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AP News Digest 3:10 Am | Federal News Network https://digitalarizonanews.com/ap-news-digest-310-am-federal-news-network/ Here are the AP’s latest coverage plans, top stories and promotable content. All times EDT. For up-to-the minute information on AP’s coverage, visit Coverage Plan at . Adds OBIT-ANGELA-LANSBURY ————————— Here are the AP’s latest coverage plans, top stories and promotable content. All times EDT. For up-to-the minute information on AP’s coverage, visit Coverage Plan at . Adds OBIT-ANGELA-LANSBURY ————————— ————————— RUSSIA-UKRAINE-WAR — Russian forces showered Ukraine with more missiles and munition-carrying drones Tuesday after widespread strikes killed at least 19 people in an attack the U.N. human rights office described as “particularly shocking” and amounting to potential war crimes. The strikes have knocked out power across the country and pierced the relative calm that had returned to Kyiv and many other cities far from the war’s front lines. By Adam Schreck. SENT: 1,290 words, photos, video. BIDEN-SAUDI ARABIA — President Joe Biden said there will be “consequences” for Saudi Arabia as the Riyadh-led OPEC+ alliance moves to cut oil production and Democratic lawmakers call for a freeze on cooperation with the Saudis. Biden suggested he would soon take action, as aides announced that the administration is reevaluating its relationship with the kingdom in light of the oil production cut that White House officials say will help another OPEC+ member, Russia, pad its coffers as it continues its nearly eight-month war in Ukraine. By Aamer Madhani. SENT: 920 words, photos. UNITED STATES-VENEZUELA MIGRATION — U.S. officials say the Biden administration is developing plans for Venezuelans with sponsors to be granted parole to enter the United States, similar to how Ukrainians have been admitted after Russia’s invasion. By Elliot Spagat. SENT: 550 words, photos. ELECTION 2022-HOUSE-DEMOCRATS — There are 14 congressional districts that are Republican-held but that Joe Biden would have won in 2020 under new maps. As Democrats brace for midterm losses that could cost them control of the House, they hope flipping Republican-held districts can make up ground lost elsewhere. By Will Weissert. SENT: 1,090 words, photos. MYANMAR SUU KYI — A court in military-ruled Myanmar convicted the country’s ousted leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, on two more corruption charges, with two three-year sentences to be served concurrently, adding to previous convictions that now leave her with a 26-year total prison term, a legal official said. By Grant Peck. SENT: 930 words, photos. IRAN-PROTESTS-THE DIASPORA — As anti-government protests roil cities and towns in Iran for a fourth week, tens of thousands of Iranians living abroad have marched on the streets of Europe, North America and beyond in support of what many believe to be a watershed moment for their home country. By Sylvia Hui. SENT: 1,000 words, photos. ———————————- ———————————- ELECTION 2022-HOUSE-NEW YORK-GUNS — After two mass shootings, including one close to his suburban Buffalo home, U.S. Rep. Chris Jacobs did the unthinkable in today’s Republican Party: He backed a ban on assault rifles. SENT: 1,090 words, photos. ————————— TRENDING ————————— ATLANTA AIRPORT SEARCHES-LAWSUIT — Comedians sue over drug search program at Atlanta airport. SENT: 830 words, photos. YANKEES-DONALDSON’S BLUNDER — Yankees’ Donaldson trots too soon, thrown out on near homer. SENT: 630 words, photos. NEW ZEALAND-STRANDED WHALES — Some 477 whales die in “heartbreaking” New Zealand strandings. SENT: 400 words, photos. TEEN SHOT-OFFICER FIRED-TEXAS — Ex-Texas cop charged for shooting teen eating hamburger. SENT: 430 words, photos. FACEBOOK-META-VR — Facebook owner Meta unveils $1,500 VR headset: Will it sell? SENT: 290 words, photo. MARYLAND KILLING-SERIAL PODCAST — Prosecutors drop charges against Adnan Syed in “Serial” case. SENT: 940 words, photos, video. ————————— ————————— TRUMP-FBI — The Biden administration urged the Supreme Court to steer clear of a legal fight over classified documents seized during an FBI search of former President Donald Trump’s Florida estate. SENT: 530 words, photos, video. ———————————- ———————————- LOS ANGELES CITY COUNCIL-RACISM — The leaked recording of racist comments that resulted in the president of the Los Angeles City Council resigning from the post also provided an unvarnished look into City Hall’s racial rivalries and the fight to gain and hold political power in a changing city. By Political Writer Michael R. Blood. SENT: 1,140 words, photos, video. SCHOOL SHOOTING-FLORIDA-EXPLAINER — The jurors who will decide whether Florida school shooter Nikolas Cruz is sentenced to death or life without parole are expected to begin their deliberations, concluding a three-month trial. Here is a look at the case. SENT: 840 words, photos. GEORGIA SHERIFF-INDICTED — An Atlanta-area sheriff who’s a magnet for controversy stands accused of having detainees strapped into a restraint chair for hours even though they posed no threat to anyone and followed orders from deputies. SENT: 900 words, photos. ———————————- ———————————- AFRICA-NATURAL GAS-EUROPE — Europe is signing a growing number of deals with African countries for natural gas supplies as Russia cuts back flows, but while Africa’s natural gas reserves are vast, the continent’s producers have long been stymied by a lack of infrastructure and security challenges. SENT: 1,200 words, photos. CHINA PARTY CONGRESS-SECRECY — For decades, journalist Ho Pin made accurate predictions about China’s next leadership line-up. But days before the opening of the 20th Party Congress, he says there’s little point, given the power amassed by Chinese leader Xi Jinping. SENT: 1,160 words, photos. INDONESIA-BALI-BOMBING — Hundreds gathered on the Indonesian resort island of Bali to commemorate 20 years since twin bombings killed 202 people, mostly foreign tourists, including 88 Australians and seven Americans. SENT: 1,000 words, photos. ——————————— HEALTH/SCIENCE ——————————— ASTEROID STRIKE — A spacecraft that plowed into a small, harmless asteroid millions of miles away succeeded in shifting its orbit, NASA said in announcing the results of its save-the-world test. By Aerospace Writer Marcia Dunn. SENT: 660 words, photos, video. JAPAN-ROCKET-FAILED — Japan’s space agency said a rocket carrying eight satellites failed just after liftoff and had to be aborted by a self-destruction command, in the country’s first failed rocket launch in nearly 20 years. SENT: 360 words, photos. ———————————- ———————————- FINANCIAL MARKETS — Asian shares were mixed following another volatile day on Wall Street, as traders braced for updates on inflation and corporate earnings. By Business Writer Yuri Kageyama. SENT: 680 words, photos. PRODUCER PRICES — Labor Department releases the Producer Price Index for September. By Economics Writer Christopher Rugaber. UPCOMING: 130 words after 8:30 a.m. release, then updated, photo. ———————————— ———————————— OBIT-ANGELA-LANSBURY — Angela Lansbury, the scene-stealing British actor who kicked up her heels in the Broadway musicals “Mame” and “Gypsy” and solved endless murders as crime novelist Jessica Fletcher in the long-running TV series “Murder, She Wrote,” has died. She was 96. By Entertainment Writer Mark Kennedy. SENT: 1,760 words, photos. ———————————- HOW TO REACH US ———————————- At the Nerve Center, Jerome Minerva can be reached at 800-845-8450 (ext. 1600). For photos, Wally Santana (ext. 1900). For graphics and interactives, ext. 7636. Expanded AP content can be obtained from . For access to AP Newsroom and other technical issues, contact apcustomersupport@ap.org or call 844-777-2006. Copyright © 2022 . 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Labor Proposal Could Upend Rules For Gig Workers, Companies https://digitalarizonanews.com/labor-proposal-could-upend-rules-for-gig-workers-companies/ An Uber sign is displayed inside a car in Palatine, Ill., Thursday, Feb. 10, 2022. The U.S. Department of Labor is proposing a new rule on employee classifications, saying workers have incorrectly been deemed independent contractors, which hurts their rights. The department said Tuesday, Oct. 11, that misclassifying workers as independent contractors instead of employees denies employees’ protections under federal labor standards, promotes wage theft, allows certain employers to gain an unfair advantage over businesses, and hurts the economy. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh, File) The Biden administration proposed new standards Tuesday that could make it more difficult to classify millions of workers as independent contractors and deny them minimum wage and benefits. The U.S. Department of Labor rule, which could take months to take effect, would replace a scrapped Trump-era standard that had lowered the bar for classifying employees as contractors, workers who are not covered by federal minimum wage laws and are not entitled to benefits including health insurance and paid sick days. The reaction in markets for major gig companies was immediate. Shares of the ride-hailing company Lyft fell 12% while rival Uber tumbled about 10%, although both companies dismissed the significance of the new proposal and its potential to affect their business. In one key change, employers are required to consider whether the work provided is an integral part of their business. That could affect app-based companies that rely almost entirely on freelance workers to provide their services. The Trump-era rule had narrowed that criteria to whether the work in part of an integrated unit of production, and gave more weight to other considerations such as the worker’s opportunity to make a profit or loss. The new rule directs employers to consider six criteria for determining whether a worker is an employee or a contractor, without predetermining whether one outweighs the other. The criteria also include the degree of control by the employer, whether the work requires special skills, the degree of permanence of the relationship between worker and employer and the investment a worker makes, such as car payments. The rule, however, does not carry the same weight as a law passed by Congress or state legislatures, nor does it specify whether any specific company or industry should reclassify their workers. Rather, it offers an interpretation of who should qualify for protections under the 1938 Fair Labor Standards Act. The rule could bolster labor advocates seeking to challenge worker classification in courts, or state lawmakers seeking to pass stricter laws for designating workers as contractors, said Patricia Campos-Medina, executive director of the Worker Institute at Cornell University’s School of Industrial and Labor Relations. “It creates a base from which to work and it discourages predatory companies that want to lower their costs by denying basic rights to their employees,” said Campos-Medina. Still, there is room for interpretation since some companies might meet one set of criteria for contractor designation, but not others. “I don’t think it will stop the debate,” Campos-Medina said. “The only thing the federal rule does is it creates a basic standard for evaluation.” The Labor Department said misclassifying workers as independent contractors denies those workers protections under federal labor standards, promotes wage theft, allows certain employers to gain an unfair advantage over businesses, and hurts the economy. “While independent contractors have an important role in our economy, we have seen in many cases that employers misclassify their employees as independent contractors, particularly among our nation’s most vulnerable workers,” said Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh in a prepared statement. Wedbush analyst Dan Ives said the proposal would constitute a major change for workers and employers from previous years. “A classification to employees would essentially throw the business model upside down and cause some major structural changes if this holds,” Ives wrote. But both Uber and Lyft dismissed the potential impact of the new rule. “Today’s proposed rule takes a measured approach, essentially returning us to the Obama era, during which our industry grew exponentially” CR Wooters, head of federal affairs at Uber, said in a statement. In a blog post, Lyft said the company had expected this change since the start of the Biden administration. “Importantly this rule: Does not reclassify Lyft drivers as employees. Does not force Lyft to change our business model,” the company said. The new rule is subject to a 45-day period ending Nov. 28 during which stakeholders can submit comments, and may not take effect for months. Gig economy giants have weathered past attempts in the U.S. to require their drivers to be classified as employees. In 2020, California voters overwhelmingly approved a proposition to exempt drivers for app-based companies from a state law requiring them to be designated as employees. Uber, Lyft and other companies had spent $200 million campaigning in favor of the proposition. However, a judge struck down the ballot measure as unconstitutional last year, setting up a legal fight that could end up in the California Supreme Court. App-based companies have long argued that their workers want the flexibility to set their own hours as contract workers. Beyond gig workers, the new law has the potential to change the circumstances of millions of custodians, truck drivers, waiters, construction workers and others, according to the Labor Department. Workers themselves are divided over the debate. In California, for example, hundreds of port truck drivers seeking to preserve their independent contractor status shut down operations in the Port of Oakland last summer to protest the state’s gig workers law. But other truckers have successfully fought to force their companies to classify them as employees with full benefits. Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Read More Here

American Diwali: President Biden Will Light A Lamp At The White House, Trump Will Make Fireworks This Time! https://digitalarizonanews.com/american-diwali-president-biden-will-light-a-lamp-at-the-white-house-trump-will-make-fireworks-this-time/ Strong points Donald Trump will celebrate Diwali on October 21 at Mar-a-Lago Resort Biden will light a lamp at the White House on October 24 for Diwali Donald Trump’s team also plans to do fireworks Washington, US President Joe Biden will celebrate Diwali at the White House on October 24, while his predecessor Donald Trump plans to celebrate it on October 21 at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida. Biden plans to celebrate Diwali with prominent members of the Native American community and members of his administration. First Lady Jill Biden will also attend the celebration to be held at the White House on October 24. Detailed information regarding the Diwali celebration at the White House has yet to be released. Meanwhile, the Republican Hindu Coalition (RHC) announced on Tuesday that Trump would celebrate Diwali with his party members and Indo-American community leaders at his Mar-a-Lago resort town on Oct. 21. RHC’s Shalabh Kumar said it was discussed for four hours. Trump’s team also plans to do fireworks. Be the first to read the latest news in America News84Media America | Today’s Breaking News, Live Updates, Read Most Trusted America News Website News84Media America | Tags: Diwali celebration, White House FIRST POST: October 12, 2022, 11:41 PM HST , Read More Here

China Stocks Recover In Mixed Asia Trade; Yen Weakens Past 146 https://digitalarizonanews.com/china-stocks-recover-in-mixed-asia-trade-yen-weakens-past-146/ The Tokyo Stock Exchange in Japan. Noriko Hayashi | Bloomberg via Getty Images Asia-Pacific markets were mixed on Wednesday, with some indexes struggling for direction amid concerns over the global economy. Investors are also waiting for inflation data from the U.S. due later this week. The Shanghai Composite in mainland China rose around 1%, and the Shenzhen Component gained 1.535%. Both indexes earlier lost more than 1% each. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index recovered slightly to trade 0.89% lower, with the Hang Seng Tech index falling more than 1%. In Japan, the Nikkei 225 closed fractionally lower at 26,396.83 and Topix lost 0.12% to 1,869. Japan’s yen was hovering around 146 against the dollar. The S&P/ASX 200 in Australia 0.04% higher at 6,647.50. MSCI’s broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan was down 0.1%. South Korea’s Kospi gained 0.47% and the Kosdaq was higher by 0.13%. South Korea’s central bank raised interest rates by 50 basis points to 3% on Wednesday, in line with expectations. The Korean won strengthened and last changed hands at 1,423.78 per dollar. Overnight on Wall Street, the S&P 500 shed 0.65% to close at 3,588.84 after hitting a multiyear low during the session. The Nasdaq Composite dropped 1.10% to 10,426.19, its lowest close since July 2020. The Dow Jones Industrial Average ticked up 36.31 points, or 0.12%, to close at 29,239.19. — CNBC’s Carmen Reinicke and Sarah Min contributed to this report. CNBC Pro: It’s too early to buy the dip, investor says, naming 8 stocks to buy when the time is right One fund manager is cautioning against buying the dip, despite a 25% decline in the S&P 500 this year. Instead, investors should be repositioning toward stocks sensitive to interest rates, John Ricciardi, head of asset allocation and a fund manager at Deuterium Capital, said. He names three stocks in the consumer staples sectors, three in utilities, and two in materials for investors to scoop up when the time is right. CNBC Pro subscribers can read more here. — Ganesh Rao New bank loans in China soared in September, data shows Banks in China extended 2.47 trillion yuan ($344 billion) of new loans in September, compared with 1.25 trillion yuan in August, the country’s central bank said in a statement late Tuesday. That comes after the People’s Bank of China’s efforts to boost credit by lowering interest rates this year. Analysts polled by Reuters expected new loans to come in at 1.8 trillion yuan. — Abigail Ng South Korea’s central bank raises rates by 50 basis points The Bank of Korea raised its policy rate to 3%, an increase of 50 basis points in line with expectations, as the central bank tries to keep inflation under control and limit the plunge in the Korean won. Interest rate differentials have boosted the dollar this year, and the won has fallen around 20% against the greenback since the start of the year. Inflation in South Korea stood at 5.6% in September, above the central bank’s target. — Abigail Ng Japan’s yen weakens to fresh 24-year high The Japanese yen weakened past the level where authorities previously intervened to mark a new 24-year high in Asia’s morning trade. The U.S. dollar bought as much as 146.22 yen at one point, but then retreated to 146.08. Officials in Japan intervened in the foreign exchange market in September when the dollar-yen hit 145.9. — Abigail Ng CNBC Pro: This stock is a better bet than even U.S. Treasurys, fund manager says Nick Griffin, chief investment officer at Munro Partners, is so bullish on one stock, he says it’s a better bet than U.S. Treasurys.       “It’s cheaper than a U.S. Treasury. It grows faster than the U.S. Treasury, and it’s probably got a better balance sheet than the U.S. Treasury. So from our point of view, it’s a fairly safe place to [put your] cash,” he said. Short-term U.S. Treasurys have surged in popularity among investors of late as yields pop. CNBC Pro subscribers can read more here. — Weizhen Tan U.S. economy is doing well amid economic uncertainty, says Treasury Secretary Yellen Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said the U.S. is “doing very well” amid global economic uncertainty. Although the U.S. economy has slowed after a strong recovery, jobs reports indicate a resilient economy, she said in an interview Tuesday with CNBC’s Sara Eisen. She also acknowledged that inflation is too high and that lowering it is a priority for the Biden administration, and emphasized the importance of maintaining a healthy labor market while doing so. — Chelsey Cox, Tanaya Macheel IMF cuts global growth forecast for next year Read More Here

Trump News – Live: DoJ Asks Supreme Court To Stay Out Of Mar-A-Lago Classified Documents Case https://digitalarizonanews.com/trump-news-live-doj-asks-supreme-court-to-stay-out-of-mar-a-lago-classified-documents-case/ The Department of Justice has asked the Supreme Court to refrain from intervening in an ongoing dispute between the government and former president Donald Trump over classified documents found during the 8 August search of his Mar-a-Lago property. In a brief filed with the high court on Tuesday, the US Solicitor General said Justice Clarence Thomas — the justice responsible for reviewing 11th Circuit Court of Appeals decisions — should keep in place a three-judge panel’s order allowing the government to block “highly sensitive” documents from a special master and use them to further the criminal probe into the twice-impeached ex-president. Meanwhile, a report in The Washington Post reveals that half of the money raised by Mr Trump’s Save America political action committees has been spent on his legal bills and two nonprofits employing former members of his administration rather than Republican congressional campaigns. The group has contributed about $8.4m so far directly to Republican campaigns and committees while devoting $7m to the former president’s lawyers and another $2m to the two nonprofits. Key points Data shows Trump legal fees eat up money that could be spent on other GOP candidates DoJ asks Supreme Court to stay out of Trump Mar-a-Lago document case McCarthy told Trump Jan 6 rioters were trying to kill him – report Cassidy Hutchinson is ‘cooperating’ with Atlanta judge’s probe of Trump Report: Trump lawyer Christina Bobb cooperating with Justice Department Why has Kanye West turned on Jared Kushner? 05:30 , Oliver O’Connell Kanye West took issue with a figure he’d previously professed his love for in his wide-ranging interview with Fox News’s Tucker Carlson: Jared Kushner. Throughout the explosive Thursday night sitdown between the pair, Kanye addressed a number of topics, including his pro-life stance, his decision to don a red MAGA cap, labelled the body positive moment “demonic” and admonished the fashion industry for encouraging his ex-wife, Kim Kardashian, to “stick her a** out” for magazines. In one of the more zany and unexpected exchanges, Kanye sharply criticised Mr Kushner, a former senior White House adviser to his father-in-law, Donald Trump, insinuating that he was a person solely motivated by financial gain. Johanna Chisholm takes a look at the relationship between the two. Why has Kanye West turned on his old friend Jared Kushner? Fact check: Sorting presidential papers in an ex-bowling alley 04:00 , Oliver O’Connell At a rally for Nevada Republicans on Saturday, former President Donald Trump argued against the federal probe into the storage of classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago estate by falsely suggesting that past presidents did the same thing. Read more: FACT FOCUS: Sorting papers and facts in an ex-bowling alley Trump claims Bill Clinton ‘lost’ the nuclear codes 03:15 , Oliver O’Connell As federal investigators continue to probe which White House materials Donald Trump took to his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, the former president is claiming Bill Clinton lost the nuclear codes while in office. On Monday evening, Mr Trump reposted a statement on Truth Social from former Clinton military aide Robert “Buzz” Patterson, who wrote that, “Just a reminder, but Bill Clinton actually LOST the nuclear codes during my tenure with him. We weren’t raided.” Josh Marcus has the story. Donald Trump claims Bill Clinton ‘lost’ the nuclear codes Cassidy Hutchinson reportedly testifies in Georgia election probe 02:30 , Oliver O’Connell The former White House aide whose bombshell testimony gave House January 6 committee members a window into former president Donald Trump’s actions on the day of the Capitol riot is reportedly cooperating with a Georgia-based criminal probe into Mr Trump’s push to overturn the 2020 election there. According to CNN, former Mark Meadows assistant Cassidy Hutchinson is now aiding Fulton County, Georgia, district attorney Fani Willis’ ongoing probe into whether Mr Trump or his associates violated Georgia election laws by pressuring Peach State officials to throw out ballots after Mr Trump became the first Republican to lose there in decades. Andrew Feinberg reports. Ex-White House aide Cassidy Hutchinson reportedly testifies in Georgia election probe Trump claims he ‘destroyed’ late-night stars Kimmel and Colbert 01:45 , Oliver O’Connell Donald Trump claimed that he’s behind the decreasing ratings of late-night programmes hosted by the likes of Jimmy Kimmel, Stephen Colbert, and Trevor Noah, and congratulated Greg Gutfeld, Fox News’ late-night host, for his recent viewing figures. Gustaf Kilander has the story. Trump takes credit for a late night host’s success, claims he ‘destroyed’ Colbert Most Americans don’t trust the Supreme Court 01:00 , Oliver O’Connell A new survey shows that more than half of Americans do not trust the Supreme Court as it begins a new term. An Annenberg Public Policy Center poll found that 53 per cent of American adults do not trust the Supreme Court, with the same number of Americans saying they disapprove of the job the court is doing. Eric Garcia reports. Majority of Americans don’t trust the current Supreme Court Donald Trump woos Christian right in newly released video Wednesday 12 October 2022 00:15 , Oliver O’Connell Donald Trump and his daughter Ivanka Trump are heard wooing Christian right leaders ahead of the 2016 election in a newly unearthed audio recording. The tape is featured in the new documentary Battleground, directed by Cynthia Lowen, which takes a close look at anti-abortion activists. According to the documentary, the audio was taken during a closed-door meeting between Trump and leaders of the Christian right, 40 days before the 2016 election. Trump was reported to have met with conservative Christians in June of that year. The audio in the documentary was recorded during a different meeting, on 29 September 2016. Clémence Michallon has the details. Donald and Ivanka Trump woo Christian right in newly released tape Christina Bobb now cooperating with DoJ on missing documents case, report says Tuesday 11 October 2022 23:40 , Oliver O’Connell The right-wing TV anchor-turned-attorney for former president Donald Trump, who signed a false certification telling the Department of Justice that the ex-president had turned over all classified documents in his possession, is now cooperating with federal prosecutors in the investigation into Mr Trump. According to NBC News, attorney Christina Bobb met with federal investigators and provided information on two other attorneys who had a hand in submitting the statement to the government. Andrew Feinberg reports. Trump lawyer cooperating with Justice Department on missing documents case Adam Kinzinger endorses Democrats against GOP election deniers Tuesday 11 October 2022 23:20 , Oliver O’Connell Adam Kinzinger may not be running for reelection this year, but that isn’t stopping him from doing what he still can to challenge election deniers on every possible front. John Bowden reports. Adam Kinzinger endorses Dems against GOP election deniers Trump dossier source trial begins Tuesday 11 October 2022 23:00 , Oliver O’Connell A Russian analyst who played a major role in the creation of a flawed dossier about former President Donald Trump fabricated one of his own sources and concealed the identity of another when interviewed by the FBI, prosecutors said Tuesday. The allegations were aired in opening statements in the jury trial of Igor Danchenko, who is indicted on five counts of making false statements to the FBI, in U.S. District Court in Alexandria. Read more: Trial begins for analyst who was source for Trump dossier Where can you watch the next Jan 6 hearing? Tuesday 11 October 2022 22:41 , Oliver O’Connell The House select committee investigating the Capitol insurrection on 6 January 2021 is holding a number of public hearings as it explores the circumstances that led to the shameful events of that day. The next hearing, which could be the last public meeting of the panel, is set to begin at 1pm EST on Thursday, 13 October. Here’s where to watch: How to watch the Jan 6 committee hearings Data shows Trump legal fees eat up money that could be spent on other GOP candidates Tuesday 11 October 2022 22:23 , Oliver O’Connell The nearly 20 major lawsuits and investigations facing Donald Trump are draining millions of dollars away from supporting other GOP candidates, according to campaign filings. Josh Marcus reports. Trump legal fees eat up money that could be spent on other GOP candidates, data shows New poll shows Raphael Warnock gaining on Herschel Walker in Georgia senate race Tuesday 11 October 2022 22:00 , Oliver O’Connell Democratic incumbent Senator Raphael Warnock took the lead in Georgia in his race against Republican Herschel Walker, a new Emerson College poll showed. The poll showed that 48 per cent of likely supporters would cast their vote for Mr Warnock, compared to 46 per cent who said they would vote for Mr Walker, a former running back for the University of Georgia. The survey showed that Mr Warnock’s support increased by four points while Mr Walker’s support declined by about two points. Eric Garcia reports. Georgia poll shows support for Herschel Walker dips as Democrat Raphael Warnock gains DoJ asks Supreme Court to stay out of Trump Mar-a-Lago document case Tuesday 11 October 2022 21:49 , Oliver O’Connell The Department of Justice has asked the Supreme Court to refrain from intervening in an ongoing dispute between the government and former president Donald Trump over classified documents found during the 8 August search of his Mar-a-Lago property. Andrew Feinbe...

Byron York: Republicans And Bias In Midterm Polls https://digitalarizonanews.com/byron-york-republicans-and-bias-in-midterm-polls/ Republicans always believe the polls are slanted against them. That belief has sometimes caused them to misread big political races. In 2012, for example, a significant number of Republicans convinced themselves that GOP presidential nominee Mitt Romney was actually going to defeat incumbent Democratic President Barack Obama. There was a lot of talk about “unskewing” the polls. Then Obama beat Romney handily. But there have also been some egregious examples of polling bias, or at least polling mistakes, in the years since Donald Trump entered national politics. On many occasions, pollsters have seemed unable to measure Trump’s appeal, especially in state-level polls. In the 2016 Trump vs. Hillary Clinton race, the polls showed Clinton winning in three states critical to Trump’s victory — Wisconsin, Michigan and Pennsylvania. In Wisconsin, the RealClearPolitics average of polls on Election Day showed Clinton winning by 6.5 points; in fact, Trump won by seven-tenths of a point. In Michigan, the polls had Clinton up by 3.6 points; Trump won by three-tenths of a point. And in Pennsylvania, the polls showed Clinton ahead by 2.1 points; Trump won by seven-tenths of a point. Read More Here

Russian Involvement In Trump Campaign Remains Crux Of The Issue – The Boston Globe https://digitalarizonanews.com/russian-involvement-in-trump-campaign-remains-crux-of-the-issue-the-boston-globe/ Re “Steele dossier trial set to begin: Analyst accused of lying to FBI” (Page A2, Oct. 10): According to this article, in 2019 then-president Donald Trump assigned John H. Durham “to investigate the Russia investigation” with the expectation “that Durham would uncover a ‘deep state’ conspiracy against him and charge high-level FBI and intelligence officials with crimes.” However, the Russian involvement in the 2016 Trump campaign was a fact, not a hoax. We should never overlook or forget the fact that a Ukrainian, Konstantin V. Kilimnick, was the business partner of Paul Manafort, who, at the time, was Trump’s 2016 campaign manager. Manafort reportedly handed over detailed and private campaign polling data to Kilimnick (a Russian operative) in 2016. Manafort was convicted of other crimes in March 2019 and pardoned on Dec. 23, 2020, by his friend Trump. Iris Kaufman Peabody Read More Here

Horizon Honors Looking For Success At Titan Invitational https://digitalarizonanews.com/horizon-honors-looking-for-success-at-titan-invitational/ Horizon Honors huddles before the start of their race (Erin Hjerpe/AZPreps365) The Titan Invitational hosted by Chandler Preparatory Academy at Crossroads Park in Gilbert on Oct. 13 is one of the most important meets for Horizon Honors this season. The meet will feature numerous teams that Horizon Honors will see at sectionals to qualify for the state championships, which are both in November. “It is important for our boys team especially because it is at the park where we will race at sectionals,” said Horizon Honors head coach David Sheveland. The Eagles placed 17th at their most recent meet Western Equinox on Sept. 24. Their top runner Trey Costello individually placed 25th with a time of 18 minutes and 24.5 seconds, and the rest of the team finished under 30 minutes. Sheveland stressed to his team the importance of training during their fall break leading up to the Titan Invite. Prior to the break, Sheveland held a scavenger hunt for the team, in which the main goal was to run and stick together. The Titan Invitational will have some big contenders for Horizon Honors. The host Chandler Prep placed first at Western Equinox in the boys division. Their top boys runner JD Ouellette finished second at 16:50.0. Another top team at the Titan Invite will be Valley Christian. Horizon Honors has raced against Valley Christian twice earlier this season at Western Equinox and the Erin Botma Invitational. Valley Christian placed first and second at the Erin Botma and Western Equinox, respectively, where the Trojans finished in both around 18 minutes in both meets. Six out of Valley Christian’s seven runners placed between 15th and 22nd at Western Equinox. The girls division at the Titan Invite will be just as tough. Although the Horizon Honors cannot compete as a team, the individual race is still important for Maya Wells and Madelyn Longstreet. “It’s important for sectionals and where we are ranked,” Wells said. Much like the boys, they will face top schools in the girls division such as American Leadership Academy-Ironwood and Valley Christian. Valley Christian’s top runner Ellie Phillips finished third at the Erin Botma Invite and seventh at Western Equinox. Wells finished 15th at the Erin Botma Invite at 23:59.6, and Madelyn Longstreet finished 54th at 28:34.9. They both improved at Western Equinox, finishing 18th (22:34.2) and 65th (27:44.5), respectively.  The Eagles have battled through the heat their past two meets with temperatures reaching the upper 90s. “I’m glad it’s going to be in the morning so it shouldn’t be that hot,” Longstreet said. Sheveland hopes to see his team finish earlier because the temperatures will be lower. Trey Costello finished around 17 minutes their first two meets, but with the heat and previous soreness in his shoulder his time has gone up slightly. The girls will run first at 10 a.m. in girls small school varsity. They will be followed by the boys small school varsity at 10:30 a.m. then boys small school open at 10:55 a.m. where two of the boys will be running. The team continues their path to state in its final stretch of the season with three meets until sectionals. The team almost qualified for state last year but did not make the cut. “Last year two teams didn’t show up to sectionals and they take the top half teams to states. So if there were 10 teams there we placed sixth, if those teams showed up we would have gone to states,” Sheveland said. Read More Here

Biden Warns Saudi Arabia Will Face “consequences” Over OPEC Oil Production Cut https://digitalarizonanews.com/biden-warns-saudi-arabia-will-face-consequences-over-opec-oil-production-cut/ President Biden with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on July 15. Photo: Royal Court of Saudi Arabia/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images President Biden will “continue to re-evaluate” the U.S.’ relationship with Saudi Arabia after a group of international oil exporters and Russia decided to significantly cut oil production in response to falling fuel prices, National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby told CNN on Tuesday. The latest: Biden told CNN in an interview broadcast Tuesday there would be “consequences” for Saudi Arabia over the decision to cut oil output, declining to elaborate further. Driving the news: The White House warned last week that Biden may support legislation aimed at reducing OPEC’s control over energy prices, suggesting Biden is considering a new, escalatory approach with the Saudis, Axios’ Alayna Treene and Hans Nichols report. Kirby reiterated this warning Tuesday, stressing that Biden is “willing” to work with Congress to redefine relations. Why it matters: OPEC+’s decision to slash oil production by 2 million barrels per day starting in November could have a ripple effect around the world. In the US, the move could increase the price of gas again — right before the midterm elections, Axios’ Ben Geman reports. OPEC+’s attempt to prop up oil prices could also benefit Russia’s funding of its brutal and illegal invasion of Ukraine. What they’re saying: “I think the president’s been very clear that this is a relationship that we need to continue to re-evaluate, that we need to be willing to revisit,” Kirby told CNN. “And certainly in light of the OPEC decision, I think that’s where he is, and he’s willing to work with Congress to think through what that relationship ought to look like going forward,” Kirby added. Kirby added later in a call with reporters that OPEC’s move to cut production was “a short-sighted decision and that it benefited Russia, at a time when nobody, in any capacity, should be trying to benefit Vladimir Putin.” For Saudi Arabia’s part, Oil Minister Abdulaziz bin Salman has said OPEC+ was just trying to get ahead of a potential reduction in demand, Axios’ Dave Lawler reports. The big picture: Biden administration officials attempted to dissuade OPEC+ from the decision with a last-minute lobbying effort earlier this month, saying the the cut could be a “total disaster” and may be interpreted as a “hostile act,” according to CNN. Biden faced backlash in the summer for his trip to Saudi Arabia and fist-bump with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman before a meeting, which was meant to recalibrate U.S.-Saudi ties and bolster U.S. influence in the region. Go deeper: Biden’s new Saudi strategy What OPEC’s 2 million-barrel cut could mean for U.S. gas prices Editor’s note: This article has been updated with new details throughout. Read More Here

Kari Lake Wants To Put Money In Your Pocket By Cutting Taxes Cities Rely On. Here's What We Know https://digitalarizonanews.com/kari-lake-wants-to-put-money-in-your-pocket-by-cutting-taxes-cities-rely-on-heres-what-we-know/ The Republican nominee for governor would end taxes on groceries and residential rentals. Mayor warns cuts to fire and police could follow. PHOENIX — The Valley’s 13% inflation rate – the highest in the country – is a top concern for the candidates for governor.  Republican Kari Lake was standing in the middle of a Glendale carniceria Tuesday serving up her answer: tax cuts. “One of the concerns I keep getting from people from all walks of life is, ‘Wow, we can’t afford just the basics anymore,” Lake said. She proposes wiping out the taxes that cities collect when you go to the grocery store or pay the rent.  But there are questions about how many people would benefit and how Lake would pay for the tax cuts. Here’s what we know: ‘Half a billion dollars back in pockets’ Lake, a TV news anchor in Phoenix for 25 years, says she would put “half a billion dollars back in the pockets of Arizonans” by eliminating the rental and food taxes. She would have to get the legislature’s approval to do it. The tax rate on groceries averages 2.69% statewide, and the rental tax rate 2.78%, according to the League of Arizona Cities and Towns. Total tax collections last year were $340 million, according to the league.  The highest rates are found in rural communities that depend on taxes to provide basic services like law enforcement. The communities don’t have the property tax and retail tax base that supports services in larger cities. Uneven impact across the state The proposed cuts would have an uneven impact across the state. Arizona’s three largest cities – Phoenix, Tucson, and Mesa – don’t have a food tax. Grocery shoppers there wouldn’t get a break.  Eliminating Phoenix’s 2% residential rental tax could put some cash back in renters’ pockets.  According to the U-S census, four in every ten housing units are rentals. A tenant in the average $1,300-a-month, a one-bedroom apartment would save about 28 bucks a month. Lake: We’ll help cities Lake pledged that cities relying on the food and rental taxes would be made whole. “We’re going to give them a helping hand for about five years, so they can kind of get used to not having this tax,” she said. “We will work with them. We don’t want the cities to struggle, but we definitely need to start helping the people of Arizona.”   State surplus might not pay for cuts But state surplus projections mean Lake and the next Legislature might not have a large enough surplus to cover her proposed tax cuts. Lake policy adviser Sam Stone, who’s also a candidate for the Phoenix City Council, said the tax cuts would be paid for out of a projected $5 billion state surplus in the coming fiscal year. When a reporter questioned Stone about that number, he responded: “I believe it was accurate. But I’ll have to double-check.” According to the Legislature’s independent budget analysts, the surplus for the coming fiscal year will be much lower and decline precipitously in subsequent years. The Joint Legislative Budget Committee reports the next governor will have a surplus of just $2.8 billion to work with. The surplus is projected to plunge as low as $142 million two years later. Goodyear mayor: ‘Ill advised’ Goodyear Mayor Joe Pizzilllo said Lake’s proposal was “ill-advised.” “While I appreciate and support the intention to put Arizonans’ hard-earned dollars back in their pockets, Kari Lake’s tax plan is ill-advised and cuts statewide taxes off the backs of local governments,” Pizzillo said in a statement to 12News. “This will inevitably put us all in incredibly difficult positions to have to make unintended cuts to police and firefighters across the state, as well as allow for fewer opportunities to support multifamily rental properties.” Pizzillo added this warning about Lake’s plan to backfill  the lost tax revenue: “Even an offset of five years is dangerous and will only delay these future problems.” Hobbs: Plan falls far short Lake’s opponent, Democratic Secretary of State Katie Hobbs, provided this response to the proposed tax cuts: “Kari Lake’s bare-bones excuse of a plan falls far short of tackling what Arizona families are going through with the rising cost of groceries and housing.   One of Arizona’s top economists even said Kari Lake’s economic agenda ‘just doesn’t work’ and could actually make inflation worse…  Arizona families deserve solutions that make life here more affordable. I know what it’s like to support a family through tough times, which is why I’ve put forth a plan to cut taxes for 800,000 Arizona families and help people get back to work.” Decision 2022 Track all of our current updates with the upcoming elections in Arizona on our 12News YouTube channel. Subscribe for updates on all of our new uploads. Read More…

Suns Add Adonis Arms And Saben Lee To Preseason Roster https://digitalarizonanews.com/suns-add-adonis-arms-and-saben-lee-to-preseason-roster/ Tuesday night, the Phoenix Suns made some roster adjustments on the back end, adding Adonis Arms (undrafted rookie) and Saben Lee (two years with the Detroit Pistons) on training camp deals. To even things out, Phoenix waived Frank Jackson, who was on the same type of training camp deal and had totaled fewer than 10 minutes across three preseason games; Jackson was a healthy scratch in the first. By my count, this leaves three players on training camp deals (Arms, Lee, Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrrot), two players on two-way deals (Ish Wainright and Duane Washington Jr.), and 14 full roster spots taken (including Jae Crowder) leaving one available full roster spot open for the three training camp deal-guys to earn. Both newcomers have Phoenix backgrounds, with Arms moving from Milwaukee to Phoenix at age 12, playing his high school ball at Desert Vista High before starting his collegiate career at Mesa Community College (NAIA). He also made college stops at Northwest Nazarene University (D2) and Winthrop (D1) before playing an important role for a strong Texas Tech squad. He finished the 2022 NBA Draft cycle ranked 67th on my board, and as soon as the draft closed, I hoped the Suns would pick him up; they instead chose to abstain from the undrafted market at that time. At Tech, Arms was versatile out on the perimeter, providing elite athleticism and solid secondary playmaking all while defending 1-4 at 6-foot-5. Drawbacks on draft night were his age (already 24 years old) and poor shooting numbers (30.8% from three at Tech but 35.1% the year prior at Winthrop). Lee, who becomes the second Lee on the team after Damion Lee, played his high school ball for Corona Del Sol High in Tempe (one year as Aztec teammates with Marvin Bagley III) before playing three seasons at Vanderbilt. S. Lee entered the draft in 2020 with similar concerns of shooting (32.8% on 265 deep attempts over three years) and age (well over 21 years old by draft night in a November draft due to the pandemic). The Utah Jazz picked Lee with the 38th pick early in the second round before trading him to Detroit less than a week later. In two seasons with the Pistons, Lee’s shooting has continued to struggle, shooting just 22-83 (26.5%) over 85 games, but he has found a knack for rim pressure. It’s worth noting that when he spent time at Detroit’s G League program, the Motor City Cruise (the artist formerly known as the Northern Arizona Suns for all you G League historians), he scores at an outrageously high clip, including multiple 40-point outings, albeit on similarly poor three-point shooting. While it’s entirely possible that these two — and TLC — are vying for the 15th and final roster spot, it’s also entirely possible that these newcomers are just meant to be healthy bodies for the final preseason game (Wed. vs Sacramento) while the starters get their minutes dialed back and the Cam’s and Shamet remain out. There are, of course, cuts going on around the league and one could be intriguing enough to the Suns that that’s how the 15th spot gets used. Moe Harkless, for example, was just waived by the Houston Rockets, and he has a track record of shooting and defense for playoff teams. Harkless’s shooting numbers are wildly inconsistent across his career, but they always seem to be up on those playoff teams. For example, in 61 games split across the Clippers and Heat over the last three seasons, he shot 38.1% from three. However, in 85 games split across the Knicks and Kings over the same span, he shot 28.1%. Regardless of what avenues exist outside the organization ahead of Monday evening’s 2 p.m. AZ time deadline to be down to no more than 15 roster spots (plus the two two-ways), the most important thing to the Suns at this very moment is what the three camp deal players can do on Wednesday against the Kings. All while keeping as many guys healthy as possible, of course. Read More Here

To Hold House, Democrats Eye GOP-Held Districts Won By Biden https://digitalarizonanews.com/to-hold-house-democrats-eye-gop-held-districts-won-by-biden/ GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (AP) — While preparing to march in a Saturday morning parade through this fast-growing city’s westside, Democratic congressional candidate Hillary Scholten warned her staff that the area was traditionally very conservative and they should brace for possible booing. But the crowd lining Fulton Street to mark the region’s Polish pride was friendly. Only one man bellowed what sounded to the candidate like “Go to hell, Hillary!” as she passed. But he also grinned and flashed a thumbs-up later. He’d actually cried, “Give ’em hell, Hillary!” It’s been 32 years since a Democrat won the House seat where Scholten is competing against Republican John Gibbs. But, its largest city, Grand Rapids, has turned steadily bluer lately, and redrawn congressional maps have converted it from a district that backed Donald Trump for president in 2020 to one that Joe Biden would have carried instead. It’s one of 14 U.S. House seats nationwide that are held by Republicans but that Biden would have won under new maps. Michigan Republican U.S. House candidate John Gibbs, left, talks with Liberty Footwear shoe factory owner Petr Kovarik, right, during a voter meet-and-greet, while Grand Rapids resident Bob Firlit, center, listens, in Grand Rapids, Mich., Thursday, Oct. 6, 2022. Gibbs has been endorsed by former President Donald Trump and is working to appeal to independent and swing voters in a Western Michigan congressional district which has new boundaries that likely make it more favorable to Gibbs’ Democratic opponent, Hillary Scholten. (AP Photo/Will Weissert) Photo: ASSOCIATED PRESS/Will Weissert Hillary Scholten, the Democratic nominee for Congress in Michigan’s 3rd District, plants seeds with a young girl during a campaign event Tuesday, Aug. 9, 2022 in Muskegon Heights, Mich. Scholten, a lawyer from Grand Rapids, in November will face Republican John Gibbs, a businessman and missionary who served in the Trump administration under Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson. (AP Photo/Mike Householder) Photo: ASSOCIATED PRESS/Mike Householder PreviousNext As Democrats brace for midterm defeats that could erase their narrow, five-seat control of the House, a chance to limit the damage may lie in flipping Republican-held seats that voted for Biden to stanch the effect of losses elsewhere around the country. Scholten, a former Justice Department attorney and Christian Reform Church deacon, lost the seat to Republican Rep. Peter Meijer in 2020. But Meijer was defeated in his Michigan GOP primary this year by Trump-backed challenger Gibbs, a former software engineer who falsely purports that the 2020 presidential election was stolen. Scholten is trying to become the first Democratic woman elected to the House from western Michigan and isn’t counting on more favorable boundaries to get her there, noting that it’s “hard for people to believe in what they’ve never seen before, and we feel that every day.” But even Gibbs concedes the new maps have Democrats excited. “In a year where they’re expected to have a very difficult time in the midterms,” he said, “for them, a pickup is something that they’re salivating over.” The list of GOP-held Biden districts feature three Los Angeles-area seats and one in California’s Central Valley. Others are the territories of Republican Reps. Don Bacon in Omaha, Nebraska, and Steve Chabot in Cincinnati. Pennsylvania Republican Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, who represents the moderate swing battleground of Bucks County, north of Philadelphia, faces a similar test. On the other side are a dozen districts that voted for Trump but are held by Democrats. Retirements and redistricting mean many no longer have incumbents running. Still, Democrats see high stakes in their efforts to flip seats won by Biden. When House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer recently predicted that his party would hold the chamber, he mentioned such territory in California and Illinois, as well as Bacon’s and Chabot’s districts, and the Grand Rapids race. Not every incumbent is sweating toss-up races. Chabot says that, during his 26 years running for reelection in southwestern Ohio, he’s “had more challenging races, for sure, than anyone in the House.” But, as he competes for potential crossover voters, Chabot is not emphasizing Trump. “I agree with most of his policies, but I’m running on my own record,” Chabot said. “People can make up their own minds.” Gibbs says that, despite Trump’s endorsement, he’s building appeal among independents and swing voters. He recalled one man approaching him in the lakefront city of Muskegon, northwest of Grand Rapids, and saying: “I voted for you. I’m a Democrat. Is that OK?” “This race is not so much about Democrat vs. Republican. It’s more crazy vs. normal,” said Gibbs, pointing to high gas and food prices and ”what they’re trying to do to kids in school,” with modern curriculums and inappropriate material in campus libraries being especially outlandish. But, echoing Trump, Gibbs left open the possibility that he may object to the results of his own election next month. “If it’s fair and everything’s on the up and up, I’ll accept whatever the result is,” he said. But asked if he could define fair, Gibbs replied, “Not at this point.” “We’ll just have to kind of see how it goes,” he said. A Scholten win would cement this area’s political transformation from red to blue. Booms in health, university and technology jobs are attracting scores of college-educated workers — with new residents often importing Democratic voting preferences. Grand Rapids and its suburbs have also turned more diverse, including notable increases in Hispanic voters. Such a change was long unthinkable in the home city of Gerald Ford and former Trump administration Education Secretary Betsy DeVos, which once epitomized pro-business, country club conservativism. “I love to play golf. We play at public courses,” Scholten said, laughing. “I think that’s a pretty good analogy, actually.” Despite Democrat-friendly lines, national Republicans see the district as a “checks and balances” area where voters might have shunned Trump but want to control Washington’s spending and potential federal overreach. Meijer was one of 10 House Republicans who voted to impeach Trump, prompting the former president to endorse Gibbs. The Democratic House campaign committee even financed a GOP primary ad proclaiming that Gibbs was “hand-picked by Trump to run for Congress,” believing he’d be beatable in November. Trump once nominated Gibbs to head the Office of Personnel Management, but he wasn’t confirmed amid questions about past tweets, including one from 2016 in which Gibbs wrote, “Today’s Dem party: Islam, gender-bending, anti-police, ‘u racist!’” Gibbs says Democrats have posted far more incendiary things. “I don’t apologize. I never have and will not,” he said. Democrats hope that a question on Michigan’s ballot asking voters to put the right to an abortion in the state constitution energizes their base. “The issue of choice is front and center in a way that it wasn’t before,” Scholten said. “It’s changed a lot of minds.” Gibbs counters that his steadfast opposition to abortion is a winner. He’d only allow exceptions if a pregnant woman’s life is endangered. In instances of rape or incest, Gibbs said: “That baby, born in that case, is innocent. So I don’t see why an innocent person should have to perish.” Raised in the Pentecostal church, Gibbs spent seven years as a missionary in Japan. But he converted to Catholicism in 2021 and now tries to go to Mass multiple times per week. He has that in common with Biden, who is also a devout Catholic, though Gibbs isn’t seeking bipartisanship there. He retorted of the president’s frequent Mass attendance, “Yeah, I just wish he would accept the teachings.” “If I ever saw him at Mass, I’d have a nice, frank conversation,” Gibbs said. “Give him a copy of the Catechism of the Catholic Church: ‘You oughta learn this.’” ___ Associated Press writer Joey Cappelletti contributed to this report. Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Read More Here

Colorado Elections Chief, Challenger Divided What https://digitalarizonanews.com/colorado-elections-chief-challenger-divided-what/ DENVER (AP) — Colorado’s top election official, Democrat Jena Griswold, and a former county clerk hoping to replace her as secretary of state, Republican Pam Anderson, both agree that Colorado’s 2020 election was secure and that former President Donald Trump lost his re-election bid. But a debate Tuesday night showed how sharply divided they are over how outspoken the secretary of state should be in an era when many of Trump’s supporters, including people running to oversee elections in other states, lie about the outcome of that election. Anderson, the former clerk of Jefferson County in suburban Denver, said she supported Griswold’s efforts to block Tina Peters, the Mesa County clerk charged with allegedly allowing outsiders to break into her election system, from overseeing elections there starting in 2021. However, Anderson, who defeated Peters in the primary election to become the GOP candidate, faulted Griswold for using the case in fundraising pitches to her supporters while it was still being investigated. Anderson, who said she wants to restore professionalism and a non-partisan approach to the office, said that tactic provided some doubt about whether the process was fair. Griswold, who has vastly outraised Anderson, did not respond to that criticism in the debate at the University of Denver. Instead she said that the “big lie” was fueling threats to undermine elections and threats to election workers and that it was inappropriate for Anderson to campaign with fellow Republicans who dispute that Trump lost the election. She repeated her call for Anderson to disavow such candidates and not campaign with them. Anderson said she has and would continue to push back against any candidate who spreads misinformation about elections but dismissed Griswold’s call as too political. “I will not put fuel on the fire with hyperpartisan and polarizing and divisive rhetoric to fuel my political campaign,” said Anderson, who also said she wanted to change the “hearts and minds” of those who doubted the state’s election system through conversations. Griswold, meanwhile, defended her vocal support for abortion rights and her belief that people’s right to vote could be endangered depending on the results of this year’s election. “Standing up for fundamental rights is not partisan,” Griswold said. Read More Here

AP News Summary At 12:33 A.m. EDT https://digitalarizonanews.com/ap-news-summary-at-1233-a-m-edt/ UN, G7 decry Russian attack on Ukraine as possible war crime KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Russian forces have carpeted Ukraine with a fresh barrage of missiles and munition-carrying drones. The bombardment came a day after strikes across the country killed at least 19 people and knocked out power across the country. The U.N. human rights office says the “particularly shocking” attacks could amount to war crimes. The leaders of the Group of Seven industrial powers also condemned the attacks and said they would “stand firmly with Ukraine for as long as it takes.” Their pledge defied Russian warnings that Western assistance would prolong the war and the pain of Ukraine’s people. Russia launched the attacks in retaliation for a weekend explosion that damaged a bridge linking Russia to the Crimean Peninsula. US mulls Ukrainian-type parole for Venezuelan migrants SAN DIEGO (AP) — U.S. officials say the Biden administration is developing plans for Venezuelans with sponsors to be granted parole to enter the United States, similar to how Ukrainians have been admitted after Russia’s invasion. The plan is being designed to deal with Venezuelans suddenly becoming the second-largest nationality at U.S. border after Mexicans. Three officials described outlines of the plan on condition of anonymity to The Associated Press, emphasizing that talks were fluid and subject to change. Two officials say Mexico may accept Venezuelans who cross the U.S. border illegally and are expelled under a rule designed to prevent the spread of COVID-19. To hold House, Democrats eye GOP-held districts won by Biden GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (AP) — A congressional district in Michigan that includes Grand Rapids hasn’t had a Democratic House member in decades. But the region has turned bluer in recent years, and new congressional maps have converted it from a district that backed Donald Trump for president in 2020 to one that Joe Biden would have carried instead. The district is just one of 14 nationwide that are Republican-held but that Biden would have won under new maps. As Democrats brace for midterm losses that could cost them control of the House, they hope flipping Republican-held districts can make up ground lost elsewhere. Graft convictions extend Suu Kyi’s prison term to 26 years BANGKOK (AP) — A court in military-ruled Myanmar has convicted the country’s ousted leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, on two more corruption charges. The two three-year sentences handed down Wednesday, to be served concurrently, add to previous convictions that now leave her with a 26-year total prison term. Suu Kyi was detained in February 2021 when the military seized power from her elected government. She has denied the allegations against her in this case, in which she was accused of receiving $550,000 in bribes from a tycoon once convicted of drug trafficking. She had already been sentenced to 23 years’ imprisonment after being convicted of several charges including illegally importing and possessing walkie-talkies, violating coronavirus restrictions, and sedition. Biden vows ‘consequences’ for Saudis after OPEC+ cuts output WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden says there will be “consequences” for Saudi Arabia as his administration begins reevaluating the U.S. relationship with the kingdom. That’s after the Riyadh-led OPEC+ alliance of oil-producing nations announced it would cut oil production. Biden said in a CNN interview Tuesday that he was weighing action against the Saudis but declined to detail potential next steps. The OPEC+ production cut is expected to help Russia pad its coffers as it continues its nearly eight-month war in Ukraine. Democratic Sen. Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut and Rep. Ro Khanna of California have introduced legislation that would immediately pause all U.S. arms sales to Saudi Arabia. 20 years after Bali bombings, ‘the ache does not dim’ DENPASAR, Indonesia (AP) — People affected by the 2002 Bali bombings gathered on the Indonesian resort island to commemorate 20 years since the twin bombing that killed 202 people. Most of the dead were foreign tourists, including 88 Australians and seven Americans. The commemoration services are being held at several places in Australia and at Bali’s Australian Consulate in the city of Denpasar. Australian survivors of the 2002 terrorist attack and relatives of the deceased were among the 200 in attendance to pay tribute to their loved ones. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese paid tribute to the strength and unity shown since the tragedy. He said, “Twenty years on, the ache does not dim.” Trump lawyer who vouched for documents meets with FBI WASHINGTON (AP) — A lawyer for former president Donald Trump who signed a letter stating that a “diligent search” for classified records had been conducted and that all such documents had been given back to the government has spoken with the FBI. That’s according to a person familiar with the matter, who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity. The person says Christina Bobb told federal investigators during Friday’s interview that she had not drafted the letter but that another Trump lawyer who she said actually prepared it had asked her to sign it in her role as a designated custodian for Trump’s records. NBC News first reported the interview. EXPLAINER: What next in the Florida school shooter trial? FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — The jurors who will decide whether Florida school shooter is sentenced to death or life without parole are about to begin deliberations. The seven-man, five-woman panel are expected to start their discussions Wednesday. They will determine whether the 24-year-old Cruz should die for the 2018 murder of 17 people at Parkland’s Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. For them to recommend a death sentence, they must unanimously agree. If one person votes for life, that will be his sentence. Prosecutors argued that Cruz committed an evil crime where death is the only appropriate punishment. Cruz’s attorneys argued that his birth mother’s excessive drinking left him with brain damage that put him on the path to murder. Smashing success: NASA asteroid strike results in big nudge CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — NASA says a spacecraft that plowed into a small, harmless asteroid millions of miles away last month succeeded in shifting its orbit. The space agency announced the results of the experiment Tuesday.  NASA attempted the first test of its kind two weeks ago to see if a killer rock could be nudged out of Earth’s way. The Dart spacecraft carved a crater into the asteroid, hurling debris out into space and creating a cometlike trail of dust and rubble. It took consecutive nights of telescope observations to determine how much the impact altered the asteroid’s path around its companion, a bigger space rock. Angela Lansbury, ‘Murder She Wrote’ star, dies at 96 NEW YORK (AP) — Angela Lansbury, the scene-stealing British actor who kicked up her heels in the Broadway musicals “Mame” and “Gypsy” and solved endless murders as crime novelist Jessica Fletcher in the long-running TV series “Murder, She Wrote,” has died. She was 96. Lansbury died Tuesday at her home in Los Angeles, according to a statement from her three children. Lansbury won five Tony Awards for her Broadway performances. She earned Academy Award nominations as supporting actress for two of her first three films, “Gaslight” and “The Picture of Dorian Gray” and was nominated again for “The Manchurian Candidate” and her deadly portrayal of a Communist agent and the title character’s mother. Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Read More Here

U.S. Supreme Court Rebuffs Fetal Personhood Appeal https://digitalarizonanews.com/u-s-supreme-court-rebuffs-fetal-personhood-appeal/ Oct 11 (Reuters) – The U.S. Supreme Court on Tuesday declined to decide whether fetuses are entitled to constitutional rights in light of its June ruling overturning the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision that had legalized abortion nationwide, steering clear for now of another front in America’s culture wars. The justices turned away an appeal by a Catholic group and two women of a lower court’s ruling against their challenge to a 2019 Rhode Island law that codified the right to abortion in line with the Roe precedent. The two women, pregnant at the time when the case was filed, sued on behalf of their fetuses and later gave birth. The Rhode Island Supreme Court decided that fetuses lacked the proper legal standing to bring the suit. Rhode Island Governor Daniel McKee, a Democrat, welcomed Tuesday’s action by the justices. Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com “We’re satisfied that the Supreme Court declined to hear this frivolous appeal. Governor McKee believes that we should be expanding access to reproductive healthcare for women,” spokesperson Matt Sheaff said in a statement, adding that the governor “is committed to using his veto pen to block any legislation that would take our state backwards.” Lawyers representing the plaintiffs did not respond to requests for comment. Conservative Justice Samuel Alito wrote in June’s ruling overturning the abortion rights precedent that in the decision the court took no position on “if and when prenatal life is entitled to any of the rights enjoyed after birth.” Some Republicans at the state level have pursued what are called fetal personhood laws, like one enacted in Georgia affecting fetuses starting at around six weeks of pregnancy, that would grant fetuses before birth a variety of legal rights and protections like those of any person. Under such laws, termination of a pregnancy legally could be considered murder. Lawyers for the group Catholics for Life and the two Rhode Island women – one named Nichole Leigh Rowley and the other using the pseudonym Jane Doe – argued that the case “presents the opportunity for this court to meet that inevitable question head on” by deciding if fetuses possess due process and equal protection rights conferred by the U.S. Constitution’s 14th Amendment. The Rhode Island Supreme Court relied on the now-reversed Roe precedent in finding that the 14th Amendment did not extend rights to fetuses. The Roe ruling had recognized that the right to personal privacy under the U.S. Constitution protected a woman’s ability to terminate her pregnancy. Old Rhode Island laws included a criminal statute, predating the Roe ruling, that had prohibited abortions. After the Roe ruling, a federal court declared that Rhode Island law unconstitutional, and it was not in effect when the Democratic-led legislature enacted the 2019 Reproductive Privacy Act. Gina Raimondo, a Democrat who was the state’s governor at the time and is now President Joe Biden’s U.S. commerce secretary, signed the 2019 law, which codified the then-status quo under Roe in terms of abortion rights. More than a dozen states have enforced near-total abortion bans since the Supreme Court’s abortion June ruling in a case called Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization. Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com Reporting by Nate Raymond in Boston; Editing by Will Dunham Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles. Nate Raymond Thomson Reuters Nate Raymond reports on the federal judiciary and litigation. He can be reached at nate.raymond@thomsonreuters.com. Read More Here

Chinese Two-Seater ‘flying Car’ Makes First Public Flight In Dubai https://digitalarizonanews.com/chinese-two-seater-flying-car-makes-first-public-flight-in-dubai/ Chinese two-seater ‘flying car’ makes first public flight in Dubai  South China Morning Post Chinese ‘flying car’ makes first public flight in Dubai  Reuters Are Flying Cars Really Ready for the Public?  Inside Edition Dubai: Would you drive this car without a steering wheel?  Khaleej Times Chinese firm tests electric flying taxi in Dubai  AOL Read More Here

Israel And Lebanon Reach Historic Agreement, Paving The Way To Potentially Rich Gas Exploration | CNN https://digitalarizonanews.com/israel-and-lebanon-reach-historic-agreement-paving-the-way-to-potentially-rich-gas-exploration-cnn/ CNN  —  Israel and Lebanon have reached a historic agreement, leaders on each side said separately on Tuesday, settling a years-long maritime border dispute involving major oil and gas fields in the Mediterranean. The United States has been trying to broker a deal between the neighboring countries over the 860-square-kilometer (332-square-mile) area of the sea that has been under dispute for years. It includes the Karish oil and gas field and a region known as the Qanaa prospect, which are expected to fall into Israeli and Lebanese waters respectively under the deal. Israel has said it would begin extracting oil and gas from Karish and exporting it to Europe imminently. “The final version of the offer is satisfactory to Lebanon and meets its demands and preserved Lebanon’s rights of this natural wealth,” Lebanon’s President Michel Aoun said in a statement hours after receiving Israel’s final offer through US mediator Amos Hochstein. Aoun said he hopes the agreement, which is yet to be signed, will be announced “as soon as possible.” Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid said: “This is an historic achievement that will strengthen Israel’s security, inject billions into Israel’s economy, and ensure the stability of our northern border.” The draft agreement meets all the security and economic principles laid out by Israel, Lapid said. The Israeli prime minister will convene the security cabinet on Wednesday followed by a special meeting of the government, he said. Lebanese officials have said the deal does not mean any “treaty” will be signed with Israel and this agreement is not a step toward normalization of relations between the two countries, which are technically at war. Earlier Tuesday, Lebanese negotiator and deputy parliament speaker Elias Bou Saab told CNN that “Lebanon felt that [the deal] takes into consideration all of Lebanon’s requirements and we believe the other side should feel the same.” Meanwhile, Israeli chief negotiator Eyal Hulata said: “All our demands were met, the changes that we asked for were corrected. We protected Israel’s security interests and are on our way to an historic agreement.” On Tuesday, Lebanese Energy Minister Walid Fayyad also said the French energy company Total, which owns the contract to explore Lebanese waters, would start working on the Qanaa prospect “immediately.” Talks gained momentum after London-based oil and gas exploration company Energean arrived in June to begin development of the Karish field on Israel’s behalf. Although the Energean ship is well south of the disputed area, part of the field is in an area Lebanon had claimed. Hezbollah, the powerful Iran-backed Lebanese Shiite milita, had threatened Energean’s gas rig if they started producing gas before a deal had been struck. On Tuesday, Hezbollah declined to comment when contacted by CNN, but the Iran-backed armed group has previously said it would abide by any agreement signed by the Lebanese government. The historic agreement does not affect land borders, but it is likely to ease security and economic tensions for both nations. Lebanon’s caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati said on Thursday that an agreement “will circumvent us from a definite war in the region.” Read More Here

Possible Kennel Cough Outbreak In Scottsdale https://digitalarizonanews.com/possible-kennel-cough-outbreak-in-scottsdale/ SCOTTSDALE, AZ  — Arizona dog owners are on the lookout for symptoms related to an infection respiratory disease in canines. According to the American Kennel Club, “Dogs commonly contract kennel cough at places where large amounts of canines congregate, such as boarding and daycare facilities, dog parks, training groups, and dog shows.” At the Barking Dog in Scottsdale, a daycare for dogs, the business closed for two weeks to deep clean their property after seeing some extreme cases due to the disease. In a letter posted on their social media, the company wrote: “We have been battling a recent outbreak of canine cough which is particularly potent and resistant to vaccine protection. Unlike other strains…this one appears to quickly escalate into pneumonia and can be life threatening.” The company fully reopened this week. Still, pet owners told ABC15 they’re making sure their dogs are caught up on their vaccines including the Bordetella vaccine which can help prevent the disease. Symptoms of kennel cough include coughing, sneezing, a low fever, runny nose, lethargy and loss of appetite. If your dog does get sick, experts recommend taking them to a veterinarian because there’s not a lot of at-home treatments. The Barking Dog in Scottsdale did not respond to our request for an interview. Copyright 2022 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Sign up for the Headlines Newsletter and receive up to date information. Read More Here

Mike Lee Asks Mitt Romney For Endorsement In Final Weeks Of Campaign https://digitalarizonanews.com/mike-lee-asks-mitt-romney-for-endorsement-in-final-weeks-of-campaign/ Sen. Mike Lee publicly called on fellow Utah Republican Sen. Mitt Romney and his family to finally endorse his campaign. Mr. Romney reportedly called Mr. Lee and independent challenger Evan McMullin “good friends,” but said last month that he would not endorse either candidate in the closest race for federal office in deep-red Utah. Mr. Lee, during a Tuesday night appearance on Fox News Channel’s “Tucker Carlson Tonight,” explained his surprise when Mr. Romney first told him he would remain “neutral” in the election. “Well, he’s explained that he’s got two friends in this race, when he first told me that. My reaction was, ‘Who was the other friend?’ And he wants to remain neutral,” Mr. Lee said, before he accused Mr. McMullin of being a “Democrat running in disguise.” Mr. McMullin is formally running as an independent, but Utah Democrats are not putting up a candidate and their April nominating convention endorsed Mr. McMullin’s independent bid. Mr. McMullin came into the spotlight in 2016 when he was recruited by anti-Trump Republicans to run for president. He garnered less than 1% of the vote across the country but picked up 21% in his home state of Utah. Some polls at the time suggested that he could tip one of the nation’s most conservative states in favor of Democrat Hillary Clinton. Running as an independent again, Mr. McMullin has built a coalition of Democrats, independents and disgruntled Republicans in a bid to oust Mr. Lee, a staunch conservative. Mr. McMullin has not indicated which party he will caucus with if he wins, but he has been endorsed by Jenny Wilson, the Democratic mayor of Salt Lake County, and other Democratic leaders. Mr. Lee has the support of all his GOP colleagues in the upper chamber except Mr. Romney. He said Tuesday that he previously asked Mr. Romney for his endorsement to no avail. “As soon as Mitt Romney is ready to, I will eagerly accept his endorsement. He’s got a big family, and I encourage all of them to go to LeeforSenate.com and make donations to my campaign,” he said. “Evan McMullin is raising millions of dollars off of Act Blue, the Democratic donor database based on this idea that he’s going to defeat me and help perpetuate the Democratic majority.” A new poll, conducted by public polling company Dan Jones & Associates for Deseret News and the University of Utah’s Hinckley Institute, found that 41% of the Utah voters surveyed say they will vote for Mr. Lee, while 37% say that they will vote for Mr. McMullin. The survey, which polled 801 Utah voters Oct. 3-6, has an error margin of 3.46 percentage points. Read More Here

Justice Dept. Asks Court To Deny Trump Plea Over FBI Search https://digitalarizonanews.com/justice-dept-asks-court-to-deny-trump-plea-over-fbi-search/ The Justice Department says in a 32-page filing Tuesday that Trump’s claim has no merit, noting the case involves “extraordinarily sensitive government records.” Author: wltx.com Published: 11:34 PM EDT October 11, 2022 Updated: 11:34 PM EDT October 11, 2022 Read More Here

AP News Summary At 11:30 P.m. EDT https://digitalarizonanews.com/ap-news-summary-at-1130-p-m-edt/ UN, G7 decry Russian attack on Ukraine as possible war crime KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Russian forces have carpeted Ukraine with a fresh barrage of missiles and munition-carrying drones. The bombardment came a day after strikes across the country killed at least 19 people and knocked out power across the country. The U.N. human rights office says the “particularly shocking” attacks could amount to war crimes. The leaders of the Group of Seven industrial powers also condemned the attacks and said they would “stand firmly with Ukraine for as long as it takes.” Their pledge defied Russian warnings that Western assistance would prolong the war and the pain of Ukraine’s people. Russia launched the attacks in retaliation for a weekend explosion that damaged a bridge linking Russia to the Crimean Peninsula. Prosecutors drop charges against Adnan Syed in ‘Serial’ case ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) — Prosecutors have dropped charges against Adnan Syed in the 1999 killing of Hae Min Lee after additional DNA testing excluded him as a suspect in a case chronicled by the hit podcast “Serial.” Marilyn Mosby, the state’s attorney for the city of Baltimore, said Tuesday that her office will continue to pursue justice for Lee, but that it has closed its case against Syed, who spent 23 years in prison for the killing. She says the decision was made after additional DNA testing excluded Syed as a suspect in the strangulation of Lee, whom Syed had dated. Syed’s case captured the attention of millions in 2014 when the first season of “Serial” focused on it. Smashing success: NASA asteroid strike results in big nudge CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — NASA says a spacecraft that plowed into a small, harmless asteroid millions of miles away last month succeeded in shifting its orbit. The space agency announced the results of the experiment Tuesday.  NASA attempted the first test of its kind two weeks ago to see if a killer rock could be nudged out of Earth’s way. The Dart spacecraft carved a crater into the asteroid, hurling debris out into space and creating a cometlike trail of dust and rubble. It took consecutive nights of telescope observations to determine how much the impact altered the asteroid’s path around its companion, a bigger space rock. 20 years after Bali bombings, ‘the ache does not dim’ DENPASAR, Indonesia (AP) — People affected by the 2002 Bali bombings gathered on the Indonesian resort island to commemorate 20 years since the twin bombing that killed 202 people. Most of the dead were foreign tourists, including 88 Australians and seven Americans. The commemoration services are being held at several places in Australia and at Bali’s Australian Consulate in the city of Denpasar. Australian survivors of the 2002 terrorist attack and relatives of the deceased were among the 200 in attendance to pay tribute to their loved ones. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese paid tribute to the strength and unity shown since the tragedy. He said, “Twenty years on, the ache does not dim.” Trump lawyer who vouched for documents meets with FBI WASHINGTON (AP) — A lawyer for former president Donald Trump who signed a letter stating that a “diligent search” for classified records had been conducted and that all such documents had been given back to the government has spoken with the FBI. That’s according to a person familiar with the matter, who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity. The person says Christina Bobb told federal investigators during Friday’s interview that she had not drafted the letter but that another Trump lawyer who she said actually prepared it had asked her to sign it in her role as a designated custodian for Trump’s records. NBC News first reported the interview. California expands largest US illegal pot eradication effort SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — California’s four-year-old legal marijuana market is in disarray. So the state’s top prosecutor says he will try a new broader approach to disrupting the illegal pot farms that undercut the legal economy while sowing widespread environmental damage. The state will expand its nearly four-decade-old multi-agency seasonal eradication program. It’s the nation’s largest and this year scooped up nearly a million marijuana plants. California will turn it into a year-round effort aimed at investigating who is behind the illegal grows. Attorney General Rob Bonta said Tuesday that the new program will attempt to prosecute underlying labor crimes, environmental crimes and the underground economy centered around the illicit cultivations. Ex-Texas cop charged for shooting teen eating hamburger SAN ANTONIO (AP) — A now-former San Antonio police officer has been charged for shooting and gravely wounding a teen eating a hamburger in his car in a McDonald’s parking lot. A family attorney says 17-year-old Erik Cantu remains hospitalized in critical condition. A police statement said the ex-officer, 25-year-old James Brennand, was charged Tuesday with two counts of aggravated assault. Police Chief William McManus says Brennand turned himself in to police Tuesday night and is in custody. The shooting was recorded on Brennand’s body camera. Investigators quickly determined that the use of deadly force was unwarranted, and he was fired. Angela Lansbury, ‘Murder She Wrote’ star, dies at 96 NEW YORK (AP) — Angela Lansbury, the scene-stealing British actor who kicked up her heels in the Broadway musicals “Mame” and “Gypsy” and solved endless murders as crime novelist Jessica Fletcher in the long-running TV series “Murder, She Wrote,” has died. She was 96. Lansbury died Tuesday at her home in Los Angeles, according to a statement from her three children. Lansbury won five Tony Awards for her Broadway performances. She earned Academy Award nominations as supporting actress for two of her first three films, “Gaslight” and “The Picture of Dorian Gray” and was nominated again for “The Manchurian Candidate” and her deadly portrayal of a Communist agent and the title character’s mother. Biden vows ‘consequences’ for Saudis after OPEC+ cuts output WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden says there will be “consequences” for Saudi Arabia as his administration begins reevaluating the U.S. relationship with the kingdom. That’s after the Riyadh-led OPEC+ alliance of oil-producing nations announced it would cut oil production. Biden said in a CNN interview Tuesday that he was weighing action against the Saudis but declined to detail potential next steps. The OPEC+ production cut is expected to help Russia pad its coffers as it continues its nearly eight-month war in Ukraine. Democratic Sen. Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut and Rep. Ro Khanna of California have introduced legislation that would immediately pause all U.S. arms sales to Saudi Arabia. Cole cruises, Bader, Rizzo bash, Yanks beat Guardians 4-1 NEW YORK (AP) — Gerrit Cole cruised for most of the night, Harrison Bader and Anthony Rizzo homered and the New York Yankees beat the Cleveland Guardians 4-1 in their AL Division Series opener. Not even another Josh Donaldson baserunning blunder could slow the Yankees, who have won six straight postseason games against Cleveland dating to a comeback from a two games to none deficit in the 2017 Division Series Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Read More Here

Most Admired Companies Of 2022: WaFd Bank – AZ Big Media https://digitalarizonanews.com/most-admired-companies-of-2022-wafd-bank-az-big-media/ After receiving a record number of nominations, 50 companies have risen from the adversity of the past couple years and earned the right to call themselves Arizona’s Most Admired Companies of 2022. The Most Admired Companies of 2022 includes WaFd Bank. READ ALSO: Sold-out crowd celebrates the Most Influential Women in Arizona for 2022 Arizona’s Most Admired Companies of 2022 will be celebrated at an awards dinner and ceremony from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Thursday, October 13, 2022 at Chateau Luxe, at 1175 E. Lone Cactus Drive, Phoenix, AZ 85024. For sponsorship information, email [email protected]. For information about the event honoring Arizona’s Most Admired Companies, email [email protected] or click here. To buy tickets, click here. Most Admired Companies: WaFd Bank Most Admired Company: 2020, 2022 Top Arizona executive: Todd Gerber, regional president What it does: Financial institution offering checking and savings accounts, mortgages, HELOC, construction services and lot loans. Admirable trait: As a financial institution dedicated to financing and promoting home ownership, WaFd Bank supports programs and causes that help provide affordable housing for low- and moderate-income individuals. WaFd also directly finances projects designed to build stronger communities that provide affordable housing, access to quality healthcare and a vibrant environment for job growth. Strong foundation: The WaFd Bank Foundation exemplifies the company’s motto of “Love what you do. Make a difference.” The company invested $192,721,890 towards community development lending and affordable housing investments last year. Employees logged a total of 8,595 hours with more than 485 nonprofit organizations over the bank’s footprint. WaFd Bank also considers small grants to charitable organizations supported by employees who serve as volunteers or board members. Arizona’s Most Admired Companies of 2022 Accenture American Express Arizona Diamondbacks Axon Better Business Bureau Serving the Pacific Southwest Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona Blue Yonder Burch & Cracchiolo CBIZ CBRE CHASSE Building Team Canyon State Electric Charles Schwab CopperPoint Insurance Companies Cresa DP Electric Inc. Desert Financial Credit Union Equity Methods Farmers Insurance Fennemore FirstBank Frazer Ryan Goldberg & Arnold Freedom Financial Network Gallagher & Kennedy Gila River Resorts & Casinos GoDaddy Greenberg Traurig Habitat for Humanity Central Arizona Health Information Management Systems (HiMS) Homeowners Financial Group USA Intel JE Dunn KUBRA LAVIDGE Lovitt & Touché, A Marsh & McLennan Agency LLC Company Microchip Technology Mortenson OneAZ Credit Union Quarles & Brady Small Giants Spear Education Sundt Construction Suntec Concrete Terros Health TriWest Healthcare Alliance USAA Voya Financial WaFd Bank Wilde Wealth Management Group Willmeng Construction Read More…

Biden Says He Has ‘great Confidence’ In Hunter Amid Reports Of Possible Charges https://digitalarizonanews.com/biden-says-he-has-great-confidence-in-hunter-amid-reports-of-possible-charges/ FILE – In this Nov. 7, 2020, file photo, President-elect Joe Biden, right, embraces his son Hunter Biden, left, in Wilmington, Del. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik, Pool) FILE – In this Nov. 7, 2020, file photo, President-elect Joe Biden, right, embraces his son Hunter Biden, left, in Wilmington, Del. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik, Pool) (The Hill) – President Biden on Tuesday said he has confidence in his son, Hunter Biden, amid reports that federal agents believe there is enough evidence to charge Hunter with tax crimes and a false statement on a gun purchase. “Well, first of all, I’m proud of my son. This is a kid who got, not a kid — he’s a grown man. He got hooked on — like many families have had happen, hooked on drugs. He’s overcome that. He’s established a new life,” Biden told CNN’s Jake Tapper in an interview. Biden noted Hunter acknowledged in his book that he wrote on a gun application that he was not using drugs at a time when he was battling addiction. But the president said he didn’t know anything about it at the time. “So I have great confidence in my son,” Biden said. “I love him and he’s on the straight and narrow, and he has been for a couple years now. And I’m just so proud of him.” The Washington Post first reported that federal agents believe there is enough evidence to charge Hunter Biden over the false answer on his application for a gun in 2018, as well as whether he failed to properly report all of his income. The decision of whether to charge Hunter Biden ultimately lies with U.S. Attorney David Weiss, who is a holdover from the Trump administration. The president has repeatedly said he is proud of his son for overcoming his addiction issues, and he has been adamant that he would not interfere in any Justice Department investigation. That investigation into Hunter Biden has been ongoing for years, and Republicans have tried to use questions about Biden’s son against him. Former President Trump, during the 2020 campaign, repeatedly highlighted Hunter Biden’s foreign business interests to paint the Biden family as corrupt. Read More Here

Biden: ‘I Believe I Can Beat Donald Trump Again’ https://digitalarizonanews.com/biden-i-believe-i-can-beat-donald-trump-again/ President Biden on Tuesday expressed confidence he could beat former President Donald Trump in a hypothetical 2024 matchup as the two men openly tease the prospect of running again. Biden told CNN’s Jake Tapper that he’ll focus on whether he’ll seek another term after the midterm elections in November. The president and White House officials have repeatedly said Biden intends to run again in 2024, but have stopped short of definitively saying he will seek re-election. “Is one of the calculations that you think you’re the only one who can beat Donald Trump?” Tapper asked. “I believe I can beat Donald Trump again,” Biden responded. Biden has in the past indicated he would welcome a rematch with Trump, whom he defeated in the 2020 election. The president told reporters at a NATO summit in March that he would be “very fortunate” to run against Trump again. While Biden’s approval rating has been stuck around 40 percent in recent months, polling has still shown him leading Trump in a hypothetical rematch. A Wall Street Journal poll conducted in late August found Biden leading by 6 percentage points, 50-44, in a potential rematch with Trump. But many voters are skeptical about supporting either man in 2024. Biden would be 81 on Election Day in 2024, while Trump would be 78. A CAPS/Harris poll released last month found 67 percent of voters said Biden should not seek another term, while 57 percent said Trump should not run for another term. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Read More Here

Graham On Walker Allegations: ‘Remember Kavanaugh?’ https://digitalarizonanews.com/graham-on-walker-allegations-remember-kavanaugh/ Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) on Tuesday blamed the media for circulating recent allegations that Georgia Senate candidate Herschel Walker paid a former girlfriend to get an abortion, comparing the claims to the sexual assault allegations against Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh. “If you’re waiting on the media to tell you about what’s going on in Georgia… you’re going wait a hell of a long time. Remember Kavanaugh? Remember how they played the game right at the end? They come up with some letter, take the guy, blindside, another allegation, another allegation trying to drive him out,” Graham said in an interview with Fox News’ Sean Hannity. The Daily Beast reported last week that Walker, in 2009, conceived a child with a woman he was dating and encouraged her to get an abortion — and later reported that the same woman is also the mother of one of Walker’s children. The New York Times then reported that Walker urged for a second abortion, and a Washington Post article Tuesday reported that the woman said she had to repeatedly press Walker for the abortion funds. Walker has denied the allegations. In 2018, Christine Blasey Ford testified that then-Supreme Court nominee Kavanaugh sexually assaulted her at a party in 1982. The nominee was then faced with other sexual misconduct accusations, all of which he denied. Graham’s comments dismissing the allegations against Walker come as Georgia’s Democrat Sen. Raphael Warnock leads Walker in some recent polling. “The road to the majority runs through Georgia. The Democrats know that. The media knows that,” Graham said Tuesday. The South Carolina senator on Tuesday asked a federal appeals court in Georgia to quash a subpoena calling him to testify before a special grand jury, part of a probe by Fulton County D.A. Fani Willis (D) into alleged attempts by former President Trump and his allies to interfere in the state’s 2020 presidential election results.  The senator has been attempting to skirt the summons for months after he was initially subpoenaed in early July. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Read More Here

WSJ News Exclusive | Saudi Arabia Defied U.S. Warnings Ahead Of OPEC+ Production Cut https://digitalarizonanews.com/wsj-news-exclusive-saudi-arabia-defied-u-s-warnings-ahead-of-opec-production-cut/ High oil prices have been beneficial for OPEC+, an alliance of oil-producing countries that controls more than half of the world’s output. WSJ’s Shelby Holliday explains what OPEC+ countries are doing with the windfall and why they aren’t likely to distance themselves from Russia. Illustration: Adele Morgan Updated Oct. 11, 2022 10:20 pm ET RIYADH, Saudi Arabia—Days before a major oil-production cut by OPEC and its Russia-led allies, U.S. officials called their counterparts in Saudi Arabia and other big Gulf producers with an urgent appeal—delay the decision for another month, according to people familiar with the talks. The answer: a resounding no. U.S. officials warned Saudi leaders that a cut would be viewed as a clear choice by Riyadh to side with Russia in the Ukraine war and that the move would weaken already-waning support in Washington for the kingdom, the people said. Read More Here

Sources In Russian Analyst’s Trump Dossier Fabricated, Prosecutors Argue https://digitalarizonanews.com/sources-in-russian-analysts-trump-dossier-fabricated-prosecutors-argue/ A Russian analyst who played a major role in the creation of a flawed dossier about Donald Trump fabricated one of his own sources and concealed the identity of another when interviewed by the FBI, prosecutors said Tuesday. The allegations were aired during opening statements in the trial of Igor Danchenko, who is indicted on five counts of making false statements to the FBI. The FBI interviewed Danchenko on multiple occasions in 2017 as it tried to corroborate allegations in what became known as the “Steele dossier”. That dossier, by the British spy Christopher Steele – commissioned by Democrats during the 2016 presidential campaign – included allegations of contact between the Trump campaign and Russian government officials, as well as allegations that the Russians may have held compromising information over Trump in the form of videos showing him engaged in salacious sexual activity in a Moscow hotel. Specifically, prosecutors say, Danchenko lied when he said he obtained some information in an anonymous phone call from a man he believed to be Sergei Millian, a former head of the Russian American Chamber of Commerce. The prosecutor Michael Keilty told jurors in US district court in Alexandria that Danchenko had never spoken with Millian and that phone records showed he had never received an anonymous phone call at the time Danchenko claimed it occurred. Prosecutors also say Danchenko lied when he said he never “talked” with a man named Charles Dolan about the allegations contained in the dossier. Prosecutors say there is evidence that Danchenko “spoke with Mr Dolan over email” about very specific items that showed up in the dossier. The FBI needed to know that Dolan was an important source for Danchenko, Keilty said, because Dolan is a Democratic operative who has worked on the presidential campaign of every Democratic candidate since Jimmy Carter, and thus would have had motivation to fabricate or embellish allegations against Trump. “Those lies mattered,” Keilty said. But Danchenko’s attorney, Danny Onorato, told jurors that his client had been completely truthful with the FBI. He pointed out that Danchenko had never said he was certain that Millian was the source of the anonymous call but that he had good reason to believe it. The government’s case required jurors to become “mind readers” to assess Danchenko’s subjective belief about the source of the phone call, Onorato said. And while phone records might not show a call, Onorato said, the government had no idea whether a call could have been placed with a mobile app rather than a traditional telephone provider. Indeed, Onorato said, it made more sense that such a call would have occurred using an internet app because so many of them conceal the source of the call, and the caller wanted to be anonymous. As for the allegations about his discussions with Dolan, Onorato said, Danchenko had answered the question truthfully because the two had not “talked” – but rather had conducted a written exchange. If the FBI had wanted to know about email exchanges, it should have asked a different question, Onorato said. “The law doesn’t let you rewrite the dictionary,” Onorato said. Keilty, in his opening, acknowledged to jurors that evidence would show the FBI made errors in conducting its investigations, but he said that shouldn’t exonerate Danchenko. “A bank robber doesn’t get a pass just because the security guard was asleep,” Keilty said. The first prosecution witness was the FBI analyst Brian Auten, who testified that information from the Steele dossier had been used to support a surveillance warrant against a Trump campaign official, Carter Page. Under questioning from Durham, Auten testified that the dossier had been used to bolster the surveillance application even though the FBI couldn’t corroborate its allegations. Auten said the FBI had checked with other government agencies to see if they had corroboration but nothing had come back. Auten and other FBI agents had even met with Steele in the United Kingdom in 2016 and offered him as much as $1m if he could supply corroboration for the allegations in the dossier, but none had been provided. Danchenko is the third person to be prosecuted by the special counsel John Durham, who was appointed to investigate the origins of “Crossfire Hurricane” – the designation given to the FBI’s 2016 investigation into Trump’s Russia connections. It is also the first of Durham’s cases that delves deeply into the origins of the dossier, which Trump derided as fake news and a political witch-hunt. Read More Here

Arizona’s 2023 Women's Basketball Recruiting Class Currently No. 1 In Country For The First Time https://digitalarizonanews.com/arizonas-2023-womens-basketball-recruiting-class-currently-no-1-in-country-for-the-first-time/ Each year, it seems like there’s a new superlative for the recruiting class Adia Barnes woos. This may be the last year it happens. That’s not because anyone expects Barnes’ recruiting at Arizona to go south. It’s because there won’t be any higher achievement to attain. Just weeks before the early signing period, Arizona women’s basketball is set to sign three top-20 players. That’s enough to get the nod from ESPN HoopGulrz for the highest-rated class in the country. Last season, Arizona signed a class that was ranked at No. 8. However, that ranking came before the class was complete. Paris Clark, who was ranked No. 21 in the nation, did not sign until April 2022. This year, late additions could only keep others from overtaking them. The Wildcats’ class currently consists of No. 9 recruit Montaya Dew, No. 10 Breya Cunninghama, and No. 20 Jada Williams. Both Cunningham and Williams played for Team USA. Current Wildcat Kailyn Gilbert was also on that team, but an unfortunate bout with COVID-19 kept Gilbert from playing. Arizona fans won’t have to wait to see all of them, either. On Sept. 30, Barnes said that there would be a mid-year addition or two. “One of our players is gonna come in December,” Barnes said. “We’ll have one to two players come, so then that would bring us to 13 or 14 [on the 2022 roster].” One of those players is Dew, but the other one is not publicly known as of now. Although she probably won’t play this season, it will allow Dew to get a headstart on her college development. As is typical, Arizona is not the only Pac-12 school in next year’s top five. Perennial top recruiter Stanford comes in at No. 3. This season, the conference welcomed the No. 1 (UCLA), No. 2 (Oregon), No. 3 (Oregon State), No. 5 (Stanford), No. 8 (Arizona), and No. 14 (Washington) classes. The conference includes 11 of the 24 players from the 2022 McDonald’s All-American Game. Players from the 2023 class can sign early between Nov. 9 and Nov. 16. Those who choose to wait will sign in April. Read More Here

Republican Adam Kinzinger Endorses Democrats In Key Swing-State Races – Deltaplex News https://digitalarizonanews.com/republican-adam-kinzinger-endorses-democrats-in-key-swing-state-races-deltaplex-news/ (WASHINGTON) — Retiring Republican Rep. Adam Kinzinger of Illinois on Tuesday announced a slate of midterm endorsements, which include six Democrats vying for governor or secretary of state in critical southeastern and midwestern swing states. Through his newly-formed political action committee, the House Jan. 6 committee member who voted to impeach Donald Trump rolled out support for Democratic secretary of state candidates in Arizona, Nevada, Michigan and Minnesota, with notable backing for Republican Brad Raffensberger of Georgia, the state’s current top elections official who upheld the results of the 2020 election despite urging from Trump to overturn them. Kinzinger is also supporting Democrats for governor in Pennsylvania and Arizona. Republicans and Independents who have campaigned on the legitimacy of the 2020 election have also made the list of Kinzinger endorsements through his “Country 1st” PAC, first unveiled in January 2021. The support from Kinzinger, of the most forward facing critics of the former president, comes just days after another GOP Jan. 6 committee member, Rep. Liz Cheney, told an Arizona audience she would vote for Democratic gubernatorial candidate Katie Hobbs against an election-denying GOP nominee Kari Lake if she lived in the state. “So, for almost 40 years now, I’ve been voting Republican. I don’t know that I have ever voted for a Democrat — but if I lived in Arizona now, I absolutely would. And for governor and for secretary of state,” Cheney said during a question-and-answer session at the McCain Institute at Arizona State University. “We cannot be in a position where we elect people who will not fundamentally uphold the sanctity of elections.” Cheney is also off the ballot in the upcoming midterm elections, following her primary defeat from Trump-backed Harriet Hageman. Hobbs also made Kinzinger’s midterm endorsements, which also includes Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro, a Democrat running for governor against election-denying state senator Doug Mastriano. He also endorsed an independent House candidate running against far-right GOP Rep. Andy Biggs of Arizona who was intimately involved in efforts to challenge the electoral count on Jan. 6. A number of federal candidates also made Kinzinger’s endorsement list: Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, who is facing a Trump-backed challenge in her reelection contest and Evan McMullin, an independent who is challenging Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah. In an interview with Politico, Kinzinger said he chose 2022 endorsements partly based on where there are “going to be positions that, frankly, can be bulwarks to defend against a real constitutional crisis in 2024.” “A badly-placed, bad faith secretary of state can really throw the whole country into chaos,” he said. ABC News’ Libby Cathey contributed to this report. Copyright © 2022, ABC Audio. All rights reserved. Read More Here

Ranking Arizona High School Badminton Teams As Regular Season Winds Down https://digitalarizonanews.com/ranking-arizona-high-school-badminton-teams-as-regular-season-winds-down/ The Arizona high school badminton season is starting to wind down ahead of the state tournament.  Defending champion Perry continues its dominance in Arizona, sitting on top of the Division I rankings with an undefeated record as of Tuesday. The  Pumas, which have won five consecutive D-I state titles and suffered only one loss during that stretch.   Right behind Perry is Hamilton, another undefeated team. They will face Perry on Oct. 18 in a showdown of two tournament contenders. Last year’s D-I runner-up, Chaparral, has moved to Division II and is fourth in the latest D-II rankings, which are topped this week by Prescott. The Badgers are looking for its first championship in program history. Here is a look at this week’s AIA top 10 ranked teams in each division: Division I 1. Perry 2. Hamilton 3. Mesa Mountain View 4. Sunnyslope 5. Pinnacle 6. Corona del Sol 7. Basha 8. Xavier Prep 9. Red Mountain 10. Highland Division II 1. Prescott 2. Ironwood 3. Verrado 4. Chaparral 5. Sunrise Mountain 6. AZ College Prep 7. Horizon 8. Deer Valley 9. Cactus 10. Paradise Valley Read More Here