saraacater--2020-07-31--Voice Of America Under Investigation For Election Interference After Promoting A Pro-Biden Political

Voice Of America Under Investigation For Election Interference After Promoting A Pro-Biden Political Ad

The agency overseeing U.S. foreign broadcasting services announced Thursday that it has launched an investigation into Voice of America – a major multi-media agency with extensive global reach – after it promoted a video that “ can only be described as an apparent election advertisement for presumptive Democratic presidential nominee ” former Vice President Joe Biden .
CEO Michael Pack , with the U.S. Agency for Global Media ( USAGM ) announced the investigation into Voice of America [ VOA ] shortly after SaraACarter.com first reported the political ad for Biden promoted by the VOA ’ s Urdu services on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the video was branded with VOA logos throughout and at the end of the two minute ad .
Pack stated in a press release ; that the content produced by VOA contractors violated the ” VOA Charter , VOA ’ s Best Practices Guide , VOA ’ s Journalistic Code , and agency standards and principles , and , further , might have constituted U.S. election interference and a violation of federal law.
” The press release notes that “ there is significant concern that the VOA content targeted potential voters in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on to state that an English-language translation of the revised VOA Urdu content says , “ the number of Muslim voters in several key U.S. states could play a significant role in the upcoming presidential election .
In the 2016 election , President Trump won Michigan with less than 11,000 votes .
The number of Muslim voters in this state is 1.5 million.
” VOA , which was established in 1942 , is considered the premiere U.S. agency for global media outreach .
In fact , it is a U.S. government tax payer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ budget of roughly $ 234.7 million .
The agency has employees roughly 1,078 people , as well as hundreds of foreign contractors .
The Biden political ad presents a possible serious Hatch Act violation .
According to a story in Politico , Thursday the VOA is now considering suspending the four contractors involved in producing and promoting the video for VOA Urdu .
The Biden ad video was subsequently removed by VOA after it was discovered .
However , it had already been placed on all multi-media platforms , with Urdu translation , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Muslim audiences around the world .
“ USAGM staff members who attempt to influence American elections will be held accountable , ” said Pack in the press release .
“ Our networks comprise the U.S. ’ s megaphone to the world , and this invaluable instrument is generously funded by the American people .
To safeguard our agency ’ s reputation and the integrity of our content , I will continue to ensure that violations of journalistic standards and principles are dealt with swiftly and fairly .
This investigation – and , indeed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ since starting my tenure last month – has been to repair USAGM so that , once again , U.S. government international broadcasting advances the American national interest.
” He also noted in a recent Tweet that the “ investigation- and , indeed , every action that I have taken since starting my tenure last month – has been to repair @ USAGMgov so that , once again , U.S. government international broadcasting advances the American national interest.
” The VOA Biden political ad not only reached American voters , but its Urdu platform @ @ @ @ @ @ @ India and Afghanistan .
The video , which aired on or about July 22 , was also posted on VOA ’ s website , Twitter , Facebook and Instagram platforms .
As previously reported by this website , Biden ’ s speech was lifted from an online event he participated in for Emgage Action ’ s “ Million Muslim Votes ” According to Emgage Action ’ s website , it is a 501c ( 4 ) that is seeking “ to mobilize American Muslims ” and Biden urged the group of Muslim voters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ We all have the same root here , in terms of our fundamental basic beliefs…Your voice is your vote , your vote is your voice , ” Biden is saying in the video .
“ I ’ ll be a president that seeks out and incorporates and listens to the ideas and concerns of Muslim Americans on everyday issues that matter most to our communities , ” he says .
“ That will include having Muslim American voices as part of my administration.
” The press release emphasized that the “ VOA-branded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Million Muslim Votes , ” and highlighted Biden making election promises to the Muslim-American community .
Among other individuals , Democratic Representatives Ilhan Omar of Minnesota and Rashida Tlaib of Michigan made appearances in the video .
”

The agency overseeing U.S. foreign broadcasting services announced Thursday that it has launched an investigation into Voice of America – a major multi-media agency with extensive global reach – after it promoted a video that “can only be described as an apparent election advertisement for presumptive Democratic presidential nominee” former Vice President Joe Biden.
CEO Michael Pack, with the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM) announced the investigation into Voice of America [VOA] shortly after SaraACarter.com first reported the political ad for Biden promoted by the VOA’s Urdu services on all their multi-media platforms. Moreover, the video was branded with VOA logos throughout and at the end of the two minute ad.
Pack stated in a press release; that the content produced by VOA contractors violated the ” VOA Charter, VOA’s Best Practices Guide, VOA’s Journalistic Code, and agency standards and principles, and, further, might have constituted U.S. election interference and a violation of federal law.”
The press release notes that “there is significant concern that the VOA content targeted potential voters in the forthcoming U.S. presidential election.”
It goes on to state that an English-language translation of the revised VOA Urdu content says, “the number of Muslim voters in several key U.S. states could play a significant role in the upcoming presidential election. In the 2016 election, President Trump won Michigan with less than 11,000 votes. The number of Muslim voters in this state is 1.5 million.”
VOA, which was established in 1942, is considered the premiere U.S. agency for global media outreach. In fact, it is a U.S. government tax payer funded international broadcast entity with an annual budget of roughly $234.7 million. The agency has employees roughly 1,078 people, as well as hundreds of foreign contractors. The Biden political ad presents a possible serious Hatch Act violation.
According to a story in Politico, Thursday the VOA is now considering suspending the four contractors involved in producing and promoting the video for VOA Urdu. The Biden ad video was subsequently removed by VOA after it was discovered. However, it had already been placed on all multi-media platforms, with Urdu translation, and essentially was made available to target Muslim audiences around the world.
“USAGM staff members who attempt to influence American elections will be held accountable,” said Pack in the press release. “Our networks comprise the U.S.’s megaphone to the world, and this invaluable instrument is generously funded by the American people. To safeguard our agency’s reputation and the integrity of our content, I will continue to ensure that violations of journalistic standards and principles are dealt with swiftly and fairly. This investigation – and, indeed, every action that I have taken since starting my tenure last month – has been to repair USAGM so that, once again, U.S. government international broadcasting advances the American national interest.”
He also noted in a recent Tweet that the “investigation- and, indeed, every action that I have taken since starting my tenure last month – has been to repair @USAGMgov so that, once again, U.S. government international broadcasting advances the American national interest.”
https://twitter.com/USAGMspox/status/1288937620475654144
The VOA Biden political ad not only reached American voters, but its Urdu platform is viewed by audiences in Pakistan, India and Afghanistan. The video, which aired on or about July 22, was also posted on VOA’s website, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram platforms. As previously reported by this website, Biden’s speech was lifted from an online event he participated in for Emgage Action’s “Million Muslim Votes”
According to Emgage Action’s website, it is a 501c(4) that is seeking “to mobilize American Muslims” and Biden urged the group of Muslim voters to vote for him in November.
“We all have the same root here, in terms of our fundamental basic beliefs…Your voice is your vote, your vote is your voice,” Biden is saying in the video.
“I’ll be a president that seeks out and incorporates and listens to the ideas and concerns of Muslim Americans on everyday issues that matter most to our communities,” he says. “That will include having Muslim American voices as part of my administration.”
The press release emphasized that the “VOA-branded video promoted a voter mobilization campaign, “Million Muslim Votes,” and highlighted Biden making election promises to the Muslim-American community. Among other individuals, Democratic Representatives Ilhan Omar of Minnesota and Rashida Tlaib of Michigan made appearances in the video.”


saraacater--2020-07-31--U.S. Appeals Court Overturns Boston Marathon Bomber Death Sentence

In a surprising twist, a newly unsealed court document has unveiled that Special Counsel Jack Smith managed to gain access to former President Donald J Trump’s Twitter account, including its private messages and draft tweets. This revelation comes amidst his ongoing investigations into alleged wrongdoings by the ex-president.
The document indicates that Smith obtained a secret search warrant in January, permitting him to scrutinize the ‘@RealDonaldTrump’ account for potential evidence related to criminal activities. Initially, a judge imposed a hefty fine of $350,000 on Elon Musk’s social media conglomerate, previously known as Twitter, for its refusal to cooperate, as revealed in documents released last week.
Furthermore, the court order also restricted the company, now identified as X, from informing Trump about the warrant. According to sources from Smith’s special counsel team, the fear was that if Trump were alerted to the warrant, he might interfere with the investigation.
An attorney from Smith’s team explained, “There actually are concrete cognizable reasons to think that if the former president had notice of these covert investigative steps, there would be actual harm and concern for the investigation, for the witnesses going forward.”
Following some legal wrangling, the unsealed filing discloses that Twitter ultimately provided the requested records. The court filing specifies that Smith secured a search warrant that directed Twitter to hand over ‘data and records’ linked to Trump’s Twitter account, according to reports from the Daily Mail. The content of the messages and draft tweets remains undisclosed.
As per a transcript included in the submission, a legal representative from Twitter affirmed that the company divulged ‘all direct messages, including those in ‘draft form,’ to the special counsel’s team. Moreover, access to both ‘eliminated’ and ‘retained’ direct messages from Trump was accorded to the special counsel’s team.
The former president, in response, accused Joe Biden of being responsible for the warrant and criticized Smith for what he deemed a violation of his privacy. Trump posted on Monday to voice his displeasure, stating, “How dare lowlife prosecutor, Deranged Jack Smith, breaking into my Twitter account without informing me and, indeed, trying to completely hide this atrocity from me. What could he possibly find out that is not already known.”
Smith’s actions have culminated in a 37-count indictment against Trump, with charges ranging from obstruction of justice in relation to classified materials to his efforts to maintain power after losing the 2020 election. The indictment also implicates Trump in spreading falsehoods and encouraging the events of January 6th, characterized as an attack on the Capitol “fueled by lies.”
In response to these developments, Smith issued a public statement underscoring that the assault on the Capitol was “fueled by lies” propagated by Trump, aiming to disrupt the core workings of the U.S. government’s electoral process. Smith asserted his commitment to a ‘swift’ trial as part of his pursuit of justice.
Follow Alexander Carter on Twitter @AlexCarterDC for more!


saraacater--2020-07-31--Florida Teen Arrested In Connection To Huge Twitter Hack

A Florida teen , 17 , has been arrested in connection with the hack of major accounts of public figures @ @ @ @ @ this month , according to reports .
The July 15th hack included breaches of the @ @ @ @ @ Obama , SpaceX CEO Elon Musk , Artist Kanye West , and others soliciting investments @ @ @ @ @ Bitcoin.
’ “ These crimes were perpetrated using the names of famous people and celebrities @ @ @ @ @ not the primary victims here , ” Hillsborough State Attorney Andrew Warren said in a @ @ @ @ @ News .
“ This ‘ Bit-Con ’ was designed to steal money from regular Americans @ @ @ @ @ , including here in Florida .
This massive fraud was orchestrated right here in our @ @ @ @ @ not stand for that.
” According to ABC , the teen faces 30 felony charges @ @ @ @ @ the full ABC story .

A suspected al Qaeda terrorist – wanted by U.S. federal law enforcement and intelligence officials – was captured on the streets of San Jose, Costa Rica Wednesday by one of the nation’s anti-terrorism units, according to sources and news reports from the region.
In June, SaraACarter.com first reported that DHS officials had issued a Be On the Lookout alert (BOLO), for “Mohamed Shaker MOHAMED ABDELAAL.” Shaker, who is associated with the Al-Nusrah terrorist group, was attempting to enter the United States through the Southern border with Mexico, according to information obtained by intelligence officials and foreign intelligence agencies.
Costa Rican authorities announced this week that they intercepted Shaker on Wednesday, “as he walked the streets of the capital,” according to the report.
“Shaker had been under surveillance by the Anti-Terrorism Unit of the Intelligence and Security Directorate (DIS) after Costa Rica received an international alert about him. DIS coordinated with the Professional Migration Police and San José Municipal Police to apprehend Shaker downtown,” according to a news report from Costa Rica.
A former U.S. intelligence official, with knowledge of al Qaeda and other terrorist affiliated groups, told SaraACarter.com that the southern border has become a “magnet for entrance into the U.S. by terrorists, as well as other criminals but he is just one example of serious the porous southern border really is when terrorists direct plans are to fly into a Central American country and move across by foot.”
“How many more have already crossed illegally is unknown,” the former U.S. intelligence official added.
U.S. authorities became aware several months ago that Shaker, who is a suspected terrorist and on a “no fly list” had made his way through Panama. The information obtained by U.S. authorities also suggested that he had planned to enter through the southwest border, according to a documents obtained by saraacarter.com.
The BOLO national security threat/no fly alert said “Mohamed Shaker MOHAMED ABDELAAL”, poses a “imminent threat to national security.” According to the alert Mohamed Shaker is from Egypt and was identified by sources in Panama, according to officials and the BOLO alert.
Several months ago, a DHS source, with knowledge of the incident, who spoke on condition of anonymity said, “The border has gotten so bad that we just don’t know what is getting in. We have had terrorist facilitators, guerrillas, hard corp gang members and who knows what coming in.”
“They must feel pretty comfortable with the state of the border if they are risking coming in. The numbers of military age “asylum seekers” coming in is enough to overwhelm law enforcement resources. We are in for a rough future if this doesn’t stop,” he added. The dhs source who spoke on background stated that the BOLO alert has been issued to local and state authorities.
According to CBP.gov, there was total of 380 terrorists who attempted to cross illegally into the United States at both the southern and northern border in 2022. This year the U.S. has already encountered 295 known terrorists entering the country illegally and there is still 6 months left in the year. This puts the United States at great risk of a National Security threat.
You can follow Sara A. Carter on X @SaraCarterDC


saraacater--2020-07-31--Too Woke: CNN Avoids Saying ‘Women’, Instead Says ‘Individuals With a Cervix’

In a culture that prioritizes ‘ wokeness ‘ and seeks to cancel anyone it deems unfit , CNN is working @ @ @ @ @ up with the times .
According to the Atlanta based news site , “ individuals @ @ @ @ @ specifically women .
A new article published Thursday afternoon details new American Cancer Society guidelines @ @ @ @ @ checked every five years for cervical cancer between the ages of 25 and 65 — @ @ @ @ @ a cervix .
While reporting on the important topic , CNN went to all lengths @ @ @ @ @ “ women ” or “ woman ” — neither appear once in the entire nearly @ @ @ @ @ ’ s health .
Users on Twitter did not receive the wording well and called @ @ @ @ @ choice of wording .
As cancel culture pushes forward , destroying anyone or anything in @ @ @ @ @ only be a matter of time until even CNN can ’ t keep up with @ @ @ @ @ left .

In a culture that prioritizes ‘wokeness‘ and seeks to cancel anyone it deems unfit, CNN is working hard to ensure they stay up with the times. According to the Atlanta based news site, “individuals” have cervixes — not specifically women.
A new article published Thursday afternoon details new American Cancer Society guidelines highlighting the need to get checked every five years for cervical cancer between the ages of 25 and 65 — if you happen to have a cervix.
Individuals with a cervix are now recommended to start cervical cancers screening at 25 and continue through age 65, with HPV testing every five years as the preferred method of testing, according to a new guideline released by the American Cancer Society https://t.co/gUhYdIIx69 — CNN (@CNN) July 30, 2020
While reporting on the important topic, CNN went to all lengths to avoid using the words “women” or “woman”— neither appear once in the entire nearly 600 word article about women’s health.
Users on Twitter did not receive the wording well and called the agency out for its choice of wording.
It’s as though “women” and “woman” are now offensive, dirty words. Brought to you by the woke left. Great job liberal & feminist establishment! https://t.co/2z6tWC5yRv — Tammy Bruce (@HeyTammyBruce) July 31, 2020
As cancel culture pushes forward, destroying anyone or anything in its way, it may only be a matter of time until even CNN can’t keep up with the ever-changing demands of the left.


saraacater--2020-07-31--FCC’s Brendan Carr Slams Twitter’s ‘Orange man bad policy’

During Thursday ’ s episode of “ The Sara Carter Podcast , ” Federal Communications Commission Commissioner Brendan Carr slammed Twitter ’ s “ arbitrary ” censorship of conservative voices on its platform , telling Carter that content moderators on Twitter are seemingly oddly focused on the President ’ s tweets .
“ They seem to only be narrowly focused on you know , President Trump , and prominent conservative voices and they take action against others as well .
I don ’ t paint with too broad brushstrokes , but it seems by and large like it ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hypocrisy here , so you know , we have this week as well , ” Carr said .
While many conservatives are being censored for spreading alleged disinformation , many prominent figures and organizations who have done the same go unchecked on the platform .
Carr highlighted the double standard , telling Carter there needs to be policy changes that allow the government some leeway to ensure that Section 230 , the Communications Decency Act , allows users to have the power to choose the content they consume .
Amending the legislation was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ week before a Congressional antitrust panel .
The group of lawmakers questioned big tech CEOs , including Jeff Bezos of Amazon , Tim Cook of Apple , Mark Zuckerberg of Facebook and Sundar Pichai of Google .
Twitter ’ s Jack Dorsey was invited to testify during the earlier hearing , but never made it and is reported to have ignored the request .
The tech giants did their best to try and convince the lawmakers that their businesses are not anti-competitive monopolies .
“ What ’ s interesting , is right now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there -and still up there is a tweet from Representative Swalwell saying don ’ t wear masks , ” said Carr , who had just noted that Twitter suspended President Trump ’ s son Don Jr. , for aTweet related to information on the Coronavirus epidemic .
“ There ’ s no , you know , screen over that tweet , ” he added .
“ There ’ s no ‘ Click here for more information.
” He listed a number of Democrats and liberal analysts whose inaccurate Tweets remain up on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suspension .
Carr also addressed reports from a recent meeting in Israel between lawmakers and Twitter that questioned the company ’ s use of the arbitrary policy that allows the Iranian regime to consistently post Tweets calling for the destruction of Israel and genocide of the Jewish people , without any repercussions from the company .
Carr stated that he had wished lawmakers in America would ask similar poignant questions at the hearing to expose the bias .
Carr said “ what happens when you put all of this together is it doesn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ know , policy neutrally applied about COVID.
” “ It seems like what I call an orange man bad policy , ” he told Carter .
“ And it ’ s the arbitrariness that I think so many people have trouble with if these were policies applied , even-handed to everybody , regardless of their politics .
I think we need people who have far less standing to complain , but it ’ s the inconsistency , the arbitrary exercise of power that I think is contributing to putting big tech under the @ @ @

During Thursday’s episode of “The Sara Carter Podcast,” Federal Communications Commission Commissioner Brendan Carr slammed Twitter’s “arbitrary” censorship of conservative voices on its platform, telling Carter that content moderators on Twitter are seemingly oddly focused on the President’s tweets.
“They seem to only be narrowly focused on you know, President Trump, and prominent conservative voices and they take action against others as well. I don’t paint with too broad brushstrokes, but it seems by and large like it’s going on against them and in the hypocrisy here, so you know, we have this week as well,” Carr said.
“It seems like what I call an orange man bad policy,” FCC Commission Brendan Carr told Sara Carter. “It’s the inconsistency, the arbitrary exercise of power that I think is contributing to putting big tech under the spotlight.”
While many conservatives are being censored for spreading alleged disinformation, many prominent figures and organizations who have done the same go unchecked on the platform.
Carr highlighted the double standard, telling Carter there needs to be policy changes that allow the government some leeway to ensure that Section 230, the Communications Decency Act, allows users to have the power to choose the content they consume.
Amending the legislation was a central topic of a hearing this week before a Congressional antitrust panel. The group of lawmakers questioned big tech CEOs, including Jeff Bezos of Amazon, Tim Cook of Apple, Mark Zuckerberg of Facebook and Sundar Pichai of Google.
Twitter’s Jack Dorsey was invited to testify during the earlier hearing, but never made it and is reported to have ignored the request. The tech giants did their best to try and convince the lawmakers that their businesses are not anti-competitive monopolies.
The most incredible aspect of the internet is that no one person or organization controls it: the people make it what it is every day. That ideal is constantly under threat, especially today. We commit as a company to fighting for an #OpenInternet. https://t.co/7fuYeJjUwe — jack⚡ (@jack) July 30, 2020
“What’s interesting, is right now on Twitter, you can go on there -and still up there is a tweet from Representative Swalwell saying don’t wear masks,” said Carr, who had just noted that Twitter suspended President Trump’s son Don Jr., for aTweet related to information on the Coronavirus epidemic.
“There’s no, you know, screen over that tweet,” he added. “There’s no ‘Click here for more information.”
He listed a number of Democrats and liberal analysts whose inaccurate Tweets remain up on the platform with no correction from Twitter or suspension. Carr also addressed reports from a recent meeting in Israel between lawmakers and Twitter that questioned the company’s use of the arbitrary policy that allows the Iranian regime to consistently post Tweets calling for the destruction of Israel and genocide of the Jewish people, without any repercussions from the company.
Carr stated that he had wished lawmakers in America would ask similar poignant questions at the hearing to expose the bias.
Preliminary investigations conducted by the Chinese authorities have found no clear evidence of human-to-human transmission of the novel #coronavirus (2019-nCoV) identified in #Wuhan, #China🇨🇳. pic.twitter.com/Fnl5P877VG — World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) January 14, 2020
Carr said “what happens when you put all of this together is it doesn’t look like a, you know, policy neutrally applied about COVID.”
“It seems like what I call an orange man bad policy,” he told Carter. “And it’s the arbitrariness that I think so many people have trouble with if these were policies applied, even-handed to everybody, regardless of their politics. I think we need people who have far less standing to complain, but it’s the inconsistency, the arbitrary exercise of power that I think is contributing to putting big tech under the spotlight.”


saraacater--2020-07-31--Mark Meadows: Dems Have Made Zero Offers In Negotiations On Expiring Unemployment Benefits, School F

Mark Meadows: Dems Have Made Zero Offers In Negotiations On Expiring Unemployment Benefits, School Funding

During a press briefing Friday morning from the White House , Chief of Staff Mark Meadows detailed how the administration has approached Democrats three times to reach a deal on relief for education , unemployment , and more .
Meadows said Democrats have made zero offers to find a solution — despite the proposals being the same or better than their original Health and Economic Recovery Omnibus Emergency Solutions Act ( HEROES ) that Democrats proposed in May .
Meadows called on Congress to “ get serious ” about negotiations as the enhanced unemployment benefits expire today — he accused @ @ @ @ @ @ @ serious and grim time for the nation .
“ The President has been very clear for us to be aggressive and forward-leaning to make sure that [ Americans ] get protected , ” Meadows said Friday morning .
“ What we ’ re seeing is politics as usual from Democrats up on Capitol Hill.
” The Chief of Staff highlighted the importance of finding a temporary solution to the expiring enhanced unemployment .
Meadows said the Democrats have been approached with solutions that meet exactly what they passed in the HEROES Act — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and need to be higher .
The Democrats believe they “ hold all the cards ” in negotiations and as a result Americans are hurting , Meadows argued .
“ The Democrats have made zero offers over the last three days .
Zero.
” Meadows argued the Democrats are going in the “ wrong direction ” in pursuing partisan politics over aiding the populous in a “ dire ” time .
The Chief of Staff did not take questions and turned the conference over to Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany who gave remarks and @ @ @

During a press briefing Friday morning from the White House, Chief of Staff Mark Meadows detailed how the administration has approached Democrats three times to reach a deal on relief for education, unemployment, and more.
Meadows said Democrats have made zero offers to find a solution — despite the proposals being the same or better than their original Health and Economic Recovery Omnibus Emergency Solutions Act (HEROES) that Democrats proposed in May.
Meadows called on Congress to “get serious” about negotiations as the enhanced unemployment benefits expire today — he accused the Democrats of playing politics in a serious and grim time for the nation.
LIVE: @PressSec holds a briefing https://t.co/Il6smuzKZ8 — The White House 45 Archived (@WhiteHouse45) July 31, 2020
“The President has been very clear for us to be aggressive and forward-leaning to make sure that [Americans] get protected,” Meadows said Friday morning. “What we’re seeing is politics as usual from Democrats up on Capitol Hill.”
The Chief of Staff highlighted the importance of finding a temporary solution to the expiring enhanced unemployment. Meadows said the Democrats have been approached with solutions that meet exactly what they passed in the HEROES Act — now they claim the numbers are outdated and need to be higher.
The Democrats believe they “hold all the cards” in negotiations and as a result Americans are hurting, Meadows argued.
“The Democrats have made zero offers over the last three days. Zero.”
Meadows argued the Democrats are going in the “wrong direction” in pursuing partisan politics over aiding the populous in a “dire” time.
The Chief of Staff did not take questions and turned the conference over to Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany who gave remarks and took questions.


saraacater--2020-07-31--Maxwell Docs Allege Bill Clinton, Alan Dershowitz Among Prominent Visitors To Epstein’s Island

A trove of court documents unsealed Thursday night reveal a high profile list of people that allegedly visited the private island of now deceased and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein .
The infamous island and Epstein ’ s private plane that shuffled billionaires and world famous leaders was known as the “ Lolita Express , ” for the allegations that underage children were abused on the island by friends of Epstein .
In the documents , Epstein ’ s co-conspirator , Ghislaine Maxwell , who is now in federal custody , revealed during questioning the names of alleged participants in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ She made the accusations years ago and is now awaiting trial after federal law enforcement officials apprehended her in New Hampshire , after months of evading arrest .
She allegedly would groom and select the underage girls for Epstein .
Virginia Giuffre was one of those victims , and has accused Prince Andrew of England of abusing her and raping her when she was only 17 years old after being recruited by Maxwell .
Other victims have also spoken out against Maxwell and Epstein .
Those victims stories and some of the names @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s document dump .
Maxwell faces six counts of sex trafficking minors .
Her trial is scheduled for July 2021 .
Many prominent figures may have visited that island and those who have been named in the documents deny the allegations .
That list of famous figures includes former President Bill Clinton , former Harvard Law Professor Alan Dershowitz among many others , most of whose names have been redacted from the documents , according to victims ’ allegations and interviews with Maxwell .
Dershowitz , however , has staunchly denied any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ take part in the abuse .
He spoke out on Twitter Friday regarding the accusations .
“ They were false then and now , as shown by her emails and manuscript that prove I never met her , ” adding “ He lawyers admit she was ‘ wrong ’ about me and others such as Al and Tipper Gore.
” The documents revealed the details of a 2011 meeting in which victim Virginia Giuffre revealed individuals who allegedly flew on Epstein ’ s jet and visited his private island .
This story is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ updates .

A trove of court documents unsealed Thursday night reveal a high profile list of people that allegedly visited the private island of now deceased and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The infamous island and Epstein’s private plane that shuffled billionaires and world famous leaders was known as the “Lolita Express,” for the allegations that underage children were abused on the island by friends of Epstein.
In the documents, Epstein’s co-conspirator, Ghislaine Maxwell, who is now in federal custody, revealed during questioning the names of alleged participants in Epstein’s sordid sex island. She made the accusations years ago and is now awaiting trial after federal law enforcement officials apprehended her in New Hampshire, after months of evading arrest.
She allegedly would groom and select the underage girls for Epstein.
Virginia Giuffre was one of those victims, and has accused Prince Andrew of England of abusing her and raping her when she was only 17 years old after being recruited by Maxwell.
Other victims have also spoken out against Maxwell and Epstein. Those victims stories and some of the names of their abusers were disclosed in Thursday’s document dump. Maxwell faces six counts of sex trafficking minors. Her trial is scheduled for July 2021.
Many prominent figures may have visited that island and those who have been named in the documents deny the allegations. That list of famous figures includes former President Bill Clinton, former Harvard Law Professor Alan Dershowitz among many others, most of whose names have been redacted from the documents, according to victims’ allegations and interviews with Maxwell.
Dershowitz, however, has staunchly denied any such allegations, saying he did not take part in the abuse. He spoke out on Twitter Friday regarding the accusations.
“They were false then and now, as shown by her emails and manuscript that prove I never met her,” adding “He lawyers admit she was ‘wrong’ about me and others such as Al and Tipper Gore.”
He lawyers admit she was “wrong“ about me and others such as Al and Tipper Gore. — Alan Dershowitz (@AlanDersh) July 31, 2020
The documents revealed the details of a 2011 meeting in which victim Virginia Giuffre revealed individuals who allegedly flew on Epstein’s jet and visited his private island.
Witness interview:
Bill Clinton was at Epstein's island with Jeffrey Epstein, Ghislaine Maxwell, and "2 young girls." pic.twitter.com/NG8PbaZLNt — Techno Fog (@Techno_Fog) July 31, 2020
This story is developing. Please return to SaraACarter.com for updates.


saraacater--2020-07-31--Researcher Pleads Guilty To Selling OH Hospital ‘Trade Secrets’ To China’s Gov.

Li Chen pleaded guilty Thursday before a U.S. District Court to a conspiracy to steal information from a children ’ s hospital in Ohio and sell it to China , the Justice Department announced Thursday .
Chen , who was a respected and trusted researcher at the Nationwide Children ’ s Hospital ’ s Research Institute in Columbus , admitted to stealing and selling exosomes and exosome isolation from the facility .
“ Once again we see the People ’ s Republic of China ( PRC ) facilitating the theft of our nation ’ s ingenuity and hard work as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ replicate and replace any product they don ’ t have the ability to develop themselves , ” said John C. Demers , Assistant Attorney General for National Security .
Chen said she established a company in China to sell the exomes that play key roles in treating medical conditions common in premature babies and patients with liver issues , the DOJ said .
Ultimately , Chen sold the information to the Chinese government and was rewarded by China ’ s State Administration of Foreign Expert Affairs and the National Natural Science Foundation of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Demers added , “ Far from being an isolated incident , we see the PRC implicated in around 60 percent of all trade secret theft cases .
This continued economic belligerence runs contrary to the values and norms that facilitate the success of our industries and countering it remains among our highest priorities.
” Chen ’ s husband , Yu Zhou , 49 , was also roped into the scheme , working in the same research center .
The couple was arrested in July 2019 , the DOJ press release stated .
Together @ @ @ @ @ @ @ five trade secrets , ” according to the Justice Department .
Chen agreed as part of her plea agreement to relinquish over $ 1 million , 500,000 stock shares of Avalon GloboCare Corp. , and 400 shares of stock in GenExosome Technologies Inc. , DOJ said .

The Chinese Coast Guard and its maritime militia sailed into Philippine waters around the Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea, firing water cannons at Philippine vessels and crew seeking to re-supply a Philippine ship within the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone. The US State Department called such actions by China “inconsistent with international law” and “unwarranted interference in lawful Philippine maritime operations.” The State Department has maintained that China has “no lawful claim” to that area.
But rather than standing down, China is attempting to gaslight the Philippines and the world into accepting its narrative. A spokesman for China’s Ministry of National Defense stated that China “has sovereignty” over the area, which it calls “Nansha Qundao, including Ren’ai Jiao,” according to Xinhua. The area in dispute has always been a part of China, according to Global Times.
The CCP press also states that China “lawfully intercepted” the Philippine vessels, China’s actions towards the Philippines “was professional, restrained, and beyond reproach,” and that the “Philippine side ignored China’s goodwill and sincerity.”
Chinese media also paints the US, not China, as the aggressor. According to a spokesman from China’s Foreign Ministry, the US is “blatantly support[ing] the Philippines’ violation of China’s sovereignty, and its plot is doomed to fail,” according to Global Times. In responding to the incident, the US “continues to hype up the longstanding disputes between China [and its neighbors]” in order “to maintain hegemony and create a ‘security trap’” with those neighbors, according to the president of a Beijing think tank as cited by China Daily. The US has “no right to meddle” in the South China Sea” and is “creating trouble and sowing discord,” according to a spokesman for China’s Ministry of National Defense as cited by that same article.
The CCP press pushes an alternative reality of international law to buttress its claims. The Philippines, not China, is in violation of international law, according to spokesmen of China’s Foreign Ministry and Coast Guard as cited by Global Times. The Philippines committed “illegal” acts by re-supplying its ship, and having its ship there in the first place, according to Global Times. Philippines v. China, or the South China Sea Arbitration, is “‘illegal, null and void’ as it violates international law[…]” according to a spokesman from the Chinese foreign ministry, as cited by China Daily. The spokesman further said that “China does not accept or recognize it, and will never accept any claim or action based on the [arbitration]. This position is clear and firm, and is a legitimate step to uphold the international rule of law.” A Global Times article similarly referred to the arbitration as the “so called South China Sea arbitration,” and that it is “illegal and invalid.”
China continues to bully its neighbors in the South China Sea. At the same time, it wages a sophisticated propaganda effort aimed at obscuring this fact to further its hegemony in the region. The United States needs a clear policy to lead its allies in the region against China’s growing threat.


saraacater--2020-08-01--Reminiscent Of Nazi Behavior Activists Burn Bibles And American Flags In Portland

A stack of bibles and American flags were burned outside the federal courthouse in Portland , Oregon by what appeared to be left wing Antifa activists in a new video posted by blogger and journalist Ian Miles Cheong .
What do these actions have to do with the horrific death of George Floyd who was murdered by a Minneapolis Police Officer ?
Nothing .
In fact , Floyd ’ s death has now become an excuse for anti-American , anti-Democratic factions to target our communities and major cities prior to the November , 2020 election .
The incident in Portland @ @ @ @ @ @ @ actions of Neo-Marxists and young American millennials that have been indoctrinated by their university and college professors to oppose American values and establish a new form of ‘ cancel culture ’ socialist ideology .
It is an ideology that advocates civil unrest , opposition to western values , violence against government officials and targeting of civilians who oppose their beliefs .
Burning the stack of Bibles is also symbolic of anti-Judeo Christian values and reflects similar actions that were taken in Germany by young Neo-Natzi ’ s who burned books that did not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Party .
What happened in Germany when the majority of the German people ignored what was happening before their very eyes ?
The silent majority in America needs to wake up .
“ On May 10 , 1933 student groups at universities across Germany carried out a series of book burnings of works that the students and leading Nazi party members associated with an “ un-German spirit .
Enthusiastic crowds witnessed the burning of books by Brecht , Einstein , Freud , Mann and Remarque , among many other well-known intellectuals , scientists @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were Jewish .
The largest of these book bonfires occurred in Berlin , where an estimated 40,000 people gathered to hear a speech by the propaganda minister , Joseph Goebbels , in which he pronounced that “ Jewish intellectualism is dead ” and endorsed the students ’ “ right to clean up the debris of the past .
”

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--2020-08-01--Texas Downgrades COVID-19 Deaths After ‘Automation Error’

The Texas Department of State Health Services revealed this week that an “ automation error ” in a new method of reporting COVID-19 deaths led to hundreds of people being mistakenly reported as having died of the coronavirus .
The statistical error put 225 fatalities on the state ’ s COVID-19 related death toll .
A local Texas NBC affiliate stated : “ On July 27 , the state said 675 deaths were being added to the list of those killed by COVID-19 and that the increase was due to a change in reporting method that relied on death certificates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ departments.
“ According to the data changes from Texas DSHS and posted by NBC Dallas Fort Worth : The state health department then revised the death totals published those days as follows : • June 27 — changed from 5,713 to 5,489 , +451 instead of +675 • June 28 — changed from 5,877 to 5,650 , +161 instead of +164 • June 29 — changed from 6,190 to 5,952 , +302 instead of +313 On Thursday , the state said another 322 Texans had died after contracting the virus when they reported @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 6,274 .
The Texas DSHS stated in a Tweet that it has corrected the “ COVID-19 fatality counts for the week of July 27.
” “ An automation error caused 225 fatalities to be included even though COVID-19 was not listed as a direct cause of the death on the death certificate , ” it stated .

The Texas Department of State Health Services revealed this week that an “automation error” in a new method of reporting COVID-19 deaths led to hundreds of people being mistakenly reported as having died of the coronavirus.
The statistical error put 225 fatalities on the state’s COVID-19 related death toll. A local Texas NBC affiliate stated: “On July 27, the state said 675 deaths were being added to the list of those killed by COVID-19 and that the increase was due to a change in reporting method that relied on death certificates rather than reports from various public health departments.“
According to the data changes from Texas DSHS and posted by NBC Dallas Fort Worth:
The state health department then revised the death totals published those days as follows:
June 27 — changed from 5,713 to 5,489, +451 instead of +675
June 28 — changed from 5,877 to 5,650, +161 instead of +164
June 29 — changed from 6,190 to 5,952, +302 instead of +313
On Thursday, the state said another 322 Texans had died after contracting the virus when they reported the state’s death total reached 6,274.
The Texas DSHS stated in a Tweet that it has corrected the “COVID-19 fatality counts for the week of July 27.”
“An automation error caused 225 fatalities to be included even though COVID-19 was not listed as a direct cause of the death on the death certificate,” it stated.
DSHS corrects COVID-19 fatality counts for the week of July 27.
An automation error caused 225 fatalities to be included even though COVID-19 was not listed as a direct cause of death on the death certificate. #COVID19TX dashboard: https://t.co/ofycOLqWQZ pic.twitter.com/4mKBzjIrfO — Texas DSHS (@TexasDSHS) July 30, 2020


saraacater--2020-08-01--Bezos Says He May Drop Southern Poverty Law Center, “Would Like A Better” Screener For Charities

During Wednesday ’ s House subcommittee tech hearing , Rep. Matt Gaetz ( R-FL ) questioned Amazon ’ s usage of the radical Southern Poverty Law Center to deem eligible charities for donations , Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos said he would look to alternative options .
Gaetz layed out a list of charities that focus on Christian and Jewish causes as charities unjustly labeled as “ extremists ” by the SPLC — to which Bezos said he accepts Gaetz ’ s criticism and “ would like a better source if I can get it.
” One of the groups unjustly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ SPLC is the Alliance Defending Freedom , a legal group focused on defending religious liberty , the sanctity of life , and free speech .
Their cases have included defending Jack Phillips , the Colorado baker sued for sticking to his religious beliefs .
Senior Counsel for Alliance Defending Freedom Jeremy Tedesco spoke to SaraACarter.com about the SPLC and Bezos ’ potential switch .
“ The SPLC actively lobbies corporations to harm and economically discriminate against groups and people they don ’ t like , ” Tedesco said .
“ Amazon needs to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ system that ’ s ultimately bad for everyone.
” ADF is labeled as an “ extremist group ” for using “ ‘ religious liberty ’ legislation and case law that will allow the denial of goods and services to LGBTQ people on the basis of religion , ” according to the SPLC ’ s site .
ADF regularly defends mistreated groups and individuals — from nuns being forced to fund abortion to female athletes having their locker rooms infiltrated by males in the name of social justice .
Due to this label as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ allow customers to select ADF as a recipient of their charitable donations through Amazon Smile — a portion of the site that lets customers donate 0.5 % of their purchases to different charities and organizations .
Gaetz asked the billionaire CEO why groups like Catholic Family News and the American Family Association are also excluded — the radical group also once designated world renowned brain surgeon and Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Ben Carson an extremist .
“ I ’ m just wondering why you would place your confidence in a group @ @ @ @ @ @ @ step and seems to take mainstream Christian doctrine and label it as hate , ” Gaetz said to Bezos during a Wednesday House subcommittee hearing virtually attended by Bezos , Apple CEO Tim Cook , Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg , and others .
“ I would like suggestions on better or additional sources , ” Bezos answered .
Gaetz responded saying he should “ divorce ” with the SPLC .
ADF ’ s Tedesco noted people on the left and right have said the center is “ completely discredited ” and that “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a bad system.
” He referenced a petition by the National Center for Public Policy Research calling on Amazon to end their usage of SPLC ’ s opinionated conclusions .
“ There is so much power in the hands of a few companies like Amazon and there is a ground swell for them to end partnerships with far left groups , ” he said .
“ Something that exists to smear and stop people who disagree with their views is something they can ’ t do for much longer .
”

During Wednesday’s House subcommittee tech hearing, Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) questioned Amazon’s usage of the radical Southern Poverty Law Center to deem eligible charities for donations, Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos said he would look to alternative options.
Gaetz layed out a list of charities that focus on Christian and Jewish causes as charities unjustly labeled as “extremists” by the SPLC — to which Bezos said he accepts Gaetz’s criticism and “would like a better source if I can get it.”
One of the groups unjustly labeled as a hate group by the SPLC is the Alliance Defending Freedom, a legal group focused on defending religious liberty, the sanctity of life, and free speech. Their cases have included defending Jack Phillips, the Colorado baker sued for sticking to his religious beliefs.
.@RepMattGaetz challenges Jeff Bezos for using the Souther Poverty Law Center to dictate who can receive donations on Amazon Smile:
"Why you would place your confidence in a group that is so out of step and seems to take mainstream Christian doctrine and label it as hate?" pic.twitter.com/FedLAuHO4s — Daily Caller (@DailyCaller) July 29, 2020
Senior Counsel for Alliance Defending Freedom Jeremy Tedesco spoke to SaraACarter.com about the SPLC and Bezos’ potential switch.
“The SPLC actively lobbies corporations to harm and economically discriminate against groups and people they don’t like,” Tedesco said. “Amazon needs to stop being an active participant in a system that’s ultimately bad for everyone.”
ADF is labeled as an “extremist group” for using “‘religious liberty’ legislation and case law that will allow the denial of goods and services to LGBTQ people on the basis of religion,” according to the SPLC’s site.
ADF regularly defends mistreated groups and individuals — from nuns being forced to fund abortion to female athletes having their locker rooms infiltrated by males in the name of social justice.
Due to this label as an extremist group, Amazon does not allow customers to select ADF as a recipient of their charitable donations through Amazon Smile — a portion of the site that lets customers donate 0.5% of their purchases to different charities and organizations.
Gaetz asked the billionaire CEO why groups like Catholic Family News and the American Family Association are also excluded — the radical group also once designated world renowned brain surgeon and Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Ben Carson an extremist.
“I’m just wondering why you would place your confidence in a group that seems to be so out of step and seems to take mainstream Christian doctrine and label it as hate,” Gaetz said to Bezos during a Wednesday House subcommittee hearing virtually attended by Bezos, Apple CEO Tim Cook, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg, and others.
Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos acknowledged in this week's Big Tech hearing that Dr. Ben Carson is not an extremist and that the group that labeled him as such — the Southern Poverty Law Center — is not perfect, and if there is a better source Amazon would use it. pic.twitter.com/EOJAvtd3KH — Tony Perkins (@tperkins) July 31, 2020
“I would like suggestions on better or additional sources,” Bezos answered. Gaetz responded saying he should “divorce” with the SPLC.
ADF’s Tedesco noted people on the left and right have said the center is “completely discredited” and that “we welcome Bezos’ recognition that this is a bad system.”
He referenced a petition by the National Center for Public Policy Research calling on Amazon to end their usage of SPLC’s opinionated conclusions.
“There is so much power in the hands of a few companies like Amazon and there is a ground swell for them to end partnerships with far left groups,” he said. “Something that exists to smear and stop people who disagree with their views is something they can’t do for much longer.”


saraacater--2020-08-02--Afghan Intel Claims ISIS Chief Killed, Others Captured In Major Operation

ISLAMABAD , Pakistan – Afghanistan officials told SaraACarter.com Saturday that the top intelligence chief for the terrorist organization ISIS in the region was killed Friday in an operation in Eastern Nangarhar province .
A senior official with the National Directorate of Security ( NDS ) , Afghanistan ’ s intelligence agency , told this reporter that Assadullah Orakzai was killed during an operation near Jalalabad city , the capital of the province .
The claim has not been independently verified as of yet by U.S. military or intelligence officials but it is being reported throughout the South Asian region and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Assadullah Orakzai along with two other key commanders have been killed during in intelligence based operation , ” Imtiaz Wardag , a local police official in Nangarhar province told SaraCarter.com by phone .
In Afghanistan , a person ’ s last name is many times attributed to the region where a person is born .
Orakzai is a district in Kohat Division of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province in Pakistan .
It is an area that borders Afghanistan and is part of the lawless Federally Administered Tribal Areas .
A statement released by Afghanistan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ NDS ) Saturday confirmed the death of Assadullah : “ The Special Units of the National Directorate of Security NDS have eliminated Ziaurrahman known as Assadullah Orakzai , the native of Akhel Orakzai agency of Pakistan during a targeted operation.
” “ Afghanistan ’ s regional and international partners should remember that Afghanistan is a key player in the fight against terrorist and will crush terrorists ’ roots anywhere , ” the NDS statement said .
Assadullah , who originally came from the Orakzai region , was behind several terrorist attacks including a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ maternity ward in capital Kabul and suicide bombing at a funeral prayer in Nangarhar on May 12 , which killed 56 people and left nearly 150 other wounded .
Wardag told this reporter the that the ISIS Chief , along with other followers of the extremist terrorist organization , operated and established a basecamp in the border lands between Pakistan and Afghanistan .
The ISIS intelligence chief had long been a threat to both Afghan and U.S. troops but was believed to have been hiding with other ISIS terrorists in North Western Pakistan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stronghold for the Pakistani Taliban .
A 2014 military operation by the Pakistan army greatly decimated the Taliban ’ s forces in the area but the An Afghan intelligence official said that Assadullah was once a close associate of Mufti Abu Sayeed Orakzai , the former chief of ISIS in Afghanistan .
In the region ISIS is often referred to as Daesh .
Sayeed Orakzai was killed in a U.S. drone strike in 2018 .
Sayeed Orazai was replaced an Afghan national , Abdul Rahim Muslim Dost , as the chief of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Interestingly Sayeed had also served as district Chief of Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan ( TTP ) for Orakzai Agency chapter before discarding the TTP umbrella in mid-October 2014 .
The Taliban and ISIS have been fighting against one another in the region for dominance .
“ Assadullah Orakzai was student of Mufti Sayeed in his seminary and remained his close aid , ” Saboor Khattak , Peshawar based senior journalist said .
According to Khattak , this is another “ major blow to Daesh ” ISIS in the region after its key commanders were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ On April 4 , Afghan forces captured Aslam Farooqui , the head of ISIS Khorasan in the eastern province of Kandahar , while later another key commander of an offshoot ISIS group , known in the region as Ziaul Haq , was also arrested on May 11 .

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan – Afghanistan officials told SaraACarter.com Saturday that the top intelligence chief for the terrorist organization ISIS in the region was killed Friday in an operation in Eastern Nangarhar province.
A senior official with the National Directorate of Security (NDS), Afghanistan’s intelligence agency, told this reporter that Assadullah Orakzai was killed during an operation near Jalalabad city, the capital of the province. The claim has not been independently verified as of yet by U.S. military or intelligence officials but it is being reported throughout the South Asian region and NDS has issued an official statement.
“Assadullah Orakzai along with two other key commanders have been killed during in intelligence based operation,” Imtiaz Wardag, a local police official in Nangarhar province told SaraCarter.com by phone.
In Afghanistan, a person’s last name is many times attributed to the region where a person is born. Orakzai is a district in Kohat Division of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province in Pakistan. It is an area that borders Afghanistan and is part of the lawless Federally Administered Tribal Areas.
A statement released by Afghanistan’s National Directorate of Security (NDS) Saturday confirmed the death of Assadullah: “The Special Units of the National Directorate of Security NDS have eliminated Ziaurrahman known as Assadullah Orakzai, the native of Akhel Orakzai agency of Pakistan during a targeted operation.”
“Afghanistan’s regional and international partners should remember that Afghanistan is a key player in the fight against terrorist and will crush terrorists’ roots anywhere,” the NDS statement said.
Assadullah, who originally came from the Orakzai region, was behind several terrorist attacks including a deadly attack on a hospital’s maternity ward in capital Kabul and suicide bombing at a funeral prayer in Nangarhar on May 12, which killed 56 people and left nearly 150 other wounded.
Wardag told this reporter the that the ISIS Chief, along with other followers of the extremist terrorist organization, operated and established a basecamp in the border lands between Pakistan and Afghanistan.
The ISIS intelligence chief had long been a threat to both Afghan and U.S. troops but was believed to have been hiding with other ISIS terrorists in North Western Pakistan, an area that was once a stronghold for the Pakistani Taliban. A 2014 military operation by the Pakistan army greatly decimated the Taliban’s forces in the area but the
An Afghan intelligence official said that Assadullah was once a close associate of Mufti Abu Sayeed Orakzai, the former chief of ISIS in Afghanistan. In the region ISIS is often referred to as Daesh. Sayeed Orakzai was killed in a U.S. drone strike in 2018.
Sayeed Orazai was replaced an Afghan national, Abdul Rahim Muslim Dost, as the chief of the Khorasan ISIS chapter, which includes Pakistan. Interestingly Sayeed had also served as district Chief of Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) for Orakzai Agency chapter before discarding the TTP umbrella in mid-October 2014. The Taliban and ISIS have been fighting against one another in the region for dominance.
“Assadullah Orakzai was student of Mufti Sayeed in his seminary and remained his close aid,” Saboor Khattak, Peshawar based senior journalist said.
According to Khattak, this is another “major blow to Daesh” ISIS in the region after its key commanders were also recently captured by Afghan forces.
On April 4, Afghan forces captured Aslam Farooqui, the head of ISIS Khorasan in the eastern province of Kandahar, while later another key commander of an offshoot ISIS group, known in the region as Ziaul Haq, was also arrested on May 11.


saraacater--2020-08-03--Chicago Leaders Call To Abolish History Classes Until There’s ‘A Suitable Alternative’

A number of political and educational leaders have joined forces in Chicago to call for the abolishment of the State @ @ @ @ @ a more inclusive alternative can be implemented .
State Rep. LaShawn K. Ford presented the @ @ @ @ @ a Chicago suburb , saying the leaders want to halt history lessons until sweeping changes @ @ @ @ @ In a news release , Ford cited concerns of white privilege and racism in the @ @ @ @ @ , Ford said minorities are underrepresented in the current curriculum .
Until there ’ s @ @ @ @ @ Ford is requesting that the Illinois State Board of Education and local school districts halt @ @ @ @ @ to read the full story .


saraacater--2020-08-03--Sara Carter: Trump Is The Only One Who’s Ever Truly Held the CCP Accountable

During Sunday ’ s episode of Fox News ’ “ The Next Revolution , ” Sara A. Carter told host @ @ @ @ @ Trump is the only leader to have “ ever truly held ” the Chinese Communist @ @ @ @ @ amoral ” actions .
“ You know , our nation lives on a set of @ @ @ @ @ Carter said .
“ That ’ s liberty , that ’ s freedom , we @ @ @ @ @ we uphold those liberties .
China does not .
Look at what ’ s happening @ @ @ @ @ at what ’ s happening across the globe.
” She added , “ Look at @ @ @ @ @ the Chinese Communist government ’ s expansion in the Western hemisphere and even what they @ @ @ @ @ America .
We have to hold China accountable .
President Trump is the only one @ @ @ @ @ the Chinese Communist government accountable .
”


saraacater--2020-08-03--Trump Threatens Legal Action Over Nevada’s Decision To Send Mail-In Ballots To All Voters

The Nevada legislature passed a bill Sunday allowing every voter to receive a mail-in ballot — a measure critics say increases chances of ballot harvesting and which President Trump said ensures Republicans could never win the state again and that the elected officials are “ using Covid to steal the state.
” He followed by saying “ See you in court !
” Despite pushback from Republican Secretary of State Barbara Cegavske , the bill was passed and gives Governor Steve Sisolak the power to order Cegavske to alter the election process during a state of emergency .
Additionally , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ballots — potentially opening the door for ballot harvesting , according to Fox News .
Governor Sisolak is expected to sign the bill into law in the coming days .
President Trump accused him of trying to “ steal the state.
” The defense of the bill appears to be citing the June primary where a limited number of polling places were open due to the pandemic and the lines were long — up to several hours , according to USA Today .
As the state is still in the pandemic and state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ measure will ensure voters can have their ballot and not have to wait in long lines .
The Sara Carter Show podcast , however , recently explored mail-in ballots and the risk they pose to voters and the election as a whole .
Listen to the show here : Listen to “ Dems will disenfranchise voters by marketing mail-in voting as a health issue ” on Spreaker .


saraacater--2020-08-03--Teachers Unions Across US To Protest Tomorrow, Demands Include Removing Police, Banning New Charter

Teachers Unions Across US To Protest Tomorrow, Demands Include Removing Police, Banning New Charter Schools

Ten teachers unions , the Democratic Socialists of America , and other groups are organizing a National Day of Resistance to protest for demands including no reopening of schools , police-free schools , and a “ massive infusion ” of federal funds while banning new charter schools .
Over 20 cities across the United States are scheduled to have protests tomorrow , including Chicago , Dallas , New York City , and Los Angeles .
Prominent teachers unions are supporting the “ actions ” including the Chicago Teachers Union and United Teachers Los Angeles .
The protests are being formed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the ambiguous demand of “ no reopening until the scientific data supports it ” is met .
The list of other demands include : “ Police-free schools ” , “ Moratorium on new charter or voucher programs and standardized testing , ” and a “ Massive infusion of federal money to support the reopening funded by taxing billionaires and Wall Street.
” The slogan of the events appears to be “ We want safe schools , healthy schools , equitable schools.
” If you live in one of the many cities on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ large demonstrations from socialists , teachers unions , and progressive groups — until their large and ambiguous demands are met .

In an unexpected turn of events, the city of Goodhue in southeastern Minnesota finds itself without a police force as the chief and other department members tendered their resignations.
Mayor Ellen Anderson Buck conveyed the city’s determination to move forward despite the setback, assuring the public of continued police coverage.
Mayor Buck emphasized, “I want to reiterate that we will have police coverage in the city of Goodhue. That is not an issue.” Police Chief Josh Smith, who will remain in his position until August 24th, attributed the force’s dissolution to the inability to recruit new officers, according to reports from Fox News.
“This has been three weeks now, we have zero applicants, and I have zero prospects,” Smith disclosed on July 26. “I’ve called every PD around for the youngest guys out there, getting into the game. There’s nobody getting into the game.”
Chris Schmit, a Goodhue City Council member, praised the police force for their commitment to upholding law and order in the city, underscoring their invaluable contribution to the community’s safety. “I can probably speak for everyone when I say that they provided excellent safety and security to our community. And the small-town policing that they did, we want that back.”
Smith bared a stark truth to the Goodhue City Council, unraveling the crux of the department’s recruitment turmoil. The resounding echo of low wages and the unrelenting surge of rivalry from neighboring larger communities reverberated through his words. With an urgency born of necessity, he underscored the imperative for swift and substantial transformation to reorient this daunting trajectory.
In a state that has witnessed significant policing developments, including the George Floyd case, Minneapolis serves as a prominent backdrop. The latest ex-Minneapolis police officer convicted in Floyd’s death received a sentence of four years and nine months on August 7. Prior to his sentencing, Tou Thao, the former officer, shared a personal reflection on his faith journey while incarcerated.
Despite repeated attempts, the Goodhue Police Department, the mayor, and city council members remained unavailable for comments.
This unexpected loss of an entire police force underscores the challenges many smaller communities face in maintaining law enforcement personnel amidst increasing demands and competition from larger urban centers.
Follow Alexander Carter on Twitter @AlexCarterDC for more!


saraacater--2020-08-03--Arlington To Fine Groups Of Three Or More On Sidewalks

Officials in Arlington County , Virginia unanimously voted to enforce social distancing on sidewalks to minimize the spread of the COVID-19 virus , according to a press release .
“ While most Arlingtonians are adhering to requirements to wear masks and maintain social distancing , unfortunately , some are not , ” Arlington County Board Chair Libby Garvey said .
“ They are putting themselves and our community at risk of serious illness or death during the COVID-19 pandemic .
The Board hopes that this step will make it clear to our entire community that this pandemic is far from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about maintaining social distance to slow its spread and save lives .
We hope that through outreach and education , we will get voluntary compliance and will not have to issue a single ticket.
” According to Fox 5 DC , groups with more than three people , and those who fail to maintain a 6-foot distance from others could face a traffic fine of up to $ 100 .
Arlington is currently in Phase 3 of reopening , meaning many restaurants and businesses have reopened .
However , the “ significant crowding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , rights of way , and adjacent public spaces where patrons gather for oftentimes prolonged periods awaiting admission into the restaurants , ” the local leaders noted in their decision .
Click here to read the full story .

Officials in Arlington County, Virginia unanimously voted to enforce social distancing on sidewalks to minimize the spread of the COVID-19 virus, according to a press release.
“While most Arlingtonians are adhering to requirements to wear masks and maintain social distancing, unfortunately, some are not,” Arlington County Board Chair Libby Garvey said.
“They are putting themselves and our community at risk of serious illness or death during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Board hopes that this step will make it clear to our entire community that this pandemic is far from under control and that we are serious about maintaining social distance to slow its spread and save lives. We hope that through outreach and education, we will get voluntary compliance and will not have to issue a single ticket.”
According to Fox 5 DC, groups with more than three people, and those who fail to maintain a 6-foot distance from others could face a traffic fine of up to $100.
Arlington is currently in Phase 3 of reopening, meaning many restaurants and businesses have reopened. However, the “significant crowding inside restaurants and on the public sidewalks, rights of way, and adjacent public spaces where patrons gather for oftentimes prolonged periods awaiting admission into the restaurants,” the local leaders noted in their decision.
Click here to read the full story.


saraacater--2020-08-03--Gordon Chang: U.S. Should Cut Ties With China

As the Trump Administration indicates its inching closer to banning Chinese-owned app TikTok , there are questions about the quickly changing relationship the U.S. has with China and what it will look like in the future .
The novel coronavirus having emanated from China and the Chinese government cornering the pharmaceutical and Personal Protective Equipment ( PPE ) markets certainly accelerated those changes .
China expert and author of “ The Coming Collapse of China ” said that the best route to take with China would be “ for the U.S. to cut its ties with China , ” during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” on Fox Business Channel .
Further , the Phase One Trade Deal between China and the U.S. should ’ ve never been brokered , Chang said .
“ We ’ ve tried to do this for three decades now and we ’ ve been completely unsuccessful in obtaining reciprocal , fair trading relationships , ” he said .
Moreover , advocating that the U.S. follow in India ’ s footsteps to ban every Chinese-owned app in the U.S. market , Chang explained , “ This is the direction that we should be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just reciprocity .
”

Watch the latest video at foxnews.com
As the Trump Administration indicates its inching closer to banning Chinese-owned app TikTok, there are questions about the quickly changing relationship the U.S. has with China and what it will look like in the future.
The novel coronavirus having emanated from China and the Chinese government cornering the pharmaceutical and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) markets certainly accelerated those changes.
China expert and author of “The Coming Collapse of China” said that the best route to take with China would be “for the U.S. to cut its ties with China,” during Monday’s “Mornings with Maria” on Fox Business Channel.
Further, the Phase One Trade Deal between China and the U.S. should’ve never been brokered, Chang said.
“We’ve tried to do this for three decades now and we’ve been completely unsuccessful in obtaining reciprocal, fair trading relationships,” he said.
Moreover, advocating that the U.S. follow in India’s footsteps to ban every Chinese-owned app in the U.S. market, Chang explained, “This is the direction that we should be going in as well because this is just reciprocity.”


saraacater--2020-08-04--Thousands of Mail-In Ballots Once Deemed Invalid Now Ordered To Be Counted In NY

A multitude of ballots intended for the New York June 23 election were deemed invalid due to not having postmarks or arriving at offices after the election — a federal judge ordered Monday these thousands of rule-breaking ballots must be counted .
Manhattan Judge Analisa Torres deemed the plaintiffs in the suit had proven that the late votes submitted or un-postmarked ballots had been disenfranchised .
As reported by the New York Post , thousands of the once-disqualified ballots had pre-paid postage yet were never postmarked , which election law then deems invalid .
Many of the votes had arrived @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ When voters have been provided with absentee ballots and assured that their votes on those ballots will be counted , the state can not ignore a later discovered , systemic problem that arbitrarily renders those ballots invalid , ” Torres wrote in her ruling that essentially throws election laws out the window in favor of chaotic , count-anything policies .
The Post reports that this judge ’ s order requires the New York City Board of Elections to count “ all otherwise valid ” absentee ballots cast in the primary which were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be regardless of whether the ballots were postmarked by June 23 or received by June 25 — as long as the ballots were not postmarked on a date later than June 23 .


saraacater--2020-08-04--Watch: Sen. Cruz Debunks Dems’ Lies Of Peaceful Protests, Shows Communities Ravaged

During a Tuesday hearing for the Subcommittee on The Constitution of the Judiciary Committee Chairman Ted Cruz ( R-TX ) @ @ @ @ @ recent riots that raged across the country to the words and actions of Martin Luther @ @ @ @ @ just what is happening on the ground , what the heroic men and women of @ @ @ @ @ now , it ’ s helpful to see directly what ’ s occurring , ” @ @ @ @ @ hearing .
The video shows MLK discussing his desire for a “ beautiful symphony of @ @ @ @ @ stand up for freedom together.
” It then shows Speaker Nancy Pelosi ( D-CA ) @ @ @ @ @ what they do ” followed by videos of destruction and rioting .
One woman featured @ @ @ @ @ This is ridiculous .
These people are tearing up our livelihood .
”


saraacater--2020-08-04--While Joe Biden Dodges Interviews, His Wife Confirms on Fox: ‘He’ll Be There’ For Debates

Former Vice President Joe Biden ’ s wife , Dr. Jill Biden , put rumors to rest Tuesday afternoon in an interview with Fox New ’ s host Dana Perino with The Daily Briefing as to whether or not her husband will debate President Donald Trump .
“ Yes , he ’ ll be there , ” she said .
Jill Biden also told Perino he plans to participate in all three scheduled debates .
In fact , a recent New York Times editorial suggested that the presidential debates be scrapped completely and rumors began circulating that Biden ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The interview , however , focused on subjects that ranged from the Biden ‘ s love story to Jill ’ s favorite workout class .
She considers her husband neither right nor left but a “ moderate , ” she told Perino .
Dr. Jill Biden also touched on questions regarding her husband ’ s mental health , which is a subject of much speculation .
She denied that there were any issues and was not pressed on the matter .
She also spoke about her friendship with former First Lady Michelle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ why Trump questions her husband ’ s health since they are around the same age — while choosing to avoid talking about her husband ’ s constant gaffes and memory lapses .
The interview didn ’ t touch hot issues like their son Hunter Biden ’ s ties to China and Ukraine or other issues that have recently surfaced about her husband ’ s role in the FBI ’ s investigation into Trump and Russia .
She , however , assure voters that the former Vice President will show up to all three @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to skip the debates wins over .

Former Vice President Joe Biden’s wife, Dr. Jill Biden, put rumors to rest Tuesday afternoon in an interview with Fox New’s host Dana Perino with The Daily Briefing as to whether or not her husband will debate President Donald Trump.
“Yes, he’ll be there,” she said. Jill Biden also told Perino he plans to participate in all three scheduled debates. In fact, a recent New York Times editorial suggested that the presidential debates be scrapped completely and rumors began circulating that Biden’s camp was going to do just that.
The interview, however, focused on subjects that ranged from the Biden‘s love story to Jill’s favorite workout class.
She considers her husband neither right nor left but a “moderate,” she told Perino.
https://twitter.com/Breaking911/status/1290719463025922050?s=20
Dr. Jill Biden also touched on questions regarding her husband’s mental health, which is a subject of much speculation. She denied that there were any issues and was not pressed on the matter. She also spoke about her friendship with former First Lady Michelle Obama.
Biden said she is confused why Trump questions her husband’s health since they are around the same age — while choosing to avoid talking about her husband’s constant gaffes and memory lapses.
.@DanaPerino asks Jill Biden if Joe Biden will show up to the debates against President Trump:
"He'll be there" pic.twitter.com/gHDnZTAc3b — Daily Caller (@DailyCaller) August 4, 2020
The interview didn’t touch hot issues like their son Hunter Biden’s ties to China and Ukraine or other issues that have recently surfaced about her husband’s role in the FBI’s investigation into Trump and Russia.
She, however, assure voters that the former Vice President will show up to all three debates — unless the push for him to skip the debates wins over.


saraacater--2020-08-04--NYC Health Commissioner Resigns Over Mayor de Blasio’s Covid-19 Failures

Fox News is reporting that New York City Health Commissioner Dr. Oxiris Barbot resigned abruptly from her post Tuesday .
@ @ @ @ @ due to Mayor Bill de Blasio ’ s handling of the novel coronavirus pandemic .
@ @ @ @ @ reasons for resigning in a highly critical letter .
The story was first reported in @ @ @ @ @ which first obtained the letter to de Blasio in which she states : “ I @ @ @ @ @ deep disappointment that during the most critical public health crisis in our lifetime , that @ @ @ @ @ incomparable disease control expertise was not used to the degree it could have been.
” @ @ @ @ @ renowned for their epidemiology , surveillance and response work , ” Barbot added .
“ @ @ @ @ @ served by having them at the strategic center of the response not in the background.
@ @ @ @ @ story go to Fox News .

Fox News is reporting that New York City Health Commissioner Dr. Oxiris Barbot resigned abruptly from her post Tuesday. She said her resignation was due to Mayor Bill de Blasio’s handling of the novel coronavirus pandemic.
Barbot listed her concerns and reasons for resigning in a highly critical letter.
The story was first reported in the New York Times, which first obtained the letter to de Blasio in which she states: “I leave my post today with deep disappointment that during the most critical public health crisis in our lifetime, that the Health Department’s incomparable disease control expertise was not used to the degree it could have been.”
“Our experts are world renowned for their epidemiology, surveillance and response work,” Barbot added. “The city would be well served by having them at the strategic center of the response not in the background.”
For more on this story go to Fox News.


saraacater--2020-08-04--Beirut explosion: Health Ministry says there are more than 73 dead and 2,750 wounded – live updates

The death toll from the explosions in Beirut has climbed to 73 , according to the Lebanese Health Ministry .
This church in Beirut was televising mass when the explosion took place .
Event : We are closely following reports of an explosion at or near the Port of Beirut on August 4 .
We encourage citizens in the affected area ( s ) to monitor local news , follow the emergency instructions provided by local authorities , enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program at step.state.gov to receive important emergency information , and follow us on Twitter and Facebook @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of toxic gases released in the explosion so all in the area should stay indoors and wear masks if available .
We urge U.S. citizens in the affected areas who are safe to contact their loved ones directly and/or update their status on social media .
If you are in the affected area and need immediate emergency services , please contact local authorities ; police can be contacted at 112 , civil defense at 125 , and the Lebanese Red Cross at 140 .
We urge U.S. citizens to avoid the affected areas/shelter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ local authorities .
The welfare and safety of U.S. citizens abroad is one of the highest priorities of the Department of State .
We will continue to provide information to U.S. citizens in the area through Alerts , our Embassy website , and travel.state.gov .
U.S. citizens with verifiable emergencies may contact BeirutACS @ state.gov .
• Avoid the area of the incident if possible • Monitor local media and our Embassy website for updates • Have travel documents up to date and easily accessible • Read what the U.S. Government Can & @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • U.S. Department of State – Consular Affairs +1-888-407-4747 or +1-202-501-4444 For further detailed information regarding travel and security in Lebanon : • Visit the State Department ’ s travel website Travel.State.Gov to review the Lebanon Travel Advisory , Country-Specific Information for Lebanon , and the Worldwide Caution .
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program ( STEP ) to receive the latest security updates and make it easier for the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate to contact you in an emergency .
• Follow the U.S. Embassy in Beirut on Twitter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , hundreds wounded in Beirut explosions : witnesses ( via The Daily Star Lebanon ) Lebanon ’ s Health Minister says a very high number of injuries and large damage from the Beirut explosion .
Several huge explosions rocked Beirut , Lebanon Thursday , but what actually caused the massive detention , that was followed by a billowing cloud of smoke is still not known .
The explosions appeared to be consecutive with one large explosion occurring before a secondary took place , according to reporters and eye witnesses in the region .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ port in Beirut that it sent waves of water pushing back from the center of the detention .
U.S. Intelligence and State Department officials could not be immediately reached for comment and this story is developing .
It will be updated when a response is available .
Numerous social media posts on Twitter and Instagram captured the large explosion , which could be seen from miles away .

This story is developing
The death toll from the explosions in Beirut has climbed to 73, according to the Lebanese Health Ministry.
This church in Beirut was televising mass when the explosion took place.
OMG. Due to covid19, they televised this mass so that believers could join in from home. Then the #Beirut explosion took place. Horrible.@akhbar pic.twitter.com/lEqZ95mUHP — Jenan Moussa (@jenanmoussa) August 4, 2020
U.S. embassy in Beirut issues statement:
Event: We are closely following reports of an explosion at or near the Port of Beirut on August 4.
We encourage citizens in the affected area(s) to monitor local news, follow the emergency instructions provided by local authorities, enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program at step.state.gov to receive important emergency information, and follow us on Twitter and Facebook for additional updates. There are reports of toxic gases released in the explosion so all in the area should stay indoors and wear masks if available.
We urge U.S. citizens in the affected areas who are safe to contact their loved ones directly and/or update their status on social media. If you are in the affected area and need immediate emergency services, please contact local authorities; police can be contacted at 112, civil defense at 125, and the Lebanese Red Cross at 140. We urge U.S. citizens to avoid the affected areas/shelter in place and follow the directions of local authorities. The welfare and safety of U.S. citizens abroad is one of the highest priorities of the Department of State. We will continue to provide information to U.S. citizens in the area through Alerts, our Embassy website, and travel.state.gov. U.S. citizens with verifiable emergencies may contact BeirutACS@state.gov.
Actions to Take:
Avoid the area of the incident if possible
Monitor local media and our Embassy website for updates
Review your personal security plans
Have travel documents up to date and easily accessible
Read what the U.S. Government Can & Can’t Do in a Crisis
Assistance:
U.S. Embassy Beirut, Lebanon
+961-4-542600 or +961-4-543600
BeirutACS@state.gov
https://lb.usembassy.gov/
+961-4-542600 or +961-4-543600 BeirutACS@state.gov https://lb.usembassy.gov/ U.S. Department of State – Consular Affairs
+1-888-407-4747 or +1-202-501-4444
For further detailed information regarding travel and security in Lebanon:
BREAKING: Dozens feared killed, hundreds wounded in Beirut explosions: witnesses (via The Daily Star Lebanon)
Lebanon’s Health Minister says a very high number of injuries and large damage from the Beirut explosion.
There will be many examples of this from Beirut – of parents and loved ones shielding their children and each other, like this father. A friend told me how her mother saved her young son, protecting him from the glass.
There will also be those unable to. pic.twitter.com/rt04xISWdU — Joseph Willits (@josephwillits) August 4, 2020
Several huge explosions rocked Beirut, Lebanon Thursday, but what actually caused the massive detention, that was followed by a billowing cloud of smoke is still not known.
The explosions appeared to be consecutive with one large explosion occurring before a secondary took place, according to reporters and eye witnesses in the region. The explosions were so forceful near the port in Beirut that it sent waves of water pushing back from the center of the detention.
Fireworks explosion?! I felt like I’m dying, I still can’t believe it #Lebanon #Beirut pic.twitter.com/EMTS470FOH — Ahmad M. Yassine | أحمد م. ياسين (@Lobnene_Blog) August 4, 2020
U.S. Intelligence and State Department officials could not be immediately reached for comment and this story is developing. It will be updated when a response is available.
A massive explosion shook Lebanon's capital Beirut wounding a number people and causing widespread damage. The blast appeared to be centered around Beirut's port and shattered windows miles away. https://t.co/ekrRYo2Ns1 — The Associated Press (@AP) August 4, 2020
BREAKING: Reports of Explosion in Beirut #Lebanon in Port area.
Video by LATimes correspondent: pic.twitter.com/gBGKAO5PTj — Joyce Karam (@Joyce_Karam) August 4, 2020
Numerous social media posts on Twitter and Instagram captured the large explosion, which could be seen from miles away.
Here's the Beirut explosion captured from a boat. pic.twitter.com/DUB7cev6jD — Ian Miles Cheong @ stillgray.substack.com (@stillgray) August 4, 2020
Another view of the Beirut explosion from (another) boat. pic.twitter.com/xHvDZxExfP — Ian Miles Cheong @ stillgray.substack.com (@stillgray) August 4, 2020


saraacater--2020-08-04--Revolutionary Communist Party Endorses Joe Biden

The Revolutionary Communist Party USA has endorsed former Vice President Joe Biden , President Trump ’ s presumed democratic opponent in the 2020 presidential election .
“ Biden is not ‘ better ’ than Trump , in any meaningful way — except that he is not Trump and is not part of the move to consolidate and enforce fascist rule , with everything that means , ” Bob Avakian , the group ’ s founder said in an email to followers Monday , according to The Washington Times .
Biden ’ s promised to be the most progressive leader the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on that very idea .
Moreover , self-proclaimed ‘ Democratic Socialists ’ like Senator Bernie Sanders , D-VT , have openly endorsed Biden for president .
Avakian added , “ To approach this election from the standpoint of which candidate is ‘ better ’ means failing to understand the truly profound stakes and potential consequences of what is involved .
The fact is that there can be one — and only one — ‘ good ’ that can come out of this election : delivering a decisive defeat to Trump and the whole @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the full story .

In a surprising twist, a newly unsealed court document has unveiled that Special Counsel Jack Smith managed to gain access to former President Donald J Trump’s Twitter account, including its private messages and draft tweets. This revelation comes amidst his ongoing investigations into alleged wrongdoings by the ex-president.
The document indicates that Smith obtained a secret search warrant in January, permitting him to scrutinize the ‘@RealDonaldTrump’ account for potential evidence related to criminal activities. Initially, a judge imposed a hefty fine of $350,000 on Elon Musk’s social media conglomerate, previously known as Twitter, for its refusal to cooperate, as revealed in documents released last week.
Furthermore, the court order also restricted the company, now identified as X, from informing Trump about the warrant. According to sources from Smith’s special counsel team, the fear was that if Trump were alerted to the warrant, he might interfere with the investigation.
An attorney from Smith’s team explained, “There actually are concrete cognizable reasons to think that if the former president had notice of these covert investigative steps, there would be actual harm and concern for the investigation, for the witnesses going forward.”
Following some legal wrangling, the unsealed filing discloses that Twitter ultimately provided the requested records. The court filing specifies that Smith secured a search warrant that directed Twitter to hand over ‘data and records’ linked to Trump’s Twitter account, according to reports from the Daily Mail. The content of the messages and draft tweets remains undisclosed.
As per a transcript included in the submission, a legal representative from Twitter affirmed that the company divulged ‘all direct messages, including those in ‘draft form,’ to the special counsel’s team. Moreover, access to both ‘eliminated’ and ‘retained’ direct messages from Trump was accorded to the special counsel’s team.
The former president, in response, accused Joe Biden of being responsible for the warrant and criticized Smith for what he deemed a violation of his privacy. Trump posted on Monday to voice his displeasure, stating, “How dare lowlife prosecutor, Deranged Jack Smith, breaking into my Twitter account without informing me and, indeed, trying to completely hide this atrocity from me. What could he possibly find out that is not already known.”
Smith’s actions have culminated in a 37-count indictment against Trump, with charges ranging from obstruction of justice in relation to classified materials to his efforts to maintain power after losing the 2020 election. The indictment also implicates Trump in spreading falsehoods and encouraging the events of January 6th, characterized as an attack on the Capitol “fueled by lies.”
In response to these developments, Smith issued a public statement underscoring that the assault on the Capitol was “fueled by lies” propagated by Trump, aiming to disrupt the core workings of the U.S. government’s electoral process. Smith asserted his commitment to a ‘swift’ trial as part of his pursuit of justice.
Follow Alexander Carter on Twitter @AlexCarterDC for more!