ubet63 register

Police reforms must be inclusive

WASHINGTON — The House Ethics Committee found “substantial evidence” that former Republican Rep. Matt Gaetz solicited prostitutes, used illicit drugs like cocaine and ecstasy and may have violated Florida’s statutory rape law while he was a member of Congress, according to a long-awaited report released Monday . The committee interviewed a witness who said she had sex with Gaetz twice at a party in Florida while she was still 17, and multiple witnesses corroborated the account, according to the report. “The Committee concluded there was substantial evidence that Representative Gaetz violated House Rules, state and federal laws, and other standards of conduct prohibiting prostitution, statutory rape, illicit drug use, acceptance of impermissible gifts, the provision of special favors and privileges, and obstruction of Congress,” the report states. Gaetz, who resigned from Congress last month and from consideration as President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for U.S. attorney general, has repeatedly denied the allegations. Earlier Monday, the former congressman filed a lawsuit as a last-ditch effort to block the release of the report, which had already been leaked to several outlets, including CNN and ABC News. “This action challenges the Committee’s unconstitutional and ultra vires attempt to exercise jurisdiction over a private citizen through the threatened release of an investigative report containing potentially defamatory allegations,” the filing stated. Gaetz has long battled allegations of misconduct, including that he had sex with a minor and used illicit drugs. ABC News reported in November that he paid more than $10,000 to two women who were later witnesses in both Justice Department and House probes into his alleged sexual misconduct. Gaetz has not been charged with any crimes, a point he made in a lengthy social media post Wednesday after learning the report would be made public. The House Ethics Committee, like the Justice Department , did not find sufficient evidence that Gaetz violated federal sex trafficking laws. Committee investigators, though, did find evidence that Gaetz regularly paid for sex while a member in the House. “In my single days, I often sent funds to women I dated — even some I never dated but who asked,” Gaetz wrote on social media Wednesday. “I dated several of these women for years. I NEVER had sexual contact with someone under 18. Any claim that I have would be destroyed in court — which is why no such claim was ever made in court. “My 30’s were an era of working very hard — and playing hard too,” said Gaetz, who is now 42. At least two individuals testified before Ethics Committee investigators that they had witnessed Gaetz using cocaine and ecstasy. According to the report, Gaetz also set up a “pseudonymous e-mail account from his House office in the Capitol complex for the purpose of purchasing marijuana.” In addition, the Ethics panel found that he made “tens of thousands of dollars in payments to women that the Committee determined were likely in connection with sexual activity and/or drug use.” Per the report, Gaetz would occasionally pay women using “another person’s PayPal account or through an account tied to a pseudonymous e-mail.” The committee interviewed more than half a dozen “witnesses who attended parties, events, and trips with Representative Gaetz from 2017-2020. Nearly every young woman that the Committee interviewed confirmed that she was paid for sex by, or on behalf of, Representative Gaetz,” the report states, although some of those relationships were described as “a date-for-hire arrangement that may not necessarily implicate state prostitution laws.” Gaetz, according to the report, declined to answer the committee’s questions about the payments he made to the women. One of those payments, in the amount of $400 in cash, was allegedly made to the 17-year-old, identified in the report as Victim A, with whom Gaetz is alleged to have had sex at a July 15, 2017, party at a Florida lobbyist’s home, according to the report. The report states that Victim A “did not inform Representative Gaetz that she was under 18 at the time, nor did he ask her age,” but it also notes that a person charged with statory rape in Florida “may not claim ignorance or misrepresentation of the minor’s age as a defense.” Under Florida law , it is a felony for a person 24 years of age or older to engage in sexual activity with a 16- or 17-year-old. The victim told the committee that she had sex with Gaetz twice during the party, including at least once in the presence of other attendees. “At the time, she had just completed her junior year of high school,” the report states. Under scrutiny It has been a whirlwind nearly two months for Gaetz and the normally secretive Ethics panel, which is made up of five Republicans and five Democrats. Shortly after winning a fifth term representing Florida’s 1st District last month, Gaetz announced his resignation from Congress on Nov. 13, the same day Trump announced him as his choice for attorney general. News of Gaetz’s potential promotion sparked outrage from Democrats and some Republicans, along with demands that the Ethics report be made public, or at least shared with senators who would be tasked with confirming the Florida Republican. Amid the uproar, Gaetz pulled his name from consideration on Nov. 21 , seemingly imperiling the release of the report. The Ethics Committee does not have jurisdiction over former members, and cases end when a member leaves office. The committee has in some cases, however, released reports after a member has resigned. Gaetz, who on Sunday teased a potential Senate run from Florida in 2026, is expected to join the One America News network next month as an anchor. On Dec. 5, the committee met for a second time on the Gaetz report and issued a statement saying members were “continuing to discuss the matter.” The same day, two separate attempts by Democrats to force the committee to release the report were rejected on the House floor. According to the Ethics report, the committee voted to release the report at a subsequent meeting on Dec. 10. Assuming all five Democrats backed the release of the report, at least one Republican would have also had to vote in favor of making the document public, though the exact breakdown remains unclear. House Ethics Chairman Michael Guest, a Mississippi Republican, was among the committee members who objected to the release of the report. “While we do not challenge the Committee’s findings, we take great exception that the majority deviated from the Committee’s well-established standards and voted to release a report on an individual no longer under the Committee’s jurisdiction, an action the Committee has not taken since 2006,” Guest said in a dissenting view attached to the report. Democrats, including Illinois Rep. Sean Casten, who introduced one of the measures that would have forced the release of the report, cheered the news. “The release of the Gaetz Report is welcome news for all who care about integrity, accountability, and transparency in the U.S. House of Representatives,” Casten said in a statement Monday. ©2024 CQ-Roll Call, Inc., All Rights Reserved. Visit cqrollcall.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.Major retailers in UK and Ireland pull products associated with Conor McGregorRudy Giuliani blew up at a federal judge on Tuesday after he was reprimanded for not showing "anything close to due diligence" regarding evidence requirements, including giving the 1980 Mercedes-Benz SL500 convertible, which he drove to a polling station earlier this month , to the election workers he defamed. "Your implication that I've not been diligent about it is totally incorrect," Giuliani said after interrupting the judge, according to Reuters. "Everything I have is tied up. I don't have a car. I don't have a credit card. I don't have cash. I can't get to bank accounts that truly would be mine because they have put stop orders on, for example, my Social Security account. ... I don't have a penny, and it's been tied up by them." Judge Lewis Liman then told Giuliani he will not be allowed to speak next time, or "the court will have to take action." "He's either represented by counsel, or he's permitted to proceed pro se—he can't have hybrid representation," Liman said, directing his attention at Giuliani's attorney. "There should be no higher priority for your client than complying with the court's orders, period." The judge also ruled Giuliani won't be allowed to skip an upcoming court date to attend Donald Trump's inauguration, Reuters reported . While speaking to the press outside the courthouse, Giuliani said the Trump-appointed judge is as "left as you get." "The reality is I have no cash. So right now, if I wanted to call a taxi cab, I can't do it. I don't have a credit card. I don't have a checking account," the former attorney shared. Originally published by Latin Times

Insurgents reach gates of Syria’s capital, threatening to upend decades of Assad rule BEIRUT (AP) — A Syrian opposition war monitor and a pro-government media outlet say government forces have withdrawn from much of the central city of Homs. The pro-government Sham FM reported that government forces took positions outside Syria’s third-largest city, without elaborating. Rami Abdurrahman who heads the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, said Syrian troops and members of different security agencies have withdrawn from the city, adding that rebels have entered parts of it. Losing Homs is a potentially crippling blow for Syria’s embattled leader, Bashar Assad. An archbishop's knock formally restores Notre Dame to life as winds howl and heads of state look on PARIS (AP) — France’s iconic Notre Dame Cathedral has formally reopened its doors for the first time since a devastating fire nearly destroyed the 861-year-old landmark in 2019. The five-year restoration is widely seen as a boost for French President Emmanuel Macron, who championed the ambitious timeline, and brings a welcome respite from his domestic political woes. World leaders, dignitaries, and worshippers gathered on Saturday evening for the celebrations under the cathedral's soaring arches. The celebration was attended by 1,500 dignitaries, including President-elect Donald Trump, Britain’s Prince William, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. For Catholics, Notre Dame’s rector said the cathedral “carries the enveloping presence of the Virgin Mary, a maternal and embracing presence.′′ Trump is welcomed by Macron to Paris with presidential pomp and joined by Zelenskyy for their talks PARIS (AP) — French President Emmanuel Macron has welcomed Donald Trump to Paris with a full dose of presidential pomp. And they held a hastily arranged meeting with Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelenskyy on a day that's mixing pageantry with attention to pressing global problems. The president-elect's visit to France is part of a global a celebration of the reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral five years after a devastating fire. Macron and other European leaders are trying to win Trump’s favor and persuade him to maintain support for Ukraine in its defense against Russia’s invasion. Trump isn't back in office but he's already pushing his agenda and negotiating with world leaders NEW YORK (AP) — Donald Trump is making threats, traveling abroad, and negotiating with world leaders. He has more than a month-and-a-half to go before he’s sworn in for a second term. But the president-elect is already moving aggressively to not only fill his Cabinet and outline policy goals, but also to try to achieve his priorities. In recent days, Trump has threatened to impose a 25% tariff on goods from Canada and Mexico, two of the country’s largest trading partners. That led to emergency calls and a visit. And he's warned of “ALL HELL TO PAY” if Hamas doesn't release the hostages still being held captive in Gaza. South Korea's president avoids an impeachment attempt over short-lived martial law SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — South Korea’s embattled President Yoon Suk Yeol has avoided an opposition-led attempt to impeach him over his short-lived imposition of martial law. Most of Yoon's ruling party lawmakers boycotted a parliamentary vote Saturday to deny a two-thirds majority needed to suspend his presidential powers. The scrapping of the motion is expected to intensify protests calling for Yoon’s ouster and deepen political chaos in South Korea. A survey suggests a majority of South Koreans support the president’s impeachment. Yoon’s martial law declaration drew criticism from his own ruling conservative People Power Party. But the party also apparently fears losing the presidency to liberals. Days after gunman killed UnitedHealthcare's CEO, police push to ID him and FBI offers reward NEW YORK (AP) — Nearly four days after the shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, police still do not know the gunman’s name or whereabouts or have a motive for the killing. But they have made some progress in their investigation into Wednesday's killing of the leader of the largest U.S. health insurer, including that the gunman likely left New York City on a bus soon after fleeing the scene. The also found that the gunman left something behind: a backpack that was discovered in Central Park. Police are working with the FBI, which on Friday night announced a $50,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction. UnitedHealthcare CEO's shooting opens a door for many to vent frustrations over insurance The fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare's CEO has opened the door for many people to vent their frustrations and anger over the insurance industry. The feelings of exasperation, anger, resentment, and helplessness toward insurers aren’t new. But the shooting and the headlines around it have unleashed a new wave of patients sharing such sentiments and personal stories of interactions with insurance companies. Conversations at dinner tables, office water coolers, social gatherings and on social media have pivoted to the topic. Many say they hope the new amplified voices can bring about change for companies often accused of valuing profits over people. 2 Pearl Harbor survivors, ages 104 and 102, return to Hawaii to honor those killed in 1941 attack PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii (AP) — The bombing of Pearl Harbor 83 years ago launched the United States into World War II. Two survivors have returned to the Hawaii military base for a remembrance ceremony on the attack's anniversary. Both are over 100 years old. They joined active-duty troops, veterans and members of the public for an observance hosted by the Navy and the National Park Service. A third survivor was planning to join them but had to cancel due to health issues. The bombing killed more than 2,300 U.S. servicemen. An explosion destroys an apartment block in a Dutch city, killing at least 3 and injuring others THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — An explosion and fire has rocked a neighborhood in the Dutch city of The Hague, killing three people and injuring other people and destroying several apartments. The cause of the disaster is unclear. Emergency authorities said four people were rescued from the rubble and taken to the hospital. The mayor said rescuers were no longer looking for survivors but for eventual bodies, but could not specify how many people might still be unaccounted for. Residents of the northeastern neighborhood of Mariahoeve in The Hague heard a huge bang and screams before dawn. Dutch authorities have deployed a specialized urban search and rescue team to find victims. How 'Mufasa' rose with Aaron Pierre and Blue Ivy's voices along with new Lin-Manuel Miranda music SAN DIEGO (AP) — When Aaron Pierre was cast as Mufasa, the weight of following in the late James Earl Jones’ legendary footsteps was enough to rattle any actor. But instead of letting the pressure roar too loudly, he harnessed his nerves to breathe fresh life into his young lion character. Pierre found parallels between himself and his character while filming his leading role in “Mufasa: The Lion King,” which opens in theaters Dec. 20. He took the reigns as the new voice of Mufasa after Jones played the iconic King Mufasa in both the 1994 and 2019 versions of Disney’s “The Lion King.” The prequel offers a fresh exploration into Mufasa’s origin story.

Notre Dame becomes a hub for diplomacyFrench President Emmanuel Macron’s office has announced a new government, after the previous Cabinet collapsed in a historic vote prompted by fighting over the country’s budget. Newly named Prime Minister Francois Bayrou put together the government that includes members of the outgoing conservative-dominated team and some new figures from centrist or left-leaning backgrounds. Coming up with a 2025 budget will be the most urgent order of business. The new government enters office after months of political deadlock and pressure from financial markets to reduce France’s colossal debt. Mr Macron has vowed to remain in office until his term ends in 2027, but has struggled to govern since snap elections in the summer left no single party with a majority in the National Assembly. Since his appointment 10 days ago, Mr Bayrou has held talks with political leaders from various parties in search of the right balance for the new government. Some critics were angry at Mr Bayrou for consulting with Marine Le Pen’s far-right party, and some argue the government looks too much like the old one to win the trust of politicians. Former prime minister Michel Barnier resigned this month following a no-confidence vote prompted by budget disputes in the National Assembly, leaving France without a functioning government. Ms Le Pen played a key role in Mr Barnier’s downfall by joining her National Rally party’s forces with the left to pass the no-confidence motion. Mr Bayrou will need support from moderate legislators on the right and left to keep his government alive. Banker Eric Lombard will be finance minister, a crucial post when France is working to fulfil its promises to European Union partners to reduce its deficit, estimated to reach 6% of its gross domestic product this year. Mr Lombard briefly worked as an adviser to a socialist finance minister in the 1990s. Mr Bayrou has said he supports tax hikes championed by his predecessor, but it is not clear how the new government can find the right calculation for a budget that satisfies a majority of politicians angry over spending cuts. Bruno Retailleau stays on as interior minister, with responsibility for France’s security and migration policy. Sebastien Lecornu, who has been at the forefront of France’s military support for Ukraine, remains defence minister, while foreign minister Jean-Noel Barrot, who has travelled extensively in the Middle East in recent weeks, also retains his post. Among the new faces are two former prime ministers. Manuel Valls will be minister for overseas affairs, and Elisabeth Borne takes the education ministry.