Digital Arizona News

‘Is That Real?’ Stunned John King Asks Maggie Haberman If Trump Actually Asked His Diet Coke Sommelier How To Overturn Election https://digitalarizonanews.com/is-that-real-stunned-john-king-asks-maggie-haberman-if-trump-actually-asked-his-diet-coke-sommelier-how-to-overturn-election/ By Tommy ChristopherOct 7th, 2022, 1:42 pm CNN’s John King asked New York Times correspondent and CNN analyst Maggie Haberman to verify that a stunning anecdote from her book about former President Donald Trump was real. Haberman has been making the rounds to promote the release of her controversial but much-buzzed-about book Confidence Man: The Making of Donald Trump and the Breaking of America. On Friday’s edition of Inside Politics, Haberman spent most of the hour with King, discussing the political news of the day. But during one segment, King had to ask her about a bizarre scene from the book. At issue is Trump’s well-documented fascination with Diet Coke, which included a red button on the Resolute Desk that would send a White House valet running to fetch him a bottle of the soft drink. King read a passage from the book that had Trump asking the Diet Coke wrangler for advice on how to overturn his election loss, then asked Haberman: “Is that real?”: JOHN KING: So one last one here. This is about what to do. Trying to challenge the election, “quizzing nearly everyone, even the valet who brought him Diet Cokes after he pressed a red button on the Resolute desk about which different options would lead to success.” A: Is that real? And B, in the context, I’m not making– the White House valets are incredibly hard working people who love the institution of the building. But if Donald Trump runs again, who will be around him? MAGGIE HABERMAN: I mean, you just hit on the important, most important point about a future Donald Trump presidency. I know there’s some theory that he’s figured out how to do it better next time. And that’s not really true. What he, he is obsessed with personnel. Everything with Donald Trump comes down to personnel. Where’s my Roy Cohn, searching for his fixers. Now, what he did figure out in 2020 is that he finally had the, quote unquote right people whom he thought would help him. Those are the kinds of folks he would turn to. JOHN KING: Right. It’s fascinating. It’s great. From beginning to end. Watch above via CNN. Have a tip we should know? tips@mediaite.com Read More Here

Kanye West Live: Kanye Selling His “White Lives Matter” Shirts Today https://digitalarizonanews.com/kanye-west-live-kanye-selling-his-white-lives-matter-shirts-today/ Key Takeaways from Kanye’s Tucker Carlson Interview Rapper Kanye West sat for an interview with Fox News host Tucker Carlson Thursday night to discuss a range of topics, from his “White Lives Matter” shirts, to his support of Donald Trump, to his ex-wife Kim Kardashian. Here are the main takeaways from the interview: White Lives Matter West talked about his “White Lives Matter” t-shirt that drew a lot of criticism at his Yeezy show during Paris Fashion Week Monday. He said the shirt, which he wore along with conservative pundit Candace Owens backstage, was “funny.” “I do certain things from a feeling,” West said. “I just channel the energy. It just feels right. It’s using a gut instinct, a connection with God, and just brilliance.” West also recalled his father, an ex-Black Panther, who texted him about the shirts. “He said, ‘White Lives Matter. Ha ha ha ha ha.’ And I said, ‘I thought the shirt was a funny shirt. I thought the idea of me wearing it was funny.’ And I said, ‘Dad, why do you think it was funny?’ He said, ‘just a Black man stating the obvious,'” West told Carlson. He said that was his favorite response, adding that as an artist, he doesn’t have to give anyone an explanation. “People, they’re looking for an explanation, and people say, ‘well, as an artist, you don’t have to give an explanation,’ but as a leader, you do,” West said. “So the answer to why I wrote White Lives Matter on a shirt is because they do. It’s the obvious thing.” Lizzo, Abortion and Black Genocide West said singer Lizzo’s weight and abortion and examples of the “genocide of the Black race” during the interview. “It represents life, I’m pro-life,” West said when asked by Carlson why he’s wearing a lanyard with a picture of an ultrasound on it. “I don’t care about people’s responses. I care about the fact that there’s more Black babies being aborted than born in New York City at this point. That 50 percent of Black death in America is abortion.” He said there are systems in place that prevent his “good friend” Lizzo from losing weight. “Now let’s talk about Gabby and my good friend Lizzo. Lizzo works with my trainer, a friend of mine, Harley Pasternak,” West said. “When Lizzo loses 10 pounds and announces it, the bots […] on Instagram, they attack her for losing weight, because the media wants to put out a perception that being overweight is the new goal, when it’s actually unhealthy.” West added that he weight is “clinically unhealthy” and people who promote her size are “demonic.” Kim Kardashian West is being accused of slut shaming his ex-wife Kim Kardashian after he criticized her for appearing with her “ass out” on a magazine cover. “Kim is a Christian, but she has people who want her to go to Interview Magazine and put her ass out while she’s a 40-something-year-old multi-billionaire with four black children,” he said. He also said he was unaware Kardashian was “close” with the Clintons. MAGA and Trump West also told Carlson that he was told his “life would be over” if he publicly supported former President Donald Trump. The rapper has faced backlash for his support for Trump in the 2016 presidential election. “I really felt like I think I started to really feel this need to express myself on another level when Trump was running for office and I liked him,” West told Carlson. “My so-called friends [and] handlers around me told me if I said that I like Trump that my career will be over. That my life would be over.” “They said stuff like ‘people get killed for wearing a hat like that,'” he continued. “They threatened my life… they basically said that I would be killed for wearing the hat.” Part two of the interview is set to air on Friday at 8 p.m. ET on Fox News. Read More Here

Uvalde School District Suspends Entire Police Force Amid Fallout From Shooting https://digitalarizonanews.com/uvalde-school-district-suspends-entire-police-force-amid-fallout-from-shooting/ The Uvalde, Texas, school district — still facing withering criticism over its police department’s failings both during the May 24 elementary school massacre and since — announced the suspension of the entire district police force on Friday. The district said it’s requested more Texas Department of Public Safety troopers to be stationed on campuses and at extra-curricular activities, adding, “We are confident that staff and student safety will not be compromised during this transition.” The length of the school district police department suspension is not clear. An officer walks outside of Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, May 24, 2022. Allison Dinner/AFP via Getty Images Lt. Miguel Hernandez, who was tasked with leading the department in the fallout from the attack, and Ken Mueller, the Uvalde Consolidated Independent School District’s director of student services, were placed on administrative leave. Mueller elected to retire, according to the school district. “Officers currently employed will fill other roles in the district,” the school district said. According to the district’s website, that includes four officers and one security guard. Victims’ families, led by Brett Cross, guardian of 10-year-old victim Uziyah Garcia, had been holding a round-the-clock vigil outside the school district headquarters calling for change. The families are now commending Friday’s announcement. Family members of Robb Elementary School victims and their supporters demonstrate at the Uvalde school district offices, Sept. 29, 2022. Kate Holland/ABC News “They don’t know how to hire people, they don’t know how to vet officers,” Kimberly Rubio, whose daughter, Lexi, was killed at Robb Elementary, told ABC News. “They haven’t provided proper training.” Friday’s news was “what we’ve been asking for — it’s more than we’ve been asking for,” she said. Kimberly Rubio, mother of Robb Elementary slain student Alexandria Aniyah Rubio, is comforted after speaking as Texas gubernatorial candidate Beto O’Rourke and some of the family members of the children who lost their lives at Robb Elementary in Uvalde hold a press conference at Fountain Park on Friday, Sept. 30, 2022, in Edinburg, Texas. Joel Martinez/The Monitor via AP Gloria Cazares, whose 9-year-old daughter, Jackie, was killed, called Friday’s announcement “bittersweet.” “It’s a win — a small win,” she told ABC News. “We’re not done.” The school district’s move comes one day after the firing of Crimson Elizondo, an officer who was hired by Uvalde’s school district despite being under investigation for her conduct as a DPS trooper during the massacre, which claimed the lives of 19 students and two teachers. Elizondo was the first DPS member to enter the hallway at Robb Elementary School after the shooter gained entry. The trooper did not bring her rifle or vest into the school, according to the results of an internal review by DPS that was detailed to ABC News. As a result of potential failure to follow standard procedures, the trooper was among seven DPS personnel whose conduct is now being investigated by the agency’s inspector general. The seven were suspended, however, by Elizondo resigning from DPS to work for the Uvalde schools she was no longer subject to any internal discipline or penalties. Her conduct — if found to be in violation of law or policy — would still be included in the final report from the DPS inspector general. Hernandez, the acting police chief, is the officer who acknowledged receiving formal notification from DPS in July that Elizondo was under investigation. The school district said in Friday’s statement that “decisions concerning” the school district police department have been pending results of investigations from the Texas Police Chiefs Association and the private investigative firm JPPI Investigations, but “recent developments have uncovered additional concerns with department operations.” Results of the JPPI investigation “will inform future personnel decisions” and the Texas Police Chiefs Association’s review “will guide the rebuilding of the department and the hiring of a new Chief of Police,” the statement said. The school district’s police chief, Pete Arredondo, was fired in August. ABC News’ Patrick Linehan and Olivia Osteen contributed to this report. Read More Here

Ukraine War: World Must Act Now To Stop Russia Nuclear Threat – Zelensky https://digitalarizonanews.com/ukraine-war-world-must-act-now-to-stop-russia-nuclear-threat-zelensky/ Media caption, Watch: Zelensky warns Russians are being prepared for nuclear warfare By Hugo Bachega and John Simpson BBC News, Kyiv Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky says Russian officials have begun to “prepare their society” for the possible use of nuclear weapons, but added he does not believe Russia is ready to use them. In an interview with the BBC, President Zelensky denied having urged strikes on Russia, claiming that an earlier remark had been mistranslated. “You must use preventive kicks,” he said, referring to sanctions, “not attacks”. In recent weeks, the Ukrainian army has recaptured large swathes of territory in a successful counter-offensive that has forced Russian troops to abandon long-held positions. In what Kyiv describes as Moscow’s response to its defeats, President Vladimir Putin has incorporated four partially occupied regions of Ukraine. The annexations, widely dismissed as illegal, have raised fears of a possible escalation in the seven-month war. President Putin and other senior Russian officials have suggested that nuclear weapons – possibly smaller, tactical weapons – could be used to defend those areas, although Western officials say there has been no evidence Moscow is prepared to do so. Speaking in English at the presidential palace in Kyiv, President Zelensky said: “They begin to prepare their society. That’s very dangerous. “They are not ready to do it, to use it. But they begin to communicate. They don’t know whether they’ll use or not use it. I think it’s dangerous to even speak about it.” He denied having called for strikes on Russia during an online event on Thursday, saying the word he had used in Ukrainian had been misunderstood. The initial comment was denounced by Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov as “an appeal to start yet another world war”, while Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said it demonstrated why Russia was right to launch its operation in Ukraine. “After that translation,” President Zelensky said, “they [the Russians] did their way, how it’s useful for them, and began to retranslate it in other directions.” The interview happened hours after US President Joe Biden said that the Russian threat to use nuclear weapons had brought the world closer to “Armageddon” than at any time since the Cuban Missile Crisis during the Cold War. President Zelensky said action was needed now, as Russia’s threats were a “risk for the whole planet”. Moscow, he claimed, had “made a step already” by occupying the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, Europe’s largest nuclear station which President Putin is trying to turn into Russian property. “The world can stop urgently the actions of Russian occupiers,” President Zelensky said. “The world can implement the sanction package in such cases and do everything to make them leave the nuclear power plant.” Empowered by sophisticated Western-supplied weapons, the Ukrainian army has made significant advances in the east and the south, reclaiming towns and villages even in areas the Kremlin claims are now part of Russia. The setbacks, a major embarrassment for President Putin, have sparked unusual criticism of the country’s military. Amid the losses, President Putin announced the mobilisation of hundreds of thousands of reservists, which led to rare anti-war protests in Russia and to a huge exodus of military-age men. President Zelensky urged Russians to “fight for your body, rights and soul”, saying: “These mobilised kids now, they come without machine guns, armoured jackets, they are just cannon fodder…. If they don’t want to be kebab… they need to fight [for their lives]. “All Putin is afraid of is not a nuclear strike. He’s afraid of his society, of his people. “Because only this people can replace him, strip him of his power and give it to another person.” Read More Here

Is Chandler AZ Safe? https://digitalarizonanews.com/is-chandler-az-safe/ Is Chandler AZ Safe? – Just like the character of the evergreen show FRIENDS, Chandler in Arizona is also one of the best places to visit. This particular place offers so many things, whether it is the best climate or the culture. This place knows how to cook the best food as you can encounter the local taste with worldly values. One of the biggest reasons for the popularity of this city is its connectivity. The nearest airport is Phoenix SkyHarbour International Airport which connects important cities of America like Las Vegas, Salt Lake, El Paso, etc. Though this airport connects the other parts of the USA, its disconnectivity in the suburban areas allures travelers more. Is Chandler AZ safe? No matter how great the city is, a traveler must check the crime rate before stepping into the city. Chandler ranks 29 in the safest city index, making it one of the safest cities in the United States. According to the FBI data, the overall crime rate of this city is higher than the national average rate, but the city does not belong to a higher crime community. Every one person among 51 people has the risk of falling victim to the crime. All the data might confuse you about whether is Chandler AZ safe. To make it easier for you to understand, we have prepared this thorough guide. In this travel safety guide, we have covered everything, including is Chandler AZ safe to visit, the safest and most dangerous places, safety tips, and more. So, here we go – Warnings & Dangers in Chandler, Arizona Warnings & Dangers in Chandler, Arizona – Is Chandler AZ safe? Overall Risk: Medium According to the FBI, this city’s crime rate is above the national average, and the Phoenix neighborhood, the metropolitan area, is more prone to crime. The nearby cities of Chandler are Gilbert, Glendale, and Scottsdale, which are the highest crime rates. This is one of the reasons the crime records of Chandler are a bit scary. However, in reality, Chandler ranks somewhere in the middle of the safety index. Transport & Taxi Risk: Low The transport authority is quite strict with their laws and vehicles. Most of the rideshares and taxis come with hiring options. The risks in transport and taxis are low. However, people must be aware before hiring any vehicles and verify all the documents. Pickpocketer Risk: Low Chandler is not prone to pickpocketing as the crime rate in this category is quite low. The reports say that only seven pickpocketing cases were recorded in 2021, which is the fewest. Natural Disaster Risk: Medium Natural disaster is common in this area as the city witnesses flash floods in the monsoon season. Apart from that, the wind storm, Haboob, can impede travel. As the city is near the Sonoran desert, thunderstorms in summer can disturb highway road trips. Mugging Risk: Low Chandler hasn’t recorded a large number of mugging crimes, and the mugging crime rate has dropped significantly after 2020. However, it would help if you stay aware of your surroundings, as your negligence can cost you. Terrorism Risk: Low Chandler has not seen any terrorist attacks in its history, so any traveler is safe regarding terrorism. However, the Hoover dam directly connects the city, so this can be a marked place for terrorism. You must be vigilant enough during the trip to Hoover dam and Chandler. Scam Risk: Medium The cases of scams are quite large in number as scammers are widespread in this area. Most of the older people find this city favorable for living as it keeps away the hustle and bustle of the city. Scammers target those people; however, the scammers only play with their old patterns, so fact-checking before splurging money into cheap deals can save you. Women Travel Risk: Medium Chandler ranks among the sex trafficking cities, and Las Vegas is not too far from the city. These reasons make the city detrimental for women, and it could be a risk for solo female travelers. Young women must avoid traveling alone and getting involved with strangers. Tap water Risk: Low Tap water is quite safe, as per the 2020 water quality report. The water is free from harsh chemical contamination and meets national standards. However, some places are prone to drought, which can be a major issue. Safest Places in Chandler, Arizona According to the FBI, Chandler’s crime rate is higher than the national average, but some of its places are quite safe, creating a balance of crime in the city. As enough information is unavailable, we will share some of the safest nearby cities of Chandler in Arizona so that you can get a glimpse of the city from its neighborhood. Sun Lakes Sun Lakes, AZ Sun Lakes is one of the safest nearby cities in Chandler, Arizona. The city has lower crime rates compared to other cities in Arizona. The violent and property crime rates of the city are 14.8 and 30.0. Overall, Sun Lakes is a pleasant city to visit and explore. So if you are in Chandler, you can also plan to visit this neighboring city. Oasis Park, Blue heron park, Arizona railway museum, and Papago park are some awesome and safe places to visit. Galveston Rinforest Pyramid Moody Garden, Galveston AZ Galveston is another safe neighborhood of Chandler, Arizona. The city has a population of about 50,000 individuals. Violent crimes in the city are less common than property crimes, but the crime rates are not over the belt. The violent crime rate is 29.7, while the property crime rate is 55.6. Therefore, traveling to Chandler, you can also visit Galveston. There are a few places where you will have a lot of fun while visiting. Moody Gardens, Rainforest Pyramid, The Bryan Museum, and Moody mansion are some of those places. Sun Groves Veterans Oasis Park, Chandler Sun Groves is only 10.8 mi away from Chandler. Sun Groves is considered a safe city from the traveling and living point of view. The city is home to approximately 5874 people. There are lower risks of crime than the national average crime rate. Statistically, Sun Groves has a 58% lower risk of violent crimes. If you plan to visit Sun Groves, you would love to see the Veterans Oasis Park, Mustang Park, Playtopia, and San Tan mountain regional park. Ocotillo Imperial Valley Desert Museum, Chandler Ocotillo is only 5.5 mi away from Chandler. Ocotillo is a safe city to roam and enjoy. The city has below-average crime rates as there are only 696 violent crimes in 100,000 people, while property crimes are 3609 in 100,000 individuals. The must-visit places in Ocotillo are the Imperial valley desert museum, Desert view tower, Galleta Meadows, and Ocotillo Community park. Places to avoid in Chandler, Arizona Bapchule Bapchule is a place to avoid nearby Chandler. About 105 individuals are found victims in 1000 people in this city. The city’s crime rates are higher than average, so you should not make plans for this place. Sacate Sacate is a nearby city of Chandler, but not safe for visitors. The crime rate in Sacate is 291 in 1000 individuals. The crime rates are unfortunate, so you must be aware of the city’s real situation before visiting there; otherwise, you can be a victim. Trails End Estates If you are in Chandler, try avoiding the Trails End Estates. This place is not a safe place to visit. Hence, it should be avoided. SweetWater Village This place is also located near Chandler in Arizona but is not safe for visitors and residents. The overall crime grade of the city is D. So be aware and avoid visiting this place in the dark. Santan Satan is a neighboring city of Chandler. The place does not have good records of crime rates. Crimes like assault, murder, rape, and robbery all are active in the city. This place is not considered safe for traveling, especially for solo travelers. Safety Tips For Traveling in Chandler Safety Tips For Traveling in Chandler Take care of your nose – The heat can hit you hard as the city is near the desert. Due to this, most people face nose bleeding kind of issues. You must keep the saline water handy and make yourself hydrated. Beware of wild animals – You can encounter a lot of wild insects and animals like snakes, scorpions, etc. If any of these shows up, you need to be very careful. Wearing long boots can help. Have the weather app – Weather can change abruptly, so checking the weather app can be a lifesaver before stepping outside. Sunscreen is a must – Sun exposure can hit you harder if you visit this sunny city. Having sunscreen is the only way to keep yourself protected from the sun. Ladies, stay alert – The city is quite vulnerable for women, so traveling alone, especially after dark, can be risky. If you are traveling with a young child, you need to be extra careful. How safe is Chandler to travel alone? Chandler is not too risky for solo travelers as long as they are aware of their surroundings and not engaging in any fights with locals. You can visit the city alone and have fun. Is Chandler AZ safe for solo female travelers? Is Chandler AZ safe for solo female travelers? For solo female travelers, the city is not very safe. Sex trafficking is a concerning issue in this city, so you better not travel alone. However, if you want to visit Chandler alone, we recommend you follow all safety measures and always stay in touch with your friends or family members. Read safety guide for other cities of Arizona – Is Yuma AZ Safe? Is Tucson Safe? Is Tombstone Safe? Is Tempe AZ Safe? Is Sierra Vista AZ Safe? Is Sedona safe? So, how safe is Chandler for traveling? Chandler is famous for its sunny days and its beautiful culture, and being the nearest city to Phoenix Airport, the city becomes polluted with crimes. However, the crime rate does not fall into the very dangerous category, so the city is quite safe to travel to. However, we recommend you stay alert to your surroundings, avoid engaging in any conflicts, and, most importantly, follow all safety measure...

Person Killed After Being Hit By A Car On I-17 In North Phoenix https://digitalarizonanews.com/person-killed-after-being-hit-by-a-car-on-i-17-in-north-phoenix/ PHOENIX (3TV/CBS 5) — The Arizona Department of Public Safety is investigating a deadly crash on Interstate 17 near Happy Valley Road in north Phoenix Friday morning. The crash was initially reported just before 9 a.m. DPS troopers confirmed that a pedestrian was killed after being hit by a car but no other information was released. At this time, the right two northbound lanes of I-17 are blocked. Drivers are being asked to avoid the area. Arizona’s Family is working on learning more information. Click/tap here for the latest traffic updates. Copyright 2022 KTVK/KPHO. All rights reserved. Read More…

Media's Reaction To Biden's 'Where's Jackie?' Vs. Trump's 'Coco Chow' https://digitalarizonanews.com/medias-reaction-to-bidens-wheres-jackie-vs-trumps-coco-chow/ By now, everyone who follows politics should recognize that the liberal media will deliberately ignore embarrassing gaffes by President Joe Biden, especially if they suggest he’s not mentally sharp enough to be the president. Biden asking, “Where’s Jackie?” about a congresswoman killed in a car crash two months ago was a TV black hole: nothing on the morning and evening newscasts on ABC, CBS, NBC and PBS, and nothing on CNN or MSNBC. This week offered a tidy contrast, and an inevitable reminder that these same networks can never stop obsessing over Trump tweets—even after he was banned by Twitter. The taxpayer-funded “PBS NewsHour” took after Trump on Monday in a segment with two liberal political pundits: NPR’s Hillary Clinton-coddling reporter Tamara Keith and Amy Walter of the Cook Political Report. PBS reporter Laura Barron-Lopez read from a Trump post on Truth Social, his Twitter imitation, where he said Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., “has a death wish” and “must immediately seek help and advise from his China loving wife, Coco Chow.” This mysterious outburst is referring to Elaine Chao, who Trump named his secretary of transportation. Barron-Lopez added: “Today, Republican Congresswoman Liz Cheney said that rhetoric like that could cause violence. She also called it racist. But the vast majority of Republicans have not condemned this. So, Tamara, what does this silence among the GOP say about the party today?” Keith seconded the PBS emotion: “Well, this is pretty classic silence. When Trump has tweeted things in the past, now he puts it out on Truth Social, he goes up to the line, he crosses the line, he does things and says things that put Republicans in a terrible position. And then they say, ‘Oh, gosh, I haven’t seen the tweet.’” We could play this game, too, PBS: What does this silence about “Where’s Jackie?” among the TV networks say about the state of “news” today? When a man was arrested in June after a foiled attempt to assassinate conservative Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh, Judy Woodruff reported just two news briefs lasting about a minute. No one on PBS asked if liberal tweets could spur violence. The pattern continued on Tuesday, as Woodruff interviewed (and celebrated) anti-Trump author Maggie Haberman and her new book, “Confidence Man.” Woodruff asked: “Most recently, just in the last few days, he put out a statement about Elaine Chao, the wife of Senator Mitch McConnell … Do you think, at his core, that he is racist?” Haberman also seconded PBS: “I think he has a long pattern of racist behavior going back to when he was in New York City. And we clearly saw it continue in the White House, be it attacking Elijah Cummings in Baltimore, a city that is part of the United States, and Trump was supposed to be the president for all of the United States, whether he was attacking congresswomen of color.” You can’t attack poorly run cities with Democrat mayors, and you can’t attack radical Democrats like Reps. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., or Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y. It’s automatically racist. The Times reporter concluded: “His behavior is really what matters on this front. So, what exactly is in his heart, I think, becomes irrelevant. He is behaving in a racist way.” Earlier, Walter summed up the mood of the media: “I think what we’re going to find is, the more that Donald Trump is in the news, the better Democrats feel.” Yes, that’s precisely why PBS is always making sure Trump’s trash talk is in the news, and Biden babbling like he’s lost a marble or two is spiked. COPYRIGHT 2022 CREATORS.COM The Daily Signal publishes a variety of perspectives. Nothing written here is to be construed as representing the views of The Heritage Foundation. Have an opinion about this article? To sound off, please email letters@DailySignal.com and we’ll consider publishing your edited remarks in our regular “We Hear You” feature. Remember to include the url or headline of the article plus your name and town and/or state. Read More Here

Arizona Democrat Mark Kelly Distances Himself From Biden's Border 'mess' https://digitalarizonanews.com/arizona-democrat-mark-kelly-distances-himself-from-bidens-border-mess/ PHOENIX — In the first and likely only debate for the Arizona Senate race, Democrat Mark Kelly pitched himself to independent voters as someone who can stand up to President Joe Biden and his own party, particularly on border security. “When Democrats are wrong, like on the border, I call them out on it, because I’m always going to stick up for Arizona,” Kelly said in his opening remarks on stage at Arizona State University’s downtown campus on Thursday. “When the Biden administration refused to increase oil and gas production, I told him he was wrong,” he offered at another point. The debate between Kelly, his Republican challenger Blake Masters and Libertarian Marc Victor comes just one week before early ballots are sent out in a race that could determine which party has majority control of the Senate next year, as polls show the race is tightening. “Two years ago, Mark Kelly stood right there, and he promised to be independent,” Masters said in his opening. “But he broke that promise.” Kelly, who won a special election in 2020 by getting more votes in Arizona than Biden himself, has distanced himself from Democrats’ messaging on immigration amid a record number of arrests or detentions of migrants at the southern border. That includes the Biden administration’s decision to lift Title 42, a controversial Trump-era public health order which cut down opportunities for migrants to make legal claims to avoid deportation during the coronavirus pandemic. “When the president decided he was going to do something dumb on this and change the rules that would create a bigger crisis, you know, I’ve told him he was wrong,” Kelly said. “So I’ve pushed back on this administration multiple times, and I’ve got more money on the ground.” Kelly called the situation at the U.S.-Mexico border a “mess” and said he supports some physical barriers at the border. Arizona Democratic Sen. Mark Kelly stands on the stage prior to a televised debate against his Republican challenger Blake Masters and Libertarian candidate Marc Victor in Phoenix, Oct. 6, 2022. Ross D. Franklin/AP Meanwhile, Masters emphasized Kelly’s record of allegiance to Democrats, asking Kelly about a vote against a GOP amendment to the Inflation Reduction Act that would’ve funded additional 18,000 border patrol agents. “There are votes that happen in DC that have nothing to do with Border Patrol agents that have might have the title on it and nothing happens,” Kelly offered. Masters called on Kelly to “respectfully resign” if he has truly done everything he can to secure the border. During the hour-long debate, the candidates also sparred over the 2020 election, inflation, abortion rights and water security. Asked if Biden is the legitimately elected president, Masters at first sarcastically offered, “Joe Biden is absolutely the president. I mean, my gosh, have you seen the gas prices lately?” before acknowledging Biden as the “the legitimate president.” But the political newcomer then pivoted into a conspiracy theory about how the FBI pressured Facebook and other big tech companies to censor information about Hunter Biden’s alleged crimes in the weeks before the 2020 election. Masters, who said in a campaign ad last year, “I think Trump won in 2020,” has softened some stances since beating out four other candidates in the August primary and conceded under questioning from moderator Ted Simons of Arizona PBS that he hasn’t seen evidence of voter fraud in the 2020 race. “I haven’t seen evidence of that,” Masters said, breaking from former President Donald Trump, who endorsed him over the summer. Kelly warned that the “wheels” could “come off our democracy” if candidates like Masters, who he says continue to questioning the integrity of American elections, win this November. On abortion — a hot-button issue in Arizona after a federal judge last month upheld a 1901 law prohibiting all abortions other than those necessary to save the life of the mother and mandating jail time for providers — the two candidates offered vastly different views. Kelly answered “of course” when asked if he’d vote to codify Roe v. Wade, and attacked Masters for his past statements describing abortion as “demonic” and “religious sacrifice.” “You think you know better than women and doctors about abortion,” Kelly said. “You can think you know better than seniors about social security. And you think you know better than veterans about how to win a war. Folks, we all know guys like this, and we can’t be letting them make decisions about us because it’s just dangerous.” Masters said he’s “pro-life as a matter of conscience” with “exceptions” and falsely accused Kelly of supporting abortion “up until the moment of birth.” He said he would support a federal “personhood law” to ban all third-trimester abortions — which Kelly called “code for throwing women into jail” — as well as Sen. Lindsey Graham’s federal abortion ban after 15 weeks. With inflation highest in the country in the Phoenix-metro area, Masters appeared most comfortable when grouping in Kelly with spending in Washington. “Joe Biden is spending like a drunken sailor and at every single opportunity Mark Kelly just says yes. He can’t say no to Chuck Schumer. He can’t say no to Joe Biden,” Masters said. “You never have to wonder which way Senator Kelly is gonna vote.” Early voting starts in Arizona on Oct. 12. Read More Here

Experts Say Trump, Election Deniers Eroding Trust In Democracy. Can It Be Restored? – WFIN Local News https://digitalarizonanews.com/experts-say-trump-election-deniers-eroding-trust-in-democracy-can-it-be-restored-wfin-local-news/ (WASHINGTON) — The nation’s democratic process has been dangerously tested after the 2020 presidential race and the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol, polls show and experts warn, leaving many Americans with little faith in the election system. Heading into the consequential midterm elections, when voters will decide which party will control Congress next year, more than two-thirds of Americans think our democracy is in danger of collapse, according to an August poll from Quinnipiac University. An ABC News/Washington Post poll conducted in January — more than a year after the insurrection — found only 20% of those surveyed saying they’re very confident about the election system. Even fewer Republicans, just 13%, said they were very confident in the process. “After every election, especially a presidential election, there is some sense among the people who voted for the losing candidate that the election was not quite fair,” Barry Burden, the director of the Elections Research Center at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, told ABC News. “But 2020 is different,” Burden continued. “Republican voters have been stuck with very low levels of support.” That’s in large part due to Donald Trump, Burden and other elections observers said, as well as his GOP allies who continue to emphatically spread falsehoods about the integrity of the 2020 election. In fact, 60% of Americans will have an election denier on the ballot this November. Out of 541 total Republican nominees running for office, FiveThirtyEight found 199 who’ve fully denied the legitimacy of the 2020 election. So, what can be done to restore trust in the system? The path forward is unclear, experts ABC News spoke with said. “It’s a very hard problem,” Burden acknowledged. The most effective solution? What would be the most successful fix is also the thing least likely to happen: for Trump and his allies to change their message. “Donald Trump, as somebody who knows how to bring a crowd, whenever he leans into some of this election conspiracy stuff, he is tapping into a very, very animated part of the Republican base,” explained Eli Yokley, a senior reporter at the data firm Morning Consult, which also tracks confidence in U.S. institutions. Yokley said it will be “incumbent on policymakers not to lean into voters’ worst instincts” for trust to be restored. Because Republicans are also generally more skeptical of mainstream media and traditional news sources, it’s going to be most impactful for those lacking faith in the system to hear it straight from the former president and his closest associates. “Those kinds of authoritative voices for Trump’s followers have to be what’s going to deliver the message because other sources like the current president or the mainstream media or fact checkers just aren’t trusted in the same way,” Burden said. But Trump, as recently as Oct. 1, at a rally in the battleground state of Michigan, continued to call the 2020 election “stolen” and said Democrats “cheat like dogs” to win. “I don’t believe we’ll ever have a fair election again,” Trump said, prompting boos and shouts of agreement from his crowd. “I don’t believe it,” he repeated. Combatting disinformation While Trump and his allies continue to spread lies about the 2020 election, state and local elections offices are picking up the slack to combat disinformation. Arizona’s Maricopa County — the largest county in the battleground state and the site of intense scrutiny both during and after the 2020 election — launched a campaign in 2021 titled “Just the Facts” in response to the increase of misinformation spreading about elections administration. The website and an accompanying newsletter answers questions about how elections are administered, how officials build the ballot, how they count the ballots and ensure accuracy of the equipment used. This cycle, the campaign will also provide information about the upcoming races and how to participate successfully, according to Maricopa County Elections Department spokesperson Megan Gilbertson. “It’s imperative for election experts to provide a trusted source of information to voters about the you know, the facts about elections administration,” Gilbertson told ABC News. “And so I think that initiatives like this are attainable for elections offices.” The city of Atlanta has launched the Atlanta Votes initiative, a similar online tool aimed at educating voters and increasing turnout. The Connecticut legislature has provided $2 million for internet, TV and mail education efforts on the election process, and to hire an election information security officer. Colorado has also hired a team called the “Rapid Response Election Security Cyber Unit” to monitor sites for misinformation. The U.S. Elections Assistance Commission, a national clearinghouse for information regarding election administration, similarly revamped the information on its site to make it more digestible to everyday Americans, Chairman Thomas Hicks told ABC News. “I always say that election officials are public servants,” Hicks said. “None of us are doing this to get rich, and so we’re doing this for the love of our country and for our democracy.” Hicks said the commission has also worked with other organizations and has spoken to Twitter and Facebook about combating misinformation. The tech platforms took some steps to tackle misinformation in 2020 but some experts said the actions weren’t enough. YouTube, Google and TikTok have announced election plans for 2022 that include bolstering trusted news sources and flagging or removing posts containing falsehoods about the process. But it’s difficult to stop individuals who are spreading disinformation, Burden said. “We have the First Amendment in the United States that protects people’s right to say things they believe, even if they’re factually incorrect,” Burden said. “If they think they don’t trust the system, they’re certainly allowed to say that. So it’s a difficult problem to solve.” Copyright (C) 2022, ABC Audio. All rights reserved. Read More Here

Elon Musk Says Trump's 'Truth Social' App Is 'essentially A Right-Wing Echo Chamber': 'You Might As Well Call It Trumpet' https://digitalarizonanews.com/elon-musk-says-trumps-truth-social-app-is-essentially-a-right-wing-echo-chamber-you-might-as-well-call-it-trumpet/ Elon Musk said Donald Trump’s Truth Social app is a “right-wing echo chamber.” The billionaire said he bought Twitter to make it “maximally trusted and inclusive.” Musk and the former president have traded jabs in the past. Loading Something is loading. Elon Musk slammed former president Donald Trump’s social media app, Truth Social, in a recent interview with Financial Times. “It is essentially a right-wing echo chamber,” Musk said. “It might as well be called Trumpet.” The billionaire said he bought Twitter in order to avoid the site becoming a counterpart to Truth Social. “I’m not doing Twitter for the money. It’s not like I’m trying to buy some yacht and I can’t afford it. I don’t own any boats,” Musk said. “But I think it’s important that people have a maximally trusted and inclusive means of exchanging ideas and that it should be as trusted and transparent as possible.” In the past, Musk has said if he bought Twitter he would lift the company’s ban on Trump and other users — an effort that could make Truth Social irrelevant for the former president. Though, Trump has said in the past he won’t return to Twitter, even if he is allowed back on. Trump launched Truth Social after he was banned from Twitter following the January 6 siege on the Capitol. Truth Social suffered a rocky rollout. The social media app also has considerably less reach than Twitter with approximately 513,000 daily active users compared to Twitter’s 229 million. In the interview with FT, Musk said he doesn’t hate Trump, though the two men have traded jabs in the past. Before Trump first took office Musk said he was “not the right guy” for the job. More recently, Musk said in July that the former reality TV host shouldn’t run for president again. Meanwhile, Trump said he could have made Musk drop to his knees and beg when he was president and the billionaire would have done it. Musk also isn’t a fan of President Joe Biden. In the interview, the Tesla CEO said he believes Biden is too old to run for office again and said he is considering setting up “the Super Moderate Super PAC” to support more moderate politicians. Earlier this year, the billionaire expressed support for Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. Read Financial Times’ full interview with Musk on its website. Read More Here

My Beautiful Tucker Carlson Fantasy: A Bonkers Kanye Interview https://digitalarizonanews.com/my-beautiful-tucker-carlson-fantasy-a-bonkers-kanye-interview/ Kanye West believes that the body-positive movement is a media-driven conspiracy to kill Black people.  “For people to promote that, it’s demonic,” West told Fox News host Tucker Carlson in an interview aired Thursday night. “It’s a genocide of the Black race. They want to kill us in any way they can.” West’s comments came after he was speaking about his “good friend Lizzo.” “When Lizzo loses 10 pounds and announces it, the bots… on Instagram, they attack her for losing weight, because the media wants to put out a perception that being overweight is the new goal, when it’s actually unhealthy,” West said. “Let’s get aside from the fact whether it’s fashion and Vogue, which it’s not, or if someone thinks it’s attractive, to each his own. It’s actually clinically unhealthy.” The artist’s comments about the existence of a conspiracy to systematically wipe out Black people by failing to adequately body shame them was just the tip of the iceberg of batshit bewildering moments that made up the rambling interview filmed in his LA offices. And whether West was claiming that Jared Kushner brokered the Abraham Accords for cash, or that he liked Trump because the former president “made Ivanka,” or that his former wife was being covertly manipulated, throughout it all, Carlson simply gazed back at West with a look of undisguised affection. West first addressed the controversy that was stoked when he appeared at Paris Fashion Week last week along side right-wing talking head Candace Owens, with both of them wearing shirts bearing the phrase “White Lives Matter”—a slogan the Anti-Defamation League calls a “white supremacist phrase that originated in early 2015 as a racist response to the Black Lives Matter movement.” The stunt prompted widespread backlash from figures within the fashion industry, including Jaden Smith, Gigi Hadid, and Vogue contributing editor Gabriella Karefa-Johnson. West told Carlson that he had received threats of physical violence as a result of wearing the shirt. “I had someone call me last night and said anybody wearing a ‘White Lives Matter’ shirt is going to be green-lit,” West said. “That means they are going to beat them up if I wear it. I’m like, you know, ‘Okay, green light me then.’” West compared the incident to when he was criticized for wearing a red MAGA baseball hat in 2018. “My so-called friends/handlers around me told me if I said that I liked Trump that my career would be over. That my life would be over,” the artist now known as Ye told Carlson. “They said stuff like people get killed for wearing a hat like that. They threatened my life. They basically said that I would be killed for wearing the hat.” West also revealed that he had wanted to support Trump from the very beginning, but was “bullied” into staying quiet. “I never actually told people that I liked Trump when he was running because I was bullied by Hollywood,” West said. “I was biting my tongue because I thought it would be better for my children.” West also claimed that his ex-wife Kim Kardashian was being manipulated by outside forces and that pressure from these unnamed sources was one reason he stayed silent about his affinity for Trump. He also claimed that Kardashian was forced to portray herself in ways that she didn’t want to, again because of the manipulation of others. “Kim is a Christian but she has people who want her to go to Interview magazine and put her ass out while she’s a forty-something-year-old multibillionaire with four Black children,” West claimed. West also said it was “wild I didn’t know how close my own wife was to the Clintons” and claimed the Clintons forced Kardashian and him to use their platform to promote COVID-19 vaccines.  West then criticized the over-sexualization of Kardashian in the advertising of the Skims clothing brand he co-founded with his former wife.  “I had a lot of issues with the imagery of Skims. I felt like there’s a lot of imagery that was overly sexualized and things I wouldn’t want to see my wife and definitely not my daughters doing in the future in order to sell product.” But it seems the real issue West had with Skims came when he found out during a dinner with Jared and Ivanka Kushner that Josh Kushner, Jared’s brother, owned 10% of the company, compared to just 5% West owned himself. West spoke at length about his dislike for the Kushner brothers, and how he felt they let Trump down. “Wow, these guys might have really been holding Trump back,” West said. “They weren’t serving my boy Trump the way we could have.” He also said that unlike him, they had never created anything of their own. “I don’t think they have the ability to make anything on their own, I think they were born into money,” adding that he believed Jared Kushner’s work on the Abraham Accords, which West didn’t seem to fully understand, was done to “make cash.” But there was no such dislike of Ivanka, who he described as “fire.” When asked what first attracted him to the presidential candidate Donald Trump, West laughed and said: “What do you mean man? Trump’s the shit, he has his own buildings, what are you talking about, he’s like Ralph Lauren. He made Ivanka.” West then compared Trump’s fall to Moses’ stumbling, and said that “God is not always going to bring the most perfect personality a lot of times, the most fake people, their job is talking and making people feel comfortable and the realest people are going to make you feel uncomfortable at first.” West concluded the interview by briefly discussing a “potential” presidential run in 2024 and his friendship with soon-to-be-Twitter owner Elon Musk, who he described as being “a great team player.” West ended the interview with this enigmatic statement. “The people that make money and the powers that be, ​​I am your true Nikola Tesla, and I’m not even a scientist.” What does that mean? No one but West can know. Perhaps he’ll explain on Friday night, when part two of this interview airs. Want the best of VICE News straight to your inbox? Sign up here. Get the latest from VICE News in your inbox. Sign up right here. By signing up, you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy & to receive electronic communications from Vice Media Group, which may include marketing promotions, advertisements and sponsored content. Read More Here

‘Speak Out’ Reader Opinion: Aaron Judge Deserves The Spotlight https://digitalarizonanews.com/speak-out-reader-opinion-aaron-judge-deserves-the-spotlight/ Speak Out is a reader-generated column of opinions. If you there’s something you’d like to comment on, send an email to ksorensen@tribpub.com. Please include “speak out” in the subject line. A real achievement: Tuesday night Aaron Judge became the American League’s greatest home run hitter when he stroked his 62nd dinger. But even more significantly, he became the only batter in the history of the sport to surpass 61 without ever being accused of taking illegal drugs. Congrats, Mr. Judge, on setting a good example for our future sluggers. Vote on policies: In the upcoming election, think of what you are voting for. Yes, we are all suffering from inflation and higher oil prices, but these are also worldwide problems and not isolated to just America. Understand that inflation is a result of a high demand versus a low supply, along with an influence of greed. This can’t be legislated away and neither party has presented a solution, but both agree the Federal Reserve should tighten credit to lessen demand. Concentrate on policies each candidate or party is proposing. Vote on issues: I don’t call this an inflation anymore. I call it a depression. Where is our president and Democratic politicians that are supposed to serve us? Gas prices up, food up, corrupted media, crime in Chicago — 25 shootings in one weekend. Millions of illegals coming across the border. We are paying for them, their flights, their buses, their clothes, their food, their medicines, places to live. When you vote remember this. Opt out of sex ed: Parents in Florida and Arizona just won big in court for their parental rights. They don’t want sexual material being taught to their very small children without their consent, something that would be unheard of just a few years ago. Here in Illinois, parents can “opt out” of any offending material being taught to the children and forms should be readily available. Just ask. The Illinois Family Institute can be called for a Voter’s Guide or you can read it online. Learn what state reps voted to subject your young children to and if you don’t agree, please vote them out in November. Back to normal: One needn’t consult a calendar to see there’s been a rapid change in the seasons. The lazy days of summer have been replaced by a frantic fall schedule. Among other things, the pumpkin farms are at full capacity and the apple orchards are overpopulated with dedicated pickers. It’s nice to know we’re finally getting back to normal after that frightening battle with a pandemic. Better with Trump: I don’t know what world you’re living in, but under Donald Trump this country was in much better shape. We had a booming stock market, the economy was good, gas was $2 a gallon. It was so much better than the current administration with the highest inflation in over 40 years. I think I’d wake up and smell the coffee. Let Trump go: This country is slowly going down a rabbit hole because the MAGA Trump lovers refuse to let go of their former leader. I agree with Trump when he stated he could walk down Fifth Avenue and commit a crime and no harm will come to him. I simply just don’t get it because of all the lies and hate he has caused this country. People state the DC swamp corrupt politicians are afraid of what will happen to them when he gets elected again. I would like to know who are these swamp politicians? Let’s be realistic: Wind and solar cannot replace fossil fuels, that is just reality. People who call for eliminating fossil fuels and chemical fertilizers disregard human life. There is nothing moral or ethical about confiscating farm land for solar panels, demanding farmers to stop raising livestock or use inferior fertilizers. We take so much for granted. We should be asking ourselves what we would do if grocery stores closed because they have nothing to sell? Cure for insomnia: Last night I slept like a baby (albeit a big baby) and it really wasn’t all that difficult to achieve. Quite simply, I skipped watching and listening to the news for 24 hours. And all of the toxic distortions, exaggerations and hidden innuendos that would normally be absorbed through my pores were denied access to my body. It was truly marvelous and I recommend it whole-heartedly for anyone who is currently suffering from insomnia. Doesn’t make sense: The supporters of the SAFE-T Act constantly state that judges will have the discretion to keep alleged criminals in jail or release them under bond. But they totally ignore and dismiss the fact that the act will eliminate that discretion in specific types of cases. Why eliminate the discretion judges already have under current rules/law? McConnell repaid: He spent four years and then some using his political muscle to defend and protect the former president, no matter what the daily crisis, and what did he get for his purely politically driven allegiance? The only thing Mitch McConnell is left with is the ire of Donald Trump, while the entire nation is left to deal with these never-ending antics, still convincing millions he’s done nothing wrong while spineless Republicans say and do whatever it takes to hang onto their pretentious jobs. Read More Here

Things To Do In The Phoenix Area This Weekend: Oct 7-10 https://digitalarizonanews.com/things-to-do-in-the-phoenix-area-this-weekend-oct-7-10/ Published October 7, 2022 7:37AM PHOENIX – Need plans this weekend? From Indigenous Peoples’ Day celebrations to Greek festivals to psychic fairs, here’s a few fun events in the Phoenix metropolitan area to check out for Oct. 7-10: Want your weekend event featured? Click the link here to send over your ideas. Indigenous Peoples’ Day celebrations 8th Annual Indigenous People’s Day Arizona Gathering “The Indigenous Peoples Day Arizona 2022 planning committee is excited to announce a weekend full of action-oriented land acknowledgements, movement celebrations, and community building. As always, there is NO COST to attend our events, which are family-friendly and drug/alcohol-free zones.” Events include: trash pickup at Rio Salado; a Day of Movement; and a day-long conference about self-care, sovereignty and land preservation. Oct. 8-10 Free https://ipdaz.org/celebration/ Indigenous Peoples’ Day Phoenix Fest “Every day is Indigenous Peoples’ Day, but once a year we come together to celebrate our origins and indigeneity as this nation’s First Peoples’. The Indigenous Peoples’ Day Phoenix Fest transforms Roosevelt Row’s arts district into a celebration of all Indigenous nations featuring family-fun activities, live music, demos, native food, art, and much more!” Oct. 10 3 p.m. – 10 p.m. Free 1st Street and Garfield, Phoenix, AZ https://www.ipdphx.com/ Indigenous Peoples’ Day at the Heard Museum – Phoenix “A visit to the museum is a perfect way to support American Indian artists, musicians, writers and engage with community partners. Join us for this special day during which we honor the vitality, beauty and diversity of American Indian people.” Oct. 8 9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. Free https://heard.org/event/indigenous-peoples-day/ Native American Connections 39th Annual Parade – Phoenix “The NAC Parade’s long awaited return is here! Join us 9am to 11am on our iconic route starting at 3rd Street & Oak St. in Phoenix, AZ to celebrate our 50th anniversary and the 75th anniversary of the Phoenix Indian Center. “ Oct. 8 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. Free 3rd Street and Oak Street, Phoenix, AZ https://www.nativeconnections.org/news-events/parade2022/ Phoenix Indian Center Social Powwow & Gourd Dance “Plan to join us on Saturday, Oct 08, 2022 for our social powwow and gourd dance! This will be an outdoor event, spectators are allowed to bring canopies, however stakes can’t be used in the grounds. It is also recommended to bring your own chairs.” Oct. 8 12 p.m. Free Steele Indian School Park – 300 E Indian School Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85012 https://www.facebook.com/events/steele-indian-school-park/phoenix-indian-center-social-powwow-gourd-dance/477186601075474/ Avondale Goldrush Music Festival After a 2-year hiatus, one of the biggest EDM festivals in Arizona is coming back. Check out some of the top DJs in the genre, including Seven Lions, Excision, Kaskade and more. Oct. 7-9 $109 – $1250 Phoenix Raceway – 7602 Jimmie Johnson Dr, Avondale, AZ 85323 https://goldrushfestaz.com/ Mesa Asian District Night Market 2022: Kamayan Festival “Come celebrate Filipino American History Month with our very own Kamayan Festival formerly known as the Asian District Night Market. The Kamayan Festival is a two – night food and entertainment event that celebrates cultural diversity, culinary creativity, and exquisite artistry with people of all ages!” Oct. 8-9 $10 – $15 AZ International Marketplace – 1920 W Broadway Rd, Mesa, AZ 85202 https://azasianchamber.com/adnm-22 AZ Margarita, Mojito, Craft Beer, and Food Truck Festival “This annual festival will have great music, unlimited margaritas, mojitos, and craft beer. There will also be over 20 food trucks.” Oct. 8 4 p.m. – 10 p.m. $15-$55 Riverview Park – 2100 W Rio Salado Pkwy, Mesa, AZ 85201 https://www.eventbrite.com/e/8th-annual-az-margarita-mojito-craft-beer-and-food-truck-festival-tickets-377442279017 Celebrate Mesa “Celebrate Mesa and all it has to offer at this FREE family festival!” Activities include bounce houses, kids’ games, carnival rides, a petting zoo, visits from superheroes, food trucks and more. Oct. 8 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. Free Red Mountain Soccer Complex – 905 N Sunvalley Blvd, Mesa, AZ 85207 https://www.mesaparks.com/info-contact/special-events/celebrate-mesa Phoenix AZ Women’s Expo “Learn a new hobby, purchase a one of a kind gift, relax and unwind with free massages, beauty treatments, and even a new hairstyle.  Enjoy DIY crafting, samples, wine tastings, fashion shows, beauty and wellness pavilions,  and hundreds of pop up booths.” Oct. 8-9 $5 – $30 Phoenix Convention Center – 100 N 3rd Street Ac, Phoenix, AZ 85004 https://www.azwomensexpo.com/ Phoenix Greek Festival “We are pleased to provide you with an opportunity to share in the rich history, culture, and culinary delights of Greece. Enjoy Greek food, music, dancing, jewelry, art, grocery items and activities for children.” Oct. 7-9 $5, kids 12 and under free, seniors over 60 free on Saturday Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral – 1973 E Maryland Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85016 https://phoenixgreekfestival.org/ Phoenix Psychic Fair “Join us for a special day of Readings, Revelations, and Renewal…Get the healing and life guidance you’ve been searching for in a fun, festive, high energy, and high vibration ambiance! There’s truly something for everyone.” Oct. 9 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. $5-$7 Sheraton Phoenix Crescent – 2620 W Dunlap Ave, Phoenix, AZ http://phoenixpsychicfair.com/ Sidewalk Saturday Artisan Market “A weekly celebration of local artisans, connection, and community on the sidewalks in the heart of downtown Phoenix’s Roosevelt Row Arts District.” Every Saturday, October – December 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. The Churchill – 901 N 1st St, Phoenix, AZ 85004 https://sidewalksaturdays.com/ Peoria  Peoria Country Fest “The City of Peoria and Pleasant Harbor invite you to enjoy Peoria Country Fest on Saturday, October 8, 2022, featuring live country music from four popular country artists and LIVE bull riding. The event also includes food trucks, a beer garden, and mechanical bull riding. This is a one-day country festival with an optional Weekend Camping Experience.” Oct. 8 2 p.m. – 10 p.m. $10-$75 Pleasant Harbor at Lake Pleasant – 40202 N 87th Ave, Peoria, AZ 85383 https://www.peoriaaz.gov/government/departments/arts-culture/special-events/peoria-country-fest Peoria Spooktacular Outdoor Movie, Halloween Party, Food Trucks & More Oct. 8 4 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Free Fletcher Heights Park – 8135 W Lone Cactus Dr, Peoria, AZ 85383 https://www.eventbrite.com/e/free-peoria-spooktacular-outdoor-movie-halloween-tickets-405943366537 Tempe Four Peaks Oktoberfest “In 2022, Tempe Sister Cities marks the 49th anniversary of its Oktoberfest celebration in Tempe. Oktoberfest is an annual fundraiser with proceeds used to send Tempe high school students to cities all around the world. Tempe Sister Cities is an internationally recognized non-profit, awarded multiple times for its promotion of multiculturalism.” It features live music, German beers, bratwursts and carnival food, dachshund races and more. Oct. 7-9 $20, Free on Sunday Tempe Beach Park – 80 W Rio Salado Pkwy, Tempe, AZ 85281 https://www.fourpeaksoktoberfest.com/media/ Phoenix, Arizona, USA. (Photo by: Marli Miller/UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty Images) Read More…

How Do U.S. Marijuana Policies Compare Globally After Biden’s Pardon? https://digitalarizonanews.com/how-do-u-s-marijuana-policies-compare-globally-after-bidens-pardon/ President Biden offered pardons Thursday to thousands of people convicted of simple marijuana possession under federal law, as U.S. states and other governments around the world reconsider their approach toward the drug, with some moving to decriminalize or legalize it. “No one should be in jail just for using or possessing marijuana,” Biden said. He called on senior administration officials to review how the drug is regulated under federal law and whether it should continue to be treated as a Schedule I substance along with drugs such as heroin, LSD and ecstasy. On Oct. 6, President Biden pardoned thousands of people convicted of a federal crime for simply possessing marijuana and urged governors to do the same. (Video: Julie Yoon/The Washington Post) Here’s what you need to know about how U.S. marijuana policies and laws compare to those of other countries. What does Biden’s offer of mass pardons for people convicted of simple marijuana possession mean? More than 600,000 people were arrested for marijuana possession in the United States in 2018, according to the latest available data from the American Civil Liberties Union. (Not all arrests lead to charges and convictions.) But Biden’s announcement applies only to federal prosecutions, a fraction of people affected by possession laws. His pardon power does not extend to those convicted under state law. “Many if not most people serving time are in state systems,” said Griffen Thorne, an attorney at Harris Bricken, a law firm that works with cannabis companies. (Biden also called on state governors Thursday to offer similar pardons.) No one is serving time in a federal prison solely for the crime of marijuana possession, White House officials said Thursday, though more than 6,500 people may have such convictions on their records. How do the United States’ policies stack up against the rest of the world? Possessing or consuming marijuana for any reason is illegal under federal law, but as of February, 37 states and the District of Columbia had authorized it for medical use, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. In addition, at least 19 states and D.C. had legalized recreational marijuana for adults as of May. Technically, “every state-level marijuana program is a complete violation of federal law,” Thorne said, but the federal government has “looked the other way.” A handful of countries have legalized recreational use of marijuana, though there are many gray areas and caveats. Places where it is legal to recreationally use cannabis include Uruguay, Canada and Malta. In some cases, there are restrictions on age, quantities and transport of the drug. South Africa decriminalized adult use of cannabis in private, although purchasing or selling it remains illegal. Thailand this year legalized growing and trading marijuana. However, government officials have warned that “nonproductive” use of the drug — such as smoking it outside — could lead to penalties such as short prison terms. Germany’s coalition government pledged before taking office last year to legalize the recreational use of cannabis. Australia allows medical marijuana, but recreational use at home is only legal in the Australian Capital Territory, encompassing Canberra and surrounding townships. Personal use of limited quantities of cannabis is tolerated in the Netherlands, though it’s technically illegal. “Certainly, there are other countries that have liberal policies and are more consistent about it,” said Robert Mikos, a professor at Vanderbilt University who specializes in drug law. “But because we have so many states that have legalized adult recreational or medical use, I would count the U.S. as one of the more progressive countries.” Is the world moving toward legalizing marijuana for personal use? Momentum toward legalizing marijuana is ramping up in Latin America and Africa, Thorne said. A 2018 Constitutional Court decision paved the way for South Africa to decriminalize personal use, and President Cyril Ramaphosa said this year that his government would work on bolstering its domestic cannabis sector, Reuters reported. Peru legalized medical use in 2017, and Zimbabwe did so in 2018. Marijuana is one of the world’s most widely consumed drugs, with roughly 147 million people — about 2 percent of the global population — using it annually, according to the World Health Organization. U.S. adults between the ages of 19 and 30 also used marijuana at record levels last year, the National Institutes of Health reported. But there are pockets of opposition in parts of the world, particularly Asia. In a 2020 referendum, New Zealand voters narrowly rejected legalizing cannabis for nonmedicinal use. It is available there with a prescription. Singapore — whose tough drug laws extend to cannabis — also recently signaled that it would not move to permit medicinal marijuana in the near future. Does the mass pardon for marijuana possession have global significance? Maybe. U.S. drug policy has long influenced how the world treats marijuana. Since the 1960s, the United States has championed international conventions and treaties that required participating countries to ban recreational cannabis, said Mikos, the law professor. But now that dozens of U.S. states have legalized cannabis for recreational or medicinal use, several countries “have taken that as a green light to go ahead and start experimenting,” he said. Read More Here

Sunn O))) Announce Shoshin (初心) Duo Tour https://digitalarizonanews.com/sunn-o-announce-shoshin-%e5%88%9d%e5%bf%83-duo-tour/ Sunn O)))‘s core duo of Greg Anderson and Stephen O’Malley have announced a late 2022/early 2023 tour as Shoshin (初心) Duo, which hits kicks off in Atlanta this December and then hits multiple other US other cities before wrapping up in LA in February. Brooklyn gets a show on December 17 at Pioneer Works. Tickets for the whole tour are on sale now. All dates are listed below. Sunn O)))’s Shoshin (初心) Duo — 2022/2023 Tour Dates December 9 Atlanta, GA @ The Masquerade December 10 Pelham, TN @ The Caverns December 12 Milwaukee, WI @ Turner Hall December 13 Chicago, IL @ Thalia Hall December 14 Detroit, MI @ Majestic Theatre December 16 Philadelphia, PA @ Union Transfer December 17 Brooklyn, NY @ Pioneer Works January 24 San Francisco, CA @ Great American Music Hall January 26 Portland, OR @ Revolution Hall January 28 Seattle, WA @ Neptune Theatre January 30 Salt Lake City, UT @ Metro Music Hall January 31 Englewood, CO @ Gothic Theatre February 2 Tucson, AZ @ Rialto Theatre February 4 Los Angeles, CA @ Lodge Room Read More Here

The Best Anti-Prime Early Access Sale Tech Deals Happening At Target https://digitalarizonanews.com/the-best-anti-prime-early-access-sale-tech-deals-happening-at-target/ Skip to main content / Target’s heading up Amazon’s Prime Day next week with a sale of its own and it’s already underway. The retailer’s discounting consoles, TVs, headphones, and more. Updated Oct 7, 2022, 2:18 PM UTC| If you buy something from a Verge link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics statement. Illustration by Kristen Radtke / The Verge If you’re not an Amazon Prime member (or prefer not to shop at Amazon), Target’s competing with the upcoming Prime Early Access Sale with deals of its own — no membership needed. Through Saturday, October 8th, the retailer is holding the Target Deal Days event, offering discounts on a variety of tech products. These include gaming accessories, headphones, TVs, and a range of other items that are up to 50 percent off for a limited time. Plus, if you end up finding a cheaper price elsewhere, Target will match it within 14 days of purchase until December 24th. The retailer is also offering free, contactless pickup if you want to go that route. We’ve sorted through the full offering of deals to compile a list of the best tech deals at Target. And if you do change your mind and decide you want to check out what Amazon’s selling, be sure to check out our guide to the best Prime Early Access deals on Amazon devices, too. Target’s Deal Day sale deals Earbuds deals $249.99 Sony’s WF-1000XM4 have the best noise cancellation of any true wireless earbuds, and the sound quality is second to none. The earbuds can also now be charged wirelessly and have a new design that’s smaller and rated IPX4. $89.99 Apple’s second-gen AirPods don’t offer noise cancellation, a wireless charging case, or spatial audio support, but their battery life is good, and they offer good sound quality.  Sony’s noise-canceling WF-1000XM4 true wireless earbuds are on sale for $249.99 ($29 off). These offer some of the best noise cancellation of any true wireless earbuds and terrific sound quality, making them our top pick as a result. Read our review. Apple’s second-generation AirPods are on sale for $89 instead of $129.99, which is nearly its best price to date. These buds sound good and offer decent battery life, but they lack active noise cancelation and water resistance. Read our review. If you want a pair of noise-canceling earbuds, Apple’s first-generation AirPods Pro are on sale for $169.99 instead of $249.99. While they lack the second-generation’s swipe controls, the last-gen AirPods Pro still sound better than the other non-premium models in the AirPods lineup, they cancel out noise very well, and they come with swappable silicone tips. Read our review. You can buy Samsung’s bean-shaped Galaxy Buds Live earbuds for $99.99 instead of $169.99. These buds offer a loud, powerful sound, though their active noise cancellation doesn’t rank among the best out there. Read our review. Shure’s Aonic 50 headphones are amongst the best noise-canceling over-ears we’ve tested with great sound quality. You can buy them for $299 ($100 off). TV and streaming stick deals $1349.99 The LG C2 is both lighter and brighter than its last-gen predecessor, the C1. It also boasts a “dark room” setting to reduce eyestrain, as well as the ability to log into different user profiles. $39.98 The Chromecast with Google TV introduces a dedicated remote and new software. It brings together recommendations from all of your streaming services and supports 4K HDR content with Dolby Vision, HDR10, and HDR10 Plus. Target is selling the latest LG OLED C2 4K TV in a number of sizes, but the 55-inch is the one that’s seeing an attractive discount right now. It’s on sale for $1,349.99 instead of $1,799.99. The 4K TV sports a 120Hz refresh rate, low input lag, and new features like a “dark room” setting to reduce eyestrain. Google’s 4K-ready Chromecast is available for $39.99 instead of $49.99. This is the best streaming device on the market, one that also offers support for Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos content. Read our review. Amazon’s Fire TV Stick 4K Max is available for $34.99 ($20 off). If you’re embedded within Amazon’s ecosystem, this is the best streaming stick to buy, one that’s faster than its predecessor, works with Alexa, and supports Wi-Fi 6. Read our review. The Fire TV Stick 4K with slightly fewer features is still a good deal. You can get it for 50 percent off at Target, where it is selling for $24.99. Read our review. Samsung’s latest The Frame TV is also on sale. You can buy the 55-inch TV bundled with a Dolby Atmos-ready HW-Q910B 9.1.2-channel Soundbar for $2,397.99 ($401.99 off). The 4K TV displays customizable images of art when turned off, making the TV resemble an actual canvas. It also boasts a 120Hz refresh rate and support for AMD FreeSync adaptive sync technologies that are useful for gaming. You can buy the 58-inch version of Vizio’s M7 Series Quantum TV for $599.99 instead of $769.99. The TV touts FreeSync support and a variable refresh rate (VRR), but keep in mind that it has a 60Hz refresh rate display. It features Chromecast built-in, so you can cast shows and movies from your smartphone and access major streaming services. Smart display and speaker deals $69.99 The Echo Show 8 is the midsized smart display in Amazon’s current Echo lineup and can be used to display the weather, news, calendars, grocery lists, and more. You can also use it to control your smart home devices, stream videos, or listen to music. It even supports video calling via Zoom and Amazon’s Alexa calling service. Amazon’s second-gen Echo Show 8 is on sale for $69.99 ($60 off). The latest Echo Show 8 is our favorite smart display, and you can use it to make Zoom calls, stream shows, and more. Read our review. Amazon’s smaller, second-generation Echo Show 5 is on sale for $34.99 ($50 off). Compared to the Echo Show 8, this one should be a better fit on a nightstand as a smart alarm, though it lacks support for Zoom calls. Read our review. Meta’s Portal Go, a battery-powered portable smart display that’s great for video calls, is on sale for $116.35 instead of $179. Read our review. Amazon’s fourth-gen Echo is on sale for $59.99 ($40 off). The spherical smart speaker features a built-in smart hub and offers great sound quality. Read our review. While it doesn’t sound as good as the fourth-gen Echo, the fourth-gen Echo Dot still sounds nice for the price. You can buy it for $24.99 ($25 off), and you can also use it to perform tasks like setting alarms via Alexa. Read our review. The third-gen Echo Dot is also discounted. It offers decent sound (but not as good as the fourth-gen model) and the same Alexa functionality. You can buy it for $17.99 ($22 off). Read our review. Gaming deals Xbox accessories are also on sale. You can buy Microsoft’s official wireless controller for Xbox in some of its fancier colors for $54.99 ($10 off), for example. The digital edition of The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD for the Nintendo Switch is down to $39.99 ($20 off). Read our review. Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart for PlayStation 5 is on sale for $39.99 ($30 off). Read our review. You can buy It Takes Two for Xbox and PlayStation for $19.99 instead of $39.99. The popular dance video game Just Dance 2022 for Nintendo Switch and Xbox is on sale for $19.99 instead of $49.99. You can buy the digital version of Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury for Nintendo Switch for $39.99 ($20 off). Read our review. Red Dead Redemption 2 is on sale for $24.99 instead of $59.99 for PlayStation and Xbox. Read our review. Smartphone deals $599 The Google Pixel 7 upgrades the standard model of the Pixel with Google’s second-gen Tensor CPU and an upgraded ultrawide camera. Target is offering $100 and $200 gift cards when you purchase the new, unlocked Google Pixel 7 and Google 7 Pro, respectively. The Pixel 7 is available starting with 128GB of storage for $599, while the Pixel 7 Pro with 128GB starts at $899. Read our hands-on impression of the new Pixel 7 phones. You can also buy the unlocked Google Pixel 6A for $349 ($100 off). The phone offers a smaller 6.1-inch OLED display, 12-megapixel camera, and the first-generation Tensor processor from Google. Read our review. Target’s discounting both of Samsung’s latest unlocked foldable phones. The 128GB configuration of the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 is available for $899.99 ($100 off), while the Galaxy Z Fold 4 with 256GB of storage is on sale for $1,499 ($300 off). Read our reviews of the Galaxy Z Flip 4 and Z Fold 4. You can also score discounts on both the unlocked Samsung Galaxy S22 and Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra unlocked with 128GB of storage. The former is selling for $699.99 ($100 off), while you can purchase the latter for $999.99 ($200 off). Read our reviews of the Galaxy S22 and Galaxy S22 Ultra. Motorola’s newest Moto G Stylus phone is one of our favorite budget-friendly smartphones that comes with a stylus. You can buy it from Target with 256GB of storage for $349.99 ($150 off). Read our review. Tablet and e-reader deals $99.99 Amazon’s new Kindle Paperwhite has a 6.8-inch E Ink display with adjustable color temperature for nighttime reading. It also boasts a faster processor, additional battery life, IPX8 waterproofing, and — finally — a USB-C port. $399.99 Apple’s revamped iPad Mini ditches the home button and opts for a larger, edge-to-edge display. It also comes outfitted with a faster processor, support for USB-C, and a top-mounted power button that moonlights as a Touch ID sensor. Amazon’s latest Kindle Paperwhite with 8GB of storage is on sale for $99.99 instead of $139.99 at Target. The newest Kindle Paperwhite sports a nice, high-resolution display along with water resistance and USB-C support. Read our Kindle Paperwhite review. Various configurations of the latest iPad Mi...

In Pictures: Easter Island Statues Damaged By Fire https://digitalarizonanews.com/in-pictures-easter-island-statues-damaged-by-fire/ Image source, Rapa Nui municipality Image caption, Mayor of Easter Island Pedro Edmunds told local media: “The damage caused by the fire can’t be undone” By Nathan Williams BBC News A fire has damaged the enigmatic statues on Easter Island, with some of the charring said to be irreparable. An unknown number of the stone-carved statues have been affected by the blaze, Chile’s cultural heritage undersecretary said. Easter Island has nearly 1,000 of the megaliths, known as moai. They have oversized heads and generally stand about 4m (13ft) high. They were carved by a Polynesian tribe more than 500 years ago. The fire, which broke out on Monday, affected nearly 60 hectares (148 acres), cultural heritage official Carolina Perez Dattari tweeted. It is reported to have been started deliberately, and is centred around Easter Island’s Rano Raraku volcano – which is a Unesco World Heritage Site. Easter Island lies 3,500km (2,174 miles) off the coast of Chile. It relies on tourism and reopened just three months ago following its closure during the Covid-19 pandemic. The site has now been closed again while a conservation team examines the extent of the damage. The island’s Mayor, Pedro Edmunds, told local media: “The damage caused by the fire can’t be undone.” The are some 1,000 giant stone statues and carvings on Easter Island, the largest of which weigh 74 tonnes and stand 10m tall. The figures were carved by the indigenous Rapa Nui people sometime between the years of 1400 and 1650, and positioned to form a ring around the island, facing inland. They were figures of spiritual devotion for the Rapa Nui, embodying the spirit of a prominent ancestor. Each one was considered to be the person’s living incarnation. Image source, Cuerpo de Bomberos de Isla de Pascua Image source, Cuerpo de Bomberos de Isla de Pascua Read More Here

Inbox: The Eagle Has Landed https://digitalarizonanews.com/inbox-the-eagle-has-landed/ Ben from Visalia, CA Are we there yet? The eagle has landed. By the time y’all are reading this, Wes and I will be trying to get work done through a bleary-eyed trance over there. Jeffrey from Eveleth, MN Frost. Duck blind. Live blog Packer game. This ought to be a first. Likewise, my friend. Chris from Eau Claire, WI Are the two of you doing a Muppets-style tour of the city? I don’t know about that, but if Lady Holiday’s Fabulous Baseball Diamond gets stolen, rest assured Wes and I will be on the case. Mark from Omro, WI It’s 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, and we just got into our London hotel, after being up since 6 a.m. yesterday. I feel great, there was a lot of green and gold at the airport in London, and at the Winsor Castle, lots of British guys and gals stopped to talk Packer football. London sure is welcoming Packer fans. I’m not sure it has much choice. Greg from Taylorsville, UT Jon Runyan hasn’t allowed a pressure, sack, or committed a penalty this season. So he’s got that going for him, which is nice. Stenavich said Wednesday the most consistent lineman of the young guys on the interior has been Runyan, and consistency goes a long way up front. Steve from Toronto, Canada The Packers have a huge opportunity in front of them this Sunday. They’ll be going against the No. 1 rushing team in the NFL in the NY Giants (192.5 rushing ypg), while fielding the league’s No. 22 rushing defense (126.8 rushing ypg). 3-1 records and London setting aside, this is about the Packers having the chance to make a statement. The Giants have been hit hard by injury at WR, so we know they’ll be looking to run all day long. We know what’s coming, but can we stop it? I, for one, think we will. Success or failure in that regard will dictate what type of game this is going to be. Stephie Rae from Flowery Branch, GA You must be so excited to head overseas Thursday! Quick question I couldn’t find the answer to, so I hope you know. Curious if Aaron Rodgers made it to 500 career touchdowns before 100 interceptions? I should have made it clearer in my postgame stories last Sunday that Rodgers’ 500 TD passes includes postseason, and when you include his postseason interceptions, he’s over 100. As for the official regular-season quest, he’s currently at 455 TDs with 96 INTs. Throwing three picks in the first four games this year has made the challenge immensely more difficult. Dave from Germantown, TN With two more close wins in the first four games what is LaFleur’s record in one-score games? According to my research (which could be wrong), he’s 21-8 including playoffs. He was 9-1 his first season and has gone 12-7 since. Nick from Oquawka, IL Excuse me, but the Dez catch would have been first and goal. Let’s not give him the touchdown he still didn’t get. You’re right, my bad. I miswrote touchdown instead of just reception. He most likely would have been ruled down at or inside the 1-yard line. Sal from Hailey, ID I can’t imagine reporting while jet-lagged, let alone playing professional football – the morning game is going to be a challenge for everyone (including those of us in the western U.S.). Do you have any word on Adrian Amos and Jaire Alexander‘s availability ahead of the game? They both practiced Thursday before getting on the plane. John from Shorewood, WI Given that you have been to most stadiums in the league, I know that there are some you prefer and some you disdain (but would never say, right?), but which stadium has the easiest route to get in/out of the game? It seems these new stadiums are being built far from metropolitan centers and have horrible parking. Sorry but I can’t help you there. We get to the games on the team buses, so I can’t speak to the ease of access (or lack thereof) at other venues. Patsi from Riverside, CA We just received our annual postcard with our wait list priority number for Lambeau tickets. No math in the Inbox, but based on my side calculator computation I think we are now about 80.9 years from getting tickets. So glad that you are there to keep us updated with the weekly game blog. With a few more shifts in the matrix your wait time might be confined to this century. But I won’t be doing the live blog that long, sorry. Robert from Chandler, AZ Would it be fair to say at the four-week mark that NFL defenses are ahead of NFL offenses thus far … with Buffalo and KC, e.g., being exceptions? I don’t know if it’s that simple. When I look at the top five scoring offenses in the league right now – Detroit, KC, Baltimore, Philadelphia, Buffalo – without looking at the defenses they’ve played, the common thread to me is continuity on that side of the ball from last year, and good health so far. Curren from Edmonton, Alberta Hey guys, does someone wanna tell Keith? Wes was awfully nice. That submission was II HOF-worthy in my book. Bruce from Travelers Rest, SC Having reached the quarter(ish) pole, what are your thoughts regarding the league’s emphasis on illegal contact? I haven’t watched enough games to have a reliable sample size but I haven’t heard too many complaints, which is good, because it may be the worst penalty in the NFL rule book. Not because of the penalty itself but because of the penalty, pun intended, of an automatic first down. I cringed when I heard it was going to be a point of emphasis but maybe the officials are being smart. It was emphasized in the preseason, and either teams got the message or the officials aren’t calling it as tightly in the real games. Whichever it is, I’ve never liked the penalty either, not so much because of the automatic first down, but because the penalty doesn’t exist in college and doesn’t seem to affect the game much, if at all. Defenders legally can contact receivers downfield in college before the ball is thrown, as long as they don’t hold and grab. To me, it’s always felt like a rule put in place in the NFL to just make life harder for defenses and promote scoring. 2 / 63 Mikayla Schmidt, packers.com 3 / 63 Mikayla Schmidt, packers.com 4 / 63 Mikayla Schmidt, packers.com 5 / 63 Mikayla Schmidt, packers.com 6 / 63 Mikayla Schmidt, packers.com 7 / 63 Mikayla Schmidt, packers.com 8 / 63 Mikayla Schmidt, packers.com 9 / 63 Mikayla Schmidt, packers.com 10 / 63 Mikayla Schmidt, packers.com 11 / 63 Mikayla Schmidt, packers.com 12 / 63 Mikayla Schmidt, packers.com 13 / 63 Mikayla Schmidt, packers.com 14 / 63 Mikayla Schmidt, packers.com 15 / 63 Mikayla Schmidt, packers.com 16 / 63 Mikayla Schmidt, packers.com 17 / 63 Mikayla Schmidt, packers.com 18 / 63 Mikayla Schmidt, packers.com 19 / 63 Mikayla Schmidt, packers.com 20 / 63 Mikayla Schmidt, packers.com 21 / 63 Mikayla Schmidt, packers.com 22 / 63 Mikayla Schmidt, packers.com 23 / 63 Mikayla Schmidt, packers.com 24 / 63 Mikayla Schmidt, packers.com 25 / 63 Mikayla Schmidt, packers.com 26 / 63 Mikayla Schmidt, packers.com 27 / 63 Mikayla Schmidt, packers.com 28 / 63 Mikayla Schmidt, packers.com 29 / 63 Mikayla Schmidt, packers.com 30 / 63 Mikayla Schmidt, packers.com 31 / 63 Mikayla Schmidt, packers.com 32 / 63 Mikayla Schmidt, packers.com 33 / 63 Mikayla Schmidt, packers.com 34 / 63 Mikayla Schmidt, packers.com 35 / 63 Mikayla Schmidt, packers.com 36 / 63 Mikayla Schmidt, packers.com 37 / 63 Mikayla Schmidt, packers.com 38 / 63 Mikayla Schmidt, packers.com 39 / 63 Mikayla Schmidt, packers.com 40 / 63 Mikayla Schmidt, packers.com 41 / 63 Mikayla Schmidt, packers.com 42 / 63 Mikayla Schmidt, packers.com 43 / 63 Mikayla Schmidt, packers.com 44 / 63 Mikayla Schmidt, packers.com 45 / 63 Mikayla Schmidt, packers.com 46 / 63 Mikayla Schmidt, packers.com 47 / 63 Mikayla Schmidt, packers.com 48 / 63 Mikayla Schmidt, packers.com 49 / 63 Mikayla Schmidt, packers.com 50 / 63 Mikayla Schmidt, packers.com 51 / 63 Mikayla Schmidt, packers.com 52 / 63 Mikayla Schmidt, packers.com 53 / 63 Mikayla Schmidt, packers.com 54 / 63 Mikayla Schmidt, packers.com 55 / 63 Mikayla Schmidt, packers.com 56 / 63 Mikayla Schmidt, packers.com 57 / 63 Mikayla Schmidt, packers.com 58 / 63 Mikayla Schmidt, packers.com 59 / 63 Mikayla Schmidt, packers.com 60 / 63 Mikayla Schmidt, packers.com 61 / 63 Mikayla Schmidt, packers.com 62 / 63 Mikayla Schmidt, packers.com 63 / 63 Mikayla Schmidt, packers.com Chris from Saint-Paul-Trois-Chateaux, France In the NFL, we’ve seen coaches move between coordinator and head coach and then, after being fired, moving back to coordinator. Do you see some people thriving in the role of head coach more an issue of personality or opportunity? Leadership and good players. Categorize those two items however you wish. Tom from Iola, WI I have been a fan for over 60 years and observed a potential long-term evolution. In the ’60s and ’70s the running game was king and the standard defense was the 4-3 defensive alignment. Then the rules changed and the NFL became a passing league … hence the evolution to the 3-4 alignment. Now the running game seems to be making a resurgence. Will we see alignments with more heavyweights on the line? I doubt it, not with how many dynamic quarterbacks there are in this league. As Rodgers has mentioned at his locker a couple of times, the running game is going to pull defenses out of two-shell (two safeties back) to add run support in the box, and then the quarterbacks are going to attack single-high. But defenses aren’t suddenly going to beef up their fronts with big guys that aren’t athletic enough to rush the passer. You’re still going to have to affect the QB to succeed defensively. Frank from Waterloo, IA Joe Barry’s comments today about the defense putting together a complete game got me thinking. They had three drives out of what, 12 total, in which the Patriots’ offense scored points. That seems like a pretty complete...

Your Guide To The Best Cultural Festivals Happening This Fall In Metro Phoenix https://digitalarizonanews.com/your-guide-to-the-best-cultural-festivals-happening-this-fall-in-metro-phoenix/ Fall festivals are back in the Valley, from the Arizona Jazz Festival on High Street to the Tempe Festival of the Arts. After a few years of canceled events and postponements, Metro Phoenix is welcoming back countless festivals that celebrate the many cultures of Arizona. The best part? Most of them are free. This is your guide to the best of the bunch. Here are the cultural festivals in Arizona you don’t want to miss this fall. Your guide to Phoenix fall food festivals: Food trucks, Oktoberfests and Pizza Indigenous People’s Day Festival  This festival will celebrate the Native community with live music, art exhibitions, dancing and Indigenous film screenings. Desert Bloom Tattoo and Salon – Arizona’s first Indigenous-owned tattoo shop – will be onsite tattooing. And the Cahokia Gallery will be open from 6 to 9 p.m. showing its newest exhibition, “Restoring the Balance: Rematriating Indigenous Lands.” An Indigenous pop-up market will feature Indigenous foods, art and products for purchase.  Cost: Free.  Details: Monday, Oct. 10. 3 to 10 p.m. Indigenous People’s Day Fest, First and Garfield streets, Phoenix. ipdphx.com. Four Peaks OktoberFest  Highlights of this German fest include live music, all your favorite German food, a dachshund race and draft beer happy hours. Come dressed in your best OktoberFest attire. Cost: $20 per person Friday and Saturday (guests must be 21 and older). Free admission on Sunday (all ages welcome).  Details: Oct. 7-9. Friday 5 p.m. to 12 a.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. to 12 a.m.; Sunday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tempe Beach Park, 80 W. Rio Salado Pkwy, Tempe. fourpeaksoktoberfest.com. Arizona Jazz Festival on High Street  This three-day festival will feature jazz music paired with good food, drinks and activities. More than 20 artists are slated to perform at the event, including Raheem DeVaughn, Boney James and Eric Benet, who is headlining the event.  Cost: Tickets start at $95 for a one-day pass. Details: Oct. 21-23. Arizona Jazz Festival on High Street, 5415 E. High St., Phoenix. azjazzfest.com. Phoenix Pride 2022: Ultimate guide to all the entertainment and how to see the parade Phoenix Greek Festival  Activities at the event include Greek dance performances, an open dance time and tours of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral, one of Phoenix’s oldest Greek churches. On the menu? Loukaniko, which is grilled pork sausage with orange zest and red wine, spanakopita and loads of Greek street foods like gyros, Greek fries and baklava sundaes.  Cost: $5 for entry. Kids are free.  Details: Oct. 7-9. Friday 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 1973 E. Maryland Ave., Phoenix. phoenixgreekfestival.org. Phoenix Festival of the Arts  Hosted by the Phoenix Center for the Arts, this event features more than 150 artists from the Phoenix area displaying pottery, paintings, clothing, jewelry and more. There will be food and drink trucks at the event, as well as live performances.  Cost: Admission is free.  Details: Dec. 10-11. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Margaret T. Hance Park, 1202 N. Third St., Phoenix. phoenixfestivalofthearts.org/ Tempe Festival of the Arts  More than 350 juried artists will display their work for sale at the three-day festival, making it the perfect market for Christmas shopping. The event will feature live music and entertainment across many stages with food and drink available for purchase. Live chalk art and a young artist exhibit will be available for younger guests who come to the festival.  Cost: Free admission.  Details: Dec. 2-4, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Located in downtown Tempe on Mill Avenue between Third Street and University Parkway and on Fifth Street between Myrtle and Ash Avenue. tempefestivalofthearts.com.  Caffeinate: Why this Phoenix coffee shop was just named one of the best in the US Scottsdale’s Taste of Italy and Music Festival  Hosted by the Italian Association of Arizona, Scottsdale’s Taste of Italy and Music Festival will feature hand-crafted Italian items, wine and cuisine. There will also be live music, including Italian singer Michael Castaldo and accordion player Cory Pesaturo as well as traditional dances, opera singers and a spaghetti eating contest for kids.  A sweet bonus? All your favorite Italian desserts will be available to purchase, including cannolis, biscotti and fresh gelato. Cost: $10 per person online. $20 day of the event. Kids 12 and under are free.  Details: Oct. 15-16. Saturday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Scottsdale Canal, 7135 E. Camelback Road, Scottsdale. italianassociation.org/events. Dia De Los Muertos Phoenix  Phoenix’s Dia de los Muertos festival will include mask-making, a community altar, sugar skull decorating, face painting, yucca weaving and a mercado where artists will sell their works. Cost: Free.  Details: Oct. 30. The festival begins at 2 p.m. Steele Indian School Park, 300 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix. diadelosmuertosphx.com/#top.  Dia De Los Muertos in Mesa  Mesa Arts Center will present its annual Dia de los Muertos festival with performances, artworks and food vendors. Several altars made by families, artists and community organizations will be on view at the event’s annual altar competition.  Food vendors will include Arizona Roasted Corn, Paletas Betty, Taqueria Las Palmas, Sonora Sam Hot Dogs, Don Fito’s Taqueria, Olanie’s Caribbean Food, Poky’s Cocina and Amigos AZ Aguas Frescas. Cost: Free.  Details: Oct. 22-23, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mesa Arts Center, 1 E. Main St., Mesa. mesaartscenter.com/diadelosmuertos. Phoenix Pride Festival  Phoenix Pride Festival is back with two days of events, including the famed parade on Sunday, Oct. 16, at 10 a.m., More than 2,000 will march downtown to celebrate and advocate for Phoenix’s LGBTQ+ community.  Other events at the festival include more than 300 local vendors, Main stage and Latin stage performances, a dance pavilion, food vendors and an arts expo.  VIP ticket holders will have access to entertainment by Kimora Blac from “RuPaul’s Drag Race” Season 9, Sherry Vine and Sir Elton, who will perform a tribute to Elton John.  Cost: Tickets start at $30.  Details: Oct. 15 and 16. Saturday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sunday noon to 9 p.m. Steele Indian School Park, 300 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix. phoenixpride.org. Reach the reporter at sofia.krusmark@gannett.com. Follow her on Instagram @sofia.krusmark  Read More Here

Kanye Calls Trump ‘my Boy’ As Ex-President Mocks Kamala Harris For Slip-Up https://digitalarizonanews.com/kanye-calls-trump-my-boy-as-ex-president-mocks-kamala-harris-for-slip-up/ Former US president Donald Trump claims he can declassify top secret documents just ‘by thinking about it’ Kanye West has described Donald Trump as “my boy” as the rapper and songwriter sat down for a wide-ranging interview with Fox News host Tucker Carlson. Speaking on Thursday, West said his advisers warned him against supporting the twice-impeached president and wearing a MAGA hat. He added that Mr Trump “was “my boy”. West has been condemned in recent days for wearing a “White Lives Matter” t-shirt at Paris Fashion Week, in apparent contrast to the “Black Lives Matter” movement. West told Carlson the reaction was a “set up”. Meanwhile on Truth Social, Mr Trump shared a video mocking vice president Kamala Harris for slipping-up while visiting the Korean Demilitarized Zone last week. She said the US had “an alliance” with North Korea and its dictator Kim Jung-un. Mr Trump shared the video on his social media platform, where he has not commented on a report that he may well be hiding more top-secret documents, as Department of Justice officials reportedly believe. Registration is a free and easy way to support our truly independent journalism By registering, you will also enjoy limited access to Premium articles, exclusive newsletters, commenting, and virtual events with our leading journalists Email Please enter a valid email Please enter a valid email Password Must be at least 6 characters, include an upper and lower case character and a number Must be at least 6 characters, include an upper and lower case character and a number Must be at least 6 characters, include an upper and lower case character and a number First name Please enter your first name Special characters aren’t allowed Please enter a name between 1 and 40 characters Last name Please enter your last name Special characters aren’t allowed Please enter a name between 1 and 40 characters You must be over 18 years old to register You must be over 18 years old to register Year of birth I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent.  Read our Privacy notice You can opt-out at any time by signing in to your account to manage your preferences. Each email has a link to unsubscribe. Already have an account? sign in Registration is a free and easy way to support our truly independent journalism By registering, you will also enjoy limited access to Premium articles, exclusive newsletters, commenting, and virtual events with our leading journalists Email Please enter a valid email Please enter a valid email Password Must be at least 6 characters, include an upper and lower case character and a number Must be at least 6 characters, include an upper and lower case character and a number Must be at least 6 characters, include an upper and lower case character and a number First name Please enter your first name Special characters aren’t allowed Please enter a name between 1 and 40 characters Last name Please enter your last name Special characters aren’t allowed Please enter a name between 1 and 40 characters You must be over 18 years old to register You must be over 18 years old to register Year of birth I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent.  Read our Privacy notice You can opt-out at any time by signing in to your account to manage your preferences. Each email has a link to unsubscribe. Already have an account? sign in Read More Here

Post Politics Now: Biden To Contrast His Economic Agenda With GOP As Midterm Elections Loom https://digitalarizonanews.com/post-politics-now-biden-to-contrast-his-economic-agenda-with-gop-as-midterm-elections-loom/ Today, President Biden is focusing on manufacturing and the economy in a visit to a Volvo facility in Hagerstown, Md. His visit comes 32 days before midterm elections that will decide the balance of power in Congress. Both parties understand that elections often are decided by the decades-old political argument, “It’s the economy, stupid.” Republicans have blamed Biden for record inflation in ads and campaign speeches. Biden is expected to argue in remarks during the visit that Republicans favor the wealthy and, if returned to power, would enact policies that jeopardize Social Security and Medicare. Your daily dashboard 12:35 p.m. Biden tours Volvo Group Powertrain Operations in Hagerstown, Md. 1:35 p.m. Biden delivers remarks on the economy. Watch live here. Got a question about politics? Submit it here. After 3 p.m. weekdays, return to this space and we’ll address what’s on the mind of readers. On our radar: Abrams raises more than $36 million in gubernatorial bid Return to menu Georgia Democrat Stacey Abrams has raised more than $36 million as she looks to unseat Gov. Brian Kemp (R) in a rematch that’s one of the most closely watched elections in the midterms. The Kemp campaign announced this past week that it had raised nearly $29 million and had $19.6 million cash on hand. Polls show the incumbent with an advantage in what is expected to be a close race. “Our campaign is tied with our opponent, gaining momentum, and is fueled by grassroots donors,” Abrams’s campaign manager, Lauren Groh-Wargo, said in a statement Friday. “Our fundraising includes donors from every corner of Georgia, who understand that Brian Kemp’s extreme and dangerous agenda puts Georgians’ lives and our economy at risk.” Noted: Biden says Putin’s nuclear weapons threats amount to ‘prospect of Armageddon’ Return to menu Russian President Vladimir Putin’s threats to use nuclear weapons amount to the most serious “prospect of Armageddon” in 60 years, Biden said Thursday during a Democratic fundraiser in New York City. Putin has issued several threats about using nuclear weapons since invading Ukraine — particularly as Russia’s military outlook has worsened. The president spent much of his time warning those in attendance of the dangers that he said the GOP posed but stated that based on his familiarity with Putin, the Russian leader was “not joking” when discussing potentially using “tactical nuclear weapons or biological or chemical weapons.” Noted: Election denier Masters calls Biden ‘legitimate president’ Return to menu Arizona Republican nominee Blake Masters called President Biden the “legitimate president” Thursday after spending much of his campaign baselessly denying the results of the 2020 election. While debating Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), the venture capitalist endorsed by Donald Trump admitted that he had seen no evidence that the vote count was rigged, despite continuing to spread unproven allegations of government interference in the outcome. The Post’s Hannah Knowles reported: The comments by Masters in a debate with Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), whom he trails in the polls, marked a stark shift from a campaign ad last year, in which the Republican said, “I think Trump won in 2020.” But even as Masters sought to de-emphasize that position, he groundlessly claimed the federal government “forced” big tech companies to censor information that would have propelled Donald Trump to victory. Clashing at the first and perhaps only debate in a battleground Senate race that will help determine control of the chamber next year, Masters and Kelly often geared their pitches toward moderate voters. Masters, a first-time candidate and venture capitalist, has consistently lagged Kelly, a former astronaut, in polls and fundraising, showing particular weakness with political independents. For more of the story, click here. Noted: McConnell calls Sasse ‘whip-smart’; Trump says good riddance Return to menu Sen. Ben Sasse (R-Neb.) is widely expected to leave the Senate later this year and return to academics after the University of Florida named him the sole finalist for its presidency. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) praised the two-term senator as a “whip-smart and passionate leader.” In a statement late Thursday, he said Sasse “has been a tremendous Senator, a dogged advocate for his fellow Nebraskans, and a valuable member of our Republican Conference.” McConnell described himself as “one of ninety-nine Senators who would be sorry to lose Ben as a colleague,” adding: “But I trust my friend to pursue continued public service in the way that he deems best.” On our radar: Biden to cast GOP as party of the wealthy in Md. speech Return to menu President Biden is marking National Manufacturing Day at a Volvo facility in Hagerstown, Md., where he will cast Democrats as the party of the working class and Republicans as the party of the wealthy. Biden is using the bully pulpit of the presidency for a political speech 32 days ahead of midterm elections in which Republicans have a chance of capturing control of both houses of Congress. The speech also comes as the Labor Department on Friday releases the latest jobs numbers for September. The Biden administration has struggled with record inflation as Americans find higher prices for goods, gas and services. At the same time, the administration can point to millions of jobs created in a rebound from the pandemic. Read More Here

Herschel Walker Allies Want More 'Trumpian Response' To Abortion Allegation – ABC17NEWS https://digitalarizonanews.com/herschel-walker-allies-want-more-trumpian-response-to-abortion-allegation-abc17news/ By Gabby Orr, CNN Republican allies want Georgia Senate hopeful Herschel Walker to more forcefully deny an allegation that surfaced this week that he once paid for a woman’s abortion. Some Walker supporters said they want the GOP nominee, who is challenging Democratic Sen. Raphael Warnock in one of the most competitive races of the 2022 midterms, to dial up his efforts to refute the allegations, which were first published by The Daily Beast on Monday. The initial story attributed the abortion claim to an unidentified woman before adding in a separate report Wednesday that she was the mother of one of Walker’s four children. The Daily Beast also published photographs of a “get well” card the woman alleged Walker had sent following the procedure and referenced a bank deposit receipt she provided to the outlet that contained an image of a $700 personal check Walker allegedly sent her to pay for the abortion. CNN has not been able to independently verify the allegation. Conversations with several Republican operatives and sources close to Walker paint a picture of a campaign whose senior officials were caught flat-footed and which has struggled to mount an organized response to the allegations from The Daily Beast and from Walker’s son Christian, who has accused him of lying about the abortion claim. This is despite rumors circulating for months that these sorts of accusations could come to light and warnings from outside allies to prepare for that possibility. “It’s not so much we are concerned about the allegations themselves, it’s mostly the response,” said a person close to the Walker campaign who wanted a more “Trumpian response” from the candidate. A second person close to the campaign said that if Walker is “going to say [the abortion allegation] is not true, he needs to do so loudly and as much as possible.” Walker has repeatedly dismissed the allegations as false and a “flat-out-lie,’ including in an interview with conservative radio host Hugh Hewitt on Thursday: “I know this is untrue. … I know nothing about any woman having an abortion.” “Had that happened, I would have said it, because it’s nothing to be ashamed of,” he later added. Asked about that comment during a campaign stop Thursday afternoon, Walker told reporters he was referring to “something totally different” that had “nothing to do” with the abortion claim. One Republican strategist with ties to the Walker campaign said the candidate should follow through on his threat to sue The Daily Beast for defamation “to put weight behind his denial.” In his first statement responding to the allegation on Monday, Walker said he was “planning to sue the Daily Beast for this defamatory lie” by Tuesday morning, but no legal actions have been taken yet. “If they don’t want to go down that road in the middle of a campaign, they should offer up something else,” this person said. Publicly, the Walker campaign has touted a fundraising bonanza in the wake of the allegations. In a press release Wednesday, Walker campaign manager Scott Paradise said the campaign raised more than $12 million last quarter amid “a gutter campaign focused on lies and personal attacks” by Warnock. Privately, the campaign has told allies it has evidence to disprove the abortion allegation and is eyeing a high-profile debate between Walker and Warnock next Friday as an ideal time to release it. With control of the evenly divided Senate on the line, their race in a state President Joe Biden narrowly carried in 2020 is one of the most closely watched of the year. “I can’t imagine any sane person wouldn’t put that information out,” said a source close to the Walker campaign. Walker did not mention having evidence to disprove the claim in an appearance on “Fox & Friends” on Wednesday or in his interview with Hewitt on Thursday, saying only that he does not know the identity of the woman making the allegation and does not recognize the signature that allegedly appeared on the get-well card as his own. “I never just put an H on anything. I never have. It’s sort of like everyone is anonymous or everyone is leaking. And they want you to confess to something you have no clue about,” Walker told Fox News. Randy Evans, a former Trump ambassador to Luxembourg who is close to Walker’s campaign, said the GOP nominee should resist the temptation to devote too much time focused on rebutting the allegation against him, preferring that he focus on top-of-mind issues for Georgia voters such as crime and inflation. “Every minute Walker is talking about this story, which he’s denied, he is doing what Warnock wants him to do. And every minute that Warnock is talking about Biden, he is doing what Walker would want him to do,” Evans said in a phone interview, adding that “the best thing [Walker] could do is the very second something untrue came out, promptly deny it and move on.” “And I think it’s clear that is what he did,” said Evans, who said he continues to support Walker. Walker did not acknowledge the allegation in a new 30-second spot released by his campaign on Wednesday, instead talking about his “real battle with mental health” and his Christian faith. ‘I’m surprised it took this long’ One Republican strategist with ties to Walker’s campaign, who requested anonymity to speak about the matter, said it was surprising to see the campaign caught off guard by the abortion claim when this source and others said it had been circulating for months in Georgia GOP circles. “Frankly, I’m surprised it took this long” to publicly surface, this person said. “I heard about this way back in May, but it was just hearsay, along with a bunch of other stuff that was going around at the time.” In a tweet Tuesday evening, Paradise, Walker’s campaign manager, dismissed a Politico story alleging that the GOP nominee’s team was aware months ago of the abortion allegation as “absolute garbage.” The story said the allegation “was brought to the attention of those working on Walker’s behalf” before he launched his Senate campaign. But one of the sources close to the Walker campaign told CNN on Wednesday that they had personally warned senior Walker aides to “be ready” for the allegation to make its way into the media. While this person said they do not believe the allegation to be true, they recalled bringing it up as a note of caution, believing the general election would take an ugly turn given Georgia’s critical role in November to determining control of the Senate. “I heard that rumor, and early on I said to somebody, maybe Taylor [Crowe] or Stefan Passantino, the campaign’s general counsel, ‘You guys should be ready for this,’” this person said, recalling that Walker’s aides said they would be. Crowe is the campaign’s political director. Passantino declined to comment on the matter, while Crowe did not respond to multiple requests for comment. In a Wednesday phone call with CNN, Paradise declined to say whether he was made aware of the abortion allegation prior to the Daily Beast story and asked for questions to be emailed to him. After this story published, Paradise responded with a statement saying, “This is the second time this week you’ve written a lie based on bad anonymous sources. Categorically false.” The allegation was so widely known in Georgia Republican circles that Erick Erickson, a Georgia-based conservative radio host, said two of Walker’s primary opponents tried to get him to discuss it on his program before Walker became the GOP nominee for Senate. “I had every single Republican on my show with me during the [Senate] primary, and two of them mentioned it as an unsourced rumor that had surfaced in their opposition files,” Erickson said. “None of them had any details to prove it, but they were pushing me to talk about it on air.” “Everyone knew it,” Erickson said, adding that it was “all just noise in the primary” and that Republican voters are unlikely to back away from Walker because they are inherently “suspicious of hit jobs” following the intense allegations of sexual assault that consumed the Senate confirmation hearings for now-Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh. Former President Donald Trump also faced a slew of sexual misconduct allegations during and after his 2016 presidential bid — ignoring some and denying others at the time they surfaced. A person close to the former President said he was unaware of the abortion allegation against Walker until it surfaced earlier this week, and had planned to speak with the Republican Senate hopeful on Tuesday. Trump issued a statement Tuesday evening saying Walker had “properly denied” the allegation and encouraging GOP voters to turn out and support him next month. Republicans have largely credited Trump for convincing Walker, a longtime friend of his, to launch a Senate bid earlier this year, even though his past controversies gave some top GOP election officials pause. Walker published a book in 2008 detailing his battle with dissociative identity disorder, a mental illness that he has said sometimes led to violent episodes in adulthood. Son’s criticism of Walker Further complicating Walker’s strategy as he navigates the abortion allegation has been his son Christian’s online criticism of him, said people close to his campaign. “What I thought was very notable was that nobody had a freakout moment because of the Daily Beast story,” said Erickson, noting that what sent most Republicans spiraling this week was the criticism Christian Walker aimed at his father in a series of social media postings. Following publication of the Daily Beast story, Christian Walker accused his father of lying and misleading the public about allegations that have been made against him and about his family’s support for his run for office....

Scannell Plans 2M SF Mixed-Use Business Park In Phoenix | GlobeSt https://digitalarizonanews.com/scannell-plans-2m-sf-mixed-use-business-park-in-phoenix-globest/ Analysis The 166-acre project will include industrial, office, retail space and spec buildings. Scannell Properties will build a 2M SF mixed-use business park on a 166-acre site adjacent to the Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport. The project, known as Mesa Gateway 2, will include industrial and office space as well as future build-to-suit buildings and retail space. It was approved this month by the Mesa City Council. Want to continue reading? Become a Free ALM Digital Reader. Once you are an ALM digital member, you’ll receive: Unlimited access to GlobeSt and other free ALM publications Access to 15 years of GlobeSt archives Your choice of GlobeSt digital newsletters and over 70 others from popular sister publications 1 free article* every 30 days across the ALM subscription network Exclusive discounts on ALM events and publications *May exclude premium content Already have an account? Sign In Now Read More…

September Jobs Report Shows Hot Labor Market Cooled Some https://digitalarizonanews.com/september-jobs-report-shows-hot-labor-market-cooled-some/ In the first quarter of 2022, U.S. worker productivity fell in the steepest drop in 74 years. WSJ’s Jon Hilsenrath explains why productivity is central to the economy, and why big drops can be difficult to recover from. Illustration: Reshad Malekzai By Gabriel T. Rubin Updated Oct. 7, 2022 8:35 am ET U.S. employers added 263,000 jobs in September as a tight labor market gradually loosens, the Labor Department said Friday. The jobless rate fell to 3.5% The September employment report provides details on payrolls, wage growth, labor-force participation and the unemployment rate. Continue reading your article with a WSJ membership View Membership Options Already a member? Sign In Sponsored Offers The Motley Fool: New members save 55% on Stock Advisor Wayfair: Feel-Good Sale of the Year: 5 Days of Huge Deals American Eagle Outfitters: Get 15% off American Eagle promo code with text alerts Kohl’s: Kohl’s coupon – 30% off sitewide for Rewards members Walmart: Walmart coupon: $20 off your $50+ order Chase: Get up to $625 unlimited commission-free online trades Read More Here

Ukraine Live Briefing: Biden Warns Of Nuclear ‘Armageddon’; Russian And Ukrainian Groups Win Nobel Prize https://digitalarizonanews.com/ukraine-live-briefing-biden-warns-of-nuclear-armageddon-russian-and-ukrainian-groups-win-nobel-prize/ This year’s Nobel Peace Prize was awarded Friday to human rights activists from Ukraine, Russia and Belarus who have demonstrated a “vision of peace and fraternity between nations — a vision most needed in the world today,” the Norwegian Nobel Committee announced. The prize will be shared by imprisoned Belarusian human rights advocate Ales Bialiatski, Russian organization Memorial and Ukraine’s Center for Civil Liberties. The winners have each made an “outstanding effort to document war crimes, human right abuses and the abuse of power,” the committee said. The Nobel Committee said it was not intentionally sending a signal to Russian President Vladimir Putin, who celebrated his 70th birthday Friday. President Biden has warned that the risk of nuclear “Armageddon” is at its highest since the Cuban missile crisis, saying that Putin is “not joking” about the potential use of nuclear weapons as his army struggles in Ukraine. Putin — who is under increased political pressure at home — may find himself without an “off-ramp,” prompting Moscow to deploy the weapons of mass destruction, Biden said Thursday. However, administration officials say there is no indication that Russia is preparing for an imminent strike. Here’s the latest on the war and its ripple effects across the globe. Return to menu Putin confronted by insider over Ukraine war, U.S. intelligence finds: Discontent is growing inside the Kremlin over what some insiders consider the mismanagement of the Ukraine war, according to information obtained by U.S. intelligence and reported by The Washington Post. A member of Putin’s inner circle has expressed criticism directly to the president in recent weeks, illustrating the growing turmoil over battlefield losses, leadership and a highly unpopular military mobilization campaign. As the war lurches into its eighth month, and a Russian victory remains elusive and ill-defined, the unquestioning loyalty that Putin has enjoyed may be slipping, intelligence officials said. But they cautioned that there is still no indication he is on the brink of being swept aside. Beatriz Rios and Robyn Dixon contributed to this report. Read More Here

Federal Prosecutors Weighing Charges On Two Fronts In Hunter Biden Investigation | CNN Politics https://digitalarizonanews.com/federal-prosecutors-weighing-charges-on-two-fronts-in-hunter-biden-investigation-cnn-politics/ CNN  —  Federal prosecutors believe they could charge Hunter Biden with tax crimes and a false statement but a final decision still has not yet been made by the US attorney in Delaware, according to sources familiar with the matter. The case against Biden narrowed earlier this year, and was a matter of discussion in early summer between FBI and IRS investigators, prosecutors in Delaware and the Justice Department, CNN previously reported. The discussions included assessing the strength of the case and questioning whether more work was needed before deciding on charges, according to sources who spoke to CNN in July. Prosecutors have not yet made any charging decisions on the case and have not met since early summer to discuss the federal investigation, according to two sources familiar with the matter. A decision is not expected before the midterm election. A source familiar with the matter told CNN that talks between Biden’s team and the Justice Department have been ongoing for several months but nothing has changed in a couple of months on that front. The Wall Street Journal reported that Biden’s legal team met in “recent weeks” with Justice Department prosecutors to argue against a potential case. “As is proper and legally required, we believe the prosecutors in this case are diligently and thoroughly weighing not just evidence provided by agents, but also all the other witnesses in this case, including witnesses for the defense,” Biden’s attorney Chris Clark said in a written statement to the Journal. The Washington Post reported on Thursday that prosecutors believe they have “sufficient evidence” to charge Biden, son of President Joe Biden, in two areas – tax crimes and a false statement regarding a gun purchase, the same crimes CNN reported in July were the focus of investigators’ discussions with the Justice Department. Investigators have at various times inquired about multiple facets of Hunter Biden’s life – initially focusing on tax issues and money transfers related to business activities in China, multiple people familiar with the probe previously told CNN. But prosecutors have also examined a 2018 incident in which a firearm owned by Biden ended up tossed by his then-girlfriend into a dumpster in Wilmington, a person briefed on the matter said. Biden described in media interviews last year that he was addicted to drugs, which raised the possibility he broke federal law when he bought the firearm. Federal law prohibits firearms purchases by anyone who uses or is addicted to illegal drugs. Still, Biden has publicly discussed his own substance abuse struggles, and some Justice officials have debated whether his open discussions of his past drug use could potentially weaken their case should they bring one. Biden has also denied wrongdoing in his business activities. In late 2020 after being notified by the Delaware US attorney about the investigation, he said in a statement issued by his father’s presidential transition office: “I take this matter very seriously but I am confident that a professional and objective review of these matters will demonstrate that I handled my affairs legally and appropriately, including with the benefit of professional tax advisors.” The President, meanwhile, has repeatedly said he won’t interfere in the independence of the Justice Department. Early on in his presidency, Biden decided to keep US Attorney David Weiss, an appointee of former President Donald Trump, in office to continue to oversee the investigation in Delaware. Read More Here

Scottsdale Fashion Square Plans Major South Wing Renovation – AZ Big Media https://digitalarizonanews.com/scottsdale-fashion-square-plans-major-south-wing-renovation-az-big-media/ Macerich, one of the nation’s leading owners, operators and developers of one-of-a-kind retail and mixed-use properties in top markets, announced the next phase of ongoing reinvestment and renovation in its iconic Scottsdale Fashion Square located at the heart of upscale Scottsdale, Arizona. The plans for the Scottsdale Fashion Square renovation include an extensive interior and exterior renovation of the south wing, building on the successful first phase that launched the property’s spectacular luxury wing in 2018. Macerich’s properties with purpose mean properties with more uses for more people: New, complementary uses coming soon to Scottsdale Fashion Square include high-end fitness + wellness destination Life Time Scottsdale and the new Caesars Republic Scottsdale boutique hotel. READ ALSO: Retail is making a comeback: Here’s what experts say READ ALSO: 10 Arizona resorts reveal inside tips to create perfect staycation The Scottsdale Fashion Square renovation announcement also marks the end of the 60th anniversary of Scottsdale Fashion Square – the diamond jubilee of Arizona’s most distinguished and successful retail destination – with a commitment to continue polishing this retail jewel for the future. “Macerich is dedicated to consistently reinvesting in and elevating our top regional town centers, and Scottsdale Fashion Square is among the most productive in our portfolio,” said Tom O’Hern, Chief Executive Officer of Macerich. “Scottsdale Fashion Square is already the region’s undisputed luxury leader, and the tremendous success of our luxury wing demonstrates the strong appetite among retailers and shoppers for even more high-end experiences throughout this top-performing property. This multi-phased project is part of Macerich’s long-term strategy, as well as the center’s own history, of continually reinvesting in our irreplaceable retail destinations. We see great opportunity to further extend our luxury presentation into the south wing to welcome more of the world’s best brands and experiences, in line with the outstanding demographics and growth in the Scottsdale-Phoenix market.” Specifically, the next phase of the property’s multi-dimensional project announced today will update and redefine the south wing anchored by Nordstrom. Scottsdale Fashion Square will extend its luxury presentation beyond the luxury wing itself, creating a striking arrival point, complete with luxury valet service, at the property’s most active entrance. Also planned for this phase are two-story storefronts and exterior-facing retail buildings at the south entrance, and a porte cochere that will incorporate up to five destination restaurants. Echoing the aesthetics of the luxury wing, interior renovation elements for the south wing include upscale new finishes, new natural stone flooring, three spectacular custom light fixtures and recessed LED lighting, elegant furnishings, better sightlines to highlight individual retailers and more. Everything will come together to deliver a more cohesive and holistic luxury experience for guests and retailers throughout the property. By every measure, the luxury wing that debuted at Scottsdale Fashion Square in November 2018 has been a tremendous success, attracting an enviable collection of new-to-market, pure luxury retailers and restaurants including Dior, Saint Laurent and Nobu and spurring top luxury brands already at the property – from Louis Vuitton, St. John, Jimmy Choo, Bottega Veneta and many others – to recommit, expand and renovate their stores. “Scottsdale Fashion Square is the very definition of luxury retail in the Southwest, with nearly 50 of the finest luxury and contemporary brands including Cartier, Bottega Veneta, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Balenciaga, Christian Louboutin, Bulgari and Prada, alongside our top-performing Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom department stores,” said Michael Guerin, Executive Vice President, Macerich. “Continually curating our merchandise mix with dynamic new experiences, including additional new restaurants and great design elements, to other parts of the property beyond the luxury wing enhances the value proposition of Scottsdale Fashion Square as whole for retailers and brands, while optimizing the customer journey for our guests.” Scottsdale Fashion Square is one of the nation’s premier shopping destinations, with 1.9 million square feet and more than 240 shops and restaurants, plus a growing variety of exciting new uses including wellness + fitness and a hotel, both now under construction. Great names at the property also include Alo Yoga, Apple, Coach, H&M, Kate Spade New York, Lacoste, Levi’s, Lucid Motors, Lululemon, M.A.C Cosmetics, Nespresso, Sephora, Tesla, Tumi, Williams-Sonoma and Zara, plus large-format DICK’s Sporting Goods, Dillard’s, Harkins Theatres, Macy’s, Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom. The property features a wide variety of exciting dining, from upscale to casual, including Francine, Nobu, Ocean 44, Toca Madera, Tocaya Modern Mexican and Yard House, plus Fired Pie, Shake Shack and more. Additional information about Scottsdale Fashion Square can be obtained at www.fashionsquare.com. Macerich is currently planning the addition of more mixed-use elements at Scottsdale Fashion Square on a seven-acre parcel immediately north of the mall that reaches from Goldwater Boulevard to Scottsdale Road. The plan will incorporate high-end residential units, class A office space and hospitality uses. As has been experienced at other Macerich properties, the addition of these complementary uses increases the customer base and sales potential for retailers at the property. Macerich’s retail real estate credentials in Arizona are unparalleled: The company dominates the retail landscape in Arizona with nine regional shopping centers in the Phoenix metro area. In all, Macerich’s Arizona portfolio comprises over 9 million square feet and includes the most iconic and high-performing retail properties in the Southwest Biltmore Fashion Park, Kierland Commons, Arrowhead Towne Center and Chandler Fashion Center, in addition to Scottsdale Fashion Square. These centers and their retail stores employ thousands of people and generate millions of dollars of revenues for their communities. Read More Here

Curaleaf Celebrates Opening Of Scottsdale, Arizona Dispensary https://digitalarizonanews.com/curaleaf-celebrates-opening-of-scottsdale-arizona-dispensary/ Company’s latest retail location is its largest in the state of Arizona WAKEFIELD, Mass., Oct. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — Curaleaf Holdings, Inc. (CSE: CURA) (OTCQX: CURLF) (“Curaleaf” or the “Company”), a leading international provider of consumer products in cannabis, today announced the opening of its Scottsdale dispensary, located at 16277 N Greenway Hayden Loop, Scottsdale, AZ 85260. Curaleaf Scottsdale is the Company’s largest retail location in Arizona and one of its 16 dispensaries in the Grand Canyon State. Located across the street from the world-renowned Tournament Players Club, Curaleaf Scottsdale is dedicated to providing high-quality cannabis products and service to patients and customers at all stages of their cannabis journey. The new location offers a wide array of products including high-quality flower and pre-rolls, Curaleaf Plant Precision gummies and topical gel, Select X Bites, Select Squeeze, Select Cliq and B NOBLE pre-rolls. Curaleaf Scottsdale celebrates its soft opening today and is scheduled for an official grand opening event on Friday, October 14. The grand opening will commence with a ribbon cutting at 10:30 a.m. followed by festivities throughout the weekend including swag giveaways, on-site entertainment, local food vendors and limited-time discounts. “Following the completion of our Tryke acquisition this week, we are excited to deepen our roots in Arizona with the opening of Curaleaf Scottsdale,” said Matt Darin, CEO of Curaleaf. “Not only is it our largest retail location in the state, but it is also led by a team of dedicated, knowledgeable professionals who are eager to serve the Scottsdale community.” For more information regarding Curaleaf’s product offerings in Arizona, along with openings and hours of operation, please visit https://curaleaf.com/dispensary/arizona. About Curaleaf Holdings Curaleaf Holdings, Inc. (CSE: CURA) (OTCQX: CURLF) (“Curaleaf”) is a leading international provider of consumer products in cannabis with a mission to improve lives by providing clarity around cannabis and confidence around consumption. As a high-growth cannabis company known for quality, expertise and reliability, the Company and its brands, including Curaleaf, Select, and Grassroots provide industry-leading service, product selection and accessibility across the medical and adult-use markets. In the United States, Curaleaf currently operates in 21 states with 144 dispensaries, 29 cultivation sites, and employs over 6,000 team members. Curaleaf International is the largest vertically integrated cannabis company in Europe with a unique supply and distribution network throughout the European market, bringing together pioneering science and research with cutting-edge cultivation, extraction and production. Curaleaf is listed on the Canadian Securities Exchange under the symbol CURA and trades on the OTCQX market under the symbol CURLF. For more information, please visit https://ir.curaleaf.com. FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This media advisory contains forward–looking statements and forward–looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. These statements relate to future events or future performance. All statements other than statements of historical fact may be forward–looking statements or information. Generally, forward-looking statements and information may be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “plans”, “expects” or, “proposed”, “is expected”, “intends”, “anticipates”, or “believes”, or variations of such words and phrases, or by the use of words or phrases which state that certain actions, events or results may, could, would, or might occur or be achieved. More particularly and without limitation, this news release contains forward–looking statements and information concerning the opening of a new dispensary in Scottsdale, Arizona. Such forward-looking statements and information reflect management’s current beliefs and are based on assumptions made by and information currently available to the company with respect to the matter described in this new release. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, which are based on current expectations as of the date of this release and subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements. Additional information about these assumptions and risks and uncertainties is contained under “Risk Factors and Uncertainties” in the Company’s latest annual information form filed March 9, 2022, which is available under the Company’s SEDAR profile at http://www.sedar.com, and in other filings that the Company has made and may make with applicable securities authorities in the future. Forward-looking statements contained herein are made only as to the date of this press release and we undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. We caution investors not to place considerable reliance on the forward-looking statements contained in this press release. The Canadian Securities Exchange has not reviewed, approved or disapproved the content of this news release. INVESTOR CONTACT Curaleaf Holdings, Inc. Camilo Lyon, Chief Investment Officer [email protected] MEDIA CONTACT Curaleaf Holdings, Inc. Tracy Brady, SVP Corporate Communications [email protected] SOURCE Curaleaf Holdings, Inc. Read More Here

Sweetwater County Arrest Reports For October 7 https://digitalarizonanews.com/sweetwater-county-arrest-reports-for-october-7/ The following individuals have been booked into the Sweetwater County Detention Center. Latest Bookings ANDERSON, ARNOLD RAYMOND Age: 47 Address: CARLSBAD, NM Booking Type: PRE-TRIAL Booking Date: 2022-10-06 Arresting Agency: RSPD Advertisement – Story continues below… Charges: Display of License Plates – Clearly Legible Status: PENDING, Bond: #10166, BOND REQ GIVEN, $0, Court: SWEETWATER CIRCUIT COURT Driving While License Cancelled, Suspended or Revoked – 2nd+ Offense Status: , Bond: #10166, BOND REQ GIVEN, $0, Court: SWEETWATER CIRCUIT COURT Unlawful Possession – Plant Form 3 Ounces – 1st Offense Status: PENDING, Bond: #10166, BOND REQ GIVEN, $0, Court: SWEETWATER CIRCUIT COURT LEGERSKI, ELIZABETH KATHRYN Age: 32 Address: ROCK SPRINGS, WY Booking Type: PRE-TRIAL Booking Date: 2022-10-06 Arresting Agency: SCSO Charges: Arrest and Hold Order/PC Arrest for Probation/Parole Violation Status: PENDING, Bond: #10165, BOND REQ GIVEN, $0, Court: SWEETWATER CIRCUIT COURT Warrant Arrest Status: PENDING, Bond: #10164, CASH, $500, Court: SWEETWATER CIRCUIT COURT BEN, MYRON MARIO Age: 30 Address: MESA, AZ Booking Type: PRE-TRIAL Booking Date: 2022-10-06 Arresting Agency: RSPD Charges: Arrest and Hold Order/PC Arrest for Probation/Parole Violation Status: PENDING, Bond: #10162, NO BOND, $0, Court: SWEETWATER CIRCUIT COURT MCCANDLES, WILLIAM CHARLES Age: 64 Address: ROCK SPRINGS, WYBooking: 2022-10-06 Released: 2022-10-06 Type: PRE-TRIAL Arresting Agency: RSPD Bond Company: A & L BONDING Charges: DWUI – Incapable of Safely Driving – Alcohol – 1st Offense (WRNT FTA) Status: PENDING, Bond: #10160, SURETY OR CASH, $1000, Court: RS Municipal Court A criminal charge is merely an accusation, all individuals are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law. Read More Here

DOJ 'closing In' On Trump: Bombshell NYT Report Suggests Indictments Are Likely To 'start Flying' https://digitalarizonanews.com/doj-closing-in-on-trump-bombshell-nyt-report-suggests-indictments-are-likely-to-start-flying/ On CNN Thursday, retired Harvard Law professor Laurence Tribe reacted to the news that the Justice Department believes former President Donald Trump is hoarding more documents on his property — a development that experts believe is a sign prosecutors are seriously weighing charges against the former president. “What do you think where the Justice Department might be headed?” asked anchor Anderson Cooper. “It certainly suggests the Justice Department is closing in on indicting Donald Trump,” said Tribe. “Not simply for basically stealing top secret documents from the White House and secreting them in various locations … but also for violating the Espionage Act and, based on this recent reporting, obstruction of justice.” Specifically, Tribe argued, the DOJ has evidence Trump is investigating both a “national security inquiry” and a “criminal investigation.” “There are people whose lives are at stake if their identity has been revealed in some of these top secret documents, which clearly were marked ‘human resource.’ They were marked to indicate that they would reveal the identity or location of, basically, American spies abroad. They were marked signals intelligence. So this is very serious. And what I take these recent revelations to mean is that shortly after the midterm elections, indictments are likely to start flying.” “You believe that the Department of Justice might actually indict the former president?” Cooper pressed him. “I believe that it might well indict the former president for obstruction, for espionage,” said Tribe. “This is all quite apart from the possible indictment for seditious conspiracy and insurrection. I mean, it’s as though he is building a moat around Mar-a-Lago and then trying to swim in it himself. Basically, with every stroke he takes, with every move he makes, he is digging himself a deeper, deeper pit … his lawyers must be absolutely beside themselves because he makes matters worse. He says ‘I want my documents back.’ He brags about having taken them himself. Then he says the General Services Administration packed the boxes, but they deny it. You almost expect him to say my dog packed the boxes, except we know he doesn’t have a dog.” Watch below: Read More Here