THREAD: trumps crazy federal job move anxiety

TOP FEDERAL Prosecutor Caught In Shocking Drunken HIT-And-RUN

22 August 2024 — A top federal narcotics prosecutor, Joseph Ruddy, violated ethics rules during a hit-and-run investigation last year. Ruddy, visibly intoxicated, handed his business card to Florida police officers after crashing into another vehicle and fleeing the scene. The Justice Department’s Office of Inspector General confirmed he misused his position as an assistant U.S. attorney in Tampa.

Body-camera footage from the Fourth of July incident shows Ruddy struggling to stand and slurring his words while leaning on his pickup truck for balance. Despite his condition, he presented his Justice Department credentials to officers from two jurisdictions investigating the crash. A Tampa police officer warned him that the footage would not look good when reviewed later.

The Justice Department’s report found that Ruddy engaged in conduct prejudicial to the government by driving drunk and leaving the scene of an accident. The case has been referred to the Professional Misconduct Review Unit for further action.

Although removed from several cases following inquiries about his status, Ruddy remains an assistant U.S. attorney as of Wednesday. Neither he nor his attorney has responded to requests for comment on this matter.

SENATE PASSES Bill To Reform Troubled Federal Prisons

11 July 2024 — The Senate passed the Federal Prison Oversight Act on Wednesday, aiming to bring transparency and accountability to the troubled Bureau of Prisons. The House approved the bill in May, and it now awaits President Biden’s signature. This legislation introduces an independent ombudsman to investigate complaints and mandates risk-based inspections by the Justice Department’s Inspector General.

Sen. Jon Ossoff, D-Ga., introduced the bill in 2022 during his investigation into the Bureau of Prisons as chair of a Senate subcommittee. He collaborated with Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., and Sen. Mike Braun, R-Ind., forming a bipartisan group to address prison issues exposed by AP reporting. Reps. Kelly Armstrong, R-N.D., and Lucy McBath, D-Ga., supported the House version of this critical reform measure.

Ossoff called Wednesday’s passage “a major milestone,” emphasizing that his investigation highlighted an urgent need for better oversight in federal prisons.

Advocates for incarcerated individuals also praised this legislative achievement as a significant step forward in addressing systemic corruption and misconduct within the prison system.

NATO’S BIG Move: Ukraine’s UNSTOPPABLE Path to Membership

11 July 2024 — NATO’s 32 members declared Ukraine on an “irreversible” path to membership in the alliance. This announcement came during their summit in Washington, emphasizing a commitment to Ukraine’s defense.

The U.S., Netherlands, and Denmark announced that Ukrainian pilots would receive NATO-provided F-16s by summer. President Zelenskyy expressed gratitude for the support amid ongoing deadly strikes from Russia.

NATO also committed to long-term security assistance and established a new center to ensure reliable arms and training for Ukraine. However, these commitments fall short of what Ukraine says it needs to defeat Russia.

The final statement labeled China as a “decisive enabler” of Russia’s war against Ukraine. NATO reaffirmed its support for Ukraine’s democratic, economic, and security reforms needed for full membership in the alliance.

EUROPEAN Nations’ SHOCKING Move: Recognize Palestinian State, Israel Fires Back

22 May 2024 — Norway, Ireland, and Spain have recognized a Palestinian state in a historic but symbolic move. This decision further isolates Israel amid its ongoing conflict with Hamas in Gaza. Israel immediately denounced the recognition and recalled its ambassadors from these countries.

Palestinians welcomed the announcements as support for their long-standing quest for statehood in east Jerusalem, the West Bank, and Gaza Strip. These territories were seized by Israel during the 1967 Mideast war and remain under Israeli control. The recognition by these European nations could build momentum against Israel’s actions in Gaza.

This week has been challenging for Israel’s international reputation. The International Criminal Court (ICC) chief prosecutor announced plans to seek arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his defense minister over alleged war crimes. Additionally, the International Court of Justice is considering genocide allegations against Israel, which it denies vehemently.

Israel accused the European countries of rewarding Hamas militants responsible for an attack on October 7 that killed 1,200 people and took 250 hostages. Foreign Minister Israel Katz stated that European ambassadors would be shown graphic footage of the attack to underscore their point. Meanwhile, Gaza’s Health Ministry reports over 35,000 Palestinians killed in Israel’s offensive following the assault by Hamas-led militants across the border.

TIKTOK On The BRINK: Biden’s Bold Move to Ban or Force Sale of Chinese App

02 May 2024 — TikTok and Universal Music Group have just renewed their partnership. This deal brings UMG’s music back to TikTok after a short break. The agreement includes better promotion strategies and new AI protections. Universal CEO Lucian Grainge said the deal will help artists and creators on the platform.

President Joe Biden has signed a new law that gives TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, nine months to sell the app or face a ban in the U.S. This decision is due to worries from both political sides about national security and protecting American youth from foreign influence.

TikTok’s CEO, Shou Zi Chew, announced plans to fight this law in U.S courts, claiming it supports their constitutional rights. Yet, ByteDance would rather close TikTok in the U.S than sell it if they lose their legal battle.

This conflict shows the ongoing struggle between TikTok’s business goals and America’s national security needs. It points out big worries about data privacy and foreign influence in American digital spaces by China’s tech sector.

BIDEN HALTS Leahy LAW: A Risky Move for US-Israel Ties?

30 April 2024 — The Biden administration recently paused its plan to apply the Leahy Law to Israel, sidestepping a potential complication for the White House. This decision has sparked intense discussions regarding the future of U.S.-Israel relations. Nick Stewart from the Foundation for Defense of Democracies has voiced strong criticism, labeling it as a politicization of security aid that could set a troubling precedent.

Stewart charged that the administration is overlooking crucial facts and fostering a damaging narrative against Israel. He argued that this stance could empower terrorist organizations by distorting Israeli actions. The public exposure of these issues, along with leaks from the State Department, points to political motives rather than genuine concerns, Stewart suggested.

The Leahy Law bars U.S. funding to foreign military units accused of human rights violations. Stewart called on Congress to scrutinize whether this law is being politically weaponized against allies like Israel during an election season. He stressed that any real concerns should be addressed directly and respectfully with Israeli officials, preserving the alliance’s integrity

By halting application of the Leahy Law specifically towards Israel, questions arise about consistency and fairness in U.S. foreign policy practices, potentially impacting diplomatic trust between these longstanding allies.

BIDEN’S SHOCK Move: Sanctions on Israeli Military Could Ignite Tensions

22 April 2024 — U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is considering imposing sanctions on the Israel Defense Forces’ battalion “Netzah Yehuda.” This unprecedented move could be announced soon and might heighten existing tensions between the U.S. and Israel, further strained by conflicts in Gaza.

Israeli leaders are firmly against these potential sanctions. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has pledged to defend Israeli military actions vigorously. “If anyone thinks they can impose sanctions on a unit in the IDF, I will fight it with all my might,” Netanyahu declared.

The Netzah Yehuda battalion has been under fire for alleged human rights violations involving Palestinian civilians. Notably, a 78-year-old Palestinian-American died after being detained by this battalion at a West Bank checkpoint last year, drawing intense international criticism and now possibly leading to U.S. sanctions against them.

This development could mark a significant shift in U.S.-Israel relations, potentially impacting diplomatic ties and military collaborations between the two nations if sanctions are implemented.

JAMES BOND Classics HIT With Trigger Warnings: British Film Institute’s Shocking Move Stirs Controversy

14 January 2024 — The British Film Institute (BFI), a leading UK film organization and cultural charity, has unexpectedly turned against James Bond. The BFI has introduced trigger warnings to several iconic Bond films, sparking controversy among fans.

These warnings are shown before the screenings at the BFI theater. They alert viewers to language, images, or content that might be considered offensive in today’s context but were common during the time of the film’s release. The BFI maintains that these views are not supported by them or their associates.

Two films singled out by these warnings are “Goldfinger” and “You Only Live Twice.” This action is part of the BFI’s tribute to John Barry, who wrote soundtracks for 50 years. It appears that even James Bond can’t escape from contemporary political correctness.

EMERGENCY Weapons Sale to Israel: BIDEN’S Bold Move Amidst Foreign Aid Stalemate

31 December 2023 — Once again, the Biden administration has greenlit an emergency sale of weapons to Israel. The State Department made this announcement on Friday, stating that the move is designed to support Israel in its ongoing conflict with Hamas in Gaza.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken notified Congress about a second emergency determination that approves over $147.5 million in equipment sales. These sales encompass necessary components for 155 mm shells previously bought by Israel, including fuses, charges, and primers.

This decision was executed under an emergency provision of the Arms Export Control Act. This provision enables the State Department to sidestep Congress’ review role concerning foreign military sales. Interestingly enough, this move coincides with President Joe Biden’s request for nearly $106 billion in aid for countries like Israel and Ukraine being held up due to border security management debates.

“The United States remains dedicated to ensuring the security of Israel against threats it encounters,” declared the department.

NEW ZEALAND’S Bold Move: Eying Aukus Partnership for Stronger Defense Ties with Australia

20 December 2023 — New Zealand’s Prime Minister, Christopher Luxon, is contemplating a strategic move. He’s considering joining the AUKUS partnership to strengthen defense ties with Australia. The AUKUS agreement is a tripartite pact between Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States. It aims to counteract China’s expanding military influence.

Since his election in October, Luxon made his first overseas visit to Australia. There he and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese agreed on aligning their defense strategies. To coordinate these efforts further, their foreign ministers are set to meet in 2024.

Luxon has expressed particular interest in “AUKUS Pillar 2”. This pillar emphasizes developing and sharing advanced military capabilities like artificial intelligence and electronic warfare systems. Luxon believes that this partnership could be a catalyst for stability and peace within the region.

The U.S. and Britain have already committed to providing Australia with U.S.-powered nuclear submarines under the AUKUS agreement. If New Zealand joins this alliance, it could potentially fortify this tripartite pact against China’s growing regional power.

TOILET To TAP": California’s Bold Move to Battle Drought with Recycled Sewage Water

12 December 2023 — In a daring attempt to tackle severe droughts, California is contemplating the adoption of a new technology that recycles sewage water. The State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) recently unveiled proposed regulations for direct potable reuse — a process that swiftly transforms wastewater into drinking water within hours.

This innovative method stands apart from the current indirect potable reuse system, which gradually enhances treated wastewater through groundwater recharge or dilution with surface water.

The SWRCB is set to review testimonies on these regulations before making their final decision next week. If given the green light, “toilet to tap” projects could soon be underway in Santa Clara County, Los Angeles, and San Diego among other communities.

Anticipating these regulations, water agencies in Santa Clara, San Diego and Los Angeles have already initiated pilot projects. Globally too this concept is gaining traction — countries like Israel are also testing similar ideas while examining potential risks such as pharmaceutical byproducts reentering the public supply post-treatment.

TOP US Military Officers DEPLOYED to Israel: Biden’s Bold Move Amid Gaza Tensions

23 October 2023 — President Joe Biden has sent a select group of top U.S. military officers to Israel, the White House announced on Monday. Among these officers is Marine Lt. Gen. James Glynn, known for his successful strategies against the Islamic State in Iraq.

These high-ranking officials have been tasked with advising the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on their ongoing operations in Gaza, according to National Security Council spokesman John Kirby and White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre during Monday’s press briefing.

While Kirby did not reveal the identities of all dispatched military officials, he confirmed that each one possesses relevant experience for the operations currently being conducted by Israel.

Kirby emphasized that these officers are there to offer insights and pose challenging questions — a tradition consistent with U.S.-Israeli relations since this conflict began. However, he refrained from commenting on whether President Biden had urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to postpone a full-scale ground war until civilians could safely evacuate.

Ex-Finland PM Marin’s SHOCKING Hollywood Move: Signs with Celebrity Management Company

15 October 2023 — Sanna Marin, Finland’s youngest ever Prime Minister, has taken an unexpected turn in her career. She recently signed a contract with Range Media Partners, a top-tier management company. This surprising move has ignited speculation that the former Prime Minister might be transitioning into show business.

Range Media Partners is renowned for managing A-list celebrities such as Bradley Cooper and Tom Hardy. The firm will reportedly guide Marin in exploring diverse media opportunities. These include potential roles in television shows and films, as well as brand partnerships.

Marin came under fire last year when videos of her partying went viral. Critics argued that such behavior was inappropriate for a prime minister. However, Marin defended herself by asserting that such activities are commonplace for individuals in their 30s.

Range Media Partners prides itself on providing first-rate management and representation services to an array of clients within the entertainment industry. Their clientele includes performing artists, directors, writers and professional athletes among others.

Dream Job Snatched Away Over Antidepressants: Woman SUES Police Scotland in Groundbreaking Case

29 July 2023 — Inverness woman, Laura Mackenzie, is taking legal action against Police Scotland after her offer for her “dream job” as a police officer was withdrawn due to her use of antidepressants.

Mackenzie had successfully passed all recruitment stages, even reaching the point of undergoing a medical examination and being fitted for a uniform.

The job offer was rescinded because Police Scotland’s occupational health provider enforces a policy requiring applicants to be free of such medication for at least two years.