as the third quarter drew to a close. The pan-European Stoxx 600 added 1% in early trade, with oil and gas stocks climbing 2.2% to lead gains as all sectors and major bourses entered positive territory. Global stocks struggled in recent sessions amid fears over slowing growth and aggressive monetary policy tightening. The widespread sell-off on Wall Street continued on Thursday, with all three major averages falling sharply as investors assessed the outlook for future rate-hiking decisions from the U.S. Federal Reserve and their impact on the markets. The S&P 500 hit a fresh low for the year. Stock futures were mixed in early premarket trade on Friday. Shares in Asia-Pacific also retreated on Friday following the overnight plunge stateside, though new data showed Chinese factory activity unexpectedly expanded in August. Investor focus in Europe on Friday will shift to initial euro zone inflation figures for September, due at 10 a.m. London time, with economists expecting annual consumer prices to have increased by a fresh record high of 9.7%. Volatility continues in U.K. markets after the Bank of England intervened in the bond market on Wednesday in order to shore up the country’s financial stability, after a historic sell-off in long-dated gilts. Sterling also hit an all-time low on Monday following the new government’s widely condemned fiscal policy announcements, but has staged a significant rally in recent days. Stateside, several Fed officials are due to speak on Friday afternoon, and the markets will be watching closely for indications as to the pace of future rate hikes from the central bank. Euro zone inflation soars to record high of 10% in September Euro zone inflation hit a new record high of 10% in September, Eurostat data showed on Friday, up from 9.1% in August and above consensus projections of 9.7%. The reading, which also showed price increases broadening out from volatile food and energy prices into nearly all segments of the 19-member bloc’s economy, will exert more pressure on the European Central Bank to hike interest rates aggressively at its October meeting. – Elliot Smith Sterling recovers to pre-plunge levels as Bank of England and government act The British pound rose to fresh one-week highs on Friday against both the dollar and the euro, recovering from the steep losses that send it to an all-time low on Monday. Sterling gained 1% against the greenback on Friday morning to trade above $1.12 before moderating slightly. During Asian trading hours on Monday, the pound slid to just above $1.03 on the back of a widely-criticized set of fiscal policy announcements from the U.K. government. The Bank of England on Wednesday intervened in the U.K. long-dated bond market to secure the country’s financial stability after huge sell-offs in the currency and fixed income markets. Markets are also taking reassurance after news that British Prime Minister Liz Truss and Finance Minister Kwasi Kwarteng will meet with the U.K.’s independent finance watchdog for talks on Friday. – Elliot Smith UK economy unexpectedly grew in second-quarter, but remains below pre-Covid levels The U.K. economy expanded by 0.2% in the second quarter, according to revised data published Friday, up from an initial estimate of a 0.1% contraction. However, the Office for National Statistics reiterated that the economy continues to slow, and GDP remains below its pre-pandemic peak. The ONS revised down its estimate for Britain’s Covid-19 recovery, and now says U.K. GDP contracted by 11% in 2020, during the height of lockdowns, sharply lower than the previous estimate of a 9.3% fall. “The level of real quarterly GDP in the U.K. is now 0.2% below its pre-coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic level in Quarter 4 (Oct to Dec) 2019,” the ONS said. – Elliot Smith French inflation eases in September for second straight month French inflation cooled for a second consecutive month in September, diverging from neighboring Germany on the back of a deceleration of price increases in energy and services. National statistics agency INSEE said Friday that France’s EU-harmonized inflation rate dropped to 6.2% annually in September from 6.6% in August, defying market projections for a modest acceleration. – Elliot Smith British Prime Minister Liz Truss to have emergency talks with budget forecasters Stocks on the move: Clariant up 6%, Wise down 5% Clariant shares climbed 6.4% in early trade to lead the Stoxx 600 after Credit Suisse upgraded the Swiss chemicals company’s stock to “outperform” from neutral and upped its price target. At the bottom of the European blue chip index, London-based fintech company Wise slid 5% following the publication of its earnings report on Thursday. – Elliot Smith Here are the opening calls Britain’s FTSE 100 is expected to open around 13 points lower at 6,869, Germany’s DAX is set to gain around 9 points to 11,984 and France’s CAC 40 is seen around 6 points higher at 5,683. CNBC Pro: Is the Fed on the right track? Wall Street veteran Ed Yardeni says this is what it should do next The U.S Federal Reserve announced yet another 75 basis point hike earlier this month, sending the federal funds rate up to a range of 3% to 3.25%. The central bank also signaled it may raise interest rates up to as high as 4.6% in 2023 to control inflation. Ed Yardeni, the economist who coined the term “bond vigilantes,” gives his take as the Fed’s response to inflation comes under intense scrutiny. Pro subscribers can read more here. — Zavier Ong CNBC Pro: Here’s how to trade the UK’s political and market turmoil, fund managers say Markets in London have been in turmoil ever since the U.K. government announced its so-called “mini-budget.” The chaos driven by recent political events has seen the Sterling tank to new historic lows against the dollar as many overseas investors pulled out of the country. Three fund managers have named stocks and sectors that may benefit from the sell-off in the country’s currency. CNBC Pro subscribers can read more here. — Ganesh Rao Read More Here

Hurricane Ian Live Updates: Biden Declares Emergency In South Carolina As Storm Intensifies https://digitalarizonanews.com/hurricane-ian-live-updates-biden-declares-emergency-in-south-carolina-as-storm-intensifies/ Updated September 30, 2022 at 5:46 a.m. EDT|Published September 30, 2022 at 2:00 a.m. EDT President Biden declared an emergency in South Carolina hours ahead of Ian’s expected landfall as a Category 1 hurricane near Charleston around midday Friday. The White House will dispatch federal assistance to supplement local response efforts, and the National Hurricane Center warned of “life-threatening flooding, storm surge and strong winds” in the Carolinas. Ian sustained maximum winds of about 85 mph going into Friday as it veered north of Florida. State officials there were assessing the extent of damage that Ian left behind, with several areas still reeling from its destructive storm surges. Rubble was strewn across Florida’s western coast, and more than 2.1 million customers were still without power as of 3:30 a.m. Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) said there was no confirmed death toll as of Thursday evening but that authorities “absolutely expect to have mortality from this hurricane.” Search efforts continue, with more than 700 confirmed rescues so far. Here’s what to know South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster (R) said Thursday afternoon that he was not ordering any evacuations of coastal communities, but he urged residents to prepare as Ian heads for the region. “Major to record flooding” is expected to continue through next week across parts of central Florida, the National Hurricane Center said. DeSantis said the damage in Charlotte and Lee counties on Florida’s southwestern coast was “almost indescribable,” with homes ripped off their foundations. Several counties in western Florida urged residents to boil water before use, fearing that storm surges and flooding may have contaminated water lines. After Ian makes landfall in the Carolinas, the Hurricane Center forecasts that it will “rapidly weaken over the southeastern United States late Friday into Saturday.” ‘This is the worst day of my life’ Return to menu FORT MYERS BEACH, Fla. — Rick Lemaster, his girlfriend and their poodle, Tigger, barely survived the storm in their neighbor’s elevated apartment. At the peak of the hurricane, water surged up over their cars and nearly to the door. Lemaster, 54, started timing how fast the water was rising. “I’m trying to hold the door and watch the water level. We had one step left,” before they were inundated, he said. Suddenly, the storm shifted. “The water started receding,” he said. “But that wasn’t the end of it,” said his girlfriend, Amy Elliot, 57. ‘We absolutely expect to have mortality’ from storm, DeSantis says Return to menu Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) said state officials “absolutely expect to have mortality” from Hurricane Ian, though he said the death toll remained unconfirmed as of Thursday evening. “I know that people have said certain things — in terms of confirmed, that will be made apparent over the coming days,” he said. More than 700 people have been rescued by emergency personnel, the governor added, with rescuers still going door-to-door and responding to requests for help. He spoke at a news conference Thursday evening after touring devastated areas of Charlotte and Lee counties on Florida’s southwest coast. He called the damage there “almost indescribable,” with homes ripped off their foundations and cars floating in the street. Fort Myers retiree wrongfooted by apocalyptic Ian Return to menu FORT MYERS, Fla. — Kathy Sharp believed she would be safe at the Thunderbird Park, a mobile home community for retirees dotted with palm trees two miles from the Gulf of Mexico. For days, forecasters had indicated Hurricane Ian was heading toward Tampa, further north. But as the storm shifted and tore through Fort Myers, Sharp looked out a window and noticed pieces of her neighbor’s roof flying into the air. Not long after, her own home started to break apart, the fierce wind casting aluminum paneling into the swirl of airborne debris. This is an excerpt from a full story. Ian’s peak winds increase to 85 mph as it approaches South Carolina Return to menu Now that it’s back over water, Hurricane Ian is continuing to strengthen, the National Hurricane Center reported in recent advisories. The center at 11 p.m. Thursday said Ian’s peak winds had risen to 80 mph — compared with 75 mph at 5 p.m. But, 15 minutes later, it issued a special advisory noting the peak winds had climbed to 85 mph after Hurricane Hunter aircraft sampled winds inside the storm. The storm, 185 miles south of Charleston, is heading to the north-northeast at 10 mph and is projected to make landfall there around midday Friday. Collier County enacts night curfew Return to menu Collier County in Florida imposed a 10 p.m. curfew on residents until further notice, the county sheriff’s office announced late Thursday. The curfew will remain active each night until 6 a.m. “There is much unknown left to face with rising waters, debris in roads and many people have evacuated their homes and businesses,” the sheriff’s office wrote on Facebook. “We do not want criminals preying on our residents and businesses at one of the most vulnerable times in their life.” Collier County, which has a population of about 386,000 people, suffered serious damage Thursday as storm surges from Hurricane Ian overwhelmed several areas. A fire rescue department in Naples was severely flooded, with station trucks submerged about halfway underwater. Video footage showed fire department members wading through water up to their waist. More than 2.1 million customers without power in Florida Return to menu More than 2.1 million customers in Florida were without power as of 3:30 a.m. on Friday, according to the PowerOutage.us tracker, after Hurricane Ian battered the state’s western coast. Power was almost entirely lost in the Hardee, Charlotte and Highlands counties, according to the site, which tracks outages across the state. The southwestern part of the state was particularly badly hit. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) said at a news conference Thursday evening that 200,000 accounts had been restored in southwest Florida. The state staged 42,000 linemen ahead of the storm to repair power lines. Biden declares emergency in S.C. ahead of Ian’s landfall Return to menu President Biden declared an emergency in South Carolina late Thursday as the National Hurricane Center warned of life-threatening storm surges when Ian makes its projected landfall near Charleston on Friday. The order authorizes the Federal Emergency Management Agency to “identify, mobilize, and provide at its discretion” the resources needed to aid with the emergency, the White House said in a news release. Biden also ordered federal assistance to supplement local emergency response efforts in South Carolina, which could sustain a total rainfall of up to 12 inches in some areas, according to the National Hurricane Center. Fearing contamination, parts of Florida urge residents to boil water Return to menu Lee County Utilities issued a boil water notice Thursday, advising the public to bring water to a “roiling boil” for one minute before using it for drinking, cooking, making ice or brushing teeth. “If you cannot boil water due to lack of power, use bottled or purify your water first,” the Lee County government said on its website. The county includes the city of Fort Myers and Fort Myers Beach, two areas that have emerged as some of the hardest-hit during Hurricane Ian so far, with video footage showing toppled trees, overturned boats and buildings turned to rubble. Her mom went missing in Hurricane Ian. She took to Twitter to find her. Return to menu Beth Booker’s mom didn’t want to leave her Fort Myers, Fla., beach house. Carole McDanel, a 78-year-old retiree, had a stocked pantry, hurricane shutters and new impact windows. The worst of Hurricane Ian was supposed to hurtle north toward Tampa, she had told her daughter. Why not tough it out at her home of 24 years? Then a storm surge swept the island community, which took a direct hit Wednesday, and flooded McDanel’s ground floor. She texted photos to Booker, a 32-year-old publicist in Naples, Fla., of the brown water creeping up her stairs. This is an excerpt from a full story. ‘We’ve got our lives. That’s the most important thing.’ Return to menu Survivors picked through Hurricane Ian’s scattered wreckage at the foot of the bridge leading to Fort Myers Beach on Thursday: massive tour and shrimp boats run aground next to homes; restaurants and trailers ripped open and inundated with rivers of gray-brown mud. Residents walked among the remains of their homes, stunned. Shrimp captain Leonard Hunte, 77, survived the storm by clinging to a piece of debris that floated by his mobile home: a plastic foam staircase that then lodged in a tree Hunte and his nephew clung to. Read More Here

Deacon Thomas Howard Barnes https://digitalarizonanews.com/deacon-thomas-howard-barnes/ “…. and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever” Psalm 23:6b Deacon Thomas Howard Barnes, 85, a lifelong resident of Perry (Taylor County), Fla., was born on Aug. 29, 1937, to Thomas Henry Barnes, Sr. and Hazel Wilson. Both parents and his son: Timothy Barnes, preceded him in death. Celebration of life services, with COVID-19 restrictions, will be held 11 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 1, 2022, in the sanctuary of Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church, 221 SW Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive, Madison. Public viewing and visitation will be held 4 to 6 p.m., Friday, Sept. 30, 2022 in the chapel of J.P. Moore Mortuary, 379 W. Base Street, Madison, (850) 973-6677. Having accepted Christ as his Savior earlier in his life, Deacon Barnes joined New Jerusalem Primitive Baptist Church. Over the years, he grew in faith and in his service to the church. Because of his love for God and his faithfulness, he was chosen to become an ordained deacon, a position he accepted with humbleness and honor. Deacon Barnes received his education from Jerkins High School, a testament for academic achievement in the African American community. Afterward, he enlisted in the United States Army and served honorably. He later completed his military service in the Army Reserves. Deacon Barnes was a “people person”. He enjoyed meeting and getting to know others. He was one who never met strangers, for he considered them to be friends he had never met before. He also loved spending time with family and enjoying the fun and the fellowship they had and the memories they created. He shared a special bond with his children and grandchildren. He centered his favorite pastime activities with things he enjoyed doing with family and friends. He enjoyed cooking, fishing, hunting, traveling (“seeing America first”) and being the University of Florida’s number 1 Gator football fan from Taylor County. He also loved animals, especially his faithful dog he called “Partner”. After many years of dedicated service, Deacon Barnes retired from Buckeye Cellulose Corporation (Proctor & Gamble/Georgia Pacific) as well as from A.R.C. of the Big Bend. Deacon Thomas Howard Barnes found joy, peace, grace and favor that only God could provide. The Lord chose to reward him for his faithfulness and to bring His precious angel home to rest on Saturday, Sept. 17, 2022. Those left to cherish his memory are his beloved wife of nearly 15 years, Sandra Beasley Barnes; sons: Thomas H. Barnes, Jr. and Vincent Barnes, both of St. Petersburg, Fla. and Deon Barnes of Jacksonville, Fla.; stepsons, Joshua (Felicia) Gamble and Marco Gamble, all of Madison; daughters: Peggy Thomas of Tallahassee, Fla., Jasmine Barnes of Perry, Fla., Marilyn Garner of St. Petersburg, Fla., Felicia (Steve) Williams and Sharon Gamble, all of Madison; brothers, Willie (Irene) Barnes and A.Z. McHorne, all of Perry, Fla.; sister, Robin Miller of Perry, Fla.; mother-in-law, Flossie (Cleveland) Blackshear of Madison; sisters-in-law: Beverly Beasley, Latanja (Ramon) Danzy, all of Madison and Lucy Miller of Perry, Fla.; brothers-in-law: Johnny Ray Beasley, Freddie Beasley, both of Madison and Gilbert Beasley of Jacksonville, Fla.; along with many other loving relatives and sorrowing friends. Final care and compassionate services are being provided to the Barnes Family, with love, care and uncompromising dignity, by J.P. MOORE MORTUARY & CREMATION SERVICES, Madison, Fla., (850) 973-6677; Jamarien “J.P.” Moore, Mortician. Continue Reading Read More Here