freedomdaily--2020-01-19--No Sanctuary: ICE issues subpoenas to obtain information refused under NY sanctuary policies

NEW YORK — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement ( ICE ) served four immigration subpoenas Friday on the New York Department of Corrections ( NYDOC ) requesting information on multiple illegal aliens who were criminally arrested in New York City , and yet under New York ’ s non-cooperation policies officials have refused to honor ICE detainers or even provide ICE with information about the release dates of criminal alien public safety threats .
Issuance of these immigration subpoenas was necessary because the NYDOC has continued to ignore ICE ’ s requests for information and cooperation .
“ Like any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to modifying our tactics as criminals shift their strategies ; but it ’ s disheartening that we must change our practices and jump through so many hoops with partners who are restricted by sanctuary laws passed by politicians with a dangerous agenda , ” said Henry Lucero , acting Deputy Executive Associate Director for ICE ’ s Enforcement and Removal Operations .
ICE uses statutorily-authorized immigration subpoenas to obtain information as part of investigations regarding potential removable aliens .
ICE has not historically needed to use its lawful authority to issue these subpoenas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agencies as most law enforcement agencies throughout the country willingly provide ICE with information regarding aliens arrested for crimes in the interest of public safety .
ICE is using every tool available to obtain information regarding the whereabouts and other relevant information regarding removable aliens from jurisdictions that chose to , or are unable to , cooperate with ICE .
The criminal aliens about whom ICE sought information from NYDOC include : • A 21-year-old unlawfully present Guyanese national , who was arrested on January 10 , by the NYPD and charged with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forcible compulsion , and sexual abuse of a 92-year old woman .
He was previously released from local law enforcement custody in November 2019 , despite ICE having lodged a detainer against him , due to New York City ’ s sanctuary policies ; • A 26-year-old citizen of El Salvador who was arrested in September 2019 , for assault and is wanted in El Salvador for homicide .
He was moved to Rikers Island , and ICE lodged a detainer against him .
However , ICE is actively attempting to locate him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by NYDOC in December ; • A 38-year old citizen of Mexico who was arrested in January 2019 , by the NYPD for attempted rape , unlawful imprisonment and attempted assault .
He had two prior arrests by the NYPD for other criminal activity .
ICE issued a detainer at the time of his last arrest , but he was released by NYDOC after posting bail ; • A 38-year-old citizen of Mexico who was arrested by NYPD in October 2019 , on drug charges .
ICE lodged a detainer against him but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the ICE detainer was declined .
Previously , in 2012 , he was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison for attempting to import methamphetamine .
He has been previously removed to Mexico and currently there is a federal warrant for his arrest for illegal re-entry charge .
This week , ICE also issued four immigration subpoenas to the Denver Justice Center .
Should the law enforcement agencies neglect or refuse to respond to the subpoena , an immigration officer may coordinate with the U.S. Attorney ’ s Office for the district in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an order from the U.S. District Court requiring production pursuant to INA § 235 ( d ) ( 4 ) ( B ) , 8 C.F.R .
§ 287.4 ( d ) .
Wake up Right !
Subscribe to our Morning Briefing and get the news delivered to your inbox before breakfast !


freedomdaily--2020-01-20--‘Her Death Is On YOU’: Police Union Blames Mayor De Blasio’s Sanctuary Policy For Homicide

The New York City Sergeants Benevolent Association ( SBA ) , a police union representing the city ’ s active and retired sergeants , placed blame squarely on Mayor Bill de Blasio for the death of a 92-year-old woman .
A 92-year-old woman , Maria Fuentes , was sexually assaulted and murdered on the streets of NYC earlier this month .
The man suspected of killing her , Reeaz Khan , is an illegal alien who had been arrested by the New York Police Department in November but was released and never handed over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s strict sanctuary policy .
The SBA on Sunday said that Fuentes would still be alive if the city ’ s police force had been allowed to comply with ICE ’ s immigration detainer request , and declared that her death was on de Blasio .
“ At what point DO YOU take responsibility for a 92-year-old woman raped and murdered .
If you complied with ICE Detainers she would still be alive .
You try to deflect the issue by turning it into exploitation , the FACT is her death is on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the NYC mayor .
The public statement is the latest indication that the everyday law enforcement officers working in NYC are not in support of the city ’ s hostile stance toward federal immigration enforcement .
Vincent Vallelong , the vice president of the SBA , stood alongside ICE acting director Matthew Albence during a press hearing on Friday and said the city ’ s cops want to help their federal partners , but simply can not .
“ I can guarantee you every single of our members wants to help them out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are set up , they don ’ t allow us to , ” Vallelong said .
The New York City Police Department ( NYPD ) is largely forbidden from cooperating with ICE in any manner .
If an illegal alien is placed under NYPD custody , and ICE lodges a detainer request for that individual — asking them to hold on to the individual long enough for an ICE agent to arrive and assume custody , NYPD must ignore that request .
This is what occurred with the prior arrest of Khan , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ U.S .
He had been taken into NYPD custody in November after allegedly assaulting his father .
Following his arrest , ICE discovered that he was an illegal alien and placed a detainer request on him .
However , that request was ignored and NYPD released him back into the community .
Roughly two months later , Khan was identified on surveillance footage as the man who sexually assaulted and injured Fuentes while she was outside her home collecting returnables .
She was rushed to the hospital but ultimately succumbed to her wounds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ position regarding cooperation with federal immigration authorities , and their opinion on de Blasio .
“ The Sergeants Benevolent Association of the NYPD supports all ICE Agents and will not leave any agent without assistance or in any position to jeopardize their safety .
Regardless of Mayor DeBlasio ’ s beliefs and policies , ” the organization tweeted out on Monday .
de Blasio , for his part , has vehemently pushed back against criticism .
In a response to Albence ’ s press conference , the Democratic mayor said the “ morally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ puts innocent children in cages has ZERO right to tell us how to keep our city safe , ” on Sunday , appearing to confuse ICE with Customs and Border Protection .

For full functionality of this site it is necessary to enable JavaScript. Here are the instructions how to enable JavaScript in your web browser


freedomdaily--2020-01-20--Native people did not use fire to shape New England’s landscape

An interpretive sign stands at the edge of the Montague Plains Wildlife Management Area , a 1,500-acre state conservation property in central Massachusetts .
It explains the site ’ s open land vegetation has been shaped by “ millennia of fire ” – and that the recent exclusion of fire has led to declines in this habitat and the species that call it home .
It goes on to explain that fire is being reintroduced to the site through controlled burns “ to reinvigorate fire-adapted species.
” The prescribed burning at Montague Plains and dozens of other conservation areas across @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that , for thousands of years , Native Americans cleared forests and used fire to improve habitat for the plants and animals they relied upon .
The use of fire as a management tool is just one example of a broader shift in how ecologists and conservationists have come to think about the impacts of ancient humans .
Increasingly , researchers believe Native people controlled ecosystems across much of the globe , from boreal regions to the Amazon , including many areas formerly deemed pristine .
Our new research , published in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ view of the past using interdisciplinary , retrospective science .
The data we collected suggest , in New England , this assumption is erroneous .
In the field of paleo-ecology , researchers take advantage of the fact that , over time , the bottoms of lakes and ponds fill up with mud .
Using a hand-driven device , scientists can collect a cylindrical core of the sediment and then use radiocarbon dating to determine the age of the mud at different depths .
Over the last century , scientists have collected sediment cores @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , enabling them to reconstruct past environments and ecosystems .
Our team of paleo-ecologists and archaeologists collected sediment cores from 23 ponds across southern New England .
We analyzed ancient pollen grains , fragments of charcoal and clues about past water depth , all preserved in the mud , allowing us to create a record of vegetation , fire and climate over thousands of years .
We then compared this ecological and environmental history with data from more than 1,800 archaeological sites along the coast from Cape Cod to Long Island , including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Nantucket and the Elizabeth Islands .
These areas historically supported the greatest densities of Native people in New England and today are home to the highest concentrations of endangered species and rare open land habitats in the region .
Our study contradicts the theory that people had significant ecological impacts in southern New England before European arrival .
Instead , it reveals that old forests , shaped by climate change and natural processes , prevailed across the region for thousands of years .
Native populations in southern New England peaked at two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 5,000-3,000 years ago , during what archaeologists call the Late Archaic Period , and 1,500-500 years ago , a period known as the Middle-Late Woodland .
During those times when Native populations were relatively high , we found no evidence for forest clearance , elevated use of fire , or widespread agriculture .
Interestingly , fire activity was high only 10,000-8,000 years ago , a period that was substantially drier than today , with low human populations .
Of course , the indigenous people of New England utilized and relied on a wide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , fished , foraged , and cultivated some edible plants .
Pre-Colonial societies were complex , widespread and large , with populations in the tens of thousands .
But the evidence suggests they didn ’ t use fire to open large swaths of the landscape for agriculture .
Rather , over more than 10,000 years , these highly adaptable people shifted activities seasonally across the landscape , taking advantage of a wide range of resources and exerting limited , and most likely very localized , ecological impacts overall .
From dense forests to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Americans didn ’ t clear forests and create open lands across southern New England , how and when did the grasslands , shrub lands and open forests in existence today originate ?
When we analyzed the mud in our study ponds , we found the obvious signature of forest clearance by 17th-century European colonists .
Pollen from forest species declined , while pollen from agricultural and weedy species , like ragweed , increased abruptly .
This evidence clearly shows New England ’ s open land habitats owe their existence to Colonial European deforestation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ grazing , hay production , and orchard and vegetable cultivation in the 18th and 19th centuries .
This retrospective research should cause some conservationists to reconsider both their rationale and tools for land management .
If the goal is to emulate the conditions that existed prior to the arrival of Europeans , land managers should allow New England forests to mature with minimal human disturbance .
If the goal is also to maintain biodiverse open land habitats , like Montague Plains , within the largely forested landscape , managers should apply the Colonial-era @ @ @ @ @ @ @ years ago .
Those tools would include mowing , grazing and cutting woody vegetation – but not burning .
[ You ’ re smart and curious about the world .
So are The Conversation ’ s authors and editors .
You can get our highlights each weekend . ]
Wyatt Oswald has received funding from the US National Science Foundation .
We previously received National Science Foundation support for the research discussed in this article .
David R. Foster does not work for , consult , own shares in or receive funding from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from this article , and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment .


freedomdaily--2020-01-21--Watch Live: Senate Impeachment Trial – Day 1

Topics in this post : impeachment The U.S. Senate The Senate begins laying the groundwork to address the Democrats ’ @ @ @ @ @ Donald Trump and hold a trial .
Content created by Conservative Daily News and some @ @ @ @ @ available for re-publication without charge under the Creative Commons license .
Visit our syndication page @ @ @ @ @ Wake up Right !
Subscribe to our Morning Briefing and get the news delivered to @ @ @ @ @


freedomdaily--2020-01-21--Warren Pledges DOJ Task Force To Investigate Political Opponent

Topics in this post : Elizabeth Warren the 2020 Presidential Debates Democratic Sen. Elizabeth Warren will create a Justice Department task force if elected president to investigate alleged corruption during the Trump administration , she said in a plan released Tuesday .
“ Donald Trump has run the most corrupt administration in history , ” Warren asserted in the plan , entitled “ Restoring Integrity and Competence to Government after Trump.
” “ I will direct the Justice Department to establish a task force to investigate violations by Trump administration officials of federal bribery laws , insider trading laws , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and give that task force independent authority to pursue any substantiated criminal and civil violations.
” The Massachusetts Democrat also said that if Trump loses in November , he “ will leave behind a government that has been infected by corruption and incompetence.
” “ His vindictive actions as president suggest that he is likely to do everything he can to undermine the next president , ” she added .
Warren laid out her criteria for selecting cabinet positions and political appointees in federal agencies .
She said that she will remove @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and also pledged to prevent Trump appointees from transitioning into career positions at their agencies through a practice known as “ burrowing.
” “ I will strengthen enforcement of rules around conversion from appointed positions to career civil service to root out officials who attempt to burrow into agencies , ” she said .
Warren also promised that her cabinet will be “ at least 50 % … filled by women and non-binary people.
” Her potential secretary of education will have to have worked as a public school teacher , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who has been a leader in the labor movement , the plan says .
Warren ’ s choice for secretary of homeland security , which oversees U.S. immigration policy , will have to be someone “ who is committed to undoing the damage caused by the Trump administration and who believes that immigration makes our country stronger , not weaker.
” Wake up Right !
Subscribe to our Morning Briefing and get the news delivered to your inbox before breakfast !


freedomdaily--2020-01-21--Even planets have their (size) limits

Even planets have their (size) limits

Scientists have discovered over 4,000 exoplanets outside of our Solar System , according to NASA ’ s Exoplanet Archive .
Some of these planets orbit multiple stars at the same time .
Certain planets are so close to their star that it takes only a handful of days to make one revolution , compared to the Earth which takes 365.25 days .
Others slingshot around their star with extremely oblong orbits , unlike the Earth ’ s circular one .
When it comes to how exoplanets behave and where they exist , there are many possibilities .
And yet , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , specifically their mass and radius , there are some limitations .
And for that , we have physics to blame .
I am a planetary astrophysicist and I try to understand what makes a planet able to support life .
I look at the chemical connection between stars and their exoplanets and how the interior structure and mineralogy of different sized planets compare to each other .
In our Solar System , we have two kinds of planets : small , rocky , dense planets that are similar to Earth and large @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what we astrophysicists have detected so far , all planets fall into these two categories .
In fact , when we look at the data from planet-hunting missions such as the Kepler mission or from the Transiting Exoplanet System Satellite , there is a gap in the planet sizes .
Namely , there aren ’ t many planets that fulfill the definition of a “ super-Earth , ” with a radius of one and a half to twice Earth ’ s radius and a mass that is five to 10 times greater .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t there any super-Earths ?
Why do astronomers only see small rocky planets and enormous gaseous planets ?
The differences between the two kinds of planets , and the reason for this super-Earth gap , has everything to do with a planet ’ s atmosphere – especially when the planet is forming .
When a star is born , a huge ball of gas comes together , starts to spin , collapses in on itself and ignites a fusion reaction within the star ’ s core .
This process isn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ extra gas and dust left over after the star is formed .
The extra material continues to rotate around the star until it eventually forms into a stellar disk : a flat , ring-shaped collection of gas , dust , and rocks .
During all of this motion and commotion , the dust grains slam into each other , forming pebbles which then grow into larger and larger boulders until they form planets .
As the planet grows in size , its mass and therefore gravity increases , allowing it to capture not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but also the gas , which forms an atmosphere .
There is lots of gas within the stellar disk – after all , hydrogen and helium are the most common elements in stars and in the universe .
However , there is considerably less rocky material because only a limited amount was made during star formation .
If a planet remains relatively small , with a radius less than 1.5 times Earth ’ s radius , then its gravity is not strong enough to hold onto a huge amount of atmosphere , like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
If , however , it continues to grow larger , then it captures more and more gas which forms an atmosphere that causes it to swell to the size of Neptune ( four times Earth ’ s radius ) or Jupiter , 11 times Earth ’ s radius .
Therefore , a planet either stays small and rocky , or it becomes a large , gaseous planet .
The middle ground , where a super-Earth might be formed , is very difficult because , once it has enough mass and gravitational pull @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to stop the avalanche of gas from piling onto the planet and puffing it up .
This is sometimes referred to as “ unstable equilibrium ” – such that when a body ( or a planet ) is slightly displaced ( a little bit more gas is added ) it departs further from the original position ( and becomes a giant planet ) .
Another factor to consider is that once a planet is formed , it doesn ’ t always stay in the same orbit .
Sometimes planets move or migrate towards @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gets closer to the star , its atmosphere heats up causing the atoms and molecules to move very fast and escape the planet ’ s gravitational pull .
So some of the small rocky planets are actually the cores of bigger planets that have been stripped of their atmosphere .
So , while there are no super huge rocky planets or small fluffy planets , there is still a huge amount of diversity in planet sizes , geometries and compositions .
[ You ’ re smart and curious about the world .
So @ @ @ @ @ @ @ editors .
You can get our highlights each weekend . ]
Natalie Hinkel receives funding from the NASA Nexus for Exoplanet System Science research coordination network based out of Arizona State University .
This funding is used to research exoplanet habitability .


freedomdaily--2020-01-21--Veterans, refugees and victims of war crimes are all vulnerable to PTSD

Mental health is often used in political discourse and arguments .
Post-traumatic stress disorder was the subject Jan. 8 , when Rep. Ilhan Omar ( D.-Minn. ) , herself a Somalian refugee who had spent years in a refugee camp in Kenya , said : “ Every time I hear conversations around war , I find myself being stricken with PTSD.
” Rep. Jim Banks ( R.-Ind . )
, a veteran of the war in Afghanistan , found these comments “ offensive to our nation ’ s veterans who really do have PTSD.
” As an expert in research @ @ @ @ @ @ @ psychiatrist working with refugees and victims of torture , I hope to provide insight into this illness and its presentations in different populations .
PTSD is a consequence of exposure to extreme traumatic experiences such as natural disasters , motor vehicle accidents , assault , robbery , rape , combat and torture .
Trauma can happen to , or be witnessed by , the person .
For instance , a refugee child might be exposed to views of mutilated bodies , or torture or murder of loved ones .
Chronic exposure to others @ @ @ @ @ @ @ PTSD among law enforcement personnel and first responders .
A number of people develop PTSD after exposure to trauma .
Much research is focused on genetic/biological and environmental factors that lead to development of PTSD in one person and not in another .
Researchers know , for example , that childhood exposure to trauma increases the odds of PTSD after an adult has experienced trauma .
PTSD includes a variety of symptoms that reflect the victim ’ s brain remaining in “ survival mode ” to protect him or her from recurrence of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anxious , always on edge , screening for danger and easily startled .
They can also have frequent nightmares disrupting sleep , flashbacks or sensory experiences , as though the trauma is happening here and now , and intrusive traumatic memories .
Other symptoms include irritability , emotional numbness , social withdrawal and avoidance of any reminder of trauma .
Who is affected , and how common is PTSD ?
Trauma is very common , and so is PTSD .
Nearly 8 % of the U.S. population fulfills diagnostic criteria for PTSD at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ special populations with high levels of trauma exposure , such as combat-exposed veterans and first responders , PTSD may be as prevalent as 30 % .
Trauma exposure runs up to 90 % among urban people living in poverty , and about 20 % of this population may meet criteria for PTSD .
While these statistics are already alarming , those affected by trauma constitute a larger group than the above numbers .
That is because in research , to diagnose a person with PTSD , they have to fulfill all diagnostic criteria @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has flashbacks and nightmares and intrusive memories , but not some other symptoms , they are not considered as having PTSD in studies .
PTSD is very prevalent , ranging between 20 % and 80 % , among refugees and civilian victims of torture .
This is understandable in the context of what they have endured .
A refugee is often exposed to terror , torture and physical or emotional injury to self or others , loss of loved ones and belongings , and scarcity of resources for months to years .
Those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ typically end up in a crowded refugee camp with low access to resources and years of uncertainty about their future ( four years for Ilhan Omar ) .
Living in a new environment post-settlement is also not very easy , given common scarcity of resources and the need to start over .
Civilians are also not trained or prepared for war and do not have a sense of control or ability to fight in such situations .
For all the above reasons , it is not difficult to comprehend the very high prevalence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a study among Syrian refugees in the U.S. , my research team found that one in three adults met the diagnostic threshold for PTSD , and almost half had high anxiety and depression .
Anxiety was very high among refugee children , and 80 % showed symptoms of separation anxiety .
PTSD can be worsened by stress and exposure to reminders of trauma .
That is one reason why traumatized people tend to avoid reminders of their traumatic experience .
For instance , a rape victim may avoid any person nearly resembling the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ often bothered by Fourth of July fireworks , which resemble explosions and combat noise .
They may also feel nervous at the sight of a roadkill , which can remind them of improvised explosive devices .
I often hear veterans with PTSD who avoid watching “ Saving Private Ryan , ” a war movie that realistically portrays combat scenes and killing .
Trauma reminders can lead to recurrence of intrusive memories , flashbacks and resurgence of nightmares .
A victim of rape , when exposed to a scent reminding them of the perpetrator @ @ @ @ @ @ @ touch of the predator .
What can we do ?
There are effective treatments for PTSD , and new treatments keep emerging .
Psychotherapy allows patients to detach extreme negative emotions from trauma memories and become functional again , without needing to avoid safe situations .
Medications , which mostly include antidepressants , reduce the high level of emotional arousal , allowing a person to more effectively use their rational brain in dealing with stressful conditions .
Lifestyle changes are as important in addressing anxiety .
Fighting stigma is another important step .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ as public officials and politicians , have to be more aware of how their words may affect victims of trauma and violence .
I have previously asked my colleagues to stay out of politics .
I make the same suggestion to politicians : Please stay out of mental health when it comes to your political fights .
Let us each do what we are specialized in doing .
[ Like what you ’ ve read ?
Want more ?
Sign up for The Conversation ’ s daily newsletter . ]
Arash Javanbakht does @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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--2020-01-21--Giuliani Accuses Lev Parnas Of Lying, Brings Up Possibility Of Tape Recordings

Rudy Giuliani on Monday accused his former associate , Lev Parnas , of telling multiple lies during a media tour last week , including about whether Attorney General William Barr was aware of the Trump lawyer ’ s activities related to Ukraine .
“ I will tell you this definitively , I never spoke to Attorney General Barr about this investigation .
Never once , ” Giuliani told Fox News ’ Laura Ingraham .
Giuliani was responding to Parnas ’ s claims in interviews with CNN and MSNBC last week that it was “ impossible ” that Barr was unaware @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year to collect and disseminate information related to Ukraine .
Parnas helped Giuliani arrange interviews with former Ukrainian prosecutors regarding Joe and Hunter Biden .
Giuliani and Parnas also coordinated with other Trump allies to push for Marie Yovanovitch ’ s removal as U.S. ambassador to Ukraine .
“ Mr .
Barr had to have known everything , ” Parnas told MSNBC ’ s Rachel Maddow in an interview last Wednesday .
Parnas ’ s interview was his first since a New York grand jury indicted him and three associates on charges that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 2018 .
The indictment alleges that Parnas contributed in June 2018 to then-Rep. Pete Sessions as part of a scheme to force Yovanovitch out of office .
Sessions sent Sec .
of State Mike Pompeo a letter on May 9 , 2018 urging him to recall Yovanovitch .
Parnas , who has pleaded not guilty in his case , recently gave House Democrats text messages he exchanged with Giuliani and other associates regarding his Ukraine efforts .
Parnas ’ s lawyers on Monday submitted a filing in his case requesting that Barr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attorneys also requested that a special prosecutor from outside of the Justice Department be appointed to oversee the probe .
The Justice Department declined comment .
Giuliani suggested that tape recordings exist that could contradict some of Parnas ’ s allegations .
“ A stupid lie is when there is a tape recording that can contradict you .
A stupid lie is when there is a passport that can contradict you .
I can ’ t possibly go through all the lies that he told , ” Giuliani said .
Giuliani said that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contact Barr related to their Ukraine-related efforts .
“ I have been circumspect , careful , exceedingly careful .
Not only that , Lev Parnas knows that , ” Giuliani said .
“ I told Lev Parnas several times that I would make sure I would never go to the attorney general with the so I wouldn ’ t compromise him .
I am very disappointed and hurt by him , but that one really is a shame — to try to implicate somebody who had nothing to do with it.
” Giuliani @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” by Parnas , but did not elaborate on how the Soviet-born businessman misled him .


freedomdaily--2020-01-22--Thousands Of College Students Will Travel Up To 24 Hours On A Bus For This DC Protest

College students throughout the United States will take bus trips up to 24 hours long as they head to the nation ’ s capital to “ bring awareness to the horrors of abortion and the beauty of life.
” Many college students who are preparing to go to the March for Life this week face least a full day of traveling on a packed bus for a short trip — but they could not be more excited .
The Daily Caller News Foundation spoke with students and leaders at Christian colleges and universities across the country who described how students @ @ @ @ @ @ @ initiative in order to make sure they can get to the 47th annual March for Life .
Students come to the March for Life all the way from Benedictine College , a Catholic liberal arts college in Atchison , Kansas .
Freshman politics major Bernadette Hassan and her boyfriend , sophomore architecture major Ian Reilly , will both make the 24-hour bus ride together from Kansas to Washington D.C. Hassan has attended the March for Life since she was a baby in her mother ’ s arms , she told the DCNF .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ I still have had a total 12 March for Life ’ s and I ’ m only 18 , ” she said .
Hassan believes that by attending the March , she is able to show support for both a mother and her unborn baby .
“ I am attending the March for Life to end the culture of death and to be a witness to what it really means to be pro-woman , ” she said .
The Benedictine freshman understands that attending the March for Life for so many years in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but she is “ more than happy ” to stand in the cold if she has the opportunity to “ just change one heart.
” Reilly has also gone to the March for many years .
This will be his second year attending the march as a college student with Benedictine , and he believes that college students have a much stronger voice than many realize .
The sophomore architect major believes that college students will determine what culture looks like for the future — and he also believes that it is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a protector of “ those who can ’ t protect themselves.
” “ Abortion is an evil that claims millions of lives and disregards human dignity on many levels , and it will always exist in our country unless young Americans , both men and women , speak out against it , ” he said .
The University of Notre Dame ’ s Center for Ethics and Culture provides both transportation and travel grants for hundreds of students and faculty to attend the March for Life every year .
“ Every January , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 15-hour trip to the nation ’ s capital , where they join hundreds of thousands of participants to mark the anniversary of Roe v. Wade , pray for an end to abortion , and serve as joyful witnesses to the sanctity of all human life , ” according to the university website .
More than 1,100 students , faculty , and staff participated in the 2018 March for Life .
University President Fr .
Jenkins did not respond to requests for comment from the DCNF as to how many students are projected to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ computational math major Andrew Lege will the long bus ride to attend the March for Life .
He believes that being Catholic means being pro-life , he told the DCNF , and that the pro-life movement is “ the most important cause in the world.
” “ As a Catholic , I have always been pro-life , but never felt as if I could do anything to change people ’ s hearts , ” he explained .
“ The March in D.C. gives me the opportunity to speak up for the persecuted humans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” “ I think it is time to become more aware of how horrible abortion is , ” the Notre Dame junior said , “ and fight for all marginalized people from conception to natural death.
” Christendom College will send almost the entire college to the March for Life , according to President Timothy O ’ Donnell .
The Virginia college is a conservative , Catholic , liberal arts college nestled in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley a little over an hour from Washington , D.C. O ’ Donnell told the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attend the March , to give witness to their faiths , and to stand up for the rights of unborn children .
Nine or 10 buses will carry about 500 students from Front Royal , VA to Washington , D.C. , O ’ Donnell said .
Many alumni and their families will meet the group from Christendom in the city and march with them .
“ Standing up for the sanctity of human life by participating in the March is a great moment for our students to manifest concretely , through their actions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ classroom and help fulfill the College ’ s motto , ‘ to restore all things in Christ , ’ ” O ’ Donnell told the DCNF .
“ It has been an honor and a grace to participate in the March , which is a powerful witness in defense of God ’ s precious gift of unborn children.
” Both Pivonka and O ’ Donnell noted that the students , alumni , and family traveling from across the country to attend the March for Life will rendezvous at The Dubliner , a popular @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Catholics attending the March have met up for years .
Here they will refresh themselves and reunite with old friends they may have not seen since college , O ’ Donnell explained .
Freshman Fiona Briggs will come with Christendom College to march on Friday in order to “ serve witness to the truth that every life is precious , from conception to natural death.
” “ When I go to the March I am moved by the number of people who gather together to support the right to life , ” she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ impressed by “ college students whose voices are so powerful and who are the future leaders of society.
” Christendom junior Theresa Castellon echoed these sentiments .
“ It is crucial for colleges and young students to attend the March for Life , ” she told the DCNF .
Castellon believes that America must “ see and acknowledge ” the strength that the pro-life movement has within her generation — a strength she says is only “ growing stronger.
” “ Being a part of this movement is so important to me , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ honored to witness to the unborn and hopeful that very soon we will see a change in their favor.
” Fr .
Dave Pivonka , the President of the Catholic Franciscan University of Steubenville in Ohio , will join the university in sending about eight buses filled with roughly 450 students to Washington , D.C .
But Pivonka warned that this does not account for all the students and alumni who will attend the March for Life .
“ We have literally hundreds more who will drive themselves , who will go and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” he told the DCNF .
He predicts that Franciscan University will be represented by upwards of a thousand people on Friday .
Freshman Clay Boyle , a Theology and Philosophy double major , told the DCNF that he will be attending the March for Life with his friends and fellow students from Franciscan University .
The New Orleans , Louisiana native said that he will be marching to “ give a voice to the voiceless , to stand up for the countless lives lost to abortion , to stand up for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and to bring awareness to the horrors of abortion and the beauty of life.
” “ The March for Life is one of ( if not the ) most profound statements made by the pro-life community , ” he said .
“ I am proud to say that this will be my fifth year participating.
” The university will cancel classes for all students on Friday so all may attend the March for Life , Pivonka explained .
It makes sense on a practical level , the priest said , but added @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that we as a university can make sure that our students and our faculty and staff have every opportunity to go to Washington and stand up for what ’ s ultimately most important in this world.
” Freshman Ruthie Himpler will also attend the March for Life with Franciscan University , but she plans to drive down with her friends since her family lives in the area .
“ I think it ’ s abundantly important that every single prolifer should go !
” She told the DCNF .
“ Seven of my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ adopted and to think that any of them or any of the several adopted people I know wouldn ’ t be in my life because of abortion is heartbreaking .
I ’ m marching to support all their mothers for letting them be in my life.
” The business and marketing major added that as a female college student , she has seen the pitfalls of the hookup culture and its effects on women .
She has also seen friends go through with abortions .
“ I have friends who have gone through @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the worst decision they ever made , ” she said .
“ I ’ m marching so girls know that it is never the right or healthiest decision and it will haunt their life despite what media tells them.
” Many students from the private Christian evangelical school Liberty University will make the four-hour trek from Lynchburg , Virginia , to Washington D.C. Ryan Helfenbein , executive director for the university ’ s brand new Falkirk Center for Faith and Liberty , told the DCNF that the university plans to send about 200 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ These students come largely from Liberty ’ s Student ’ s for Life chapter and from Liberty ’ s Catholic Campus Ministry , Helfenbein said .
“ These are students who are volunteering to come , ” he explained .
“ It ’ s out of their own free volition .
They want to be involved .
It ’ s largely students taking initiative.
” Liberty students who go to the March for Life are “ motivated by the care and concern for the unborn and for mothers who are in crisis , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ This taps into the understanding of Amago Dei , of creation , ” he explained .
“ All people have inherent dignity and worth , even those we can not see .
Students today are very much conscious and very much aware of the pro-life cause.
” Content created by The Daily Caller News Foundation is available without charge to any eligible news publisher that can provide a large audience .
For licensing opportunities of our original content , please contact [ email protected ]


freedomdaily--2020-01-22--Biden Campaign Video Features Ukrainian Activist Who Said Hunter ‘Did A Very Bad Thing’

Joe Biden ’ s campaign released a video Tuesday that quoted a Ukrainian anti-corruption activist who claimed last year that Hunter Biden “ did a very bad thing ” by working for Ukrainian energy firm Burisma Holdings .
The campaign released the video , narrated by rapid response director Andrew Bates , in order to push back on Trump allies ’ allegations that Biden pressured the Ukrainian government in 2016 to fire prosecutor Viktor Shokin in order to shut down an investigation of Burisma , where Hunter Biden was a director .
The video quoted Daria Kaleniuk , an activist @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Shokin as maintaining a “ Soviet system of prosecution which intimidates people.
” But the Biden campaign appears to have overlooked another target of Kaleniuk ’ s scrutiny .
“ I think Hunter Biden did a very bad thing and he was very wrong .
He allowed his name to be abused , ” she told ABC News in an interview that aired June 20 , 2019 .
Burisma paid Hunter Biden more than $ 80,000 per month beginning in 2014 , the same year that Joe Biden took over as the Obama @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Democrats have disputed that Shokin was investigating Burisma when he was fired , or that Biden was aware of any plans to probe the gas company .
But officials in Ukraine and the United Kingdom have at various points investigated Burisma ’ s owner , Mykola Zlochevsky .
State Department officials were also aware of Burisma ’ s reputation for corruption even while Biden was linked to the firm .
George Kent , who serves as deputy assistant secretary of state for Eurasian and European affairs , told Congress during the Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ raised concerns in 2016 with the U.S. Agency for International Development over an event that was scheduled to be held with Burisma .
Biden has also denied that he was warned while serving as vice president of potential conflicts of interest due to his son ’ s board position .
“ Nobody warned me about a potential conflict of interest .
Nobody warned me about that , ” he told NPR in an interview published on Dec. 9 .
The denial conflicts with what at least one former Obama administration official told The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Biden published last year .
Amos Hochstein , who served as special envoy for energy in the Obama administration , told the magazine that he flagged potential problems with Hunter Biden ’ s work to Burisma with Joe Biden in December 2015 .
The Biden campaign did not immediately respond to a request for comment .


freedomdaily--2020-01-22--Rocks, Tear Gas, And Riot Shields: Mexico Blocks Advancing Migrant Caravan

The Mexican government continues to fend off hundreds of Central American migrants who are trying to cross its border in order to reach the U.S. , an indication of how much Mexico has stepped up its own immigration enforcement measures .
For days , Mexico ’ s national guard troops have prevented members of a new migrant caravan from illegally entering its country , resulting in dangerous clashes between two sides .
Restless members of the caravan grew frustrated on Monday and began hurling rocks at the border troops as they tried to advance .
The national guard , strapped @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , responded with tear gas to quell the crowd and push them back .
Despite heavy resistance from the Mexican government , many of the mostly-Honduran migrants remain steadfast about crossing , and have continued to camp out at the Guatemalan-Mexican border .
A northbound caravan set out in San Pedro Sula , Honduras earlier this month , marking the latest caravan attempting to reach the U.S. border .
Because of travel agreements between Central American countries , the migrants were easily able to cross into Guatemala .
However , these migrants have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ authorities .
Spurned by President Donald Trump ’ s tariff threats last year , the Mexican government has dramatically stepped up its own border enforcement , and is not allowing illegal immigration into its country .
Mexico has given members of the caravan a choice : either seek protected protected status in Mexico , where the government has offered them jobs in the southern region of the country ; or face enforcement consequences .
Mexico made clear it will not allow its territory to be a transit for those seeking refuge in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tuesday said that about 2,400 illegal aliens entered his country over the past weekend .
Of those , roughly 1,000 have requested assistance in returning to their home countries , according to the Associated Press .
Mexico has already begun flying and busing hundreds of them back to Central America .
Others have requested refuge in Mexico , and have started the legal process to find work in the southern part of the country .
Nevertheless , hundreds have remained near the Suchiate River , which marks the official border between southwestern Mexico @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Mexican government will have a change of heart and let them pass .
In past caravans , the Mexican government would block those attempting to illegally cross entry points , but virtually did nothing if they swam across the river .
The level of resistance this time is unlike any other , leaving Central Americans determined to reach the U.S. extremely frustrated .
Mexico ’ s National Migration Institute estimated that around 500 caravan members on Monday attempted to ford the river and throw rocks at at law enforcement , prompting the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ We appreciate Mexico doing more than they did last year to interdict caravans attempting to move illegally North to our Southern border , ” acting deputy secretary of Homeland Security , Ken Cuccinelli , said on social media on Tuesday , indicating the administration ’ s appreciation for Mexico ’ s increased enforcement .


freedomdaily--2020-01-23--‘Removed, Returned, Repatriated’: DHS Chief Issues Warning To Members Of Migrant Caravan

Chad Wolf , the acting secretary of the Department of Homeland Security ( DHS ) , made clear how the U.S. government would respond if an incoming migrant caravan reached the U.S. southern border .
“ Being part of large group , like a caravan , provides no special treatment or benefits to those who participate .
Unfortunately , there have been acts of reported violence by some involved in this caravan .
The Department is prioritizing the safety and security of our officers and the American people , ” Wolf said in a prepared statement released Wednesday .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the U.S-Mexico border , they will be processed accordingly and quickly removed , returned or repatriated , ” he went on .
The statement comes as hundreds of mostly Honduran migrants are camped out on the Guatemala-Mexico border , hoping that Mexican authorities will allow them to pass .
However , under immense pressure from the Trump administration , the Mexican government is not allowing them to continue to enter their territory .
The strict border enforcement policies have left members of migrant caravan frustrated , and has even led to aggressive confrontations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Monday began hurling rocks at Mexican national guard troops , which prompted them to fire tear gas to disperse the crowd and prevent them from advancing .
Several national guard troops were left injured after the scuffle , but they successfully prevented any major breaches from the caravan .
The Mexican government has given the migrants a choice : apply for asylum in Mexico , where the president has offered them job opportunities in the southern region of the country ; or face consequences should they enter illegally .
Mexico has already begun @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Central America via bus and airplane .
The Trump administration — which at one time was very critical of Mexico ’ s perceived lack of cooperation — has heaped praise for their work at stopping the latest caravan from reaching the U.S. border .
“ I commend the Government of Mexico for upholding their commitment to increased security and law enforcement at their southern border .
The efforts by the Mexican National Guard and other officials have thus far been effective at maintaining the integrity of their border , despite outbreaks of violence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to illegally enter Mexico on their way to the United States , ” Wolf said on Wednesday .
“ DHS is monitoring the caravan closely , we have dozens of personnel on the ground in Central America assisting local immigration and security officials , which have already led to hundreds of individuals being stopped , apprehended and sent back to their home countries , ” he added .
Ken Cuccinelli , the acting deputy director of DHS , and Mark Morgan , the acting commissioner of Customs and Border Protection also issued public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ committing so much of its resources to blocking the caravan .
Content created by The Daily Caller News Foundation is available without charge to any eligible news publisher that can provide a large audience .
For licensing opportunities of our original content , please contact [ email protected ]


freedomdaily--2020-01-23--Is it OK for teens to drink coffee?

Is it OK for teens to drink coffee?

Curious Kids is a series for children of all ages .
If you have a question you ’ d like an expert to answer , send it to curiouskidsus @ theconversation.com .
When my daughter was around 14 years old , she began to ask if she could have a cup of coffee in the morning like Mom and Dad .
As a scientist who studies the effects of caffeine – the ingredient in coffee that helps wake you up – on kids , I had more information available to me to inform my answer than most parents would .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ The main source of this chemical is soda for children under 12 .
Even colas have lower levels of caffeine than tea or coffee .
Kids and teens can also get caffeine from many foods and drinks , including chocolate , chocolate milk and iced tea .
What ’ s more , some over-the-counter medications that kids might take , such as Excedrin , are significant sources of caffeine .
But coffee is the main source of caffeine among Americans 12 years and up .
Based on my years of research , I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of coffee won ’ t harm kids over the age of 12 – as long as they avoid all other sources of caffeine .
That one cup of coffee combined with , say , a can of iced tea or soda , or a chocolate bar , could put kids over the daily limit of 100 milligrams of caffeine doctors recommend .
Adults should aim for no more than 400 milligrams of caffeine , which they could get from four cups of coffee .
And since caffeine is in so many different foods @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for kids – or grownups – to get more than they should without realizing it .
Having too much caffeine can have many negative effects on kids , like putting them in a bad mood , depriving them of sleep and contributing to misbehavior , such as risk-taking and aggression .
Coffee can also make some kids feel jittery , nervous and anxious or nauseated .
It can change their heart rate and blood pressure .
In some cases , overcaffeination may make kids feel like they ’ ve used illicit drugs .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ like the most serious of all of these side effects to you .
But it could be .
The National Sleep Foundation , a nonprofit that funds and conducts research on sleep , recommends that teens get about nine hours of sleep per night .
But studies show that on average kids get much less sleep than that .
Some adults may tell kids that drinking caffeine will stunt their growth .
There are two reasons why some people think that .
First , caffeine can decrease the amount of calcium in your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would make you not grow as tall .
Second , caffeine consumed later in the day can reduce sleep .
Growth hormone , which makes you grow , is released early in sleep , so the idea was that less sleep would lead to less growth .
It turns out that neither of these concerns was valid .
One study that followed 81 adolescents for six years found no connection between caffeine and bone density .
Another study found no association between sleep duration and growth .
Based on the best science that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ allowing my three children to have one cup of coffee first thing in the morning once they turn 12 .
It is important to think about what else they ’ re getting with their coffee , however .
Some of the sweet iced and flavored coffee drinks , such as Starbucks Frappuccinos , that are popular with kids have over 50 grams of sugar .
And consuming too much added sugar can also have negative health consequences .
Any negative effects of the caffeine they get from that morning jolt wear off long @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t let them have any caffeine-containing products after 3 p.m. to protect their sleep .
Hello , curious kids !
Do you have a question you ’ d like an expert to answer ?
Ask an adult to send your question to CuriousKidsUS @ theconversation.com .
Please tell us your name , age and the city where you live .
And since curiosity has no age limit – adults , let us know what you ’ re wondering , too .
We won ’ t be able to answer every question , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ L. Temple receives funding from the National Institutes of Health .


freedomdaily--2020-01-23--Victorian efforts to export animals to new worlds failed, mostly

In 1890 , a New York bird enthusiast released several dozen starlings in Central Park .
No one knows for sure why Eugene Schieffelin set the birds aloft , but he may have been motivated by a sentimental desire to make the American Northeast more like the English countryside .
The consequences of his action were unintentionally massive .
Today , there are nearly 200 million starlings in North America .
Schieffelin was a member of the American Acclimatization Society , a worldwide effort to diversify local fauna and flora .
Similar organizations existed in Europe , Australia and New @ @ @ @ @ @ @ put it , these organizations aspired to introduce “ all innocuous animals , birds , fishes , insects , and vegetables , whether useful or ornamental.
” Schieffelin ’ s was not the first attempt to remedy perceived deficiencies in North American bird populations .
Some members of these societies , often people with wealth , simply wanted to beautify their surroundings .
Other acclimatizers had more pragmatic goals when they introduced exotic animals into new territories .
The house sparrow , camel , skylark , nightingale and various deer species were among @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , despite the perception that these interlopers edged out native species , for the most part , acclimatization efforts neither thrived nor lasted .
As an environmental historian , I am exploring both the successes and the failures of this movement as part of a larger historical study of animals that occupy the gray area between wildness and domestication .
The English or house sparrow , like the starling , is now among the most common North American birds .
It was apparently introduced into the U.S. by a nostalgic Englishman named Nicolas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ subsequently reintroduced in various locations in the eastern U.S. and Canada .
Nearly two decades later , the sparrow ’ s adaptation to North America was a noteworthy passerine triumph .
In 1868 , The New York Times celebrated the “ wonderfully rapid increase in the number of sparrows which were imported from England.
” They had done “ noble work ” by eating the inchworms that infested the city ’ s parks , described by The Times as an “ intolerable plague.
” The reporter praised the kindness of children who fed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a fund that provided birdhouses for “ young married couples.
” He promised that , if they continued to thrive , English sparrows would be claimed as “ thoroughly naturalized citizens.
” But only two years later , the tide was turning , and people soon came to a different conclusion .
A headline in The Times read : “ Our Sparrows .
What They Were Engaged To Do and How They Have Performed Their Work .
How They Increase and Multiply—Do They Starve Our Native Song-Birds , and Must We Convert Them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sparrow was making itself at home on the Eastern Seaboard , another creature was having a very different acclimatization experience in the Southwest .
After the American annexation in 1848 of what became Texas , California , Arizona and New Mexico , the U.S. Army found that patrolling the vast empty territory along the Mexican frontier was a daunting task , especially in the absence of roads .
Horses and mules that normally hauled soldiers and their gear did not function efficiently in this harsh new environment .
The soldiers and merchants of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ solved a similar problem centuries earlier .
Several officials serving in the dry trackless regions persuaded Jefferson Davis , then the U.S. secretary of war , that what the Army needed was camels .
In 1855 , Congress appropriated US $ 30,000 to test the idea .
A total of 75 camels survived their ocean voyages and subsequent treks to Army posts throughout the Southwest .
The officers who used them on missions were , on the whole , favorably impressed .
The muleteers who took care of them tended to hold the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the outbreak of the Civil War .
Some camels were sold to circuses , menageries and zoos .
Others were allowed to wander off .
They were chased and hunted , and during the postwar decades their population dwindled .
In 1901 , a journalist reported that “ now and then a passenger on the Southern Pacific Railroad…has had a sight of some gaunt , bony and decrepit old camel…grown white with age … as wild and intractable as any mustang.
” In Australia , similar problems – vast deserts that had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ equipment – suggested similar solutions .
In the 1860s , just as the Civil War deflected official interest from North American camels , their counterparts in Australia were beginning to flourish .
Their usefulness outweighed the perception that they could be spiteful , sulky and insubordinate .
A camel breeding farm was established in 1866 .
More than 10,000 camels were imported in the next 50 years .
They remained important until the 1920s , when they were supplanted by cars and trucks , the same fate that befell horses in many places @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unusually successful adventure in acclimatization took on a different cast in Australia .
As in the American Southwest , once camels lost their utility , they became superfluous .
There was no significant circus or zoo market for animals that had long ceased to be exotic .
As a result , some were shot .
Others were set free to roam by kinder-hearted owners , where they foraged and reproduced in the harsh terrain .
As of 2009 , the Australian government numbered the feral descendants as close to 1 million , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ world .
They compete for resources with other animals , wild and domesticated , and they can disrupt fragile desert ecosystems .
They have been occasionally reported to terrorize small towns .
Despite vigorous culling campaigns , there are still a lot of them .
Unsurprisingly , in a pattern that has also emerged with regard to feral horses , burros and pigs in North America , as officials contemplated drastic methods of reducing the population , human resistance also emerged .
Objections included concern for the welfare of individual camels , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or alive into a profit center as meat or tourism , or the fear that large-scale eradication would violate property rights .
More often than not , failure Like American starlings and sparrows , the success of Australian camels was the exception , not the rule , of 19th-century acclimatization attempts .
Far from becoming invasive , most efforts met with failure .
Aficionados of British birds , for example , released nightingales and skylarks into American parks , but they disappeared without making any impact on the indigenous fauna .
Nevertheless , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now somewhat misleadingly represent the inevitable consequences of these early attempts to diversify a range of native faunas .
Yet for every species that increased beyond the wildest anticipations of the acclimatizers , there were more that , like the skylark and the nightingale , vanished without a trace .
The many failures have been forgotten .
A few extreme successes are now considered invasive .
And many species have been inadvertently introduced or , like the coyote and the opossum in North America , have extended their ranges without assistance from humans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sign up for The Conversation ’ s newsletter . ]
Harriet Ritvo 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--2020-01-23--‘Damn Right It Is’: Female 2A Advocates Say The Right To Bear Arms Is A Woman’s Right

Activists at Monday ’ s Second Amendment rally in Richmond , Virginia , said gun rights are essential for all @ @ @ @ @ “ We have families to protect , but it ’ s more than protection .
@ @ @ @ @ Founding Fathers that all the amendments are our protection against a tyrannical government , ” @ @ @ @ @ If we start chiseling away at this , we ’ ll start chiseling away at @ @ @ @ @ up Right !
Subscribe to our Morning Briefing and get the news delivered to your @ @ @ @


freedomdaily--2020-01-23--2 immigrants, a pastor, and a US Army sergeant convicted for marriage/immigration scheme

DENVER – Four defendants were found guilty , Jan. 17 , after a nine-day jury trial for conspiracy to commit marriage fraud and making false statements regarding that fraud to the government .
Rajesh Ramcharan , 45 , Diann Ramcharan , 37 , Sergeant Galima Murry , 31 , and Pastor Ken Harvell , 60 , were the four defendants in the case .
The purpose of the conspiracy was to obtain immigration benefits for Rajesh Ramcharan , Diann Ramcharan and one of their minor children .
The Ramcharans , a married couple , came to the United States from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2007 .
They overstayed their visitor visas and settled in Colorado where they devised a scheme to defeat United States immigration laws and stay in the country illegally .
The scheme had several steps .
First , in 2010 , the couple was married by Pastor Ken Harvell , who signed a marriage certificate for the Ramcharans .
The couple then filed for a divorce .
Five days after that divorce was finalized , Pastor Harvell signed a new marriage certificate for Diann Ramcharan and Sergeant Galima Murry .
Sergeant Murry is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the time was a soldier at Fort Carson .
Diann Ramcharan and Sergeant Murry entered into this marriage for the purpose of evading immigration laws and enabling Diann Ramcharan to stay in the United States .
In addition , Sergeant Murry separately obtained military benefits by claiming to be married to Diann Ramcharan .
Several months later , Rajesh Ramcharan entered into a marriage with Angelica Guevara , who also is a citizen of the United States .
Pastor Harvell , whom the jury found knowingly and voluntarily participated in the conspiracy , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Rajesh Ramcharan .
During the time of both the Ramcharans ’ fraudulent marriages to Murry and Guevara , the Ramcharans lived with each other and otherwise presented themselves to the world as a married couple .
“ As the defendants in this case learned , marriage fraud to gain citizenship is a crime , ” said U.S. Attorney Jason Dunn .
“ There are lawful ways for individuals to become citizens of the United States .
Those who try to circumvent those laws will be held accountable.
” Each defendant was also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of at least one false statement to U.S. immigration authorities as part of the Ramcharans ’ attempts to gain lawful immigration status in the United States .
Guevara pleaded guilty to the conspiracy and testified at trial about the marriage fraud scheme .


freedomdaily--2020-01-22--Hunter Biden Ordered To Explain Why He Shouldn’t Be Held In Contempt Of Court

An Arkansas judge ordered Hunter Biden on Monday to appear before a court next week to explain why he shouldn ’ t be held in contempt for his failure to produce information about his finances in relation to a heated child support dispute .
Independence County Circuit Court Judge Holly Meyer ordered Hunter Biden to appear in court on Jan. 29 , to “ show cause , if any exists , as to why he should not be held in contempt for any of the alleged violations of this Court ’ s orders.
” The order came the same day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Biden ’ s child , Lunden Roberts , accused Hunter Biden of failing to abide by a court-mandated deadline to disclose a deluge of information , including a list of all the companies he currently owns or controls , his sources of income and employers for the past five years , unredacted copies of his tax returns , copies of deeds to properties he owns and more .
Hunter Biden has even refused to provide the address in which he resides and his telephone number , Roberts ’ s attorney Clinton Lancaster said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ test confirmed in November that Hunter Biden is the biological father of Roberts ’ s 16-month-old child .
Hunter Biden ’ s “ conduct is willful and contemptuous , ” Lancaster told the court .
He “ continues to act as though he has no respect for this Court , its orders , the legal process in this state , or the needs of his child for support , ” Lancaster added .
“ This court should take some action that will make the defendant follow court orders and a believer in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lancaster is seeking from Hunter Biden , the son of former Vice President Joe Biden , would include information relating to his work with the Ukranian gas company Burisma , on whose board Hunter Biden served from 2014 through 2019 .
Hunter Biden did not receive any direct compensation from Burisma — rather , the Ukrainian company wired funds to Rosemont Seneca Bohai ( RSB ) , an American firm controlled by Hunter Biden ’ s longtime business partner Devon Archer .
Between June 2014 and October 2015 , RSB wired a total @ @ @ @ @ @ @ undisclosed purposes while RSB was receiving funds from Burisma .
The IRS placed a tax lien on Hunter Biden for $ 112,805 in unpaid taxes from 2015 , the Daily Caller News Foundation previously reported .
Hunter Biden ’ s work with Burisma is at the center of President Donald Trump ’ s impeachment trial in the Senate .
Trump is accused of abusing his power for attempting to withhold nearly $ 400 million in military aid from Ukraine as he pressured the nation ’ s president to investigate the Bidens .
U.S. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hunter Biden attend an NCAA basketball game between Georgetown University and Duke University in Washington , U.S. , Jan. 30 , 2010 .
REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst Lancaster told the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette that he needs Hunter Biden ’ s financial information for child support purposes .
He said his court action Monday had nothing to do with Trump ’ s impeachment trial in the Senate .
“ My understanding is impeachment proceedings are ongoing , ” Lancaster told the outlet .
“ I have not received any subpoena .
I don ’ t believe we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
We don ’ t have any stake in it whatsoever .
We need his income so we can determine child support .
”


freedomdaily--2020-01-22--Snakes could be the original source of the new coronavirus outbreak in China

Snakes – the Chinese krait and the Chinese cobra – may be the original source of the newly discovered coronavirus that has triggered an outbreak of a deadly infectious respiratory illness in China this winter .
The illness was first reported in late December 2019 in Wuhan , a major city in central China , and has been rapidly spreading .
Since then , sick travelers from Wuhan have infected people in China and other countries , including the United States .
Using samples of the virus isolated from patients , scientists in China have determined the genetic code of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it .
The pathogen responsible for this pandemic is a new coronavirus .
It ’ s in the same family of viruses as the well-known severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus ( SARS-CoV ) and Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus ( MERS-CoV ) , which have killed hundreds of people in the past 17 years .
The World Health Organization ( WHO ) has named the new coronavirus 2019-nCoV .
We are virologists and journal editors and are closely following this outbreak because there are many questions that need to be answered to curb @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The name of coronavirus comes from its shape , which resembles a crown or solar corona when imaged using an electron microscope .
Coronavirus is transmitted through the air and primarily infects the upper respiratory and gastrointestinal tract of mammals and birds .
Though most of the members of the coronavirus family only cause mild flu-like symptoms during infection , SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV can infect both upper and lower airways and cause severe respiratory illness and other complications in humans .
This new 2019-nCoV causes similar symptoms to SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ severe inflammatory response .
Unfortunately , there is no approved vaccine or antiviral treatment available for coronavirus infection .
A better understanding of the life cycle of 2019-nCoV , including the source of the virus , how it is transmitted and how it replicates are needed to both prevent and treat the disease .
Both SARS and MERS are classified as zoonotic viral diseases , meaning the first patients who were infected acquired these viruses directly from animals .
This was possible because while in the animal host , the virus had acquired @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it to infect and multiply inside humans .
Now these viruses can be transmitted from person to person .
Field studies have revealed that the original source of SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV is the bat , and that the masked palm civets ( a mammal native to Asia and Africa ) and camels , respectively , served as intermediate hosts between bats and humans .
In the case of this 2019 coronavirus outbreak , reports state that most of the first group of patients hospitalized were workers or customers at a local seafood wholesale @ @ @ @ @ @ @ live consumable animals including poultry , donkeys , sheep , pigs , camels , foxes , badgers , bamboo rats , hedgehogs and reptiles .
However , since no one has ever reported finding a coronavirus infecting aquatic animals , it is plausible that the coronavirus may have originated from other animals sold in that market .
The hypothesis that the 2019-nCoV jumped from an animal at the market is strongly supported by a new publication in the Journal of Medical Virology .
The scientists conducted an analysis and compared the genetic sequences @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The study of the genetic code of 2019-nCoV reveals that the new virus is most closely related to two bat SARS-like coronavirus samples from China , initially suggesting that , like SARS and MERS , the bat might also be the origin of 2019-nCoV .
The authors further found that the DNA coding sequence of 2019-nCoV spike protein , which forms the “ crown ” of the virus particle that recognizes the receptor on a host cell , indicates that the bat virus might have mutated before infecting people .
But when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ analysis of the sequence of 2019-nCoV , it suggests that this coronavirus might come from snakes .
The researchers used an analysis of the protein codes favored by the new coronavirus and compared it to the protein codes from coronaviruses found in different animal hosts , like birds , snakes , marmots , hedgehogs , manis , bats and humans .
Surprisingly , they found that the protein codes in the 2019-nCoV are most similar to those used in snakes .
Snakes often hunt for bats in wild .
Reports indicate that snakes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Wuhan , raising the possibility that the 2019-nCoV might have jumped from the host species – bats – to snakes and then to humans at the beginning of this coronavirus outbreak .
However , how the virus could adapt to both the cold-blooded and warm-blooded hosts remains a mystery .
The authors of the report and other researchers must verify the origin of the virus through laboratory experiments .
Searching for the 2019-nCoV sequence in snakes would be the first thing to do .
However , since the outbreak , the seafood @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which makes it challenging to trace the new virus ’ source animal .
Sampling DNA from animals sold at the market and from wild snakes and bats is needed to confirm the origin of the virus .
Nonetheless , the reported findings will also provide insights for developing prevention and treatment protocols .
The 2019-nCoV outbreak is another reminder that people should limit the consumption of wild animals to prevent zoonotic infections .
[ You ’ re smart and curious about the world .
So are The Conversation ’ s authors and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ each weekend . ]
Haitao Guo is an associate editor of the Journal of Medical Virology .
Guangxiang “ George ” Luo is the Deputy Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Medical Virology .
Shou-Jiang Gao is the Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Medical Virology .


freedomdaily--2020-01-22--Ozzy Osbourne has a type of Parkinson’s disease called Parkin: A neurologist explains

For many , hearing the word “ Parkinson ’ s ” conjures an image of tremors .
But Parkinson ’ s disease , brought about by loss of nerve and other brain cells , is actually an incredibly complex movement disorder that can cause symptoms as wide-ranging as smell loss , thinking issues , depression and swallowing problems .
More than 1 million people in the U.S. have the illness , and millions more loved ones and caregivers are affected by it , too .
Rocker Ozzy Osbourne announced Jan. 21 , 2020 that he has a type of Parkinson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the gene associated with this type of Parkinson ’ s .
Parkin is involved in maintaining the energy-producing area of cells , called mitochondria .
This type of the disease often responds well to deep brain stimulation .
While Osbourne , 71 , said it ’ s been “ terribly challenging for all of us , ” he also plans to tour again in the fall .
Osbourne had several medical issues last winter , including a fall , neck surgery and hospitalization for the flu .
Thanks to medical advances and better @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that Parkinson ’ s is a livable disease , and that people with this condition can be happy , healthy and successful .
I am a professor of neurology who specializes in Parkinson ’ s and the medical director for the Parkinson ’ s Foundation .
While I can not speak to Osbourne ’ s diagnosis specifically , I would not be surprised if Osbourne achieves his goal of touring again in the fall .
There are many treatments for Parkinson ’ s , and some patients are going to live for 10 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ years with the disease .
We are just beginning to understand why some patients can live long and happy lives with Parkinson ’ s .
We know from the scientific literature that patients who see even a general neurologist have lower rates of morbidity , mortality and nursing home placement .
But given that the majority of Parkinson ’ s patients are under the care of general practitioners , internists and family medicine doctors , how do we help all of those who are affected by Parkinson ’ s ?
Based on studies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with Parkinson ’ s , one of the first messages we need to impart is that life is most certainly not over .
A second important message is that medications , new and old , can and do make a difference .
These findings underscore the necessity of having doctors trained in Parkinson ’ s .
And yet , there is a critical shortage of doctors trained specifically in how to treat Parkinson ’ s disease .
Only 40 to 50 new Parkinson ’ s specialists – neurologists with fellowship training in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ across this country .
And according to national doctor fellowship match data , this number has been relatively flat for the last five years .
This shortage could worsen as the 70 million baby boomers age , as Parkinson ’ s is a disease that typically affects older people ; the average age of diagnosis is in the early 60s .
Also , as medical director of the Parkinson ’ s Foundation , I have come to realize that there is a gap between how physicians manage Parkinson ’ s in clinics nationwide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and from experience in treating this disease for many years .
In particular , many generalists remain unaware of treatments beyond the standard use of medications that have been used since the 1970s , and there is a lack of appreciation for the importance of the timing of medication dosages .
For example , there is a myth that when you diagnose Parkinson ’ s , you prescribe a medicine called carbidopa-levodopa ( also called Sinemet ) three times a day , and that ’ s all .
But Parkinson ’ s is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 20 motor and nonmotor features .
The idea that dopamine , the main active ingredient in carbidopa-levodopa , is the only drug and the only treatment and there ’ s nothing more you can do – that ’ s a myth .
This is something we must make sure to emphasize and educate doctors in training and those seeing these patients in practice .
Many patients in my practice improve significantly with physical therapy and occupational therapy , and several have used acting techniques to improve masking of the face .
Singing groups @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and strengthen swallowing muscles – and to socialize with other people facing similar challenges .
Timing may not be everything , but it is important In one of my articles , I tried to lay a framework for the different phases a Parkinson ’ s patient may go through and the many types of treatments that are available today .
We now know , for example , that in the early phase of Parkinson ’ s , specific exercises can be just as important as , if not more important in some patients @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and windows of opportunity can be the difference between success and failure .
We also now know that the timing of medications is critical and in many cases needs to be exactly aligned to particular hours of the day .
In addition , some patients see benefits by changing drug dose , adjusting medication intervals and possibly the addition of one of many other drugs .
There are windows of opportunity for some patients where great benefit may result from surgical therapy .
These include deep brain stimulation or the use of an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ formation of a dopamine medication directly into the small intestine , which is a newer therapy approved by the FDA two years ago .
There is also focused ultrasound for some cases of tremor .
But the physician must be aware of what those windows are , and who are the patients likely to experience benefit .
In other words , we must tailor the treatment to the patient .
What ’ s more , in Parkinson ’ s disease there is the possibility of an array of nonmovement-related symptoms , such as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ These nonmotor symptoms are commonly more disabling than the motor symptoms such as tremor or stiffness .
Today , experts are involving social workers and counselors and also commonly using antidepressant and cognitive enhancers in their care .
As a field , we neurologists need to better understand that Parkinson ’ s patients have many choices of therapies , and this is a compelling reason why special Parkinsons ’ doctors are needed .
When treated appropriately , Parkinson ’ s is a livable condition .
We need to educate more general practitioners and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ care for Parkinson ’ s disease , and we need to dedicate more money to training more Parkinson ’ s-specific neurologists .
There is more reason for hope for patients of Parkinson ’ s and their loved ones , and every Parkinson ’ s patient should have a tailored plan for success and a happy life .
Hopefully we will see Ozzy back on the road soon .
This story is updated from its original version , which ran .
Sept. 7 , 2017 .
[ Like what you ’ ve read ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Conversation ’ s daily newsletter . ]
Michael Okun 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--2020-01-22--Watch Live: Senate Impeachment Trial – Day 2

The U.S. Senate continues its impeachment trial based on Democrats ’ articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump .
Wednesday @ @ @ @ @ to center around the House Manager ’ s opening arguments .
( Related : See @ @ @ @ @ here ) Content created by Conservative Daily News and some content syndicated through CDN is @ @ @ @ @ under the Creative Commons license .
Visit our syndication page for details and requirements .
@ @ @ @ @ to our Morning Briefing and get the news delivered to your inbox before breakfast !


freedomdaily--2020-01-22--Adam Schiff Reportedly Released False Information In Ukraine Probe

Rep. Adam Schiff released inaccurate information last week regarding a text message between Rudy Giuliani and a former associate regarding Ukraine-related matters , according to a report .
Schiff claimed in a letter to House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerry Nadler on Jan. 14 that Soviet-born businessman Lev Parnas sent a message to Giuliani on July 3 , 2019 , about a potential meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky .
Schiff asserted that Parnas ’ s message to Giuliani that said , “ trying to get us mr Z ” referred to an attempt to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky @ @ @ @ @ @ @ try to arrange a meeting with President Zelensky , ” Schiff wrote to Nadler of the message .
But according to Politico , unredacted communications that Schiff has not released indicate that Parnas was referring to Mykola Zlechovsky , the owner of Burisma Holdings , the Ukrainian gas firm that had Hunter Biden as a director .
Parnas sent Giuliani notes from an interview he conducted with Zlochevsky days after the July 3 text message .
“ mr Z answers my brother , ” Parnas wrote , according to Politico .
Giuliani and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ information about Biden ’ s ties to Burisma .
As part of the effort , Parnas helped set interviews for Giuliani with Ukrainians who claimed to have information for the project .
Democrats have accused Trump of abusing his office by pressuring Zelensky to open investigations of Hunter and Joe Biden in exchange for military assistance .
Schiff ’ s error is not the first time that the Democrat has been accused of releasing false information in Trump-related investigations .
Donald Trump Jr. accused Schiff of being behind a Dec. 8 , 2017 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that he received an email containing a trove of WikiLeaks documents on Sept. 4 , 2016 .
The timing would have been significant because WikiLeaks did not release the documents to the public until days later .
But it turned out that CNN ’ s source provided the wrong date for the email .
It was instead sent to Trump Jr. on Sept. 14 , 2016 , a day after the WikiLeaks materials in question were publicized .
Schiff has also acknowledged that he falsely claimed not to know the substance of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s impeachment .
Schiff was forced to admit that a CIA analyst met with one of Schiff ’ s staffers before filing the complaint .
The aide reportedly briefed Schiff on the analyst ’ s allegations about Trump .
Schiff also came under fire for reading a parody during a House Intelligence Committee hearing on Sept. 26 of Trump ’ s July 25 phone call with Zelensky that is at the center of the impeachment push .


freedomdaily--2020-01-23--DOJ Concedes That Two Of Its Carter Page FISA Orders Were ‘Not Valid’

The Justice Department recently conceded that two of the four orders to wiretap former Trump campaign adviser Carter Page were “ not valid , ” Judge James Boasberg said in a court order unsealed on Thursday .
The Justice Department made the surprising concession in response to an inspector general ’ s ( IG ) report which found “ significant ” errors and omissions in four applications submitted to the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court ( FISC ) to surveil Page .
While the IG report was highly critical of the FBI and Justice Department , it did not weigh in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ applications , which were granted under the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act ( FISA ) .
But Boasberg , who presides over the FISC , said in an order on Jan. 7 that the Justice Department concluded that the second and third renewals of the Page surveillance warrants “ were not valid.
” Boasberg said that the government did not take a position on the validity of the initial application , granted on Oct. 21 , 2016 , and the first renewal , granted on Jan. 12 , 2017 .
Boasberg also said that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prior to applying for the final two warrants , “ there was insufficient predication to establish probable cause to believe that [ Carter ] Page was acting as an agent of a foreign power.
” The FBI ’ s FISA applications cited information from former British spy Christopher Steele to assert that there was probable cause to believe that Page was working on behalf of Russia .
Steele alleged in a dossier that Page was part of a “ well-developed conspiracy of cooperation ” between the Trump campaign and Russian government to influence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ office of the inspector general found that FBI agents withheld information that undercut the idea that Page was conspiring with Russia .
Agents also failed to disclose information to the FISC that cut against Steele ’ s credibility and reliability , the report said .
The most serious errors laid out in the IG report occurred after the FBI obtained its first warrant renewal in January 2017 .
The report said that days after the renewal was granted , Steele ’ s primary source disputed information in the dossier during an interview with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was not identified , told agents that Steele misrepresented and embellished information attributed to him in the dossier .
The IG report documented other errors before the FBI applied for its first warrant on Page .
It said that in August 2016 , the FBI agent who led the investigation into Page failed to disclose information from the CIA that Page had been an “ operational contact ” for the spy agency .
The FBI also failed to disclose that Steele told agents during a meeting on Oct. 3 , 2016 that he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was a “ boaster ” and “ embellisher .
”


freedomdaily--2020-01-23--White House Rolls Out New Rules To End ‘Birth Tourism’

The Trump administration will implement new rules that aim to prevent pregnant foreign nationals from visiting the U.S. for the sole purpose of giving birth on U.S. soil , a practice widely referred to as “ birth tourism.
” The White House announced new rules Thursday meant to crack down on birth tourism , where foreign pregnant women enter the U.S. on a tourist visa in order to give birth , giving their child automatic citizenship .
Under the upcoming guidelines , pregnant women applying for B visas — otherwise known as nonimmigrant visitor visas — may have to prove @ @ @ @ @ @ @ traveling to the U.S. other than giving birth .
“ [ T ] he State Department will no longer issue temporary visitor ( B-1/B-2 ) visas to aliens seeking to enter the United States for ‘ birth tourism ’ – the practice of traveling to the United States to secure automatic and permanent American citizenship for their children by giving birth on American soil , ” White House press secretary Stephanie Grisham said in a statement Thursday .
“ This rule change is necessary to enhance public safety , national security , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Grisham continued .
She also noted that the rule change will go into effect Friday .
U.S. officials will not automatically ask every female visa applicant if they are pregnant or intend to become pregnant , but they will be questioned about the subject if officials are led to believe that their only reason for entering the U.S. is to give birth .
Under the 14th Amendment of the Constitution , anyone born on U.S. soil is given automatic citizenship , a concept known as birthright citizenship .
While the practice has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ historically blocked those that are deemed unable to cover costs for their births .
The State Department does not publish information on the exact number of people who visit the U.S. in order to give birth , making it difficult to pinpoint the exact figure , but the Center for Immigration Studies estimated that 33,000 births take place a year by those on tourist visas .
Many foreign nationals are willing to pay big money to give birth in the U.S. in order to reap the benefits of having a child with American @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pleaded guilty in 2019 to running a birth tourism scheme , raked in $ 3 million in wire transfers from wealthy clients who were coached on how to get past Customs and Border Protection ( CBP ) airport screenings .
President Donald Trump , who has made immigration enforcement a top priory in his administration , has long complained about birthright citizenship and confirmed in 2019 that he was “ very seriously ” looking at ending it .
The new rule pushed Thursday is the biggest step the White House has taken to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tourism industry threatens to overburden valuable hospital resources and is rife with criminal activity , as reflected in Federal prosecutions .
Closing this glaring immigration loophole will combat these endemic abuses and ultimately protect the United States from the national security risks created by this practice , ” Grisham said .


freedomdaily--2020-01-23--Grassley Expands Probe Of Stefan Halper’s Pentagon Contracts

Senate Finance Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley said Wednesday he is expanding his probe of Department of Defense contracts awarded to Stefan Halper , a former professor who was a confidential source for the FBI in its investigation of Trump campaign associates .
The Iowa Republican said that he is investigating the Office of Net Assessment ’ s ( ONA ) contract compliance after he reviewed “ troubling documents ” related to Halper ’ s contracts .
“ Those documents call into question ONA ’ s stewardship of taxpayer dollars as well as its contract management and internal controls , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ letter to ONA Director James Baker .
ONA , which is considered the Pentagon ’ s internal think tank , has awarded more than $ 1 million in contracts to Halper since 2012 to conduct studies of geopolitical hotspots like China , India and Russia .
The most recent contract was awarded to Halper on Sept. 26 , 2016 , which was during the same period when the former Cambridge academic was meeting with Trump campaign advisers on behalf of the FBI .
Halper , a veteran of four Republican administrations , met @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Page , Sam Clovis , and George Papadopoulos , according to a Justice Department inspector general ’ s ( IG ) report released on Dec. 9 .
Grassley is questioning whether ONA funds awarded to Halper were used in the investigation of the Trump campaign .
He is also questioning whether ONA was aware of Halper ’ s ties to Vyacheslav Trubnikov , a former director of Russia ’ s foreign intelligence service , or SVR .
Trubnikov contributed to a study Halper conducted in 2015 on the relationship between Russia and China @ @ @ @ @ @ @ security .
Halper has also hosted Trubnikov at events at Cambridge University .
Christopher Steele , the former British spy , named Trubnikov as a possible source of information for his Trump dossier during an Oct. 11 , 2016 with State Department officials .
Grassley asked Baker , the ONA director , whether Halper disclosed his relationship with Trubnikov , and whether information that Halper used from the retired spymaster was considered reliable .
Halper began working as an FBI source in 2008 , according to the IG report .
He was reprimanded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 2011 over “ aggressiveness ” towards his handling agent , and because of “ questionable allegiance ” to the target of an FBI counterintelligence probe .
The IG report did not accuse Halper of wrongdoing .
But it did criticize the FBI for failing to inform the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court of exculpatory information that Page and Papadopoulos shared with the professor during their conversations .
Halper first met Page at the an event at Cambridge on July 10 , 2016 , and the pair remained in contact for more than a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Aug. 30 , 2016 , and contacted Papadopoulos days later .
Halper invited Papadopoulos on an all-expense-paid trip to London under the guise of working on an academic paper regarding energy issues in the Mediterranean .
Halper offered Papadopoulos $ 3,000 to write a paper on the topic , which the Trump aide accepted .
Halper pressed Papadopoulos in their meetings about his work on the Trump campaign , and whether anyone on the Trump team was working with Russia to influence the election .
Papadopoulos told Halper that he was not aware @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kremlin , according to portions of a transcript released in the IG report .


freedomdaily--2020-01-23--Joe Biden Touts Opposition To School Vouchers, Despite Sending Sons To Posh Private School

Former Vice President Joe Biden on Wednesday took a stand against school choice vouchers , despite the fact that he chose to send both of his sons to a posh private high school in Delaware .
“ When we divert public funds to private schools , we undermine the entire public education system .
We ’ ve got to prioritize investing in our public schools , so every kid in America gets a fair shot .
That ’ s why I oppose vouchers , ” he wrote in a tweet Wednesday night .
Biden ’ s stance on vouchers was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before his tweet , a Washington Post tracker on each candidate ’ s position on vouchers categorized Biden as “ unclear ” on the issue .
School vouchers generally allow lower-income students to put state dollars meant for their education towards private schools .
Voucher proponents say it ’ s a way for lower-income students to escape troubled public schools for private schools that they otherwise wouldn ’ t be able to afford .
Despite Biden ’ s opposition to vouchers , when it came time to send his two sons to high @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Beau and Hunter Biden both went to Archmere Academy in Delaware , the same private high school that Joe Biden attended .
One year of tuition at the Catholic high school in 2020 costs $ 28,800 , according to the school ’ s website .
Biden ’ s campaign didn ’ t return a request for comment .
The former vice president isn ’ t the only 2020 candidate to oppose school choice despite choosing a private education for their own child .
Democratic Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren has vowed to crack @ @ @ @ @ @ @ even though she chose to send her son , Alexander , to an elite private school .
Warren also falsely denied sending her son to private school when asked about it by pro-school choice activists after a campaign event in November .
Wake up Right !
Subscribe to our Morning Briefing and get the news delivered to your inbox before breakfast !