freedomdaily--2020-06-10--LA City Council Leader Criticized For Having LAPD Security Detail While Advocating For Department Bu

LA City Council Leader Criticized For Having LAPD Security Detail While Advocating For Department Budget Cuts

The Los Angeles City Council president is facing criticism for using police officers as personal security while calling for the department to be defunded .
Democratic Los Angeles City Council President Nury Martinez used LAPD officers as security for the past two months until journalists began asking her questions , Spectrum News 1 initially reported .
“ It ’ s kind of ironic .
Here she is demanding $ 150 million be reallocated from the police budget , but yet she has security at her house by the Los Angeles Police Department , ” said Det .
Jamie McBride , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ League , Spectrum reported .
McBride estimated more than $ 100,000 in taxpayer funding was spent providing security to Martinez .
She authorized police presence at her home after receiving death threats toward herself and her daughter , said Martinez ’ s spokesman Rick Coca , according to Spectrum .
The police detail started on April 4 as a 24/7 assignment , but was changed on May 9 to 7 a.m. t0 9 p.m. shifts with late-night patrol check-ins .
By the time Spectrum contacted her office , the detail had been canceled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an abuse of power and abuse of position , ” McBride told Fox Business .
“ When you take a car away from patrolling the streets , that car could have been on patrol preventing a violent crime from occurring , could have responded to somebody ’ s call for help , a whole slew of things could have happened with that one car.
” Democratic Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti plans to cut up to $ 150 million that was part of a planned increase in the police department ’ s budget @ @ @ @ @ @ @ League said budget cuts would be the “ quickest way to make our neighborhoods more dangerous , ” Fox Business reported .
“ Cutting the LAPD budget means longer responses to 911 emergency calls , officers calling for back-up won ’ t get it , and rape , murder and assault investigations won ’ t occur or will take forever to initiate , let alone complete.
” The Los Angeles City Council and Martinez ’ s office did not immediately respond to the Daily Caller News Foundation ’ s request for comment .


freedomdaily--2020-06-10--Harvard University Professor Indicted in China Investigation

The former Chair of Harvard University ’ s Chemistry and Chemical Biology Department was indicted today on charges of making false statements to federal authorities regarding his participation in China ’ s Thousand Talents Program .
Dr. Charles Lieber , 61 , has been indicted by a federal grand jury on two counts of making false statements and will be arraigned in federal court in Boston at a later date .
Lieber was arrested on Jan. 28 , 2020 , and charged by criminal complaint .
According to charging documents , since 2008 , Dr. Lieber has served as the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at Harvard University , specializing in the area of nanoscience .
Lieber ’ s research at the Lieber Research Group has been funded by more than $ 15 million in research grants from the National Institutes of Health ( NIH ) and Department of Defense ( DOD ) .
Among other things , these grants required the disclosure of all sources of research support , potential financial conflicts of interest and all foreign collaboration .
It is alleged that , unbeknownst to Harvard University , beginning in 2011 , Lieber became a “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Technology ( WUT ) in China .
He later became contractual participant in China ’ s Thousand Talents Plan from at least 2012 through 2015 .
China ’ s Thousand Talents Plan is one of the most prominent Chinese talent recruitment plans designed to attract , recruit , and cultivate high-level scientific talent in furtherance of China ’ s scientific development , economic prosperity and national security .
According to court documents , these talent recruitment plans seek to lure Chinese overseas talent and foreign experts to bring their knowledge and experience to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for stealing proprietary information .
Under the terms of Lieber ’ s three-year Thousand Talents contract , WUT allegedly paid Lieber a salary of up to $ 50,000 USD per month , living expenses of up to 1 million Chinese Yuan ( approximately $ 158,000 USD at the time ) and awarded him more than $ 1.5 million to establish a research lab at WUT .
In return , Lieber was obligated to work for WUT “ not less than nine months a year ” by “ declaring international cooperation projects , cultivating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ international conference [ s ] , applying for patents and publishing articles in the name of [ WUT ] .
” It is alleged that in 2018 and 2019 , Lieber lied to federal authorities about his involvement in the Thousand Talents Plan and his affiliation with WUT .
On or about April 24 , 2018 , during an interview with federal investigators , it is alleged that Lieber falsely stated that he was never asked to participate in the Thousand Talents Program , but that he “ wasn ’ t sure ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2018 , NIH inquired of Harvard about whether Lieber had failed to disclose his then-suspected relationship with WUT and China ’ s Thousand Talents Plan .
Lieber allegedly caused Harvard to falsely tell NIH that Lieber “ had no formal association with WUT ” after 2012 , that “ WUT continued to falsely exaggerate ” his involvement with WUT in subsequent years , and that Lieber “ is not and has never been a participant in ” China ’ s Thousand Talents Plan .
The charge of making false statements provides for a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prison , three years of supervised release and a fine of $ 250,000 .
Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S .
Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors .

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freedomdaily--2020-06-10--South Texas man pleads guilty to conspiracy to transport illegal aliens

LAREDO , Texas — On Monday , a South Texas man entered a guilty plea for his role in a conspiracy to transport illegal aliens within the country .
This case is being investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement ’ s ( ICE ) Homeland Security Investigations ( HSI ) Laredo Office with the assistance of U.S. Customs and Border Protection ( CBP ) Border Patrol .
Leonidas Navarro , 30 , from Zapata , Texas , entered a guilty plea on June 8 , before U.S. District Court Judge Diana Saldana for conspiracy to transport illegal aliens within @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , on Jan. 21 , Leonidas Navarro drove a semi-truck and trailer combination through the Laredo North Border Patrol checkpoint on Interstate 35 .
Upon inspection , a K-9 alerted to the presence of contraband in the trailer .
Navarro also could not provide a bill of lading for the goods he was supposedly transporting .
He was then referred to secondary inspection .
Instead of complying with the officer ’ s direction , Navarro increased his speed and drove through a fence and into a field before he ultimately crashed .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to flee but was soon captured .
Authorities found a total of 63 illegal aliens that had been hidden inside the truck .
No one was seriously injured during the crash .
U.S. District Court Judge Saldaňa will impose sentencing later , at which time , Navarro faces up to 10 years in federal prison .
He remains in custody pending that hearing .


freedomdaily--2020-06-10--Could pressure for COVID-19 drugs lead the FDA to lower its standards?

Given the death , suffering , social disruption and economic devastation caused by COVID-19 , there is an urgent need to quickly develop therapies to treat this disease and prevent the spread of the virus .
But the Food and Drug Administration , charged with the task of evaluating and deciding whether to approve new drugs and other products , has a problem .
The FDA ’ s standards appear to be dropping at a time when rigorous regulatory review and robust oversight are crucial .
For example , on March 28 , the FDA granted emergency use authorization ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sulfate , despite the drugs having known safety concerns and negligible evidence of efficacy in treating COVID-19 .
As a specialist in bioethics and public health , I see troubling signs that suggest the FDA ’ s new program for expediting reviews of potential therapies for COVID-19 is not working as it should .
Instead , its regulatory oversight has been weakened .
In its place , I see signs of political interference , inappropriate pressure to authorize products for emergency use , and an overwhelming surge of clinical studies that challenges the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them before deciding whether they should proceed .
Are the right people doing the work ?
Even with numerous special approval programs in existence , it typically takes about eight years for new drugs to proceed from initial authorization of clinical trials to FDA approval .
Because the process of testing drugs and other potential therapies can be so lengthy , the pandemic poses a challenge to the FDA ’ s usual review and approval processes .
In response to COVID-19 , the FDA established the Coronavirus Treatment Acceleration Program ( CTAP ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ help facilitate the speedy development of treatments and preventive measures .
The FDA has redeployed many staff members to serve on CTAP review teams .
In public statements about CTAP , the FDA has not disclosed how many staff members serve on these teams .
And it ’ s not certain if all reassigned staff members have the background and training required to review COVID-19 studies and individual patient requests for expanded access to investigational new drugs .
There is little publicly available information concerning how CTAP is staffed , how review teams @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of expertise particular teams of reviewers possess .
If FDA employees are being assigned unfamiliar responsibilities , or are reviewing applications for products beyond their expertise , there ’ s a risk those reviews will not be sufficiently thorough .
CTAP is essentially an opaque regulatory initiative .
Decisions emerge from CTAP but we don ’ t know who made them , why they were made , or what information was provided to FDA .
While some details have been shared , I believe that , in general , CTAP would benefit from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to cut red tape , says it ’ s now reviewing many clinical study protocols for COVID-19 within 24 hours .
But what specific bureaucratic impediments did the FDA eliminate to fast-track the process ?
That we don ’ t know .
In public statements about CTAP , the FDA hasn ’ t identified what “ bureaucratic impediments ” it removed .
The agency has yet to disclose this important information .
What we do know : The FDA has enabled COVID-19 studies to proceed at a far more rapid pace than trials @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
By doing so , the FDA needs to respond to scientists , physicians , bioethicists , regulatory specialists and other critics concerned that the FDA is failing to maintain its regulatory standards .
Mounting evidence indicates CTAP ’ s oversight may be inadequate .
One example : The FDA has cleared an application for a clinical study to test a stem cell product to see if it ’ s safe and if it works .
The stem cells , researchers hope , will provide enough immune support to reduce symptoms and hospitals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has no control group that can be used to compare the stem cell intervention against a placebo or sham procedure .
Without such a control group , the study will not generate usable data concerning whether or not the administered stem cells are effective .
Because of how little information has been disclosed about CTAP ’ s operation , the inner workings of CTAP seem beyond public scrutiny .
No information is available on why some trials were cleared to proceed despite what many researchers would consider glaring shortcomings .
This includes poor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ substantial overlap with other studies , or as in case of the stem cell study , a lack of a control group .
That specific problematic trials are being allowed to proceed within a wider climate of disrespect for evidence-based clinical research adds to the concern .
Many scientists fear that President Trump ’ s boosterism for drugs he believes prevent or treat COVID-19 has helped to undermine the independence and integrity of FDA decision-making .
The FDA ’ s emergency use authorization for hydroxychloroquine sulfate and chloroquine phosphate only heightened the concern @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also in question amid efforts to develop safe and effective vaccines for COVID-19 .
Need for transparency grows as trials expand The agency has indicated that summary statistics about CTAP will be forthcoming .
So far , however , the FDA has only disclosed limited information about the program ’ s operations .
Meanwhile , the number of trials allowed to proceed – and need for oversight – has grown .
When the creation of CTAP was announced on March 31 , the FDA said clinical trials had begun for 10 therapeutic agents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in planning stages .
The FDA now reports that by mid-April , it had received 950 inquiries and proposals concerning COVID-19 related drug development .
By May 11 , 144 active trials of therapeutic agents were in progress , or cleared to proceed .
Another 457 development programs for therapeutic agents were in planning stages .
It is good to have such information in the public domain .
However , I believe the public deserves to know much more about how CTAP is functioning .
Along with providing regular updates on the number @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the number cleared to proceed , the FDA needs to report the number of proposed studies it has declined to review ; the number of times the FDA has not cleared studies to proceed and has instead imposed holds due to safety issues ; and the duration between when investigational new drug applications were submitted and when the studies were allowed to proceed or placed on hold .
Most importantly , the public needs to know more about how decisions are being made within CTAP .
Public understanding of CTAP would increase @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it reviews and clears , and provided links to listings on ClinicalTrials.gov .
The FDA ’ s commissioner has defended the agency ’ s practices during the pandemic , including the use of less “ robust ” datasets .
But the FDA ’ s review process needs to result in the development of safe and effective COVID-19 treatments .
Speed of product development , while crucial in a pandemic , must never be prioritized over all other considerations .
Political pressure can not influence regulatory decision-making ; the agency must release more information @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decision-making processes .
First and foremost , the FDA ’ s rigorous oversight – rather than a race to satisfy an aggressive and perhaps political agenda – is imperative during this pandemic .
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Leigh Turner does not work for , consult , own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article , and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment .


freedomdaily--2020-06-10--Want to stop the COVID-19 stress meltdown? Train your brain

Let ’ s face it : We ’ re all under stress right now .
The uncertainty and constant health threats surrounding the coronavirus pandemic have upended our lives .
We may need two vaccines : one to protect us from the coronavirus and another from the toxic effects of too much stress .
Could we train our brains to prevent this stress from becoming lodged in our brains , so we can bounce back faster from stress – and even collect a kernel of wisdom from the experience ?
Perhaps .
Neuroscience research points to the stress-reactive circuits in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ toxic stress .
These circuits are made of neurons that can guide us to respond ineffectively to stress .
Once triggered , they unleash a cascade of stress chemicals .
Instead of the brain orchestrating a symphony of effective self-regulatory processes and moderation , we have a garage band of dysregulation and extremes , which can cause chronic stress and rising rates of emotional , behavioral , social and physical health problems .
As a health psychology professor , I work on emotional brain training to help people deactivate and rewire the circuits @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been exploring these issues for over a century .
Some 100 years ago , the psychoanalyst Sigmund Freud speculated that pathways in the brain caused emotional and behavioral problems .
Tom Insel , as director of the National Institutes for Mental Health from 2002 to 2015 , called for revolutionizing psychiatry with neuroscience to focus on faulty circuits .
The White House BRAIN initiative , launched in 2013 , has been busily mapping the brain ’ s billions of neurons and their connections to improve understanding of and treatments for a number @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and suddenly 70 % of the U.S. population was identified as moderately to severely distressed in a nationally representative study in April .
That was up from 22 % just two years earlier .
With a crisis in emotional health upon us , people can benefit from learning to take charge of these stress-reactive circuits and switch off the toxic stress chemical cascade they activate .
Most of us aren ’ t aware that the neural circuits in our emotional brain – the limbic system and subconscious memory systems in what ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ brain ” – are the major controllers of our emotional responses in daily life .
When a stimulus arrives in the brain , it activates either stress-resilient circuits , the internal calmers and healers , or stress-reactive circuits , the rabble-rousers that spiral us down into toxic stress .
The brain activates the strongest circuit , which then controls our responses .
If it triggers a reactive circuit , that unleashes strong emotions that are challenging to process , especially since stress compromises the functioning of the part of our brains responsible for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ struggles to untangle those stuck emotions , and we become stressed out .
It gets worse .
The longer these stress-reactive wires are activated , the more likely they are to activate other stress-reactive wires .
One circuit can trigger another and another , which can cause an emotional meltdown of anxiety , numbness , depression and hostility which can overwhelm us for hours or days .
These problematic stress-reactive circuits are encoded during adverse childhood experiences , and later experiences of stress overload .
The social isolation from sheltering in place and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ faulty wires , turning the pandemic crisis into a virtual incubator for making our brains even more reactive and setting us up for a crisis in emotional health .
How to retrain the stressed brain The stress wires in the emotional brain change through experience-dependent neuroplasticity – the brain learns to be resilient by being resilient .
It takes becoming stressed , then using emotional techniques to discover and change the unreasonable expectations and unwanted drives stored in that circuit .
Here ’ s one technique : First , briefly complain about what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : “ I can ’ t stop beating myself up for all the things I have done wrong.
” This activates the reactive wire that has encoded a faulty response and makes rewiring possible .
Then , rapidly express emotions .
Start with a burst of anger , which decreases stress and keeps the stressed “ thinking brain ” from becoming stuck in ruminating , zoning out or overanalyzing .
Notice that you can then stay present to your strong , stress-fueled negative emotions , which will then flow rapidly .
You can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like “ I feel sad that … ” ; “ I feel afraid that … ” ; or “ I feel guilty that … ” That simple emotional release can ease your stress , and the previously unconscious unreasonable expectation encoded in the circuit will appear in your conscious mind .
With the wire unlocked , you can then change the expectation into a reasonable one .
For example , change “ I get my safety from being hard on myself ” to “ I get my safety from being kind to myself.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ stress fades .
In small but important steps to release stress day by day , you train your brain for resilience .
Research has shown that emotions transmitted during social dialogue can eventually become large-scale group emotions .
We can spread stress to others , and much like secondhand smoke , secondhand stress is becoming a concern .
I ’ ve been surprised in my clinical practice at how quickly individuals link stress with social responsibility .
One technology company executive said , “ Switching off my stress is good for me , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ family , and it ’ s something I do for our country .
We are a stressed nation , and I want to be part of the solution.
” Even though stress overload is a root cause of many health problems , the current model of treating the symptoms of stress rather than rewiring the brain ’ s stress response is not sustainable .
At some point , health care ’ s addiction to using medications and procedures to treat the health problems caused by stress will require detox .
A new emphasis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ may emerge .
If we could reboot our brains for the high-stress times in which we live , just about every aspect of life would improve .
Resiliency could provide a needed internal health safety net .
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Laurel Mellin , Ph.D. is the founder of EBT , Inc. an educational organization that provides certification and training in Emotional Brain Training to health professionals and the public and owns shares in the @ @


freedomdaily--2020-06-11--‘That’s News To Me’: Washigton Gov Jay Inslee Was Unaware Of Seattle’s ‘Autonomous Zone’

Democratic Washington Gov .
Jay Inslee said he was not aware of Seattle rioters seizing a portion of the city during a press conference Wednesday .
“ Well that ’ s news to me .
So I ’ ll have to reserve any comment about that — I have not heard anything about that , ” Inslee told a reporter when asked about the situation .
A large group of demonstrators reportedly took control of an area around Seattle ’ s abandoned East Police Precinct .
Activists fenced in the six-block span of the city and named it the Capitol @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Armed protesters are reportedly monitoring who comes in and out and have established food and medical tents .
A banner over the zone reads “ This space is now property of the people , ” Newsweek reported .
Vigilantes are reportedly extorting both citizens and business in their newly-claimed area .
“ We have heard anecdotally reports of citizens and businesses being asked to pay a fee to operate within this area , this is the crime of extortion , ” Assistant Seattle Police Chief Deanna Nollette said , according to Newsweek @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , following the death of George Floyd , who died after a Minneapolis police officer knelt on his neck for over 8 minutes , viral video shows .
President Trump likened the demonstrators behind the autonomous zone to “ Domestic Terrorists ” in a Tweet Wednesday night .
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freedomdaily--2020-06-11--Declassified Intelligence Report Shows FBI Withheld Key Details About Steele Dossier

FBI officials left key details about former British spy Christopher Steele and his infamous dossier out of a newly declassified Intelligence Community Assessment regarding Russian interference in the 2016 election .
The two-page document , which Director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe declassified this week , describes Steele ’ s allegations about possible links between the Trump campaign and Russian government .
It says that an FBI source — Steele — had provided information thought to be credible regarding Russia ’ s goals in meddling in the election .
But the document , which was attached as an annex to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Community Assessment , failed to disclose information that the FBI had regarding Steele that likely would have raised questions about his motives for investigating the Trump campaign , as well as the validity of his allegations .
According to a Justice Department inspector general ’ s ( IG ) report , Steele told his FBI handlers on Oct. 3 , 2016 , that a key sub-source for his dossier was a “ boaster ” and “ egotist.
” Some of Steele ’ s former colleagues also told FBI counterintelligence officials in December 2016 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , according to the IG report .
The annex also does not disclose that the FBI cut ties with Steele on Nov. 1 , 2016 , after he had unauthorized contact with the media .
“ The source ’ s reporting appears to have been acquired by multiple Western press organizations starting in October , ” the annex stated .
What it leaves out is that the press outlets acquired Steele ’ s information from Steele himself .
The retired spy met with numerous journalists in the weeks and months leading up to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ primary source for a Yahoo !
News article published Sept. 23 , 2016 , and a Mother Jones story published on Oct. 31 , 2016 .
While the annex stated that Steele produced the dossier on behalf of a private client , it does not identify the client as the Democratic National Committee and Clinton campaign .
Perkins Coie , the law firm for the DNC and Team Clinton , hired opposition research firm Fusion GPS to investigate Donald Trump in April 2016 .
Fusion GPS in turn hired Steele .
The annex @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It says that an FBI source volunteered “ highly politically sensitive information ” during summer 2016 regarding “ Russian influence efforts aimed at the U.S. presidential election.
” “ We have only limited corroboration of the source ’ s reporting in this case and did not use it to reach the analytic conclusions of the CIA/FBI/NSA assessment , ” reads the annex .
The now-declassified annex said that “ some of the FBI source ’ s reporting is consistent with the judgments in this assessment.
” The IG report said that FBI officials @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , pushed to include the information in a Jan. 7 , 2017 , Intelligence Community Assessment regarding Russian efforts to influence the election .
The IG report said that McCabe argued that Steele was a “ credible ” source and that the annex would support the information about Russia ’ s covert election-related activities .
The ICA asserted that Russian operatives were behind hacks of Democrats ’ computer networks , and that Russian President Vladimir Putin directed the operation in order to help Donald Trump defeat Hillary Clinton .
The IG report said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the ICA because the dossier appeared to be nothing more than “ Internet rumor .
”


freedomdaily--2020-06-11--Cutting Police Funding Will Lead To Understaffing, Reduced Training, Union Official Says

A top official at a major police union said calls to defund the police will cause serious constraints on everything from department personnel to how officers are trained .
Vice President Emeritus of the International Union of Police Associations ( IUPA ) Dennis Slocumb said he ’ s concerned about additional burdens levied on departments that are already grossly understaffed in an interview with the Daily Caller News Foundation Tuesday .
The 32-year law enforcement veteran said more training is the answer to some police blunders , but adequate instruction is wishful thinking if departments don ’ t have the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they ’ re going to reduce money , that money is going to have to come from equipment and training and personnel .
If that ’ s the case , our detractors and certainly our supporters think we should have more training not less , ” He told the Daily Caller News Foundation in an interview .
He also also said “ almost every ” police department he knows of is understaffed and thus needs more funding to patrol the street and that cutting those budgets won ’ t help .
He is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ host of violent riots that have swept the country , following death of George Floyd , who died after a police officer knelt on his neck for over 8 minutes , viral video shows .
But law enforcement critics who support the movement to defund police departments , who are distinctively different from those who want to abolish police forces altogether , argue that budgets need to shift funding to other aspects of the community , according to Fox News .
“ Defunding the police force is usually intended to take part of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ social services that could possibly be handled better than by a police department , ” John DeCarlo , a retired chief of police and associate professor and director of the master ’ s program in criminal justice at the University of New Haven told Fox .
“ [ For instance ] , responses to mental illness and other specialized needs of the community that are handled by police departments simply because the police departments are the last agencies in a line when there is no one else to respond , ” DeCarlo added @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as well trained as mental health professionals to deal with psychiatric problems .
“ No matter how much training we have it really barely scratches the surface when you consider what mental health professionals have to go through before they ’ re allowed to deal with patients , ” he said .
“ We ’ re sending men and women out to dealt with these mental health cases where people are in crises , and they ’ re usually not responding with some kind of mental health team.
” The union official , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from police to fix this problem .
Instead , law enforcement should continue to respond to these calls — as lives are in danger — and certain professionals should respond accordingly , Slocumb said .
“ We should respond to any situation where someone ’ s life may be in jeopardy , ” he said .
“ Like a house fire , we respond to protect or save lives , but the fire department has the resources and training to deal with the fire .
Professional people should be able to quickly respond @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Calls for the defund the police movement come from those allegedly fed up with attempting to reform departments .
Some say additions like body cameras don ’ t go far enough .
“ It is clear that our system of policing is not keeping our communities safe , ” Minneapolis City Council President Lisa Bender said , according to USA Today .
“ Our efforts at incremental reform have failed , period.
” Co-founder of Black Lives Matter Patrisse Cullors argues that slashing police funding can stymie law enforcement efforts to “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of defunding law enforcement becomes a central demand in how we actually get real accountability and justice , ” she told WBUR , “ because it means we are reducing the ability of law enforcement to have resources that harm our communities.
” Cullors further argues that , on the issue of training , no additional instruction is necessary because police officers are ‘ incapable ’ of operating in black neighborhoods .
“ It ’ s not possible for the entity of law enforcement to be a compassionate , caring governmental agency in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outlet .
“ That ’ s not the training , that ’ s not the institution .
We have spent the last seven years asking for training , asking for body cameras .
“ The body cameras have done nothing more than show us what ’ s happened over and over again , ” she added .
“ The training has done nothing but show us that law enforcement and the culture of law enforcement is incapable of changing.
” Those in the defund the police camp have also pushed proposals that may @ @ @ @ @ @ @ insurance .
Minnesota ’ s Council on American-Islamic Relations ( CAIR ) and a few Black Lives Matter groups suggested this idea on Monday as a way to reform the Minneapolis Police Department , according to an Associated Press report .
City officials believed the insurance would act as a strike system , where bad cops would eventually be uninsurable and unable to keep their badge , the AP reports .
“ The employer provides the training , equipment and the selection .
They want to do all of that and absolve themselves @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He also expressed concern about officers who are already underpaid having to incur an additional financial burden from this .
Slocomb said he doesn ’ t think it ’ s plausible for carriers to want to insure officers in the first place .


freedomdaily--2020-06-11--The Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security Propose Rule on Procedures for Asy

The Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security Propose Rule on Procedures for Asylum and Withholding of Removal

The Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security ( collectively , the Departments ) submitted a proposed rule change to help immigration officials more effectively separate baseless claims for asylum from meritorious ones .
The proposal suggests the following changes to the Departments ’ regulations : • Amend the regulations governing credible fear determinations so that individuals found to have such a fear will have their claims for asylum , withholding of removal , or protection under the CAT adjudicated by an immigration judge in streamlined proceedings , rather than in immigration court proceedings conducted under section 240 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ INA ) ; • Permit immigration judges to pretermit asylum applications without a hearing if the application does not demonstrate prima facie eligibility for relief ; • Clarify when an application is “ frivolous ” ; • Clarify standards for the adjudication of asylum and withholding claims including amendments to the definitions of the terms “ particular social group , ” “ political opinion , ” “ persecution , ” and “ firm resettlement ” ; • Outline factors for adjudicators to consider when making discretionary determinations ; • Clarify the standard for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or other person acting in an official capacity under the CAT regulations ; • Raise the burden of proof for the threshold screening of withholding and CAT protection claims from “ significant possibility ” to a “ reasonable possibility ” standard ; • Apply bars to asylum and withholding when making credible fear determinations ; and • Clarify the requirement to protect certain information contained in asylum applications .
This would better ensure groundless claims do not delay or divert resources from deserving claims .
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freedomdaily--2020-06-11--Is it safe to stay in a hotel, cabin or rental home yet?

After nearly three months of quarantine , millions of Americans are ready to travel – an overnight trip , a weekend getaway , a summer sojourn .
With states reopening , that ’ s now possible , with a caveat .
Before coronavirus , few people likely thought twice about staying in a hotel room , rental home or cabin in the woods .
But now , we have to factor in the potential for coronavirus exposure .
Even if you ’ re OK with the travel risks taking you to your destination – plane , train or automobile – @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spot itself ?
We are both exposure scientists .
One of us feels comfortable booking a “ no-contact ” stay ; the other still isn ’ t sure whether to take an overnight trip anytime soon .
But we agree on two things : Traveling these days brings increased risk , yet ways exist to minimize that risk .
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance is clear that travel heightens your chance of getting or spreading COVID-19 .
The travel industry is taking this seriously .
Both the American Hotel & Lodging @ @ @ @ @ @ @ released best practice guidelines and standards .
No matter what type of stay you ’ re planning , the primary concern is coming into close contact ( less than six feet ) with an infected person .
That probability is higher when you travel .
Keep in mind a person with COVID-19 can spread the virus before developing symptoms .
From the start , you must assume that everyone around you may be infected .
Including yourself .
Contact with contaminated surfaces is of less concern , but still something to consider .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ for infections from them , but we do know coronavirus has been detected on guest room surfaces .
Try to minimize your contact with surfaces – tabletops , chairs , bathroom sinks , duvet covers – that haven ’ t been cleaned or disinfected .
A further complication : The pattern and extent of COVID-19 can vary between communities , even in the same region .
Laws and public health guidelines vary as well , so make sure you check for updates before traveling .
There ’ s no way to make a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are certainly ways to make a stay safer .
Remember each lodging scenario is different ; for example , unlike hotels or rental homes , campgrounds typically have only shared bathrooms .
But wherever you may stay , start by checking out the establishment ’ s website , or call to ask what management is doing to reduce transmission risk .
Make sure to ask about : • Air quality .
Cleaning with approved products should be frequent .
Ask if hand washing or hand sanitizing stations are available in common areas .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ or HEPA filters in the ventilation system , should be in place .
If that ’ s not the case , consider bringing a portable air purifier with a HEPA filter .
On the low-tech side : Can windows be opened for better air flow ?
A fan can help bring in more outdoor air and increase the mixing rate if used near an open window .
• Policies on masks and health screenings for guests and staff .
• Is the rental business limiting capacity to promote distance ?
That is , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
And are they preventing one-night stays , which would bring in more people and therefore introduce more risk ?
Avoid lodgings with same-day turnovers .
Once you ’ ve determined the management is doing all it can , you need to do all you can to minimize exposure .
Wear a face covering and practice social distancing in common areas .
Minimize time in enclosed , less ventilated spaces , like elevators .
Avoid contact with “ high-touch ” surfaces in shared spaces , like the elevator call button , door handles @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they are less likely to have been disinfected between each individual ’ s touch .
Wash your hands or use hand sanitizer after spending time in common areas .
If gyms and pools are open , remember to social distance , wear your mask , and wipe down equipment before and after use .
Use plastic zip bags for personal items that others may handle .
That includes your driver ’ s license , credit card and key .
Bring extra bags to put these things in after you disinfect them .
Handle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no-contact delivery .
Disinfect surfaces following CDC guidance .
If housekeeping is available , opt out .
Request that decorative pillows and duvet covers be removed before your arrival .
Lowest-risk options for dining : bring your own food or do room service or no-contact delivery .
Outdoor dining can be a reasonable option , but if you dine inside , make sure there ’ s reasonable ventilation and adequately spaced tables .
Bring enough masks or face coverings for each day , or bring detergent to wash between uses .
You ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wipes , a surface disinfectant , paper towels and disposable disinfectant wipes .
All this helps , but remember : Even doing everything on this substantial list still may not eliminate your chance of getting the virus .
The bottom line is , we don ’ t recommend nonessential travel for everyone right now .
You may need a vacation , but COVID-19 never takes one .
[ Get facts about coronavirus and the latest research .
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Elizabeth Marder is Chair of Communications @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Exposure Science , a not-for-profit organization .
Paloma Beamer is President of the International Society of Exposure Science , a not-for-profit organization and receives funding from NIH , EPA , Agricola Alta Pozo Manuel and the Pima County Health Department .


freedomdaily--2020-06-11--Is is safe to stay in a hotel, cabin or rental home yet?


freedomdaily--2020-06-11--First space tourists will face big risks, as private companies gear up for paid suborbital flights

On May 30 , 2020 , millions of Americans watched the inaugural SpaceX Crew Dragon launch NASA astronauts to the International Space Station .
This mission marked two significant events : First , the return of launch to orbit capability for human spaceflight from the United States .
Secondly , it successfully demonstrated private sector capability to build and operate a launch vehicle for human spaceflight .
While SpaceX may be the first private space company to accomplish this , it is not alone .
Boeing ’ s Starliner and Lockheed ’ s Orion capsule are also being developed for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and training has begun for safety operations on the spacecraft .
As an aerospace lawyer working and teaching on human spaceflight law and policy for over a decade , I have a professional and personal appreciation for current spaceflight technologies and astronaut developments .
For many , the Crew Dragon launch marked the start to a new era of commercial access to space and private human spaceflight .
However , given logistical and destination requirements for Earth orbit or beyond , the onset of larger-scale private human spaceflight is more likely to emerge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suborbital flight , in contrast to SpaceX ’ s recent orbital flight , is a brief spaceflight that fails to complete one full orbit of the Earth .
That is , you launch your space vehicle to the edge of space and come right back down .
Virgin Galactic has been inching closer to commercial suborbital launch operator status with successful crewed test flights in February 2019 .
In fact , Virgin Galactic ’ s SpaceShipTwo , an air-launched suborbital rocket , and Blue Origin ’ s New Shepard , a rocket-launched space @ @ @ @ @ @ @ flights catering to both space tourists and scientific research this year .
Each suborbital flight presents a unique spaceflight experience , trajectory and set of regulatory requirements .
While industry continues to test and refine tech and operations , the Federal Aviation Administration – which regulates launch , reentry and spaceports for U.S. commercial spaceflight – is also morphing to address the needs of the emerging private space industry .
What you need to know before you fly to space Spaceflight is regarded as an inherently dangerous activity .
While some hazards of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ G-forces , radiation , vibration and microgravity – are well documented , many risks remain unknown .
The scope of physiological risks spans pre-flight , in-flight , and post-flight operations and activities .
FAA regulations also focus on the safety and protection of the public on the ground , not the civilian passengers who are called spaceflight participants .
This includes anyone who is not crew or a government astronaut on a spacecraft .
As a result , regulations stipulate minimum requirements with regard to medical fitness and training for space tourists , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ waivers of liability to protect the launch operator .
No standardized medical criteria exists for screening or selecting spaceflight participants .
Unlike flight crew which require a Class II airman ’ s medical certificate , there is no similar requirement for fitness to fly for space tourists .
Where the law is silent or lacking , the FAA ’ s Recommended Practices for Human Space Flight Occupant Safety can provide general guidance .
Here the FAA recommends a spaceflight participant receive a medical consultation within 12 months of flight from a physician trained @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this is a not a legal requirement , ultimately it will be up to the launch operator to determine fitness-to-fly and “ no-go ” criteria for preexisting conditions .
Virgin Galactic , for example , has few restrictions : no upper age limit , and weight limit only as it relates to practical space vehicle requirements .
When it comes to the risks from radiation , the FAA tries to reduce the exposure for crew members .
But it considers the radiation risks of a space tourist taking a single suborbital joy ride @ @ @ @ @ @ @ provide safety information before a flight , the launch operators are required to instruct space tourists on how to respond to emergency situations including smoke , fire , loss of cabin pressure and emergency exit .
This is a minimal requirement , and each launch operator determines its training protocol .
Virgin Galactic , for instance , offers a three-day training with a focus on participant ’ s gear , communications and function , and spacecraft cabin .
Flight crew , in contrast , must be trained and qualified to perform their critical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spaceflight .
Orbital or long-duration spaceflights , however , will likely require more stringent commercial industry training protocols than for suborbital flights .
The FAA set the age requirement for civilian participants at 18 years .
This is necessary to ensure the participant can provide informed consent .
In addition , the regulations dictate that the launch operator inform crews and participants that the U.S. government does not certify the spaceflight and space vehicle as safe for humans .
The launch operator must also inform the participants in writing of the risks of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the vehicle , and that both known and unknown space hazards and risks could result in serious injury , either partial or total physical or mental disability .
The spaceflight participant is also required to sign a reciprocal waiver of liability with the commercial launch operator and an indemnification agreement with the Federal Government .
However , participants don ’ t sign a waiver with other participants .
Meaning , if an accident occurs , spaceflight participants can sue each other but generally not the launch operator or the government .
To @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to take out insurance .
A few companies , including AXA XL and Allianz , are beginning to offer third-party liability insurance for civilians to engage in spaceflight .
The space industry expects that many people may want to go to space in the near future , and private spaceflight is being marketed as the next experience in luxury escapism and scientific research .
But the hazardous nature of spaceflight also requires critical understanding of the risks and uncertainties in human spaceflight .
The industry is still in its infancy , and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are still evolving .
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Sara M. Langston does not work for , consult , own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article , and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment .


freedomdaily--2020-06-12--Here Are The 6 Women Biden Is Reportedly Considering For VP

Topics in this post : Joe Biden the 2020 Election Former Vice President Joe Biden has narrowed his search for a running mate to six candidates , all women , Democrats familiar with the process have told the Associated Press .
Five of the six candidates are women of color .
According to the Associated Press , Biden ’ s search committee is vetting California Sen. Kamala Harris , former Obama National Security Adviser Susan Rice , Florida Rep. Val Demings , Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms and New Mexico Gov .
Michelle Lujan Grisham .
Sen. Elizabeth Warren is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Biden pledged during a Democratic party debate on March 15 to select a female running mate .
Pressure has mounted in the wake of tensions over the police-involved death of George Floyd for Biden to also choose a woman of color .
Notably absent from the list are Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar and Stacey Abrams , who ran for Georgia governor in 2018 .
Klobuchar came under scrutiny last month following an allegation that in 2006 , when she served as Hennepin county prosecutor , she declined to prosecute Derek Chauvin , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Floyd .
Klobuchar ’ s office has disputed the story , saying that the 2006 incident involving Chauvin occurred weeks before Klobuchar was elected to the Senate .
A grand jury declined to charge Chauvin after Klobuchar had already joined the Senate .
Warren and Harris have been considered the frontrunners in the Biden veepstakes , thanks in large part to their own presidential candidacies .
Harris was one of Biden ’ s most ardent critics during the Democratic debates .
Last June , she ripped into Biden over his comments in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Biden campaign did not respond to a request for comment .
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freedomdaily--2020-06-12--CBP Officers at Hidalgo International Bridge Seize $1.7 Million in Hard Narcotics

—U.S .
Customs and Border Protection , Office of Field Operations ( OFO ) at the Hidalgo International Bridge arrested two people from Lubbock , Texas after detecting $ 1,733,000 worth of alleged methamphetamine and heroin within the vehicle they were driving .
“ Our frontline officers ’ persistence and perseverance in carrying out CBP ’ s border security mission is reflected in seizures like this , ” said Carlos Rodriguez , Port Director , Hidalgo/ Pharr/Anzalduas .
“ This continued commitment helps protect our communities from dangerous drugs.
” Packages containing $ 1.7 million in methamphetamine and heroin seized @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
CBP officers assigned to the Hidalgo-Reynosa International Bridge on June 10 encountered a 32-year-old woman accompanied by a 31-year-old man , both U.S. citizens , in a 2019 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross arriving from Mexico .
A secondary inspection which included utilizing non-intrusive imaging ( NII ) equipment resulted in the discovery of packages of suspected narcotics hidden within the vehicle .
Officers removed 20 packages of alleged methamphetamine weighing 77.20 pounds ( 35.02 kgs ) and one package of alleged heroin that weighed 4.71 pounds ( 2.14 kgs ) .
These narcotics @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 189,000 , respectively .
CBP OFO seized the narcotics , the vehicle and arrested both travelers who were ultimately turned over to agents with Homeland Security Investigations ( HSI ) who continue with the investigation .
“ Our frontline officers employ great persistence , perseverance in carrying out CBP ’ s border security mission and that continued outstanding commitment helps protect our communities from these dangerous drugs.
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freedomdaily--2020-06-12--Biden Says MLK’s Assassination ‘Did Not Have The Worldwide Impact That George Floyd’s Death Did’

2020 presidential candidate Joe Biden said Thursday that the death of George Floyd has had more of a “ worldwide impact ” than the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr .
The former vice president discussed Floyd ’ s death at a roundtable event in Philadelphia where he said that “ television changed the civil rights movement for the better , ” noting that cellphones have “ changed the way everybody ’ s looking at this.
” “ Even Dr. King ’ s assassination did not have the worldwide impact that George Floyd ’ s death did , ” Biden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Times .
King was shot by a sniper in Memphis , Tennessee , on April 4 , 1968 .
James Earl Ray plead guilty to the murder in March 10 , 1969 , but later recanted his confession and said he was the victim of a conspiracy .
King ’ s death was followed by rioting , burning , and looting in more than 100 cities across the United States .
Then President Lyndon B. Johnson called King the “ apostle of nonviolence , ” drawing on King ’ s opposition to violent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ reject the blind violence ” that had resulted in King ’ s death .
“ Look at the millions of people marching around the world , ” Biden added “ So my point is that I think people are really realizing that this is a battle for the soul of America .
Who are we ?
What do we want to be ?
How do we see ourselves ?
What do we think we should be ?
Character is on the ballot here.
” Riots and protests have broken out across the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a black man who died after a Minneapolis police officer knelt on his neck for several minutes , video of the incident showed .
Derek Chauvin , the officer , has been fired and arrested on second-degree murder and manslaughter charges .
On the night of April 3 , King gave a speech foreshadowing his looming death at the Mason Temple Church in Memphis .
“ I ’ ve seen the promised land .
I may not get there with you , ” he said .
“ But I want you to know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people , will get to the promised land .
And I ’ m happy tonight .
I ’ m not worried about anything .
I ’ m not fearing any man .
Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord.
” Biden did not immediately respond to a request for comment from the Daily Caller News Foundation .
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freedomdaily--2020-06-12--Oregon Gov Temporarily Halts State’s Reopening

Oregon Gov .
Kate Brown said Thursday evening that she would pause the state ’ s reopening process due to notable increases in coronavirus infections over recent days .
The announcement came as the Oregon Health Authority confirmed 178 new cases of COVID-19 Thursday , the highest daily count in the state since the start of the pandemic , and applies to the entire state , local TV station KTVZ reported .
Brown , in a prepared statement , described the temporary measure as a “ yellow light , ” saying that it would remain in place for seven days @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public health experts time to assess what factors are driving the spread of the virus and determine if we need to adjust our approach to reopening , ” she said .
Officials have attributed some of the additional cases to the widespread availability of testing , increased contact tracing , active monitoring of cases and recent workplace outbreaks , according to the Los Angeles Times .
Areas in the state that have had their applications to reopen put on hold include Multnomah County , which includes Portland , Hood River County , Marion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we expected , the number of cases [ is ] going up , ” OHA Director Patrick Allen said in a news conference Thursday .
“ The question has always been , can we manage in a way that doesn ’ t prevent the cases from going up but prevents it from overwhelming our systems.
” The holds come amid large protests that have occurred throughout much of the state .
Allen issued a reminder Thursday urging Oregonians to continue to social distance , wash their hands adequately and wear a mask when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not the only state to report an increase in confirmed coronavirus cases , its decision to temporarily pause its reopening stands in contrast to other states , including Texas , Florida , and Arizona .
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freedomdaily--2020-06-12--Federal Judge Blocks ICE From Arresting Illegal Aliens Near New York Court Houses

Immigration and Customs Enforcement ( ICE ) agents are forbidden to conduct immigration arrests both inside and near courthouses in New York state following a Wednesday ruling from a federal justice .
District Court Judge Jed Rakoff ruled that the practice of arresting illegal aliens outside of courthouses violated the “ principles of federalism and separation of powers , ” ABC News reported .
“ It is one thing for the state courts to try to deal with the impediments brought on by a pandemic , and quite another for them to have to grapple with disruptions and intimidations artificially @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government in violation of long-standing privileges and fundamental principles of federalism and of separation of powers , ” Rakoff said in the ruling , according to ABC .
The ruling comes after Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez and New York Attorney General Letitia James sued ICE and the Department of Homeland Security in September , ABC News reported .
The White House tried to block the suit , but Rakoff struck down their efforts in December .
James called the ruling a “ victory over the Trump administration ’ s over-policing policies ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The ruling amplifies New York ’ s lenient stance on illegal immigration .
Illegal aliens have been able to register for driver ’ s licenses in New York since Democratic Gov .
Cuomo signed a law in December , according to CNN .
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freedomdaily--2020-06-12--Dem Candidate On Looting: ‘So What? Burn It To The Ground If That’s What It Takes’

A Democratic congressional candidate downplayed looting and arson during a digital campaign event on Tuesday .
Responding to a questioner who expressed her concern about the left-wing push to abolish the police , Texas Democratic candidate Kim Olson argued that police departments are overfunded , before pivoting to downplaying looting and arson .
Olson took issue with what she said were snipers on city buildings during a protest in Dallas , which in 2016 was the site of a mass shooting targeting police officers during a protest .
“ What the hell you got snipers on the roof for in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ loot , so what ?
” Olson said in a video that was first reported by the Washington Examiner .
“ Burn it to the ground , you know , if that ’ s what it ’ s going to take to fix our nation .
I know people don ’ t want me to say that but I ’ m just saying , ” she added .
Olson is in a runoff for the Democratic primary for Texas ’ s 24th Congressional District .
Rachel Perry , Olson ’ s campaign manager @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were “ taken out of context.
” “ This quote is being taken out of context , ” Perry told the Examiner .
“ As a combat vet , Colonel Olson knows first hand the human heartbreak of violence .
She knows we can not use force to fix a systemic problem of undue violence and discrimination perpetrated by those who are sworn to protect and serve .
We have to rebuild from the ground up a color-blind public safety institution across America , ” she added .
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freedomdaily--2020-06-12--Federal Charges For Rioters Include Impersonating A Cop, Possession Of An Improvised Weapon, Arson

The Department of Justice released a host of federal charges that included offenses ranging from impersonating a police officer to wielding an improvised firearm during nationwide protesting and rioting over George Floyd ’ s death .
A Milwaukee man allegedly aimed a laser pointer at an FBI aircraft , another in North Carolina was suspected of threatening to shoot law enforcement with an improvised weapon , a St. Paul man was charged in the Minneapolis Third Precinct fire and a convicted felon was busted allegedly impersonating a police officer .
These were just a few of the 37 different major @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 10 , according to DOJ documents obtained by Fox News .
The slew of arrests came amid nationwide riots over Floyd , who died after a police officer knelt on his neck for over eight minutes , video showed .
The epicenter of such demonstrations occurred in Minneapolis after protesters ransacked and torched the Third Precinct in response to riots nationwide .
Branden Michael Wolfe , 23 , was charged with the arson of the station .
Wolfe also nabbed items from the precinct “ including body armor , a police-issue duty belt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ baton , and knife … a riot helmet , 9mm pistol magazine , police radio , and police issue overdose kit , ” according to a press release .
Jeremiah Belen , 38 , was charged with aiming a laser pointer at an FBI aircraft .
He could face five years behind bars and a potential $ 250,000 fine if convicted , DOJ officials said in a release .
President Donald Trump has repeatedly urged the public to maintain “ LAW AND ORDER !
” since the beginning of these violent incidents .
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freedomdaily--2020-06-12--Senate Panel Approves Dozens Of Subpoenas In Probe Of Trump Campaign Surveillance

The Senate Judiciary Committee voted along party lines Thursday to authorize subpoenas for dozens of current and former government employees as part of a sprawling investigation into the origins of the Trump-Russia probe .
Sen. Lindsey Graham , the chairman of the Judiciary panel , sought the subpoenas in order to investigate the FBI ’ s probe of Trump campaign associates , as well as U.S. agencies ’ handling of the Steele dossier .
Graham released a list on May 19 of 53 potential witnesses he hopes to interview .
The subpoenas also seek documents from the potential witnesses .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the witness list , including former FBI Director James Comey , former FBI Deputy Director Andrew McCabe , and former Attorney General Loretta Lynch .
The South Carolina Republican is investigating the Obama administration ’ s so-called unmasking of former national security adviser Michael Flynn in intelligence reports during the presidential transition period .
He is also investigating the findings of the Justice Department inspector general ’ s ( IG ) report that found that the FBI misled the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court ( FISC ) in order to wiretap Carter Page , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ FBI relied heavily on the now-debunked Steele dossier in applications to surveil Page .
Graham said Sunday that he plans to ask Comey and McCabe whether they were aware that the primary source for Christopher Steele disavowed allegations in the dossier during a January 2017 interview with two FBI agents and two Justice Department attorneys .
The IG report said that the dossier source said Steele embellished key allegations in the dossier .
The report also said that the FBI failed to disclose that derogatory information in two applications to renew surveillance orders @ @ @ @ @ @ @ list includes two officials who interviewed the Steele source .
One of those is Stephen Somma , the FBI counterintelligence investigator involved in several aspects of Crossfire Hurricane .
A Justice Department inspector general ’ s report said that Somma committed some of the most “ significant ” errors in the surveillance process against the Trump campaign .
Graham also wants to interview David Laufman , who served as chief of counterintelligence at the Justice Department through 2018 .
Laufman arranged the interview with the Steele source .
Graham is also seeking access @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the opposition research firm that hired former British spy Christopher Steele to investigate the Trump campaign .
Included on the list of potential witnesses is Fusion GPS founder Glenn Simpson , former Fusion GPS contractor Nellie Ohr , and Jonathan Winer , a former State Department official who had contact with Simpson and Steele prior to the 2016 election .
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freedomdaily--2020-06-12--Former DEA Official Pleads Guilty to Elaborate $4 Million Fraud Scheme

A former Drug Enforcement Administration ( DEA ) public affairs officer pleaded guilty today to defrauding at least a dozen companies of over $ 4.4 million by posing falsely as a covert officer of the Central Intelligence Agency ( CIA ) .
According to court documents , Garrison Kenneth Courtney , 44 , of Tampa , Florida , falsely claimed to be a covert officer of the CIA involved in a highly-classified program or “ task force ” involving various components of the United States Intelligence Community and the Department of Defense .
According to the false story told by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to enhance the intelligence-gathering capabilities of the United States government .
In truth , Courtney had never been employed by the CIA , and the task force that he described did not exist .
To accomplish the fraud , Courtney approached numerous private companies with some variation of this false story and claimed that the companies needed to hire and pay him to create what Courtney described as “ commercial cover , ” i.e.
, to mask his supposed affiliation with the CIA .
Courtney also fraudulently claimed that the companies would be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ payments , sometimes by the award of lucrative contracts from the United States government in connection with the supposedly classified program .
Courtney went to extraordinary lengths to perpetuate the illusion that he was a deep-cover operative .
Among other things , he falsely claimed that his identity and large portions of his conduct were classified ; directed victims and witnesses to sign fake nondisclosure agreements that purported to be from the U.S. government and that forbade anyone involved from speaking openly about the supposedly classified program ; told victims and witnesses that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ intelligence services ; made a show of searching people for electronic devices as part of his supposed counterintelligence methods ; demanded that his victims meet in sensitive compartmented information facilities to create the illusion that they were participating in a classified intelligence operation ; and repeatedly threatened anyone who questioned his legitimacy with revocation of their security clearance and criminal prosecution if they “ leaked ” or continued to look into the supposedly classified information .
Courtney further created fake letters , purporting to have been issued by the Attorney General of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ blanket immunity to those who participated in the supposedly classified program .
As a further part of the scheme , Courtney created a fraudulent backstory about himself , claiming that he had served in the U.S. Army during the Gulf War , had hundreds of confirmed kills while in combat , sustained lung injuries from smoke caused by fires set to Iraq ’ s oil fields , and that a hostile foreign intelligence service had attempted to assassinate him by poisoning him with ricin .
All of these claims were false .
Courtney @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he was participating in this “ task force , ” explained that they had been selected to participate in the program , and then used those officials as unwitting props falsely to burnish his legitimacy .
For example , he directed his victims to speak with these public officials to verify his claims , and separately instructed the government officials as to exactly what to say .
Courtney thereby created the false appearance to the victims that the government officials had independently validated his story , when in fact the officials merely were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by Courtney .
At times , Courtney also convinced those officials to meet with victims inside secure government facilities , thereby furthering the false appearance of authenticity .
Through the scheme , Courtney also fraudulently gained a position working as a private contractor for the National Institutes of Health ( NIH ) Information Technology Acquisition and Assessment Center ( NITAAC ) , a branch of NIH that provides acquisition support services to federal agencies .
Once he had installed himself at NITAAC , Courtney gained access to sensitive , nonpublic information about the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by NITAAC .
Courtney thereafter used that information to attempt to corrupt the procurement process by steering the award of contracts to companies where he was then also on the payroll , and used the false pretext of national security concerns to warp the process by preventing full and open competition .
Courtney has pleaded guilty and sentencing has been scheduled for Oct. 23 , 2020 .


freedomdaily--2020-06-12--High-tech surveillance amplifies police bias and overreach

Video of police in riot gear clashing with unarmed protesters in the wake of the killing of George Floyd by Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin has filled social media feeds .
Meanwhile , police surveillance of protesters has remained largely out of sight .
Local , state and federal law enforcement organizations use an array of surveillance technologies to identify and track protesters , from facial recognition to military-grade drones .
Police use of these national security-style surveillance techniques – justified as cost-effective techniques that avoid human bias and error – has grown hand-in-hand with the increased militarization of law @ @ @ @ @ @ @ own , has shown that these expansive and powerful surveillance capabilities have exacerbated rather than reduced bias , overreach and abuse in policing , and they pose a growing threat to civil liberties .
Police reform efforts are increasingly looking at law enforcement organizations ’ use of surveillance technologies .
In the wake of the current unrest , IBM and Amazon have put the brakes on police use of the companies ’ facial recognition technology .
And police reform bills submitted by the Democrats in the U.S. House of Representatives call for regulating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We haven ’ t always lived in a world of police cameras , smart sensors and predictive analytics .
Recession and rage fueled the initial rise of big data policing technologies .
In 2009 , in the face of federal , state and local budget cuts caused by the Great Recession , police departments began looking for ways to do more with less .
Technology companies rushed to fill the gaps , offering new forms of data-driven policing as models of efficiency and cost reduction .
Then , in 2014 , the police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Missouri , upended already fraying police and community relationships .
The killings of Michael Brown , Eric Garner , Philando Castile , Tamir Rice , Walter Scott , Sandra Bland , Freddie Gray and George Floyd all sparked nationwide protests and calls for racial justice and police reform .
Policing was driven into crisis mode as community outrage threatened to delegitimize the existing police power structure .
In response to the twin threats of cost pressures and community criticism , police departments further embraced startup technology companies selling big data efficiencies and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ allow communities to move beyond the all-too-human problems of policing .
Predictive analytics and bodycam video capabilities were sold as objective solutions to racial bias .
In large measure , the public relations strategy worked , which has allowed law enforcement to embrace predictive policing and increased digital surveillance .
Today , in the midst of renewed outrage against structural racism and police brutality , and in the shadow of an even deeper economic recession , law enforcement organizations face the same temptation to adopt a technology-based solution to deep societal problems .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ turn the page from the current levels of community anger and distrust .
Instead of repeating the mistakes of the past 12 years or so , communities have an opportunity to reject the expansion of big data policing .
The dangers have only increased , the harms made plain by experience .
Those small startup companies that initially rushed into the policing business have been replaced by big technology companies with deep pockets and big ambitions .
Axon capitalized on the demands for police accountability after the protests in Ferguson and Baltimore to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ services for police-worn body cameras .
Amazon has been expanding partnerships with hundreds of police departments through its Ring cameras and Neighbors App .
Other companies like BriefCam , Palantir and Shotspotter offer a host of video analytics , social network analysis and other sensor technologies with the ability to sell technology cheaply in the short run with the hope for long term market advantage .
The technology itself is more powerful .
The algorithmic models created a decade ago pale in comparison to machine learning capabilities today .
Video camera streams have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ facial recognition capabilities , turning static surveillance into a virtual time machine to find patterns in crowds .
Adding to the data trap are smartphones , smart homes and smart cars , which now allow police to uncover individuals ’ digital trails with relative ease .
The technology is more interconnected .
One of the natural limiting factors of first generation big data policing technology was the fact that it remained siloed .
Databases could not communicate with one another .
Data could not be easily shared .
That limiting factor has shrunk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ developed within government and by private vendors .
The promise of objective , unbiased technology didn ’ t pan out .
Race bias in policing was not fixed by turning on a camera .
Instead the technology created new problems , including highlighting the lack of accountability for high-profile instances of police violence .
The harms of big data policing have been repeatedly exposed .
Programs that attempted to predict individuals ’ behaviors in Chicago and Los Angeles have been shut down after devastating audits cataloged their discriminatory impact and practical failure .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Los Angeles and other cities that initially had adopted the technology .
Scandals involving facial recognition , social network analysis technology and large-scale sensor surveillance serve as a warning that technology can not address the deeper issues of race , power and privacy that lie at the heart of modern-day policing .
The lesson of the first era of big data policing is that issues of race , transparency and constitutional rights must be at the forefront of design , regulation and use .
Every mistake can be traced to a failure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ within the context of modern police power – a context that includes longstanding issues of racism and social control .
Every solution points to addressing that power imbalance at the front end , through local oversight , community engagement and federal law , not after the technology has been adopted .
The debates about defunding , demilitarizing and reimagining existing law enforcement practices must include a discussion about police surveillance .
There are a decade of missteps to learn from and era-defining privacy and racial justice challenges ahead .
How police departments respond @ @ @ @ @ @ @ surveillance will reveal whether they ’ re on course to repeat the same mistakes .
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Andrew Guthrie Ferguson does not work for , consult , own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article , and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment .


freedomdaily--2020-06-13--‘Absolute Monarchy’: Catholic Priests, Jewish Congregants Sue Cuomo, De Blasio Over Double Standards

‘Absolute Monarchy’: Catholic Priests, Jewish Congregants Sue Cuomo, De Blasio Over Double Standards On Worship, Protests

Catholic priests and Jewish congregants have filed a lawsuit against Democratic New York Gov .
Andrew Cuomo and Democratic New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio over double standards on worship and protests .
Two Catholic priests from upstate New York and three Orthodox Jewish congregants from Brooklyn filed lawsuit June 10 against Cuomo , de Blasio , and Attorney General Letitia James in the United States District Court for the Northern District of New York .
“ It is time to end New York ’ s experiment in absolute monarchy , ” said Thomas More Society Special Counsel Christopher @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Daily Caller News Foundation .
“ We are asking the court to put an end to these unconstitutional executive orders and their prejudicial enforcement.
” The lawsuit accuses Cuomo , de Blasio , and James of infringing on freedoms of religion , speech , assembly , expressive association , and due process , according to a press release from the Thomas More Society , and Senior Judge Gary L. Sharpe has ordered the defendants to file a response by noon on June 15 .
The Thomas More Society ’ s complaint lists a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accusing the defendants of exploiting the pandemic to create “ a veritable dictatorship ” through Cuomo ’ s executive orders , of selectively enforcing social distancing through fines and punishments , and more .
“ These orders , both the emergency stay-home and reopening plan declarations , clearly discriminate against houses of worship , ” Ferrara said .
“ They are illegally content based , elaborate , arbitrary and pseudo-scientific.
” “ The governor and his agents , along with New York City ’ s mayor have employed favoritism and political platforms against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Why is a large worship gathering deemed more dangerous than a mass protest , full of shouting , arm-waving people in close proximity to one another ?
” The lawsuit comes as de Blasio and Cuomo allow protests and riots to go on throughout both New York City and the state while religious services have been banned or restricted .
Protests have erupted across the country in response to the death of George Floyd , who died May 25 in Minneapolis police custody after an officer knelt on his neck for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the incident showed .
De Blasio said Thursday that trips to a playground might be too risky for the spread of COVID-19 , but declined to say the same about the protests .
The Thomas More Society notes in a press release that only days after de Blasio was caught without a face mask at a political gathering in New York City — despite the requirement that all New Yorkers wear face masks and avoid gatherings of more than 10 people — police enforced the state ’ s ban on gatherings of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ small group of Hasidic Jewish children out of a park .
De Blasio has also threatened to arrest and prosecute members of the Jewish community who held “ illegal ” religious gatherings during the lockdowns .
Cuomo and de Blasio did not immediately respond to requests for comment from the DCNF .


freedomdaily--2020-06-13--MLK’s Niece Says Biden Speaks From A Different Reality In Saying Floyd’s Death Had A Bigger Impact T

MLK’s Niece Says Biden Speaks From A Different Reality In Saying Floyd’s Death Had A Bigger Impact Than MLK’s Assassination

Former Vice President Joe Biden spoke from from a different reality when he commented that George Floyd ’ s death has had a greater worldwide impact than Martin Luther King Jr. ’ s assassination , King ’ s niece said in an exclusive interview with the Daily Caller News Foundation .
Advocate , activist , author , and speaker Alveda King reacted the presumptive 2020 Democratic nominee ’ s statement Thursday that “ even Dr. King ’ s assassination did not have the worldwide impact that George Floyd ’ s death did.
” “ I believe that Mr. Biden continues @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a reality that is different from what ’ s happening in the real world , ” King told the DCNF over the phone .
“ Why is it necessary to compare Martin Luther King Jr. And George Floyd ?
” King emphasized that both Floyd and her uncle shared a commonality in that they were “ both from God fearing families , ” saying that this is “ something Mr. Biden should recognize.
” Floyd died in Minneapolis police custody May 25 after an officer knelt on his neck for more than 8 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Since his death , cities across the U.S. as well as in Europe and Australia have seen protests , sometimes leading to rioting and looting .
King said Floyd ’ s death was unjust , as was her uncle ’ s and her own father ’ s .
“ George Floyd was killed unjustly .
Martin Luther King Jr. was killed unjustly .
My father Reverend Alfred Daniel Williams King was killed unjustly .
My grandmother , Alberta Williams King was killed unjustly .
I mourn and grieve with the family of George @ @ @ @ @ @ @ family members , ” King said .
King said she believes that the coronavirus pandemic has been used to “ put fear and confusion into the world ” and that George Floyd ’ s death has been used to “ bring about anarchy.
” The response to the unrest over Floyd ’ s death , she said she has told her friends , is not violence but love .
“ Jesus Christ hung on the cross between two felons , one felon said , ‘ remember me ’ and Jesus said to him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in paradise today , ’ ” she added .
“ That ’ s Jubilee .
That ’ s what Jesus was about .
That ’ s what Martin Luther King Jr was about.
” “ I wonder if Uncle Joe , as they call him , understands Jubilee and redemption , ” she added .
King , the daughter of Martin Luther King ’ s younger brother , Alfred Daniel “ A.D. ” King , said the death of Martin Luther King Jr. and her father showed her to answer agony and pain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ My daddy , AD King was killed and my uncle Martin was killed .
But I lived through those race wars and I saw each of them in their own way .
They taught me how to be Christ-like and nonviolent .
So that means I answer pain , and agony , and anger , and injustice with faith , hope and love .
And that ’ s what the leaders of this nation need to be doing — to continue to speak hope , speak truth , and to listen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
AD King was present when his brother was murdered in Memphis , Tennessee in 1968 , and Alveda King says that her father was also killed .
“ They killed my brother .
I ’ m gon na find out who did it , ” Alveda King overheard her father say over the phone on the night of July 20 , 1969 , the Seattle Times reported .
The next morning , AD King ’ s body was discovered at the bottom of the family ’ s swimming pool .
King described @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s house was bombed in 1963 when she was 12 years old .
Her father stood on a car and told those who came to avenge the bombing , “ I would rather you go home and pray , ” she said .
“ We were in the house when it was bombed , ” she said , referring the DCNF to a video describing the incident .
“ I lived through that moment .
Like her father , King said she advocates for love over violence .
“ I lived through the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” she said .
“ I actually lived through the race wars.
” “ We can ’ t be color blind , ” she added .
“ You need to see color .
God designs color .
And it ’ s a beautiful distinction , but it ’ s designed for us to live together.
” When one of King ’ s caucasian friends asked how to respond to her neighborhood putting up Black Lives Matter Signs , King said she told her to get the biggest sign possible and put it on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Love never fails.
” The Biden campaign did not immediately respond to a request for comment .


freedomdaily--2020-06-13--De Blasio Says Playgrounds Are ‘Too Much Of A Risk’ For COVID, But Floyd Protests Encourage Real Cha

De Blasio Says Playgrounds Are ‘Too Much Of A Risk’ For COVID, But Floyd Protests Encourage Real Change

Democratic New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio on Thursday said trips to a local playground may be too risky for the spread of Coronavirus , but refused to say the same about ongoing mass protests in the city .
“ Out of an abundance of caution , the playgrounds just created too much of a risk to families , of the spread of the disease , ” de Blasio said during a press conference Thursday .
“ I do think the moment that this city , this nation has gone through in the last two weeks or so is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very intense , very challenging , ” de Blasio said .
“ But also a moment where literally decades and centuries of the demand for change came forward , and real change is happening as a result.
” The mayor answered a question about whether he would condemn demonstrations as a risky for coronavirus by saying the protesters are encouraging real change , the Washington Free Beacon reported .
Thousands of demonstrators had flooded the streets of New York City , following the death of George Floyd , who died May 25 after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for over eight minutes , viral video shows .
De Blasio was asked a similar question a week ago involving why business and religious groups needed to remain at home , but demonstrators could walk the streets without repercussion .
“ Four hundred years of American racism , I ’ m sorry , that is not the same question as the understandably aggrieved store owner or the devout religious person who wants to go back to services , ” de Blasio said , the Free Beacon reported .
De Blasio ’ s 25-year-old @ @ @ @ @ @ @ police at one of the New York City riots on May 30 .
She was charged with unlawful assembly , according to NBC News .
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freedomdaily--2020-06-14--‘Don’t Mess With The Alamo,’ Texas Land Commissioner George P. Bush Warns Protesters

Texas Land Commissioner George P. Bush on Saturday .
warned protesters not to “ mess with the Alamo , ” as vandals have targeted other historical sites around the country .
Bush said his office is monitoring “ social media posts and rumors from protesters who are threatening to come to The Alamo ” and said law enforcement stands ready to protect the historical site , which is located in San Antonio , Texas .
“ The Alamo is the Shrine of Texas Liberty .
And it will be defended .
My office is closely watching the social media posts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to come to The Alamo , ” Bush wrote in a statement he posted to Twitter .
“ Rest assured we have already deployed , for several weeks and will continue to do so , the Alamo Rangers in partnership with SAPD , The Department of Public Safety and The National Guard to protect this sacred site , ” he added .
“ My message to the protesters is simple : Don ’ t mess with The Alamo.
” Vandals around the country have recently defaced or destroyed historical monuments .
Protesters in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Christopher Columbus , and protesters in Richmond , Virginia tore down a statue of confederate leader Jefferson Davis .
Vandals have attacked statues abroad as well .
A Winston Churchill statue was defaced in London , while protesters in Bristol , England threw a statue of a former slave trader into the city harbor .
Thousands of people have also signed a petition calling for the removal of a statue of Mahatma Gandhi in Leicester , England .
Bush is the son of former Republican Florida Gov .
Jeb Bush , though @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to supporting President Donald Trump for re-election in November .
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freedomdaily--2020-06-15--Uruguay quietly beats coronavirus, distinguishing itself from its South American neighbors – yet aga

Uruguay quietly beats coronavirus, distinguishing itself from its South American neighbors – yet again

Latin America is the world ’ s new coronavirus epicenter , but Uruguay – a small South American nation of 3.5 million people – has so far avoided the devastation raging across the rest of the region .
As of June 14 , the country had 847 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 23 deaths .
By population that ’ s 244 cases and 7 deaths per 1 million inhabitants , well below neighboring Brazil , with 4,001 cases and 201 deaths per million ; and Chile , with 9,118 cases and 174 deaths per million .
Uruguay moved swiftly in March @ @ @ @ @ @ @ community tracing , though President Luis Alberto Lacalle Pou never decreed a lockdown .
Offices and shops are open for business , and Uruguayan children will return to school by June 29 even with winter and flu season coming to the Southern Hemisphere .
In avoiding the tragedy playing out nearby , Uruguay continues its tradition of bucking regional trends .
My research on Latin American politics shows that the country has long stood out for its vibrant participatory democracy , low inequality and expansive social policies – all attributes that help explain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pandemic .
In a region marked by political discontent , Uruguayans generally like their political system .
In 2016 , 57 % of Uruguayans were satisfied with democracy , compared to 47 % of Argentines , 34 % of Brazilians and 40 % percent of Chileans , according to Vanderbilt University ’ s Latin American Political Opinion Project .
Satisfaction with Uruguay ’ s democracy is matched by high trust in political institutions .
In 2016 , 65 % of Uruguayans voiced support for institutions , Vanderbilt ’ s data shows .
This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over 20 points higher than Brazil or Chile .
Uruguayans have good reason to trust the system .
The country ’ s expansive welfare state provides near-universal access to pensions , child care , health care , education and income support for the poor .
Uruguay also has one of Latin America ’ s smallest gaps between rich and poor , rivaled only by Argentina .
Uruguay ’ s latest Gini Index , a World Bank measure of income inequality , is 39.5 – better than the United States , though higher than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ countries have a Gini index above 45 , meaning wealth distribution is highly unequal .
Uruguay may be best known for legalizing recreational marijuana use in 2013 .
That first-in-the-world policy is the latest in a century-long progressive trend .
Under the Paris-educated President José Batlle y Ordoñéz , who led the country from 1903 to 1907 and 1911 to 1915 , Uruguay got unemployment insurance , paid maternity leave and divorces at the wife ’ s request .
In 1915 , Uruguayan workers became the Latin American workers to be guaranteed an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had established a system for collective wage negotiations , allowing unions to bargain with employers and the government to set salaries , putting the country on a course to become solidly middle class .
Uruguay underwent another period of strong development in the early 2000s under the left-leaning Frente Amplio party .
Among other reforms made during this 15-year period of progressive government , President Tabaré Vázquez in 2005 revived collective bargaining rights , which had been gutted in the 1990s .
As a result , stagnant wages rose , more informal workers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ – significant achievements in a region that struggles to provide steady , well-paid employment .
Between 2010 to 2015 , Vazquez ’ s successor , José Mujica , legalized abortion and same-sex marriage in addition to recreational cannabis .
Uruguay is one of only six Latin American countries that recognize marriage equality .
Though the Frente Amplio candidate narrowly lost Uruguay ’ s 2019 presidential election , the party remains the dominant political force , and Uruguayans overwhelmingly support the left ’ s legacy of generous welfare programs .
This makes it unlikely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who took office in March just before the pandemic , will radically change course .
Uruguay does have challenges .
It has been slow to address racial inequality and a rising school dropout rate .
Its aging population has also strained the welfare state .
Nonetheless , the country is weathering the COVID-19 pandemic remarkably well .
While it has not eliminated the virus , as similarly sized New Zealand has , Uruguay is one of just a handful of countries to effectively manage the disease .
Its unique and defining characteristics likely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ democracy encourage people to follow public health recommendations , and a strong welfare state provides income support and reliable health care to help slow infection .
Having a strong , transparent democracy , in other words , has enabled Uruguay to acknowledge , evaluate and control a pandemic that has overwhelmed so many bigger and richer nations .
[ You ’ re smart and curious about the world .
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Jennifer Pribble does not work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article , and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment .


freedomdaily--2020-06-15--Ukrainian Officials Uncover $6 Million Bribe Offer To End Probe Of Burisma Founder

Ukrainian officials announced Saturday they intercepted a $ 6 million bribe offered to stop an investigation into the founder of Burisma Holdings , the energy firm that had Hunter Biden as a board member until last year .
Artem Sytnyk , the head of Ukraine ’ s national anti-corruption bureau ( NABU ) , said at a press conference in Kyiv that $ 6 million in cash was recovered during a sting operation on Friday .
He said that three people were detained in the operation , including a Burisma employee and a current and former Ukrainian tax official , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 5 million in bribe money was offered to NABU officials , and another $ 1 million was reserved for a middleman who brokered the deal .
It is the largest bribe attempt uncovered in Ukraine ’ s history , he said .
The bribe was allegedly offered to end an investigation into Mykola Zlochevsky , a former Ukrainian ecology minister who owns Burisma .
Zlochevsky has been under investigation since 2013 for allegedly embezzling funds from a loan from the National Bank of Ukraine .
Burisma tapped Hunter Biden in April 2014 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ board of directors as part of a broad strategy to burnish the company ’ s reputation amid the allegations surrounding Zlochevsky .
Burisma also hired a Washington , D.C.-based consulting firm , Blue Star Strategies , to lobby the State Department and Congress on its behalf .
Hunter Biden ’ s position on the Burisma board has come under scrutiny given Joe Biden ’ s role in the Obama administration as the chief liaison to Ukraine .
President Donald Trump and his allies have accused Joe Biden of forcing the firing of a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stop an investigation into Burisma .
Biden bragged during a speech in January 2018 that he forced former Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko to fire the prosecutor , Viktor Shokin , by threatening to withhold $ 1 billion in loan assistance to Ukraine .
Biden has denied intervening to help Burisma or his son , saying that he and other Western leaders wanted Shokin removed from office for failing to investigate corruption cases .
One NABU official said Saturday that there is no link between the Bidens and the bribe offer .
“ Let @ @ @ @ @ @ @ once and for all , ” he said .
“ Biden Jr. and Biden Sr. do not appear in this particular proceeding , ” he said .
Sytnyk said the case had no political subtext .
The House of Representatives impeached Trump on Dec. 18 on charges the he improperly pressured current Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to investigate whether Biden intervened to help Burisma .
The Senate acquitted Trump on Feb. 5 .
Burisma denied taking part in the attempted bribe of NABU .
“ The Burisma Group company and its management have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor ’ s Office and some media outlets about participating in illegal actions , ” the company said in a statement to The Washington Post .
“ The company is operating exclusively within the framework of the current legislation , and it is one of the largest taxpayers and defends the interests of energy independence of Ukraine.
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