public-officials

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New York City
New York Post
3 days ago
New York City

Staten Island DA and judge power couple criticized for 'double dipping' with six-figure pensions on top of $100K-plus salaries

DA Michael McMahon and Judge Judith McMahon are under scrutiny for receiving hefty taxpayer-funded salaries and pensions.
The couple's combined pay and pensions amount to more than $600,000.
www.nytimes.com
3 weeks ago
New York City

He Cursed at a Police Officer. Now He's Caught in a Free Speech Fight.

The incident involving Tony Rupp at Chef's Restaurant led to a legal battle centered around First Amendment rights and free speech.
The case against the city and police commissioner could set a significant precedent regarding citizens' ability to criticize public officials.
www.nytimes.com
10 months ago
New York City

N.Y. Congestion Pricing Plan Moves a Step Closer to Reality

Congestion pricing in New York City, a plan to charge 7.7 million weekday drivers a toll to enter the busy commercial districts of Lower Manhattan, cleared a significant hurdle on Friday, bringing the program one step closer to reality.The Federal Highway Administration on Friday tentatively approved an updated draft of a report commissioned by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority that identified ways to mitigate the potential harm of congesting pricing on disadvantaged communities.
Nytimes
1 year ago
New York City

Stanley Turkel, Manager and Avid Historian of Hotels, Dies at 96

A hotelier, a history maven and a New York civic activist, he chronicled hotels in extraordinary detail both in books and on a blog.
Nytimes
1 year ago
New York City

Why Judges Keep Recusing Themselves From a N.Y.C. Vaccine Mandate Case

The city's teachers, who sued over vaccine requirements, said the judges assigned to the case owned thousands of dollars of Covid-19 vaccine-maker stock, which could affect their rulings.
moreNew York City
US politics
time.com
2 months ago
US politics

Public Officials Face Surge of Threats Ahead of 2024 Election

State and local officials in the US are facing a surge of violent threats, harassment, and intimidation since the 2020 election.
More than 40% of state legislators and nearly 40% of local officials reported being threatened, attacked, or harassed in the past three years.
Public officials are becoming less likely to engage with constituents, hold public events, advocate for policies, or run for re-election due to the ongoing abuse.
www.mercurynews.com
2 months ago
US politics

Judge in Trump's election subversion case targeted by swatting call

A home owned by the judge overseeing the federal election subversion case against Donald Trump was targeted by a fake emergency call.
Swatting, the act of making prank calls to emergency services in order to draw a police response, has been on the rise, with high-profile public officials being targeted.
www.mercurynews.com
3 months ago
US politics

Deluge of violent threats could take down a democracy'

A man named Kevin Patrick Smith was sentenced to prison for threatening a US Senator and leaving threatening voicemails.
The increase in threatening behavior towards public servants is a concern as the 2024 presidential election approaches.
www.cnn.com
1 year ago
US politics

Carroll v. Trump jurors will be anonymous, judge says, citing Trump's reaction to hush money investigation

The judge handling the civil lawsuit of E. Jean Carroll against Donald Trump says jurors' personal information will be kept confidential and other security measures will be taken to protect them, citing the former president's history of attacking the legal system.Judge Lewis Kaplan noted Trump's most recent comments surrounding the Manhattan District Attorney's investigation into alleged hush money payments adult film star Stormy Daniels as a reason to protect jurors as much as possible Mr. Trump's quite recent reaction to what he perceived as an imminent threat of indictment by a grand jury sitting virtually next door to this Court was to encourage protest' and to urge people to take our country back.'
moreUS politics
law-enforcement
www.nytimes.com
2 months ago
US politics

Opinion | Swatting and the Dangerous Rise of Political Violence

Swatting, or false emergency calls targeting public officials, is a dangerous trend in American politics.
These hoaxes pose real dangers of tragic outcomes and divert law enforcement resources from real emergencies.
www.theguardian.com
10 months ago
UK politics

The Guardian view on policing dissent: more politicised than ever | Editorial

It does the police no good if officers are thought to be at the beck and call of politicians.Such a system, relying on policing by consent, would quickly lose the trust of the public.That is why Lord Denning, the most celebrated English judge of the 20th century, argued that the responsibility for law enforcement ought to lie solely with the police.
www.cnn.com
10 months ago
US politics

Mississippi man charged with threatening to kill US senator

A Mississippi man is in jail after being charged with threatening to kill Republican Sen. Roger Wicker last week.William C. Sappington is charged with threatening to injure or kill a United States official, a federal offense, according to court documents, and was ordered by a US magistrate judge to be held in jail pending trial during a Wednesday detention hearing.
www.cnn.com
1 year ago
US politics

Michigan man charged with illegal firearms possession after allegedly threatening governor and Biden

A Michigan man has been charged with unlawfully owning several firearms after federal agents uncovered online death threats he allegedly made against Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and President Joe Biden.Randall Robert Berka II faces one charge of possessing a firearm as a prohibited person.He has not yet entered a formal plea, and a lawyer is not yet listed on his court docket.
Electronic Frontier Foundation
1 year ago
Privacy professionals

Top Prosecutors in CA, NY and DC Are Speaking Up For End-to-End Encryption

We all should have the ability to have a private conversation, and it follows that we need ways to communicate privately online as well.In the digital world, end-to-end encryption is our best chance to maintain our privacy and security.In the fraught legal landscape following the U.S. Supreme Court's  Dobbs  decision, digital privacy around reproductive health has become critical.
morelaw-enforcement
Brooklyn
www.amny.com
9 months ago
Brooklyn

De Blasio ordered to pay $500,000 for improperly billing NYers for presidential campaign security | amNewYork

Sign up for our amNY Sports email newsletter to get insights and game coverage for your favorite teams Former Mayor Bill de Blasio has been ordered to cough up nearly $500,000 by the city's Conflicts of Interest Board (COIB) for improperly billing New York taxpayers for his NYPD security detail's out-of-state travel expenses during a failed 2019 presidential bid.
Brooklyn Paper
1 year ago
Brooklyn

Pol looks to limit imports of dangerous lithium-ion batteries after wave of fires * Brooklyn Paper

A local elected is pushing to curb the import of dangerous unbranded lithium-ion batteries commonly used in e-bikes that have contributed to a rash of recent fires.Congress Member Nydia Velázquez, who represents swaths of northern Brooklyn penned a letter the U.S Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) agency looking for better enforcement of those batteries, which are often of poor quality and serious safety risks.
Brooklyn Paper
1 year ago
Brooklyn

'Heroic' Bay Ridge officers honored for protecting students during U-Haul attack * Brooklyn Paper

Three police officers from Bay Ridge's 68th Precinct received awards from both the State and City of New York on Tuesday for their assistance in evacuating and sheltering school children during February's deadly attack by a U-Haul driver.Officers Francis Ingebrethsen and Hector Santini, along with Lieutenant John Vitale, stood with state Senator Andrew Gounardes, Public Advocate Jumaane Williams and Council Member Justin Brannan in a ceremony at Bay Ridge Preparatory School on 4th Avenue to commemorate their actions.
Politics NY
1 year ago
Brooklyn

Sheinkopf Speaks: Hochul earns her political mettle

It looked like it was over.Non-campaign affiliated poll takers and pundits said the truth: the effort to elect the first woman New York governor might fail.The campaign was a mess to all apparently but those on the deep inside.The television ads bland, flavorless, emotionless.The streets without a piece of campaign literature tossed to the ground.
Brooklyn Paper
1 year ago
Brooklyn

'A center for joy and community': Brooklyn Children's Museum inaugurates newly-renovated auditorium * Brooklyn Paper

The smallest Brooklynites are in for a big treat, with the opening of a newly renovated auditorium at the Brooklyn Children's Museum.
moreBrooklyn
www.independent.co.uk
9 months ago
UK news

Russia's former president says UK officials are legitimate military targets'

British public officials are a legitimate military target because of the UK's support for Ukraine, former Russian president Dmitry Medvedev has warned.Mr Medvedev, deputy chairman of Vladimir Putin's security council, claimed the UK's support for Kyiv amounted to an undeclared war against Russia.His comments came after Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said Ukraine had the right to project force beyond its borders into Russia to resist Mr Putin's invasion.
www.independent.co.uk
1 year ago
UK news

Major financial decisions need Executive to return, civil service chief says

Many major financial decisions in Northern Ireland cannot be made by permanent secretaries and require an Executive, the head of the civil service has said.Jayne Brady said some decisions would have to wait until Stormont returns, as she warned that public officials heading up Government departments were facing a difficult situation.
www.independent.co.uk
1 year ago
UK news

London council considers seizing oligarchs' homes to make affordable housing

Property on London's most expensive streets could soon be within reach of modest earners.
www.independent.co.uk
10 months ago
UK news

Ely community meeting begins with moment of reflection' after boys' deaths

A meeting between public officials and community representatives after the deaths of two best friends in Cardiff sparked a riot has begun with a moment of reflection for the teenagers.Mark Drakeford, the First Minister of Wales, is chairing the meeting between local politicians, agencies, and community groups, including Ace (Action in Caerau and Ely).
www.independent.co.uk
10 months ago
UK news

Drakeford to chair community meeting after teenagers' deaths sparked Cardiff riots

Wales' first minister Mark Drakeford will chair a meeting between public officials and community representatives in Ely after the deaths of two teenagers sparked a riot.Harvey Evans, 15, died alongside his best friend Kyrees Sullivan, 16, when the Sur-Ron bike they were riding crashed in the Ely area of the city just after 6pm on Monday.
www.independent.co.uk
10 months ago
UK news

Mark Drakeford to chair community meeting after teenagers' deaths sparked riot

Wales' First Minister Mark Drakeford will chair a meeting between public officials and community representatives in Ely after the deaths of two teenagers sparked a riot.Harvey Evans, 15, died alongside his best friend Kyrees Sullivan, 16, when the Sur-Ron bike they were riding crashed in the Ely area of the city just after 6pm on Monday.
kvue.com
1 year ago
Austin

Judge denies request to order Texas DPS to release information related to Uvalde school shooting

State Sen. Roland Gutierrez sued the agency, saying it ignored his request for their records.
Chicago Tribune
1 year ago
Chicago

Ravinia Festival cancels concerts through Sunday in response to the mass shooting in Highland Park

The Ravinia Festival in Highland Park announced Wednesday it would cancel shows through Sunday in response to the mass shooting at the downtown parade on Monday, saying the closing was out of respect for the community.
Los Angeles Times
10 months ago
Los Angeles

Protest, thrown brick disrupt San Francisco mayor's hearing on drug crisis response

(Yalonda M. James/San Francisco Chronicle)

An outdoor public hearing on San Francisco's drug crisis came to an abrupt end Tuesday after protesters interrupted the event, with one attendee later arrested on suspicion of assault after a brick was thrown.The event, held at United Nations Plaza in the city's downtown, was part of a monthly question-and-answer session with Mayor London Breed hosted during the regularly scheduled meeting of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors.
Los Angeles Times
1 year ago
Los Angeles

Mike Bonin tells City Council he is 'reeling' from colleagues' racist remarks about his son

L.A. City Councilmember Mike Bonin told those in attendance at Tuesday's meeting that he was outraged at racist and disparaging comments made by his colleagues and recently revealed in leaked audio recordings.
Los Angeles Times
1 year ago
Los Angeles

'Hit these guys up': Former Jose Huizar aide testifies about demands for cash and donations

A high-level aide to former Los Angeles City Councilman Jose Huizar gave jurors a vivid look at the pay-to-play schemes allegedly pursued by his boss, describing paper bags filled with bribe money and demands for concert tickets and other gifts.
Los Angeles Times
1 year ago
Los Angeles

California Democratic Party's secretary steps down amid corruption probe of Anaheim

A leader of the California Democratic Party who has been accused of trying to bribe public officials in a mushrooming federal corruption probe focused on Anaheim city leaders announced late Sunday her resignation from state and national party offices.
New York Daily News
10 months ago
Marketing

Montana becomes first state to enact blanket TikTok ban

Montana on Wednesday became the first state to implement a full ban on the use of TikTok.Republican Gov. Greg Gianforte signed a bill that is more comprehensive than any other states' regulations targeting the platform, directed towards curtailing the video-sharing app owned by a Chinese tech firm.Set to begin Jan. 1, the measure is likely to be met with a legal challenge and will be a benchmark for anti-TikTok legislation that many public officials are pushing for.
Fatherly
10 months ago
Fathers

Parents Who Raise Humble Kids Do These 5 Things

Those who are humble aren't pushovers or unwilling to express their opinions or unable to discuss their success.Rather, they understand themselves and their value without needing to flaunt it.They know that pride is not the same as self-confidence.They're thankful for what they have.They're self-aware and understand what they can contribute.
Chicago Tribune
10 months ago
Chicago

Aurora man accused of threatening Gov. Pritzker

An Aurora man has been charged with threatening Gov. J.B. Pritzker, officials said.Steven Woletz, 46, of the 100 block of Jason Court, has been charged with one felony count of threatening a public official, according to a news release from the DuPage County State's Attorney's Office.Bail for Woletz was set at $100,000.
Chicago Tribune
1 year ago
Chicago

Lawyers for indicted Ald. Carrie Austin say she's medically unfit for trial, plans to retire in March

Lawyers for indicted Ald.Carrie Austin, who has already announced she won't run for reelection, said in a court filing Friday she is medically unfit for trial and will retire from the City Council after the citywide elections in February.Austin, 73, and her top aide, Chester Wilson, were indicted in June 2021 on charges they shepherded a new real estate development through the City Hall approval process beginning in 2016 and were given home improvement perks from a developer seeking to influence them.
Chicago Tribune
1 year ago
Chicago

Katherine Gehl: Alaska has a voting solution to a nation torn apart

For a nation torn apart politically, a cure is emerging, of all places, in Alaska.On Nov. 8, voters in the 49th state will elect a U.S. senator and representative in a new way.The system, called "final four voting," is aimed at choosing public officials - of any party - who will focus not on tearing down their opponents but on getting things done.
Chicago Tribune
1 year ago
Chicago

Editorial: Tom Dart for Cook County sheriff

Some public officials are adept at offering retail-type services to their constituents.Some are more wonkish, preferring to focus on deeper trends and issues.Plenty can do neither effectively.But we think Tom Dart is the rare public official capable of doing both.Indeed, few in Cook County have engaged with the scourge of violence in Cook County as thoughtfully as Dart, the Democratic incumbent in the office of Cook County sheriff.
Chicago Tribune
1 year ago
Chicago

Joe Ferguson: Chicago needs to clear the air in Little Village over the Hilco implosion

Fresh reporting on the city's failure to heed its lead inspector's warnings about the potentially cataclysmic consequences of demolishing the Hilco/Crawford coal power plant via implosion in 2020 has renewed calls for Mayor Lori Lightfoot to release last year's inspector general report.
Chicago Tribune
1 year ago
Chicago

Chicago FBI boss retiring after nearly 3 years at the helm of investigations involving Madigan, ComEd, and red-light cameras

The boss of the Chicago FBI is set to retire later this month after nearly three years at the helm of the state's biggest recent political-corruption investigations, including the bombshell racketeering case filed against ex-House Speaker Michael Madigan.
Ars Technica
10 months ago
Artificial intelligence

"We must regulate AI," FTC Chair Khan says

On Wednesday, Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Chair Lina Khan pledged to use existing laws to regulate AI in a New York Times op-ed, "We Must Regulate A.I. Here's How."In the piece, she warns of AI risks such as market dominance by large tech firms, collusion, and the potential for increased fraud and privacy violations.
www.independent.co.uk
10 months ago
France news

FIFA warns Europe of Women's World Cup broadcast blackout

Publicly criticizing broadcasters for offering too little to screen the Women's World Cup has not worked out yet for FIFA president Gianni Infantino, who is now threatening a blackout in major European markets.A public standoff that started last October was intensified by Infantino late Monday when he warned five key countries England, France, Germany, Italy, Spain in a statement less than three months before the tournament starts in Australia and New Zealand.
Portland Mercury
10 months ago
Portland

Oregon Secretary of State Resigns Amid Ethics Questions About Cannabis Consulting Work

Oregon Secretary of State Shemia Fagan will resign from office, following ethics questions into her private consulting work.Fagan announced her resignation Tuesday morning, May 2. Her resignation will take effect Monday, May 9.The day prior, Fagan announced she had terminated her contract with Veriede Holdings- a company affiliated with the La Mota chain of cannabis dispensaries-after it came to light that Fagan had accepted a lucrative contract to do consulting work for Veriede while also serving as Secretary of State.
Los Angeles Times
1 year ago
California

The ground opened in La Habra in 2019. Now there's a new hole, but still no agreement on who'll do repairs

A collapsed drain channel opened Wednesday in the ground near a condominium complex in La Habra, roughly fours years after the terrain collapsed not too far away in a similar fashion.The recent collapse that created a hole 40 feet wide complicates matters in an ongoing legal dispute between a homeowners association and the city of La Habra on whether the needed repairs are the responsibility of the property owner or the city.
www.nytimes.com
1 year ago
US news

Reporter Arrested While Covering News Conference in Ohio

A reporter who was covering a news conference on the train derailment in Ohio that led to the release of toxic fumes was arrested following a live shot on Wednesday, after officers told him to be quiet while the governor spoke, according to the cable channel where he works, NewsNation.The reporter, Evan Lambert, had been waiting for the news conference in East Palestine, Ohio, to start at 3 p.m., but it was delayed until about 5.p.m.
www.nytimes.com
1 year ago
US news

Former Ohio Legislator Found Guilty of Racketeering in $60 Million Scheme

A former Ohio House of Representatives speaker was found guilty on Thursday by a federal jury of participating in a racketeering conspiracy that involved nearly $61 million in bribes and a $1.3 billion bailout for two struggling nuclear power plants, the authorities said.Larry Householder, the former Ohio House speaker who was once one of the state's most powerful officials, and Matthew Borges, a former chairman of the Ohio Republican Party, face maximum prison sentences of 20 years each for their roles in the scheme.
therealdeal.com
1 year ago
LA real estate

WSC Listing Largest Builder's Remedy Lot in Santa Monica

WS Communities' Scott Walter and NMS Properties' Neil Shekhter with rendering of 3030 Nebraska Avenue (WS Communities, Kevin Scanlon, Getty) WS Communities, an affiliate of Neil Shekhter's NMS Properties, is planning to list its largest and most controversial builder's remedy project in Santa Monica, The Real Deal has learned.
Chicago Tribune
1 year ago
Chicago

Indiana steelmaker to pay $3 million, donate land to national park for 2019 chemical spill that killed 3,000 fish

An Indiana steelmaker has agreed to pay $3 million, upgrade plant equipment, and donate 127 acres of land to the Indiana Dunes National Park after it caused a chemical spill leading into Burns Waterway that killed 3,000 fish in 2019.
Electronic Frontier Foundation
10 months ago
Privacy professionals

EFF letter to Congress: Oppose the EARN IT Act and the STOP CSAM Act

The Senate Judiciary Committee is about to debate multiple bills that will lead to peoples' private messages being scanned and reported to the government.We oppose these bills, and we have sent a urging the Committee to vote No.
On Thursday, May 4, 2023, the committee will consider S. 1207, the Eliminating Abusive and Rampant Neglect of Interactive Technologies Act of 2023 (EARN IT Act), and S. 1199, the Strengthening Transparency and Obligation to Protect Children Suffering from Abuse and Mistreatment Act of 2023 (STOP CSAM Act).
Eater SF
11 months ago
SF food

Here's When Much-Anticipated Soul Food Restaurant Gumbo Social Will Open in the Bayview

It's absolutely not an exaggeration to say we've all been somewhat impatiently waiting for the opening of Gumbo Social.The upcoming restaurant not only claimed a spot on Eater SF's list of most anticipated restaurant openings of this year but also earned similar shout-outs from the San Francisco Chronicle and Bon Appetit - whose list, by the way, covered restaurants from California to Rhode Island.
Funcheap
1 year ago
San Francisco

100th Anniversary Historic Time Capsule Reveal at SF's Mt. Davidson Cross

- 11:00 am to 12:30 pm | Cost: FREE Saturday, April 1, 2023 125 Dalewood Way San Francisco 94127 | 125 Dalewood Way San Francisco 94127
Submitted by the Event Organizer
You're invited to attend the 100th anniversary celebration of Mt.Davidson Cross on Saturday, April 1, 2023 from 11am - 12:30pm at the cross.
Streetsblog USA
1 year ago
San Francisco

Opinion: Candidates' Commitment to Road Safety Should Be a Litmus Test For Voters

The ability to travel safely on U.S. roads has reached a crisis point.With more than 46,000 loved ones lost to traffic violence last year and historic highs for fatalities of people walking and biking, "crisis" is the only appropriate word.Leadership, action and courage is needed to address any crisis, and the same is true for mobility safety and accessibility.
LGBTQ Nation
1 year ago
San Francisco

Anti-vaxxer convicted for making death threats against gay state lawmaker Scott Wiener

Last week, a San Francisco Bay area man was convicted of threatening the life of gay state Sen. Scott Wiener (D).
sfist.com
1 year ago
San Francisco

Only One SF-Based Media Outlet Has Openly Supported Recalling DA Chesa Boudin

Out of all of San Francisco's many media outlets physical newspapers, online magazines, digital news outlets, etc.
only one has outright endorsed Prop H. Want to guess which one?
The San Francisco Examiner
1 year ago
San Francisco

Riders rejoice! Van Ness bus lane now in service - The San Francisco Examiner

Riders on the official opening day of the Muni Bus Rapid Transit on Van Ness Avenue on Friday, April 1, 2022.(Craig Lee/The Examiner)
www.nytimes.com
1 year ago
World politics

The Latest: War in Ukraine: Russia's Push in Eastern Ukraine Leaves Avdiivka in Ruins

AVDIIVKA, Ukraine When the shelling starts, the people who have remained in this town in eastern Ukraine hardly flinch.In truth, the shelling barely stops.Russian efforts to capture Avdiivka began over a year ago and in recent weeks have escalated.On Monday, as a Ukrainian police evacuation team went from basement to basement to try again to persuade people to leave, the thud of artillery could be heard every minute or two from Russian forces that have sometimes been stationed no more than a mile away.
Nytimes
1 year ago
World politics

South Africa's Corruption Inquiry Leaves Few of the Nation's Powerful Unscathed

The final portion of a three-year investigation reported graft on a massive scale under former President Jacob Zuma, but also found the current president's actions wanting.
Nytimes
1 year ago
World politics

Only a third of Americans were worried about the pandemic in April, even as new cases rose, a new poll finds.

The survey, from Gallup, was conducted between April 15 and April 23, at a time when new cases were increasing after plummeting from highs seen during the winter Omicron surge.
www.cbc.ca
1 year ago
Canada news

ANALYSIS | Global financial contagion means everyone is 'waiting to see where the bodies are buried' | CBC News

Is it possible to talk about financial contagion without perpetuating it?Regulators and public officials are anxious to be reassuring, but for Canadians trying to understand how a series of ostensibly unconnected global bank failures could affect them, being like the meme dog in the burning kitchen that turned 10 this year may not be the best plan either.
www.theguardian.com
1 year ago
Media industry

With $1.6bn at stake, Fox News is suddenly interested in freedom of the press | Margaret Sullivan

As it tries to defend itself against the accusation that it knowingly spread lies about the 2020 presidential election, Fox News has touted some lofty notions about the role of journalism in a democratic society.There will be a lot of noise and confusion generated by Dominion and their opportunistic private equity owners, said a recent company statement, but the core of this case remains about freedom of the press and freedom of speech, which are fundamental rights afforded by the Constitution and protected by New York Times v Sullivan.
Chicago Tribune
1 year ago
Chicago

'ComEd Four' bribery trial: What you need to know

The sprawling federal investigation into Commonwealth Edison's alleged attempts to sway former House Speaker Michael Madigan rocked Illinois politics to the core.The highly anticipated trial of the so-called ComEd Four, which is expected to last up to eight weeks, will feature as many as 70 witnesses, including current and former state legislators, members of Madigan's vaunted 13th Ward political operation, and former ComEd executives and attorneys.
www.cnn.com
1 year ago
US politics

Former Ohio House speaker convicted in $60 million bribery scheme

A former Republican speaker of Ohio's House of Representatives was convicted by a federal jury Thursday on racketeering conspiracy charges in connection with a $60 million bribery scheme.Former Speaker Larry Householder and former Ohio Republican Party Chair Mathew Borges, who was also convicted Thursday, could face up to 20 years in prison for orchestrating the scheme to accept bribes in exchange for ensuring the passage of a billion-dollar bailout for a nuclear energy company.
Chicago Tribune
1 year ago
Chicago

Year after sentencing, actor Jussie Smollett appeals, claiming his double-jeopardy rights were violated, trial judge biased

Nearly a year after being sentenced to five months in jail, only to be released on bond days later, actor Jussie Smollett has filed his long-awaited appeal claiming his indictment by a special prosecutor was invalid due to double-jeopardy concerns and that the trial judge was biased against him.The 102-page brief filed Wednesday with the Illinois Appellate Court covered mostly familiar ground in the well-worn case against Smollett, the onetime "Empire" star who was convicted by a jury in December 2021 of paying two acquaintances to fake a racist and homophobic attack on him to get exposure and boost his career.
www.independent.co.uk
1 year ago
France news

Woman pleads guilty to sending ricin in 2020 letter to Trump

A Canadian woman pleaded guilty Wednesday to mailing a threatening letter containing the poison ricin to then-President Donald Trump at the White House.The letter from Pascale Ferrier directing Trump to give up and remove your application for this election, was intercepted at a mail sorting facility in September 2020, before it could reach the White House.
Los Angeles Times
1 year ago
Los Angeles

Beverly Hills developer gets 4 years in prison for bribing L.A. County official

A Beverly Hills developer was sentenced Thursday to four years in prison for bribing a Los Angeles County official in what prosecutors described as one of the biggest corruption cases in L.A. history.Arman Gabaee, 61, admitted giving a county official dozens of cash payoffs during furtive meetings in cars, restaurants and men's rooms while reaping lucrative real-estate leases in return.
Los Angeles Times
1 year ago
Los Angeles

New judge named in Pelosi attack suspect David DePape's case

A new judge will be taking over the criminal case against David DePape, the man facing attempted murder and other state charges in connection with the attack against Paul Pelosi in San Francisco last month.Prosecutors and DePape's public defender met for a status hearing on Monday where it was announced that San Francisco County Superior Court Judge Stephen Murphy would be taking over the case, said Randy Quezada, communications director for the San Francisco district attorney's office.
www.thelocal.de
1 year ago
Germany news

PODCAST: How bad will strikes get in Germany and should public officials have to speak English?

In this week's episode we talk about widespread strikes, expensive Currywurst, the winners and losers of Berlin's repeat elections, the debate on English as a second administrative language in Germany and dating.Published: 17 February 2023 09:27 CET You can follow Germany in Focus and listen HERE or on the below platforms: In the latest episode, host Rachel Loxton is joined by The Local Germany editor Rachel Stern and journalist Aaron Burnett, as well as jobs expert Chris Pyak and dating and relationships expert Sami Wunder.
the Guardian
1 year ago
Germany news

Germany's move to legalise cannabis expected to create 'domino effect'

Germany is mulling over the consequences of soon becoming the world's largest potential market for legally sold cannabis, as the country's left-liberal government presses ahead with plans to allow the controlled distribution of the drug among adults.
www.cnn.com
1 year ago
US news

Norfolk Southern CEO defends railroad's response to Ohio derailment

East Palestine, Ohio CNN Norfolk Southern CEO Alan Shaw defended his company's actions since the disaster caused by the derailment of one of its trains in East Palestine, Ohio, and promised the railroad will pay for the cleanup.Norfolk Southern is committed to the community and citizens of East Palestine, Shaw told CNN Tuesday.
San Francisco Bay Times
1 year ago
SF LGBT

COVID-19 Isn't Over: Wear a Mask - San Francisco Bay Times

By Rebecca Kaplan, Oakland City Councilmember At-Large-
Although it has been two and a half years since COVID turned our lives upside down, the pandemic has not gone away.
Boston.com
1 year ago
Boston

Brian McGrory to step down as Globe editor

After 10 years running the newsroom, McGrory will be chair of Boston University's journalism department and write an opinion column for the Globe.
Chicago Tribune
1 year ago
Chicago

Annette Nance-Holt: The time is now: Why we need a nationwide ban on assault weapons

It's been 15 years since my son Blair was murdered on a CTA bus, and I think about him every day.It is an agonizing wound that will never heal.
The Real Deal Los Angeles
1 year ago
LA real estate

South OC puts the kibosh on mixed-use housing plans

The South Orange County suburb of Mission Viejo has said no to a mixed-used development, drawing a line in the sand against residential complexes that add shops and restaurants.
San Francisco Bay Times
2 years ago
SF LGBT

It's Not Time to Unmask Yet - San Francisco Bay Times

By Rebecca Kaplan, Oakland City Councilmember At-Large-
LGBTQ Nation
1 year ago
Education

Texas Republicans are trying to pass "Don't Say Gay" copycat bills

Texas Republicans have introduced two bills that would ban instruction of sexual orientation and gender identity in the state's public schools.Among the 35 anti-LGBTQ+ bills filed so far by Texas Republicans for the 2023 legislative session are two that closely mirror Florida's "Parental Rights in Education" law, popularly known as "Don't Say Gay."
H.B. 631, authored by state Rep. Steve Toth (R) would ban schools from teaching about sexual orientation or gender identity from kindergarten through fifth grade, while Rep. Jared Patterson's (R) H.B. 1155 extends the ban through eighth grade.
The Local Europe
1 year ago
Education

African Uber Eats riders protest in Paris over 'fraud' dismissals

Some are looking to modify their famously fabulous lunch menus...including dropping the cheese.
...
If they fail to do so, then they will be charged at the maximum rate.
The Local Europe
1 year ago
Education

French school canteens to cut cheese course as inflation bites

Some are looking to modify their famously fabulous lunch menus...including dropping the cheese.
...
If they fail to do so, then they will be charged at the maximum rate.
sfist.com
1 year ago
Education

SF School Board Now Facing Lawsuit Threat Over Vote To Observe Two Muslim Holidays

The same lawyer who previously sued the San Francisco school board and the school district over a decision to rename dozens of city schools is now threatening to sue again, this time over a vote to close schools on two Muslim holy days.
Streetsblog New York City
1 year ago
SF politics

Elon Musk's Twitter Locks Out A Watchdog Placard Abuse Account

Twitter locked the @placardabuse account over allegedly violating its privacy rules.Tweet courtesy of @placard abuse; montage: Streetsblog
Does Elon Musk have a problem with public officials being called out for corruption?Twitter not once but twice locked the @placardabuse account due to a pair of 2019 tweets showing a driver using an unofficial placard and fake badge to park illegally.
www.theguardian.com
1 year ago
UK politics

The Sun always backs the winner: can the Murdoch papers warm to Keir Starmer?

Ten years ago Keir Starmer attempted to send Rebekah Brooks to prison for phone hacking.Now Starmer could cause another headache for the boss of Rupert Murdoch's British media empire.She has to work out how her Tory-backing newspapers  which include the Sun and the Times  handle the growing popularity of the man who is favourite to become the next prime minister.
FanSided
1 year ago
National Football League

Brett Favre defends his innocence in wake up welfare fraud scandal

Former NFL quarterback Brett Favre has been under scrutiny as the center of a welfare fraud scandal that used $1.1 million of welfare money toward the construction of a volleyball facility at the University of Mississippi.
Boston.com
1 year ago
Boston

Security bollards are going up at the State House - to protect protestors

The new bollards are on Beacon Street.
The Massachusetts State House is getting a noticeable security upgrade - but this one is not to protect public officials.
Boston.com
1 year ago
Boston

Epidemiologist Michael Mina: 'COVID is NOT over'

"It doesn't mean things are remotely close to OK nor that it's close to a time to move on."
Boston.com
1 year ago
Boston

Boston City Hall flies Christian flag, hasn't approved Satanic flag

The Satanic Temple in Salem requested its flag be flown in response to a Supreme Court ruling.
Boston.com
1 year ago
Boston

City councilors criticize principal after bullet found in South Boston school bathroom

Councilors Ed Flynn and Michael Flaherty said the principal did not order a sweep of school grounds.
Truthout
1 year ago
Left-wing politics

Judge Removes "Cowboys for Trump" Founder From Office for Role in Jan. 6 Attack

In a district court decision on Tuesday, a judge ruled that the January 6 attack on the Capitol was an insurrection for the first time to remove a participant in the attack from elected office in New Mexico.
Truthout
1 year ago
Left-wing politics

Jury Convicts 2 Men For Violent Plot to Kidnap Gretchen Whitmer Over COVID Protections

A federal jury found two men guilty of plotting to kidnap Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in 2020 over protections that the Democrat had implemented in response to the pandemic, dealing a blow to the far right extremists for whom prosecutors said kidnapping Whitmer was only the first step in their plan to set off a civil war.
Washington Post
1 year ago
Europe news

Ukraine live briefing: Death toll in Chaplyne rail attack rises to 25; Biden to call Zelensky

Search and rescue operations have been completed in the village of Chaplyne, where the death toll from the shelling of a train station and residential area rose to 25, including two children.
Portland Mercury
1 year ago
Portland

THE TRASH REPORT: That Fuckin' Guy, Why Swearing is Cool, and Instructions in Cross-Cultural Romance from Ben and Jen

Hiyeeeeee, and welcome to another edition of The Trash Report.
Portland Mercury
1 year ago
Portland

there's no pill for assholes

"there's no pill for assholes" that was my 'ah ha' moment with my therapist this week.
www.npr.org
1 year ago
Law

A mistrial is declared over engineers' role in the Flint water crisis

The Flint water plant tower is seen on Jan. 6, 2022, in Flint, Mich.
Mission Local
1 year ago
Mission District

Redistricting Task Force members failed to produce records, violated Sunshine laws

The aftershocks of San Francisco's controversial redistricting process rumble on.
Chicago Tribune
1 year ago
Chicago

Editorial: Rita Crundwell, comptroller who bilked Dixon, should complete the remainder of her sentence

Life is getting back to normal in Dixon, Illinois, victim of an especially disgusting scam, even in a state notorious for public corruption.
Chicago Tribune
1 year ago
Chicago

Tribune, news organizations fighting Chicago Park District effort to seal lawsuit alleging Mayor Lori Lightfoot made obscene, defamatory comments

A coalition of news organizations convened by the Chicago Tribune is seeking to block the Chicago Park District's efforts to seal a pending lawsuit alleging Mayor Lori Lightfoot yelled obscenities at and defamed a Park District attorney during a call about a controversial Christopher Columbus statue.
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