bonginoreport--2020-10-01--Pakistan Reportedly Promised to Get Taliban to Agree to Cease-fire

ISLAMABAD : The head of Afghanistan ’ s High Council for National Reconciliation , Abdullah Abdullah , told Arab News that Pakistan has `` promised '' to help convince the Afghan Taliban to agree to a cease-fire .
Abdullah spoke to Arab News on Wednesday before leaving Pakistan after a three-day visit to Islamabad .
The cease-fire has been a major sticking point in the ongoing negotiations between the Kabul government and the Taliban as they aim to end decades of war .
Taliban offensives have continued even since Afghan and Taliban negotiators began meeting in Doha on Sept. 12 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and power-sharing deal .
Pakistan is considered a key force in pushing the Taliban to negotiate , and both Kabul and Washington are now urging the South Asian nation to use its influence over the insurgent group to agree to more concessions .
Relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan have long been marred by hostility , with both sides trading accusations that the other is a safe haven for cross-border militant activities .
Abdullah told Arab News that the civil and military leaders he met in Pakistan had agreed that the key to peace @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a “ reduction in violence , leading to a cease-fire.
” “ In our own discussions with all authorities , I found nobody having any doubt about that need , ” he said , referring to his meetings with the Pakistani prime minister , army chief , foreign minister and other leaders .
“ They promised that they will also try their own way ... to use their positive influence in that regard.
” At the talks in Doha , both sides agreed on the majority of suggestions about how the dialogue should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ negotiations even if fighting escalates .
But they remain deadlocked over the process for negotiations , in part due to the Taliban ’ s insistence that the basis of the dialogue be the Doha Agreement , signed in February between the Taliban and the United States after talks that the insurgents refused to allow the Kabul government to be a part of .
That deal promises a phased withdrawal of American troops in exchange for guarantees that the Taliban will reduce its attacks and no longer permit Afghanistan to serve as a haven @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( the Doha Agreement ) such an issue that we remain stuck in it ?
” Abdullah asked .
“ Our team has been advised and instructed to be flexible .
If the Taliban do not get more serious and do not show flexibility , that will automatically affect the attitude of our team as well , and then we might reach another impasse.
” Abdullah added that it is a “ major concern ” that the international community could lose focus on the peace process if the stalemate with the Taliban is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also disagree over which school of Islamic thought should be used to resolve disputes in post-war Afghanistan .
While both mainly believe they should adhere to the Hanafi school — one of the four major Sunni schools of jurisprudence that is the foundation of the current Afghan constitution — they have been unable to agree on a formula that does not alienate minority sects , particularly Shias .
“ Do we use the diverse nature of our nation — different ethnicities , different languages , regions , socio-economic circumstances — as a tool @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a means to find a way to add to the beauty of the country and to make it an energy for the country to flourish , and look towards the future rather than getting stuck in the past ?
” Abdullah asked .
He said the government team was open to the idea of engaging a mediator or a facilitator to break the current impasse , if the Taliban agreed .
“ If ( a facilitator ) is needed at some stage , we should move quickly without wasting time , ” he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decide together who that facilitator should be .
Earlier this year , the peace process was threatened by another impasse — between Abdullah and Afghan President Ashraf Ghani .
Abdullah disputed the results of an election last September and announced the formation of a parallel government , undermining Ghani ’ s administration at a time when the US was trying to advance the peace process with the Taliban .
In May , Abdullah and Ghani finally signed a power-sharing deal to end their political stalemate .
When asked if he and Ghani were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ongoing negotiations with the Taliban , Abdullah said : “ Find me two sisters or two brothers who are one hundred percent on the same page on all issues .
But when it comes to peace , yes .
The goal is peace , dignified durable peace , acceptable for the people of Afghanistan , without losing the gains of the past , which are the rights of the people , the values that we believe in , the liberties , freedom of speech , women ’ s rights , the right to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those principles we think the same way.
” When asked if he wished to be president in a future post-war government in Afghanistan , Abdullah said : “ My focus is not on my own role , to be honest … The ultimate goal for me will be achieving peace for a nation which deserves it , which has suffered more than its share for the past 42 years .
That ’ s my ultimate goal .
”

ISLAMABAD: The head of Afghanistan’s High Council for National Reconciliation, Abdullah Abdullah, told Arab News that Pakistan has "promised" to help convince the Afghan Taliban to agree to a cease-fire. Abdullah spoke to Arab News on Wednesday before leaving Pakistan after a three-day visit to Islamabad.
The cease-fire has been a major sticking point in the ongoing negotiations between the Kabul government and the Taliban as they aim to end decades of war. Taliban offensives have continued even since Afghan and Taliban negotiators began meeting in Doha on Sept. 12, hoping to agree to a cease-fire and power-sharing deal.
Pakistan is considered a key force in pushing the Taliban to negotiate, and both Kabul and Washington are now urging the South Asian nation to use its influence over the insurgent group to agree to more concessions.
Relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan have long been marred by hostility, with both sides trading accusations that the other is a safe haven for cross-border militant activities.
Abdullah told Arab News that the civil and military leaders he met in Pakistan had agreed that the key to peace in Afghanistan was the Taliban agreeing to a “reduction in violence, leading to a cease-fire.”
“In our own discussions with all authorities, I found nobody having any doubt about that need,” he said, referring to his meetings with the Pakistani prime minister, army chief, foreign minister and other leaders. “They promised that they will also try their own way ... to use their positive influence in that regard.”
At the talks in Doha, both sides agreed on the majority of suggestions about how the dialogue should be conducted, including committing to continue negotiations even if fighting escalates.
But they remain deadlocked over the process for negotiations, in part due to the Taliban’s insistence that the basis of the dialogue be the Doha Agreement, signed in February between the Taliban and the United States after talks that the insurgents refused to allow the Kabul government to be a part of.
That deal promises a phased withdrawal of American troops in exchange for guarantees that the Taliban will reduce its attacks and no longer permit Afghanistan to serve as a haven for militant groups.
“Why make (the Doha Agreement) such an issue that we remain stuck in it?” Abdullah asked. “Our team has been advised and instructed to be flexible. If the Taliban do not get more serious and do not show flexibility, that will automatically affect the attitude of our team as well, and then we might reach another impasse.” Abdullah added that it is a “major concern” that the international community could lose focus on the peace process if the stalemate with the Taliban is not resolved quickly.
The two sides also disagree over which school of Islamic thought should be used to resolve disputes in post-war Afghanistan. While both mainly believe they should adhere to the Hanafi school — one of the four major Sunni schools of jurisprudence that is the foundation of the current Afghan constitution — they have been unable to agree on a formula that does not alienate minority sects, particularly Shias.
“Do we use the diverse nature of our nation — different ethnicities, different languages, regions, socio-economic circumstances — as a tool to fight forever over ruling, or a means to find a way to add to the beauty of the country and to make it an energy for the country to flourish, and look towards the future rather than getting stuck in the past?” Abdullah asked.
He said the government team was open to the idea of engaging a mediator or a facilitator to break the current impasse, if the Taliban agreed.
“If (a facilitator) is needed at some stage, we should move quickly without wasting time,” he said, adding that both sides could decide together who that facilitator should be.
Earlier this year, the peace process was threatened by another impasse — between Abdullah and Afghan President Ashraf Ghani. Abdullah disputed the results of an election last September and announced the formation of a parallel government, undermining Ghani’s administration at a time when the US was trying to advance the peace process with the Taliban.
In May, Abdullah and Ghani finally signed a power-sharing deal to end their political stalemate.
When asked if he and Ghani were now on the same page on the ongoing negotiations with the Taliban, Abdullah said: “Find me two sisters or two brothers who are one hundred percent on the same page on all issues. But when it comes to peace, yes. The goal is peace, dignified durable peace, acceptable for the people of Afghanistan, without losing the gains of the past, which are the rights of the people, the values that we believe in, the liberties, freedom of speech, women’s rights, the right to vote and all of that. On those principles we think the same way.”
When asked if he wished to be president in a future post-war government in Afghanistan, Abdullah said: “My focus is not on my own role, to be honest … The ultimate goal for me will be achieving peace for a nation which deserves it, which has suffered more than its share for the past 42 years. That’s my ultimate goal.”


bonginoreport--2020-10-01--U.S. Repatriates Last of American ISIS Suspects Captured in Syria

The U.S. repatriated four Americans charged with supporting ISIS in September , the last of a group of American ISIS supporters who were being held by U.S. allies , the Syrian Democratic Forces .
The move brings the total number of U.S. citizens charged with terror-related offenses for their support of ISIS and repatriated from Iraq and Syria to the U.S. to 10 , the Justice Department announced Thursday .
American authorities lauded their success in regaining custody of the supporters as a warning to those who may attempt to travel and join ISIS .
`` The United States continues @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Syrian Democratic Forces to repatriate American citizens accused of supporting ISIS , '' said Amb .
Nathan Sales , State Department coordinator for counterterrorism .
`` We call on other nations , particularly in Western Europe , to take responsibility for their citizens . ''
The recently repatriated men include Emraan Ali and his son , Jihad Ali , who traveled with their family to Syria in March 2015 to join ISIS , according to the DOJ .
The two surrendered to the Syrian Democratic Forces , a largely Kurdish militia , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sustained ISIS battles to maintain territory in Syria .
The other men , Abdelhamid Al-Madioum and Lirim Sylejmani also allegedly joined ISIS in 2015 and were captured in 2019 .
Sylejmani , a Kosovo-born naturalized citizen , has previously spoken publicly about his time with the Islamic State group while in SDF custody .
The U.S. has regained custody of six other citizens who left the country to support and fight for ISIS since 2017 .
All 10 repatriated citizens faced charges of conspiring to , attempting to or providing material support for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been sentenced to 20 years in prison , the rest of the cases are still underway .
The repatriations are part of a broader government effort to prevent Americans from leaving the country to fight for ISIS and other terrorist groups in Syria and to investigate and charge those two willingly do so , a key piece of the U.S. terrorism prevention strategy .
U.S. authorities have supported other countries in efforts to do the same , including sharing evidence .

The U.S. repatriated four Americans charged with supporting ISIS in September, the last of a group of American ISIS supporters who were being held by U.S. allies, the Syrian Democratic Forces.
The move brings the total number of U.S. citizens charged with terror-related offenses for their support of ISIS and repatriated from Iraq and Syria to the U.S. to 10, the Justice Department announced Thursday.
American authorities lauded their success in regaining custody of the supporters as a warning to those who may attempt to travel and join ISIS.
"The United States continues to lead by example by working with the Syrian Democratic Forces to repatriate American citizens accused of supporting ISIS," said Amb. Nathan Sales, State Department coordinator for counterterrorism. "We call on other nations, particularly in Western Europe, to take responsibility for their citizens."
The recently repatriated men include Emraan Ali and his son, Jihad Ali, who traveled with their family to Syria in March 2015 to join ISIS, according to the DOJ. The two surrendered to the Syrian Democratic Forces, a largely Kurdish militia, in March 2019, during the last sustained ISIS battles to maintain territory in Syria.
The other men, Abdelhamid Al-Madioum and Lirim Sylejmani also allegedly joined ISIS in 2015 and were captured in 2019. Sylejmani, a Kosovo-born naturalized citizen, has previously spoken publicly about his time with the Islamic State group while in SDF custody.
The U.S. has regained custody of six other citizens who left the country to support and fight for ISIS since 2017. All 10 repatriated citizens faced charges of conspiring to, attempting to or providing material support for ISIS or concealing terrorism financing. One has been sentenced to 20 years in prison, the rest of the cases are still underway.
The repatriations are part of a broader government effort to prevent Americans from leaving the country to fight for ISIS and other terrorist groups in Syria and to investigate and charge those two willingly do so, a key piece of the U.S. terrorism prevention strategy. U.S. authorities have supported other countries in efforts to do the same, including sharing evidence.


bonginoreport--2020-10-01--GOP Pushes for Heavy Sanctions on Hezbollah and Their Allies

Congressional Republicans are preparing a package of new sanctions on the Iranian-backed terror group Hezbollah , an effort they told the Washington Free Beacon will cut off the group 's access to key funding sources .
The new legislation , which the Free Beacon has obtained , will have far-reaching implications for financial institutions and senior government officials in Lebanon , Venezuela , Cuba , and Nicaragua—areas where Hezbollah has an active and well-funded presence .
The legislation would designate key territories in Lebanon as sources of terror financing , a designation that will freeze Hezbollah-friendly banks out of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enact the toughest Hezbollah sanctions Congress has ever proposed , said Rep. Joe Wilson ( R. , S.C. ) , chair of the House Republican Study Committee 's Foreign Affairs and National Security Task Force .
`` By cutting off banks in areas under the terror group 's control from the international financial system , this bill will go a long way towards drying up the Iranian terror proxy ’ s resources to conduct murderous attacks against the U.S. and our allies . ''
The legislation comes as U.S. aid to Lebanon has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ explosion decimated the capital city of Beirut .
While the United States and other western nations have committed aid dollars to help Lebanon rebuild , critics have warned that Hezbollah , which largely controls the Lebanese government , will likely steal much of the money .
While the legislation is unlikely to pass a Democratic-controlled House in a hotly contested election year , it showcases the GOP ’ s heightened concerns about Hezbollah and its deepening foothold in Latin America .
Dubbed the Hezbollah Money Laundering Prevention Act of 2020 , the legislation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whether certain areas of Lebanon qualify as jurisdictions of `` primary money laundering concern . ''
This designation would allow the U.S. government to implement wide-ranging sanctions on government officials and banks aiding Hezbollah .
The bill seeks a similar designation for the `` tri-border area '' between Argentina , Brazil , and Paraguay , which serves as a primary hub for drug trafficking and criminal activity .
The area has been a central breeding ground for Hezbollah activities over the years , with operatives using it to run the drugs and weapons @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Hezbollah ’ s operations in Latin America have been a source of friction for some time , but the United States has done little to stem it .
The legislation would place additional sanctions on senior political figures in Lebanon , Venezuela , Cuba , and Nicaragua for their continued support of Hezbollah .
Other measures would target `` Hezbollah in Mexico , Venezuela , Paraguay , Argentina , Brazil , Panama , Cuba , Bolivia , or any other country in Latin America '' found to be working with the terror @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , it would mark the first time foreign political leaders are being designated for their ties to Hezbollah .
Wilson ’ s bill is cosponsored by 12 other GOP lawmakers .
The bill has received early support from Christians United for Israel ( CUFI ) , one of America ’ s largest pro-Israel organizations .
Through its lobbying arms , CUFI has advocated for greater sanctions on Hezbollah to help stifle the Iranian terror group 's operations and increase security on Israel ’ s northern border , which runs up against Hezbollah-controlled territory @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s tentacles reach , the people suffer , '' CUFI Action Fund chairwoman Sandra Parker told the Free Beacon .
`` From Europe to Latin America , Hezbollah 's illicit activities should be stymied , sanctioned , and condemned at every available opportunity .
Rep. Wilson and all those who 've signed on to this legislation should be commended for recognizing the problem and choosing to do something meaningful about it . ''
Tony Badran , a Lebanon expert and research fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies think-tank , said the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the U.S. 's incoherent Lebanon policy . ''
Badran , a frequent critic of what he sees as U.S. policies towards Lebanon that embolden Hezbollah 's grip on the country , said new sanctions as outlined in the bill would go a long way in restricting Hezbollah 's access to cash resources .
`` The bill highlights and targets jurisdictions under Hezbollah control — where Hezbollah launders money , and also maintains arms depots and precision missile sites in civilian areas — even as current State Department initiatives , like the border demarcation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the door to European investment in these jurisdictions , to Hezbollah ’ s benefit , '' Badran explained .
Sanctioning Lebanese leaders tied to Hezbollah also could mark a sea change in U.S. policy , which has largely centered on bolstering the Lebanese Armed Forces—a fighting force that critics view as under Hezbollah 's thumb .
`` The Lebanese government and its agencies , as recent sanctions have shown , work directly with and finance Hezbollah , '' Badran said .
`` By funding them , the U.S. is only helping Hezbollah .
@

Congressional Republicans are preparing a package of new sanctions on the Iranian-backed terror group Hezbollah, an effort they told the Washington Free Beacon will cut off the group's access to key funding sources.
The new legislation, which the Free Beacon has obtained, will have far-reaching implications for financial institutions and senior government officials in Lebanon, Venezuela, Cuba, and Nicaragua—areas where Hezbollah has an active and well-funded presence. The legislation would designate key territories in Lebanon as sources of terror financing, a designation that will freeze Hezbollah-friendly banks out of the international financial system.
The bill would enact the toughest Hezbollah sanctions Congress has ever proposed, said Rep. Joe Wilson (R., S.C.), chair of the House Republican Study Committee's Foreign Affairs and National Security Task Force. "By cutting off banks in areas under the terror group's control from the international financial system, this bill will go a long way towards drying up the Iranian terror proxy’s resources to conduct murderous attacks against the U.S. and our allies."
The legislation comes as U.S. aid to Lebanon has reemerged as a flashpoint after a massive explosion decimated the capital city of Beirut. While the United States and other western nations have committed aid dollars to help Lebanon rebuild, critics have warned that Hezbollah, which largely controls the Lebanese government, will likely steal much of the money.
While the legislation is unlikely to pass a Democratic-controlled House in a hotly contested election year, it showcases the GOP’s heightened concerns about Hezbollah and its deepening foothold in Latin America.
Dubbed the Hezbollah Money Laundering Prevention Act of 2020, the legislation would require the Treasury Department to determine whether certain areas of Lebanon qualify as jurisdictions of "primary money laundering concern." This designation would allow the U.S. government to implement wide-ranging sanctions on government officials and banks aiding Hezbollah.
The bill seeks a similar designation for the "tri-border area" between Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay, which serves as a primary hub for drug trafficking and criminal activity. The area has been a central breeding ground for Hezbollah activities over the years, with operatives using it to run the drugs and weapons that fund the group's terror activities. Hezbollah’s operations in Latin America have been a source of friction for some time, but the United States has done little to stem it.
The legislation would place additional sanctions on senior political figures in Lebanon, Venezuela, Cuba, and Nicaragua for their continued support of Hezbollah. Other measures would target "Hezbollah in Mexico, Venezuela, Paraguay, Argentina, Brazil, Panama, Cuba, Bolivia, or any other country in Latin America" found to be working with the terror group. If Congress passes the bill, it would mark the first time foreign political leaders are being designated for their ties to Hezbollah.
Wilson’s bill is cosponsored by 12 other GOP lawmakers.
The bill has received early support from Christians United for Israel (CUFI), one of America’s largest pro-Israel organizations. Through its lobbying arms, CUFI has advocated for greater sanctions on Hezbollah to help stifle the Iranian terror group's operations and increase security on Israel’s northern border, which runs up against Hezbollah-controlled territory in Lebanon.
"Wherever Hezbollah’s tentacles reach, the people suffer," CUFI Action Fund chairwoman Sandra Parker told the Free Beacon. "From Europe to Latin America, Hezbollah's illicit activities should be stymied, sanctioned, and condemned at every available opportunity. Rep. Wilson and all those who've signed on to this legislation should be commended for recognizing the problem and choosing to do something meaningful about it."
Tony Badran, a Lebanon expert and research fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies think-tank, said the bill represents "a strong rebuke to the U.S.'s incoherent Lebanon policy."
Badran, a frequent critic of what he sees as U.S. policies towards Lebanon that embolden Hezbollah's grip on the country, said new sanctions as outlined in the bill would go a long way in restricting Hezbollah's access to cash resources.
"The bill highlights and targets jurisdictions under Hezbollah control — where Hezbollah launders money, and also maintains arms depots and precision missile sites in civilian areas — even as current State Department initiatives, like the border demarcation talks between Lebanon and Israel, open the door to European investment in these jurisdictions, to Hezbollah’s benefit," Badran explained.
Sanctioning Lebanese leaders tied to Hezbollah also could mark a sea change in U.S. policy, which has largely centered on bolstering the Lebanese Armed Forces—a fighting force that critics view as under Hezbollah's thumb.
"The Lebanese government and its agencies, as recent sanctions have shown, work directly with and finance Hezbollah," Badran said. "By funding them, the U.S. is only helping Hezbollah."


bonginoreport--2020-10-01--Federal Judge Orders Stop to Presidential Commission on Law Enforcement

This is a breaking news story .
Please check back for updates as more information becomes available .
A federal judge in Washington D.C. has ordered a halt to a law-enforcement review panel created at President Donald Trump ’ s direction , after ruling the panel broke federal requirements that the panel meet openly and be comprised with “ fairly balanced ” membership .
U.S. District Judge John Bates , a judge for the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia , issued a decision on Thursday the 18-member panel , known as the “ Presidential Commission on Law @ @ @ @ @ @ @ violated a federal rule that federal advisory committees must be “ fairly balanced ” in their composition and that their meetings be open to the public .
Bates ruled the commission can not continue with its work until it addresses those requirements .
Judge Bates criticized the commission for its current composition of only current and former law enforcement officers .
In his decision , Judge Bates wrote , “ The Court is hard pressed to think of a starker example of non-compliance with [ Federal Advisory Committee Act ] ’ s fair @ @ @ @ @ @ @ examining broad issues of policing in today ’ s America that is composed entirely of past and present law enforcement officials.
” Judge Bates , an appointee of President George W. Bush , criticized the commission , which he noted included no civil rights groups such as the NAACP Legal Defense & Education Fund ( LDF ) , which brought the lawsuit against the commission in April .
Politico reported the decision comes as the panel is set to issue a report to U.S. Attorney General Bill Barr , later this month .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ panel could delay it from publishing any recommendations until after the November presidential election .
Judge Bates granted a summary judgement in favor of the LDF ’ s complaint , and ordered “ Commission proceedings be halted—and no work product released—until the requirements of FACA are satisfied.
” Judge Bates rejected arguments from the Justice Department that the commission was exempt from the transparency statute because of a 1995 exemption for committees dealing with issues of joint responsibility between the federal government and state and local governments .
While the Justice Department has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s hearings , and has provided a transcript and audio for most of those meetings , Bates ruled the meetings would be considered closed if the transparency law applied and found the meetings were not announced in the Federal Register for government notices , in the 15 days ahead of the meetings , as required under the transparency law .

A federal judge in Washington D.C. has ordered a halt to a law-enforcement review panel created at President Donald Trump’s direction, after ruling the panel broke federal requirements that the panel meet openly and be comprised with “fairly balanced” membership.
U.S. District Judge John Bates, a judge for the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, issued a decision on Thursday the 18-member panel, known as the “Presidential Commission on Law Enforcement and the Administration of Justice” violated a federal rule that federal advisory committees must be “fairly balanced” in their composition and that their meetings be open to the public. Bates ruled the commission cannot continue with its work until it addresses those requirements.
Judge Bates criticized the commission for its current composition of only current and former law enforcement officers.
In his decision, Judge Bates wrote, “The Court is hard pressed to think of a starker example of non-compliance with [Federal Advisory Committee Act]’s fair balance requirement than a commission charged with examining broad issues of policing in today’s America that is composed entirely of past and present law enforcement officials.”
Judge Bates, an appointee of President George W. Bush, criticized the commission, which he noted included no civil rights groups such as the NAACP Legal Defense & Education Fund (LDF), which brought the lawsuit against the commission in April.
Politico reported the decision comes as the panel is set to issue a report to U.S. Attorney General Bill Barr, later this month. Judge Bates’ order to restructure the panel could delay it from publishing any recommendations until after the November presidential election. Judge Bates granted a summary judgment in favor of the LDF’s complaint, and ordered “Commission proceedings be halted—and no work product released—until the requirements of FACA are satisfied.”
Judge Bates rejected arguments from the Justice Department that the commission was exempt from the transparency statute because of a 1995 exemption for committees dealing with issues of joint responsibility between the federal government and state and local governments.
While the Justice Department has also linked to 14 of the commission’s hearings, and has provided a transcript and audio for most of those meetings, Bates ruled the meetings would be considered closed if the transparency law applied and found the meetings were not announced in the Federal Register for government notices, in the 15 days ahead of the meetings, as required under the transparency law.


bonginoreport--2020-10-01--Caravan of Over 3,000 Hondurans Heads to U.S.

GUATEMALA CITY/TEGUCIGALPA ( Reuters ) - Over 2,000 Central American migrants heading to the United States from Honduras barged past armed Guatemalan security troops at the border on Thursday , as they sought to escape poverty exacerbated by the coronavirus pandemic .
On Thursday , caravan members , many wearing face masks , began gathering near the Guatemalan border at 6.30am .
By mid-day more than 2,000 migrants had crossed without authorization , said Guatemalan officials , who expressed concern about contagion .
“ We ’ re talking about a caravan in the middle of a pandemic .
The situation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protocols and we don ’ t know who has entered ( the country ) , ” said Guatemala ’ s migration director Guillermo Díaz .
One member of the caravan died on Thursday after falling from a trailer in Guatemala and getting trapped under its wheels , the Guatemalan Red Cross reported .
The caravan is the biggest since the coronavirus pandemic hit Central America in March , triggering strict government shutdowns that battered already precarious economies , leading to rises in unemployment and poverty .
It is likely to face challenges crossing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lopez Obrador has deployed the National Guard to the border with Guatemala and dispersed previous caravans under pressure from the United States .
Republican President Donald Trump has made cracking down on unauthorized immigration a key part of his platform , ahead of the U.S. presidential election in a month ’ s time .
Members of the caravan said they were fleeing dire conditions in Honduras , which is experiencing the worst economic decline in its history .
“ No one migrates because they want to , it ’ s out of necessity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who asked not to use his last name , told Reuters via WhatsApp after reaching Guatemala .
“ We don ’ t have any money to eat.
” Migration experts said the pandemic has exacerbated long-standing social issues in Central America .
“ This new caravan is yet another effect of the pandemic , but even more than that , it ’ s a result of social inequalities that are on the rise , ” said Misael Hernandez , a migration expert at the Colegio de la Frontera Norte .

GUATEMALA CITY/TEGUCIGALPA (Reuters) - Guatemala invoked special measures for security forces on Thursday, after thousands of Central American migrants crossed the border without authorization as part of a caravan aiming to reach the United States.
Slideshow ( 2 images )
President Alejandro Giammattei’s declaration gives security forces additional powers to disperse public gatherings in six of Guatemala’s departments, as more Central American migrants are expected to try to enter the country in the coming days.
On Thursday morning, more than 2,000 caravan members, many wearing face masks, barged past armed Guatemalan troops at the border, as they sought to escape poverty exacerbated by the coronavirus pandemic.
Guatemalan officials expressed concern about contagion.
“We’re talking about a caravan in the middle of a pandemic. The situation is complicated because they broke the health protocols and we don’t know who has entered (the country),” said Guatemala’s migration director Guillermo Díaz.
One member of the caravan died in Guatemala on Thursday after falling from a trailer and getting trapped under its wheels, the Guatemalan Red Cross reported.
The caravan is the biggest since the coronavirus pandemic hit Central America in March, triggering strict government shutdowns that battered already precarious economies, leading to rises in unemployment and poverty.
It is likely to face challenges crossing through Mexico, where President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has deployed the National Guard to the border with Guatemala and dispersed previous caravans under pressure from the United States.
Republican President Donald Trump has made cracking down on unauthorized immigration a key part of his platform, ahead of the U.S. presidential election in a month’s time.
Members of the caravan said they were fleeing dire conditions in Honduras, which is experiencing the worst economic decline in its history.
“No one migrates because they want to, it’s out of necessity,” Carlos, a Honduran migrant who asked not to use his last name, told Reuters via WhatsApp after reaching Guatemala. “We don’t have any money to eat.”
Migration experts said the pandemic has exacerbated long-standing social issues in Central America.
“This new caravan is yet another effect of the pandemic, but even more than that, it’s a result of social inequalities that are on the rise,” said Misael Hernandez, a migration expert at the Colegio de la Frontera Norte.


bonginoreport--2020-10-02--Stock Futures Fall on Trump Coronavirus Diagnosis Announcement

Dow futures dropped Friday after President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump tested positive for coronavirus .
Futures tied to the Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 356 points , or 1.3 % .
The move indicated an opening loss of more than 300 points .
S & P 500 futures fell 1.4 % .
Nasdaq 100 futures declined 1.9 % .
The president 's diagnosis added more uncertainty to the election , an event that was already weighing on the market and keeping traders on edge as they attempted to evaluate the possible outcomes .
Shares of stocks tied @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trading as the news highlighted the risk of a second wave of the coronavirus and raised fears that maybe lawmakers would slow the pace at which they relaxed coronavirus measures .
Investors will `` debate the implications this has for stimulus , reopening , and the election , '' wrote Vital Knowledge 's Adam Crisafulli in a note .
`` Politically speaking , the Trump diagnosis ( like the debate ) is affirming and likely cements Biden 's poll lead . ''
White House physician Dr. Sean Conley said in a memo , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ both well at this time , and they plan to remain at home within the White House during their convalescence . ''
Conley also said he expects Trump to `` continue carrying out his duties without disruption while recovering . ''
The Trump tweet initially knocked down Dow futures about 500 points in overnight trading , and the contracts were off their worst levels as traders digested the news .

U.S. stocks fell in volatile trading on Friday after President Donald Trump's coronavirus diagnosis fueled concerns about the election and a worsening pandemic.
Major averages clawed back some of the steep losses after House Speaker Nancy Pelosi signaled aid for the airline industry could be coming soon, perhaps even as part of a much-anticipated broad relief bill.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed 134.09 points, or 0.5%, lower at 27,682.81 after dropping 430 points at its session low. The S&P 500 slid 1.0%, or 32.36 points, to 3,248.44 after falling as much as 1.7% earlier. The Nasdaq Composite declined 2.2%, or 251.49 points, to 11,075.02.
Shares of airlines jumped higher in unison after Pelosi called on the industry to delay furloughs, saying relief for airline workers is "imminent." American Airlines and United erased earlier losses and popped 3.3% and 2.4%, respectively.
"We will either enact Chairman DeFazio's bipartisan stand-alone legislation or achieve this as part of a comprehensive negotiated relief bill, extending for another six months the Payroll Support Program," Pelosi said in a statement.
Earlier Friday, Pelosi said Trump's illness changed the dynamic of stimulus talks, adding lawmakers will find the "middle ground" and will "get the job done." The House passed the $2.2 trillion Democratic coronavirus stimulus bill Thursday night, while Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin has offered a $1.6 trillion package.
Still, the president's diagnosis added more uncertainty to the election, an event that was already weighing on the market and keeping traders on edge as they attempted to evaluate the possible outcomes. It also raised concerns about a second wave of the virus and a slower reopening.
White House physician Dr. Sean Conley said in a memo, "The President and First Lady are both well at this time, and they plan to remain at home within the White House during their convalescence."
Conley also said he expects Trump to "continue carrying out his duties without disruption while recovering."
White House chief of staff Mark Meadows said Friday Trump was having "mild" symptoms after testing positive for the virus and that he and Melania are in "good spirits."
The Trump campaign announced that all events involving the president's participation are going virtual or being temporarily postponed.
Vice President Mike Pence and second lady Karen Pence have both tested negative for the coronavirus, Pence's spokesman said Friday. Mnuchin has also tested negative, the Treasury's assistant secretary for public affairs said Friday.
"This October surprise raises the already high level of political uncertainty markets are dealing with as Election Day approaches," said Jeff Buchbinder, equity strategist at LPL Financial. "Markets appear to be increasingly pricing Joe Biden in as the favorite, and this news may not change that, but Trump could gain support from a quick recovery."
The Trump tweet initially knocked down Dow futures more than 500 points in overnight trading.


bonginoreport--2020-10-02--World Leaders React to President Trump and Melania’s Coronavirus Diagnosis

World leaders including Russia ’ s Vladimir Putin and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reacted swiftly early Friday to the news that President Trump and first lady Melania Trump have tested positive for the coronavirus .
Putin sent Trump a telegram wishing him a quick recovery from the illness , which has claimed more than a million lives around the world .
“ I am certain that your inherent vitality , good spirits and optimism will help you cope with this dangerous virus , ” Putin wrote , according to the Interfax news agency , which cited the Kremlin .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a “ full and speedy recovery.
” “ Like millions of Israelis , Sara and I are thinking of President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump and wish our friends a full and speedy recovery , ” he said in a tweet , referring to his wife .
On Sept. 15 , Netanyahu led an Israeli delegation to the White House for the signing of normalization agreements with the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain at an outdoor ceremony where attendees largely ignored social distancing measures .
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson – @ @ @ @ @ @ @ April after he contracted the illness — also offered Trump and Melania his best wishes in a tweet early Friday , saying he hopes “ they both have a speedy recovery from coronavirus.
” Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi wished his “ friend @ POTUS @ realDonaldTrump and @ FLOTUS a quick recovery and good health.
” Polish President Andrzej Duda tweeted : “ Our good wishes for a speedy recovery to our Friends @ realDonaldTrump and @ FLOTUS .
# Poland and # USA will get through the hardships and succeed in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which Washington has backed amid mounting tensions with mainland China , President Tsai Ing-wen also voiced her support and sent best wishes to the first couple via the island ’ s foreign affairs ministry , according to Newsweek .
Meanwhile , Charles Michel , president of the European Council , wished “ @ realDonaldTrump and @ FLOTUS a speedy recovery .
# COVIDー19 is a battle we all continue to fight .
Everyday .
No matter where we live.
” World Health Organization chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus also wished the Trumps “ a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is pulling the US out of the WHO , accusing it of mishandling the pandemic and being too close to China .

World leaders including Russia’s Vladimir Putin and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reacted swiftly early Friday to the news that President Trump and first lady Melania Trump have tested positive for the coronavirus.
Putin sent Trump a telegram wishing him a quick recovery from the illness, which has claimed more than a million lives around the world.
“I am certain that your inherent vitality, good spirits and optimism will help you cope with this dangerous virus,” Putin wrote, according to the Interfax news agency, which cited the Kremlin.
Netanyahu wished the president and first lady a “full and speedy recovery.”
“Like millions of Israelis, Sara and I are thinking of President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump and wish our friends a full and speedy recovery,” he said in a tweet, referring to his wife.
On Sept. 15, Netanyahu led an Israeli delegation to the White House for the signing of normalization agreements with the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain at an outdoor ceremony where attendees largely ignored social distancing measures.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson — who was hospitalized for a week in April after he contracted the illness — also offered Trump and Melania his best wishes in a tweet early Friday, saying he hopes “they both have a speedy recovery from coronavirus.”
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi wished his “friend @POTUS @realDonaldTrump and @FLOTUS a quick recovery and good health.”
Polish President Andrzej Duda tweeted: “Our good wishes for a speedy recovery to our Friends @realDonaldTrump and @FLOTUS. #Poland and #USA will get through the hardships and succeed in fighting #COVID19.”
In Taiwan, which Washington has backed amid mounting tensions with mainland China, President Tsai Ing-wen also voiced her support and sent best wishes to the first couple via the island’s foreign affairs ministry, according to Newsweek.
Meanwhile, Charles Michel, president of the European Council, wished “@realDonaldTrump and @FLOTUS a speedy recovery. #COVIDー19 is a battle we all continue to fight. Everyday. No matter where we live.”
World Health Organization chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus also wished the Trumps “a full and speedy recovery.”
The president is pulling the US out of the WHO, accusing it of mishandling the pandemic and being too close to China.
With Post wires


bonginoreport--2020-10-02--Shootings Surge in Portland Following “Defund the Police” Decision

Gun violence is up in Portland , just a few months after the city council cut funding for the police bureau ’ s Gun Violence Reduction Team .
The progressives on the council said the GVRT was racist .
But now gun violence is up 82 % compared to this time last year .
There ’ s no way to look at these numbers and not conclude that something has gone very wrong in Portland : Shootings in the city of Portland totaled 110 in September , according to police .
That ’ s a 243 % increase over the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2019 .
Thursday morning , in the Parkrose neighborhood near northeast 111th and Sandy , neighbors reported gunfire and a short time later officers found someone there dead .
They are releasing few details .
Wednesday evening , on the last day of September at around 8:45pm , a moving gun battle broke out near Dawson park .
It ’ s across the street from Legacy Emanuel Medical Center and left 58 bullet casings in the street , some from an AK-47 assault rifle , say police .
Kimberly Dixon , who volunteers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been traumatized by violence , said it ’ s clear to her when the change occurred .
“ I think if we go back and take a look at July , which is when we decided to defund the police , we also had the most tremendous uptick in violence , ” Dixon said .
There were 61 shootings in Portland in June and 103 in July .
Portland cut $ 15 million from the police budget in mid-June , that was substantially less than the $ 50 million activists had been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a longtime activist , has tried for decades to change the Portland Police Bureau from the outside .
In 2019 she became the first black woman to serve on Portland ’ s city council and immediately started working on police reform .
Last year she attempted to defund the Gun Violence Reduction Team , because she believes it is racist , but her proposal was overwhelmingly voted down .
This year , that ’ s part of the budget… Hardesty said this is just the beginning .
She said the new political climate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ every specialty unit within Portland police , and make changes where needed .
Elmer Yarborough , who also works with the police crisis team , thinks the elimination of the Gun Violence Reduction Team was a huge mistake .
“ So when you take away the piece that ’ s suppressing the gun violence , this is what happens , ” he said .
He added , “ So I don ’ t believe it was racist at all .
I believe they were doing their job , they had a job to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Yarborough and Dixon aren ’ t alone in suggesting a connection between the surge in violence and the cuts made by the City Council .
Last month , Portland ’ s Police Chief said something similar : “ I ’ d say they ’ re more emboldened , maybe , to be out with guns , ” Portland Police Chief Chuck Lovell said at a press conference Wednesday .
“ They know there ’ s not someone watching .
There ’ s no real deterrent there .
And I think that ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s causing us to see the spike we have in July.
” “ The stops have gotten a lot of attention .
But a lot of those stops end in handshakes and conversation , and there ’ s a real kind of familiarity , ” he said .
“ And people miss it .
We heard a lot from people in the community saying , ‘ Hey , we need the Gun Violence Reduction Team back .
We need those officers that know our community.
’ ” The police union also released a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a mistake.
” “ It is time for our elected officials to keep Portlanders safe and stop the knee-jerk reactions that look progressive when , in fact , they could be costing lives , ” the release read .
“ … The dissolution of the GVRT left a void , the result of which is a rise in shootings ; to pretend otherwise is negligent.
” As we saw in Seattle with the CHAZ/CHOP , it often takes a few bodies before elected officials are ready to admit they ’ ve made @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Mayor Ted Wheeler clearly aren ’ t there yet .
Here ’ s the full report from KGW8 :

Gun violence is up in Portland, just a few months after the city council cut funding for the police bureau’s Gun Violence Reduction Team. The progressives on the council said the GVRT was racist. But now gun violence is up 82% compared to this time last year. There’s no way to look at these numbers and not conclude that something has gone very wrong in Portland:
Shootings in the city of Portland totaled 110 in September, according to police. That’s a 243% increase over the 32 shootings during the same month in 2019.
Wednesday evening, on the last day of September at around 8:45pm, a moving gun battle broke out near Dawson park. It’s across the street from Legacy Emanuel Medical Center and left 58 bullet casings in the street, some from an AK-47 assault rifle, say police.
Thursday morning, in the Parkrose neighborhood near northeast 111th and Sandy, neighbors reported gunfire and a short time later officers found someone there dead. They are releasing few details.
Kimberly Dixon, who volunteers with the police to help people who have been traumatized by violence, said it’s clear to her when the change occurred. “I think if we go back and take a look at July, which is when we decided to defund the police, we also had the most tremendous uptick in violence,” Dixon said. There were 61 shootings in Portland in June and 103 in July.
Portland cut $15 million from the police budget in mid-June, that was substantially less than the $50 million activists had been demanding.
Commissioner Jo Ann Hardesty, a longtime activist, has tried for decades to change the Portland Police Bureau from the outside. In 2019 she became the first black woman to serve on Portland’s city council and immediately started working on police reform. Last year she attempted to defund the Gun Violence Reduction Team, because she believes it is racist, but her proposal was overwhelmingly voted down. This year, that’s part of the budget… Hardesty said this is just the beginning. She said the new political climate can help her and Mayor Wheeler examine every specialty unit within Portland police, and make changes where needed.
Elmer Yarborough, who also works with the police crisis team, thinks the elimination of the Gun Violence Reduction Team was a huge mistake. “So when you take away the piece that’s suppressing the gun violence, this is what happens,” he said. He added, “So I don’t believe it was racist at all. I believe they were doing their job, they had a job to do and they were arresting bad guys.”
Yarborough and Dixon aren’t alone in suggesting a connection between the surge in violence and the cuts made by the City Council. Last month, Portland’s Police Chief said something similar:
“I’d say they’re more emboldened, maybe, to be out with guns,” Portland Police Chief Chuck Lovell said at a press conference Wednesday. “They know there’s not someone watching. There’s no real deterrent there. And I think that’s part of the issue that’s causing us to see the spike we have in July.” “The stops have gotten a lot of attention. But a lot of those stops end in handshakes and conversation, and there’s a real kind of familiarity,” he said. “And people miss it. We heard a lot from people in the community saying, ‘Hey, we need the Gun Violence Reduction Team back. We need those officers that know our community.’”
The police union also released a statement titled “Recognizing when a mistake is a mistake.”
“It is time for our elected officials to keep Portlanders safe and stop the knee-jerk reactions that look progressive when, in fact, they could be costing lives,” the release read. “… The dissolution of the GVRT left a void, the result of which is a rise in shootings; to pretend otherwise is negligent.”
As we saw in Seattle with the CHAZ/CHOP, it often takes a few bodies before elected officials are ready to admit they’ve made a mistake. But Jo Ann Hardesty and Mayor Ted Wheeler clearly aren’t there yet. Here’s the full report from KGW8:


bonginoreport--2020-10-02--BET Founder Suggests He Won’t Vote for Biden

Robert Johnson , the co-founder of BET , seemed to suggest he will not vote for Joe Biden in November , though he did not offer a direct endorsement of President Trump .
Speaking with CNBC , Johnson said that Tuesday night ’ s debate was a loss for the American people , adding that he will take the “ devil I know ” over the other one .
“ This was like a schoolyard fight over who had the best-looking girlfriend , ” Johnson said .
“ It was a waste of an hour and a half that gave @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as to where the country will go after this election .
But having summed it up in that language , where I come out as a businessman , I will take the devil I know over the devil I don ’ t know any time of the week .
And that seems to be what business people are confronting today.
” When CNBC anchor Rebecca Quick asked if Johnson was endorsing President Trump , he said that Americans are better off dealing with whoever is already at the helm of the ship .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but he severely criticized Joe Biden .
“ I ’ m not endorsing anybody , ” Johnson said .
“ What I ’ m saying is if I ’ m a businessperson , what you want more than anything else , particularly coming out of something as horrible as this pandemic , and its impact on not only the U.S. economy but the global economy , the more you know about who will be pulling the lever of economic growth , economic development , taxes , stimulus , regulation .
In my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dealing with somebody you know where they ’ re gon na be than somebody you really have no idea what decisions they will make at such a critical time.
” “ I absolutely do not know what Vice President Biden will do .
I haven ’ t heard anything coherent out of what he said he would do , ” he added .
Robert Johnson has been severely critical of the Democratic Party throughout this election cycle .
In June , Johnson called for a black independent party , citing Joe Biden ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ black ” comment .
“ I ’ ve been convinced for a long time that 40 million African Americans who tend to vote as a bloc in one of the two parties limit their leverage in getting action from both parties , ” he said .
“ I think it ’ s time that African Americans form an independent party , not be an appendage of one party or ignored by the other party , and using their leverage in a Democracy to say , ‘ we stand for things that are principally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ’ and not have that diluted by trying to be a part of another party where the interests may diverge , and oftentimes do diverge.
” “ It ’ s been a fact that had AA interests been fully embraced by one or two of the dominant parties , we wouldn ’ t have the social , economic , racial issues that we have now , ” he added .
The Daily Wire is one of America ’ s fastest-growing conservative media companies and counter-cultural outlets for news , opinion , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Daily Wire by becoming a member .

Robert Johnson, the co-founder of BET, seemed to suggest he will not vote for Joe Biden in November, though he did not offer a direct endorsement of President Trump.
Speaking with CNBC, Johnson said that Tuesday night’s debate was a loss for the American people, adding that he will take the “devil I know” over the other one.
“This was like a schoolyard fight over who had the best-looking girlfriend,” Johnson said. “It was a waste of an hour and a half that gave no guidance, no direction at all as to where the country will go after this election. But having summed it up in that language, where I come out as a businessman, I will take the devil I know over the devil I don’t know any time of the week. And that seems to be what business people are confronting today.”
When CNBC anchor Rebecca Quick asked if Johnson was endorsing President Trump, he said that Americans are better off dealing with whoever is already at the helm of the ship. He did not directly endorse the president, but he severely criticized Joe Biden.
“I’m not endorsing anybody,” Johnson said. “What I’m saying is if I’m a businessperson, what you want more than anything else, particularly coming out of something as horrible as this pandemic, and its impact on not only the U.S. economy but the global economy, the more you know about who will be pulling the lever of economic growth, economic development, taxes, stimulus, regulation. In my opinion, you’re better off dealing with somebody you know where they’re gonna be than somebody you really have no idea what decisions they will make at such a critical time.”
“I absolutely do not know what Vice President Biden will do. I haven’t heard anything coherent out of what he said he would do,” he added.
Robert Johnson has been severely critical of the Democratic Party throughout this election cycle. In June, Johnson called for a black independent party, citing Joe Biden’s now-infamous “you ain’t black” comment.
“I’ve been convinced for a long time that 40 million African Americans who tend to vote as a bloc in one of the two parties limit their leverage in getting action from both parties,” he said. “I think it’s time that African Americans form an independent party, not be an appendage of one party or ignored by the other party, and using their leverage in a Democracy to say, ‘we stand for things that are principally focused on the 40 million African Americans,’ and not have that diluted by trying to be a part of another party where the interests may diverge, and oftentimes do diverge.”
“It’s been a fact that had AA interests been fully embraced by one or two of the dominant parties, we wouldn’t have the social, economic, racial issues that we have now,” he added.
RELATED: BET Co-Founder Calls For A Black Independent Political Party, Cites Biden’s ‘You Ain’t Black’ Comment


bonginoreport--2020-10-02--New App Alerts New Yorkers If They’re Near Someone With Coronavirus

Sign up for our special edition newsletter to get a daily update on the coronavirus pandemic .
There really is an app for everything .
Gov .
Andrew Cuomo on Thursday announced a new smartphone app that can alert residents of New York and four other states if they ’ ve come in contact with someone who ’ s tested positive for the coronavirus .
“ What this app will do is it will tell you if you are within six feet of a person who tested positive , and if you were within six feet of a person who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cuomo , during a phone press conference , said of the free program , called COVID Alert .
The app works in New York , New Jersey , Connecticut , Pennsylvania and Delaware .
“ The way it will work is when a person tests positive , the Department of Health contacts that person , asks that person if they have an iPhone , gives that person a password , that person types in their password for their phone and then any other phone that comes within six feet of that phone is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The app is also available for Android phones .
It cost approximately $ 700,000 to develop , sourced from both federal funding and support from the philanthropic organization of former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg , who has helped bankroll the state ’ s contact-tracing program .
The governor and his team stressed that privacy is paramount , and that no names , location data or other personally-identifying information are involved .
“ COVID Alert New York does not track your location , your movement or use GPS , ” said top @ @ @ @ @ @ @ does not collect or store any personal information .
Rather , “ It uses Bluetooth technology to sense proximity to another phone with the same app , but not geographic location , ” DeRosa said .
Google , Apple and the Linux Foundation helped develop the app .
The former two companies had already been lending a high-tech hand in contact tracing in states such as Maryland , Virginia and Nevada .
“ I think it ’ s going to not only bring contact tracing to a new level , but give people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ app .

Sign up for our special edition newsletter to get a daily update on the coronavirus pandemic.
There really is an app for everything.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Thursday announced a new smartphone app that can alert residents of New York and four other states if they’ve come in contact with someone who’s tested positive for the coronavirus.
“What this app will do is it will tell you if you are within six feet of a person who tested positive, and if you were within six feet of a person who tested positive for 10 minutes,” Cuomo, during a phone press conference, said of the free program, called COVID Alert.
The app works in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania and Delaware.
“The way it will work is when a person tests positive, the Department of Health contacts that person, asks that person if they have an iPhone, gives that person a password, that person types in their password for their phone and then any other phone that comes within six feet of that phone is on the app,” said Cuomo.
The app is also available for Android phones.
It cost approximately $700,000 to develop, sourced from both federal funding and support from the philanthropic organization of former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, who has helped bankroll the state’s contact-tracing program.
The governor and his team stressed that privacy is paramount, and that no names, location data or other personally-identifying information are involved.
“COVID Alert New York does not track your location, your movement or use GPS,” said top Cuomo aide Melissa DeRosa. “It does not collect or store any personal information.
“The app is completely anonymous.”
Rather, “It uses Bluetooth technology to sense proximity to another phone with the same app, but not geographic location,” DeRosa said.
Google, Apple and the Linux Foundation helped develop the app.
The former two companies had already been lending a high-tech hand in contact tracing in states such as Maryland, Virginia and Nevada.
“I think it’s going to not only bring contact tracing to a new level, but give people comfort,” said Cuomo of the app.


bonginoreport--2020-10-02--McEnany Schools John Roberts After His Temper Tantrum

White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany shut down Fox News ’ s Chief White House Correspondent John Roberts for demanding that she condemn white supremacy on behalf of the president after President Donald Trump had already denounced it multiple times .
After the contentious Thursday morning briefing , McEnany tweeted directly at Roberts telling him to check his wife Kyra Phillips ’ s reporting for ABC from the day before .
“ @ johnrobertsFox I would refer you to your wife ’ s reporting from 21 hours ago… accurate reporting I cited in the White House Press Briefing , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ report showing Trump denounced white supremacists .
“ Just now :  @ realDonaldTrump tells me he DENOUNCES white supremacists  @ ABCPolitics @ ABCNewsLive @ ABCWorldNews @ ABC @ johnrobertsFox , ” Phillips ’ s tweet reads .
Earlier in the day , Roberts repeatedly demanded that McEnany make a statement explicitly condemning white supremacy on behalf of White House .
“ I ’ d like to ask you for a definitive and declarative statement , without ambiguity or deflection .
As the person who speaks for the president , does the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that is founded in all their forms ?
” he asked .
“ This has been answered yesterday by the president himself .
The day before by the president himself on the debate stage .
The president was asked this and he said ‘ sure ’ three times .
Yesterday , he was point-blank asked ‘ Do you denounce white supremacy ’ and he said ‘ I ’ ve always denounced any form of that , ’ ” McEnany said , before listing off examples of Trump ’ s comments denouncing racism , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ KKK .
“ He has condemned white supremacy more than any president in modern history , ” she added .
After the briefing , Roberts appeared angry and flustered during a live shot from the White House on Fox News , in which he directly addressed “ all of you on Twitter who are hammering me for asking that question .
”

White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany shut down Fox News’s Chief White House Correspondent John Roberts for demanding that she condemn white supremacy on behalf of the president after President Donald Trump had already denounced it multiple times.
After the contentious Thursday morning briefing, McEnany tweeted directly at Roberts telling him to check his wife Kyra Phillips’s reporting for ABC from the day before.
“@johnrobertsFox I would refer you to your wife’s reporting from 21 hours ago… accurate reporting I cited in the White House Press Briefing,” she wrote, retweeting Phillips’s report showing Trump denounced white supremacists.
“Just now: @realDonaldTrump tells me he DENOUNCES white supremacists @ABCPolitics @ABCNewsLive @ABCWorldNews @ABC @johnrobertsFox,” Phillips’s tweet reads.
.@johnrobertsFox I would refer you to your wife’s reporting from 21 hours ago… accurate reporting I cited in the White House Press Briefing. https://t.co/dV3Hzp1UaI — Kayleigh McEnany 45 Archived (@PressSec45) October 1, 2020
Earlier in the day, Roberts repeatedly demanded that McEnany make a statement explicitly condemning white supremacy on behalf of White House.
“I’d like to ask you for a definitive and declarative statement, without ambiguity or deflection. As the person who speaks for the president, does the president denounce white supremacism, a group that is founded in all their forms?” he asked.
“This has been answered yesterday by the president himself. The day before by the president himself on the debate stage. The president was asked this and he said ‘sure’ three times. Yesterday, he was point-blank asked ‘Do you denounce white supremacy’ and he said ‘I’ve always denounced any form of that,’” McEnany said, before listing off examples of Trump’s comments denouncing racism, neo-nazis, white supremacy, and the KKK.
“He has condemned white supremacy more than any president in modern history,” she added.
After the briefing, Roberts appeared angry and flustered during a live shot from the White House on Fox News, in which he directly addressed “all of you on Twitter who are hammering me for asking that question.”
On Fox News, @johnrobertsFox is visibly angry that @PressSec won't offer a clear denunciation of white supremacy: "Stop deflecting. Stop blaming the media. I'm tired of it. " pic.twitter.com/GcPcOsAHqJ — Oliver Darcy (@oliverdarcy) October 1, 2020
Jordan Boyd is a staff writer at The Federalist and co-producer of The Federalist Radio Hour. Her work has also been featured in The Daily Wire, Fox News, and RealClearPolitics. Jordan graduated from Baylor University where she majored in political science and minored in journalism. Follow her on Twitter @jordanboydtx.


bonginoreport--2020-10-02--Sen. Ed Markey Says He’ll Attempt to End Filibuster

Democratic Sen. Ed Markey says he will attempt to end the filibuster rule in the chamber that prevents a political party from adding more justices to the Supreme Court if President Trump and Senate Republicans succeed , as expected , in getting nominee Amy Coney Barrett appointed to the high court .
`` I will do everything in my power to block the nomination being confirmed of Amy Coney Barrett , '' Markey said during a recent campaign stop in Massachusetts .
`` If the Republicans are successful in jamming it through , I will vote next year to end @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Supreme Court to get back the seats which have been stolen by the Republicans over the last four years . ''
Barrett , if confirmed by Senate Republicans , who hold 53 of the 100 Senate seats , would replace Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg , who died last month .
Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden has not supported the so-called `` packing '' of the Supreme Court in an effort to add justices and dilute what would be a 6-3 conservative majority if Barrett replaces Ginsburg .
When asked about expanding the Supreme @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , following Ginsburg 's death , Biden dodged the question .
`` I know you 're gon na be upset with my answer , but what I 'm not gon na do is play the Trump game , which is a good game he plays — take your eye off the issue before us , '' Biden responded .
`` If I were to say yes or no to that , that becomes a big issue , '' he added .
`` That 's the headline here.
” Some of Biden 's fellow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the presidential primary season .
Democratic vice-presidential candidate Sen. Kamala Harris ( D-Calif. ) and Democratic Sens .
Elizabeth Warren ( D-Mass . )
and Kirsten Gillibrand ( D-N.Y. ) said they would not rule out expanding the Supreme Court if elected president .
`` We are on the verge of a crisis of confidence in the Supreme Court , '' Harris told POLITICO .
`` We have to take this challenge head on , and everything is on the table to do that . ''
In addition , Biden is getting pressure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the progressive wing of his party , which includes Markey .
Two Democratic progressive groups , Demand Justice and Indivisible , are also leading the grassroots efforts to expand the Supreme Court , as part of a larger criminal justice reform initiative .
They are more than transparent about their motives on their websites .
`` To balance out Trumps ideologically extreme , illegitimate picks , we should add justices to the Supreme Court to ensure the next Democratic president can nominate justices who will restore balance to the Court .
This proposal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the number of justices on the Court at any time , as it has done 7 times throughout American history , '' reads Demand Justice 's website .
The website also states that Obama administration Attorney General Eric Holder and 2020 Democratic presidential candidate Pete Buttigeig `` have said that Democrats should consider adding seats to the Supreme Court . ''
A statement on the Indivisible 's website reads : `` In order to undo the damage that Republicans have done , we need to get serious about reforming the highest court .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to achieve this ( from a 15-justice Supreme Court panel that operates like every other appellate court to a straightforward expansion from 9 to 13 ) , but doing nothing and hoping for the best is simply not an option . ''

Democratic Sen. Ed Markey says he will attempt to end the filibuster rule in the chamber that prevents a political party from adding more justices to the Supreme Court if President Trump and Senate Republicans succeed, as expected, in getting nominee Amy Coney Barrett appointed to the high court.
"I will do everything in my power to block the nomination being confirmed of Amy Coney Barrett," Markey said during a recent campaign stop in Massachusetts. "If the Republicans are successful in jamming it through, I will vote next year to end the filibuster so we can expand the Supreme Court to get back the seats which have been stolen by the Republicans over the last four years."
Barrett, if confirmed by Senate Republicans, who hold 53 of the 100 Senate seats, would replace Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who died last month.
Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden has not supported the so-called "packing" of the Supreme Court in an effort to add justices and dilute what would be a 6-3 conservative majority if Barrett replaces Ginsburg.
When asked about expanding the Supreme Court in a Sept. 27 press conference, following Ginsburg's death, Biden dodged the question.
"I know you're gonna be upset with my answer, but what I'm not gonna do is play the Trump game, which is a good game he plays — take your eye off the issue before us," Biden responded.
"If I were to say yes or no to that, that becomes a big issue," he added. "That's the headline here.”
Some of Biden's fellow Democrats were warm to the idea during the presidential primary season.
Democratic vice-presidential candidate Sen. Kamala Harris (D-Calif.) and Democratic Sens. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) said they would not rule out expanding the Supreme Court if elected president.
"We are on the verge of a crisis of confidence in the Supreme Court," Harris told POLITICO. "We have to take this challenge head on, and everything is on the table to do that."
In addition, Biden is getting pressure to "pack the courts" from the progressive wing of his party, which includes Markey.
Two Democratic progressive groups, Demand Justice and Indivisible, are also leading the grassroots efforts to expand the Supreme Court, as part of a larger criminal justice reform initiative.
They are more than transparent about their motives on their websites.
Brian Fallon, a former aide to Hillary Clinton, spearheads Demand Justice.
"To balance out Trumps ideologically extreme, illegitimate picks, we should add justices to the Supreme Court to ensure the next Democratic president can nominate justices who will restore balance to the Court. This proposal is immediately actionable. Congress can change the number of justices on the Court at any time, as it has done 7 times throughout American history," reads Demand Justice's website.
The website also states that Obama administration Attorney General Eric Holder and 2020 Democratic presidential candidate Pete Buttigeig "have said that Democrats should consider adding seats to the Supreme Court."
A statement on the Indivisible's website reads: "In order to undo the damage that Republicans have done, we need to get serious about reforming the highest court. There are multiple proposals on the table to achieve this (from a 15-justice Supreme Court panel that operates like every other appellate court to a straightforward expansion from 9 to 13), but doing nothing and hoping for the best is simply not an option."


bonginoreport--2020-10-02--Rick Moranis Randomly Assaulted in Manhattan

NEW YORK ( CBSNewYork ) — The NYPD confirms actor Rick Moranis was randomly attacked by a stranger Thursday on the Upper West Side .
Police said it happened in broad daylight just before 7:30 a.m. on Central Park West near 70th Street .
Surveillance cameras captured the attack on the 67-year-old “ Honey I Shrunk the Kids ” and “ Ghostbusters ” actor .
Video shows the suspect , ironically wearing an “ I Love New York ” sweatshirt , walk up and punch Moranis in the head , knocking him to the ground .
Police said Moranis went @ @ @ @ @ @ @ head , back and hip .
He later walked to the precinct to report the crime .
The NYPD ’ s new community affairs rapid response team checked on Moranis , as it does with many victims of violent crimes to offer support , groceries , or anything they may need .
“ He ’ s doing well .
He ’ s strong .
He ’ s recovering .
He has some injuries to his left side , ” Det .
Kaz Daughtry told CBS2 ’ s Jenna DeAngelis .
“ He just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wants to recover and he just wants peace of mind , ” said Officer Jonadel Dorrejo .
Meantime , the search continues for the suspect .
Police are asking the public to be on the lookout .
Moranis ’ management team told CBS2 he is “ fine , but grateful for everyone ’ s thoughts and well wishes.
” Neighbors said he ’ s a very nice guy , and they were shocked to hear about the unprovoked attack .
“ That why we moved here – to be safe , ” said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s been good , but I guess trying times .
People do strange things , and they ’ re not always nice… You ’ ll be looking over your shoulder a lot more often.
” “ I ’ m worried about the whole situation .
I ’ m worried about the fact that everybody ’ s troubled and they ’ re so troubled there ’ s more crime , ” a woman who lives in the same building as Moranis said .
She also left him a note .
“ I said I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It must ’ ve been scary , ” she said .
“ We were on the board together of this building .
Nice guy .
Really nice guy.
” Moranis has been off the big screen for years to focus on his children after his wife ’ s passing , but recently appeared in a Mint Mobile commercial with Ryan Reynolds .
Anyone with information about the attack is asked to call the NYPD ’ s Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS ( 8477 ) , or for Spanish , 1-888-57-PISTA ( 74782 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tip via their website or on Twitter , @ NYPDTips .
All calls are kept confidential .
You can get the latest news , sports and weather on our brand new CBS New York app .
Download here .

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- The NYPD confirms actor Rick Moranis was randomly attacked by a stranger Thursday on the Upper West Side.
Police said it happened in broad daylight just before 7:30 a.m. on Central Park West near 70th Street.
Surveillance cameras captured the attack on the 67-year-old "Honey I Shrunk the Kids" and "Ghostbusters" actor.
Video shows the suspect, ironically wearing an "I Love New York" sweatshirt, walk up and punch Moranis in the head, knocking him to the ground.
????WANTED????for ASSAULT October 1, 2020 at 7:24 AM, on Central Park West in the vicinity of West 70 St Manhattan. @NYPD20PCT.Reward up to $2500????Seen him? Know who he is?????Call 1-800-577-TIPS or????DM us!☎Calls are CONFIDENTIAL! @YourCityYourCall @NYPDDetectives @nypdchiefofpatrol pic.twitter.com/s06yNPBUBk — NYPD Crime Stoppers (@NYPDTips) October 2, 2020
Police said Moranis went to the hospital with pain in his head, back and hip. He later walked to the precinct to report the crime.
The NYPD's new community affairs rapid response team checked on Moranis, as it does with many victims of violent crimes to offer support, groceries, or anything they may need.
"He's doing well. He's strong. He's recovering. He has some injuries to his left side," Det. Kaz Daughtry told CBS2's Jenna DeAngelis.
"He just wants to stay home. He just wants to recover and he just wants peace of mind," said Officer Jonadel Dorrejo.
Meantime, the search continues for the suspect. Police are asking the public to be on the lookout.
Moranis' management team told CBS2 he is "fine, but grateful for everyone's thoughts and well wishes."
Neighbors said he's a very nice guy, and they were shocked to hear about the unprovoked attack.
"That why we moved here - to be safe," said resident Jonathan Kurtin. "Everything's been good, but I guess trying times. People do strange things, and they're not always nice... You'll be looking over your shoulder a lot more often."
"I'm worried about the whole situation. I'm worried about the fact that everybody's troubled and they're so troubled there's more crime," a woman who lives in the same building as Moranis said.
She also left him a note.
"I said I was really sorry to hear about it. It must've been scary," she said. "We were on the board together of this building. Nice guy. Really nice guy."
Moranis has been off the big screen for years to focus on his children after his wife's passing, but recently appeared in a Mint Mobile commercial with Ryan Reynolds.
Reynolds tweeted Friday:
Should have known not to subject Rick to the year 2020. Glad to hear he's okay. — Ryan Reynolds (@VancityReynolds) October 2, 2020
Anyone with information about the attack is asked to call the NYPD's Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477), or for Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). You can also submit a tip via their website or on Twitter, @NYPDTips. All calls are kept confidential.
You can get the latest news, sports and weather on our brand new CBS New York app. Download here.


bonginoreport--2020-10-02--Joe Biden Tests Negative for Coronavirus

WASHINGTON -- Democratic nominee Joe Biden made an abbreviated campaign visit to Grand Rapids , Michigan , on Friday , hours after he tested negative for the coronavirus in two separate tests .
`` I 'd like to start by acknowledging [ and ] sending my prayers for the health and safety of the first lady and president of the United States , '' said Biden at an event hosted by the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union .
`` My wife Jill and I pray that they 'll make a quick and full recovery . ''
`` This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Biden continued .
`` It 's a bracing reminder to all of us that we have to take this virus seriously . ''
President Donald Trump and the first lady tested both positive for coronavirus infection late Thursday , as did top White House aide Hope Hicks .
On Friday , Trump was transferred to Walter Reed Army Medical Center .
Shortly after Biden 's speech , a top campaign adviser , Ron Klain , confirmed that the Biden campaign will halt its negative advertising against the president for the time being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Grand Rapids that he was late to the speech ( originally scheduled for 1:30 p.m. ) because he was awaiting the results of two separate coronavirus tests .
`` We wanted to make sure that we 're doing everything by the numbers , so I got two , two COVID tests this morning .
One in Delaware and one by the former White House doc who came up .
And everything is clear , we wanted to make sure everything was clear before I came , '' Biden said at the start of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the negative result earlier in the day .
The Biden campaign said the former vice president and his wife , Jill Biden , were both tested Friday morning out of an abundance of caution .
One negative test after potential exposure to the virus is not enough , however , to guarantee that a person has n't contracted Covid-19 , said Michael Osterholm , an epidemiologist at the University of Minnesota .
`` All the people who said they were at the debate or at the rally here in Minnesota , or at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , none of those tests really are that meaningful to me yet by saying they 're negative , '' Osterholm said on CNBC 's `` Power Lunch . ''
Once a person is exposed , he added , it could be up to 14 days before they exhibit signs or symptoms of infection .
`` Most of the people will be showing signs of illness if they 're going to get ill and be positive by testing at seven or eight days . ''
During the presidential debate Tuesday in Cleveland , Biden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was for nearly two hours on stage .
Neither man wore a mask on stage , nor did debate moderator Chris Wallace .
But Trump and Biden 's podiums were placed approximately 8 feet apart , and they did n't get close to one another .
The Centers for Disease Control 's current guidance for social distancing is 6 feet .
Biden 's running mate , Sen. Kamala Harris left Washington at midday bound for Las Vegas , where she was scheduled to hold an event Friday evening .
Harris was tested for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ negative , campaign aides said .
She also tested negative Friday .
Democratic National Committee Chair Tom Perez , who attended the debate with Biden , also tested negative on Friday , a spokeswoman said .
Both Biden and Harris sent best wishes to the president and first lady on Friday .
Former President Barack Obama also sent the Trump 's best wishes .
`` Let me start by just stating that although were in the midst of a big political fight and we take that very seriously , we also want to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the United States and the first lady , '' Obama said at the start of a virtual fundraiser .
Earlier in the day , Biden campaign manager Jen O'Malley Dillon sent an email to staff assuring them that the campaign was taking every health precaution to protect Biden , Harris and their families .
She also asked them not to post on social media about Trump 's diagnosis without prior approval .
The email , which was obtained by NBC News , underscores the political sensitivity of the president 's diagnosis in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ During Tuesday 's debate , Trump mocked Biden for wearing a mask , which the CDC recommends as a key element of preventing infection .
`` I do n't wear face masks like him , '' Trump said of Biden .
`` Every time you see him he 's got a mask .
He could be speaking 200 feet away ... and he shows up with the biggest mask I 've ever seen . ''
Trump also mocked Biden for not holding large rallies the way Trump has been doing since late August @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the people at Trump 's rallies are squeezed closely together and not wearing masks .
Several of them have been held in defiance of state and municipal orders that prohibit large gatherings .
Biden , meanwhile , has strictly enforced social distancing , masks and crowd limits at his events .
As a result , his campaign events have featured chairs spaced far apart and typically just a few dozen people .

Democratic U.S. presidential nominee and former Vice President Joe Biden speaks during a campaign speech in which he never removed his mask while discussing the death toll from the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak in the United States exceeding 200,000 people, at the Wisconsin Aluminum Foundry in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, U.S., September 21, 2020. Mark Makela | Reuters
WASHINGTON -- Democratic nominee Joe Biden made an abbreviated campaign visit to Grand Rapids, Michigan, on Friday, hours after he tested negative for the coronavirus in two separate tests. "I'd like to start by acknowledging [and] sending my prayers for the health and safety of the first lady and president of the United States," said Biden at an event hosted by the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union. "My wife Jill and I pray that they'll make a quick and full recovery." "This is not a matter of politics," Biden continued. "It's a bracing reminder to all of us that we have to take this virus seriously."
watch now
President Donald Trump and the first lady tested both positive for coronavirus infection late Thursday, as did top White House aide Hope Hicks. On Friday, Trump was transferred to Walter Reed Army Medical Center. Shortly after Biden's speech, a top campaign adviser, Ron Klain, confirmed that the Biden campaign will halt its negative advertising against the president for the time being. Biden told the assembled guests in Grand Rapids that he was late to the speech (originally scheduled for 1:30 p.m.) because he was awaiting the results of two separate coronavirus tests. "We wanted to make sure that we're doing everything by the numbers, so I got two, two COVID tests this morning. One in Delaware and one by the former White House doc who came up. And everything is clear, we wanted to make sure everything was clear before I came," Biden said at the start of his remarks. Biden also tweeted about the negative result earlier in the day. The Biden campaign said the former vice president and his wife, Jill Biden, were both tested Friday morning out of an abundance of caution. One negative test after potential exposure to the virus is not enough, however, to guarantee that a person hasn't contracted Covid-19, said Michael Osterholm, an epidemiologist at the University of Minnesota. "All the people who said they were at the debate or at the rally here in Minnesota, or at a fundraiser here in Minnesota this week, none of those tests really are that meaningful to me yet by saying they're negative," Osterholm said on CNBC's "Power Lunch." Once a person is exposed, he added, it could be up to 14 days before they exhibit signs or symptoms of infection. "Most of the people will be showing signs of illness if they're going to get ill and be positive by testing at seven or eight days."
watch now


bonginoreport--2020-10-02--Biden Transition Team Member Worked With CCP Officials For Thirteen Years

George , who joined the transition team in early September , was a principal at the consulting behemoth for over a decade , from 2001 to 2014 .
Albright Stonebridge Group ( ASG ) describes has a robust China practice , declaring it “ the firm ’ s largest single country practice ” on its homepage .
Among the firm ’ s ranks , therefore , are several Chinese Communist Party apparatchiks : “ The practice includes trade and policy experts , former high-level U.S. and Chinese government officials and diplomats , executives with significant work experience in China , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ U.S.-China relations.
” In addition to collaborating with the Chinese Communist Party , ASG has also helped to facilitate the outsourcing of U.S. jobs to China .
On its tab , “ Market Assessment and Entry Strategies , ” for example , the group boasts of helping “ a solar energy company ’ s consideration of various Chinese provinces as a location for a significant new facility.
” The group also helps American companies comply with the Chinese Communist Party ’ s business diktats , detailing how ASG assisted a company enter the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ adhering to the Chinese Communist Party ’ s rules .
Specifically , ASG touts how it helped a U.S. corporate “ align ” with Chinese “ government goals ” : “ We then arranged meetings for company executives with key stakeholders in the resort sector to deliver messages demonstrating our client ’ s commitment to China , and its alignment with government tourism goals.
” In one instance , ASG bragged of it “ leveraging ” a U.S .
Cabinet Secretary visiting China to help advance a business deal : “ We first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other stakeholders who might be willing to support approval for the acquisition .
We then maintained close contact with officials and agencies involved in the government approval process to monitor progress and immediately address challenges as they arose .
Our client also leveraged U.S. government advocacy in support of the investment , and the strategy culminated in a visit by a U.S .
Cabinet Secretary.
” The chairman of ASG China , Jin Ligang , is a Chinese Communist Party member and “ former senior Chinese government official ” with experience at China @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Director General , China ’ s Washington Embassy as Commercial Counselor , and Lead Commercial Officer at the Chinese Consulate in New York .
ASG Senior Advisor Dai Yunlou ’ s “ distinguished career ” entailing “ a variety of senior governmental positions within China ” is also touted on ASG ’ s website .
“ From 2000 to 2010 , Mr. Dai served as the Minister Counselor for Economic and Commercial Affairs at the Chinese Embassy to the United States .
Previously , he served as Deputy Director General of the Department @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs , and as the First Secretary of the Economic and Commercial Affairs Office at the Embassy .
[ … ] He spent over a decade working at various branches of the Ministry of Commerce ( MOFCOM ) , including the Department of European Affairs and Third Department of Regional Affairs .
He also served as the Division Chief for U.S. Affairs while at MOFCOM .
Mr. Dai began his public sector career at the Commercial Office of the Chinese Embassy in Jamaica.
” Another Senior Advisor , Jia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of senior positions in the Chinese government ” such as Assistant Minister of Culture and Director General at the State Council Legislative Affairs Office and leader of the Office of the Intellectual Property under the State Council .
Senior Advisor Mu Lan served as Chief Representative in China for the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey , Senior Director Wang Peishu worked as Commercial Counsel at the Chinese Consulate General in Los Angeles , and Vice President George Zhao has worked at Chinese Communist Party-run media outlet CCTV .
And a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Harry Hu , is another Chinese Communist Party member who spent nearly a decade working at a “ high-profile research institute and think tank affiliated with the Chinese Ministry of Commerce ” and served as “ Third Secretary at the Chinese Embassy in the Kingdom of Denmark.
” Analyst James Oswald describes himself as having worked “ under the Communist Party of China Central Committee , ” helping to translate “ central government documents and Marxist and Party literature ” including “ key articles on China ’ s politics , economy , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the CPC ’ s journal Qiushi , as well as government reports and Xi Jinping ’ s speeches.
” This unearthed Biden-ASG connection comes on the heels of the Biden campaign pledging to “ crack down on the improper influence of lobbyists ” and a trove of evidence corroborating claims that the former veep ’ s son Hunter Biden leveraged his connections to ink lucrative deals with the Chinese Communist Party .

Suzy George, a new addition to the transition team of Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden, is a former principal of Albright Stonebridge Group, a consulting firm that has extensive links to the Chinese Communist Party.
George, who joined the transition team in early September, was a principal at the consulting behemoth for over a decade, from 2001 to 2014.
Albright Stonebridge Group (ASG) describes has a robust China practice, declaring it “the firm’s largest single country practice” on its homepage. Among the firm’s ranks, therefore, are several Chinese Communist Party apparatchiks:
“The practice includes trade and policy experts, former high-level U.S. and Chinese government officials and diplomats, executives with significant work experience in China, and dedicated analysts in the field of U.S.-China relations.”
In addition to collaborating with the Chinese Communist Party, ASG has also helped to facilitate the outsourcing of U.S. jobs to China.
On its tab, “Market Assessment and Entry Strategies,” for example, the group boasts of helping “a solar energy company’s consideration of various Chinese provinces as a location for a significant new facility.”
The group also helps American companies comply with the Chinese Communist Party’s business diktats, detailing how ASG assisted a company enter the Chinese market with a caveat: strictly adhering to the Chinese Communist Party’s rules.
Specifically, ASG touts how it helped a U.S. corporate “align” with Chinese “government goals”:
“We then arranged meetings for company executives with key stakeholders in the resort sector to deliver messages demonstrating our client’s commitment to China, and its alignment with government tourism goals.”
In one instance, ASG bragged of it “leveraging” a U.S. Cabinet Secretary visiting China to help advance a business deal:
“We first identified and engaged key Chinese officials and other stakeholders who might be willing to support approval for the acquisition. We then maintained close contact with officials and agencies involved in the government approval process to monitor progress and immediately address challenges as they arose. Our client also leveraged U.S. government advocacy in support of the investment, and the strategy culminated in a visit by a U.S. Cabinet Secretary.”
ASG’s China practice, therefore, necessitates extensive collaboration with Chinese Communist Party officials.
The chairman of ASG China, Jin Ligang, is a Chinese Communist Party member and “former senior Chinese government official” with experience at China’s Ministry of Commerce as Deputy Director General, China’s Washington Embassy as Commercial Counselor, and Lead Commercial Officer at the Chinese Consulate in New York.
ASG Senior Advisor Dai Yunlou’s “distinguished career” entailing “a variety of senior governmental positions within China” is also touted on ASG’s website.
His bio continues:
“From 2000 to 2010, Mr. Dai served as the Minister Counselor for Economic and Commercial Affairs at the Chinese Embassy to the United States. Previously, he served as Deputy Director General of the Department of American and Oceanian Affairs at the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and as the First Secretary of the Economic and Commercial Affairs Office at the Embassy. […] He spent over a decade working at various branches of the Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM), including the Department of European Affairs and Third Department of Regional Affairs. He also served as the Division Chief for U.S. Affairs while at MOFCOM. Mr. Dai began his public sector career at the Commercial Office of the Chinese Embassy in Jamaica.”
Another Senior Advisor, Jia Mingru, has “held a number of senior positions in the Chinese government” such as Assistant Minister of Culture and Director General at the State Council Legislative Affairs Office and leader of the Office of the Intellectual Property under the State Council.
Senior Advisor Mu Lan served as Chief Representative in China for the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey, Senior Director Wang Peishu worked as Commercial Counsel at the Chinese Consulate General in Los Angeles, and Vice President George Zhao has worked at Chinese Communist Party-run media outlet CCTV.
And a Director of ASG’s China practice, Harry Hu, is another Chinese Communist Party member who spent nearly a decade working at a “high-profile research institute and think tank affiliated with the Chinese Ministry of Commerce” and served as “Third Secretary at the Chinese Embassy in the Kingdom of Denmark.”
Analyst James Oswald describes himself as having worked “under the Communist Party of China Central Committee,” helping to translate “central government documents and Marxist and Party literature” including “key articles on China’s politics, economy, society, culture, and environment from the CPC’s journal Qiushi, as well as government reports and Xi Jinping’s speeches.”
This unearthed Biden-ASG connection comes on the heels of the Biden campaign pledging to “crack down on the improper influence of lobbyists” and a trove of evidence corroborating claims that the former veep’s son Hunter Biden leveraged his connections to ink lucrative deals with the Chinese Communist Party.