Google Admits Giving Hundreds of Firms Access to Your Gmail Inbox

Third party developers can scan data and even share it with other third parties 

By Anthony Cuthbertson

Hundreds of apps are able to scan and share data from the email inboxes of Gmail accounts, Google has revealed.

In a letter to US lawmakers, which was made public on Thursday, Google explained that third-party developers are able to both access and share data from Gmail accounts – though the company said it thoroughly vets any third parties that are granted access.

The inbox scanning takes place despite Google ending its own controversial email-scanning practice a year ago.

"Developers may share data with third parties so long as they are transparent with the users about how they are using the data," Susan Molinari, Google's head of US public policy, wrote in the letter, which was first seen by the Wall Street Journal.

Click here for the full article. 

Source: The Independent

Accused Sexual Harassers Thrived Under NBC News Chief

A Daily Beast Exclusive

A Sony executive who sent porn to women at work. An alleged harasser who reviewed NBC’s Weinstein story. From one company to another, scandals emerge under Andy Lack’s leadership.

By Maxwell Tani and Lachlan Cartwright

NBC News Chairman Andrew Lack has been under fire for his handling of sexual-misconduct allegations at the network, including one against his ex-friend and former star anchor, Matt Lauer. But years earlier at another company, Lack protected a male employee who sexually harassed multiple women, sources tell The Daily Beast.

Lack was chairman and CEO of Sony BMG Music Entertainment in 2004, when, according to former high-level Sony executives, the company discovered that a music executive named Charlie Walk had sent “sexual” messages via company email to female employees, including “graphic” pornography.

Soon after finding the messages, executives said, they repeatedly implored Lack to address Walk’s sexual harassment. Each time, Lack declined to act.

“I kept telling him: ‘You must do something about this. It’s imperative,’” one of the executives said. “Andy would turn a blind eye to making difficult decisions.”

An NBC spokesperson denied the allegation, and a spokesperson for Sony Music responded: “No comment.” 

Click here for the full article.

In Memoriam: Arthur Mitchell, Co-Founder, the Dance Theatre of Harlem

Ballet Icon Dies at 84 

The pioneering African-American dancer rose from a childhood in Harlem to perform leading roles under renowned choreographer George Balanchine.

He was one of the most popular dancers with the New York City ballet in the 50s and 60s and was the first black dancer to gain international stardom.

Mitchell said his greatest achievement was bringing black people into ballet.

In 1969 he co-founded the Dance Theatre of Harlem, which was the first major classical ballet company in America to prioritise black dancers. 

Click here for the full article. 

Sources: visionaryprojects and BBC News

There’s Nothing Natural About Puerto Rico’s Disaster

 

By Naomi Klein

I’ve been digging into disaster capitalism for a couple of decades now. For those of you who are new to the term, disaster capitalism is about how the already rich and powerful systematically exploit the pain and the trauma of collective shocks — like superstorms or economic crisis — in order to build an even more unequal and undemocratic society.

Long before Hurricane Maria, Puerto Rico was a textbook example. Before those fierce winds came, the debt — illegitimate and much of it illegal — was the excuse used to ram through a brutal program of economic suffering, what the great Argentine author Rodolfo Walsh, writing about four decades earlier, famously called miseria planificada, planned misery.

This program systematically attacked the very glue that holds a society together: all levels of education, health care, the electricity and water systems, transit systems, communication networks, and more.

It was a plan so widely rejected that no elected representatives could be trusted to carry it out. Which is why in 2016 the U.S. Congress passed the Puerto Rico Oversight, Management, and Economic Stability Act, known as PROMESA. That law amounted to a financial coup d’etat that put Puerto Rico’s economy directly in the hands of the unelected Financial Oversight and Management Board. In Puerto Rico, they call it La Junta.

Click here for the full article.

Source: The Intercept_ 

Washington Journal: Issue One's Michael Beckel Discusses Dark Money Spending

  
Beckel discusses the findings of the group’s year-long investigation. 

Click here for video. 

Source: C-SPAN

Wells Fargo Plans to Cut up to 26,000 Workers and Other MoneyWatch Headlines

Source: CBS News

China Refuses to Back Down in Escalating U.S. Trade War

Source: CBS News

Nigeria's Young Daughters Are Sold as 'Money Wives'

UK's Theresa May Says Brexit Talks 'At an Impasse', Demands Proposals from EU

Source: FRANCE 24 English

EU Warns Italy to Cuts Its Spending as Debt Fears Increase

Source: euronews.

Thailand Military Govt Partially Lifts Ban on Political Activity

Protests Held in Idlib Demanding Assad Leaves Power

One Million Uighur Muslims Detained by Chinese Government

Ugandan Pop Star MP Bobi Wine Arrested on Arrival

Vietnam President Tran Dai Quang Dies

De Blasio Speaks at the First Responders for Hurricane Maria Reception

This video was published on YouTube on September 20. 

Source: NYC Mayor's Office

Mayor de Blasio Delivers Remarks on the District 15 Diversity Plan

This video was published on YouTube on September 20. 

Source: NYC Mayor's Office

Mayor de Blasio Compiled Secret Dossier on City Watchdog....

A New York Daily News Exclusive

By Greg B. Smith 

Enraged by the actions of the city’s chief watchdog, Mayor de Blasio built a confidential file of allegations against him stretching back two years to justify formally removing him from his post, the Daily News has learned.

The seven-page dossier obtained by The News targets Department of Investigation Commissioner Mark Peters, whose investigators have repeatedly uncovered evidence of corruption and cover-ups within the mayor’s administration.

The carefully-worded missive — unprecedented in the 145-year history of DOI — outlines three incidents in which Peters allegedly used abusive language or threatened to arrest city employees if they didn’t do what he wanted.

Click here for the full article. 

The Power of the Pen: Bills Signed Into Law

On Thursday, September 20, 2018, the President signed into law:

H.R. 6124, the "Tribal Social Security Fairness Act of 2018," which allows Indian tribes to enter into agreements with the Social Security Administration to provide Social Security and Medicare coverage for members of tribal councils.

Source: The White House, Office of the Press Secretary 

Vice President Pence Presents U.S. Flag to Korean War Veterans Memorial Foundation

 

In a speech after the ceremony, the vice president welcomes North Korea’s decision to allow international inspectors verify the dismantling of a missile site.

Click here for video.

Washington Journal: Joshua Geltzer Discusses Election Security

 

The Georgetown University Law School Professor, and former director of counterterrorism at the National Security Council, talked about increasing election security preparedness and preventing foreign interference.

Click here for video. 

Source: C-SPAN 

Democrats Accuse GOP of Fast Tracking Kavanaugh Nomination Amid Sexual Assault Allegations

Senators Mazie Hirono (D-HI) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) hold a press conference with alumnae from Holton-Arms School, the alma mater Christine Blasey Ford, the woman accusing Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh of sexual assault.

Click here for video. 

Source: C-SPAN

American Prison: Shane Bauer Traces History of U.S. For-Profit Prisons from Slavery to Today

Source: Democracy Now!

South Carolina Prisoners Were Left in Cells as Florence Descended. Why Weren’t They Evacuated?

Source: Democracy Now!

GOP Faces Identity Crisis as Some Candidates Stoke Racial Divide

This report was published on YouTube on September 19. 

Source: PBS NewsHour

Red Cross Assisting with Hurricane Florence Recovery

Results of Elections in Europe 'Not Just to the Detriment of Migrants, But Civil Liberties At Large'

Source: FRANCE 24 English

'A Level of Bleakness' in World Bank Report on Poverty

Source: FRANCE 24 English

EU Austria Summit: Macron Calls for Solidarity

Source: FRANCE 24 English

Why Are Refugees Being Sent Back to Libya?

Source: Al Jazeera English

Europe Migration: EU Eyes Egypt to Help Cut Numbers

Saudi Arabia Bars Palestinians in Jordan from Umrah and Hajj

Salzburg Stalemate: What Next for Brexit?

Source: euronews.

Colombian Government Suspends Talks with ELN Rebels

Source: euronews.

500 Women and Teenagers to Be Bailed Out from Rikers by Human Rights Group

 

By Jeffery C. Mays

More than 500 women and teenagers will be bailed out from Rikers Island as part of a national campaign to dismantle a bail system that activists say discriminates against minorities and the poor.

The effort is being spearheaded by the Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights group, which plans to raise at least $5 million to fund the releases. While there have been other so-called mass bailouts around the country, organizers said they believe this effort at Rikers has the potential to be one of the largest ever.

“The crux of the issue is that in New York City, we criminalize poverty,” Kerry Kennedy, president of Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights, said in an interview on Wednesday. “There are no wealthy people on Rikers Island because if you are wealthy, you go free because you make bail.

Click here for the full article. 

Source: The New York Times (via Empire Report New York) 

Executive Order Signed to Establish Hurricane Maria Memorial Commission

Governor Andrew Cuomo today signed Executive Order No. 189 launching a new Hurricane Maria Memorial Commission to provide recommendations on the establishment of a new memorial honoring the victims and survivors of Hurricane Maria and the resilience of the Puerto Rican community. New York State will issue a Request for Proposals and/or Request for Information seeking ideas, designs and the exact location for the memorial in Battery Park City. The announcement comes on the first anniversary of Hurricane Maria, and follows the release of last month's George Washington University report that estimated nearly 3,000 Puerto Ricans lost their lives as a result of the devastating storm.

"One year ago, Mother Nature tore through Puerto Rico claiming the lives of nearly 3,000 Americans and forever changing the lives of many more," Governor Cuomo said. "The federal government's failed response is a stain on American history, and I am establishing a commission to create a memorial honoring the victims and survivors of Hurricane Maria and the resilience of the Puerto Rican community. New Yorkers have always had a deep connection with our brothers and sisters in Puerto Rico and this memorial will show that this country loves and respects our fellow Americans in Puerto Rico and we will never allow what happened to happen again."

Click here for the full announcement. 

Source: The Office of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo 

Governor Cuomo: Progress Being Made in Lawsuit Against Trump, Federal Gov't for Failure to Assist Puerto Rico

 

New York has partnered with Latino Justice, a national civil rights organization, to identify displaced Puerto Ricans living in New York who have been impacted by the federal government's disgraceful response to Hurricane Maria, which made landfall on this day one year ago. At this time, the state has identified several displaced Puerto Ricans living in New York who will serve as plaintiffs in a suit against President Trump and the federal government for disparate treatment in failing to provide services and resources to the island during this catastrophic event, and this partnership will serve to bolster the state's efforts. Several of these potential plaintiffs attended a memorial event at which the Governor spoke earlier today. 

"As we mark the one-year anniversary of one of the deadliest storms to hit the United States, it is as evident now as it was then that the people of Puerto Rico have been all but forgotten by President Trump," Governor Cuomo said. "In this country there are no second-class citizens, yet we witnessed blatant inconsistencies in Washington's response to disasters in Florida and Texas while leaving our fellow Americans in Puerto Rico without even basic necessities. Our federal government must be held responsible for these immoral, disgraceful actions, and with this lawsuit, we will bring justice to those who were wronged and continue to support the people of Puerto Rico until the island is rebuilt and recovered, and more resilient than ever before." 

Click here for the full announcement. 

Source: The Office of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo 

Former Illinois Probation Officer Alleges Racial Bias and Gross Misconduct Are Rampant

An 'FTG' Exclusive

The following submission is part one of a two-part series. An exclusive and detailed interview with the former probation officer, whose identity is being concealed in order to protect him and his family, will be recorded on September 21 and presented in an episode of "The G-Man Interviews" the week of September 24. 

I’m not sure how many of America's court officials, police and probation officers will react to what I'm about to reveal. Quite frankly, I'm not concerned. It’s my story. If they don’t like it, I invite them to tell their own story. That said, allow me to introduce myself.

My name is "John". I’m a  45-year-old Caucasian male who proudly served his country as a United States Marine for four years. I'm a former employee of the criminal justice system. Specifically, I served as a probation officer in the state of Illinois for eight years. I decided to become an officer or agent of law enforcement at the tender age of 35. In October of 2008, I began the hiring process with federal and local agencies, with two months left on my 36th year of life, while putting the finishing touches on my Bachelor’s degree. In December of that year, I turned 37 and graduated. Some of you might be saying, “Wait. You’re lying. Maximum age for federal agents, as well as local municipalities in your area, is 37 and 34ish.” You’d be correct. However, my military experience subtracts four years off of my biological age, so at 37 years of age and with four years of active service, agencies considered me 33-years-old.

While in process with two federal agencies and testing for local municipalities, I was hired as a probation officer in a specialized unit where I supervised high-risk felons. It was a prison diversion program whereby without this program, the defendant would be sentenced to prison. While there were many standards if one was placed on this type of probation, my position required me to work in concert with federal, state, county, and local law enforcement agencies. Additional tasks included 24-hour surveillance, home visits, and searches. Yes, searches. In this form of probation, and to qualify, a defendant had to sign a document waiving his/her Fourth Amendment Rights of illegal search or seizure. I required neither reasonable suspicion nor probable cause to search the person or their property. This was particularly appealing to law enforcement agencies, and it was universally adopted by many as a practice. I was required to be unarmed, so I had no choice but to comply because I needed the protection of the officers. It was a symbiotic relationship, and self-preservation is important to me. 

The interesting part of the work was the interaction with those on my caseload, particularly on their territory. To that effect, another point of interest was that I would have to regularly be present in court in the event I was asked to testify for my actions. The county for which I worked required our presence in court if someone on our caseload was to be present. No matter the reason. Most of the time, attorneys would request a 30-day continuance, so our presence and time was wasted. That’s certainly how it felt. I'm mentioning this because I want you to know that I have experienced the “street” and “court” side of the criminal justice system. I claim no expertise in either; I claim experience and my own insight, myopic or otherwise, into both worlds.

During my tenure, I experienced a pendulum shift. Initially, I obsessed over when I would be picked up by a law enforcement agency, but that was eventually tempered by the following courtroom proceedings and incidents.

In 2015, South Carolina decided to finally take down the confederate (lack of capitalization was deliberate) flag. My partner and I were discussing this insofar as it was already, in our opinion, a reprehensible symbol. We were discussing how it was even chosen to be displayed on a state building, the timing of when it was chosen to be displayed (during the height of the Civil Rights movement), and how long it took for this to be considered horrific. Our conversation must have been equally offensive to one specific Assistant State’s Attorney (ASA). This individual chided us saying we didn’t know our history and that we, like many, have confused the flag’s meaning. This person continued by asking us why it was okay for any person of color to be proud of their ethnicity but for us to be embarrassed; that it was part of our heritage and culture; and everything was always the white man’s fault. This was someone who prosecuted people!

Not race-related, it was common practice in the circuit for which I was employed for government employees to sit in the jury’s box when waiting for a specific case to be called. During normal courtroom procedures (e.g. bond reduction hearings, petition to revoke hearings, continuances, plea deals, etc.), recess would be called, the judge would disappear, and that’s when a considerable amount of attorney negotiating would take place. On one such occasion, when I first began, I remember a defense attorney pleading with the ASA for a specific deal to be made on a DUI; the ASA didn’t budge. The defense attorney switched tactics and launched into alleging the ASA had no real case or evidence to support it, which garnered the same response of impasse. The defense attorney made a final attempt by stating if the ASA would be willing to acquiesce to the deal as offered, the defense attorney would, in turn, take any deal the ASA found fitting for the next DUI case.

A younger, Black male was being held on $150k for Manufacture/Delivery of Cocaine. The specifics of the case revealed that the individual in question had approximately 1 gram of cocaine. It’s around $200 worth. In my time as a probation officer, I’ve been informed by people on my caseload who used cocaine that it’s basically for personal use and could be gone inside one weekend. The young male in question was refused a bond reduction due to a gun charge stemming from a case 14 years prior. The next case was a white male who, during his bond reduction hearing, was retired and also there for a bond reduction. It was alleged that he had committed two separate counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse. His bond was set at $100k and reduced to $75k where he posted his 10% and was released.

I was conducting an investigation on a white male who was later put on my caseload. He was a heroin user, as was his girlfriend. One night, the male in question and his girlfriend had run some errands, grabbed some food, made their way to a local bar, left that bar, and went back to her place where they shot heroin. She eventually began to overdose, so he put her in his car and chose to take her to the local police station. As it was after hours, he used the “call” phone on the outside of the police station. As officers arrived, the male explained that he believed the female was experiencing an asthma attack; she died in the parking lot. The case took some time to reach a verdict. Based on years of experience, it was my belief that he was working with law enforcement as part of a plea deal. Considering he played a role in her death, I suspect some sort of drug-related homicide might have been in order and something he was trying to get dropped to a lesser charge. Eventually, the case was tried and he was found guilty of lesser crimes and placed on my caseload. Soon thereafter, another male, a Black male, was found guilty of drug-induced homicide and tied back to the individual on my caseload. He was convicted by an all white jury and given a 28-year prison sentence.

On a few occasions, I worked with law enforcement personnel who felt perfectly comfortable using the n-word. While I never heard them use that word in the presence of any Black individual, I can recall at least two specific instances where it was used regarding two suspects who were on my caseload that were Black. After tracking down an individual who had absconded, the absconder had been located and arrested. In what appeared to have been a drunken rant while handcuffed, the individual in question had begun to rhetorically ask why the law enforcement personnel weren’t out “...catching [n-word].” While in her presence, they attempted to de-escalate. Once the individual was placed in the back of the squad car, the law enforcement personnel had begun to freely use the n-word as they joked with one another.

I realize my motivation for sharing these deeply disturbing incidents may be called into question. Some may view the revelations as nothing more than the ramblings of a disgruntled employee. Moreover, they may conclude that because I was unable to achieve my goal of becoming a police officer, this is my way of retaliating. I don’t think that’s accurate. What is accurate is that I want justice and order. I also want all legal guidelines, within the courts and the law enforcement community, to be followed and maintained. I fought hard to serve in that capacity, and it pains me that I wasn’t able to achieve my goal. My main objective, from day one, was to make sure everyone was treated fairly within the criminal justice system, regardless of color, gender or religion.

I’ve also heard the argument that criminal justice and law enforcement professionals, as described here, are few and far between and that the respective profession in general is comprised largely of good men and women. That may be, and I’m uncomfortable speaking in broad terms as to who might/might not be considered “good”, how “good” is defined and by whom. The fact of the matter is walls of silence are maintained with favor and privilege, at best, and a lack of accountability at worst.

I believe in law enforcement. I also believe that the process to become an officer/agent is broken. It's all alleged to be a pass/fail process. Again, based on my experiences, that's true in some cases. The conclusion that I've drawn is that there's plenty of opportunity for subjectivity in a profession that boasts objectivity in hiring practices and objectively executing the duties of that position. To say it’s unimpressive is an understatement, and society deserves better from the individuals who choose this profession. 

Update: September 26, 7:53 PM (EST) 

An editorial decision has been made to cancel the interview with "John". The G-Man Interviews feels this is necessary in order to prevent his identity from being exposed and protect his family. 

Puerto Rico's Beleaguered Public Schools Face Controversial Reform After Hurricane Maria

This report was published on YouTube on September 18. 

Source: PBS NewsHour

Nancy Pelosi Pushes Paul Ryan to Hold Vote on Landmark Domestic Violence Law Before It Expires

 

'We urge Republicans to end their assault on the rights and safety of women,' House minority leader says.

By  Emily Shugerman

The top Democrat in the House of Representatives had called on Speaker Paul Ryan to hold a vote on the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), calling it “shocking and shameful” that he has so far refused to do so.

Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi urged Mr Ryan on Monday to hold a vote on the bill, which would extend the landmark legislation another five years, while expanding on some of its existing protections.

Ms Pelosi also pushed back on plans to include a short-term reauthorisation in a larger spending bill, calling it “an abdication of our responsibilities to women in our country”.

Click here for the full article. 

Source: The Independent

Election Hacking: How Computers Can Be Attacked

Source: CBSN

Lawyers for Kavanaugh Accuser Say FBI Should Investigate Before Testimony

This report was published on YouTube on September 18. 

Source: CBSN

(Bonus Report)
Senator Murray Warns GOP Against Smearing Kavanaugh Accuser

Tim Berners-Lee, Creator of the World Wide Web, 'Devastated' by Its Misuse

This report was published on YouTube on September 18.

Fighting for the Right to a Fair Divorce in Egypt

Source: FRANCE 24 English

Even in Kenya, Exiled Burundians Fear for Their Lives

Source: FRANCE 24 English

Myanmar Court Hands Former Columnist Seven Years for 'Inciting Hatred Against Government'

Source: FRANCE 24 English

Rapper I-NZ's 'This is Iraq': When Music Gets Political

Source: FRANCE 24 English

Polar Explorer Sebastian Copeland on the 'Urgency' of Climate Change Awareness

Source: FRANCE 24 English

US Considers 'Fort Trump' Military Base in Poland

Source: FRANCE 24 English

North Korea Says Will Dismantle Nuclear Test Sites, Allow Inspectors

Source: FRANCE 24 English

Eye on Africa: Amnesty Warns of 'Horrific' Violence in Cameroon's Anglophone Regions

This report was published on YouTube on September 17. 

Source: FRANCE 24 English

Gov. Cuomo, Mayor de Blasio Rally New York Democrats for Fall Campaign

Click here for details. 

Source: ABC 7

NYC Open Data: Public Data at Work

This video was published on YouTube on September 17.

Source: NYC Mayor's Office

Free Clothing and More at Faith Assembly Church in Richmond Hill

 Click on the flier to increase its size. 

Faith Assembly Church in South Richmond Hill will be giving away clothing and other items to help the community. The event will be held at the church on September 22 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The location is 120-13 101st Avenue. 

For more information, call 718-849-5277. Bring a bag or cart to collect items.
 
Directions: Take the A train to Lefferts Boulevard. Walk North to 101st Avenue. Make a right on 101st Avenue. The church is between 120th and 121st Street.
 
The Q8 bus stops in front of the church and at the corner of 121st Street. 

Source: The Office of State Senator James Sanders, Jr.

Intercept Report Reveals Senate Ignored Federal Court Employees Willing to Testify Against Kavanaugh

Source: Democracy Now!

BJHI's Brooklyn Jewish Hall of Fame Class of 2018 Announced

Rabbi Emeritus Dr. Alvin Kass, one of the inductees for this year's event.

Click here for additional information.

The Brooklyn Jewish Historical Initiative (BJHI) serves to promote access to information, documentation, and understanding related to the diversity of the Brooklyn Jewish community currently and in the past, and to provide opportunities for communicating, disseminating, preserving, and celebrating Brooklyn Jewish life and culture. 

Source: BJHI

Second Lady Karen Pence Visits Indiana Business with Innovative Program to Address Opioid Addiction

 

Today, during Prescription Opioid and Heroin Epidemic Awareness Week, Second Lady Karen Pence visited Belden, Inc. in Richmond, Indiana. 

Accompanied by Alexander Acosta, Secretary of the US Department of Labor, Dr. Jerome Adams, US Surgeon General, and Kellyanne Conway, Counselor to President Donald Trump, the Trump Administration highlighted how Belden’s Pathways to Employment program is an example of a new, innovative way to create a community-based solution to address the challenge drug addiction is having on their business and community.

During the visit, the Second Lady and Administration officials received a briefing on the Pathway to Recovery program, toured the plant with company executives, and delivered remarks to Belden employees.

Belden is providing a treatment program for current and prospective employees that includes the promise of employment to those committed to recovery.  Belden’s Pathway to Recovery program is thought to be the first of its kind in the U.S. The program is unique because Belden pays for both current and prospective employees to undergo drug rehabilitation with the promise of employment for workers willing to lead drug-free lives. The program helps to address two key challenges for the country: the impacts of drug addiction and the lack of skilled workers to fill many job openings.

Belden is a global technology company focused on providing solutions for the reliable and secure transmission of data, audio, and video that meet the ever-expanding needs of today’s commercial and domestic consumers across the globe.  The company has been manufacturing in Richmond, Indiana, since 1928, and employs more than 700 people. Belden also has a distribution center and corporate office in the Richmond area, making the company the second largest employer in Wayne County.

Since day one, the Trump Administration has worked to strengthen the public health and safety response to the opioid crisis. In March, the President announced his plan to address the epidemic by reducing drug demand, cutting off the flow of illicit drugs, expanding access to overdose prevention and evidence-based treatment for opioid use disorder, and conducting research to improve prevention and treatment in the future. This inter-agency effort is providing targeted funding to States and communities to help people in need. Additionally, in February, the Administration secured $6 billion in new funding for combating the opioid epidemic.

The Administration is also working daily to remove the harmful stigma and misconceptions surrounding both prescription and illicit opioid abuse. Through platforms such as The Crisis Next Door, which the White House launched earlier this year, we are building a dialogue that has the potential to save thousands of lives.

Source: The White House, Office of the Second Lady

'Presidential Alert': FEMA to Test Emergency Alert System on Thursday

This report was published on YouTube on September 17. 

Update: U.S. Pushes Back National Wireless Alert Test to Oct. 3

Hall of Fame Members Threaten Boycott of Inductions

Click here for the article. 

Source: Associated Press

Tesla Shares Fall After Report of Criminal Investigation

Click here for summary. 

Source: Associated Press

China Levies Tariffs on $60 Billion of U.S. Goods

China will levy tariffs on about $60 billion worth of U.S. goods, in retaliation for new U.S trade measures, but has reduced the volume that it will collect on the products.

Click here for the full article. 

Source: Reuters

Florence Amplifies Problems for Public Housing Residents

This report was published on YouTube on September 17.

Kavanaugh, Accuser Called to Testify at Public Hearing

Source: ABC News

(Bonus Report)
Trump Court Nominee's Accuser Has Not Agreed to Testify: Senator

Jaycee Dugard 'Outraged' Over Release of Elizabeth Smart's Captor

Pakistan's Prime Minister Vows to Grant Citizenship to 1.5 Million Afghan Refugees

Source: CBS News

Iwao Hakamada, the Japanese Boxer Fighting... for His Life

Source: FRANCE 24 English

US to Slash Refugee Admissions to 30,000

Source: FRANCE 24 English

Moscow Says Israel to Blame for Syrian Downing of Russian Jet

Source: FRANCE 24 English

China Promises to Retaliate Against Latest US Tariffs

South Korean Leader in Pyongyang to Reboot Nuclear Talks

Iraq Close to Running Out of Water

Idlib Assault on Hold as Russia, Turkey Agree on Buffer Zone

Trump Orders Director of National Intelligence, DOJ to Declassify Certain Documents Pertaining to the Russia Investigation

 

The following statement was issued today by White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders. 

At the request of a number of committees of Congress, and for reasons of transparency, the President has directed the Office of the Director of National Intelligence and the Department of Justice (including the FBI) to provide for the immediate declassification of the following materials: 

(1) pages 10-12 and 17-34 of the June 2017 application to the FISA court in the matter of Carter W. Page; 

(2) all FBI reports of interviews with Bruce G. Ohr prepared in connection with the Russia investigation; and 

(3) all FBI reports of interviews prepared in connection with all Carter Page FISA applications. 

In addition, President Donald J. Trump has directed the Department of Justice (including the FBI) to publicly release all text messages relating to the Russia investigation, without redaction, of James Comey, Andrew McCabe, Peter Strzok, Lisa Page, and Bruce Ohr.

Source: The White House, Office of the Press Secretary 

The Power of the Pen: Bills Signed Into Law

On Monday, September 17, 2018, the President signed into law: 

H.R. 2147, the "Veterans Treatment Court Improvement Act of 2018," which increases the number of VA employees that can assist justice-involved veterans and foster VA affiliations with veteran-focused courts.

Source: The White House, Office of the Press Secretary 

Pastor George Mason Addresses the Killing of Botham Jean

This report was published on YouTube on September 16. 

Mason, the senior pastor of Wilshire Baptist Church in Dallas, addresses the killing of Botham Jean and the problem of white churches not speaking up alongside black churches for justice. 

Source: WilshireBaptist

NY State's 'Police Officer of the Year' Award Recipients Announced

NYPD Detective Miosotis Familia
to Receive Certificate of Exceptional Valor

Six members of the Yonkers Police Department are the recipients of the New York State Police Officer of the Year Award. Captain Andrew Lane, Detective Kayla Maher, Detective Dawn Lebzelter, Officer Brendan Moore, Officer Thomas Bennett and Officer Vincent Reda were honored for their actions on Sept. 25, 2017, when they apprehended a gunman who had shot Detective Maher in the face at point-blank range.

"Amid chaotic gunfire, these officers diffused a potentially lethal situation and showed exemplary courage, pulling one of their injured colleagues to safety while apprehending the shooter without any loss of life," Governor Cuomo said. "Their actions during this shootout are representative of the bravery New Yorkers have come to depend on to keep our neighborhoods and communities safe, and I am proud to honor them with this well-deserved award."

Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul presented the six officers with the award on the Governor's behalf during a ceremony at Yonkers City Hall this afternoon. Joining her to present the award were Michael C. Green, Executive Deputy Commissioner of the state Division of Criminal Justice Services and Chairman of the Police Officer of the Year Selection Committee; and Yonkers Police Commissioner Charles Gardner. The award ceremony attendees included family members, friends, and colleagues from the agency and law enforcement executives and officers throughout Westchester County.

"This incident could have resulted in multiple deaths had it not been for the quick thinking and decision making these officers exhibited under intense pressure," Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul said. "Their heroic actions not only saved the life of a fellow officer, but also lead to the safe apprehension of a gunman who was recklessly firing at them on a residential street. As New Yorkers, we are proud and fortunate to have dedicated officers like these brave six individuals who are willing to put their lives on the line to protect our safety."

DCJS Executive Deputy Commissioner and Police Officer of the Year Selection Committee Chairman Michael C. Green said, "What started out as a routine call quickly changed into a life-and-death situation for these officers, including one who was seriously wounded. The officers' collective actions saved the life of an injured colleague. In addition, the officers apprehended a gunman, who is now being held responsible for his actions. Though all the nominations received by the Committee this year are worthy of recognition, the actions of these six officers are truly heroic and representative of the type of conduct this award has come to symbolize."

The six officers are the first from the Yonkers Police Department to receive the award, which was established more than three decades ago. In nominating the officers for the honor, Yonkers Police provided the following account of the events that unfolded around 8 p.m. on Sept. 25, 2017. Detectives Maher and Lebzelter were police officers at the time of the incident:  

Officers Maher and Lebzelter were dispatched to a report of a suspicious vehicle parked at the intersection of Marshall Road and Ridge Drive. They approached the car and while speaking briefly with an individual in the vehicle's front seat, another individual in the back seat pulled a gun and fired at Officer Maher, who was struck in the chin by a .40-caliber bullet at pointblank range.

Officer Lebzelter returned fire along with Officers Reda, Moore, and Bennett, who had arrived on the scene as backup. Officer Moore spotted one suspect fleeing the vehicle on foot and alerted Officer Bennett, who safely took the man into custody while bullets were being fired in their general direction. Officer Lebzelter, meanwhile, calmly apprised other law enforcement arriving on the scene of the gunman's location to avoid a cross-fire situation.

Officer Moore devised a plan to reach Officer Maher, who had taken refuge underneath the suspect's vehicle. Officer Reda and Officer Bennett laid down suppression fire that enabled Officer Moore to reach Officer Maher and pull her to safety. Officer Reda, who also approached the vehicle, provided emergency medical treatment to slow Officer Maher's bleeding until she could be brought to the hospital.

After nearly 10 minutes of sporadic gunfire, Captain Lane approached the vehicle and took the assailant into custody without further incident. Investigators later recovered a.40-caliber semi-automatic handgun on the ground near the driver's side rear door of the vehicle, in addition to an illegal, large-capacity ammunition-feeding device. Earlier this year, the individual was indicted and arraigned on numerous charges, including four counts of attempted aggravated murder.

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Source: The Office of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo 

Government Can Spy on Journalists in the U.S. Using Invasive Foreign Intelligence Process

By Cora Currier

The U.S. government can monitor journalists under a foreign intelligence law that allows invasive spying and operates outside the traditional court system, according to newly released documents.

Targeting members of the press under the law, known as the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, requires approval from the Justice Department’s highest-ranking officials, the documents show.

In two 2015 memos for the FBI, the attorney general spells out “procedures for processing Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act applications targeting known media entities or known members of the media.” The guidelines say the attorney general, the deputy attorney general, or their delegate must sign off before the bureau can bring an application to the secretive panel of judges who approves monitoring under the 1978 act, which governs intelligence-related wiretapping and other surveillance carried out domestically and against U.S. persons abroad.

The high level of supervision points to the controversy around targeting members of the media at all. Prior to the release of these documents, little was known about the use of FISA court orders against journalists. Previous attention had been focused on the use of National Security Letters against members of the press; the letters are administrative orders with which the FBI can obtain certain phone and financial records without a judge’s oversight. FISA court orders can authorize much more invasive searches and collection, including the content of communications, and do so through hearings conducted in secret and outside the sort of adversarial judicial process that allows journalists and other targets of regular criminal warrants to eventually challenge their validity.

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Source: The Intercept_