Attorney General Names Special Counsel to Oversee Trump Investigations
Video Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories - Duration: 01:30s - Published
Attorney General Names Special Counsel to Oversee Trump Investigations
Attorney General Names , Special Counsel to Oversee , Trump Investigations.
On November 18, Attorney General Merrick Garland
named a special counsel to investigate
a criminal probe into Donald Trump.
On November 18, Attorney General Merrick Garland
named a special counsel to investigate
a criminal probe into Donald Trump.
Fox News reports that Garland appointed former Justice
Department official Jack Smith to oversee an investigation
into the unlawful possession of national defense
information by the former president.
Fox News reports that Garland appointed former Justice
Department official Jack Smith to oversee an investigation
into the unlawful possession of national defense
information by the former president.
Smith will also oversee a probe aimed at determining if
Trump or other officials interfered with the peaceful
transfer of power after the 2020 presidential election.
It is in the public interest to appoint
a special prosecutor to independently
manage an investigation and prosecution
based on recent developments, Merrick Garland, United States Attorney General, via Fox News.
On August 8, FBI agents seized
classified records from Trump's
Mar-a-Lago home in an unprecedented raid.
.
On August 8, FBI agents seized
classified records from Trump's
Mar-a-Lago home in an unprecedented raid.
.
According to a warrant and property receipt, FBI agents
seized about 20 boxes of items from Mar-a-Lago,
including documents that were marked "Top Secret.".
According to a warrant and property receipt, FBI agents
seized about 20 boxes of items from Mar-a-Lago,
including documents that were marked "Top Secret.".
Fox News reports that the records included under that
government classification may contain information
that could jeopardize international relations.
However, the classification also includes
national security information related to
the daily operations of a U.S. president.
According to the government, the search was
conducted under the belief that the former
president was in violation of federal law.
Those federal laws include "gathering,
transmitting or losing defense information,"
which would fall under the Espionage Act
"Saturday Night Live" poked fun at the classified documents scandal engulfing President Biden, but the most biting humor was reserved for his Veep. 'SNL's Mikey.. TMZ.com
Google Faces Antitrust , Lawsuit for Alleged Digital , Advertising Dominance.
On January 24, the United States Justice
Department, along with eight states,
filed an antitrust suit against Google. .
On January 24, the United States Justice
Department, along with eight states,
filed an antitrust suit against Google. .
'Time' reports that the suit aims
to smash the tech giant's alleged monopoly
on the online advertising ecosystem. .
The suit argues that Google's control of online
advertising presents a hurtful burden to advertisers,
consumers and even the U.S. government.
According to the government, Google has asserted
its dominance through neutralizing or eliminating
rivals and forcing advertisers to use its products.
While speaking at a January 24 press conference,
Attorney General Merrick Garland said, , “for 15 years, Google has pursued
a course of anti-competitive conduct.”.
According to Garland, Google's efforts have halted
the rise of rival technologies and manipulated
the mechanics of online ad auctions.
First, Google controls the technology used
by nearly every major website publisher
to offer advertising space for sale. , Merrick Garland, United States Attorney General, via 'Time'.
Second, Google controls
the leading tool used by advertisers
to buy that advertising space, Merrick Garland, United States Attorney General, via 'Time'.
And third, Google controls the largest
ad exchange that matches publishers
and advertisers together each
time that ad space is sold, Merrick Garland, United States Attorney General, via 'Time'.
'Time' reports that the suit
was filed in federal court
in Alexandria, Virginia.
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
Americans Want the FBI, to Search All of Biden's Properties, Poll Suggests.
'Newsweek' reports that a recent poll shows that
a majority of Americans want all of Joe Biden's properties
to be searched by the FBI for classified documents.
On February 1, the FBI searched Biden's
Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, vacation home
and found no classified papers. .
The latest search comes after classified documents
were discovered in the president's former
office and his home in Greenville, Delaware.
The latest search comes after classified documents
were discovered in the president's former
office and his home in Greenville, Delaware.
The 'Newsweek' poll was
conducted between January 28 and 29
among 1,500 eligible U.S. voters.
According to the poll, 65% of
participants think "all of Joe Biden's
properties" should be officially searched. .
The survey also found that 43% of those
polled believe Biden or his staff "probably
deliberately kept those classified documents.".
On the same question, 34% of those polled
said they thought it had been a mistake,
and another 23% said they were unsure.
52% of those polled said they believe that Trump or his
staff also "probably deliberately kept those classified
documents" found on August 8 at his Florida resort.
Another 27% of polled voters said they
think that Trump was likely in possession
of the documents by mistake.
Meanwhile, 64% of people polled by 'Newsweek' said they
think that the FBI should search all of Trump's properties
for additional documents, with only 11% disagreeing.
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
Trump Sues Bob Woodward , for Using Recordings of , Presidential Interviews.
Trump Sues Bob Woodward , for Using Recordings of , Presidential Interviews.
Attorneys for former President Donald Trump filed the suit against the iconic journalist on Jan. 30.
At issue is the Oct. release of Woodward's book, 'The Trump Tapes: Bob Woodward's Twenty Interviews with President Donald Trump.".
Trump claims that while
he did authorize the use
of the interviews for
Woodward's book 'Rage,'.
... the use of the interviews in audiobook form equates
to a broken promise on the part of the journalist.
President Trump told
Woodward numerous times
that the Interviews were to be used by Woodward—and
Woodward only—, Court Documents Filed by Trump's Attorneys,
via NBC News.
... for the sole purpose of accurately quoting President Trump for the 'written word,'
i.e., 'Rage,' and not for any
other purpose, Court Documents Filed by Trump's Attorneys,
via NBC News.
... including providing, marketing, or selling the Interviews to the public,
press, or the media, in any
way, shape, or form, Court Documents Filed by Trump's Attorneys,
via NBC News.
Woodward decided to exploit, usurp, and capitalize upon President Trump’s voice by releasing the Interview Sound Recordings of their interviews with President Trump in the form of an audiobook, Court Documents Filed by Trump's Attorneys,
via NBC News.
Woodward's lawyers responded to the suit, promising an aggressive legal defense.
Former President Trump’s lawsuit is without merit
and we will aggressively
defend against it. , Statement Released by Woodward and Publisher, via NBC News.
All these interviews were on the record and recorded with President Trump’s knowledge and agreement. , Statement Released by Woodward and Publisher, via NBC News.
Moreover, it is in the public interest to have this historical record in Trump’s own words. We are confident that the facts and the law are in our favor, Statement Released by Woodward and Publisher, via NBC News.
Trump stated on Jan. 30 that the audiobook “was an open and blatant attempt to make me look as bad as possible.”
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:30Published
Former US president Donald Trump has kicked off his 2024 White House bid with stops in New Hampshire and South Carolina, while brushing aside criticism that his.. Sky News
House Votes Ilhan Omar , off Foreign Affairs Committee.
Fox News reports that the House voted 218-211
to remove Omar from the committee on Jan. 2.
Republicans had previously vowed to go through with the removal because of alleged antisemitic and anti-American comments Omar had previously made.
Representative Omar, by her own words,
has disqualified herself from serving on the Committee on Foreign Affairs, a panel that
is viewed by nations around the world as speaking for Congress on matters of international importance and national security, Foreign Affairs Committee, via four-page resolution.
Fox News reports that Democrats and Omar accused
the GOP of racism and hypocrisy, claiming they are only targeting "Democrats for questionable behavior.".
I am Muslim, I am an immigrant, and interestingly, from Africa. Is anyone surprised that I am being targeted? , Rep. Ilhan Omar, via statement.
Is anyone surprised that I am somehow deemed unworthy to speak about American foreign policy, or that they see me as a powerful voice that needs to be silenced?, Rep. Ilhan Omar, via statement.
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez defended Omar
and dismissed Republican claims of consistency regarding the representative's dismissal.
Consistency? There is nothing consistent with the Republican Party’s continued attack, except for the racism and incitement of violence against women of color in this body. , Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, via statement.
This is about targeting women of color in the United States of America, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, via statement.
Rep. Gregory Meeks also came to Omar's defense.
Why is this member being targeted today? Could it be the way
that she looks? Could it be
her religious practices? , Rep. Gregory Meeks, via statement.
Because it’s clear if she were on
the other side of the aisle, we would
not be having this debate today, Rep. Gregory Meeks, via statement
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
Colorado Looks to , Artificial Intelligence , to Prevent Forest Fires.
Following the most destructive wildfire in Colorado's
history, the state is looking into adopting artificial
intelligence (AI) to detect threats before they occur.
Fox News reports that a proposal by
lawmakers would create a $2 million pilot program
to install cameras in high-risk locations.
An AI program developed by a private company
would analyze data from a 10-mile radius with the
aim of detecting anything that could start a blaze.
Fox News reports that the state's efforts
represent an ongoing push to equip
firefighters with new technology.
The combination of a historic drought
and record-smashing heatwaves has made
wildfires harder to fight in the American West.
Scientists warn that climate change-driven
temperature increases will continue to make
fires more frequent and destructive.
The proposed Colorado program is meant to give
first responders more time to put out a blaze
before it can grow and spread out of control. .
The proposed Colorado program is meant to give
first responders more time to put out a blaze
before it can grow and spread out of control. .
Once these fires get into cresting in
the tree tops, it’s going to take a lot of
resources, a lot of manpower, and
a lot of good luck to knock them down, Don Coram, former Republican Colorado
state senator, via Fox News.
According to David Blankinship, senior technology adviser
for the Western Fire Chiefs Association, similar detection
technology has already proven effective in other states. .
AI-equipped systems have already been
established in California, Nevada and Oregon.
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:30Published
Environmental Group , Files Lawsuit Against , German Government .
On January 24, a prominent environmental
group announced that it filed a lawsuit
against the German government. .
On January 24, a prominent environmental
group announced that it filed a lawsuit
against the German government. .
Fox News reports that Friends of the Earth
Germany (BUND) accuses the government of
failing to meet its own climate targets.
Fox News reports that Friends of the Earth
Germany (BUND) accuses the government of
failing to meet its own climate targets.
According to BUND's submission to the Berlin-Brandenburg
administrative court, the government should put forward
an emergency program to meet those targets.
Both sectors have reportedly lagged behind
on reaching legally binding targets for reducing
the amount of greenhouse gases they produce.
According to BUND, time is running short for Germany
to meet national climate goals set for 2030 and an
ultimate goal of achieving "net zero" emissions by 2045.
Earlier this month, a report by the think tank Agora
Energiewende warned that Germany's emissions
were likely higher than the target set for 2020.
Fox News reports that the German government has
already laid out an ambitious program aimed at
expanding the use of renewable energy in the near future.
However, two members of Germany's coalition government,
the environmentalist Greens and the libertarian
Free Democratic Party, disagree on the plan.
However, two members of Germany's coalition government,
the environmentalist Greens and the libertarian
Free Democratic Party, disagree on the plan.
Their ongoing differences have stalled
national efforts to significantly reduce
fossil fuel use in the transport sector
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
Biden Administration Reveals Plans , to Fight ‘Organic Fraud’.
Biden Administration Reveals Plans , to Fight ‘Organic Fraud’.
Fox News reports that on Jan. 19, the USDA updated its organic food label regulations.
This update to the USDA organic regulations strengthens oversight and enforcement of the production, handling, and sale of organic products, USDA, via statement.
The new rules mark the "biggest update
to organic regulations" since 1990.
The USDA said it hopes to offer , "a significant increase in oversight and enforcement authority to reinforce the trust of consumers, farmers
and those transitioning to organic production.".
Protecting and growing the organic sector and the trusted USDA organic seal is a key part of the USDA Food Systems Transformation initiative, Jenny Lester Moffitt, USDA Under Secretary for
Marketing and Regulatory Programs, via statement.
Fox News reports that the Organic Trade Association was happy to see the new rules put in place.
[The policy] will have significant and far-reaching impacts on the organic sector and will do much to deter and detect organic fraud and protect organic integrity throughout the supply chain, Organic Trade Association, via statement.
Fox News reports that recently, two farmers in Minnesota were charged with , allegedly selling over $46 million worth of "organic" crops that were actually chemically-treated between 2014 and 2021.
This rule includes more robust traceability and verification practices that would have helped identify and stop this type of fraud earlier, preventing further sale of the fraudulent products and reducing
the impact of the fraud, USDA, via notice
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
FBI Responds to , Another Attack on , the US Power Grid.
Early on January 17, the FBI
responded to gunfire at another
North Carolina power substation. .
Fox News reports that the incident comes nearly two months
after the electric grid in Moore County, NC, was affected by
what authorities deemed an act of criminal vandalism.
That event caused widespread outages
that affected over 45,000 customers amid
frigid winter temperatures.
The most recent NC incident occurred
at a substation in Randolph County
and did not cause any outages.
According to the Randolph County
Sheriff's Office, deputies responded to
a vandalism call on Post Road in Thomasville.
Officials at EnergyUnited said the power
company responded after an alarm alerted them of
an equipment issue at its Pleasant Hill Substation.
Crews dispatched to the scene
discovered "damage to the substation
transformer from an apparent gunshot.".
Crews dispatched to the scene
discovered "damage to the substation
transformer from an apparent gunshot.".
The damage was quickly assessed
and contained to mitigate the impact
to members in the Pleasant Hill area and
law enforcement officials were notified, EnergyUnited, via Fox News.
EnergyUnited members who are
served by this substation did not
experience an outage as a result of
the cooperative’s swift response, EnergyUnited, via Fox News.
The Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI)
and North Carolina State Bureau of
Investigations (SBI) were also notified.
The FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force
responded to conduct
a parallel investigation, Randolph County Sheriff's Office, via Fox News
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
DOJ Takes Down , Major Ransomware Group.
CNET reports that on Jan. 26, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) said it disrupted the operations of Hive, a ransomware group.
The department began
infiltrating the group in July 2022.
As a result, the DOJ says it helped victims evade $130 million in ransom payments.
According to the DOJ, Hive, using a network of "affiliates," extorted financial institutions, hospitals, school districts and more in 80 countries. .
According to the DOJ, Hive, using a network of "affiliates," extorted financial institutions, hospitals, school districts and more in 80 countries. .
Since 2021, Hive targeted
more than 1,500 victims globally.
CNET reports that the DOJ says it has recovered
decryption keys for 300 victims who were currently being attacked and 1,000 decryption keys for previous victims. .
Experts continue to warn that critical infrastructure remains vulnerable to cyberattacks.
The 2021 ransomware attack on the
Colonial Pipeline is evidence of that.
The attack caused the pipeline
to shut down for five days.
Prices soared due to fears of gas shortages
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:30Published
Florida Nursing Schools , Part of Alleged , Wire Fraud Scheme .
CBS reports that federal officials have
uncovered an alleged scheme involving
three South Florida nursing schools. .
As a result of the scheme, thousands of
practicing nurses in the United States may
be working with bogus academic credentials. .
As a result of the scheme, thousands of
practicing nurses in the United States may
be working with bogus academic credentials. .
On January 25, the Department of Justice
said that the now-closed school allegedly
issued over 7,600 fake and unearned diplomas.
CBS reports that the alleged scheme involved schools
that include Siena College, Palm Beach School of
Nursing and Sacred Heart International Institute. .
Over two dozen people have been
charged for their alleged involvement. .
According to the Department of Justice, those involved , "engaged in a scheme to sell fraudulent nursing
degree diplomas and transcripts obtained from
accredited Florida-based nursing schools." .
CBS reports that each
of the defendants faces up to
20 years in prison if found guilty.
Nurses who received fake degrees reportedly went on
to work in fields that include homebound children,
assisted living facilities and veteran affairs.
States found to have nurses who were caught up in the scheme include Ohio, New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Georgia, Maryland and Texas. .
CBS reports that the alleged scheme
took place between 2016 and 2020
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
Classified Documents , Found at Mike Pence’s Home.
Associated Press reports that classified documents were found in the former vice president's home in Indiana last week.
Pence's lawyer made the discovery known
to the National Archives via a letter. .
[The records] appear to be a small number of documents bearing classified markings that were inadvertently boxed and transported to the personal home of the former vice president at the end of the last administration, Greg Jacob, Mike Pence's lawyer, via letter to the National Archives.
Pence's lawyer, Greg Jacob, contends that Pence "was unaware of the existence of sensitive or classified documents at his personal residence.".
His lawyer also said that Pence sought outside counsel once he discovered the documents were in a locked safe at his home.
[Pence] understands the high importance of protecting sensitive and classified information and stands ready and willing to cooperate fully with the National Archives and
any appropriate inquiry, Greg Jacob, Mike Pence's lawyer, via letter to the National Archives.
FBI agents have since
collected the documents.
AP reports that in August, Pence said
he didn't take any classified documents
home with him after his time in office.
The Justice Department is currently using special
counsels to also look into classified documents
found at the homes of former President
Donald Trump and current President Joe Biden. .
The Justice Department is currently using special
counsels to also look into classified documents
found at the homes of former President
Donald Trump and current President Joe Biden.
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:30Published
During cult leader David Koresh's infamous, weeks-long standoff with the FBI, in Waco, he had a '68 Chevrolet Camaro SS waiting to whisk him away ... and now the.. TMZ.com
Donald Trump Is Selling , Digital Trading Cards of Himself.
TheWrap reports that Trump revealed
details of his previously-teased
"major announcement" on Dec. 15.
Hopefully your favorite president of all time, better than Lincoln, better than Washington, Donald Trump, via statement.
[Purchasers] will join a very exclusive community, my community, that I think it’s something you’re going to like
and you’re gonna like it a lot, Donald Trump, via statement.
Trump fans can now buy "digital trading cards" of the former president depicted as various characters for $99 each.
Such characters include a superhero, astronaut, golfer and cowboy.
Such characters include a superhero, astronaut, golfer and cowboy.
Such characters include a superhero, astronaut, golfer and cowboy.
Such characters include a superhero, astronaut, golfer and cowboy.
Trump says the NFTs are
"just like a baseball card, or other collectibles.".
Anyone who buys 45 of the digital cards is "guaranteed a ticket to attend a gala dinner with Trump in South Florida.".
Additional prizes includes individual Zoom sessions,
a group cocktail hour at Mar-a-Lago, a one-on-one meeting and a round of golf with Trump and more. .
Additional prizes includes individual Zoom sessions,
a group cocktail hour at Mar-a-Lago, a one-on-one meeting and a round of golf with Trump and more. .
Additional prizes includes individual Zoom sessions,
a group cocktail hour at Mar-a-Lago, a one-on-one meeting and a round of golf with Trump and more. .
Remember, Christmas is coming, and this makes a great Christmas gift, Donald Trump, via statement.
While the popularity of NFTs boomed amid the pandemic, TheWrap reports that prices have dropped 97% since the beginning of the year.
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:30Published
Trump's Request , For Special Master Review , Formally Dismissed by Judge.
CNN reports that a judge has dismissed former President
Donald Trump's request for a special master review
of evidence seized from his Florida estate. .
Judge Aileen Cannon formally
dismissed the case on December 12.
The case being dismissed reportedly gives the Justice
Department full access to tens of thousands of records and
other items found in Trump's beach club and private office.
The case being dismissed reportedly gives the Justice
Department full access to tens of thousands of records and
other items found in Trump's beach club and private office.
The Justice Department is investigating whether three
criminal statutes were violated by Trump in bringing
sensitive government documents to Mar-a-Lago.
In recent weeks, the federal grand jury
overseeing the investigation heard
testimony from Trump aides.
CNN reports that special counsel
Jack Smith has recently taken
control of the investigation.
Trump's attempt to obtain a special master review
has reportedly slowed down the investigation and
impeded prosecutors' ability to question witnesses.
According to Trump, some of the documents obtained by the FBI
were covered by attorney-client privelage, executive privilege
or were otherwise outside the bounds of the probe.
The Justice Department argued that
a third-party, special master review was
unnecessary and would impede their investigation. .
Earlier in the litigation, the Justice Department was granted
permission to use documents marked as classified that
were seized in the search as part of its investigation
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
Concerns are growing about the legality and potential conflict of interest surrounding the Justice Department’s appointment of a special counsel into investigations of Former President Donald Trump...