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Julian Assange, the founder of WikiLeaks, has been released from a British prison following a plea deal with US authorities that concludes his long-running legal saga. Assange, 52, faced charges of conspiracy to obtain and disclose national defense information due to his role in releasing classified documents related to the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. For years, US officials have contended that the WikiLeaks disclosures endangered lives by revealing sensitive military operations and intelligence. Despite these accusations, Assange's case has been fraught with controversy, with many supporters arguing that his prosecution was politically motivated. Assange spent the last five years incarcerated in the UK, battling extradition to the United States. His release comes after he agreed to plead guilty to a criminal charge, a decision that will see him avoid further time in US custody. According to CBS, Assange will receive credit for the time he has already spent in a UK prison. The Journey to Release Assange left Belmarsh prison on Monday after 1,901 days in detention. A statement from WikiLeaks confirmed that he was released at Stansted Airport, from where he boarded a plane back to Australia. This marks a significant turn in a case that has kept Assange under intense legal and public scrutiny for over a decade. Video footage shared by WikiLeaks shows Assange, casually dressed in jeans and a blue shirt, being driven to the airport before his departure. Although the BBC has not independently verified this footage, the scenes depict a pivotal moment for Assange and his supporters. Stella Assange, his wife, expressed her gratitude on social media, thanking the numerous supporters who have campaigned tirelessly for his release. "We have mobilized for years to make this come true," she tweeted. Legal and Political Implications The plea deal is set to be finalized in a court in the Northern Mariana Islands on June 26. This remote US commonwealth in the Pacific is considerably closer to Australia compared to US federal courts in Hawaii or the mainland United States. This unusual venue for the finalization of the deal underscores the complex and often unconventional nature of Assange's legal battles. Australia's government, through a spokesperson quoted by Agence France-Presse, expressed relief over the resolution, stating that the case had "dragged on for too long." However, Assange's attorney, Richard Miller, declined to comment, and the BBC has yet to receive a response from Assange's US-based lawyer. US President Joe Biden had earlier indicated that he was considering a request from Australia to drop the prosecution against Assange. In April, the UK High Court allowed Assange to challenge his extradition, offering him an opportunity to contest the US government's assurances regarding his trial and the protection of his free speech rights. A Decade of Controversy The US initially sought to prosecute Assange on 18 counts, primarily under the Espionage Act, for his role in publishing confidential military records and diplomatic messages. WikiLeaks, founded by Assange in 2006, is known for releasing over 10 million documents, described by the US government as "one of the largest compromises of classified information in the history of the United States." One of the most infamous releases by WikiLeaks was a 2010 video showing a US military helicopter attack in Baghdad that killed more than a dozen Iraqi civilians, including two Reuters news reporters. This and other disclosures significantly impacted public perception of US military operations and intelligence practices. Previous Legal Battles Assange's collaboration with Chelsea Manning, a former US Army intelligence analyst, is among his most notable associations. Manning was sentenced to 35 years in prison for her role in leaking classified documents but had her sentence commuted by President Barack Obama in 2017. Assange also faced allegations of rape and sexual assault in Sweden, which he denied. These charges led him to seek asylum in Ecuador's London embassy, where he remained for seven years. Although Sweden eventually dropped the case in 2019, citing the elapsed time since the original complaint, UK authorities arrested Assange for failing to surrender for extradition to Sweden. Health and Public Appearances Throughout his legal troubles, Assange's health has reportedly suffered. He experienced a minor stroke while in prison in 2021, and his prolonged confinement has taken a toll on his physical and mental well-being. Despite his high-profile status, Assange has been rarely seen in public, maintaining a relatively low profile during his incarceration. Moving Forward Assange's release and the conclusion of his legal battles mark a new chapter for WikiLeaks and its controversial founder. As he returns to Australia, the implications of his plea deal and the future of his activism remain subjects of intense speculation and debate. The resolution of his case may bring some closure to the families affected by the Sandy Hook massacre and others impacted by WikiLeaks' disclosures, but it also leaves many questions about press freedom, government transparency, and the balance between national security and the public's right to know. Credit: BBC 2024-06-25 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Infowars, the notorious media outlet operated by conspiracy theorist Alex Jones, is facing an imminent shutdown and sale, as revealed in an emergency court filing by a bankruptcy court-appointed trustee on Sunday. This move marks the potential end of a far-right platform widely known for spreading misinformation and controversial conspiracy theories. Earlier this month, a bankruptcy judge ruled that Jones’ personal assets would be liquidated to help pay off nearly $1.5 billion owed to the families of the Sandy Hook massacre victims. This ruling came as part of the aftermath of Jones’ false claims about the 2012 school shooting, which had devastating impacts on the affected families. However, at that time, the judge decided against liquidating Jones’ media company, Free Speech Systems (FSS), the parent company of Infowars. The judge's decision was partly based on the anticipated costs and lengthy process involved in liquidating the company. With the bankruptcy case against FSS dismissed, the Sandy Hook families gained the ability to pursue Jones’ assets, including Infowars, through state court proceedings. As Jones remains the owner of FSS, a court-appointed trustee was assigned to manage the company's affairs. Since his appointment, the trustee has been preparing to shut down FSS and liquidate its inventory. However, this plan hit a snag when one of the Sandy Hook victim’s parents filed a motion in a Texas District Court seeking custody of all FSS assets, including Infowars. This move prompted the trustee to request an emergency stay from the bankruptcy judge to allow an orderly wind-down and sale of Infowars. Christopher Mattei, an attorney representing the Sandy Hook families from Connecticut who supported the liquidation of the company, expressed disappointment over the latest development. “This is precisely the unfortunate situation that the Connecticut families hoped to avoid when we argued that the Free Speech Systems/InfoWars case should have remained with the bankruptcy court rather than being dismissed,” Mattei stated. He emphasized that the families had consistently aimed for a fair and orderly resolution and were grateful that the Chapter 7 Trustee had filed a motion advocating for an equitable distribution of FSS assets. Jones, who had previously expressed relief over the judge's decision not to liquidate Infowars’ parent company, acknowledged that Infowars might continue broadcasting for only a few more months. Speaking outside the courthouse following the dismissal of his company’s liquidation, Jones said, “I’m going to try to move forward and maximize the amount of money we can make at Infowars to then have a wind-down.” The unfolding events mark a significant turn in the long-standing legal battle surrounding Alex Jones and his media empire. The planned shutdown and sale of Infowars could bring a definitive end to one of the most contentious and controversial platforms in contemporary media, closing a chapter that has seen widespread dissemination of falsehoods and the consequent suffering of many, particularly the Sandy Hook families. Credit: CNN 2024-06-25 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

As the 2024 presidential election approaches, Vice President Kamala Harris emphasized the critical nature of reproductive health rights, asserting that "everything is at stake." The Biden campaign has intensified efforts to highlight the stark differences between Democratic President Joe Biden and Republican Donald Trump on this issue, particularly ahead of their upcoming debate. In preparation for Monday’s second anniversary of the Supreme Court’s Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization decision, which overturned the federal legal right to an abortion, the Biden campaign announced plans for over 50 events across battleground states and beyond. This decision, which marked a significant shift in reproductive rights, was made by a Supreme Court that included three conservative justices appointed during Trump’s presidency. Harris, in an interview with MSNBC alongside Kentucky abortion rights advocate Hadley Duvall, underscored the broader implications of losing such a fundamental freedom. "Every person of whatever gender should understand that, if such a fundamental freedom such as the right to make decisions about your own body can be taken, be aware of what other freedoms may be at stake," she stated. The Biden campaign is banking on the issue of abortion rights to mobilize voters in what is anticipated to be a closely contested general election. While Trump has taken credit for the Dobbs decision to appease his conservative base, he has not fully endorsed a national abortion ban, suggesting that the matter should be decided by individual states. In April, he explicitly stated that he would not sign a nationwide abortion ban if passed by Congress, and has avoided clarifying his stance on women's access to the abortion pill mifepristone. At a recent campaign event, Trump touted the Dobbs decision as a significant achievement but acknowledged the political risks of further pressing the issue. "Every voter has to go with your heart and do what’s right, but we also have to get elected," he said. As Biden began his private preparations for the upcoming debate at Camp David, Trump engaged in an informal preparation process at his Florida estate. Hadley Duvall, who has publicly shared her story of being raped by her stepfather and the subsequent impact of abortion restrictions, joined First Lady Jill Biden at a Pittsburgh campaign rally. Both criticized Trump for supporting the Dobbs decision, with Jill Biden asserting that Trump underestimates the resolve of women when their rights are threatened. "He thinks we can be ignored," she said. "He doesn’t know that when our bodies are on the line, when our daughters’ futures are at stake, we are immovable and we are unstoppable." Kentucky, Duvall's home state, has implemented a near-total abortion ban following the Dobbs decision, allowing abortions only to save the mother’s life, with no exceptions for rape or incest. In a recent Fox News interview, Trump described the varying state laws on abortion rights as "a beautiful thing to watch." Duvall responded, challenging this view by highlighting the harsh realities faced by young girls in such situations. "I would like to ask him: What is so beautiful about telling a 12-year-old girl that she must have the baby of her stepfather who raped her?" she questioned. To mark the anniversary of the Dobbs decision, Harris has scheduled campaign events in Arizona and Maryland, while her husband, Doug Emhoff, heads to Michigan. Senator Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts will travel to Wisconsin on behalf of the Biden campaign, accompanied by Amanda Zurawski, a Texas woman who was initially denied an abortion despite her baby being non-viable, and only received medical intervention after developing life-threatening sepsis. Reflecting on the upcoming election, Duvall stressed the stakes for women of reproductive age, urging voters to prioritize reproductive rights regardless of past political affiliations. "If there is a woman who is in that reproductive age, then her life is at stake during this election," she said. "And it does not matter if you have never voted Democrat in your life. It’s get off your high horse, because women, we don’t get to choose a whole lot, and you at least can choose who you can vote for." Credit: US News 2024-06-25 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Los Angeles witnessed a violent confrontation outside the Adas Torah synagogue on Sunday morning as anti-Israel protesters clashed with supporters of Israel. The incident, which unfolded on Pico Boulevard, has sparked outrage and concerns about rising antisemitism and public safety in the city. The violence erupted before noon when two groups—one supporting Israel and the other protesting against it—converged in front of the synagogue. Video footage from the scene captured chaotic moments where individuals from both sides engaged in physical altercations. Many protesters wore keffiyehs and masks, while those supporting Israel were draped in Israeli flags. In one particularly distressing video, a woman can be seen lying in the fetal position on the ground as others tried to break up the crowd. Police officers in riot gear quickly surrounded the perimeter, but it remains unclear whether any arrests were made or the extent of the injuries sustained during the clashes. Aerial footage showed the heavy police presence, underscoring the severity of the situation. A man holding a Palestinian flag was seen physically fighting with a visibly Jewish man in another video, further highlighting the intense confrontations. Accusations flew from both sides about who initiated the violence. Anti-Israel activist groups and Jewish community members shared videos on social media, each blaming the other for the escalation. Jewish community members posted videos showing Jews being beaten on the ground by members of the anti-Israel mob. Journalist Daniel Greenfield, present at the rally, reported multiple instances of Jewish community members being sprayed with bear mace and pepper spray without any police intervention. He noted that some protesters appeared prepared for violence, wearing ski goggles as protection. Greenfield also recounted being threatened by a man in a keffiyeh who allegedly said, "Billions will come to kill you." In response to the violence, LA Mayor Karen Bass condemned the actions and promised additional police patrols in the heavily Jewish neighborhood. She stated, "Today’s violence in the Pico-Robertson neighborhood was abhorrent, and blocking access to a place of worship is unacceptable. I want to be clear that Los Angeles will not be a harbor for antisemitism and violence. Those responsible for either will be found and held accountable." Journalist Cam Higby, who was hit by bear mace, shared his experience on social media, thanking local rabbis, off-duty emergency medical technicians, and community members who assisted him despite not knowing his identity or beliefs. He expressed his shock at the violence, saying, "People who aren’t antisemitic don’t show up to a synagogue in a Jewish neighborhood with bear spray and other weapons to fight people. Reviewing footage of Jews being pushed down and beaten bloody in the street just outside of a synagogue in a Jewish neighborhood—all I can think of is when I learned about the night of broken glass." Activist and politician Sam Yerbi described the situation as "violent anti-Israel activists dispersed into Jewish neighborhoods hunting Jews and causing more destruction and vandalism." Yerbi shared a video on Instagram showing a man in a keffiyeh threatening residents with two bludgeons retrieved from his car. He also posted footage of community members intervening to stop vandalism of a kosher restaurant. Criticism of the LAPD and Mayor Bass was widespread. Greenfield accused the LAPD of allowing anti-Israel activists to occupy both sides of the synagogue, providing only a small access lane for community members. He claimed that when police in riot gear arrived, they did not separate the two sides for an hour. Political consultant Noah Pollak said on social media that he and his family were denied access to the synagogue because the LAPD had formed a cordon to "keep Jews out and Hamas supporters in." Yerbi alleged that elected officials had told the LAPD to stand down and not intervene, an accusation Pollak echoed, accusing officials of helping "the Democratic Party street animals do their thuggery." Security at the site was provided by LA Shmira Public Safety and Magen Am volunteers, who coordinated with the LAPD, the Shul Guard Network, the LA Jewish Federation's Community Security Initiative, and other Jewish public safety groups. Despite these efforts, Greenfield criticized the Jewish community leadership for failing to organize effectively. He stated, "Some community leaders urged people not to go to avoid giving the terrorist supporters publicity, others came but in an unorganized fashion. While leftists are able to throw together antisemitic rallies at short notice, the Jewish community has failed to prep and the result is that terrorist supporters were able to freely operate in the heart of the Pico-Robertson Jewish community and to intimidate a synagogue." The delayed response from California politicians further fueled the community's frustration. It took hours before statements were issued condemning the violence. California Governor Gavin Newsom eventually said on social media, "The violent clashes outside the Adas Torah synagogue in Los Angeles are appalling. There is no excuse for targeting a house of worship. Such antisemitic hatred has no place in California." Congressman Ted Lieu also condemned the targeting of the synagogue, stating, "I strongly condemn the Pro-Palestinian demonstrators who engaged in anti-Semitism by targeting Adas Torah Synagogue and/or its congregants." Councilwoman Katy Yaroslavsky expressed deep concern over the incident, noting that her upcoming meeting with Mayor Bass, the Jewish Federation, and the LAPD would explore why the situation had escalated. "The antisemitic violence that broke out today in Pico Robertson would have been completely unacceptable anywhere in Los Angeles, but that it was planned and carried out in front of a synagogue in the heart of LA’s Jewish community should be deeply concerning to us all," Yaroslavsky said. The protests were organized by groups like Code Pink and the Party for Socialism and Liberation, allegedly in response to the sale of "stolen Palestinian land." Advertisement for the real estate event did not specify the areas being sold. PYM LA declared, "Racist settler expansionists are not welcome in Los Angeles! This blatant example of land theft is operating in our own backyard. The Nakba is ongoing and must be confronted!" A Code Pink video showed protesters chanting for intifada as the "only solution." Anti-Israel activists claimed they had peacefully protested and were attacked by pro-Israel counter-protesters and police. Code Pink stated on Instagram, "Madness, chaos, agitation, provoking and the use of physical force by the Zionist community and LAPD. While our comrades were physically assaulted, pepper/bear sprayed and attacked as they walked back to their cars, LAPD did nothing to keep us safe but rather pushed and used their combat toys to add to injury." The Party for Socialism and Liberation Los Angeles posted videos showing activists being pushed by police and grappling with counter-protesters. In one clash, protesters and counter-protesters fought over an Israeli flag. One Muslim woman was spat on and pelted with an egg when she refused to let go of the flag, and the fight was broken up when an activist sprayed the group with mace. Another video published by community group Sot El Zaytoon showed a pro-Israel man body-checking a Muslim woman, who was then punched to the ground by an anti-Israel activist. A similar protest organized by Code Pink had taken place outside the Shaarey Zedek congregation on Thursday, highlighting the ongoing tension and conflict in the area. The International March of the Living (IML), a Holocaust education organization, responded to the clashes and other recent antisemitic incidents worldwide. In a statement, IML said, "The attack on the 'Adas Torah' synagogue in Los Angeles and the targeting of Jews there, as well as the attacks on synagogues in Russia, the shocking rape of a Jewish girl in France last week, and the daily threats to Jews worldwide, all lead to one grim conclusion: Jewish blood is cheap. These attacks are all attempts to intimidate and push Jews out of the public sphere—a phenomenon we know all too well from history. We call on the authorities in countries across the world to come to their senses quickly because Jewish blood is being shed with impunity." Credit: JP | X 2024-06-25 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

In a provocative guest essay published by The New York Times, Jeffrey A. Sonnenfeld, president of the Yale Chief Executive Leadership Institute, contended that many of former President Donald Trump's economic initiatives share more in common with communist principles espoused by Karl Marx than with the capitalist ideas of Adam Smith. This bold assertion has sparked significant discussion as Trump seeks a second term in the White House. Sonnenfeld's essay, titled "I Know What America's Leading C.E.O.s Really Think of Donald Trump," dismantles Trump's claims of widespread support from big business leaders. Sonnenfeld, who has acted as a private liaison between business and political leaders including Trump and President Joe Biden, asserted that many CEOs are deeply concerned about the implications of a second Trump presidency. "The MAGA [Make America Great Again] die-hard voices that have Mr. Trump's ear often share more in common with the far left than with the traditional Republican Party," Sonnenfeld wrote. He criticized Trump's economic policies, including proposed universal 10 percent tariffs on all imports, unorthodox monetary and fiscal policies, stripping the Federal Reserve Board of its independence, and potentially instituting yield curve control to force interest rates lower. "These Trump positions share more in common with Karl Marx than Adam Smith," Sonnenfeld argued, emphasizing that such policies would likely drive inflation higher. Sonnenfeld noted that during Trump's first term, he had more reasonable advisors like Jared Kushner, Dina Powell, and Steven Mnuchin who served as conduits to the business community. However, he lamented that these voices have been replaced by "MAGA extremists and junior varsity opportunists." In response to the controversy, Newsweek reached out to Trump's campaign for comment. Previously, Steven Cheung, communications director for the Trump presidential campaign, disputed similar characterizations, stating, "President Trump was warmly received by everyone in the room and was commended for his policy proposals on deregulation and tax cuts." Sonnenfeld's essay comes at a time of heightened scrutiny of Trump's economic policies, particularly following a report from USA Today that highlighted the differences between Trump's and Biden's economic plans. Mark Zandi, chief economist of Moody's Analytics, was quoted in the report saying, "Biden's policies are better for the economy." Despite this, public perception of Biden's economic policy remains low, with a Yahoo News/YouGov poll indicating only 33 percent approval of Biden's handling of the economy. Under Biden's administration, notable economic achievements include low unemployment rates, with April marking the 27th consecutive month of unemployment rates below 4 percent, the longest streak since the 1960s. Biden's policies have also focused on infrastructure investments, support for domestic chip making and electric vehicle production, and maintaining record corporate profits and robust financial markets. Conversely, Trump has floated various economic ideas, including an "all-tariff policy" that could eliminate income tax and a 10 percent tariff on all imports, with potentially higher tariffs on Chinese imports. At a rally in New Jersey, Trump promised tax cuts for all Americans and proposed not taxing workers who earn part of their income through tips if he were to win the White House. As Trump and Biden prepare to face off in a debate on June 27, the stark differences in their economic policies will undoubtedly be a focal point. Trump's proposed policies, which some argue lean towards authoritarian economic control, will be juxtaposed against Biden's strategies aimed at fostering economic growth and stability. Sonnenfeld's critique adds a layer of complexity to the political discourse surrounding the upcoming election, challenging the perception of Trump's alignment with traditional capitalist principles and raising questions about the broader implications of his economic vision. Credit: NewsWeek 2024-06-25 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

The UK government is contemplating retaliatory measures against Russian hackers following the theft of 300 million patient records from the NHS. The National Crime Agency (NCA) is considering action against the Qilin ransomware gang, which recently released a vast amount of sensitive NHS data after a cyber-attack on June 3. This data includes results of blood tests for HIV and cancer, and the theft has significantly disrupted services at hospitals and GP practices in south-east London. The National Crime Agency (NCA) and the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) are collaborating to explore options for mitigating the damage, including potentially removing the stolen data from public access. However, efforts to reclaim or take down the data may be complicated if the Qilin gang has made copies and is able to repost the information elsewhere. The attack has heavily impacted King's College Hospital and Guy's and St Thomas' Hospital Trusts, resulting in the cancellation of over 1,100 planned operations and the postponement of more than 2,100 outpatient appointments. The hospitals and GP practices affected are still operating at reduced capacity for blood tests due to being locked out of their own IT systems by the hackers. The government's consideration of retaliatory measures follows a precedent set earlier this year when the NCA, in cooperation with international partners, disrupted the LockBit ransomware group's operations. The NCA seized LockBit's "command and control" apparatus and infrastructure, marking a significant success in combating ransomware gangs operating from Russia or former Soviet states. The theft and subsequent publication of NHS data have raised significant concerns about patient privacy and potential further criminal exploitation. NHS England has set up an incident helpline to assist anxious patients and has advised vigilance against any suspicious communications claiming to have their data. The NCA and NCSC are working to verify the extent of the data published by Qilin, a process that is expected to take weeks due to the complexity of the files. Additionally, the stolen data is believed to include records from multiple private healthcare providers, further broadening the potential impact of the breach. The NHS is working to increase its capacity for blood tests and has managed to restore some level of service, but significant limitations remain. As the UK government weighs its options, the broader cybersecurity community, including experts like Tim Mitchell from Secureworks, note that the public posting of the data likely signals the end of ransom negotiations, suggesting that Qilin's demands were not met. Synnovis, the joint venture targeted in the attack, has not confirmed whether it engaged in any negotiations with the hackers. Credit: The Guardian 2024-06-25 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant is headed to Washington, D.C., as the threat of conflict with Hezbollah intensifies. Hezbollah’s leader, Hasan Nasrallah, recently issued a dire warning, stating that if war breaks out with Lebanon, Hezbollah will attack significant Israeli landmarks without restraint. This warning came through a video that highlighted potential targets, including critical infrastructure such as airports, power plants, and nuclear research centers. Gallant's visit to the U.S. capital, set to begin Sunday, aims to discuss these escalating tensions with key American officials, including Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Secretary of State Antony Blinken. The agenda will cover the situation in Gaza, the evolving threats from Lebanon, and efforts to secure the return of Israeli hostages held by Hamas. Before departing, Gallant underscored the importance of U.S.-Israel relations, especially during these turbulent times. “Our ties are crucial and perhaps more important than ever, at this time,” he stated. The recent aggressive posture from Hezbollah, including the release of a video targeting Israeli sites, has heightened fears of a broader conflict. This video included excerpts from Nasrallah's speech, where he declared that the resistance would fight "without restraints, without rules, without limits" if war were imposed on Lebanon. The video specified targets such as Ben Gurion Airport, power plants in Ashkelon and Hadera, the nuclear facility in Dimona, the Leviathan gas field, and the port city of Ashdod. This trip to Washington comes on the heels of a dispute between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the U.S. over the delay of weapons shipments to Israel. Netanyahu defended his remarks about the delay, emphasizing his responsibility to ensure that Israeli fighters are well-armed. Gallant’s visit also follows recent Israeli military operations in Rafah, Gaza, aimed at dismantling remaining Hamas battalions. However, Israel’s attention is now increasingly drawn to the northern front, where Hezbollah’s unexpected release of drone footage from an Israeli military base in Haifa has raised the stakes. Moreover, the actions of Israeli forces have sparked controversy in the West Bank. In Wadi Burqin, footage emerged showing a Palestinian man tied to the hood of an Israeli military vehicle. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed the incident, acknowledging it as a violation of their standard procedures and stating that the man, injured in a firefight, was eventually transferred for medical treatment despite initial hindrance. Gallant's meetings in Washington will likely address these multifaceted threats and the broader strategic implications for Israel and its allies. His statement emphasized readiness for action in Gaza, Lebanon, and other areas as necessary, underscoring the critical nature of his discussions in the U.S. during this volatile period. Credit: Washington Post 2024-06-25 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

House Democrat Stresses Differences with Biden, Cooperation with GOP in New Ad. In a competitive race for re-election, Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-Wash.) is emphasizing her policy differences with President Biden and highlighting her bipartisan efforts on border security in a new advertisement. This strategic move comes as vulnerable Democrats across the nation feel the necessity to distinguish their campaigns from the presidential administration amid challenging political climates. Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez’s ad, shared exclusively with Axios, underscores her commitment to "taking on the Biden administration and working with Republicans to secure the Southern border." This approach reflects a time-honored strategy where down-ballot candidates in difficult races distance themselves from the presidential administration to appeal to a broader electorate. The advertisement draws attention to a statement released earlier this month by Gluesenkamp Perez and other centrist Democrats. In it, they urge President Biden to extend his executive order aimed at reducing illegal border crossings. Additionally, the ad references a $66 billion foreign aid and border policy bill proposed in February by a bipartisan group of centrists, including Gluesenkamp Perez. This proposal served as an alternative to a standalone foreign aid bill that was ultimately passed. The ad campaign, which is set to begin airing on Monday, involves a significant investment of $500,000. Earlier this year, Democrats aimed to bolster their stance on border security by pushing for a bipartisan bill supported by Biden. However, this effort was thwarted by Republicans, spurred on by former President Trump. A spokesperson for Biden's campaign remarked, "The American people want solutions on the border, Donald Trump only wants chaos. He and his MAGA allies in Congress proudly killed the strongest bipartisan border bill in a generation—siding with fentanyl traffickers over the border patrol and the American people." Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez, who secured a surprising victory over hard-right opponent Joe Kent in 2022, now faces a tougher re-election battle. Her district, which Trump won by 4 percentage points in 2020, presents a formidable challenge with Trump back on the ballot. Furthermore, establishment-aligned Republican Leslie Lewallen is running to prevent Kent from once again becoming the GOP candidate. Concerns are growing among Democrats over Biden’s low approval ratings, fearing it might negatively impact the party’s candidates even in swing districts within blue states. This recent ad follows a broader trend where vulnerable House Democrats are distancing themselves from President Biden on various issues, including border policy, Israel, and electric vehicles. Rep. Colin Allred (D-Texas), in his Senate campaign, is running ads asserting he "stood up to Joe Biden on the border." Similarly, Sen. Jon Tester (D-Mont.), seeking re-election in a state that Trump won in 2020 and is likely to win again, has emphasized his disagreements with Biden on border issues and other policies. Credit: AXIOS 2024-06-25 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Tyler Cherry, newly appointed Associate Communications Director in the Biden administration, has found himself at the center of a political controversy, compelled to apologize for controversial tweets from his past. The situation erupted after Politico reported Cherry's promotion from his former role as Communications Director at the Interior Department. Conservatives quickly seized on the issue, circulating screenshots of old tweets from Cherry's social media that date back to 2014 and 2015. These tweets contained strong criticisms of law enforcement, calls for the abolition of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and support for anti-Israel organizations. Cherry responded to the controversy by addressing it on X (formerly known as Twitter) on Sunday. "Past social media posts from when I was younger do not reflect my current views. Period," Cherry stated, emphasizing his commitment to the Biden administration's agenda, particularly in climate and environmental policies. In an effort to manage the backlash, Cherry deleted any posts on his account predating April 2022, making it impossible to independently verify the screenshots that were circulating online. However, the handle @TylerACherry, seen in the screenshots, matches Cherry's current X account name. One purported tweet from 2015, posted during the unrest following Freddie Gray's death in police custody, allegedly read, "Praying for #Baltimore, but praying even harder for an end to a capitalistic police state motivated by explicit and implicit racial biases." Another from the same period supposedly stated, "Time to recall that the modern day police system is a direct evolution of slave patrols and lynch mobs." In tweets from 2014, Cherry allegedly expressed support for Palestine during the Gaza War, writing, "Cheersing in bars to ending the occupation of Palestine — no shame and f— your glares #ISupportGaza #FreePalestine." Cherry's professional history includes three years at the Interior Department under Secretary Deb Haaland before his recent promotion to the White House. He is also recognized for his LGBTQ rights activism and involvement in Washington, D.C.'s creative community. Despite the controversy, the Biden administration has stood by Cherry. White House senior deputy press secretary Andrew Bates told Fox News Digital, "We're very proud to have Tyler on the team." This stance aligns with the administration's previous responses to attacks on Cherry, who faced criticism for his appearance and professional demeanor last October. Conservative commentators have questioned Cherry's fitness for his role and criticized the Biden administration's hiring decision. Some argue that Cherry's past posts reflect a broader ideological stance within the administration, while others view them as youthful indiscretions that should not overshadow his professional qualifications. X user Ashley St. Clair, for instance, responded to Cherry's apology by asking, "That's really awesome to hear Tyler— could you elaborate on what views are different and which one of these past posts do not reflect your current views?" and posted a screenshot of the alleged past tweets. Another user, Corey A. DeAngelis, inquired, "Why did you just delete this tweet" shortly after Cherry posted his apology. The incident highlights the challenges faced by public figures in the age of social media, where past comments can resurface and become points of contention. For now, the Biden administration remains supportive of Cherry, signaling confidence in his ability to fulfill his duties despite the controversy. Credit: NewsWeek 2024-06-25 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Easter Island, or Rapa Nui, has long been heralded as a cautionary tale of "ecocide," where an early population supposedly brought about its own downfall through environmental destruction. This narrative, popularized by prominent figures such as Jared Diamond, posits that the island's inhabitants deforested the land at unsustainable rates to support agriculture, fuel needs, and the transport of their iconic stone statues, the moai. The collapse of the island's society was thought to have been inevitable, leading to a severely reduced population by the time Europeans arrived in the 18th century. However, new research is challenging this long-standing theory. A study led by Dr. Dylan Davis from Columbia University, published in the journal Science Advances, presents evidence suggesting that the population of Rapa Nui was not in decline when Europeans first arrived, but rather, was at its sustainable peak. Using high-resolution shortwave infrared and near-infrared satellite imagery combined with machine learning, Davis and his colleagues identified archaeological sites indicative of rock gardening, a method used by the islanders to cultivate crops such as sweet potatoes. Their findings indicate that only 0.76 square kilometers of land were used for rock gardening, a figure significantly lower than previous estimates that mistakenly included natural lava flows as agricultural sites. This limited area of cultivated land could have supported a maximum of 3,900 people, with an average estimate of around 2,000. When considering other food sources like fishing and foraging, this number could potentially rise to 4,000, but it still falls far short of earlier population estimates of up to 17,000. Dr. Davis remarked, "Our study confirms that the island couldn’t have supported more than a few thousand people. As such, contrary to the ecocide narrative, the population present at European arrival wasn’t the remnants of Rapa Nui society, but was likely the society at its peak, living at the levels that were sustainable on the island." This suggests that the dramatic population decline theorized by the ecocide model may not have occurred. One of the major arguments supporting the ecocide theory was the assumption that a large population was necessary to construct and transport the moai statues. However, Davis pointed out that archaeological evidence does not support the existence of a large population. Studies of the moai suggest that a smaller population, through cooperation, could have built and moved these statues. Furthermore, Davis noted that the first settlers of Rapa Nui, arriving around AD 1200-1250, encountered an island covered in forest but with limited soil nutrients. The arrival of the Polynesian rat, which consumed seeds, contributed significantly to the decline of the tree population rather than human activity alone. By the time Europeans arrived, they found a society that had adapted to its environment, cultivating much of their food in rock gardens amidst an otherwise unfarmable landscape. "When Europeans arrived in the 18th century, they found a society living within their means," Davis explained. Supporting this revisionist view, Prof. Sue Hamilton from University College London, who was not involved in the study, noted that for over a decade, the idea of ecocide on Rapa Nui has been increasingly questioned. While she praised the new study for its ingenuity, she also pointed out its limitations. Hamilton highlighted that it is challenging to extrapolate the size of the population solely from the extent of rock gardening and that these gardens may have been used at different times. Additionally, she suggested that some rock gardening sites might have been overlooked. "The situation is quite simply more complex than this one line of study alone can resolve," Hamilton concluded. Despite these challenges, the study by Davis and his colleagues represents a significant step in re-evaluating the history of Rapa Nui, suggesting that its population managed their resources more sustainably than previously thought and challenging the narrative of self-inflicted ecological disaster. Credit: The Guardian 2024-06-25 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

The Gambling Commission has significantly broadened its investigation into the betting scandal involving the Conservative Party, focusing on hundreds of suspicious bets. This intensification of scrutiny comes after a dossier listing all bets exceeding £199 was handed over by betting companies to the watchdog. Investigators are now examining a spreadsheet of names, looking for connections between the gamblers and the Conservative Party. This scandal has added another layer of controversy to the Conservative election campaign, drawing unflattering comparisons to the Partygate saga. Betting companies first became suspicious when there was a surge in betting activity shortly before Rishi Sunak's surprise announcement of an early election. Entain, the owner of Ladbrokes and Coral, notified the Gambling Commission after discovering that Craig Williams, an aide to Sunak, had placed a £100 bet on a July election. Williams, who is a former MP and current electoral candidate, was flagged as a politically exposed person (PEP), a term used for individuals who could potentially exploit their position for private gain. Williams admitted to making what he described as a "flutter" and conceded it was a "huge error of judgment." After receiving this tip-off, the Gambling Commission contacted various betting companies, requesting lists of all bets placed on a July election within the same timeframe. This process revealed hundreds of names, a surprising number given the niche nature of political betting. Officials are now diligently working through this list to identify any links to the Conservative Party, also examining social media profiles for additional clues. While none of the bets were particularly large, it is believed that those involved understood that significant wagers would trigger increased scrutiny. Currently, four Conservatives and one of Sunak's police protection officers are under investigation, casting a shadow over the party's struggling campaign. Nick Mason, the Tories’ chief data officer, is under investigation for allegedly placing numerous bets, potentially winning thousands of pounds. The Sunday Times revealed that Mason's winnings could have amounted to thousands of pounds. Other individuals under scrutiny include Laura Saunders, the Tory candidate for Bristol North West, her husband Tony Lee, the party’s director of campaigning, and Williams. On Sunday, Home Secretary James Cleverly urged aides and insiders who placed bets on the timing of the general election to cooperate with the inquiry. Speaking to Times Radio, he stated he would prefer not to discuss the "inappropriate behaviour" of staff at Conservative Campaign Headquarters (CCHQ) but acknowledged that those who placed bets need to come forward. Cleverly emphasized, "I would always say people should do the right thing." Cleverly also told Sky News that there was "no reason to believe" that cabinet ministers placed bets on the timing of the general election and said the allegations involved a "small number of individuals." However, former Conservative whip Anne Milton criticized Sunak's decision not to suspend the whip from those being investigated, arguing that suspension is standard procedure in any other workplace while allegations are examined. Milton told Times Radio, "There appears to be no leadership from the top. Suspension is the right thing to do while people are investigated. It’s harsh if the allegations are found not to be true, but that is what would happen in any other sphere of work." Additionally, two former Tory chancellors have criticized Sunak for calling the election early. Philip Hammond suggested that waiting until autumn could have allowed the Conservative Party to benefit from a potential cut in interest rates. Hammond stated on BBC's Laura Kuenssberg show, "I don’t personally understand why we’re having an election in July. I would have liked to have seen the election later in the year." Kwasi Kwarteng echoed this sentiment, warning that calling the election early could backfire. Speaking to GB News, Kwarteng said, "If we do lose that badly, there’ll be lots of debate. People will be blaming each other. Everyone will be blaming everyone else. But the leader has to take responsibility. The leader of the party has to take some responsibility." A spokeswoman for the Gambling Commission commented, "The Gambling Commission regulates gambling in the interests of consumers and the wider public. Currently, the commission is investigating the possibility of offences concerning the date of the election. This is an ongoing investigation, and the commission cannot provide any further details at this time." As the investigation continues, the Conservative Party faces increasing pressure to address the scandal and its potential impact on their election campaign. Credit: The Times 2024-06-25 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

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