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PODCAST: AZ Injury Law Week 9 Pigskin Preview | ALLSPORTSTUCSON.com https://digitalarizonanews.com/podcast-az-injury-law-week-9-pigskin-preview-allsportstucson-com/ CLICK ON THE AD TO ACCESS THE AZ INJURY LAW TEAM’S WEB SITE WEEK NINE (games start at 7 p.m.) FRIDAY, OCTOBER 14 6A CONFERENCE No. 19 Salpointe (3-2) at No. 14 Mesa Red Mountain (3-2) Salpointe plays its first 6A East Valley game. The Lancers are in position to make the 6A state playoffs if the season ended today because seven 6A teams comprise the eight-team Open Division. That pushes Salpointe to No. 12 in the 6A state playoffs ratings. 5A CONFERENCE No. 46 Nogales (0-5) at No. 6 Marana (4-1) Marana’s high-powered offense averaging 42.2 points a game goes against Nogales team that has scored two touchdowns all season entering the 5A Sonoran opener. No. 21 Buena (4-1) at No. 30 Cienega (1-4) Cienega is hoping its tough pre-region schedule with games against playoff contenders Millennium, Salpointe, Desert Edge and Marana will play dividends heading into 5A Southern play. Buena’s four wins matches what it produced in 2020 and 2021 combined. The Colts will feature former Tombstone quarterback Aliaz Dyson for the first time after he sat out the first five games due to AIA transfer protocol. No. 47 Rincon/UHS (1-4) vs. No. 24 Sunnyside (3-2) at Kino North Stadium Sunnyside has shut out its last two opponents (Ironwood Ridge and Tucson) and has not allowed a touchdown in the last 10 quarters. The Blue Devils will try for three straight shutouts for the first time since 2007. Rincon/University is more competitive this year, losing two of its games by a touchdown. No. 29 Desert View (2-2) at No. 39 Ironwood Ridge (1-4) Desert View has to string together impressive wins in the 5A Southern to return to the state playoffs. Ironwood Ridge is coming off its first victory under first-year coach Dale Stott. No. 33 Mountain View (1-4) at No. 34 Tucson (2-3) Matt Johnson has experienced running table through region play and making the state playoffs before, doing that in 2019 after the Mountain Lions started 1-4. Tucson High has struggled losing its last two games, including a shut-out loss to Sunnyside last week. No. 41 Cholla (1-4) at No. 43 Flowing Wells (1-4) Both teams enter this game on losing streaks — Cholla at three games and Flowing Wells at four. 4A CONFERENCE No. 2 Canyon del Oro (4-1) at No. 33 Douglas (3-2) Dustin Peace is a win away from reaching 100 career wins (99-48 in 14 seasons at CDO) with the Dorados playing Douglas for the first time since 1997. That was also the last time the Dorados have had to travel to Douglas. The teams were placed in the same region (4A Kino) by the AIA this year. Former Ironwood Ridge running back Jordan Thomas, who rushed for more than 1,000 yards last season, is eligible to play for the Dorados after sitting out the first five games per AIA transfer rules. No. 27 Sahuaro (2-3) at No. 13 Walden Grove (3-2) Walden Grove is coming off a 49-42 win at Mountain View in which QB Gabriel Smith threw for 467 yards while completing 23 of 27 passes with five touchdowns and no interceptions. Sahuaro will try to snap a two-game losing streak in the midst of a three-game road stretch against Buena, Walden Grove and Amphi. No. 21 Pueblo (4-1) at No. 22 Vista Grande (4-2) Pueblo’s four wins is more than what it won the last two seasons, when it went 3-7 in COVID-19-shortened seasons. Jake Allen, in his third season, announced on social media that all but one of his players gained academic eligibility in the last grading cycle. No. 44 Amphitheater (1-4) at No. 28 Catalina Foothills (2-3) Amphi is coming off its first win of the season with a victory over Rincon/University and Catalina Foothills is looking for its second straight 4A Gila title after going 5-0 last season. No. 36 Rio Rico (2-3) at No. 49 Sahuarita (0-5) Rio Rico, in its first season under legendary coach Jeff Scurran, is trying to achieve its second winning season in its 25 years of existence. Sahuarita, which has scored four touchdowns this season, will face a Rio Rico team that is coming off shutting out Empire last week. No. 37 Empire (3-2) at No. 38 Mica Mountain (1-4) This is the first meeting between the two Vail schools. Empire was down to its third-string quarterback last week against Rio Rico because of injuries. Starter Ethan Goodall is slated to return for this game after missing two games. Mica Mountain is looking to end its four-game losing streak. 3A CONFERENCE No. 5 Chandler Valley Christian (6-1) at No. 2 Pusch Ridge (6-1) Pusch Ridge, coming off a bye week, needs to keep on winning to maintain a top-four rating and ensure home games in the first couple of rounds of the state playoffs. The teams meet for the first time since Pusch Ridge beat Valley Christian in the first round of the state playoffs in 2014. No. 6 Sabino (6-1) at No. 3 Mesa Eastmark (6-1) Sabino faces an arduous two games on the road against Eastmark and Thatcher the next two weeks. If the Sabercats, behind potent dual-threat QB Cameron Hackworth, can win at least one of those two games it can set them up for a top-four finish in the 3A which means they can host the first two rounds of the state playoffs. No. 37 Phoenix Christian (0-7) at No. 11 Benson (4-3) Benson has a No. 11 ranking based on its schedule that includes Tombstone, Willcox, Pusch Ridge and Thatcher. This game might affect the Bobcats’ power points but a win will ensure a non-losing record in the regular season under first-year coach Dustin Cluff. No. 36 Palo Verde (2-5) at No. 38 Tempe (0-7) Palo Verde hopes to reach three wins — a significant achievement with the program not playing at the varsity level last year because of a lack of healthy eligible players. 2A CONFERENCE No. 25 Tombstone (3-4, 1-1) at No. 6 Willcox (5-2, 2-0) Willcox’s running combination of Ayden Fuentes and Cristian Pando (1,541 yards rushing combined) will go against Tombstone’s dual-threat QB DJ Elias (995 passing yards and 484 rushing yards). No. 24 Tanque Verde (3-4, 2-0) at No. 19 Bisbee (4-4, 1-1) Significant game for Tanque Verde, which is coming off three straight wins over North Pointe Prep (60-0 score), Santa Rita (forfeit) and Catalina (54-0). Bisbee, which beat Tombstone on the road last week, will provide a good challenge for Jay Dobyns’ Hawks. No. 45 Catalina over NR 2A Santa Rita (Forfeit) Technically, Catalina’s first win since 2019 when the Trojans beat Tanque Verde 14-12. Snaps a 17-game losing streak. 1A CONFERENCE No. 2 St. David (8-0) at No. 1 Hayden (7-0) One of the top games in the state, St. David travels to Hayden, which lost 65-20 at St. David to end the regular season last year. Should be another high-scoring game with both teams featuring prolific-passing senior quarterbacks — St. David’s Ryan Gooding (1,460 passing yards and 37 TDs) and Hayden’s Fabian Elvira (1,960 passing yards and 32 TDs). No. 20 Baboquivari (3-4) at No. 9 San Manuel (6-2) San Manuel must win to strengthen its bid to make the 12-team 1A state-playoff field. Both teams did not play last week with Baboquivari having a bye and San Manuel winning its game against Ray by forfeit. No. 23 Valley Union (1-6) at No. 12 Duncan (4-3) Valley Union will try to end its season on a winning note while attempting to knock Duncan out of playoff contention. FOLLOW @JAVIERJMORALES ON TWITTER! ALLSPORTSTUCSON.com publisher, writer and editor Javier Morales is a former Arizona Press Club award winner. He is a former Arizona Daily Star beat reporter for the Arizona basketball team, including when the Wildcats won the 1996-97 NCAA title. He has also written articles for CollegeAD.com, Bleacher Report, Lindy’s Sports, TucsonCitizen.com, The Arizona Republic, Sporting News and Baseball America, among many other publications. He has also authored the book “The Highest Form of Living”, which is available at Amazon. He became an educator five years ago and is presently a special education teacher at Gallego Fine Arts Intermediate in the Sunnyside Unified School District. Read More Here

Tropical Storm Karl Hangs On To TS Status, Hurricane Center Sets Eyes On East Atlantic Threat https://digitalarizonanews.com/tropical-storm-karl-hangs-on-to-ts-status-hurricane-center-sets-eyes-on-east-atlantic-threat/ After slow dancing around in the Gulf of Mexico, Tropical Storm Karl is inching toward the Mexico coast Friday and is not predicted to last much longer. Meanwhile, the National Hurricane Center is monitoring a new threat in the eastern Atlantic. Satellite imagery, which had been previously obscured, improved Friday morning, showing Karl had one more burst of power, before its decline, as convection close to its center increased with more concentrated lightning near the eye, the NHC said in its 11 a.m. update. Karl is located about 80 miles north-northwest of Ciudad del Carmen, Mexico, moving south-southeast at 7 mph with maximum sustained winds at 45 mph, up from 40 mph just three hours prior. The storm, which will not impact Florida, is not expected to strengthen significantly before it reaches the Tabasco or Veracruz states of Mexico late Friday night or early Saturday. It will weaken once it makes landfall. The NHC is confident that Karl’s strength will likely not change before landfall but hasn’t ruled out the possibility of the storm becoming a depression before arriving on the coast. Tropical Storm #Karl Advisory 13: Tropical Storm Conditions Expected to Spread Over Portions Of Southern Mexico Beginning Later Today. Heavy Rainfall Could Result in Flash Flooding and Mudslides Into the Weekend. https://t.co/tW4KeFW0gB — National Hurricane Center (@NHC_Atlantic) October 14, 2022 Drier air in the area is plaguing Karl and should continue to do so well into Saturday, but Karl is expected to hang onto its tropical storm status for the next day as it crawls toward Mexico. Little change in strength is projected before its landfall, but small fluctuations in intensity are possible, said Brad Reinhart, an NHC specialist. “Karl is forecast to reach the coast of southern Mexico as a tropical storm late tonight, then quickly weaken to a depression and dissipate over the terrain of southern Mexico by late Saturday or Saturday night,” Reinhart said. A tropical storm warning is in effect for the coast of Mexico from Alvarado to Sabancuy. Karl is expected to produce 2 to 5 inches of rain, with up to 10 inches in some areas, across portions of Veracruz, Tabasco, northern Chiapas, and Oaxaca states in Mexico from Friday into Saturday night, according to the NHC. Tropical Storm Karl 11 a.m. Friday 10/14/22 (The National Hurricane Center) Meanwhile, the NHC is watching a tropical wave located several hundred miles south of the Cabo Verde Islands and is producing a broad area of showers and thunderstorms. The wave is in an ideal environment for slow tropical growth as it moves west at about 10 mph. The wave has a 20% chance of developing in the next five days and a 10% chance of developing in the next two days. Although, the wave will likely face upper-level winds by next week diminishing its chances of becoming the next tropical storm. If it does develop, the tropical storm would receive the name, Lisa. As of this Sunday, the 2022 season will officially be over the hump of the “peak of season” which typically occurs between mid-August to mid-October and is known as the most active time for tropical development as the winter season slowly creeps over the Atlantic, cooling sea-surface temperatures and making the environment less suitable for hurricanes. Despite an active September, hurricane season is moving on with less aggressive production than otherwise predicted before the season. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said in its preseason forecast; and later reaffirmed in August, that the 2022 season would likely see an above-average tropical production with 14 to 21 named storms and six to 10 hurricanes. An average season has 14 named storms and seven hurricanes. So far, the season has 11 named storms and five hurricanes. Realistically, there’s still time for more tropical production to occur, but the window is closing. Additionally, the season is moving a little slow based on historical records. By Oct. 11 the NHC typically has recorded 12 named storms, and six hurricanes by Oct. 15. Even if hurricane production is unlikely at this time of the year, it’s not impossible. In 2020, the busiest hurricane season on record, Hurricane Iota, a Category 5 major hurricane, formed in November — an unprecedented time for major storm formation — and brought devastating wind and rain through Central America Floridians are still reeling from the damage left behind by Hurricane Ian, but experts say they should remain vigilant of the tropics as Hurricane season doesn’t end until Nov. 30. Jpedersen@orlandosentinel.com Read More Here

🌱 Iran Solidarity Protest Today + Taste Of Italy And Music Festival https://digitalarizonanews.com/%f0%9f%8c%b1-iran-solidarity-protest-today-taste-of-italy-and-music-festival/ Skip to main content Tempe, AZ Phoenix, AZ Tucson, AZ Yuma, AZ Palm Desert, CA Las Vegas, NV Ramona, CA Banning-Beaumont, CA Santee, CA Poway, CA Arizona Top National News See All Communities Hello again, Scottsdale. I’m here right on time with your fresh copy of the Scottsdale Daily, full of all the things you need to know about what’s happening in town. But first, today’s weather: Showers and a heavier t-storm. High: 85 Low: 65. Find out what’s happening in Scottsdalewith free, real-time updates from Patch. Attention, real estate pros in Scottsdale! We’re now offering an exclusive sponsorship opportunity for an agent interested in attracting local clients and standing apart from the competition. Click here to learn more. Here are the top 3 stories in Scottsdale today: Find out what’s happening in Scottsdalewith free, real-time updates from Patch. Hundreds gathered at Scottsdale Fashion Square to support Iranian protestors last Saturday. The protestors chanted encouragement while waving flags and displaying Iranian images. The group has planned another protest for today, Oct. 15, at Tempe Town Lake at 5:30 p.m. (AZ Family, Arizona for a Free Iran) A two-day celebration of Italian food and culture returns to Arizona this weekend at the Scottsdale Canal. The Scottsdale Taste of Italy and Music Festival will feature live music, hand-crafted Italian items, wine tastings, authentic food trucks, and more. Festivities will run from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. today and from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. tomorrow. (Ahwatukee Foothills News) One man was killed in an early morning traffic accident in Scottsdale on Friday, according to police. Officials say the elderly victim was driving southbound around 5:30 a.m. when he crashed into a traffic signal pole near 68th Street and Indian School Road. No other people or vehicles were involved in the crash. (Arizona’s Family) Today in Scottsdale: Fall Plant Sale At Butterfly Wonderland (9:00 AM) OktoberWest At The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa (4:00 PM) Scottsdale Saturdays At Paris In Scottsdale (10:00 PM) From my notebook: The Scottsdale Police Department invites you to join millions across the nation next Thursday, Oct. 20, by wearing purple to show support for victims and survivors of domestic violence. Check out the link to discover domestic violence resources and learn how you can raise awareness. (Scottsdale Police Department via Facebook) Looking for a spooky story to get you in the mood for the Halloween season? Check out the “Thrillers & Chillers” book display at Mustang Library to find your next haunting read. (Scottsdale Public Library via Facebook) More spots are now open for Dunkin’ for Pumpkins next Monday, Oct. 17, at 8:00 a.m. Register online soon before spots fill up! (Scottsdale Parks & Recreation via Facebook) More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news! Featured businesses: Phoenix Online Media — (Visit website) Add your business here Events: Taxes in Retirement Webinar (October 18) Add your event Alrighty, you’re all caught up for today. I’ll be in your inbox tomorrow with a new update! — Helen Eckhard About me: Helen Eckhard is a marketing associate at Lightning Media Partners. Outside of work, she enjoys constructing crossword puzzles, knitting, or devising increasingly crafty ways to kill off characters in her mystery novels. Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts. The rules of replying: Be respectful. This is a space for friendly local discussions. No racist, discriminatory, vulgar or threatening language will be tolerated. Be transparent. Use your real name, and back up your claims. Keep it local and relevant. Make sure your replies stay on topic. Review the Patch Community Guidelines. Read More Here

Obituaries In Reno, NV | The Reno Journal-Gazette And Mason Valley News https://digitalarizonanews.com/obituaries-in-reno-nv-the-reno-journal-gazette-and-mason-valley-news/ William Arthur Richeson (“Will”), died suddenly on September 29, 2022 at the age of 33. Will was born on December 24, 1988 with a full head of red hair in Phoenix, AZ. He attended Roy Gomm, Swope, Reno High and proudly graduated from the University of Nevada, Reno in 2012 with a double major in Philosophy and English. He married Ana, his college sweetheart, at his parents home in Oct 2017. Will loved art and music and he played in a band writing songs, singing and playing bass and acoustic guitars. He also learned to play the banjo, harmonica and piano. He even hosted a music radio show in college for UNR – “An Hour of WAR”. He loved attending concerts and festivals with his friends and family. Will was an avid scuba diver, and a certified dive instructor, working during college and for several years thereafter at Sierra Dive Center. He led many diving trips to exotic places in the world. His passion was teaching, and he was great at it. Excellent communication skills and patience were his strengths. Will found his calling in the medical field, becoming an EMT, and was working for REMSA on ambulances initially, later in dispatch and as an educator and most recently as an Air Communication Specialist and Part-time Supervisor. He was proud of his skills and community service. His kind, calm and competent demeanor helped many people through the most difficult times of their lives. Will loved all things in the Marvel and Star Wars Universes, to take his family to Disneyland, and to support his sports teams. He often was involved with a three-way text with his father and uncle supporting his teams, win or lose: SF Giants, SF 49ers and GS Warriors. Will was loved by all for his freely given and infectious smile and loving accepting personality. Will gave all of himself to everyone he knew him, especially his wife and two sons, for whom he would do anything to ensure their safety and happiness. Will poured himself into being a father to his two sons. Besides being very hands on dad, he took the time to share things he loved with his sons. As infants,he played guitar and sang to them often making up his own songs for them on the fly. On Wednesdays he would take them to his favorite comic book shop in town for “Boys Day”. Will would also lead light saber battles throughout the house with a baby in tow. One of his favorite things was eating hotdogs with them at Giants and ACEs baseball games. He loved his children fiercely. Will is survived by his wife Ana, his two boys, Jay (4) and Kit (1); his parents, Robert Richeson, M.D. and Lisa Richeson; his brothers Phillip and Patrick; his aunt Kim Richeson and uncle Dr. John Reid; his great-aunt Pamela Gullihur and great-uncle Larry Gullihur; his grandmother Patricia Reid, and his beloved dogs Buster and Jovie. We are privileged to have known and loved Will and blessed to be loved by him. Farewell, our sweet Prince, we will miss you! There will be a Celebration of Life on Sunday, November 13th with location TBA. Please come and share your stories of Will. In lieu of flowers, please donate to his son’s college education fund. Posted online on October 14, 2022 Published in Reno Gazette-Journal Read More…

Van Gogh's Sunflowers Back On Display After Oil Protesters Threw Soup On It https://digitalarizonanews.com/van-goghs-sunflowers-back-on-display-after-oil-protesters-threw-soup-on-it/ Image caption, Stock photo of a man taking a photo of Van Gogh’s Sunflowers at the National Gallery By Ian Youngs Entertainment reporter One of Van Gogh’s famous Sunflowers paintings has been cleaned and is back on display, after climate activists threw tins of what appeared to be tomato soup over it. London’s National Gallery confirmed it is now back in place, about six hours after the soup incident. Footage showed two people in Just Stop Oil T-shirts opening tins and throwing the contents on the masterpiece before gluing their hands to the wall. Two people were arrested. The gallery said earlier the painting was covered by glass and therefore not damaged. A statement from the Trafalgar Square venue said: “At just after 11am this morning two people entered Room 43 of the National Gallery. “The pair appeared to glue themselves to the wall adjacent to Van Gogh’s Sunflowers (1888). They also threw a red substance – what appears to be tomato soup – over the painting. “The room was cleared of visitors and police were called. Officers are now on the scene. “There is some minor damage to the frame but the painting is unharmed.” Image caption, The National Gallery holds more than 2,300 artworks The Metropolitan Police said: “Officers were rapidly on scene at the National Gallery this morning after two Just Stop Oil protesters threw a substance over a painting and then glued themselves to a wall. “Both have been arrested for criminal damage and aggravated trespass. Officers are now de-bonding them.” Videos of Friday’s incident showed a protester shouting: “What is worth more? Art or life? Is it worth more than food? Worth more than justice? Are you more concerned about the protection of a painting or the protection of our planet and people?” She also referenced the cost of living crisis and “millions of cold, hungry families” who “can’t even afford to heat a tin of soup”. The painting is one of seven Sunflowers works Van Gogh created in 1888 and 89, five of which are on display in galleries and museums across the world. The artist created them to decorate his house in Arles, France, before a visit from his friend, the artist Paul Gauguin. The gallery describes the sunflower paintings as “among Van Gogh’s most iconic and best-loved works”. The action comes three months after members of the same group pasted paper over John Constable’s the Hay Wain in the same gallery. Read More Here

Supermarket Giants Kroger And Albertsons Plan $25 Billion Merger https://digitalarizonanews.com/supermarket-giants-kroger-and-albertsons-plan-25-billion-merger/ The deal, an effort to bulk up against deep-pocketed rivals Walmart and Amazon, is likely to invite serious antitrust scrutiny from regulators. Send any friend a story As a subscriber, you have 10 gift articles to give each month. Anyone can read what you share. The combined annual revenue of Kroger and Albertsons is close to Walmart’s grocery sales.Credit…Carlos Bernate for The New York Times Oct. 14, 2022Updated 12:25 p.m. ET The grocery giant Kroger announced plans on Friday to acquire Albertsons in a deal that could reshape the supermarket landscape in the United States, uniting the country’s largest supermarket chains at a time when rising costs and competition from Walmart and Amazon squeeze the industry. But the deal, which values Albertsons at about $24.6 billion including debt, is likely to invite intense scrutiny from regulators who are focused on the potential for large companies to affect prices, and have a history of blocking deals that may directly impact consumers. Even before the deal was announced Friday, consumer advocates had raised objections to its possibility. The deal would bring together chains including Ralphs, Safeway and Vons, among a handful of others. Kroger and Albertsons operate nearly 5,000 stores across the country, as well as pharmacies and gas stations. But their combined annual revenue of $209 billion last year falls short of Walmart’s annual grocery sales, of about $218 billion. Though Amazon is a smaller presence in the grocery business, it is also pressuring rivals as it reaches further into every corner of the retail market with its delivery services. Both grocers are coming off pandemic highs. Their sales soared as homebound customers stocked up on food, but inflation is now cutting into their profit margins, and customers have returned to dining out and spending less on groceries. At the same time, Amazon and Walmart have invested in the digital and delivery parts of their businesses and used their scale to keep prices lower. The deal will certainly face significant political and regulatory scrutiny, heightened by a global food security crisis that is compounded by significant inflation in food prices. Food prices in the United States rose more than 11 percent in September from a year earlier, as the cost of everything from fruits and vegetables to cereals and flour continued to rise. Lina Khan, who heads the Federal Trade Commission, which is expected to review the deal, has expressed deep concern about the impact of corporate consolidation. Kroger and Albertsons said they planned to sell stores to competitors, and would consider spinning off between 100 and 375 stores into a separate, stand-alone company. Analysts have pointed to a overlap between the two grocers, particularly on the West Coast, as a likely source of divestitures. For the Democrat-led agency to approved the deal, Kroger and Albertsons will need to convince its members that they create a viable competitor in parts of the country in which there is significant overlap. But past efforts to carve out stores to form a new competitor haven’t worked. In 2014, the retailer Haggen in Bellingham, Wash., bought more than 100 stores that Albertsons had sold to win approval for its $9 billion merger with Safeway. A year later, Haggen filed for bankruptcy and blamed Albertsons for the breakdown of its business. Albertsons later bought back 33 of those stores from the bankrupt company. “Part of the rationale for this deal is that we need to be bigger. Well, if you’re bigger and more significant, what does that mean to the markets where you’re dumping stores for some smaller guy who will not have the purchasing power that you claim you’re going to get from this deal?” said Bill Baer, who led the Justice Department’s antitrust division during the Obama administration. “Divestiture is always a bright idea for merging parties, and it’s not always a very good idea for consumers.,” he added. Albertsons shares fell on Friday, a sign that investors are skeptical that the deal will get past regulators. By late morning, the stock was trading below $27 a share, more than 21 percent below Kroger’s $34.10 a share offer price. In announcing the deal, Kroger also sought to ease concerns about the impact on consumers by saying that it expects to save about $500 million in costs, which it plans to use to “reduce prices for customers.” Whether it follows through with those plans will likely be a key focus for regulators. Though cost savings in acquisitions often come from layoffs, the grocers may also point to fact that their workforces are unionized as part of their discussions with regulators. The Biden administration has been a significant proponent of unions. Neither Walmart nor Amazon are unionized on a large scale. Consumer protection groups raised concerns about the deal following reports of a possible merger on Thursday. The American Economic Liberties Project, a nonprofit that promotes antitrust legislation, criticized it as a “bad deal for consumers, workers and communities.” “There is no reason to allow two of the biggest supermarket chains in the country to merge — especially with food prices already soaring,” Sarah Miller, the group’s executive, said in a statement on Thursday. As part of their pitch to regulators, Kroger and Albertsons will likely try to convince them that their scale is needed to compete against big box stores like Aldi, Lidl — two European chains that have been expanding quickly in the United States — and Costco, as well as Amazon. The agency, though, has not always allowed retailers to use Amazon as a boogeyman to help clear their deals. In 2015, the F.T.C. successfully sued to block a merger between the retailers Office Depot and Staples, even after they had positioned the deal as an effort to take on Amazon and lower prices. A review process would likely include the F.T.C. talking with consumer advocates, competitors, suppliers and others. Regulators will also look to whether Kroger has promised that past acquisitions would lower prices, and whether those promises came to fruition. A review may also include formal requests for information about the companies’ plans or testimony from executives. That could take months, and the process can drag on companies and their employees as they grapple with uncertainty. Kroger, based in Cincinnati and founded in 1883, operates 2,750 grocery stores across the United States under banners that include Ralphs, Dillons and Harris Teeter and has a market capitalization of about $32 billion. Albertsons, based in Boise, Idaho, and founded in 1939, runs 2,200 supermarkets under names like Albertsons, Safeway and Vons and has a market capitalization of roughly $15 billion. Kroger’s chairman and chief executive, Rodney McMullen, will remain in that role at the combined company, as will Kroger’s chief financial officer, Gary Millerchip. / Read More Here

Cardinals-Seahawks Game Preview: 5 Questions And Answers With The Week 6 Enemy https://digitalarizonanews.com/cardinals-seahawks-game-preview-5-questions-and-answers-with-the-week-6-enemy/ We have a huge division game this week as the Arizona Cardinals travel to the pacific northwest to take on the Seattle Seahawks. We talked with John Gilbert of Field Gulls to discuss the Seahawks, enjoy. 1. Obviously the biggest surprise of the season is how good the offense looks. What do you attribute that too? Without question Geno Smith has been the biggest surprise on the offensive side of the ball. Especially once they took the training wheels off and let him cook the last two games. In addition, while DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett have certainly played a huge role in the offensive success this season, success has unquestionably flowed through the tight ends. In the second half of Week 1 and Week 3, as well as the entirety of Week 2, opponents were able to take Will Dissly, Noah Fant and Colby Parkinson out of the game and the offense instantly came to a grinding halt. When one of those three has been able to provide a viable third receiving option behind Metcalf and Lockett, the offense has been nearly unstoppable. 2. How much will the offense change without Rashaad Penny and what are your expectations for Kenneth Walker? Obviously, it hurts to lose the big play explosiveness of Penny, so now the question becomes whether or not Walker can replicate the success he had against the Saints in Week 5. As a second round pick, the expectations are certainly high for him, and he didn’t help lower those any by breaking off a 69-yard touchdown run after Penny got hurt. That said, rookies are rookies, and running backs play a brutal position that takes a toll on even the youngest and healthiest among us. So, for the moment guarded optimism is likely the best description for my personal expectations, though there are certainly some fans who have already anointed him 2022 1st Team All Pro now that he’s getting a starting nod. 3. On the flip side, the biggest struggle has been the defense, is there hope for improvement in 2022 or is it a talent issue? I certainly hope so. Between the new scheme and a lot of less experienced players seeing the field in the secondary, things should improve on that front as the season progresses and experience and experience in the system grows. However, the front seven could be an entirely different story. The defensive line was supposed to be a veteran strength, and instead it’s basically been Al Woods and a bunch of pusharounds. In addition, in spite of lots of hope and hype surrounding a linebacker group that has a ton of potential and upside, for the most part the group has underperformed expectations, particularly Darrell Taylor. Most thought Taylor would be one of the players who blossomed and came into his own this year, but instead his performance was so poor in the first three weeks he was benched for a Darryl Johnson, a waiver claim who joined the team at final roster cuts in Week 4 and then rookie second round pick Boye Mafe started in Week 5. 4. The Seahawks have been in some high scoring affairs in 2022. Are you going with the Draftkings Sportsbook over or under 50.5 points on Sunday? Over, zero question. If DeAndre Hopkins weren’t suspended over 50.5 for just the Cardinals would almost be tempting. On a serious note, neither of these defenses has been any good so far this season, and both offenses have the ability to be explosive and put lots of points on the board, so I’m expecting a very high scoring affair. That probably means we’ll be treated to something ludicrous like a 6-6 tie, but hopefully that won’t be the case. 5. What does the leash look like for Pete Carroll to get things turned around? I think he’s got at least this season and next, as long as the players continue to be bought into the system and play hard. If, however, he loses that buy in and the team quits on him, it would not surprise me at all to see ownership opt to move on. Read More Here

Good Morning, News: Wheeler's Homeless Internment Camps, “Dark Brandon” Arrives, And Trump Flirts With Appearing Before Jan. 6 Panel 🍿 https://digitalarizonanews.com/good-morning-news-wheelers-homeless-internment-camps-dark-brandon-arrives-and-trump-flirts-with-appearing-before-jan-6-panel-%f0%9f%8d%bf/ The Mercury provides news and fun every single day—but your help is essential. If you believe Portland benefits from smart, local journalism and arts coverage, please consider making a small monthly contribution, because without you, there is no us. Thanks for your support! GOOD AFTERNOON, PORTLAND! Don’t pack away that thong just yet! Expect sunny skies with record-breaking October highs in the mid-80s this weekend. And now, here’s your daily NEWS thong. IN LOCAL NEWS: • PREPARE THYSELF, INFIDEL, FOR THE IMMINENT ARRIVAL OF “DARK BRANDON! Translated for non-Trumpers: President Biden returns to Oregon today to attend a volunteer event with Democrats, pop by a reception for gubernatorial candidate Tina Kotek on Saturday, and deliver a speech in Portland! DO NOT CAST YOUR EYES UPON HIM, FOOLS, LEST HE SMITE YOU WITH THE ALMIGHTY SWORD OF ANTIFA! Service Disruption Reminder President Joe Biden will be in Portland today and Saturday. MAX and bus service will be disrupted in Downtown Portland today through as late as 6 p.m. Saturday, due to security surrounding his visit. — TriMet (@trimet) October 14, 2022 • According to a report from the WW, Mayor Wheeler is prepping to launch a plan that would criminalize unsanctioned camping across the city and force them into three large internment camps (which he’s blithely calling “campuses”)—despite the fact that houseless folk have different needs that for many could make living there impossible. Reminder to those rich people in the back: BEING HOMELESS IS NOT A CRIME. And to the rest of us: So many of us Portlanders are just one major medical bill away from being homeless ourselves. Hope you like “campus living!”  We call this the Sam Adams long game: https://t.co/NMviEnka1z — Alex Zielinski (@alex_zee) October 14, 2022 • Following the tragic crash that killed a popular Portland chef cyclist on SE Powell & 26th, hundreds of green-clad protesters created a human barricade to protect the bike lane on this dangerous street, calling on transportation agencies to reinstall the green bike boxes at the intersection. Our Isabella Garcia was there and files this report. • BIG NEWS: Multnomah County Deputy District Attorneys will now consider immigration consequences when prosecuting noncitizens in an effort to avoid deportation when possible, according to District Attorney Mike Schmidt. In a nutshell, this means if an American citizen and a noncitizen get a traffic ticket, both will be required to pay a fine, and neither will lose their family. The latest COVID-19 vaccine booster shots are now available for children between 5 and 11 years old in Oregon. https://t.co/Mbb3ZgJ3hP — Portland Mercury (@portlandmercury) October 13, 2022 • Hey Brainy Pants! See how you score on this week’s challenging and hilarious POP QUIZ PDX! This week: the latest sports scandals, local rich villains, and… you asked for it, and got it… MONKEY TRIVIA.   • You won’t wanna miss the special one-night only screening of HUMP! 2022 on the big screen at Revolution Hall on Wednesday, October 26! Featuring the hottest (and sometimes hilarious) short flicks from horn-dogs just like YOU, it’s the sexiest event of the fall! IN NATIONAL/WORLD NEWS: • Remember the January 6 committee? Well, they returned with a BANG yesterday, showing alarming new footage of Nancy Pelosi and other congressional leaders desperately trying to regain control over the nation’s capitol as domestic terrorists were swarming the building. The panel also voted UNANIMOUSLY to subpoena Donald Trump  in order to answer questions before the committee—but get this! Some reports are saying that Trump is actually considering it—if he can do it LIVE in a public forum… an idea that is sending chills up his advisors’ spines. Pelosi’s response to hearing Trump might march to the Capitol is definitely worth watching pic.twitter.com/wpUlvKoqwT — Acyn (@Acyn) October 14, 2022 • Grocery giant Kroger is planning on buying its rival Albertsons for $24.6 billion which would make it one of the biggest grocery chains in the country. • In yet another loss for Trump, the Supreme Court (including the members he bought and paid for) flatly refused to intervene in the Mar-a-Lago documents case, in which Trump wanted stop a special master from reviewing the stuff he stole from the White House. Climate protesters threw cans of tomato soup at Vincent van Gogh’s “Sunflowers” at the National Gallery in London. The gallery said the work was unharmed aside from “some minor damage to the frame.”https://t.co/Tsl6Kaeso0 pic.twitter.com/2at4dlqFtk — The New York Times (@nytimes) October 14, 2022 • The world’s biggest billionaire baby, Elon Musk, is threatening to yank Ukraine’s Starlink internet service—a crucial tool in the country’s war with Russia—because a Ukrainian diplomat told him to “fuck off.” (Hey Elon! My neighbor told you to “fuck off” as well! Better take away his Tesla.) • And finally… sorry if any of this news stressed you out! BETTER WATCH THIS: Watching this certainly reduced my stress levels! It’s the hands! pic.twitter.com/JRzZ2L4Xg9 — Dr Amir Khan GP (@DrAmirKhanGP) October 13, 2022 Read More Here

Donald Trump Considers Testifying Before January 6 Panel https://digitalarizonanews.com/donald-trump-considers-testifying-before-january-6-panel/ Donald Trump is considering testifying in front of the House January 6 committee, which this week concluded a dramatic hearing establishing what it says is his culpability for the deadly Capitol attack by voting to subpoena the former president. On Friday, sources close to Trump confirmed to the Guardian that he may choose to appear before the congressional panel. Such an appearance would set up an unprecedented, high-stakes political event. Trump, meanwhile, issued an angry and rambling public letter to Bennie Thompson, the Mississippi Democrat who chairs the January 6 committee. Since June, Thompson’s committee has laid out in extraordinary detail the chaos, fear and violence of a day now linked to nine deaths. Regardless, under the title “Peacefully and Patriotically”, Trump reeled off a string of abuse, lies, unsubstantiated claims and outright conspiracy theories about the 2020 election and January 6. In a predictably intemperate introduction, Trump said the presidential election of 2020 “was rigged and stolen”. It was not. He also cited the Russia investigation (over 2016 election interference and links between Trump and Moscow); “Impeachment Hoax #1” (his impeachment for blackmailing Ukraine for political dirt); “Impeachment Hoax #2” (for inciting the Capitol attack); “the atrocious and illegal spying on my campaign” (a debunked claim); “and so much more”. He called the members of Thompson’s committee “highly partisan political hacks and thugs whose sole function is to destroy the lives of many hard-working American patriots”. Nancy Pelosi, the House speaker, rejected Republican attempts to place Trump allies on the January 6 committee, including congressmen implicated in his attempt to overturn the 2020 election, the fuel for the Capitol attack. Two anti-Trump Republicans, Liz Cheney and Adam Kinzinger, sit on the panel. Testimony presented has been overwhelmingly from Republicans and members of Trump’s White House and administration. Trump has sent cease-and-desist letters to media outlets including the Guardian who call him a liar in print. Nonetheless, his letter rehashed his big lie about election fraud, appendices listing debunked claims about Arizona, Pennsylvania, Georgia and Michigan, key states in Joe Biden’s conclusive win. In an echo of Trump’s famous refusal to admit that the crowd for his inauguration in 2016 was smaller than that for Barack Obama in 2008, the former president also exaggerated the size of the crowd which heard him speak near the White House on January 6 – the speech in which he told supporters to “fight like hell”. Returning to another favorite subject, the former host of NBC’s Celebrity Apprentice concluded: “Despite very poor television ratings, the unselect committee has perpetuated a show trial the likes of which this country has never seen before. “… You have not gone after the people that created the fraud, but rather great American patriots who questioned it, as is their constitutional right. These people have had their lives ruined as your committee sits back and basks in the glow.” More than 900 people have been charged in relation to the Capitol attack. Many have been jailed. Members of the Oath Keepers and Proud Boys far-right groups are charged with seditious conspiracy. Both groups have been linked to Trump aides and allies, prominently including the Republican operative Roger Stone, who was shown in Thursday’s hearing saying: “Fuck the voting, let’s get right to the violence.” Peter Navarro and Steve Bannon, aides to Trump, face jail time for contempt of Congress, after refusing to co-operate with the January 6 committee. But though the panel made clear on Thursday that it holds Trump responsible for the insurrection, he has not been held to account. If Trump refused to comply with the subpoena issued by the committee – which seeks testimony and documents – he too could be charged with contempt of Congress. But that seems unlikely, given both his position as former president, de facto leader of the Republican party and possible 2024 presidential nominee, and the proximity of the midterm elections. If Republicans take back the House next month, as seems likely, the January 6 committee will in all probability be disbanded. Trump hinted at that outcome in his letter, writing: “The people of this country will not stand for unequal justice under the law, or liberty and justice for some. Election day is coming.” Knowing this, committee members may be hoping the subpoena draws Trump out, luring him into public testimony about his attempt to overturn an election. Committee members have said that while they do not expect to make criminal referrals to the Department of Justice, they have sought to lay out their findings in a way that may help federal investigators. After the midterm elections, the attorney general, Merrick Garland, will have at least two more years to decide whether to indict Trump related to January 6. In a tweet after Thursday’s hearing, Kinzinger, of Illinois, said: “We just voted unanimously to subpoena Donald Trump. Our democracy demands it. Our constitution demands it. The truth demands it.” Lawrence Tribe, a Harvard law professor, said: “This final hearing was the most effective in years. Taken together with the committee’s prior hearings, it left no doubt that Trump deliberately tried to steal the 2020 election and committed major federal crimes in the process.” Read More Here

Social Security COLA 2023, Live Online Today: Increase, Benefits And Adjustment | SSA Latest News https://digitalarizonanews.com/social-security-cola-2023-live-online-today-increase-benefits-and-adjustment-ssa-latest-news/ Update: October 14th, 2022 11:28 EDT SOCIAL SECURITY How can you check your COLA notice online and when will I see the increase in my Social Security checks? The Social Security Administration announces annually its cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) to benefits so that they keep pace with inflation. With prices rising at a clip not seen in four decades many beneficiaries will be anxious to see what the boost to their monthly checks will be in 2023. While the agency mails out letters throughout the month of December, but they request not to contact them until January, the first month when beneficiaries will see payments with the higher amount, as the notice could take time to reach you. However, you may not need to wait for the mail to know how much your payments will increase based on the 2023 COLA. Most beneficiaries can access the notice online. Only three COLAs have been bigger than 2023’s Since it was first implemented in 1975, the Social Security Administrations’s cost-of-living adjustment has only been larger than in 2023 on three occasions, all over 40 years ago. In 1979, it was 9.9 percent; in 1980, a record 14.3; and in 1981, it was 11.2. You can take a look at each year’s COLA on the SSA website. MEDICARE PREMIUMS Medicare Premiums Part A: How much will it cost and what will be the impact of COLA 2023 on it? The Social Security Administration announced its fourth largest COLA increase since they began in 1975 increasing the average amount that a beneficiary receives each month by over $140. While inflation is still taking a bite out of household finances, Medicare premiums in general are set to decrease next year. While the vast majority of Medicare beneficiaries do not have to pay any premiums for Part A coverage, one of four parts of the government subsidized healthcare program, those that are required to pay will see a slight increase in 2023 to buy into this portion of Medicare. Deductibles and coinsurance amounts will also rise somewhat next year. Here’s a rundown the costs you can expect. 2023 COLA based on CPI-W beats inflation for index based on elederly spending habits There has been a push to change the way that the annual automatic increase, if any, is calculated through the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA). The Social Security Administration currently uses the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W). This broad basket of goods and services that consumers spend their money on is said not to reflect properly what seniors are spending their money on and causing retirees to lose purchasing power.  There have been calls for the Consumer Price Index for Americans 62 years of age and older (CPI-E) to be used instead. While the data hasn’t been published yet, the 8.7 percent COLA announced Tuesday beat the August-to-August CPI-E by a full percentage point according to Jaime Hopkins from the Carson Group. Despite record 8.7% COLA for 2023, “Still more work to do to help seniors” The Social Security Administration announced a historic 8.7 percent COLA increase for benefits in 2023. The extra money each month will help recipients cope with inflation to a degree when it arrives with January’s payments. However, there are concerns that more needs to be done especially in the case of seniors to make the COLA more responsive to the expenses they face that aren’t used in the current calculation. The current COLA uses inflation figures from the CPI-W, a broad basket of consumer goods and services. There are calls to use the CPI-E which targets goods and services that “would more accurately measure spending patterns of seniors.” The Senior Citizens League reported recently that since the early 2000s, those on Social Security have lost forty percent of their purchasing power. Without SSA COLA beneficiaries would lose purchasing power Prices continually rise over time but Social Security benefits didn’t always adjust to the increased cost of living recipients faced on a daily basis. Prior to 1975 it took an Act of Congress to give benefits a boost. Since then monthly checks paid out by the Social Security Administration have been adjusted automatically each year to reflect general inflation being experienced by consumers for goods and services. Social Security Administration announces historic 8.7% COLA 2023 increase The Social Security Administration has announced a nearly 9% cost-of-living adjustment, the biggest increase since 1981, affecting the benefits received by over 70m Americans. Welcome to AS USA 2023 COLA increase updates Hello and welcome to AS USA’s live blog on the 2023 Social Security COLA increase for Friday, 14 October.  The Social Security Adminstration announced the 2023 Cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for social security benefits, for programs like Supplemental Security Income and Social Security Disability Insurance. Other government pension and benefits programs will also be affected by the 8.7% increase. The COLA offered for next year is historic in size after inflation has plagued markets for basic commodities consumed by most households, including food, shelter, utilities, and gasoline.   Tagged in: Seguridad Social Inflación Estados Unidos Pensión jubilación Ayuda económica Read More Here

ADOT’s Phoenix Weekend Freeway Travel Advisory October 14-17, 2022 – Signals AZ https://digitalarizonanews.com/adots-phoenix-weekend-freeway-travel-advisory-october-14-17-2022-signals-az/ By Staff | on October 14, 2022 By ADOT The CAST 11 Podcast Network is made possible by the 2022 Ultimate Holiday Guide. Promote your next event or holiday offering in the Ultimate Holiday Guide by calling Elicia at: 928-642-3552. Weather permitting, a number of closures or lane restrictions for freeway improvement projects are scheduled in the Phoenix area this weekend (Oct. 14-17). Work along I-10 in the southeast Valley and Sky Harbor Airport region will impact travel to and from the Casa Grande and Tucson areas. Click the Weekend Travel Advisory Map for more information. It’s always possible that rain could affect schedules. Be prepared to allow extra travel time and plan for alternate routes if possible when these and other restrictions are in place this weekend. Westbound I-10 closed between US 60 (Superstition Freeway) and SR 143 near Sky Harbor Airport from 10 p.m. Friday to 4 a.m. Monday (Oct. 17) for work on the I-10 Broadway Curve Improvement Project. Eastbound I-10 also narrowed to two lanes between 48th Street and Broadway Road from 10 p.m. Friday to 4 a.m. Monday (Oct. 17). I-10 narrowed to one lane in both directions between Loop 202 (Santan Freeway) and Riggs Road from 10 p.m. Friday to 5 p.m. Saturday (Oct. 15) and from 10 p.m. Saturday to 5 p.m. Sunday (Oct. 16) for pavement sealing work (weather permitting). Expect all ramps connecting I-10 and Loop 202 in the Chandler/Ahwatukee area to be closed at times on Saturday. I-10 on- and off-ramps (both directions) between Chandler Boulevard and Riggs Road also will be closed at times on Saturday (when the right lanes of I-10 will be closed for the sealant work). Southbound I-17 closed between Pinnacle Peak Road and Union Hills Drive from 10 p.m. Friday to 5 a.m. Monday (Oct. 17) for ongoing pavement improvement project. Both Loop 101 ramps to southbound I-17 will remain open. Allow extra travel time and consider detours including local routes to eastbound Loop 101 and southbound SR 51 to get to downtown Phoenix/Sky Harbor Airport. Click the Weekend Travel Advisory Map for more information about scheduled weekend freeway closures (weather permitting). View the Weekend Travel Advisory map in PDF format or visit ADOT’s sitefor a complete listing of restrictions for this weekend. Read more stories from the Phoenix Area on Signals A Z.com. Coming soon to Talking Glass Media and featured in your Winter Editions of Badger Nation, Cougar Country, and Prescott Valley Recreation Guide featuring Bear Nation! Read More…

GOP Questions Trump Subpoena Timing: 'Made-For-TV Prop' https://digitalarizonanews.com/gop-questions-trump-subpoena-timing-made-for-tv-prop/ Republicans are questioning the timing of the January 6 Committee’s subpoena of former President Trump – more than a year after it started its investigation and just weeks before Republicans are expected to disband the committee if they win back the House. “The Select Committee’s unenforceable subpoena is just another made-for-TV prop,” Rep. Jim Banks, R-Ind., told Fox News Digital. “Everything the January 6th Committee does is a performance,” said Banks, whose appointment to the committee was blocked by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif. “The good news is that in a few months, they’ll no longer be able to make a mockery of Congress’s investigative authority.” The committee made a last-second change to its scheduled hearing Thursday by making it a “business meeting,” which allowed it to hold a unanimous vote in favor of issuing a subpoena for Trump’s testimony. TOP 5 MOMENTS FROM LATEST JAN. 6 HEARING BEFORE MIDTERM ELECTIONS INCLUDE TRUMP SUBPOENA, NEW VIDEO The House January 6 Committee voted Thursday to subpoena former President Trump.  (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) “We are obligated to seek answers directly from the man who set this all in motion,” said committee Vice Chair Liz Cheney, R-Wyo. “Every American is entitled to those answers, so we can act now to protect our republic.” However, the subpoena vote happened just two-and-a-half months before the end of the current Congress, and Republicans are expected to scrap the committee if they take the majority. That is an extremely short amount of time if the committee intends to go through a legal battle to compel Trump to appear. It took the House more than two years to force testimony from former White House Counsel Don McGahn in connection with Russia and the 2016 election. It is not clear it would have more luck with Trump in a far more condensed timeframe. “The Committee held NINE hearings before voting to subpoena President Trump,” Rep. Andy Biggs, R-Ariz., tweeted. “If they were serious about finding the truth, why didn’t they subpoena the President months ago?” A mob of former President Trump’s supporters attacked the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, after months of false claims the election was stolen. (AP Photo/John Minchillo) TRUMP ‘LOVES THE IDEA OF TESTIFYING’ BEFORE JAN. 6 COMMITTEE: SOURCE CLOSE TO THE FORMER PRESIDENT “Today’s subpoena of President Donald J. Trump less than one month from the midterm elections is a desperate political ploy by Democrats and their mainstream media stenographer allies,” said House GOP Conference Chair Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y. The committee did not respond to a request for comment. Ilya Shaprio, a senior fellow at the conservative Manhattan Institute, said there are other reasons why the committee may have waited to subpoena Trump. “I guess they were laying a factual predicate for it. And Trump was always going to be the ultimate witnesses – in both senses of the word, both last and most significant,” Shapiro said. FORMER PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP SUBPOENAED BY JANUARY 6 COMMITTEE “It’s the court of public opinion, kind of laying out the legitimacy of going after him,” Shaprio added as another reason to wait. “If they’d done that right from the beginning then it sort of feeds the narrative that, you know, ‘This whole committee was set up just to get Trump.’” Lawmakers on the January 6 Committee argue that former President Trump knew the mob of his supporters in D.C. that day was armed.  (Photo by Brendan Smialowski/AFP) REPUBLICANS PLANNING TO RELEASE OWN REPORT ON JANUARY 6 SECURITY FAILINGS Shaprio said that even if Republicans win in the midterms, the subpoena issue could outlive the committee. The House could vote to hold Trump in contempt of Congress and refer him to the Justice Department, as it has with some of Trump’s advisers who resisted their subpoenas. That would force Attorney General Merrick Garland’s hand on whether to prosecute Trump for contempt, Shapiro said, which he could do even if the committee no longer existed. A jury found Steve Bannon guilty of contempt this summer. Trump could also simply decide that he wants to testify – a source close to the former president told Fox News Digital Thursday that he “loves the idea,” though it’s not clear if he will. The source said if Trump complied with the subpoena and testified, he would “talk about how corrupt the election was, how corrupt the committee was, and how Nancy Pelosi did not call up the National Guard that Trump strongly recommended for her to do three days earlier on January 3, 2021.” CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP “There’s probably part of Trump that wants to appear before the committee and speechify, in his mind turn the tables on them,” Shapiro said, although he conceded it’s probably more likely Trump will fight the subpoena. “‘Want my testimony? I’ll go up there. Want this to be even more of a circus? Here we go.’ I’m sure the media would enjoy that.” Fox News’ Brooke Singman contributed to this report. Tyler Olson is a reporter covering the Senate for Fox News Digital.  Read More Here

Putin Says 16,000 New Recruits Have Deployed https://digitalarizonanews.com/putin-says-16000-new-recruits-have-deployed/ Image A poster in the town of Podolsk outside Moscow shows the portrait of a Russian soldier who died in Ukraine with the slogan “Glory to the Heroes from Podolsk.”Credit…Maxim Shipenkov/EPA, via Shutterstock With criticism from pro-war bloggers over the reported deaths of new recruits fighting in Ukraine intensifying, President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia on Friday defended his recent draft, saying that he had no regrets about the war in Ukraine. His remarks came as prominent military bloggers have accused the Kremlin’s defense officials of throwing unprepared recruits into battle. The draft has also run into resistance across Russia as villagers, activists and even some elected officials have asked why the conscription drive has appeared to hit minority groups and rural areas harder than the big cities. In late September, anger with the call-up spilled over into street protests. Some 222,000 Russians already have been drafted and 16,000 of them have been deployed “in units that get involved in fulfilling combat tasks,” Mr. Putin told a news conference in Astana, Kazakhstan, adding that he expects the mobilization to be completed within two weeks. When Mr. Putin announced a “partial mobilization” in September, he said that servicemen called up for active duty would “undergo mandatory additional military training.” The Russian government said that such training could take up to one month. Russian media has reported at least seven deaths among people who were recently drafted. Asked on Friday why some mobilized servicemen had died so soon after mobilization began, Mr. Putin said that in some cases training could take just 10 days. “The contact line is 1,100 kilometers long, it was not possible to keep it up with contract soldiers alone,” Mr. Putin said. “All mobilized citizens must be trained.” When asked if he had any regrets about the war, Mr. Putin said “no.” “We would get the same situation in worse conditions,” he said. “My actions were timely and right.” Nevertheless, in late September, Mr. Putin acknowledged that there had been “mistakes” in how the Russian government had been carrying out his draft. He described cases of people entitled to deferments being wrongly drafted, such as fathers of many children, men with chronic diseases or those above military age. . Image Russian recruits walk to take a train at a railway station in Prudboi, Russia, last month. Credit…Associated Press The deaths of recent recruits have been reported by local news websites and activists across the country from St. Petersburg in the northwest to Chelyabinsk in the Urals. Russia’s defense ministry does not regularly provide casualty tolls. Roman Saponkov, a Russian military blogger, responded to the reports of recent deaths by saying on Thursday that the mobilization should have been declared six months earlier, because now the country’s military command is under pressure to deploy troops to the front lines as soon as possible to help repel Ukraine’s recent battlefield advances. “That’s why we will see many deaths among the mobilized,” he said in his blog. “Today they are superheroes who were thrown to rescue the situation at the last moment.” Hawkish commentators criticized the initial rollout of the draft, with one popular pro-war blogger on Telegram, Rybar, saying they received “huge numbers of stories” of people with health problems or without combat experience getting draft notices. As reports of the deaths in Ukraine filtered in this week, one Russian military blogger, who goes by the name Grey Zone and claims to be linked to the Russian mercenary community, said that the mobilization continues to be chaotic and that no lessons had been learned from the initial wave of criticism. Russian military bloggers are an increasingly vocal and influential group of journalists and activists that support the Kremlin’s decision to invade Ukraine, but have castigated the country’s defense ministry and other authorities for how they are managing the war. Image Smoke over Kyiv, the Ukrainian capital, on Monday after Russian missile strikes.Credit…Finbarr O’Reilly for The New York Times KYIV, Ukraine — They exploded with dull thuds on the outskirts of towns and detonated in the center of cities with deafening booms. Strikes in Kyiv, the capital, left cars burning and splatters of blood on the sidewalks. Through the week, the Russian military fired its most intense barrage of missiles at Ukraine since the start of the war in February, killing at least three dozen civilians, knocking out electricity across swaths of the country and overwhelming air defenses. One thing the missiles didn’t do was change the course of the ground war. Fought mostly in trenches, with the most fierce combat now in an area of rolling hills and pine forests in the east and on the open plains in the south, these battles are where control of territory is decided — and where Russia’s military continued to lose ground this week, despite the missile strikes. “They use their expensive rockets for nothing, just to frighten people,” Volodymyr Ariev, a member of Parliament with Ukraine’s European Solidarity party, said of the paltry military effect of the Russian cruise missiles, rockets and self-destructing drones used in the strikes. “They think they can scare Ukrainians. But the goal they achieved is only making us angrier.” The war in the south and east continued apace through the strikes, with Russia mostly falling back but also attacking on one section of front in the Donbas region in eastern Ukraine. On Monday and Tuesday, the most intense days of Russia’s missile strikes, the Ukrainian Army continued its offensive in the Kherson region in the south, reclaiming five villages over the two days, according to the military command. Ukrainian forces also took back a village in the east. “The Kremlin continues to struggle to message itself out of the reality of mobilization and military failures,” the Institute for the Study of War, a Washington-based research group, wrote in an analysis published Thursday. “The Kremlin continued its general pattern of temporarily appeasing the nationalist communities by conducting retaliatory missile strikes.” The war is now separated into two largely unconnected arenas: the battles in the sky, in which Russia is seeking to demoralize Ukrainian society and cripple the economy by using cruise missiles and drones to destroy heating, electricity and water infrastructure as winter sets in; and the battles on the ground, in which Ukraine continues to advance against Russian forces in two areas of the front line. Image Ukrainian soldiers dismantled an abandoned Russian vehicle for parts in Novomykolaivka, Ukraine, on Sunday. Novomykolaivka was retaken by Ukrainian troops last week.Credit…Nicole Tung for The New York Times Russia has been using even the newest addition to its arsenal, Shahed-136 kamikaze drones purchased from Iran, principally for strategic strikes far from the front line, rather than in efforts to slow the Ukrainian attacks. “Shahed-136s will not generate asymmetric effects for Russian forces because they are not being used to strike areas of critical military significance in a way that directly influences the frontline,” the Institute for the Study of War wrote. The drones that get past air defenses instead buzz into cities, blowing up electrical power stations and municipal boilers used to heat neighborhoods in the centralized heating systems used in Ukraine. Over the past 24 hours, the Russian army and air force attacked around the country with missiles, rockets and self-destructing drones, from the region around Kyiv, the capital, to Mykolaiv in the south, near the Black Sea, the Ukrainian General Staff said in its regular morning report. “The enemy is not halting strikes on critical infrastructure and civilian objects,” it said, listing 88 strikes, including with short-range rocket systems near the front line. The strikes have refocused Ukrainians’ attention on the war in cities where a sense of normalcy had been returning, including Kyiv, the capital. Even successful advances for the Ukrainian army have been bloody and costly as the Russian military has been skirmishing and firing artillery to cover its retreat and continuing attacks in Donbas. Fighting raged along the entire front and in cross-border skirmishing with Russia in northern Ukraine overnight Thursday to Friday, the military command said in a morning statement. Image A Russian military vehicle that was destroyed near Mykolaivka in the Kherson region of Ukraine this month.Credit…Nicole Tung for The New York Times The Russian military has lost 6,000 pieces of equipment since invading Ukraine in February and has been expending munitions at a rate it cannot replace, as Western sanctions have damaged Moscow’s defense industry, according to a newly released U.S. government report. The United States also began detecting that Russia was short of critical supplies for diesel engines, helicopter and aircraft engine parts and its armored tanks as early as May, according to the report. Moscow has also had trouble fulfilling its sales to foreign militaries. Since the start of the war in Ukraine, the United States has focused its efforts on two fronts: supplying Ukraine with significant military aid and hurting Russia economically through broad sanctions and export controls. Russia’s ability to build sophisticated precision weapons was already being hurt by export controls, which limit Russia’s access to advanced technology. Western sanctions have also created shortages of less complex technologies. For example, Russia is experiencing a shortage of bearings, which has undermined the production and repairs of tanks, aircraft, submarines and other military systems, according to the U.S. government report. ...

Flood Watch In Effect For Most Of New Hampshire As Rain Continues; Gusty Winds Likely, Too https://digitalarizonanews.com/flood-watch-in-effect-for-most-of-new-hampshire-as-rain-continues-gusty-winds-likely-too/ AND PARENTS WHO COULD BE OUT OF LUCK. THE EXODUS OF WORKERS IS BLAMED MOSTLY ON LOW PAY. THE AVERAGE WAGE FOR A CHILD CARE WORKER IS ABOUT $13 PER HOUR. MEANWHILE, CHILD HEALTH ADVOCATES ARE CALLING ON PRESIDENT BIDEN TO DECLARE A FEDERAL EMERGENCY OVER THE STATE OF CHILDREN’S MENTAL HEALTH. Flood watch in effect for most of New Hampshire as rain continues; gusty winds likely, too Some spots could see more than 3 inches of rain A strong system moving through New Hampshire early Friday continued to bring heavy rain, isolated rumbles of thunder, gusty winds and the threat of flooding.A flood watch is in effect for all of New Hampshire except northern Coos County. Flooding along area rivers and streams and areas of poor drainage is possible, especially in the area around the White Mountains. Road ponding is possible anywhere through Friday morning. Weather alertsA flood warning, meanwhile, is in effect until 11:15 a.m. for portions of Carroll and Coos counties. Communities in the warning area include Conway, Pinkham Notch, Mount Washington, Carroll, Gorham, Bartlett, Jefferson, Jackson, Albany and Chatham. Interactive Radar A severe thunderstorm warning was issued for eastern Strafford County and portions of southern Maine until noon. The greatest threats from the storm cells are wind gusts topping 60 mph and some hail, though around 11:15 p.m., most of the stormy activity had crossed into the Maine border.Overall, some areas could be looking at 1.5 to 2.5 inches of rain, with some communities picking up more than 3 inches of rain. Some parts of the White Mountains could see more than 4 inches of rain, with even higher amounts possible in the higher elevations. Officials concerned about flood potential in White Mountains ahead of busy weekend for tourismWinds will be gusty early Friday as the front comes through, with some gusts to 40 mph possible. Drivers are urged to take it slow, as the rain and fallen, wet leaves could make travel conditions slippery. The rain will taper off from the southwest toward the northeast Friday afternoon and will lead to a quieter night with lows in the 40s.Pleasant weather sticks around through most of the weekend. It will be mainly sunny Saturday, with a few more clouds and isolated sprinkles possible Sunday. Highs will be in the 60s on both days.We see another change early next week, with our next system bringing a chance for rain later Monday and Tuesday, along with much cooler temperatures. Be weather aware! Download the WMUR app for Apple or Android devices and turn on push notifications. You can choose to receive weather alerts for your geolocation and/or up to three ZIP codes. In addition, you can receive word when precipitation is coming to your area.Follow the Storm Watch 9 team on social media:Mike Haddad: Facebook | TwitterKevin Skarupa: Facebook | TwitterHayley LaPoint: Facebook | TwitterJacqueline Thomas: Facebook | TwitterMatt Hoenig: Facebook | Twitter MANCHESTER, N.H. — A strong system moving through New Hampshire early Friday continued to bring heavy rain, isolated rumbles of thunder, gusty winds and the threat of flooding. A flood watch is in effect for all of New Hampshire except northern Coos County. Flooding along area rivers and streams and areas of poor drainage is possible, especially in the area around the White Mountains. Road ponding is possible anywhere through Friday morning. Weather alerts A flood warning, meanwhile, is in effect until 11:15 a.m. for portions of Carroll and Coos counties. Communities in the warning area include Conway, Pinkham Notch, Mount Washington, Carroll, Gorham, Bartlett, Jefferson, Jackson, Albany and Chatham. Interactive Radar A severe thunderstorm warning was issued for eastern Strafford County and portions of southern Maine until noon. The greatest threats from the storm cells are wind gusts topping 60 mph and some hail, though around 11:15 p.m., most of the stormy activity had crossed into the Maine border. Overall, some areas could be looking at 1.5 to 2.5 inches of rain, with some communities picking up more than 3 inches of rain. Some parts of the White Mountains could see more than 4 inches of rain, with even higher amounts possible in the higher elevations. Officials concerned about flood potential in White Mountains ahead of busy weekend for tourism Winds will be gusty early Friday as the front comes through, with some gusts to 40 mph possible. Drivers are urged to take it slow, as the rain and fallen, wet leaves could make travel conditions slippery. The rain will taper off from the southwest toward the northeast Friday afternoon and will lead to a quieter night with lows in the 40s. Pleasant weather sticks around through most of the weekend. It will be mainly sunny Saturday, with a few more clouds and isolated sprinkles possible Sunday. Highs will be in the 60s on both days. We see another change early next week, with our next system bringing a chance for rain later Monday and Tuesday, along with much cooler temperatures. Be weather aware! Download the WMUR app for Apple or Android devices and turn on push notifications. You can choose to receive weather alerts for your geolocation and/or up to three ZIP codes. In addition, you can receive word when precipitation is coming to your area. Follow the Storm Watch 9 team on social media: Mike Haddad: Facebook | Twitter Kevin Skarupa: Facebook | Twitter Hayley LaPoint: Facebook | Twitter Jacqueline Thomas: Facebook | Twitter Matt Hoenig: Facebook | Twitter Read More Here

Trump Indictment Now 'inevitable' According To Legal Experts https://digitalarizonanews.com/trump-indictment-now-inevitable-according-to-legal-experts/ The walls are closing in on former President Donald Trump and it’s now “inevitable” that Attorney General Merrick Garland will indict him, legal experts told Jim Braude on Greater Boston. The January 6 Select Committee voted Thursday to subpoena Trump for his involvement in the Capitol insurrection and Trump is also being investigated for keeping sensitive government documents at Mar-a-Lago. With those two issues piling up, Harvard Professor Emeritus Larry Tribe said Garland has no choice but to indict Trump. “Now it’s inevitable,” Tribe said, “The country is going to begin to see through the curtain. It’s wearing a little bit thin.” With the subpoena, Tribe said Trump will look horrible if he doesn’t show up in court, and former Federal Judge Nancy Gertner said issuing the subpoena was the committee’s way of giving Trump a chance to explain himself. “I think he’s going to litigate this ’til kingdom come.” Thursday’s select committee hearing revealed that Trump and his allies planned to announce victory in the 2020 election far before the results were in. Witnesses also said Trump acknowledged privately that he had lost. Speaking about the insurrection, Gertner said the select committee findings show that “Trump’s fingerprints are all over this.” Watch: Jan. 6 Committee to subpoena Trump: Legal expert says it’s ‘inevitable’ Merrick Garland will indict Read More Here

Pelosi Threatened To Punch Trump If He Showed Up At The Capitol On Jan. 6 https://digitalarizonanews.com/pelosi-threatened-to-punch-trump-if-he-showed-up-at-the-capitol-on-jan-6/ House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said she was going to punch Trump out if he went to the Capitol on Jan. 6. In a video obtained by CNN, Pelosi told her chief of staff, Terri McCullough, that she was willing to go to jail for slapping Trump. “I’m going to go to jail, and I’m going to be happy,” Pelosi said. McCullough was alerting Pelosi that the Secret Service had “dissuaded” Trump from going to the Capitol when the House Speaker made those comments. However, they weren’t sure Trump would change his mind and demand to meet his supporters. Pelosi was also featured in Thursday’s public hearing of the House committee investigating the Jan. 6 attacks. Newly-released videos showed the House Speaker reaching out to state and federal officials in an effort to help secure the Capitol. She wanted to reconvene Congress to officially certify that Joe Biden had won the 2020 presidential election. On the evening of Jan. 6, Pelosi received a call from the vice president, who said the building was secure and Congress would be able to certify the election. Copyright 2022 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Sign up for the Breaking News Newsletter and receive up to date information. Read More Here

Clinton Ally Lied About Sourcing For Anti-Trump Dossier Claim After Hearing It On Cable News https://digitalarizonanews.com/clinton-ally-lied-about-sourcing-for-anti-trump-dossier-claim-after-hearing-it-on-cable-news/ October 14, 2022 10:30 AM A longtime Democratic operative testified he fabricated the sourcing behind a claim about Trump’s 2016 campaign that ended up in British ex-spy Christopher Steele’s discredited dossier. Charles Dolan, an ally of Bill and Hillary Clinton who spent many years doing work with Russian officials and businesses, testified Thursday about his business relationship with Igor Danchenko — the main source for Steele’s anti-Trump dossier. Danchenko has been charged with five false statements, including one related to allegedly concealing from the FBI his August 2016 email exchange with Dolan about information that Danchenko then passed along to Steele and which ended up in the dossier. Dolan confessed Thursday he made up the sourcing for a claim that made it into the dossier and that he had actually gotten the tidbit not from an insider acquaintance of his but from watching TV. The Russian had sent Dolan an August 2016 email telling him he was “working on a related project against Trump” and asked the Clinton-allied businessman for “any rumor, thought, or allegation” on Paul Manafort’s departure as Trump’s campaign manager. FBI ANALYST SAYS SPECIAL COUNSEL THREATENED TO INVESTIGATE HIM IN ‘SCARY’ MEETING From left to right: special counsel John Durham and Igor Danchenko. (AP Photos) Dolan replied, “Let me dig around on Manafort,” and emailed Danchenko the next day to claim that “I had a drink with a GOP friend of mine” who provided alleged insight into Manafort leaving the campaign. Allegations that were similarly sourced and which closely echoed Dolan’s email appeared in one of the Steele reports dated just two days later. Dolan testified Thursday that he had not actually talked to any Republican friend about the information he sent to Danchenko. “I actually got it off of cable news,” Dolan said. He later added that “I was trying to throw him a bone because he was helping me.” Dolan also testified Thursday the information in the email he had sent to Danchenko and the information in the Steele dossier were “substantially similar.” Danchenko, who had been introduced to Dolan through future Trump National Security Council member and Ukraine impeachment star witness Fiona Hill, was working with Dolan to help prepare for an October 2016 conference in Moscow, but was separately working for Steele’s company, Orbis Business Intelligence, in the production of the dossier. Some of Dolan’s business records from KGlobal, a consultancy firm he worked for at the time that did business in Russia, were entered as evidence showing Dolan and Danchenko talking business. Durham said in prior court filings that Dolan’s “role as a contributor of information to the Company Reports was highly relevant” because Dolan “maintained pre-existing and ongoing relationships with numerous persons named” in the dossier, including one of Danchenko’s “Russian sub-sources,” his friend Olga Galkina. DURHAM WITNESS: FBI OFFERED TRUMP DOSSIER SOURCE $1M FOR PROOF OF CLAIMS Durham has used court filings to point to comments made by Dolan in 2016 and 2017 suggesting he suspected Danchenko was connected to Russian intelligence, and had said Dolan would be willing to testify to this in court, but the judge didn’t allow it. Dolan testified Thursday that he called Danchenko the day the dossier was published because he was “curious to see if he knew where this came from.” Danchenko allegedly told Dolan that “he wasn’t sure” about the dossier and said that “he would check and get back to me” but never did. Danchenko’s lawyers revealed that Durham’s team named Dolan a “subject” in the special counsel investigation during an August 2021 meeting. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER The special counsel’s team has said Danchenko never told the FBI that he was in Moscow with Dolan in June 2016, despite that time frame being the source of the salacious Ritz Carlton allegations that ended up in the dossier, and argued that if Danchenko had been honest, the FBI would’ve likely interviewed Dolan much sooner. Durham’s indictment also says Danchenko lied to the FBI about the existence of a phone call he claims he received from Belarus-born U.S. businessman Sergei Millian, whom the Steele source had said told him about a conspiracy of cooperation between former President Donald Trump and the Russians, which the special counsel says is false. Read More Here

READ IN FULL: Trump https://digitalarizonanews.com/read-in-full-trump/ October 14, 2022 09:45 AM Former President Donald Trump issued his latest attack against the House committee investigating the Jan. 6 riot at the Capitol, just one day after the panel held its final public hearing before the midterm elections. In a 15-page statement issued Friday, the former president denounced the panel as being made up of “highly partisan political Hacks and Thugs” and criticized Congress for funding the investigation into the Capitol riot despite being what he calls a “Charade and Witch Hunt.” The statement also comes after the Jan. 6 committee voted unanimously to subpoena Trump to offer testimony to the panel as part of their investigation. “The double standard of the Unselects between what has taken place on the ‘RIGHT,’ and what has taken place with Radical Left, lawless groups such as Antifa, Black Lives Matter, and others, is startling and will never be acceptable, even to those who will be writing the history of what you have done to America,” Trump said in a statement. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER Trump went on to repeat his baseless claims the 2020 election was “rigged and stolen,” accusing lawmakers of burying reports of election fraud that he says led to President Joe Biden’s victory. The claims come even as several battleground states conducted numerous audits and recounts, with none finding widespread fraud that would’ve altered the outcome of the 2020 election. Read Trump’s 15-page response below: Read More Here

Post Politics Now: Warnock And Walker To Square Off In Highly Anticipated Debate In Georgia https://digitalarizonanews.com/post-politics-now-warnock-and-walker-to-square-off-in-highly-anticipated-debate-in-georgia-2/ Today, Sen. Raphael G. Warnock (D-Ga.) and Republican challenger Herschel Walker, the former football star, face off in one of the most anticipated debates in the midterm elections — a race that could tip the balance of party control in the U.S. Senate. The evening encounter in Savannah, Ga., is the latest in a string of debates in marquee Senate races, including one Thursday night in Wisconsin that quickly turned personal between Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) and Democratic challenger Mandela Barnes. Meanwhile, former president Donald Trump on Friday lambasted the House select committee investigating the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol but was silent in a letter to its chairman about whether he would comply with a subpoena to testify. President Biden is in California, where he will hold an event focused on prescription drug prices. Your daily dashboard 6:10 p.m. Eastern (3:10 p.m. Pacific): Biden delivers remarks on lowering costs for American families. Watch live here. 7:20 p.m. Eastern (4:20 p.m. Pacific): Biden travels to Portland, Ore. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre briefs reporters on board Air Force One. Listen live here. 10:10 p.m. Eastern (7:10 p.m. Pacific): Biden participates in a grass-roots volunteer event with the Oregon Democrats. Got a question about politics? Submit it here. After 3 p.m. weekdays, return to this space and we’ll address what’s on the mind of readers. Noted: Sen. Leahy hospitalized overnight for observation Return to menu Sen. Patrick J. Leahy (D-Vt.) was hospitalized overnight for observation after not feeling well on Thursday, his office said. The Senate is not scheduled to take votes until after the midterm elections, but the episode is a reminder of how fragile the Democratic majority is in the 50-50 chamber, where Vice President Harris possesses a tiebreaking vote. In a statement Thursday night, Leahy’s office said he was taken to a Washington-area hospital for tests “as a precaution.” “He had been at their residence in McLean, Virginia, at the time,” the statement said. “At the recommendation of his doctors, he is expected to remain overnight for observation. As is our practice, we will offer updates as warranted.” The latest: Trump lambastes Jan. 6 committee but is silent on subpoena Return to menu Former president Donald Trump on Friday lambasted the House select committee investigating the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol but was silent on whether he would comply with a subpoena for testimony and documents in a 14-page letter sent to its chairman. “Despite very poor television ratings, the Unselect Committee has perpetuated a Show Trial the likes of which this Country has never seen before,” Trump claimed in the letter to Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-Miss.). “There is no Due Process, no Cross-Examination, no ‘real’ Republican members, and no legitimacy since you do not talk about Election Fraud or not calling up the troops. It is a Witch Hunt of the highest level, a continuation of what has been going on for years.” Noted: Oz says Biden’s decision on marijuana possession is ‘rational’ Return to menu Republican Senate hopeful Mehmet Oz said in an interview that aired Friday that he considers a move by President Biden to issue mass pardons for anyone convicted of a federal crime for simply possessing marijuana to be “rational.” Most Republicans have been silent on Biden’s announcement last week while Oz’s opponent, Democrat John Fetterman, a longtime advocate of decriminalizing marijuana, has applauded the move. Asked by NBC if he supported Biden’s decision, Oz, a celebrity physician, said, “Going to jail for marijuana is not a wise move for the country.” Noted: Pelosi said she wanted to punch Trump as Jan. 6 riot began, video shows Return to menu On Oct. 13, the Jan. 6 Committee played a video of House Speaker Pelosi (D-Calif.), Senate leader Schumer (D-N.Y.) and GOP leaders during the Capitol attack. (Video: The Washington Post, Photo: Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post) Video from Jan. 6, 2021, shows a frustrated House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) telling aides that she wanted to punch President Donald Trump, and lawmakers pleading for the National Guard to be deployed as supporters of the former president forced their way into the Capitol. The Post’s Kelly Kasulis Cho reports that the videos of congressional leaders immediately before and during the Capitol riot, aired for the first time by CNN on Thursday evening, were taken by Pelosi’s daughter, Alexandra Pelosi, a documentary filmmaker working with HBO. Other parts of the footage were played earlier Thursday at a Jan. 6 House Committee hearing, which ended in a unanimous vote to subpoena Trump. On our radar: Biden’s internet promises in limbo amid FCC nominee battle Return to menu The nation’s telecommunications regulator has been without a Democratic majority for the entirety of President Biden’s 21-month tenure, hamstringing efforts to restore open internet protections and close the digital divide. The Post’s Cat Zakrzewski and Cristiano Lima report that breaking the deadlock at the Federal Communications Commission hinges on confirming Gigi Sohn, a longtime public interest advocate and former Democratic FCC official who was first nominated by the White House nearly a year ago. Per our colleagues: Noted: ‘There are no editors anymore,’ Biden says in critique of press Return to menu President Biden and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) headlined a fundraiser for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee on Thursday night in the Brentwood neighborhood of Los Angeles. Among his comments to donors, according to our colleague Tyler Pager: a lament about the technological changes fracturing society and making it harder to discern what’s true and what isn’t. “There are no editors anymore,” Biden said. “The ability of newspapers to have much impact is de minimis.” Spotted at the fundraiser, per Tyler: DCCC Chairman Sean Patrick Maloney (D-N.Y.) and Democratic Reps. Steven Horsford (Nev.), Ted Lieu (Calif.), Brad Sherman (Calif.) and Dina Titus (Nev.), plus Tom Ford “milling about outside.” Analysis: Jan. 6 hearing shows Trump knew he lost, while claiming otherwise Return to menu Former president Donald Trump’s communications director recounted popping into the Oval Office roughly a week after the 2020 election to find a morose Trump watching TV: “Can you believe I lost to this f—ing guy?” Trump lamented, referring to then-President-elect Joe Biden. The Post’s Ashley Parker writes that the likely final hearing of the Jan. 6 panel painted a portrait of an American president who, with help from a cabal of right-wing allies, embarked on a premeditated plan to refuse to cede power regardless of the election results and who — despite privately acknowledging that he had lost to Biden — ultimately executed that plan to deadly effect on Jan. 6, 2021. Per Ashley: The latest: Biden to sign executive order on drug prices during California swing Return to menu President Biden will sign an executive order Friday, instructing the Department of Health and Human Services to explore actions it could take to lower prescription drug prices. The order is part of an effort by Biden to highlight his administration’s efforts to strengthen Medicare and Social Security and reduce costs amid soaring inflation. During an ongoing visit to California, the president will also tout the provisions in the Inflation Reduction Act to lower prescription drug costs for seniors. On our radar: It’s debate night in Georgia Return to menu The political world will focus on Savannah, Ga., on Friday night when Sen. Raphael G. Warnock (D-Ga.) shares a stage with Republican challenger Herschel Walker for one of the most anticipated debates of the midterm election season. It will be the first meeting of the two candidates since stories surfaced that Walker, who opposes abortions in all cases, allegedly paid for a woman to undergo the procedure in 2009 and subsequently pushed for the same woman to have another one two years later. The story was first reported by the Daily Beast. On our radar: Trump says he’ll respond to Jan. 6 committee this morning Return to menu The Jan. 6 committee unanimously voted to subpoena testimony from former president Donald Trump on Oct. 13. (Video: The Washington Post) Former president Donald Trump is pledging to respond Friday morning to a subpoena from the House select committee investigating the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol. “I will be putting out my response to the Unselect Committee of political Hacks & Thugs tomorrow morning at 8:00. Thank you!” Trump said in a late-night posting Thursday on Truth Social, his social media network. Earlier Thursday, the committee issued a subpoena seeking testimony and documents from Trump, a challenge with little historical precedent that members said was a necessary final act before the panel concludes its work. Insight: The Senate debate in Wisconsin turns personal Return to menu A debate Thursday in Wisconsin quickly turned to personal attacks between the two Senate candidates, with Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) starting off the hour-long session by characterizing his Democratic opponent as offering “hollow left-wing rhetoric” and questioning whether he has accomplished anything at all. Mandela Barnes, the Democratic nominee for Senate and Wisconsin’s first Black lieutenant governor, minimized Johnson’s success in the private sector. Johnson’s “biggest achievement in business was … saying ‘I do.’ He married into his business,” Barnes said. (Johnson spent much of his career working at a company founded by his wife’s brother and eventually became the firm’s chief executive.) Noted: Secret S...

Supermarket Mega-Merger: Kroger Will Buy Albertsons | CNN Business https://digitalarizonanews.com/supermarket-mega-merger-kroger-will-buy-albertsons-cnn-business/ New York CNN Business  —  Kroger announced Friday that it plans to buy Albertsons in a nearly $25 billion deal that could change the US retail industry and impact how millions of customers buy their groceries. The deal, which is expected to close in 2024, would combine two of the largest supermarket chains in the country and create one of its largest private employers. The two companies have a combined 710,000 workers – most of them unionized in an industry with low union rates – nearly 5,000 stores and more than $200 billion in sales. The retail industry has consolidated in recent years, and merging would give the companies greater scale to fend off competition from Amazon (AMZN), Walmart (WMT) and other retail giants. The merger “accelerates our position as a more compelling alternative to larger and non-union competitors,” Kroger CEO Rodney McMullen said in a statement Friday. The move also comes as companies battle higher costs and food inflation reaches its highest level in decades. Prices at grocery stores continued to soar last month. The food at home index, a proxy for grocery store prices, increased 0.7% in September from the month prior and 13% over the last year. “The combined company could be more productive and profitable than either of them individually,” Joseph Feldman, a retail analyst at Telsey Advisory Group, said in a note to clients Friday. Expanding into new geographies, growing new businesses, and combining technology and supply chains could fuel growth, he said. Kroger (KR) will buy Albertsons for $34.10 a share — a roughly 30% premium above the grocery chain’s average share price over the course of the past month. Shares of Kroger (KR) slid 2% in pre-market trading, while Albertsons soared more than 11%. The companies said they will spin off nearly 400 stores to form the new rival in an effort to gain antitrust clearance. But analysts say it will be a significant hurdle to pass antitrust muster. “A deal of this size that has a direct impact on consumers would face significant scrutiny from regulators and take a long time period to be approved,” Feldman said. Consumer watchdogs, unions, and Democrats have already come out strongly against the deal. Sen. Bernie Sanders called it a “absolute disaster” and called on the Biden administration to reject the deal. The American Economic Liberties Project, an anti-monopoly organization, said the “merger would be disastrous for market competition, small businesses, and especially – consumers’ pockets.” FTC chair Lina Khan is critic of corporate consolidation, and the regulator has blocked large retail mergers in the past, including Staples’ attempts to combine with Office Depot. The FTC is currently looking into anti-competitive practices in the grocery industry and requested information last year from Kroger and others on the causes of empty shelves and surging prices in the United States. Read More Here

Saudis Say US Sought 1 Month Delay Of OPEC+ Production Cuts https://digitalarizonanews.com/saudis-say-us-sought-1-month-delay-of-opec-production-cuts/ DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Saudi Arabia said Thursday that the U.S. had urged it to postpone a decision by OPEC and its allies — including Russia — to cut oil production by a month. Such a delay could have helped reduce the risk of a spike in gas prices ahead of the U.S. midterm elections next month. A statement issued by the Saudi Foreign Ministry didn’t specifically mention the Nov. 8 elections in which U.S. President Joe Biden is trying to maintain his narrow Democratic majority in Congress. However, it stated that the U.S. “suggested” the cuts be delayed by a month. In the end, OPEC announced the cuts at its Oct. 5 meeting in Vienna. Holding off on the cuts would have likely delayed any rise in gas prices until after the elections. Rising oil prices — and by extension higher gasoline prices — have been a key driver of inflation in the U.S. and around the world, worsening global economic woes as Russia’s months-long war on Ukraine also has disrupted global food supplies. For Biden, gasoline prices creeping up could affect voters. He and many lawmakers have warned that America’s longtime security-based relationship with the kingdom could be reconsidered. The decision by the Saudi Foreign Ministry to release a rare, lengthy statement showed how tense relations between the two countries have become. The White House pushed back on Thursday, rejecting the idea that the requested delay was related to the U.S. elections and instead linking it to economic considerations and Russia’s war on Ukraine. “We presented Saudi Arabia with analysis to show that there was no market basis to cut production targets, and that they could easily wait for the next OPEC meeting to see how things developed,” said John Kirby, coordinator for strategic communications at the National Security Council. “Other OPEC nations communicated to us privately that they also disagreed with the Saudi decision, but felt coerced to support Saudi’s direction,” he added, without naming the countries. U.S.-Saudi ties have been fraught since the 2018 killing and dismemberment of Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi, which Washington believes came on the orders of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Meanwhile, higher energy prices provide a weapon Russia can use against the West, which has been arming and supporting Ukraine. The statement by the Saudi Foreign Ministry acknowledged that the kingdom had been talking to the U.S. about postponing OPEC+’s 2 million barrel cut announced last week. “The government of the kingdom clarified through its continuous consultation with the U.S. administration that all economic analyses indicate that postponing the OPEC+ decision for a month, according to what has been suggested, would have had negative economic consequences,” the ministry said in its statement. The ministry’s statement confirmed details from a Wall Street Journal article this week that quoted unnamed Saudi officials saying the U.S. sought to delay the OPEC+ production cut until just before the midterm elections. The Journal quoted Saudi officials as describing the move as a political gambit by Biden ahead of the vote. The kingdom also criticized attempts to link its decision to Russia’s war on Ukraine. “The kingdom stresses that while it strives to preserve the strength of its relations with all friendly countries, it affirms its rejection of any dictates, actions, or efforts to distort its noble objectives to protect the global economy from oil market volatility,” it said. “Resolving economic challenges requires the establishment of a non-politicized constructive dialogue, and to wisely and rationally consider what serves the interests of all countries.” Both Saudi Arabia and the neighboring United Arab Emirates, key producers in OPEC, voted in favor of a United Nations General Assembly resolution Wednesday to condemn Russia’s “attempted illegal annexation” of four Ukrainian regions and demand its immediate reversal. In Congress, U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy, a Democrat from Connecticut who long has been critical of Saudi Arabia, proposed a new freeze on military aid to the kingdom. He suggested stopping a planned transfer of surface-to-air missiles to Riyadh and instead sending them to Ukraine, which has faced a renewed barrage of Russian fire in recent days. Saudi Arabia has been targeted by Yemen’s Iranian-backed Houthi rebels who hold that country’s capital amid the long, grinding war in the Arab world’s poorest country. American air defenses have been crucial in downing Houthi-launched, bomb-carrying drones targeting the kingdom. Once muscular enough to grind the U.S. to a halt with its 1970s oil embargo, OPEC needed non-members like Russia to push through a production cut in 2016 after prices crashed below $30 a barrel amid rising American production. The 2016 agreement gave birth to the so-called OPEC+, which joined the cartel in cutting production to help stimulate prices. The coronavirus pandemic briefly saw oil prices go into negative territory before air travel and economic activity rebounded following lockdowns around the world. Benchmark Brent crude sat over $92 a barrel early Wednesday, but oil-producing nations are worried prices could sharply fall amid efforts to combat inflation. Biden, who famously called Saudi Arabia a “pariah” during his 2020 election campaign, traveled to the kingdom in July and fist-bumped Prince Mohammed before a meeting. Despite the outreach, the kingdom has been supportive of keeping oil prices high in order to fund Prince Mohammed’s aspirations, including his planned $500 billion futuristic desert city project called Neom. Prince Mohammed and his father, King Salman, hosted former President Donald Trump on his first trip abroad and enjoyed a closer relationship with his administration. Yet even Trump pressured the kingdom over oil production, once telling a crowd that King Salman “might not be there” without U.S. military support. On Tuesday, Biden warned of repercussions for Saudi Arabia over the OPEC+ decision. “There’s going to be some consequences for what they’ve done, with Russia,” Biden said. “I’m not going to get into what I’d consider and what I have in mind. But there will be — there will be consequences.” ___ Associated Press writer Aamer Madhani in Washington contributed to this report. ___ Follow Jon Gambrell on Twitter at www.twitter.com/jongambrellAP. Read More Here

O-Zone: Go For It https://digitalarizonanews.com/o-zone-go-for-it/ JACKSONVILLE – Let’s get to it … JT from Palm Coast, FL Bucky Brooks spoke about quarterbacks needing about 32 starts before they can be truly evaluated. I’m curious what your opinion is on that statement? Most teams (us included) are never that patient. That would mean that we can’t really critique him accurately until next season? I am like everyone else, judging him week to week and looking for some sort of improvement. I am aware of some quarterbacks taking longer to develop – i.e. Josh Allen, among others. This is among the NFL’s most constant, pressing and important questions and most teams face it at some point – some teams far more than others. Pressing though the question may be, the answer often is elusive – and often depends on player, team and circumstances. Brooks, a Jaguars Media and NFL analyst, essentially is right that it often takes about 32 starts – or two seasons(ish) – to truly evaluate a quarterback. But two seasons isn’t always enough. Bills quarterback Josh Allen was just beginning to show signs of being elite at the end of his second season, and he skyrocketed into that status the following season. As Jaguars Head Coach Doug Pederson said this week, three seasons was once considered pretty much the amount of time a quarterback needed to establish himself in the NFL. Pederson just as quickly made the point that quarterbacks really don’t get three years to develop anymore. Hence, the dilemma for many teams. Quarterback is a brutally difficult position. Evaluating it often is as hard as playing it and the pressure from fans – and even within the team – to pass immediate and final judgement on quarterbacks can be enormous. Reality: evaluating the position happens over time and is often dependent on many, many parts. It’s what makes it so maddening – and such a constant topic for debate. And for arguments. And for fanxiety. Jeremy from Gilbert, AZ Why are so many thinking that we need more playmakers on the offense? When Trevor plays well, makes good reads/decisions and is accurate, the offense moves right down the field. When he throws the ball five-to-10 yards above someone’s head or to the other team, the offense sucks. The offense is fine. Trevor’s play dictates the outcome in every game. You’re right that Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence’s play determines the level of success or struggles for the Jaguars’ offense – and for the Jaguars as a whole. And I agree the Jaguars’ playmakers are good – better collectively than was the case last season. While that’s the case, an above-the-Xs-and-Os playmaker or two at the other skill positions would help. Both can be true. Robert from Reno, NV Well done, KOAF. I see that you made it through the week, you handled it professionally. Let’s hope Sunday is a win which gives you a break. If not, you might want to activate the bot, or hide. Go Jags!! If the Jaguars lose Sunday, they will be 2-4. I have answered questions about the Jaguars in this forum every day since August 2011. I’m pretty sure I can handle 2-4. Andy from Halifax We were all apprehensive to believe the hype, the hype looked like it was real and now the ride back to earth has been harder to handle. How did we go from one of the most dominant teams in the league to one of the most disappointing in two weeks? Where does this place us overall? The Jaguars have won two of their last four games. They won three of 33 games before that. The Jaguars are neither dominant nor disappointing. They’re 2-3, which is right around about where many believed they would be through five games-ish. Geoffrey from Orlando, FL Anyone who thinks this is the same ol’ jags is an idiot. We have talked extensively in this forum about the importance of being “nice.” This is not “nice.” Joe Living in St. Johns, down by the river Hey, John, we just booked a December trip to Nashville to watch the Jags play the Titans. Can I expect that game to be meaningful to us, with postseason implications? (We are “all in” no matter what) The Jaguars visit the Tennessee Titans December 11. That’s Week 13. I’m still projecting six-to-seven victories for the Jaguars this season, so I would project them being mathematically in contention at that point – but perhaps not feeling like a likely participant. Let’s go with them being on the “In the Hunt” graphic around that time. Stay tuned. Steve from Hilton Head, SC John. Last year didn’t the Jags beat the Bills, arguably the best team in the league? Yes. Zach from Washougal, WA You’re the general manager of the Jaguars. It’s Week 13 and the Jags still have a shot at the playoffs. Arizona calls you and offers you wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins for next year’s first-round pick. Do you do it? Yes – IF Hopkins is playing like his last healthy season (in 2020), IF he’s healthy, IF his contract makes sense for 2023/2024 and IF he wants to be here. Crash from Glen St. Mary To all the boo birds I’d like to quote The Dude. “Yeah, well, you know, that’s just, like your opinion, man.” “The Big Lebowski” wasn’t really my thing. To my recollection, I don’t think I’ve ever seen it all the way through. /ducks Chance from Windsor, CA If you would have told me before the season that we’d be 2-3, I probably would have taken it. Now my expectations are way higher. If we look at the next bunch of games: Indianapolis Colts, New York Giants, Denver Broncos, Las Vegas Raiders, Kansas City Chiefs, Baltimore Ravens … it makes me nervous. Those are all hungry and good football teams. Where might we be after 11 games? There are no easy games in the NFL. I expect the Jaguars to win six-to-seven games this season. So, where might they be after 11 games? 4-7 or 5-6-ish? John from SEBASTIAN John, let’s give the Jags’ first quarter of the season a grade. 1) COACHING B+ good job in redirecting, rebuilding team process. Still learning identity of team. Seems a little reluctant to stick with the hot hand. 2) Offence C Trevor’s development progressing, but still lacking in field management. 3) Defense C+ Young, fast and learning. Pass rush not quite there, run D and tackling up and down. 4) Special teams A- highlight of the team so far. Overall Grade C With possibility of high ceiling. What say you ? ‘Bout right. Derek from Brookings, SD Listening to J.P. Shadrick, Pete Prisco and Tony Boselli the other day, they brought up a point I thought was interesting. They felt that because of the Cover-2, Trevor was trying to make throws he didn’t need to try and make (i.e. just take what the defense was giving him in the form of a checkdown). I think Trevor did a really good job of this in the games against the Colts and Chargers, not so much against the Eagles and Texans. I think once Trevor starts to go back to taking what the defense gives him, he’ll be just fine. That’s the hope. Lawrence had some very nice throws/moments Sunday against the Texans and indeed tried to force too much. The key for a quarterback playing a Cover-2 or Cover-3 is to be patient and willing to throw underneath, then read when cornerbacks press receivers – then hit the deeper passes when they’re there. Lawrence did that well early in the season against the Colts. He’ll get another chance in Indianapolis Sunday. Joel from Jacksonville Fans and to some extent coaches assume that a top college quarterback comes out of the game NFL ready. The worst NFL defense is many times better than the best college defense Lawrence ever faced. Given the program he came from, I would guess the number of times he had to put the team on his shoulders to win the game one can count on the fingers of one hand. Lawrence is working at it, and he may never be great. But he will get better and still be the best quarterback our team has had ever. OK. Bill from Hammock, FL Zone, should Pederson throttle back the fourth-down attempts until this young team matures a bit? No – and whatever I or others think about the issue doesn’t matter because Pederson isn’t going to “throttle back” on the fourth-down attempts. Whatever the “maturity” level of a team, he believes in being aggressive in this area. As he sees it – and as more and more coaches/other football people are starting to see it – there are certain situations that call for going for it on fourth down. I suspect over the next four or five years coaches going for first downs on fourth-down will feel a lot more normal. That’s already sort of happening. The game is changing, and this is one of the ways. Read More Here

Soccer Returns To Action Out West Against CBU, GCU – Tarleton State University Athletics https://digitalarizonanews.com/soccer-returns-to-action-out-west-against-cbu-gcu-tarleton-state-university-athletics/ The Teams: Tarleton Texans (4-5-3, 0-3-2 WAC) vs. California Baptist Lancers (5-3-3, 2-2-1 WAC); Grand Canyon Lopes (5-5-2, 1-3-1 WAC) Where: Riverside, CA; Phoenix, AZ Stadium: Lancer Field (Friday); GCU Stadium (Sunday) Time: 9 p.m. CT (Friday); 2 p.m. CT (Sunday) Video: ESPN+   TEXAN SOCCER GAME DAY Following an open week on the schedule, Tarleton will return to action with road matches at California Baptist and Grand Canyon this weekend. The Texans and Lancers will take the pitch at 9 p.m. CT / 7 p.m. PST Friday night. Tarleton and GCU will square off in Phoenix, Arizona Sunday afternoon at 2 p.m. CST / 1 p.m. MT.   There will be live stats and video available for both matches. Both matches will be broadcast on ESPN+.   ABOUT TARLETON SOCCER Women’s Soccer is one of the newest programs at Tarleton State University in Stephenville, Texas. The addition of the program was announced on January 19, 2021 after the university made the move to NCAA Division I and the Western Athletic Conference in July 2020. Pete Cuadrado was named the first head coach of the program after successful tenures at North Dakota State and the University of Wyoming.   QUICK KICKS Tarleton State University is in the midst of its NCAA debut season as part of its first year of existence. Tarleton made the decision to add women’s soccer after making the leap from NCAA Division II to Division I on July 1, 2020. Tarleton made the announcement and the search for a head coach on January 19, 2021. Avery Harr is one of six players in the nation on reclassifying teams with more than one game-winning goal. Harr has the game-deciding goal against Arkansas-Pine Bluff and Alcorn State this season. Mila Bettinelli has been putting up shots at will since WAC play began. The freshman has attempted a team-high nine shots since conference play began, including three on goal. She put up only six shots (three on goal) in Tarleton’s seven non-conference games. While Bettinelli leads the team in shot volume, Rylee Low leads Tarleton in shot efficiency since league play started. In Tarleton’s five WAC matches, Low has taken six shots and put a team-leading five on goal. Kiki Baurmann, one of only two seniors on the roster, has been every bit as good as advertised this season. Baurmann has been the catalyst for the Texans on offense. She remains among the league lead in the WAC for total assists (5) and assists per game (0.42). All five of her assists this season have come at home. Tarleton’s goalkeeping returns to full strength for the first time since late August. Mikayla Kendall and Rylie Bloomfield have both been cleared to return to action this weekend, sending Delaney Castor back to the sidelines in her coaching role. Kendall leads the team with 22 saves on the season and a .688 save percentage. She has also been part of all five shutouts for Tarleton this season, including four with her spending all 90 minutes between the pipes.   WAC PRESEASON POLL Tarleton was picked to finish 12th in the Western Athletic Conference preseason coaches’ poll. With 21 points, the Texans were picked last behind Southern Utah with 25 votes. Grand Canyon was picked to finish atop the league standings with 117 votes, followed closely by Utah Valley (110).   Rank Team (1st) Points 1. Grand Canyon (8) 117 2. Utah Valley (4) 110 3. Stephen F. Austin 90 4. California Baptist 84 5. New Mexico State 74 6. Seattle U 72 7. Abilene Christian 62 8. Utah Tech 46 9. Sam Houston 42 10. UTRGV 39 11. Southern Utah 25 12. Tarleton 21   “I can’t believe they picked a team who has never lost a game to finish last, but I guess we’ll just have to go out and compete,” said Cuadrado with a smile.   FOR THE FIRST TIME IN FOREVER Tarleton made its long-awaited home debut, and it did not disappoint. Tarleton set an impressive standard for attendance with 2,512 Texan fans in attendance for this historic night. A few other home facility firsts for the record book include:     NOTABLES BUILDING FROM SCRATCH: Pete Cuadrado was named the first head coach in Tarleton Soccer history on May 21, 2021. The veteran head coach made the choice to return home to Texas where he played his college career at TCU. Cuadrado was tasked with beginning a program from scratch with one full year to put together a complete roster. The first addition to the soccer team for head coach Pete Cuadrado was assistant coach Rex Carrell. The former Division III standout joined Cuadrado as a volunteer assistant coach for the first year before signing on as the first full-time assistant coach this summer. Cuadrado rounded out his coaching staff with Delaney Castor, who wrapped up her career as the most prolific goalkeeper in Howard Payne University (D3) history. Castor joined the staff in May. OPENING AGAINST THE BISON: Pete Cuadrado‘s first official game as the head coach of Tarleton’s newest program came against a former team that he led to new heights – North Dakota State. Tarleton opened against the Bison, where Cuadrado was the head coach for nine seasons and led NDSU out of NCAA Division II and into the Division I ranks. During his time with the Bison, he went 93-62-18 and was named the 2005 NCAA Division I Independent Coach of the Year. He is still the Bison’s all-time wins leader. Tarleton received an unwelcome greeting from Pete Cuadrado‘s former club in their NCAA debut on August 19 when North Dakota State scored in the opening minute, but Tarleton battled back and got a goal from distance by Adriana Alonso-Gomez to give Tarleton a tie in its debut outing. WINS IN LOW PLACES: Tarleton recorded the first-ever win in school history off the foot of freshman Rylee Low. After tying NDSU in the season opener, Low put her first career goal in the top right corner from distance in the 85′ to put the first official win in the Tarleton history books against Nicholls State. HELLWIG COMES IN CLUTCH: Macy Hellwig’s first career goal was one to write home about. With time winding down against ACU in the WAC opener, the freshman from the Great White North found the back of the net in the 83′ to tie the match. Hellwig pumped the brakes at the top of the box, reversed course, and ripped her shot into the bottom left corner of the goal to lead Tarleton to a draw against the Wildcats. SCORING FROM DISTANCE: Tarleton’s first two goals in program history came from beyond the 18-yard box. Adriana Alonso-Gomez scored the first goal in school history to tie the game against North Dakota State and Rylee Low hit the game-winner against Nicholls State last Sunday. Both goals came from downtown, as did Kiki Baurmann’s game-winner in the exhibition against Texas A&M-Corpus Christi. The first home goal in program history in the third match of the season was the first goal for Tarleton inside the box. WALKING ON: Lindsey Schiller joined the team ahead of the season opener as a walk-on tryout player. Schiller, a junior transfer from Howard Payne (D3), was the only tryout athlete to earn a spot on the full-time roster. She played two seasons at Howard Payne where she played in 26 matches and scored four goals. She totaled 28 shots with 13 on goal for a .464 SOG percentage. She was teammates with her current coach Delaney Castor. Since joining the Texans, Schiller has already appeared in 10 games and scored her first goal against UTPB. FROSH FOOTWORK: Tarleton has had 11 different Texans score a goal this season. Of Tarleton’s 20 goals scored this season, 11 have come from six different freshmen. Mila Bettinelli and Avery Harr are two of the Texans tied for the team lead in goals this season with four and three, respectively. The 11 Texans with a goal to their credit this season have done so on 113 combined shots. AGENT DOUBLE-0 KENDALL: Mikayla Kendall is establishing herself as one of the top goalkeepers in the WAC. The freshman stopper has spent 810 minutes between the pipes for Tarleton this season, making 22 saves and being part of five total shutouts (four of which she was in goal for the entire 90 minutes). She leads the team with 22 saves this season. HOME FIELD ADVANTAGE: The Texans have now hosted six games (3-1-2) in Stephenville in their NCAA history have four shutouts. Tarleton has outscored opponents 15-2 at home this season and have put up 81 shots. The Texan defense has also been superb in Stephenville, allowing a mere 36 shot attempts and only 17 on goal. CASTOR GOES BACK BETWEEN THE PIPES: Due to injuries in goal this season, assistant coach Delaney Castor was officially added to the active roster and started two matches. Since arriving at Tarleton in July, Castor has been enrolled in graduate courses in pursuit of a master’s degree and left Howard Payne with one additional year of eligibility remaining. At Howard Payne University (NCAA D3), Castor was the conference Goalkeeper of the Year, all-conference, and all-region honoree during her HPU career. Castor’s name is smattered across the Yellow Jackets’ school record books. She broke 13 school records over the course of her four-year run in Brownwood, including career saves (453), career saves per game (7.6), career save percentage (.809), single-season saves (159) and single-game saves (24). In her two matches for Tarleton, she made 11 saves and survived an onslaught of shots from New Mexico State (25) and Sam Houston (12). The 25 shots and 12 on goal by New Mexico State against Castor was the most by an opponent this season. EYEING THE FIRST WAC WIN: Tarleton enters the weekend still in search of their first-ever win against a Western Athletic Conference opponent. The Texans have two league ties to their credit for two points in the standings. The top six teams in the WAC standings advance to the confe...

First Taste: Highly Anticipated Little Anita's Doesn't Live Up To The Hype https://digitalarizonanews.com/first-taste-highly-anticipated-little-anitas-doesnt-live-up-to-the-hype/ When a new spot opens in town, we’re eager to check it out, let you know our initial impressions, share a few photos, and dish about some menu items. First Taste, as the name implies, is not a full-blown review, but instead, a peek inside restaurants that have just opened — an occasion to sample a few items and satisfy curiosities (both yours and ours). When Little Anita’s New Mexican Foods announced it was coming to the Valley, fans were excited. Following the buzz, the restaurant opened on August 12, and commenters on the local restaurant’s Facebook page were grateful. One posted, “It makes my heart so happy to have a little piece of home here in AZ!” The chain began in Albuquerque in 1976 and has nine locations in New Mexico, four in Colorado, and now one in Chandler in the former Juan Jaime’s location near Chandler Boulevard and the Loop 101. A second location is expected to open later this year near 16th Street and Thomas Road in Phoenix. After an initial visit to a nearly empty restaurant, however, it’s unclear why the Valley — which already boasts many delightful New Mexican eateries — needs the current or future versions of Little Anita’s. The dining area at Little Anita’s in Chandler features a mural by Leila Parnian.   Geri Koeppel” href=”https://media2.phoenixnewtimes.com/phx/imager/u/original/14564126/little_anita_s_1.jpeg” rel=”contentImg_gal-14564124″ title=”The dining area at Little Anita’s in Chandler features a mural by Leila Parnian. – Geri Koeppel” click to enlarge The dining area at Little Anita’s in Chandler features a mural by Leila Parnian. Geri Koeppel The configuration at the Chandler outpost is the same as its previous tenant, with the dining room to the left and bar area to the right. The dining room pops with a graphic mural of a Catrina, the iconic Day of the Dead female skeleton, setting the backdrop, and bright pink, orange, blue, and turquoise plastic chairs echoing the schematic. No actual strawberries were harmed in the making of this strawberry margarita.   Geri Koeppel” href=”https://media1.phoenixnewtimes.com/phx/imager/u/original/14564131/little_anita_s_5.jpeg” rel=”contentImg_gal-14564124″ title=”No actual strawberries were harmed in the making of this strawberry margarita. – Geri Koeppel” click to enlarge No actual strawberries were harmed in the making of this strawberry margarita. Geri Koeppel The mural’s colors are picked up on the swirling epoxy bar top, and both were done by local artist Leila Parnian. Her stunning work is showcased around town at Brunch Snob, The Porch, and Wandering Donkey Taqueria & Tequila Bar. Unfortunately, the food does not match the impressive decor. There’s no cocktail list, but margaritas come in a variety of flavors and are $7 during happy hour, which runs from 3 to 6 p.m. on weekdays. The strawberry had a medicinal flavor and the mango was cloying; the fake flavorings were apparent. The Trio includes guacamole, chili con queso, and bean dip.   Geri Koeppel” href=”https://media1.phoenixnewtimes.com/phx/imager/u/original/14564134/little_anita_s_7.jpeg” rel=”contentImg_gal-14564124″ title=”The Trio includes guacamole, chili con queso, and bean dip. – Geri Koeppel” click to enlarge The Trio includes guacamole, chili con queso, and bean dip. Geri Koeppel Moving on to appetizers, a dish called The Trio ($9.50) included guacamole, chile con queso, and bean dip with chips. The guacamole was darkened and slimy, a giveaway that it was past its prime. The chile con queso tasted like the retro Velveeta-and-Rotel combo, but blander, no thanks to a miserly amount of flabby diced green chilies. The bean dip had a hint of spice but was watery, and a good portion of the chips were broken scraps too small to scoop the dips.  Next, the main dishes arrived. The No. 2 combination plate ($18.95) included a crumbly tamale, a chile relleno with no spice, a gummy cheese enchilada, and a taco filled with gray, unseasoned ground beef and lifeless iceberg lettuce stuffed into a stale shell. The menu also promised guacamole, but it was not missed. The “Christmas” style sauces — red and green — splashed across the plate didn’t perk anything up. The green sauce was washed out, with no tang or heat, and the red sauce, which was actually orange, had no depth or richness. The rice was dry, the beans chalky, and both were bland. Topping everything with copious amounts of shredded cheese wasn’t helping. Chicken enchiladas, like most plates, come with rice and beans.   Geri Koeppel” href=”https://media2.phoenixnewtimes.com/phx/imager/u/original/14564129/little_anita_s_3.jpeg” rel=”contentImg_gal-14564124″ title=”Chicken enchiladas, like most plates, come with rice and beans. – Geri Koeppel” click to enlarge Chicken enchiladas, like most plates, come with rice and beans. Geri Koeppel One redeeming item was the Carne Adovada burrito ($13.95), which came stuffed with slightly smoky pork. Chicken enchiladas, however, were just as disappointing as the combo plate due to the lackluster sauces and excess cheese. And while the menu stated sopaipillas — puffy, fried pastry dough — came with all plates, none were delivered. The food came out promptly. However, requests for basics such as utensils, napkins, and water all appeared to be a novel idea to our server. After delivering items, she scurried away and huddled over her phone with her back turned. She also chastised us for removing one of the plates from the placemat it was served on, saying that the beautiful epoxy bar unfortunately is not heat-resistant. The epoxy bar at Little Anita’s in Chandler is a work of art by Leila Parnian.   Geri Koeppel” href=”https://media1.phoenixnewtimes.com/phx/imager/u/original/14564132/little_anita_s_8.jpeg” rel=”contentImg_gal-14564124″ title=”The epoxy bar at Little Anita’s in Chandler is a work of art by Leila Parnian. – Geri Koeppel” click to enlarge The epoxy bar at Little Anita’s in Chandler is a work of art by Leila Parnian. Geri Koeppel Perhaps the restaurant’s charms were lost at the state line, but this subpar effort does nothing to celebrate the usually delectable cuisine of the Land of Enchantment. Sorry former New Mexico residents and Facebook enthusiasts, Little Anita’s doesn’t live up to the hype. Read More Here

Trump Responds To Final Jan. 6 Hearing, Calling Committee ‘highly Partisan Political Hacks And Thugs’ https://digitalarizonanews.com/trump-responds-to-final-jan-6-hearing-calling-committee-highly-partisan-political-hacks-and-thugs/ October 14, 2022 09:21 AM Former President Donald Trump issued his latest attack against the House committee investigating the Jan. 6 riot at the Capitol, just one day after the panel held its final public hearing before the midterm elections. In a 15-page statement issued Friday, the former president denounced the panel as being made up of “highly partisan political Hacks and Thugs” and criticized Congress for funding the investigation into the Capitol riot despite being what he calls a “Charade and Witch Hunt.” The statement also comes after the Jan. 6 committee voted unanimously to subpoena Trump to offer testimony to the panel as part of their investigation. “The double standard of the Unselects between what has taken place on the ‘RIGHT,’ and what has taken place with Radical Left, lawless groups such as Antifa, Black Lives Matter, and others, is startling and will never be acceptable, even to those who will be writing the history of what you have done to America,” Trump said in a statement. Trump went on to repeat his baseless claims the 2020 election was “rigged and stolen,” accusing lawmakers of burying reports of election fraud that he says led to President Joe Biden’s victory. The claims come even as several battleground states conducted numerous audits and recounts, with none finding widespread fraud that would’ve altered the outcome of the 2020 election. The former president also lamented the panel has not interviewed him regarding “a shadow campaign that was launched to rig the 2020 Presidential Election.” Trump cited an article from Time Magazine that referred to a behind-the-scenes effort from business owners and Democrats who banded together to call on the former president to concede the race. “To the President, something felt amiss,” Trump quoted from the article in his statement. “[Trump said,] ‘Within days after the election, we witnessed an orchestrated effort to anoint the winner, even while many key states were still being counted.’ In a way, Trump was right. There was a conspiracy unfolding behind the scenes.” However, the Time story Trump referenced went on to say the “conspiracy” was merely an “informal alliance” between left-wing activists and business titans who were seeking to ensure the election “would be free and fair, credible and uncorrupted.” Part of these efforts included lobbying states to change election laws to expand ballot access and urging social media sites to crack down on misinformation. This story is breaking and will be updated. Read More Here

NY Seeks Court Oversight After Trump Org.’s Concerning Moves https://digitalarizonanews.com/ny-seeks-court-oversight-after-trump-org-s-concerning-moves-2/ New York’s attorney general has asked a judge to bar Donald Trump’s company from selling or transferring assets without court approval, saying it had engaged in a devious attempt to duck potential penalties in her fraud lawsuit against the former president. In court papers filed Thursday, Attorney General Letitia James’ office said that shortly before she filed the lawsuit last month, Trump’s company incorporated a new entity in Delaware named Trump Organization LLC — almost identical to the original company’s name. On the day the lawsuit became public, the Trump Organization registered the new Delaware company in New York as “Trump Organization II LLC.” “Beyond just the continuation of its prior fraud, the Trump Organization now appears to be taking steps to restructure its business to avoid existing responsibilities under New York law,” lawyers for the attorney general’s office said. New York Attorney General Letitia James speaks during a press conference, Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2022, in New York. New York’s attorney general sued former President Donald Trump and his company on Wednesday, alleging business fraud involving some of their most prized assets, including properties in Manhattan, Chicago and Washington, D.C.AP Photo/Brittainy Newman Manhattan Judge Arthur Engoron scheduled an Oct. 31 hearing on James’ request for an independent monitor to oversee the Trump Organization’s activities. James’ office said it wants the case to go to trial in October 2023 — almost a year before the next presidential election. Trump has been laying groundwork for a potential comeback campaign. Trump’s lawyer, Alina Habba, said the idea of court oversight “has no merit and is dead on arrival.” “We have repeatedly provided assurance, in writing, that the Trump Organization has no intention of doing anything improper,” Habba said in a written statement. “This is simply another stunt which Ms. James hopes will aid her failing political campaign.” James, a Democrat, is running for re-election as attorney general against a little-known Republican attorney from Queens, Michael Henry. Trump, a Republican, has repeatedly sparred with James and contends that her lawsuit is part of a politically motivated “witch hunt.” In the lawsuit, filed last month, James’ office accused Trump of habitually misleading banks and others about how much assets like his golf courses and other real estate were worth. In the latest filing, James said the organization continued to use improper methods of creating valuations. Trump’s attorney has asked that the case be transferred from Engoron, who has repeatedly ruled against Trump in related subpoena disputes, to the court’s Commercial Division, which is set up to handle complex corporate litigation. In a letter Thursday to the court’s administrative judge, Habba asked for an expedited decision on her transfer request. Habba argued that Thursday’s filing was “an obvious attempt” by the attorney general’s office to get Engoron involved in the case before a decision is made. The lawsuit also named his three eldest children, Donald Jr., Ivanka and Eric Trump, as defendants, along with two longtime Trump Organization executives. In her motion for a preliminary injunction, James’ office said it had raised concerns with the Trump legal team about assets being moved out of state and that it asked for assurances that there would be no changes. If changes were to be made, James’ office said it wanted reasonable notice before hand. Trump’s lawyers “did offer to provide assurances and advance notice,” James’ said, but “no concrete mechanism to either effectuate or enforce that offer.” James’ office also disclosed that the former president and Eric Trump have yet to accept service of the lawsuit and sought permission to serve them electronically instead. A lawyer for the office, Colleen Faherty, noted that serving Trump with paper copies is “impracticable given the security measures taken for his protection as the former President of the United States.” Read More Here

AMBestTV To Cover Target Markets Program Administrators Association’s 2022 Annual Summit https://digitalarizonanews.com/ambesttv-to-cover-target-markets-program-administrators-associations-2022-annual-summit/ OLDWICK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–AMBestTV will provide wrap-up and interview video coverage from the Target Markets Program Administrators Association’s 2022 Annual Summit, set for Oct. 17-19, 2022, in Scottsdale, AZ. Interviews with executives and segments will cover leading topics in the specialty and program insurance markets, including emerging risks and liability issues dominating today’s headlines. AMBestTV will post regular video from the conference; look for the Target Markets-related playlist under the “Event Coverage 2022” tab at www.ambest.tv. If you are attending the conference and would like to be considered for an AMBestTV interview, please contact Lori Chordas, senior associate editor, at lori.chordas@ambest.com. AMBestTV covers exclusive AM Best and insurance industry information and reports, targeted topics and key developments in the insurance, reinsurance and related sectors daily. Sign up for alerts of episodes at http://www.ambest.com/multimedia/ambtvsignup.html. View AM BestTV episodes at http://www.ambest.tv. AM Best is a global credit rating agency, news publisher and data analytics provider specializing in the insurance industry. Headquartered in the United States, the company does business in over 100 countries with regional offices in London, Amsterdam, Dubai, Hong Kong, Singapore and Mexico City. For more information, visit www.ambest.com. Copyright © 2022 by A.M. Best Company, Inc. and/or its affiliates. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Read More Here

House Jan. 6 Committee Votes Unanimously To Subpoena Trump – American Press https://digitalarizonanews.com/house-jan-6-committee-votes-unanimously-to-subpoena-trump-american-press/ Published 7:44 am Friday, October 14, 2022 federal judge has granted a request by former President Donald Trump’s legal team to appoint a special master to review documents seized by the FBI during a search of his Florida home last month. (Associated Press) The House Jan. 6 committee voted unanimously to subpoena former President Donald Trump, demanding his personal testimony as it unveiled startling new video and described his multi–part plan to overturn his 2020 election loss, which led to his supporters’ fierce assault on the U.S. Capitol. With alarming messages from the U.S. Secret Service warning of violence and vivid new video of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and other congressional leaders pleading for help, the panel on Thursday showed the raw desperation at the Capitol. Using language frequently seen in criminal indictments, the panel said Trump had acted in a “premeditated” way before Jan. 6, 2021, despite countless aides and officials telling him he had lost. Trump is almost certain to fight the subpoena and decline to testify. On his social media outlet he blasted members for not asking him earlier — though he didn’t say he would have complied — and called the panel “a total BUST.” “We must seek the testimony under oath of January 6’s central player,” said Republican Rep. Liz Cheney of Wyoming, the committee’s vice chair, ahead of the vote. In the committee’s 10th public session, just weeks before the congressional midterm elections, the panel summed up Trump’s “staggering betrayal” of his oath of office, as Chairman Bennie Thompson put it, describing the then–president’s unprecedented attempt to stop Congress from certifying Democrat Joe Biden’s victory. While the effort to subpoena Trump may languish, more a nod to history than an effective summons, the committee has made clear it is considering whether to send its findings in a criminal referral to the Justice Department. In one of its most riveting exhibits, the panel showed previously unseen footage of congressional leaders phoning for help during the assault as Trump refused to call off the mob. Pelosi can be seen on a call with the governor of neighboring Virginia, explaining as she shelters with Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer and others that the governor of Maryland has also been contacted. Later, the video shows Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell and other GOP leaders as the group asks the Defense Department for help. “They’re breaking the law in many different ways,” Pelosi says at one point. “And quite frankly, much of it at the instigation of the president of the United States.” Read More Here

Jan. 6 Panel Subpoenas Trump; Seniors Discuss Social Security Concerns; IRS Wants Millions To Claim Child Tax Credit | Hot Off The Wire Podcast https://digitalarizonanews.com/jan-6-panel-subpoenas-trump-seniors-discuss-social-security-concerns-irs-wants-millions-to-claim-child-tax-credit-hot-off-the-wire-podcast/ The House Jan. 6 committee has subpoenaed Donald Trump for his testimony about the 2021 Capitol attack. The panel voted unanimously to compel the former president to appear. “We must seek the testimony under oath of January 6th’s central player,” said Rep. Liz Cheney, the committee’s vice chair. Cheney adds: “We are obligated to seek answers directly from the man who set this all in motion. And every American is entitled to those answers.” Police in North Carolina say that the suspect who killed five people in a shooting was a juvenile male. Raleigh Police Lt. Jason Borneo says that the suspect was taken into custody around 9:37 p.m.  The U.S. Department of Agriculture is proposing sweeping changes in the way chicken and turkey meat is processed in an effort to reduce salmonella illnesses from food contamination. Climate protesters have thrown soup over Vincent Van Gogh’s “Sunflowers” in London’s National Gallery to protest fossil fuel extraction. The group Just Stop Oil, which wants the British government to halt new oil and gas projects, said activists dumped two cans of Heinz tomato soup over the oil painting on Friday. Russian forces have launched at least four missile strikes on Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second largest city. Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov reported the explosions on Friday afternoon. He offered no details on the extent of the damage or possible casualties. Netflix will unveil next month the first version of its video streaming service with ads. The move will give cost-conscious viewers a chance to watch most Netflix shows at a steep discount in exchange for putting up with commercial interruptions. In a year when inflation has made Americans’ eyes pop when they fill up their gas or walk down grocery store aisles, many Social Security recipients worry whether the biggest cost-of-living increase in four decades — 8.7% in 2023 — will be enough to cover their needs. More than 9 million people and families who did not receive their advance child tax credit checks, stimulus payments and other tax rebates will soon get a letter from the IRS to claim their money. In sports, the Astros once again relied on the long ball to get a ‘W’, the Commanders barely beat the Bears, late heroics give West Virginia a victory and the Penguins dominated the Coyotes. In other news involving the former president, the Supreme Court has rejected Trump’s plea to step into the legal fight over the FBI search of his Florida estate. The justices did not otherwise comment Thursday in turning away Trump’s emergency appeal. Trump had pressed the court on an issue relating to classified documents seized in the search of Mar-a-Lago. Wall Street staged its biggest comeback in years as stocks roared back from steep morning losses caused by a worse-than-expected report on inflation. The S&P 500 jumped 2.6% Thursday, a stunning reversal after earlier being down as much as 2.4% and touching its lowest level in nearly two years. Florida school shooter Nikolas Cruz will be sentenced to life without parole for the 2018 massacre of 17 people at Parkland’s Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. That sentence comes after the jury announced Thursday that it could not unanimously agree that Cruz should be executed. Average long-term U.S. mortgage rates reached their highest level in more than two decades this week and are likely climb further as the Federal Reserve all but promised more rate increases as it tries to tamp down inflation. Mortgage buyer Freddie Mac reported Thursday that the average on the key 30-year rate climbed to 6.92% from 6.66% last week. An Associated Press investigation has found that Russia’s strategy to take Ukrainian orphans and bring them up as Russian is well underway. It’s one of the war’s most explosive issues. The investigation drew on interviews with parents, officials and children in Ukraine and Russia. It found that officials deported thousands of Ukrainian children to Russia or Russian-held territories without consent, lied to them that they were not wanted by their parents and gave them Russian families and citizenship. Syria unveils a mosaic floor dating to the Roman era dating back to the fourth century in the city of al-Rastan in Syria’s west-central provin… Russia continues to strike civilian centers as the State Emergency Service of Ukraine continues to rescue survivors. Veuer’s Tony Spitz has th… This is the stunning moment a man and his bike were pulled from a sinkhole. Protests ignited by the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini while in the custody of Iran’s morality police on Sept. 16 have turned into one of th… Alain Robert is known for his epic and oftentimes illegal climbs of skyscrapers. Veuer’s Tony Spitz has the details. A Connecticut jury has decided that Infowars host Alex Jones should pay $965 million US to people who suffered from his false claim that the S… In this small town, over 135 underground wineries are kept hidden from view. Here are the three latest new developments in robotics that are making the headlines. Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! 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Post Politics Now: Warnock And Walker To Square Off In Highly Anticipated Debate In Georgia https://digitalarizonanews.com/post-politics-now-warnock-and-walker-to-square-off-in-highly-anticipated-debate-in-georgia/ Sen. Raphael G. Warnock (D-Ga.) and Republican challenger Herschel Walker. (Photographer: Megan Varner/Getty) Updated October 14, 2022 at 8:35 a.m. EDT|Published October 14, 2022 at 6:59 a.m. EDT Today, Sen. Raphael G. Warnock (D-Ga.) and Republican challenger Herschel Walker, the former football star, face off in one of the most anticipated debates in the midterm elections — a race that could tip the balance of party control in the U.S. Senate. The evening encounter in Savannah, Ga., is the latest in a string of debates in marquee Senate races, including one Thursday night in Wisconsin that quickly turned personal between Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) and Democratic challenger Mandela Barnes. Meanwhile, former president Donald Trump is promising to respond Friday morning to the House select committee investigating the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol. The panel voted Thursday to subpoena him. President Biden is in California, where he will hold an event focused on prescription drug prices. Your daily dashboard 6:10 p.m. Eastern (3:10 p.m. Pacific): Biden delivers remarks on lowering costs for American families. Watch live here. 7:20 p.m. Eastern (4:20 p.m. Pacific): Biden travels to Portland, Ore. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre briefs reporters on board Air Force One. Listen live here. 10:10 p.m. Eastern (7:10 p.m. Pacific): Biden participates in a grass-roots volunteer event with the Oregon Democrats. Got a question about politics? Submit it here. After 3 p.m. weekdays, return to this space and we’ll address what’s on the mind of readers. Noted: Pelosi said she wanted to punch Trump as Jan. 6 riot began, video shows Return to menu On Oct. 13, the Jan. 6 Committee played a video of House Speaker Pelosi (D-Calif.), Senate leader Schumer (D-N.Y.) and GOP leaders during the Capitol attack. (Video: The Washington Post, Photo: Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post) Video from Jan. 6, 2021, shows a frustrated House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) telling aides that she wanted to punch President Donald Trump, and lawmakers pleading for the National Guard to be deployed as supporters of the former president forced their way into the Capitol. The Post’s Kelly Kasulis Cho reports that the videos of congressional leaders immediately before and during the Capitol riot, aired for the first time by CNN on Thursday evening, were taken by Pelosi’s daughter, Alexandra Pelosi, a documentary filmmaker working with HBO. Other parts of the footage were played earlier Thursday at a Jan. 6 House Committee hearing, which ended in a unanimous vote to subpoena Trump. On our radar: Biden’s internet promises in limbo amid FCC nominee battle Return to menu The nation’s telecommunications regulator has been without a Democratic majority for the entirety of President Biden’s 21-month tenure, hamstringing efforts to restore open internet protections and close the digital divide. The Post’s Cat Zakrzewski and Cristiano Lima report that breaking the deadlock at the Federal Communications Commission hinges on confirming Gigi Sohn, a longtime public interest advocate and former Democratic FCC official who was first nominated by the White House nearly a year ago. Per our colleagues: Noted: ‘There are no editors anymore,’ Biden says in critique of press Return to menu President Biden and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) headlined a fundraiser for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee on Thursday night in the Brentwood neighborhood of Los Angeles. Among his comments to donors, according to our colleague Tyler Pager: a lament about the technological changes fracturing society and making it harder to discern what’s true and what isn’t. “There are no editors anymore,” Biden said. “The ability of newspapers to have much impact is de minimis.” Spotted at the fundraiser, per Tyler: DCCC Chairman Sean Patrick Maloney (D-N.Y.) and Democratic Reps. Steven Horsford (Nev.), Ted Lieu (Calif.), Brad Sherman (Calif.) and Dina Titus (Nev.), plus Tom Ford “milling about outside.” Analysis: Jan. 6 hearing shows Trump knew he lost, while claiming otherwise Return to menu Former president Donald Trump’s communications director recounted popping into the Oval Office roughly a week after the 2020 election to find a morose Trump watching TV: “Can you believe I lost to this f—ing guy?” Trump lamented, referring to then-President-elect Joe Biden. The Post’s Ashley Parker writes that the likely final hearing of the Jan. 6 panel painted a portrait of an American president who, with help from a cabal of right-wing allies, embarked on a premeditated plan to refuse to cede power regardless of the election results and who — despite privately acknowledging that he had lost to Biden — ultimately executed that plan to deadly effect on Jan. 6, 2021. Per Ashley: The latest: Biden to sign executive order on drug prices during California swing Return to menu President Biden will sign an executive order Friday, instructing the Department of Health and Human Services to explore actions it could take to lower prescription drug prices. The order is part of an effort by Biden to highlight his administration’s efforts to strengthen Medicare and Social Security and reduce costs amid soaring inflation. During an ongoing visit to California, the president will also tout the provisions in the Inflation Reduction Act to lower prescription drug costs for seniors. On our radar: It’s debate night in Georgia Return to menu The political world will focus on Savannah, Ga., on Friday night when Sen. Raphael G. Warnock (D-Ga.) shares a stage with Republican challenger Herschel Walker for one of the most anticipated debates of the midterm election season. It will be the first meeting of the two candidates since stories surfaced that Walker, who opposes abortions in all cases, allegedly paid for a woman to undergo the procedure in 2009 and subsequently pushed for the same woman to have another one two years later. The story was first reported by the Daily Beast. On our radar: Trump says he’ll respond to Jan. 6 committee this morning Return to menu The Jan. 6 committee unanimously voted to subpoena testimony from former president Donald Trump on Oct. 13. (Video: The Washington Post) Former president Donald Trump is pledging to respond Friday morning to a subpoena from the House select committee investigating the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol. “I will be putting out my response to the Unselect Committee of political Hacks & Thugs tomorrow morning at 8:00. Thank you!” Trump said in a late-night posting Thursday on Truth Social, his social media network. Earlier Thursday, the committee issued a subpoena seeking testimony and documents from Trump, a challenge with little historical precedent that members said was a necessary final act before the panel concludes its work. Insight: The Senate debate in Wisconsin turns personal Return to menu A debate Thursday in Wisconsin quickly turned to personal attacks between the two Senate candidates, with Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) starting off the hour-long session by characterizing his Democratic opponent as offering “hollow left-wing rhetoric” and questioning whether he has accomplished anything at all. Mandela Barnes, the Democratic nominee for Senate and Wisconsin’s first Black lieutenant governor, minimized Johnson’s success in the private sector. Johnson’s “biggest achievement in business was … saying ‘I do.’ He married into his business,” Barnes said. (Johnson spent much of his career working at a company founded by his wife’s brother and eventually became the firm’s chief executive.) Noted: Secret Service knew of Capitol threat more than a week before Jan. 6 Return to menu The House select committee investigating the Jan. 6, 2021 Capitol attack presented new evidence on Oct. 13, showing the Secret Service was aware of threats. (Video: The Washington Post, Photo: Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post) The Secret Service had warnings earlier than previously known that supporters of President Donald Trump were plotting an armed attack on the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, according to records revealed in a congressional hearing Thursday. The Post’s Carol D. Leonnig reports that Secret Service agents in charge of assessing the risks around the protests had been tracking online chats on pro-Trump websites and noted that rallygoers were vowing to bring firearms, target the Capitol for a siege and even kill Vice President Mike Pence. Per Carol: Read More Here