saraacater--2020-12-17--Nuclear weapons agency hacked amid barrage of cyber attacks on U.S. government: report

Nuclear weapons agency hacked amid barrage of cyber attacks on U.S. government : report The U.S. Department of Energy ( DOE ) and National Nuclear Security Administration ( NNSA ) , which oversees the United States ’ massive nuclear weapons stockpile , have evidence that hackers breached their networks as part of an far-reaching espionage operation that has impacted at least six federal agencies , officials directly familiar with the matter told Politico in an exclusive report published Thursday afternoon .
DOE and NNSA officials on Thursday started coordinating notifications about the breach to their congressional oversight bodies after being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the DOE , Rocky Campione , Politico reports .
They found suspicious activity in networks belonging to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission ( FERC ) , Sandia and Los Alamos national laboratories in New Mexico and Washington , the Office of Secure Transportation at NNSA , and the Richland Field Office of the DOE , according to the report .
The hackers have been able to inflict more damage at FERC than the other agencies , and officials there have evidence of highly malicious activity , the officials said , but did not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the officials said that the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency ( CISA ) , which has been helping to manage the federal response to the wide-scale hacking campaign , signaled to FERC this week that CISA was overwhelmed and might not be able to allocate the necessary resources to respond .
Even though FERC is a semi-autonomous agency , the DOE will therefore be allocating extra resources to FERC to help investigate the hack , the officials told Politico .
Several top officials from CISA , including its former director Christopher Krebs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Trump administration or resigned in recent weeks .
Federal investigators have been combing through networks in recent days to determine what hackers had been able to access and/or steal , and officials at the DOE still don ’ t know whether the attackers were able to access anything , the people said , noting that the investigation is ongoing and they may not know the full extent of the damage “ for weeks.
” DOE officials were planning on Thursday to notify the House and Senate Energy committees , House and Senate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Senate Armed Services committees , and the New Mexico and Washington State delegations of the breach , the officials told Politico .
You can follow Douglas Braff on Twitter @ Douglas_P_Braff .

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), which oversees the United States’ massive nuclear weapons stockpile, have evidence that hackers breached their networks as part of an far-reaching espionage operation that has impacted at least six federal agencies, officials directly familiar with the matter told Politico in an exclusive report published Thursday afternoon.
DOE and NNSA officials on Thursday started coordinating notifications about the breach to their congressional oversight bodies after being briefed by the chief information officer at the DOE, Rocky Campione, Politico reports.
They found suspicious activity in networks belonging to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), Sandia and Los Alamos national laboratories in New Mexico and Washington, the Office of Secure Transportation at NNSA, and the Richland Field Office of the DOE, according to the report.
The hackers have been able to inflict more damage at FERC than the other agencies, and officials there have evidence of highly malicious activity, the officials said, but did not elaborate, the report says.
Furthermore, the officials said that the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), which has been helping to manage the federal response to the wide-scale hacking campaign, signaled to FERC this week that CISA was overwhelmed and might not be able to allocate the necessary resources to respond. Even though FERC is a semi-autonomous agency, the DOE will therefore be allocating extra resources to FERC to help investigate the hack, the officials told Politico.
Several top officials from CISA, including its former director Christopher Krebs, have either been pushed out by the Trump administration or resigned in recent weeks.
Federal investigators have been combing through networks in recent days to determine what hackers had been able to access and/or steal, and officials at the DOE still don’t know whether the attackers were able to access anything, the people said, noting that the investigation is ongoing and they may not know the full extent of the damage “for weeks.”
DOE officials were planning on Thursday to notify the House and Senate Energy committees, House and Senate Energy and Water Development subcommittees, House and Senate Armed Services committees, and the New Mexico and Washington State delegations of the breach, the officials told Politico.
You can follow Douglas Braff on Twitter @Douglas_P_Braff.


saraacater--2020-12-17--First radio signals from planet outside solar system could have been detected, astronomers say

First radio signals from planet outside solar system could have been detected , astronomers say Perhaps the universe is trying to send Earth a message .
Astronomers might have received the first radio signals from a planet outside of our solar system , The Independent ‘ s Andrew Griffen reported Thursday .
The breakthrough , according to the scientists who found it , could pave the way for an important new means of examining and understanding far-flung planetary bodies .
This news is the latest in otherworldly stories reported this year relating to UFOs and little green men .
That @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stories from this year goes to show how bizarre the 2020 news cycle has been .
RELATED : UFO sightings up 283 % in NYC from 2018 RELATED : WATCH : Pentagon Releases US Navy Footage of UFOs , Confirms The Videos Are ‘ Real ’ However , researchers indicate that more specifically the aforementioned radio signals are originating from an exoplanet , marking the first time humans have ever collected a radio emission from another planet outside of our own neighborhood , the United Kingdom-based publication reported .
In particular , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Boötes , which can be viewed in the northern sky .
“ We present one of the first hints of detecting an exoplanet in the radio realm , ” said Jake D. Turner , a postdoctoral researcher at Cornell University who helped spearhead the study , the findings of which are reported in the journal Astronomy & Astrophysics .
“ The signal is from the Tau Boötes system , which contains a binary star and an exoplanet , ” Turner added .
“ We make the case for an emission by the planet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the radio signal and the planet ’ s magnetic field , it is compatible with theoretical predictions.
” Furthermore , in order to verify the origin of the bursts , additional research must be conducted .
However , if it is the case , then it will offer a completely new way to understand worlds that are many light years away , according to The Independent .
By utilizing a radio telescope in the Netherlands , the astronomers discovered the bursts .
They located signals emanating from a star system that is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ known as a hot Jupiter , which is massive and gaseous like Earth ’ s neighbor but much closer to its own system ’ s star , per The Independent .
“ If confirmed through follow-up observations , ” explains Ray Jayawardhana , a Cornell professor and a co-author on the new research , “ this radio detection opens up a new window on exoplanets , giving us a novel way to examine alien worlds that are tens of light-years away.
” If scientists are able to analyze radio signals from far-away worlds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to understand their magnetic field , according to The Independent .
Consequentially , that would help them discover what the properties of its interior and its atmosphere are , as well as the interactions between stars and planets–all of which could be used to understand how habitable it might be .
This latest research arose from work the team conducted in the past to examine our neighbor Jupiter , and extrapolate to understand how it might look if viewed from up to 100 light-years away , The Independent reported .
That gave them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ similar planet was found elsewhere–which they now believe to have done .
It should be noted , though , that the signal is still weak and unconfirmed , per The Independent .
Additional examination using other radio telescopes should help provide more details and finally confirm whether or not the enigmatic bursts are really originating from another planet outside our solar system .
You can follow Douglas Braff on Twitter @ Douglas_P_Braff .

Perhaps the universe is trying to send Earth a message.
Astronomers might have received the first radio signals from a planet outside of our solar system, The Independent‘s Andrew Griffen reported Thursday.
The breakthrough, according to the scientists who found it, could pave the way for an important new means of examining and understanding far-flung planetary bodies.
This news is the latest in otherworldly stories reported this year relating to UFOs and little green men. That they aren’t the more memorable stories from this year goes to show how bizarre the 2020 news cycle has been.
RELATED: UFO sightings up 283% in NYC from 2018
RELATED: WATCH: Pentagon Releases US Navy Footage of UFOs, Confirms The Videos Are ‘Real’
However, researchers indicate that more specifically the aforementioned radio signals are originating from an exoplanet, marking the first time humans have ever collected a radio emission from another planet outside of our own neighborhood, the United Kingdom-based publication reported. In particular, the radio bursts are emanating from the constellation Boötes, which can be viewed in the northern sky.
“We present one of the first hints of detecting an exoplanet in the radio realm,” said Jake D. Turner, a postdoctoral researcher at Cornell University who helped spearhead the study, the findings of which are reported in the journal Astronomy & Astrophysics.
“The signal is from the Tau Boötes system, which contains a binary star and an exoplanet,” Turner added. “We make the case for an emission by the planet itself. From the strength and polarization of the radio signal and the planet’s magnetic field, it is compatible with theoretical predictions.”
Furthermore, in order to verify the origin of the bursts, additional research must be conducted. However, if it is the case, then it will offer a completely new way to understand worlds that are many light years away, according to The Independent.
By utilizing a radio telescope in the Netherlands, the astronomers discovered the bursts. They located signals emanating from a star system that is a host to a variety of planet known as a hot Jupiter, which is massive and gaseous like Earth’s neighbor but much closer to its own system’s star, per The Independent.
“If confirmed through follow-up observations,” explains Ray Jayawardhana, a Cornell professor and a co-author on the new research, “this radio detection opens up a new window on exoplanets, giving us a novel way to examine alien worlds that are tens of light-years away.”
If scientists are able to analyze radio signals from far-away worlds, they could use them in order to understand their magnetic field, according to The Independent. Consequentially, that would help them discover what the properties of its interior and its atmosphere are, as well as the interactions between stars and planets–all of which could be used to understand how habitable it might be.
This latest research arose from work the team conducted in the past to examine our neighbor Jupiter, and extrapolate to understand how it might look if viewed from up to 100 light-years away, The Independent reported. That gave them the pattern that might show if a similar planet was found elsewhere–which they now believe to have done.
It should be noted, though, that the signal is still weak and unconfirmed, per The Independent. Additional examination using other radio telescopes should help provide more details and finally confirm whether or not the enigmatic bursts are really originating from another planet outside our solar system.
You can follow Douglas Braff on Twitter @Douglas_P_Braff.


saraacater--2020-12-17--Peter Navarro releases BOMBSHELL report on 2020 election

Peter Navarro released a bombshell report Thursday on the 2020 election .
Read here : The Immaculate Deception 12.15.20 1 @ @ @ @

“Consumers have made a choice,” said an executive at a Texas-based beer distributor who did not want to be identified. “They have left [Bud Light] and that’s how it’s going to be. I don’t envision a big percentage of them coming back.”
That’s the sentiment of many involved in the once successful Bud Light brand from Anheuser-Busch. In the four months since the company partnered with transgender activist Dylan Mulvaney, the company has endured hiring freezes, layoffs and sales have declined by a whopping 25%.
With no end in sight of stopping the financial bleed, “many Anheuser-Busch distributors say they are resigned to their painful Bud Light losses” reports The New York Post.
Other Anheuser-Busch beers such as Budweiser, Michelob Ultra and Busch Light also have seen a huge decline in sales, and even beer truck drivers have gotten heckled and harassed. Bud Light’s competitors, including Coors Light and Miller Lite have all seen significant increases in sales.
“While Bud Light remains the No. 1 beer brand in the US, those days are likely numbered, with Modelo expected to overtake it by the end of August, experts say” adds the Post.
The controversy all started with Mulvaney used her social media influence to partner with Bud Light and made posts holding a 16-ounce can of Bud Light with her image on it and of her sitting in a bubble bath surrounded by Bud Light cans.
“The strategy of targeting younger, newer consumers is the right one,” Michael Stone, chairman of Beanstalk Group, a New York-based branding firm, told The Post. “But Anheuser-Busch made a mistake executing on the strategy.”
The New York Post adds:
One silver lining for beleaguered Anheuser-Busch distributors is the rise of Modelo Especial — the No. 2 beer brand, which Anheuser-Busch owns outside of the US.
Rival Constellation Brands distributes Modelo in the US, where it has been outselling Bud Light on a weekly basis since May.


saraacater--2020-12-17--Federal judge throws out GOP Georgia lawsuit that aimed to remove absentee ballot drop boxes

Federal judge throws out GOP Georgia lawsuit that aimed to remove absentee ballot drop boxes On the third day into early voting for Georgia ’ s side-by-side U.S. Senate runoff elections , a federal judge Thursday dismissed a case brought by Republicans that sought to scrap absentee ballot drop boxes , Fox News reports , saying that fraud concerns at this stage in the runoffs are “ highly speculative.
” In the United States District Court for the Southern District of Georgia , centered in Augusta , a federal judge dismissed the lawsuit brought by the 12th Congressional District Republican @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the judge said , and also saying that courts shouldn ’ t alter election rules so close to an election , according to Fox News .
Both of Georgia ’ s January 5 races are key to Democrats and Republicans post-2020 election political efforts .
If Democrats sweep both seats , they would have 50 of the 100 seats in the Senate and have Vice President-elect Kamala Harris as the tie-breaking vote , which would make confirming President-elect Joe Biden ‘ s Cabinet nominees easier for them .
On the other end @ @ @ @ @ @ @ majority , fearing that Democratic victories in the Peach State could allow for Biden to successfully appoint officials farther to the left of the Democratic establishment .
While absentee voting has been happening for a couple of weeks in the state , early in-person voting at polling stations commenced on Monday .
More than 900,000 Georgians have already voted in the dual races , according to the state ’ s latest data , with 427,000 of those votes being cast through absentee ballots .
The thrown-out case alleged that procedures used to process @ @ @ @ @ @ @ election–such as signature matching and ballot drop boxes–could open the door for widespread fraud in the runoffs , Fox News reports .
On top of that , the lawsuit also asked that local election officials be forbidden from opening ballot envelopes prior to January 5 .
Additionally , per Fox News , the suit also sought to discredit guidance from the Secretary of State ’ s Office on the correct way officials needed to verify signatures on absentee ballots .
Chief Judge Randall Hall , who was nominated to the federal bench by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the plaintiff ’ s allegations of voter fraud “ highly speculative.
” “ I have real concerns about whether this court [ … ] should even entertain this action at this point , ” said Hall .
“ [ … ] Fraud concerns at this stage are all highly speculative.
” “ We are not even on the eve of an election , ” Hall said in striking down the case .
“ We are , as it relates to this particular election , closing in on halftime.
” This case is the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from Republicans to challenge the election results and rules in key swing states after November 3 .
Despite a massive but doomed lawsuit being thrown out of the U.S. Supreme Court on Friday and the Electoral College officially elected Biden to be the next president , President Donald Trump refuses to concede and continues to allege that widespread election fraud occurred , repeatedly claiming that the election was stolen .
RELATED : McConnell congratulates Biden on election victory , draws criticism from some conservatives You can follow Douglas Braff on Twitter @ Douglas_P_Braff @

On the third day into early voting for Georgia’s side-by-side U.S. Senate runoff elections, a federal judge Thursday dismissed a case brought by Republicans that sought to scrap absentee ballot drop boxes, Fox News reports, saying that fraud concerns at this stage in the runoffs are “highly speculative.”
In the United States District Court for the Southern District of Georgia, centered in Augusta, a federal judge dismissed the lawsuit brought by the 12th Congressional District Republican Committee. The plaintiffs had no standing, the judge said, and also saying that courts shouldn’t alter election rules so close to an election, according to Fox News.
Both of Georgia’s January 5 races are key to Democrats and Republicans post-2020 election political efforts. If Democrats sweep both seats, they would have 50 of the 100 seats in the Senate and have Vice President-elect Kamala Harris as the tie-breaking vote, which would make confirming President-elect Joe Biden‘s Cabinet nominees easier for them. On the other end, Republicans want to maintain their slim majority, fearing that Democratic victories in the Peach State could allow for Biden to successfully appoint officials farther to the left of the Democratic establishment.
GEORGIA RUNOFFS: Rev. Warnock allegedly ‘extremely uncooperative’ during 2002 child-abuse investigation, police records reveal
While absentee voting has been happening for a couple of weeks in the state, early in-person voting at polling stations commenced on Monday. More than 900,000 Georgians have already voted in the dual races, according to the state’s latest data, with 427,000 of those votes being cast through absentee ballots.
The thrown-out case alleged that procedures used to process absentee ballots during November’s general election–such as signature matching and ballot drop boxes–could open the door for widespread fraud in the runoffs, Fox News reports.
On top of that, the lawsuit also asked that local election officials be forbidden from opening ballot envelopes prior to January 5. Additionally, per Fox News, the suit also sought to discredit guidance from the Secretary of State’s Office on the correct way officials needed to verify signatures on absentee ballots.
Chief Judge Randall Hall, who was nominated to the federal bench by Republican President George W. Bush, found the plaintiff’s allegations of voter fraud “highly speculative.”
“I have real concerns about whether this court […]should even entertain this action at this point,” said Hall. “[…]Fraud concerns at this stage are all highly speculative.”
HAPPENING NOW: Fed judge sounds very skeptical on GOP suit in Augusta, GA on ballot procedures. Judge Randal Hall (GWB): 'I have real concerns about whether this court..should even entertain this action at this point…..Fraud concerns at this stage are all highly speculative.' — Josh Gorestein (@joshgerstein) December 17, 2020
“We are not even on the eve of an election,” Hall said in striking down the case. “We are, as it relates to this particular election, closing in on halftime.”
Judge Hall also says suit is covered by #SCOTUS' Purcell doctrine. "We are not on the eve of an election. We are, as it relates to this particular election, we are closing in on half time." — Josh Gorestein (@joshgerstein) December 17, 2020
This case is the latest in a series of failed attempts from Republicans to challenge the election results and rules in key swing states after November 3. Despite a massive but doomed lawsuit being thrown out of the U.S. Supreme Court on Friday and the Electoral College officially elected Biden to be the next president, President Donald Trump refuses to concede and continues to allege that widespread election fraud occurred, repeatedly claiming that the election was stolen.
RELATED: McConnell congratulates Biden on election victory, draws criticism from some conservatives
You can follow Douglas Braff on Twitter @Douglas_P_Braff.


saraacater--2020-12-17--‘That would be a mistake’: Nikki Haley urges Biden not to ditch all Trump foreign policies

‘ That would be a mistake ’ : Nikki Haley urges Biden not to ditch all Trump foreign policies Former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley ( R ) urged President-elect Joe Biden to not abandon all of outgoing President Donald Trump ‘ s foreign policies in a Wednesday Washington Post opinion piece , suggesting three of Trump ’ s policies that he should keep .
In her piece titled , “ Nikki Haley : Biden shouldn ’ t reject all Trump ’ s foreign policies .
Here are three he should keep ” , the former South Carolina governor advises @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s policies regarding China , Latin American dictatorships , and Arab-Israeli peace .
Near the beginning of her piece , Haley writes that “ Biden is sure to feel strong partisan pressure to reject most , if not all , of Trump ’ s foreign policy.
” “ That would be a mistake , ” she adds .
“ Sweeping away the achievements and strategies of the past four years would endanger American safety and interests.
” Haley goes on to state that she expects to disagree with much of Biden ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that “ in the spirit of helping our country , I urge Biden to prioritize continuity and continued progress in three critical areas.
” Haley first touches on China , saying that key aspects of Trump ’ s “ much-needed ” policies toward the United States ’ foremost rival should be continued .
Arguably , Trump has been the most aggressive U.S. president toward China in decades , with his tough rhetoric on trade , jobs , intellectual property , and the novel coronavirus often centering around the East Asian nation .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ threat the United States faces .
It is a strategic competitor with hostile intentions of overtaking us economically and militarily , ” she says .
“ This truth explains why Trump pursued a military buildup , punished Chinese companies for stealing U.S. trade secrets , sanctioned Chinese leaders and firms for their horrific human rights abuses , and strengthened coordination with U.S. allies and partners to hold China accountable.
” “ Biden would endanger U.S. interests if he reversed course , ” Haley adds .
“ The right course is to further limit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and universities , as the United States did with the Soviet Union , while building additional military , economic and diplomatic strength , ” she continues .
Furthermore , Trump ’ s former UN ambassador believes that Biden will confront “ a critical test ” regarding Taiwan ’ s sovereignty , citing China ’ s authoritarian actions in Hong Kong as a precedent .
“ If Biden fails to push back , ” Haley says , “ there will be no stopping Chinese communist aggression in Asia and beyond.
” The second of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ incoming president should “ not drop Trump ’ s pressure on Latin American dictatorships.
” Praising Trump for his policies toward the communist and socialist dictatorships in Cuba and Venezuela respectively , she emphasizes that a “ Biden reversal in either country would amount to an embrace of socialism and give a pass to the most monstrous regimes in our hemisphere.
” Haley then clarifies that Biden has been supportive of the victims of these countries ’ far-left dictatorships but that the Democratic Party ’ s left wing would make things difficult .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ victims of Cuban communism and Venezuelan socialism would irritate some of his party ’ s leftist fringe , but their views did not make for successful policy under the Obama administration , ” she writes .
“ It would be no different now .
In Latin America , as elsewhere , Biden would do well to stand up to U.S. enemies and stand for U.S. values.
” Lastly , Haley pushes for Biden to continue brokering peace deals between Israel and Arab countries , which will arguably be remembered as one of Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tenure in office .
After commending Trump for helping to broker those deals and putting “ strong pressure ” on Iran , Haley lays a potential path forward for Biden in the Middle East .
“ How can Biden foster a deeper peace ?
Not by caving to Iran or turning on Israel , both of which would fray the nascent Arab-Israeli bonds that still need strengthening , ” Haley writes .
“ The better path is to continue to isolate Iran and encourage harmony between Israel and the Arab states , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A peaceful Middle East depends on it and is essential to U.S. security.
” Closing her piece , Haley says that it “ would be disastrous if [ Biden ] missed the opportunity because of a partisan desire to reverse the course of his predecessor.
” Haley has long been viewed as a strong contender to become the Republican Party ’ s nominee for president at some point , with many commentators and experts already placing her near the top of the list of potential 2024 GOP presidential candidates .
However , there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ may run again in that election to reclaim the seat at the Resolute desk .
You can follow Douglas Braff on Twitter @ Douglas_P_Braff .

Former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley (R) urged President-elect Joe Biden to not abandon all of outgoing President Donald Trump‘s foreign policies in a Wednesday Washington Post opinion piece, suggesting three of Trump’s policies that he should keep.
In her piece titled, “Nikki Haley: Biden shouldn’t reject all Trump’s foreign policies. Here are three he should keep”, the former South Carolina governor advises that Biden keep aspects of Trump’s policies regarding China, Latin American dictatorships, and Arab-Israeli peace.
Near the beginning of her piece, Haley writes that “Biden is sure to feel strong partisan pressure to reject most, if not all, of Trump’s foreign policy.”
“That would be a mistake,” she adds. “Sweeping away the achievements and strategies of the past four years would endanger American safety and interests.”
Haley goes on to state that she expects to disagree with much of Biden’s policies, then adding, however, that “in the spirit of helping our country, I urge Biden to prioritize continuity and continued progress in three critical areas.”
Haley first touches on China, saying that key aspects of Trump’s “much-needed” policies toward the United States’ foremost rival should be continued. Arguably, Trump has been the most aggressive U.S. president toward China in decades, with his tough rhetoric on trade, jobs, intellectual property, and the novel coronavirus often centering around the East Asian nation.
“Communist China is the most serious global threat the United States faces. It is a strategic competitor with hostile intentions of overtaking us economically and militarily,” she says. “This truth explains why Trump pursued a military buildup, punished Chinese companies for stealing U.S. trade secrets, sanctioned Chinese leaders and firms for their horrific human rights abuses, and strengthened coordination with U.S. allies and partners to hold China accountable.”
“Biden would endanger U.S. interests if he reversed course,” Haley adds.
“The right course is to further limit Chinese access to our companies, telecommunications and universities, as the United States did with the Soviet Union, while building additional military, economic and diplomatic strength,” she continues.
Furthermore, Trump’s former UN ambassador believes that Biden will confront “a critical test” regarding Taiwan’s sovereignty, citing China’s authoritarian actions in Hong Kong as a precedent.
“If Biden fails to push back,” Haley says, “there will be no stopping Chinese communist aggression in Asia and beyond.”
The second of Haley’s suggestions is that the incoming president should “not drop Trump’s pressure on Latin American dictatorships.”
Praising Trump for his policies toward the communist and socialist dictatorships in Cuba and Venezuela respectively, she emphasizes that a “Biden reversal in either country would amount to an embrace of socialism and give a pass to the most monstrous regimes in our hemisphere.”
Haley then clarifies that Biden has been supportive of the victims of these countries’ far-left dictatorships but that the Democratic Party’s left wing would make things difficult.
“Biden’s support for the victims of Cuban communism and Venezuelan socialism would irritate some of his party’s leftist fringe, but their views did not make for successful policy under the Obama administration,” she writes. “It would be no different now. In Latin America, as elsewhere, Biden would do well to stand up to U.S. enemies and stand for U.S. values.”
Lastly, Haley pushes for Biden to continue brokering peace deals between Israel and Arab countries, which will arguably be remembered as one of Trump’s most successful achievements during his tenure in office.
After commending Trump for helping to broker those deals and putting “strong pressure” on Iran, Haley lays a potential path forward for Biden in the Middle East.
“How can Biden foster a deeper peace? Not by caving to Iran or turning on Israel, both of which would fray the nascent Arab-Israeli bonds that still need strengthening,” Haley writes. “The better path is to continue to isolate Iran and encourage harmony between Israel and the Arab states, which now clearly see their common interests. A peaceful Middle East depends on it and is essential to U.S. security.”
Closing her piece, Haley says that it “would be disastrous if [Biden] missed the opportunity because of a partisan desire to reverse the course of his predecessor.”
Haley has long been viewed as a strong contender to become the Republican Party’s nominee for president at some point, with many commentators and experts already placing her near the top of the list of potential 2024 GOP presidential candidates. However, there are reports swirling around that Trump himself may run again in that election to reclaim the seat at the Resolute desk.
You can follow Douglas Braff on Twitter @Douglas_P_Braff.


saraacater--2020-12-17--Rhode Island Gov. tells people to ‘stay home’ before going maskless to a ‘wine and paint’

Rhode Island Gov .
tells people to ‘ stay home ’ before going maskless to a ‘ wine and paint @ @ @ @ @ .
Gina Raimondo was photographed at a “ wine and paint ” event without a @ @ @ @ @ a message on Twitter urging Rhode Island residents to “ stay home except for essential @ @ @ @ @ anytime you ’ re with people you don ’ t live with.
” The picture @ @ @ @ @ last Friday , shows Raimondo sitting at table in Barnaby ’ s Public House in @ @ @ @ @ WLNE reported .
Susan Goodman , a Providence resident , told WLNE that the governor @ @ @ @ @ be at an event like that.
” Raimondo has self-quarantined since the incident Raimondo joins @ @ @ @ @ leaders who have violated their own coronavirus recommendations , including California Gov .
Newsom who @ @ @ @ @ party without a mask .

UPDATE:
In a significant turn of events, Attorney General Merrick Garland made a surprising announcement on Friday, elevating Delaware U.S. Attorney David Weiss to the role of special counsel. This decision marks a shift in focus towards the investigation of the Biden family’s financial matters. The probe, which encompasses Hunter Biden’s tax affairs and any potential connections his father, President Joe Biden, might have with his foreign associates, is slated to extend into the 2024 election cycle. Interestingly, this move comes as former President Donald Trump is simultaneously facing two federal indictments from the same department.
Garland stressed that the decision to appoint Weiss as an independent prosecutor aligns with the “public interest” and adheres to departmental regulations. Importantly, this transition was initiated by Weiss himself, who, earlier this week, conveyed his belief that the investigation had reached a point where he should proceed as a special counsel.
Weiss is no stranger to this intricate landscape. He is the federal prosecutor responsible for bringing charges against President Biden’s son, Hunter Biden, in Delaware. Recent times have witnessed the unfolding of legal proceedings involving Hunter Biden, including a probation-oriented plea arrangement that was ultimately rejected by a judge. In June, Hunter Biden agreed to a deal with federal prosecutors, admitting guilt in two tax-related offenses and a firearm charge, potentially leading to the dismissal of the latter charge. This latest development underscores the intensification of scrutiny into the financial affairs of the Biden family and highlights the evolving legal landscape involving prominent political figures.
—
Attorney General Merrick Garland will speak to the public Friday afternoon. It is highly anticipated because I believe, as do many others, that he may be getting ready to announce the appointment of a Special Counsel to investigate “Hunter Biden” and his financial dealings overseas. Although, welcome there are still too many concerns with the DOJ that need to be addressed and there is little faith among many Americans that anything will be done.
Americans have witnessed the makings and the result of a two tiered justice system since President Trump was elected and then the continuing targeting of Trump even after his term as president.
I’ve spoken about the need for an outside investigation into Hunter Biden and President Biden at length on my podcast, The Sara Carter Show and on Fox News. But I’ve been jaded by the failures of past investigations and the weaponization of the Justice Department to do its job. The failure of the DOJ to be blind and just has been devastating to our nation.
Will Garland appoint a special counsel? I don’t know but as Americans we must demand that our leadership, our bureaucracies and our law makers follow the rule of law without prejudice. If they do not, as we have seen over the past decade with the establishments attacks on President Donald Trump and the weaponization of the system to target him, then our foundation will not only be fractured but it will be irreparable.
Either way, the alleged crimes and obvious financial connections linked to the Biden family with adversarial nations like China and Russia must be thoroughly investigated and the investigation must be made public. The Biden connections and large sums of money taken from government connected energy companies in Ukraine must also be thoroughly vetted and any improprieties must be made public.


saraacater--2020-12-17--Fauci urges Americans to avoid gathering with family during the Christmas holiday

Fauci urges Americans to avoid gathering with family during the Christmas holiday Top infectious diseases expert Anthony Fauci announced that he will not be celebrating Christmas with his three adult children this year and encouraged other Americans to do the same .
In an interview with the Washington Post ’ s Power Up Newsletter on Monday , Fauci said , “ The Christmas holiday is a special holiday for us because Christmas Eve is my birthday .
And Christmas Day is Christmas Day .
And they are not going to come home … That ’ s painful .
We don @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s just one of the things you ’ re going to have to accept as we go through this unprecedented challenging time.
” Fauci and his family have been following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ’ s ( CDC ) guidelines to avoid gatherings during the holiday season .
Fauci has warned that Christmas celebrations could be more disastrous to the spread of the virus than Thanksgiving , when millions traveled to visit family for the holiday despite “ stay-at-home ” guidelines .
Fauci reminded Americans that testing negative before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mean you ’ re going to be negative tomorrow ” and we can not afford to “ run away from the data.
” “ Stay at home as much as you can , keep your interactions to the extent possible to members of the same household , ” Fauci told the Post .
“ This can not be business as usual this Christmas because we ’ re already in a very difficult situation , and we ’ re going to make it worse , if we don ’ t do something about it.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and friends , who may struggle to understand , “ You try to explain : you ’ re going to have many more Christmases ahead of you .
You ’ ve enjoyed many more Christmases before .
Maybe this is a time to just say , ‘ This is an unusual situation , it ’ s not going to last forever , it is highly likely that with vaccines being distributed , that we will be back to normal by next Christmas . '
” Distributions of the coronavirus vaccine began this week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ populations and health care workers .
Experts have said that vaccines could be available for the general public between March and June 2021 .

Top infectious diseases expert Anthony Fauci announced that he will not be celebrating Christmas with his three adult children this year and encouraged other Americans to do the same.
In an interview with the Washington Post’s Power Up Newsletter on Monday, Fauci said, “The Christmas holiday is a special holiday for us because Christmas Eve is my birthday. And Christmas Day is Christmas Day. And they are not going to come home … That’s painful. We don’t like that. But that’s just one of the things you’re going to have to accept as we go through this unprecedented challenging time.”
Fauci and his family have been following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) guidelines to avoid gatherings during the holiday season.
Fauci has warned that Christmas celebrations could be more disastrous to the spread of the virus than Thanksgiving, when millions traveled to visit family for the holiday despite “stay-at-home” guidelines. Fauci reminded Americans that testing negative before travel or gathering “doesn’t mean you’re going to be negative tomorrow” and we cannot afford to “run away from the data.”
“Stay at home as much as you can, keep your interactions to the extent possible to members of the same household,” Fauci told the Post. “This cannot be business as usual this Christmas because we’re already in a very difficult situation, and we’re going to make it worse, if we don’t do something about it.”
Fauci suggested to tell family members and friends, who may struggle to understand, “You try to explain: you’re going to have many more Christmases ahead of you. You’ve enjoyed many more Christmases before. Maybe this is a time to just say, ‘This is an unusual situation, it’s not going to last forever, it is highly likely that with vaccines being distributed, that we will be back to normal by next Christmas.'”
Distributions of the coronavirus vaccine began this week, with priority being given to vulnerable populations and health care workers. Experts have said that vaccines could be available for the general public between March and June 2021.


saraacater--2020-12-17--US House Passes the Senate Companion Bill of the TEAM Veteran Caregivers Act

US House Passes the Senate Companion Bill of the TEAM Veteran Caregivers Act The US House unanimously passed the Senate @ @ @ @ @ Veteran Caregivers Act on Wednesday .
In a Twitter video , US State Rep. Andy @ @ @ @ @ ’ m pleased to announce it is going to come out of the house and @ @ @ @ @ the President ’ s desk .
I have every confidence that he will sign this @ @ @ @ @ with veteran ’ s caregivers and Biggs noted specific instances when caregivers are not given @ @ @ @ @ .
“ This policy needed to end , ” Biggs said .
“ We ’ @ @ @ @ @ through to make it easier for caregivers to provide the assistance that our wounded warriors @ @ @


saraacater--2020-12-17--Judicial Watch: Buttigieg agrees to search his email for records regarding his role in the creation

Judicial Watch: Buttigieg agrees to search his email for records regarding his role in the creation of ‘ID cards to help illegal aliens’

Judicial Watch : Buttigieg agrees to search his email for records regarding his role in the creation of ‘ ID cards to help illegal aliens ’ Former Mayor Pete Buttigieg agreed to do his own personal search of his emails , rather than be deposed for testimony by a top conservative government watch dog group “ for records related to the creation of ID cards to help illegal aliens in South Bend , Indiana , ” stated the organization Wednesday .
Judicial Watch filed the lawsuit for Buttigieg ’ s emails in August , 2019 .
According to JW , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an effort to avoid being deposed and in response to the court order issued by the judge , after the City of South Bend failed to respond as required by law to open records requests .
The records request was for all emails between Buttigieg , members of his staff and officials of La Casa de Amistad , regarding the Community Resident Card program , Judicial Watch stated .
Judicial Watch President Tom Fitton said that the former South Bend Mayor was working to create ID cards for illegal aliens to help them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ victory will help the public understand Mayor Buttigieg ’ s plan to create special ID cards to make it easier for illegal aliens to stay in the United States contrary to law , ” said Judicial Watch President Tom Fitton .
“ It is curious that the mayor fought us for so long on this simple request for information.
” In August , 2019 , when the lawsuit was filed by JW , Buttigieg ’ s spokesman Mark Bode , said “ In 2016 Mayor Buttigieg helped jump-start the municipal ID program with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our community could feel welcome and live without fear .
Records related to the municipal ID are inaccessible by public records laws , as they are maintained by the nonprofit .
We will continue to protect the well-being of all who live in our neighborhoods.
” In 2016 , Buttigieg signed an executive order requiring city departments , such as police , fire and parks , to recognize the ID .
Judicial Watch initially sought a deposition of Buttigieg , but withdrew its request upon his agreement to search his personal email for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mayor Peter Buttigieg on any personal/private or non-South Bend email account and any of the below listed individuals from July 1 , 2016 through June 30 , 2017 containing the following terms : “ Community Resident Card , ” “ CRC , ” “ Municipal ID , ” “ SB ID , ” Resident ID , ” and/or Community ID.
” Why is Judicial Watch is requesting the records ?
On December 16 , 2016 , the South Bend Tribune reported that , “ A nonprofit Latino advocacy group … unveiled a new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ easier for undocumented immigrants who live in [ South Bend ] .
” La Casa de Amistad Inc. are the creators of this “ SB ID.
” Buttigieg reportedly worked “ closely with La Casa de Amistad , South Bend ’ s main Latino outreach center … and the nonprofit ’ s executive director , Sam Centellas , ” to create a “ Community Resident Card … created and distributed by the group — a private organization — not the city.
” “ Buttigieg ’ s part to make it all work was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ services and institutions — like law enforcement , schools , the water utility and libraries — to accept the card as a valid form of identification.
” You can follow Sara A. Carter on Parler @ SaraCarterOfficial or on Twitter @ SaraCarterDC

Former Mayor Pete Buttigieg agreed to do his own personal search of his emails, rather than be deposed for testimony by a top conservative government watch dog group “for records related to the creation of ID cards to help illegal aliens in South Bend, Indiana,” stated the organization Wednesday.
Judicial Watch filed the lawsuit for Buttigieg’s emails in August, 2019. According to JW, he agreed to the search, in an effort to avoid being deposed and in response to the court order issued by the judge, after the City of South Bend failed to respond as required by law to open records requests. The records request was for all emails between Buttigieg, members of his staff and officials of La Casa de Amistad, regarding the Community Resident Card program, Judicial Watch stated.
On Wednesday President-elect Joe Biden named Buttigieg his Transportation Secretary nominee.
Judicial Watch President Tom Fitton said that the former South Bend Mayor was working to create ID cards for illegal aliens to help them stay in the country.
“This victory will help the public understand Mayor Buttigieg’s plan to create special ID cards to make it easier for illegal aliens to stay in the United States contrary to law,” said Judicial Watch President Tom Fitton. “It is curious that the mayor fought us for so long on this simple request for information.”
In August, 2019, when the lawsuit was filed by JW, Buttigieg’s spokesman Mark Bode, said “In 2016 Mayor Buttigieg helped jump-start the municipal ID program with a local nonprofit so that immigrants in our community could feel welcome and live without fear. Records related to the municipal ID are inaccessible by public records laws, as they are maintained by the nonprofit. We will continue to protect the well-being of all who live in our neighborhoods.”
In 2016, Buttigieg signed an executive order requiring city departments, such as police, fire and parks, to recognize the ID.
DOCUMENTS REQUESTED FROM THE JUDICIAL WATCH LAWSUIT
Judicial Watch initially sought a deposition of Buttigieg, but withdrew its request upon his agreement to search his personal email for the following records:
Emails between Mayor Peter Buttigieg on any personal/private or non-South Bend email account and any of the below listed individuals from July 1, 2016 through June 30, 2017 containing the following terms: “Community Resident Card,” “CRC,” “Municipal ID,” “SB ID, ”Resident ID,” and/or Community ID.”
Individuals: Same Centellas, John Collins, Felix Bueno, Jr., Laura O’Sullivan, Tammy Bell, Genevieve Miller, Molly Buser, Cherri Peate, Scott Ruszkowski, Mark Bode, Eric Horvath, Jamie Morgan, Marcia I. Jones
Why is Judicial Watch is requesting the records?
On December 16, 2016, the South Bend Tribune reported that, “A nonprofit Latino advocacy group … unveiled a new identification card it hopes will make life easier for undocumented immigrants who live in [South Bend].” La Casa de Amistad Inc. are the creators of this “SB ID.” Buttigieg reportedly worked “closely with La Casa de Amistad, South Bend’s main Latino outreach center … and the nonprofit’s executive director, Sam Centellas,” to create a “Community Resident Card … created and distributed by the group — a private organization — not the city.” “Buttigieg’s part to make it all work was to sign an executive order requiring local services and institutions — like law enforcement, schools, the water utility and libraries — to accept the card as a valid form of identification.”
South Bend refused or ignored Judicial Watch APRA requests for multiple times between June 24, 2019, and July 18, 2019. Each time, South Bend said the requests were too broad and not “reasonably particular.” After each refusal, Judicial Watch would comply with South Bend’s suggestion to limit their request. After four exchanges, South Bend produced Mayor Buttigieg’s executive order and 2 information bulletins that were already publicly accessible. JUDICIAL WATCH
You can follow Sara A. Carter on Parler @SaraCarterOfficial or on Twitter @SaraCarterDC


saraacater--2020-12-17--Sen. Ron Johnson accuses Sen. Gary Peters of ‘Peddling Russian Disinformation’

The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee held a hearing on Wednesday to discuss and review election security and administration issues .
During the hearing , an argument broke out between U.S .
Senators Ron Johnson ( R-Wi ) and Gary Peters ( D-Mich ) concerning the spread of disinformation regarding the Russia investigation .
Johnson accused Peters of introducing Russian disinformation ‘ into our investigation record by leaking to the media and accusing him of ‘ accepting and disseminating Russian disinformation from Andre Derkach.
’ Derkach is a pro-Russian Ukrainian who promoted allegations against Joe Biden .
U.S. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officer .
‘ I ’ d never heard of the person until they brought it up , ’ Johnson said .
Johnson then referenced the Hunter Biden probe and confirmed the federal investigation of the president-elect ’ s son .
“ Senior Democrat leaders , including ranking member Peters , were involved in a process of creating a false intelligence product , it was supposed to be classified , they leaked to the media , that accused Senator Grassley , the president pro tempore of the Senate , and myself of accepting and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ I can ’ t sit by here and listen to this and say that this is not disinformation at this hearing today .
This is getting information we have to take a look at to restore confidence in our election integrity.
” Peters denied the accusations saying , “ I had nothing to do with this report you ’ re talking about.
” “ You lied repeatedly in the press that I was spreading Russian disinformation .
That was an outright lie and I told you to stop lying and you continued @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Peters told Johnson that the hearing was not meant “ for the airing your grievances.
” Johnson banged his gavel and attempted to move on to the next subject matter .
“ This is terrible what you ’ re doing to this committee , ” Peters continued .
“ It is what you have done to this committee , falsely accusing the chairman of spreading disinformation , ” Johnson fired back .
“ Nothing could have been further from the truth and you ’ re spouting it again , which is why @ @ @ @ @ @

The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee held a hearing on Wednesday to discuss and review election security and administration issues. During the hearing, an argument broke out between U.S. Senators Ron Johnson (R-Wi) and Gary Peters (D-Mich) concerning the spread of disinformation regarding the Russia investigation.
Johnson accused Peters of introducing Russian disinformation ‘into our investigation record by leaking to the media and accusing him of ‘accepting and disseminating Russian disinformation from Andre Derkach.’
Derkach is a pro-Russian Ukrainian who promoted allegations against Joe Biden. U.S. intelligence has identified Derkach as an intelligence officer.
‘I’d never heard of the person until they brought it up,’ Johnson said. Johnson then referenced the Hunter Biden probe and confirmed the federal investigation of the president-elect’s son.
“Senior Democrat leaders, including ranking member Peters, were involved in a process of creating a false intelligence product, it was supposed to be classified, they leaked to the media, that accused Senator Grassley, the president pro tempore of the Senate, and myself of accepting and disseminating Russian disinformation.”
He continued, “I can’t sit by here and listen to this and say that this is not disinformation at this hearing today. This is getting information we have to take a look at to restore confidence in our election integrity.”
Peters denied the accusations saying, “I had nothing to do with this report you’re talking about.”
“You lied repeatedly in the press that I was spreading Russian disinformation. That was an outright lie and I told you to stop lying and you continued to do it!” Johnson replied.
Peters told Johnson that the hearing was not meant “for the airing your grievances.”
Johnson banged his gavel and attempted to move on to the next subject matter.
“This is terrible what you’re doing to this committee,” Peters continued.
“It is what you have done to this committee, falsely accusing the chairman of spreading disinformation,” Johnson fired back. “Nothing could have been further from the truth and you’re spouting it again, which is why I had to respond.”
.@SenRonJohnson: "You lied repeatedly in the press that I was spreading Russian disinformation…I told you to stop…"@SenGaryPeters: "This is not about airing your grievances. I don't know what rabbit hole you're running down…"
Full video here: https://t.co/2RpqO2s58g pic.twitter.com/BVDJEucALD — CSPAN (@cspan) December 16, 2020


saraacater--2020-12-18--Text Messages Question the Start of the ‘Russia Collusion’ Investigation

Text Messages Question the Start of the ‘ Russia Collusion ’ Investigation Newly-released text messages from former FBI agent Peter Strzok suggest that the FBI began investigating then-presidential candidate Donald Trump and his campaign for the alleged Russia collusion earlier than the government previously acknowledged .
The FBI claims that investigations into Trump ’ s campaign began on July 31 , 2016 .
The declassified text messages , released by Republican Senators Ron Johnson and Chuck Grassley on Wednesday , show communications between Strzok and his alleged mistress , FBI special counsel Lisa Page .
Strzok asked Page to discuss @ @ @ @ @ @ @ [ counter- ] I [ ntelligence ] investigations relating to Trump ’ s Russian connections ” with him on July 28 , 2016 .
Former FBI Director James Comey denied knowledge of the investigation , saying he first learned of the Steele dossier “ sometime towards the end of September 2016.
” The new Strzok texts also reveal that journalist Carl Bernstein , who helped expose the Watergate scandal in the 1970s and appears regularly on CNN , told the FBI that he received the “ dossier ” from Sen. John McCain .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ texted Page , “ Carl Bernstein ( yes that Carl ) called [ Office of Public Affairs ] , said he got a ‘ dossier ’ from McCain.
” Page replied , “ Awesome , let Carl run it down then.
” The dossier included allegations about Donald Trump and members of the Trump campaign and was funded in part by Hillary Clinton ’ s campaign and the Democratic National Committee .
The FBI found that most of the allegations could not be corroborated and that certain allegations were inaccurate or inconsistent with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The dossier became a key piece of intelligence during the ‘ Crossfire Hurricane ’ FBI probe into whether the Trump campaign colluded with Russia to interfere in the 2016 election .
On Thursday , Trump called McCain , “ One of the most overrated people in D.C. ” Other newly-released text messages give more information into former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton ’ s private email server .
Strzok was aware that there were “ 27 confirmed classified TOTAL ( 26 to ClintonEmail , 1 to Yahoo ) : -6 of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which remain SECRET now and 2 of which are CONFIDENTIAL ) – 21 of the 27 were CONFIDENTIAL then ( 16 of which remain CONFIDENTIAL now and 5 of which are UNCLASS or FOUO ) ” on Clinton ’ s private email server .

Newly-released text messages from former FBI agent Peter Strzok suggest that the FBI began investigating then-presidential candidate Donald Trump and his campaign for the alleged Russia collusion earlier than the government previously acknowledged.
The FBI claims that investigations into Trump’s campaign began on July 31, 2016. The declassified text messages, released by Republican Senators Ron Johnson and Chuck Grassley on Wednesday, show communications between Strzok and his alleged mistress, FBI special counsel Lisa Page. Strzok asked Page to discuss “[o]ur open C[counter-]I[ntelligence] investigations relating to Trump’s Russian connections” with him on July 28, 2016.
https://twitter.com/seanmdav/status/1339603871199621120?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1339603871199621120%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fthefederalist.com%2F2020%2F12%2F17%2Fnew-strzok-texts-show-fbi-was-investigating-trump-before-crossfire-hurricane-was-opened%2F
Former FBI Director James Comey denied knowledge of the investigation, saying he first learned of the Steele dossier “sometime towards the end of September 2016.”
The new Strzok texts also reveal that journalist Carl Bernstein, who helped expose the Watergate scandal in the 1970s and appears regularly on CNN, told the FBI that he received the “dossier” from Sen. John McCain.
According to the released messages, Strzok texted Page, “Carl Bernstein (yes that Carl) called [Office of Public Affairs], said he got a ‘dossier’ from McCain.”
Page replied, “Awesome, let Carl run it down then.”
The dossier included allegations about Donald Trump and members of the Trump campaign and was funded in part by Hillary Clinton’s campaign and the Democratic National Committee. The FBI found that most of the allegations could not be corroborated and that certain allegations were inaccurate or inconsistent with information gathered by the Crossfire Hurricane team.
The dossier became a key piece of intelligence during the ‘Crossfire Hurricane’ FBI probe into whether the Trump campaign colluded with Russia to interfere in the 2016 election.
On Thursday, Trump called McCain, “One of the most overrated people in D.C.”
https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1339768443042738176
Other newly-released text messages give more information into former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s private email server.
Strzok was aware that there were “27 confirmed classified TOTAL (26 to ClintonEmail, 1 to Yahoo): -6 of the 27 were SECRET then (4 of which remain SECRET now and 2 of which are CONFIDENTIAL) – 21 of the 27 were CONFIDENTIAL then (16 of which remain CONFIDENTIAL now and 5 of which are UNCLASS or FOUO)” on Clinton’s private email server.


saraacater--2020-12-18--American student reportedly sentenced to months in prison for breaking Cayman Islands quarantine

American student reportedly sentenced to months in prison for breaking Cayman Islands quarantine An American student , 18 , and @ @ @ @ @ to four months in prison by a Cayman Islands court .
The Cayman Islands requires @ @ @ @ @ two negative tests for all travelers to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 .
“ This @ @ @ @ @ as could be imagined , ” Grand Court Justice Roger Chapple told the court , @ @ @ @ @ .
“ It was borne of selfishness and arrogance.
” The student reportedly took off @ @ @ @ @ her boyfriend compete in a jet ski race .
Her family defends that she tested @ @ @ @ @ times while on her trip and accused the Cayman Islands of ‘ making an example @ @ @ @ @ The student also wrote an apology , calling the move “ the biggest mistake of @ @ @ @ @ Click here to read the full report .


saraacater--2020-12-18--Pompeo, Mnuchin say no clash exists between them over China-related E.O., after WSJ report

Pompeo , Mnuchin say no clash exists between them over China-related E.O.
, after WSJ report A day after The Wall Street Journal published an exclusive report detailing a behind-the-scenes “ clash ” between Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Secretary of the Treasury Steven Mnuchin and their departments from people familiar with the matter over disagreements regarding a recent executive order barring Americans from investing in companies tied to China ’ s military complex , both stated Friday afternoon that there is no clash .
Both high-ranking Cabinet officials , in tweets posted one minute apart , wrote that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that they and their respective departments are working together on this executive order .
On top of that , both tweets had near-identical messaging .
“ There is no disagreement between @ SecPompeo and me regarding the implementation of the President ’ s Executive Order , ” wrote Mnuchin .
“ We are coordinating closely on an interagency basis.
” “ There is no clash between Secretary @ stevenmnuchin1 and me , ” tweeted Pompeo a minute later .
“ We are simply working to resolve interagency mechanics of an important executive order.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ White House prohibited American investors from investing in 35 Chinese companies that the Pentagon has classified as aiding China ’ s defense , intelligence , and security apparatus .
“ The U.S. government , ” according to the Thursday Journal report , “ is at odds over whether the blacklist should include subsidiaries of the companies .
Another battlefront is over whether affiliates should be included .
The question affects how much teeth the ban will have.
” State and Defense Department officials want the executive order to have the widest reach possible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ blacklist to only include the companies specifically flagged by the Pentagon , and not affiliates or subsidiaries , people familiar with the matter told The Journal .
As a result , this situation created by these disagreements pitted Pompeo and Mnuchin , as well as their respective departments , against each other .
Particularly , the funding of Chinese state-tied companies by U.S. investors , Pompeo has said for a long time , threatens national security .
For more details about the dispute and the executive order , read the full original WSJ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ follow Douglas Braff on Twitter @ Douglas_P_Braff .

A day after The Wall Street Journal published an exclusive report detailing a behind-the-scenes “clash” between Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Secretary of the Treasury Steven Mnuchin and their departments from people familiar with the matter over disagreements regarding a recent executive order barring Americans from investing in companies tied to China’s military complex, both stated Friday afternoon that there is no clash.
Both high-ranking Cabinet officials, in tweets posted one minute apart, wrote that that no clash exists between them and that they and their respective departments are working together on this executive order. On top of that, both tweets had near-identical messaging.
“There is no disagreement between @SecPompeo and me regarding the implementation of the President’s Executive Order,” wrote Mnuchin. “We are coordinating closely on an interagency basis.”
There is no disagreement between @SecPompeo and me regarding the implementation of the President’s Executive Order. We are coordinating closely on an interagency basis. — Steven Mnuchin (@stevenmnuchin1) December 18, 2020
“There is no clash between Secretary @stevenmnuchin1 and me,” tweeted Pompeo a minute later. “We are simply working to resolve interagency mechanics of an important executive order.”
There is no clash between Secretary @stevenmnuchin1 and me. We are simply working to resolve interagency mechanics of an important executive order. — Secretary Pompeo (@SecPompeo) December 18, 2020
Starting back in November, the White House prohibited American investors from investing in 35 Chinese companies that the Pentagon has classified as aiding China’s defense, intelligence, and security apparatus.
“The U.S. government,” according to the Thursday Journal report, “is at odds over whether the blacklist should include subsidiaries of the companies. Another battlefront is over whether affiliates should be included. The question affects how much teeth the ban will have.”
State and Defense Department officials want the executive order to have the widest reach possible, whereas the Treasury Department wants the blacklist to only include the companies specifically flagged by the Pentagon, and not affiliates or subsidiaries, people familiar with the matter told The Journal.
As a result, this situation created by these disagreements pitted Pompeo and Mnuchin, as well as their respective departments, against each other. Particularly, the funding of Chinese state-tied companies by U.S. investors, Pompeo has said for a long time, threatens national security.
For more details about the dispute and the executive order, read the full original WSJ report from Thursday here.
You can follow Douglas Braff on Twitter @Douglas_P_Braff.


saraacater--2020-12-18--U.S. blacklists Chinese drone company, dozens of other Chinese companies

U.S. blacklists Chinese drone company , dozens of other Chinese companies The United States government has added the massive Chinese drone company SZ DJI Technology Co , the largest in the world , to its economic blacklist alongside a batch of about 80 other Chinese companies , Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross said Friday morning .
The U.S. Department of Commerce said it was adding DJI , AGCU Scientech , China National Scientific Instruments and Materials , and Kuang-Chi Group because the four companies “ enabled wide-scale human rights abuses within China through abusive genetic collection and analysis or high-technology @ @ @ @ @ @ @ RELATED : ‘ That would be a mistake ’ : Nikki Haley urges Biden not to ditch all Trump foreign policies The department also said in some cases the four companies had “ facilitated the export of items by China that aid repressive regimes around the world , contrary to U.S. foreign policy interests , ” Reuters reports .
Also being added to the list is Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corp ( SMIC ) , China ’ s foremost chipmaker .
Explicitly , SMIC will be barred from acquiring technology to manufacture chips with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ FOX Business ’ Maria Bartiromo on Friday morning .
“ What this is all about is these are companies that are tied to the People ’ s Liberation Army , ” said Ross .
“ This has to do with is their access to very advanced semiconductor products , ” he added .
Further explaining the move , Ross said the blacklist was necessary to “ ensure that China , through its national champion SMIC , is not able to leverage U.S. technologies to enable indigenous advanced technology levels to support its destabilizing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wang Wenbin denounced the U.S. action during a Friday briefing in Beijing .
“ We urge the U.S. to stop its wrongful activities cracking down on foreign companies , ” he said .
Back in September , the Commerce Department placed SMIC on a different export restrictions list , saying it had conducted a review and concluded that the firm “ may pose an unacceptable risk of diversion to a military end use in the People ’ s Republic of China , ” according to Fox News .
You can follow Douglas Braff @ @ @ @ @

The United States government has added the massive Chinese drone company SZ DJI Technology Co, the largest in the world, to its economic blacklist alongside a batch of about 80 other Chinese companies, Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross said Friday morning.
The U.S. Department of Commerce said it was adding DJI, AGCU Scientech, China National Scientific Instruments and Materials, and Kuang-Chi Group because the four companies “enabled wide-scale human rights abuses within China through abusive genetic collection and analysis or high-technology surveillance,” Fox News reports.
RELATED: ‘That would be a mistake’: Nikki Haley urges Biden not to ditch all Trump foreign policies
The department also said in some cases the four companies had “facilitated the export of items by China that aid repressive regimes around the world, contrary to U.S. foreign policy interests,” Reuters reports.
Also being added to the list is Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corp (SMIC), China’s foremost chipmaker. Explicitly, SMIC will be barred from acquiring technology to manufacture chips with 10-nanometer circuits and smaller, Ross told FOX Business’ Maria Bartiromo on Friday morning.
“What this is all about is these are companies that are tied to the People’s Liberation Army,” said Ross.
“This has to do with is their access to very advanced semiconductor products,” he added.
Further explaining the move, Ross said the blacklist was necessary to “ensure that China, through its national champion SMIC, is not able to leverage U.S. technologies to enable indigenous advanced technology levels to support its destabilizing military activities.”
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin denounced the U.S. action during a Friday briefing in Beijing.
“We urge the U.S. to stop its wrongful activities cracking down on foreign companies,” he said.
Back in September, the Commerce Department placed SMIC on a different export restrictions list, saying it had conducted a review and concluded that the firm “may pose an unacceptable risk of diversion to a military end use in the People’s Republic of China,” according to Fox News.
You can follow Douglas Braff on Twitter @Douglas_P_Braff.


saraacater--2020-12-18--Raphael Warnock hosted antisemite Jeremiah Wright as guest preacher in 2014: report

Georgia senatorial candidate Rev .
Raphael Warnock ( D ) hosted the controversial Rev .
Jeremiah Wright as a guest preacher at his Atlanta church back in 2014 , Fox News reported Thursday night .
Wright , whom Warnock has defended in the past , was once a pastor for former President Barack Obama and has a history of making antisemitic and other inflammatory statements .
A flyer for the event discovered on Facebook advertised Wright as a guest preacher at Warnock ’ s historic Ebenezer Baptist Church , the same church where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was once @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The flyer was posted to Facebook on September 8 , 2014 , and states that Wright was to speak at the church on September 10 .
A spokesman for his election opponent , incumbent Sen. Kelly Loeffler ( R ) , slammed Warnock ’ s recently unearthed action from 2014 .
“ Not only did Raphael Warnock praise Jeremiah Wright ’ s ‘ God Damn America ’ sermon , he thought it was so great that he invited him to Ebenezer Baptist to deliver it , ” Loeffler ’ s communications director , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ night .
“ Does Georgia really want a U.S. senator who thinks God should damn America ?
” Warnock defended Wright in a 2008 Fox News interview , which came after a resurfaced video of Wright delivering a 2003 sermon titled “ Confusing God and Government , ” in response to the politically divisive U.S. invasion of Iraq that year .
“ Not God bless America ; God damn America , ” Wright said at the time .
“ That ’ s in the Bible , for killing innocent people .
God damn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ less than human .
God damn America as long as she tries to act like she is God and she is supreme.
” Warnock called it a “ disservice ” to the country to harp on old soundbites , according to Fox News .
This would come years before his own statements would resurface during his Senate campaign , which have especially been used for fodder in Republican advertisements against his candidacy .
“ We celebrate Rev .
Wright in the same way that we celebrate the truth-telling tradition of the Black church @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , very often it makes people uncomfortable , ” he said .
Wright became the center of controversy in 2009 when he blamed Jews for preventing him from talking with then-President Obama .
Obama had distanced himself from the preacher over his “ divisive ” comments .
Warnock , despite his repeated defenses of the controversial preacher , has denounced antisemitism and , notably , was endorsed last week by the Democratic Majority for Israel PAC , a progressive Jewish group .
Currently , there is a set of twin U.S. Senate runoff @ @ @ @ @ @ @ January 5 , which will determine which party controls the Senate at the beginning of President-elect Joe Biden ’ s fast-approaching presidency .
For the past couple of weeks , Georgians have been casting absentee ballots and began in-person early voting on Monday .
The state ’ s other Senate race is between incumbent Sen. David Perdue ( R ) and Democrat Jon Ossoff .
If Democrats sweep both seats , they will control 50 out of the 100 seats in the upper chamber and have Vice President-elect Kamala Harris as the tie-breaking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trick would likely make confirming Biden ’ s Cabinet picks slightly easier for the Democrats .
You can follow Douglas Braff on Twitter @ Douglas_P_Braff .

Georgia senatorial candidate Rev. Raphael Warnock (D) hosted the controversial Rev. Jeremiah Wright as a guest preacher at his Atlanta church back in 2014, Fox News reported Thursday night. Wright, whom Warnock has defended in the past, was once a pastor for former President Barack Obama and has a history of making antisemitic and other inflammatory statements.
A flyer for the event discovered on Facebook advertised Wright as a guest preacher at Warnock’s historic Ebenezer Baptist Church, the same church where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was once a pastor, Fox News reports. The flyer was posted to Facebook on September 8, 2014, and states that Wright was to speak at the church on September 10.
A flyer for the event posted to Facebook on September 8, 2014.
A spokesman for his election opponent, incumbent Sen. Kelly Loeffler (R), slammed Warnock’s recently unearthed action from 2014.
“Not only did Raphael Warnock praise Jeremiah Wright’s ‘God Damn America’ sermon, he thought it was so great that he invited him to Ebenezer Baptist to deliver it,” Loeffler’s communications director, Stephen Lawson, told Fox News Thursday night. “Does Georgia really want a U.S. senator who thinks God should damn America?”
Warnock defended Wright in a 2008 Fox News interview, which came after a resurfaced video of Wright delivering a 2003 sermon titled “Confusing God and Government,” in response to the politically divisive U.S. invasion of Iraq that year.
“Not God bless America; God damn America,” Wright said at the time. “That’s in the Bible, for killing innocent people. God damn America, for treating her citizens as less than human. God damn America as long as she tries to act like she is God and she is supreme.”
Warnock called it a “disservice” to the country to harp on old soundbites, according to Fox News. This would come years before his own statements would resurface during his Senate campaign, which have especially been used for fodder in Republican advertisements against his candidacy.
“We celebrate Rev. Wright in the same way that we celebrate the truth-telling tradition of the Black church, which when preachers tell the truth, very often it makes people uncomfortable,” he said.
Wright became the center of controversy in 2009 when he blamed Jews for preventing him from talking with then-President Obama. Obama had distanced himself from the preacher over his “divisive” comments.
Warnock, despite his repeated defenses of the controversial preacher, has denounced antisemitism and, notably, was endorsed last week by the Democratic Majority for Israel PAC, a progressive Jewish group.
Currently, there is a set of twin U.S. Senate runoff elections in the Peach State happening on January 5, which will determine which party controls the Senate at the beginning of President-elect Joe Biden’s fast-approaching presidency. For the past couple of weeks, Georgians have been casting absentee ballots and began in-person early voting on Monday.
The state’s other Senate race is between incumbent Sen. David Perdue (R) and Democrat Jon Ossoff. If Democrats sweep both seats, they will control 50 out of the 100 seats in the upper chamber and have Vice President-elect Kamala Harris as the tie-breaking vote. Pulling off such a hat trick would likely make confirming Biden’s Cabinet picks slightly easier for the Democrats.
You can follow Douglas Braff on Twitter @Douglas_P_Braff.


saraacater--2020-12-18--FBI to brief McCarthy on Rep. Swalwell ties to suspected Chinese spy

FBI to brief McCarthy on Rep. Swalwell ties to suspected Chinese spy House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy ( R-Calif. ) asked why Democrats “ can not admit that China is an adversary to the United States ” on Friday ’ s broadcast of “ Fox & Friends , ” when discussing the ongoing scandal of fellow California Rep. Eric Swalwell ( D ) and his ties to a Chinese spy , Fox News reports .
“ What do the communist Chinese have on the Democrats that is so powerful , so powerful that they focused on a person when he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ money for him to become a member of Congress , ” McCarthy told the “ Fox & Friends ” co-hosts .
Furthermore , he added that the FBI will shortly brief him on the matter after the initial meeting was canceled on short notice .
Already , the House Republicans leader has called for Swalwell to be “ removed from Congress.
” Talking with “ Fox & Friends , ” McCarthy called for the removal of Swalwell from the House Intelligence Committee and said the Democrats ’ habit of siding against Republicans on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ questions.
” “ This person got on to the intel committee .
Did somebody lobby for him ?
And in his first year , his committee was overseeing the CIA ?
And then at the same time , he ran for president , ” he said .
It was first reported last week by Axios that Christine Fang , otherwise known as Fang Fang , pretended to be an exchange student and ventured to the U.S. to build relationships with politicians on behalf of the Chinese Communist Party ( CCP ) .
Swalwell @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whom she met when he was still a city councilman in the East Bay city of Dublin almost 10 years ago .
McCarthy , it should be noted , emphasized that Swalwell ’ s ties with a Chinese spy is not a matter of partisanship , but rather a “ national security ” issue .
Moreover , McCarthy said that when a Chinese spy infiltrates the U.S. intelligence committee , they can “ learn and keep the secrets of the country.
” “ We have Nancy Pelosi , who just last year said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ China .
You got the Democrat armed service chair who literally sat on the floor of Congress , that it was not China ’ s job to warn us about the virus .
You got Adam Schiff , the now chairman of the intel committee , saying it was just escalation , that it was wrong that we close that consulate of China , it raises so many more questions , ” McCarthy said .
“ There are 200 other Democrat members of Congress .
You ’ re going to tell me one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be on the intel committee than Swalwell ?
I ’ m asked for this briefing today because I have a lot of questions , ” he continued .
“ The Democrats backed out of the bipartisan task force on China last year , on the day before we are announcing it ?
Why ?
Why can you allow Swalwell to stay on this committee and cheat the American public ?
It is justified that we look at , and save our national security.
” Swalwell gained some national attention when he ran @ @ @ @ @ @ @ long-shot campaign was overshadowed by the dozens of other Democrats , many with greater name recognition , in the unprecedentedly crowded field .
Ultimately , he suspended his short-lived campaign in July 2019 after the first round of debates .
Swalwell was also a vocal advocate of the Special Counsel Robert Mueller ’ s Russia probe into the now-debunked allegations that then-candidate Donald Trump ‘ s 2016 campaign engaged in collusion with Russians .
You can follow Douglas Braff on Twitter @ Douglas_P_Braff .

House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) asked why Democrats “cannot admit that China is an adversary to the United States” on Friday’s broadcast of “Fox & Friends,” when discussing the ongoing scandal of fellow California Rep. Eric Swalwell (D) and his ties to a Chinese spy, Fox News reports.
“What do the communist Chinese have on the Democrats that is so powerful, so powerful that they focused on a person when he was a city council member, bundled money for him to become a member of Congress,” McCarthy told the “Fox & Friends” co-hosts.
Furthermore, he added that the FBI will shortly brief him on the matter after the initial meeting was canceled on short notice.
“I will not give up,” McCarthy emphasized.
Already, the House Republicans leader has called for Swalwell to be “removed from Congress.”
Talking with “Fox & Friends,” McCarthy called for the removal of Swalwell from the House Intelligence Committee and said the Democrats’ habit of siding against Republicans on China-related issues “raises so many more questions.”
“This person got on to the intel committee. Did somebody lobby for him? And in his first year, his committee was overseeing the CIA? And then at the same time, he ran for president,” he said.
It was first reported last week by Axios that Christine Fang, otherwise known as Fang Fang, pretended to be an exchange student and ventured to the U.S. to build relationships with politicians on behalf of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Swalwell was one of her highest-profile targets, whom she met when he was still a city councilman in the East Bay city of Dublin almost 10 years ago.
McCarthy, it should be noted, emphasized that Swalwell’s ties with a Chinese spy is not a matter of partisanship, but rather a “national security” issue. Moreover, McCarthy said that when a Chinese spy infiltrates the U.S. intelligence committee, they can “learn and keep the secrets of the country.”
“We have Nancy Pelosi, who just last year said it was a diversion to focus on China. You got the Democrat armed service chair who literally sat on the floor of Congress, that it was not China’s job to warn us about the virus. You got Adam Schiff, the now chairman of the intel committee, saying it was just escalation, that it was wrong that we close that consulate of China, it raises so many more questions,” McCarthy said.
“There are 200 other Democrat members of Congress. You’re going to tell me one of those other 200 are not better to be on the intel committee than Swalwell? I’m asked for this briefing today because I have a lot of questions,” he continued. “The Democrats backed out of the bipartisan task force on China last year, on the day before we are announcing it? Why? Why can you allow Swalwell to stay on this committee and cheat the American public? It is justified that we look at, and save our national security.”
Swalwell gained some national attention when he ran for president in 2020, but his long-shot campaign was overshadowed by the dozens of other Democrats, many with greater name recognition, in the unprecedentedly crowded field. Ultimately, he suspended his short-lived campaign in July 2019 after the first round of debates.
Swalwell was also a vocal advocate of the Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s Russia probe into the now-debunked allegations that then-candidate Donald Trump‘s 2016 campaign engaged in collusion with Russians.
You can follow Douglas Braff on Twitter @Douglas_P_Braff.


saraacater--2020-12-18--Dep HHS Sec: Early COVID-19 Data ‘probably long gone’

Department of Health and Human Services Deputy Secretary Eric Hargan joined “ The Sara Carter Show ” on Thursday to discuss COVID-19 and Operation Warp Speed .
During his interview with host Sara A. Carter , Hargan addressed China ’ s handling of the virus and said that there ’ s still so much we don ’ t know about the origins of its strain .
Hargan explained that although China “ did give us the viral sequence in January ” , there was still “ a lot of dragging of heels on the part of China to be able @ @ @ @ @ @ @ figure out exactly what was going on here.
” “ So there ’ s still there are still a lot of mysteries about the origin of this viral strain , and exactly how it appeared when it appeared , ” Hargan said .
“ And so I think that that ’ s going to be something that we ’ re going to be digging into , really , for a long time in the future .
But a lot of it , I ’ m afraid , a lot of the data on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” The World Health Organization is readying to soon be able to send a team of experts to Wuhan after reportedly months of negotiations with the Chinese government .
Early in the outbreak , many international health experts were barred from entering Wuhan .
Additionally , many journalists were also sent out of China and whistleblowers warning about the virus were disappeared .
Despite the Chinese government ’ s efforts to control information about COVID-19 , the Trump administration has been able to successfully move forward with Operation Warp Speed to develop a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , each with over 90 % efficacy , have been approved by the FDA .
With that ongoing success , Hargan predicts that 20 million doses will be given by the end of December , another 30 million by the end of January , and then another 50 million by the end of February .
That would mean by February , 100 million Americans will be vaccinated .


saraacater--2020-12-18--SCOTUS blocks challenge to Trump admin plan to exclude illegal immigrants from census

SCOTUS blocks challenge to Trump admin plan to exclude illegal immigrants from census The Supreme Court of the United States @ @ @ @ @ ruling dropped a lawsuit seeking to stop the Trump administration ’ s plan to ensure @ @ @ @ @ in the 2020 census .
The ruling was made along ideological lines , with the @ @ @ @ @ favor and the 3 liberal justices dissenting .
One of President Donald Trump ’ s @ @ @ @ @ having noncitizens in the census would be used to reapportion congressional seats .
Those arguing @ @ @ @ @ simply a move for political gains .


saraacater--2020-12-18--Pentagon reportedly Issues a Halt for Biden Transition Team Meetings

The Pentagon has ordered a halt to cooperation with the transition team of president-elect Joe Biden , according to reports @ @ @ @ @ Miller ordered the Pentagon-wide pause to cooperation with the incoming Biden administration in a move @ @ @ @ @ Axios reports .
Miller reportedly issued the order on Thursday and cancelled meetings building-wide .
@ @ @ @ @ told Axios it was a “ simple delay of the last few scheduled meetings until @ @ @ @ @ “ We had fewer than two dozen remaining meetings on the schedule today and next @ @ @ @ @ said to Axios , adding that “ the DoD staff working the meetings were overwhelmed @ @ @ @ @ ” “ These same senior leaders needed to do their day jobs and were being @ @ @ @ @ … With the holidays we are taking a knee for two weeks .
We are @ @ @ @ @ transition.
” Officials were unsure what prompted Miller ’ s action , or whether President @ @ @


saraacater--2020-12-18--Joe Biden tells Colbert he is ‘not concerned’ about accusations against Hunter Biden amid investigat

Joe Biden tells Colbert he is ‘not concerned’ about accusations against Hunter Biden amid investigations

Joe Biden tells Colbert he is ‘ not concerned ’ about accusations against Hunter Biden amid investigations President-elect Joe Biden told Stephen Colbert on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert he is “ not concerned ” about accusations against his son Hunter Biden amid the investigation by federal prosecutors into his son ’ s tax affairs .
Biden sat alongside his wife , Dr. Jill Biden , and expressed that they had ” great confidence in our son.
” “ I am not concerned about any accusations made against him , ” President-elect Biden continued .
“ It ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ think it ’ s kind of foul play.
” The Biden transition team clarified that Biden was not referring to the investigation as “ foul play , ” but to Republicans who used Hunter Biden ’ s business dealings to go after him personally for months , Fox News reported .
The Delaware U.S. Attorney is currently working with the IRS Criminal Investigation agency and the FBI to investigate Hunter Biden ’ s taxes .
The investigation has been ongoing since 2018 but was only recently publicly disclosed .
Investigators have been examining @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Biden and his associates violated tax and money laundering laws in business dealings in foreign countries , specifically China .
Hunter Biden ’ s involvement with Ukranian energy company Burisma in 2014 has also been under intense scrutiny .
NBC News published emails this week which show Hunter Biden had $ 400,000 in unreported income from his time at Burisma Holdings .
“ Look , it is what it is , ” Joe Biden said .
“ He ’ s a grown man .
He ’ s the smartest man I know .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ capacity .
As long as he ’ s good , we ’ re good .
”


saraacater--2020-12-21--Dr. Deborah Birx Traveled During Thanksgiving, Despite Urging Americans to Not

Dr. Deborah Birx Traveled During Thanksgiving , Despite Urging Americans to Not Dr. Deborah Birx , coordinator of the White House coronavirus response , traveled and visited with family during the Thanksgiving holiday , despite urging Americans to avoid doing the same .
AP news reported that Birx traveled the day after Thanksgiving to gather with her daughter , son-in-law and grandchildren at her vacation home on Fenwick Island in Delaware .
In a statement to the AP , Birx insisted that everyone on the trip was a member of her “ immediate household.
” However , not all of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ home .
In the weeks leading up to Thanksgiving , Birx warned Americans to avoid travel and gatherings to mitigate the spread of coronavirus .
While in Delaware , Birx interviewed with CBS News ’ “ Face The Nation , ” and told anyone who had traveled for the holiday to “ assume that you are exposed and you became infected ” and “ to get tested in the next week.
” Kathleen Flynn , a relative to Birx , told the AP that Birx ’ s travels had caused friction among their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ own guidance , ” Flynn said .
Birx is reportedly seeking a role in the Biden administration , but many are critical of her violating her own guidelines .
“ To me this disqualifies her from any future government health position , ” said Dr. Angela Rasmussen , a virologist at the Georgetown Center for Global Health Science and Security .
“ It ’ s a terrible message for someone in public health to be sending to the American people .
”


saraacater--2020-12-21--COVID-19 relief bill includes hundreds of millions of dollars in Palestinian aid: report

COVID-19 relief bill includes hundreds of millions of dollars in Palestinian aid : report The nearly 6,000-page COVID-19 relief bill set to be voted on late Monday sets aside $ 250 million in investment aid for the Palestinians and for encouraging Israeli-Palestinian dialogue in a provision called the “ Nita M. Lowey Middle East Partnership for Peace Act of 2020 , ” the Breitbart reports .
The Lowey Act , named for retiring Congresswoman Nita Lowey ( D-N.Y. ) , would spend $ 50 million per year for the next five years , due to economic stagnation in the Palestinian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the region to help promote peace .
Back in July , a version of the act was passed the Democrat-controlled House of Representatives , the Times of Israel reported at the time .
Under the Taylor Force Act of 2018 , Congress limited U.S. financial aid to the Palestinian Authority , barring American taxpayer money from being sent to the Palestinian government as long as the entity continues to give money to terrorists and their families .
The Lowey Act would launch the “ People-to-People Partnership for Peace Fund , ” which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for International Development ( USAID ) to “ provide funding for projects to help build the foundation for peaceful co-existence between Israelis and Palestinians and for a sustainable two-state solution.
” Moreover , the fund would have an advisory board of 13 members , alongside two members “ who are representatives of foreign governments or international organizations for renewable periods of 3 years.
” The act would also support initiatives that promote dialogue between Arab and Jewish citizens of Israel and would found the “ Joint Investment for Peace Initiative , ” which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that contribute to the development of the Palestinian private sector economy in the West Bank and Gaza.
” It should also be mentioned that the provision would ban the funding from being used to aid any foreign government , including the Palestinian Authority and the Palestine Liberation Organization ( PLO ) .
It also bans funds from being provided to any group considered to be involved in , or promoting , terrorism .
You can follow Douglas Braff on Twitter @ Douglas_P_Braff .


saraacater--2020-12-21--Trump signs order making classical architecture the preferred style for federal buildings

President Donald Trump signed an executive order declaring the classical style of architecture as the preferred style for federal buildings in the nation ’ s capital , a White House official said on Monday , Bloomberg reports .
Instead of outright mandating that all newly constructed federal buildings are built in the classical style , the order states rather simply that they must be “ beautiful.
” The other specific architectural styles allowed , as mentioned in an emailed statement from the office of the White House press secretary , are the Neoclassical , Georgian , Federal , Greek Revival @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
On the other hand , styles akin to brutalism and modernism , which became popular during the mid-20th Century , will not be preferred .
In accordance with the order , a “ Council for Improving Federal Civic Architecture ” will be created to recommend updates to the General Services Administration ’ s ( GSA ) architectural guidelines .
For months , the administration has been drafting this executive order , according to Bloomberg .
On top of that , an early version that would have prohibited modernist design triggered a strong @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the National Trust for Historic Preservation .
“ Architecture should be designed for the specific communities that it serves , reflecting our rich nation ’ s diverse places , thought , culture and climates , ” the AIA said in a statement .
“ Architects are committed to honoring our past as well as reflecting our future progress , protecting the freedom of thought and expression that are essential to democracy.
” In spite of this rebuke , the White House official said that polling revealed a vast majority of Americans prefer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weren ’ t easily identifiable as public buildings , according to Bloomberg .
New construction should command respect by the general public and not just architectural elites , the official said .
The GSA , before selecting a design , will also be required by the executive order to seek design input from the general public and future staff of federal buildings .
There are some Democrats , though , who have bashed the White House ’ s measure to enforce a unified and classic architectural design across federal buildings , with Rep. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that would prohibit the GSA from blocking modernist designs .
“ Imposing a preferred architectural style for federal facilities runs counter to our nation ’ s democratic traditions , ” Titus wrote in a letter to GSA Administrator Emily Murphy .
“ Attempting to implement this misguided mandate from Washington , D.C. , by circumventing Congress and gutting decades of GSA policy and practice without any public notice or hearing is even worse.
” With 30 days until Trump leaves the White House , he and his team have been trying to solidify @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This rather small but consequential executive order will likely impact the way Washington , DC and other places are adorned with grand federal buildings in the coming years .
You can follow Douglas Braff on Twitter @ Douglas_P_Braff .

President Donald Trump signed an executive order declaring the classical style of architecture as the preferred style for federal buildings in the nation’s capital, a White House official said on Monday, Bloomberg reports.
Instead of outright mandating that all newly constructed federal buildings are built in the classical style, the order states rather simply that they must be “beautiful.”
The other specific architectural styles allowed, as mentioned in an emailed statement from the office of the White House press secretary, are the Neoclassical, Georgian, Federal, Greek Revival, Beaux-Arts, and Art Deco styles. On the other hand, styles akin to brutalism and modernism, which became popular during the mid-20th Century, will not be preferred.
INBOX: @realDonaldTrump has signed an executive order prohibiting new federal buildings from being built in anything other than Neoclassical, Georgian, Federal, Greek Revival, Beaux-Arts, or Art Deco styles. pic.twitter.com/gPbaYk9yEe — Andrew Feinberg (@AndrewFeinberg) December 21, 2020
In accordance with the order, a “Council for Improving Federal Civic Architecture” will be created to recommend updates to the General Services Administration’s (GSA) architectural guidelines.
For months, the administration has been drafting this executive order, according to Bloomberg. On top of that, an early version that would have prohibited modernist design triggered a strong rebuke from the American Institute of Architects and the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
“Architecture should be designed for the specific communities that it serves, reflecting our rich nation’s diverse places, thought, culture and climates,” the AIA said in a statement. “Architects are committed to honoring our past as well as reflecting our future progress, protecting the freedom of thought and expression that are essential to democracy.”
In spite of this rebuke, the White House official said that polling revealed a vast majority of Americans prefer traditional designs and said some modern structures weren’t easily identifiable as public buildings, according to Bloomberg. New construction should command respect by the general public and not just architectural elites, the official said.
The GSA, before selecting a design, will also be required by the executive order to seek design input from the general public and future staff of federal buildings.
There are some Democrats, though, who have bashed the White House’s measure to enforce a unified and classic architectural design across federal buildings, with Rep. Dina Titus (D-Nev.) introducing legislation that would prohibit the GSA from blocking modernist designs.
“Imposing a preferred architectural style for federal facilities runs counter to our nation’s democratic traditions,” Titus wrote in a letter to GSA Administrator Emily Murphy. “Attempting to implement this misguided mandate from Washington, D.C., by circumventing Congress and gutting decades of GSA policy and practice without any public notice or hearing is even worse.”
With 30 days until Trump leaves the White House, he and his team have been trying to solidify a legacy that will outlive him. This rather small but consequential executive order will likely impact the way Washington, DC and other places are adorned with grand federal buildings in the coming years.
You can follow Douglas Braff on Twitter @Douglas_P_Braff.