Former Trump nominee Gaetz says he won’t return to CongressHomebound seniors living alone often slip through health system’s cracks
MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., Nov. 21, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- LegalZoom (Nasdaq: LZ) is proud to announce the expansion of its partnership with Defy Ventures, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing career readiness, personal development, and entrepreneurship training to currently and formerly incarcerated individuals. The expanded partnership will include funding for mental health and wellbeing programs, reinforcing LegalZoom’s commitment to creating pathways to economic opportunity for underrepresented communities that face significant challenges due to employment history, race and ethnicity, gender identity, and incarceration. With LegalZoom’s support, Defy Ventures will be able to expand its mental health and wellbeing initiatives for its clients, focusing on trauma-informed care that addresses the unique challenges they face. By helping to fund Defy Ventures’ mental wellness programs, LegalZoom is helping to ensure that these individuals have access to crucial mental health resources, empowering them not only to build businesses but also to rebuild their lives with dignity and resilience. “Defy Ventures exemplifies the incredible power of resilience and the potential for true transformation. We are honored to extend our partnership to support their mental health initiatives, which are essential for giving people a real second chance,” said Nicole Miller, Chief Legal Officer at LegalZoom and Board Member of Defy Ventures. “Our ongoing investment in Defy Ventures’ impactful programs reflects our commitment to social equity and empowering individuals to rebuild their lives and communities.” Defy Ventures offers a range of holistic programs, including CEO of Your New Life , Entrepreneur Bootcamp , and Business Accelerator , which equip individuals with the business and confidence-building skills they need to succeed. The mental health and wellbeing program, first launched in 2023 with funding from LegalZoom, integrates trauma-informed principles into the full suite of Defy’s programs, offering a critical layer of support for participants facing past trauma and the challenges of reintegration. These combined efforts had allowed Defy to maintain a three-year recidivism rate of less than 15%, far below the national average. In 2025, LegalZoom will deepen its commitment to Defy Ventures’ mental health and wellbeing programs, providing $100,000 in funding to support and expand critical mental health resources. This funding will allow Defy Ventures to: Revise and Enhance Curriculum: Incorporate trauma-informed care principles into program materials to create a supportive, safe environment for all participants. Expand Support Groups: Offer mental health and wellbeing support groups for post-release clients, giving them a space to find peer support as they navigate reentry. Train Staff in Trauma-Informed Care: Equip staff with best practices in trauma-informed care through dedicated training sessions. Provide Ongoing Technical Support: Facilitate regular case conferences and technical support to deepen staff expertise on mental health and wellness topics. “People with criminal histories face myriad collateral consequences after their return to society. Partners like LegalZoom are instrumental in giving them a real chance at a fresh start by supporting our whole-person programs,” said Andrew Glazier, President and CEO at Defy Ventures. “LegalZoom’s focus on expanding our mental health and wellbeing practice will be a game-changer for our clients, providing essential support as they build new skills, launch business ideas, and work toward a stable future.” Since the beginning of its partnership with Defy Ventures in 2021, LegalZoom has made a meaningful impact through funding, volunteer support, and product donations, helping Defy transform the lives of individuals re-entering society. Previous contributions from LegalZoom have enabled Defy to: Fund a cohort at the California Women’s Facility (2021-2022) Support post-release services, including career pathways, a 17-week Entrepreneurship Bootcamp, and Business Accelerator courses (2022-2023) Launch and expand the Mental Health and Wellbeing practice with the hiring of Dr. Yehudah Pryce, Senior Director of National Mental Health & Wellbeing Programs (2023-2024) Through this expanded partnership, LegalZoom and Defy Ventures continue to provide a second chance for those often overlooked by society, empowering them to create meaningful change in their own lives and in their communities. Together, they are working toward a future where every individual has the tools, support, and mental resilience needed to succeed. About LegalZoom LegalZoom is a leading online platform for business formation in the United States. Driven by a mission to unleash entrepreneurship, LegalZoom delivers comprehensive legal and compliance products and expertise for small business owners through easy-to-use technology. From free business formations to business management solutions and professional advisory services, LegalZoom supports millions of small business owners and their families throughout the entrepreneurial journey. Founded on the belief that everyone should have affordable access to legal and financial expertise, LegalZoom empowers entrepreneurs to make their dream a reality. For more information, please visit www.legalzoom.com. Contact: press@legalzoom.com
JERUSALEM — Israel approved a United States-brokered ceasefire agreement with Lebanon's Hezbollah on Tuesday, setting the stage for an end to nearly 14 months of fighting linked to the ongoing war in the Gaza Strip. Israeli warplanes meanwhile carried out the most intense wave of strikes in Beirut and its southern suburbs since the start of the conflict and issued a record number of evacuation warnings. At least 24 people were killed in strikes across the country, according to local authorities, as Israel signaled it aims to keep pummeling Hezbollah before the ceasefire is set to take hold at 4 a.m. local time on Wednesday. Another huge airstrike shook Beirut shortly after the ceasefire was announced. Israel's security Cabinet approved the ceasefire agreement late Tuesday after it was presented by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, his office said. U.S. President Joe Biden, speaking in Washington, called the agreement “good news” and said his administration would make a renewed push for a ceasefire in Gaza. An Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire would mark the first major step toward ending the regionwide unrest triggered by Hamas’ attack on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023. But it does not address the devastating war in Gaza, where Hamas is still holding dozens of hostages and the conflict is more intractable. U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has vowed to bring peace to the Middle East without saying how. The Biden administration spent much of this year trying to broker a ceasefire and hostage release in Gaza but the talks repeatedly sputtered to a halt. Still, any halt to the fighting in Lebanon is expected to reduce the likelihood of war between Israel and Iran, which backs both Hezbollah and Hamas and exchanged direct fire with Israel on two occasions earlier this year. Netanyahu presented the ceasefire proposal to Cabinet ministers after a televised address in which he listed a series of accomplishments against Israel’s enemies across the region. He said a ceasefire with Hezbollah would further isolate Hamas in Gaza and allow Israel to focus on its main enemy, Iran, which backs both groups. “If Hezbollah breaks the agreement and tries to rearm, we will attack,” he said. “For every violation, we will attack with might.” The ceasefire deal calls for a two-month initial halt in fighting and would require Hezbollah to end its armed presence in a broad swath of southern Lebanon, while Israeli troops would return to their side of the border. Thousands of additional Lebanese troopsand U.N. peacekeepers would deploy in the south, and an international panel headed by the United States would monitor all sides’ compliance. But implementation remains a major question mark. Israel has demanded the right to act should Hezbollah violate its obligations. Lebanese officials have rejected writing that into the proposal. Biden said Israel reserved the right to quickly resume operations in Lebanon if Hezbollah breaks the terms of the truce, but that the deal "was designed to be a permanent cessation of hostilities.” Netanyahu’s office said Israel appreciated the U.S. efforts in securing the deal but “reserves the right to act against every threat to its security.” Hezbollah has said it accepts the proposal, but a senior official with the group said Tuesday that it had not seen the agreement in its final form. “After reviewing the agreement signed by the enemy government, we will see if there is a match between what we stated and what was agreed upon by the Lebanese officials,” Mahmoud Qamati, deputy chair of Hezbollah’s political council, told the Al Jazeera news network. “We want an end to the aggression, of course, but not at the expense of the sovereignty of the state.” of Lebanon, he said. “Any violation of sovereignty is refused.” Even as Israeli, U.S, Lebanese and international officials have expressed growing optimism over a ceasefire, Israel has continued its campaign in Lebanon, which it says aims to cripple Hezbollah’s military capabilities. An Israeli strike on Tuesday leveled a residential building in the central Beirut district of Basta — the second time in recent days warplanes have hit the crowded area near the city’s downtown. At least seven people were killed and 37 wounded, according to Lebanon's Health Ministry. Strikes on Beirut's southern suburbs killed at least one person and wounded 13, it said. Three people were killed in a separate strike in Beirut and three in a strike on a Palestinian refugee camp in southern Lebanon. Lebanese state media said another 10 people were killed in the eastern Baalbek province. Israel says it targets Hezbollah fighters and their infrastructure. Israel also struck a building in Beirut's bustling commercial district of Hamra for the first time, hitting a site that is around 400 meters (yards) from Lebanon’s Central Bank. There were no reports of casualties. The Israeli military said it struck targets in Beirut and other areas linked to Hezbollah's financial arm. The evacuation warnings covered many areas, including parts of Beirut that previously have not been targeted. The warnings, coupled with fear that Israel was ratcheting up attacks before a ceasefire, sent residents fleeing. Traffic was gridlocked, and some cars had mattresses tied to them. Dozens of people, some wearing their pajamas, gathered in a central square, huddling under blankets or standing around fires as Israeli drones buzzed loudly overhead. Hezbollah, meanwhile, kept up its rocket fire, triggering air raid sirens across northern Israel. Israeli military spokesman Avichay Adraee issued evacuation warnings for 20 buildings in Beirut's southern suburbs, where Hezbollah has a major presence, as well as a warning for the southern town of Naqoura where the U.N. peacekeeping mission, UNIFIL, is headquartered. UNIFIL spokesperson Andrea Tenenti told The Associated Press that peacekeepers will not evacuate. The Israeli military also said its ground troops clashed with Hezbollah forces and destroyed rocket launchers in the Slouqi area on the eastern end of the Litani River, a few kilometers (miles) from the Israeli border. Under the ceasefire deal, Hezbollah would be required to move its forces north of the Litani, which in some places is about 30 kilometers (20 miles) north of the border. Hezbollah began firing into northern Israel, saying it was showing support for the Palestinians, a day after Hamas carried out its Oct. 7, 2023, attack on southern Israel, triggering the Gaza war. Israel returned fire on Hezbollah, and the two sides have been exchanging barrages ever since. Israel escalated its campaign of bombardment in mid-September and later sent troops into Lebanon, vowing to put an end to Hezbollah fire so tens of thousands of evacuated Israelis could return to their homes. More than 3,760 people have been killed by Israeli fire in Lebanon the past 13 months, many of them civilians, according to Lebanese health officials. The bombardment has driven 1.2 million people from their homes. Israel says it has killed more than 2,000 Hezbollah members. Hezbollah fire has forced some 50,000 Israelis to evacuate in the country’s north, and its rockets have reached as far south in Israel as Tel Aviv. At least 75 people have been killed, more than half of them civilians. More than 50 Israeli soldiers have died in the ground offensive in Lebanon.Vladimir Putin has "boxed himself in" with his nuclear threats, according to a defense analyst. This comments come after the Russian President announced that Russia had deployed an experimental hypersonic ballistic missile in Ukraine . Dr Paul van Hooft of Rand Europe suggests that Putin's choice to use a weapon other than an ICBM - as Ukraine initially claimed - indicates a degree of "bluffing." He also noted that this is not a viable long-term strategy. Terrifying nuclear map shows areas where 75% would die if WW3 broke out Stephen Hawking's end-of-world prediction supported by NASA Putin stated that Russia 's Oreshnik missile targeted a military facility in Dnipro in eastern Ukraine , framing it as a response to Ukraine 's use of NATO-supplied long-range missiles, such as the British-supplied Storm Shadows. Putin highlighted the missile's advanced capabilities, precision, and speed, asserting that this action showcased Russia 's ability to counter Western military technology. However, Dr van Hooft questioned whether it truly makes a significant strategic difference, telling Daily Express: "Hypersonics were fairly hyped four years ago, but they are not particularly more or less dangerous than a ballistic missile. "They're actually slower than a ballistic missile in its terminal phase, but somewhat more maneuverable, though a Manoeuvrable reentry vehicle (MARV) would have some of those advantages as well." Evaluating Putin's goals, Dr van Hooft added: "It is a signal foremost. However, Putin has been trapping himself since the invasion by constantly raising the nuclear spectre. "One cannot bluff forever, as the threats lose their value. This seems to me - but I cannot read minds – as an escalation calculated to not irrevocably lead to nuclear use. "But the war continues, and it is becoming trickier to know how to signal." Dr van Hooft suggested that Putin was "running out of ways to sound menacing." The West reacted with alarm to the missile test, seeing it as a provocation and an escalation of the conflict. The US condemned the use of experimental weapons in a war zone, while NATO expressed concerns about the security implications of hypersonic missile technology. Analysts in the West highlighted that the test was a signal to deter further Western military aid to Ukraine . The deployment of the Oreshnik also renewed fears about the erosion of global arms control norms. Experts noted that hypersonic weapons are particularly destabilising due to their speed and maneuverability, making them difficult to intercept and raising the risk of miscalculations during conflicts. Russia 's announcement appears intended to project strength amid mounting pressures in Ukraine , but it has also deepened tensions with the West, potentially fueling further militarization and complicating prospects for diplomatic resolution.
LegalZoom Expands Partnership with Defy Ventures to Prioritize Mental Health for Incarcerated and Formerly Incarcerated Individuals
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Hannah Hidalgo scored 24 points and No. 6 Notre Dame defeated JuJu Watkins and third-ranked Southern California 74-61 on Saturday in a marquee matchup on the West Coast. Watkins and the Trojans (4-1) fell behind early and were down 21 points in the fourth quarter. She had 24 points, six rebounds and five assists. Hidalgo came out shooting well, hitting 5 of 8 from the floor in the first quarter and had 16 points at the break. She added six rebounds and eight assists. Hidalgo's backcourt mate, Olivia Miles, added 20 points, eight rebounds and seven assists for the Fighting Irish (5-0). Even though Hidalgo outshone her, Watkins’ imprint was all over the game. A documentary about her life aired on NBC leading into the nationally televised game. A buzz arose when Snoop Dogg walked in shortly before tipoff wearing a jacket in USC colors with Watkins' name and number on the front and back. Her sister, Mali, sang the national anthem. Notre Dame: The Irish struck quickly, racing to a 20-10 lead in the opening quarter. Even after cooling off a bit, they never trailed and stayed poised when the Trojans got within three in the second and third quarters. USC: The Trojans were without starting guard Kennedy Smith, whose defense on Hidalgo would have proven valuable. It was announced shortly before tipoff that she had a surgical procedure and will return at some point this season. The Trojans got within three points three times but the Irish remained poised and never gave up the lead. Notre Dame's defense forced the Trojans into 21 turnovers, which led to 22 points for the Irish. Watkins, Kaleigh Heckel and Talia von Oelhoffen had five each. USC was just 1 of 13 from 3-point range Notre Dame plays TCU on Nov. 29 in the Cayman Islands Classic. USC plays Seton Hall in the Women's Acrisure Holiday Invitational on Nov. 27 in Palm Desert, California. Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here. AP women’s college basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-womens-college-basketball-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/womens-college-basketball
Tetairoa McMillan, one of the best wide receivers in Arizona history, will skip his final year of eligibility and enter the 2025 NFL Draft, he announced on social media on Thursday. Projected as a top-10 draft pick, the 6-foot-5, 212-pound McMillan finished his illustrious career at Arizona with 3,423 receiving yards, breaking the mark set by Bobby Wade (3,351). In three seasons, the Hawaii native also posted the fourth-most catches (213) and third-most touchdowns (26) in school history. "Wildcat Nation, this journey has been everything I dreamed of and more," McMillan wrote on Instagram. "From the moment I committed to the University of Arizona, to every second spent wearing that Arizona jersey ... it's been an absolute honor. "The University of Arizona has provided me with the platform to grow and chase my dreams. ... Thank you from the bottom of my heart. To the best fans in the country, I appreciate you for all of the love and support you have given me these last 3 years. I will always be a Wildcat." In 2024, McMillan totaled 84 grabs (ninth in Division I) for 1,319 yards (third in Division I) and eight touchdowns for the 4-8 Wildcats. He also ranked third in Division I with 109.9 receiving yards per game. McMillan is a finalist for the Biletnikoff Award, given to the most outstanding receiver in college football. --Field Level Media
Some refugees are experiencing so much unexpected racism in Australia they wish they never came. "From education, employment, social settings including sports, service access, racism has such a significant impact on refugees' lives," Refugee Council Deputy CEO Adama Kamara said. "Some say to me they've made such long journeys to get here, if they knew what it would have been like they may not have come." 'Insidious and profoundly damaging': Australia's systemic racism revealed An anti-racism report from the Australian Human Rights Commission , billed as the most comprehensive plan in the nation's history, was delivered to the federal government on Tuesday. It calls for a number of major legal and policy changes such as the introduction of a national framework with 10-year commitments that include acknowledgement of the "systemic and structural nature of racism" and "historical and ongoing impacts of settler colonisation on First Nations peoples". Among the 63 recommendations, the framework calls for political accountability, something Kamara said is vital for the livelihood of refugees. "We've seen time and time again how refugees are used for political football," she said. "It's to the detriment of human rights commitments but also to refugees' lives, all these actions are counterproductive to a belonging society." The council has heard countless stories of people from the African diaspora experiencing racism in the streets, which Kamara said is linked to the way police, the media and politicians have been talking about Sudanese communities and the alleged link to increased crime. "Those comments have caused a lot of damage in how communities see themselves." She said the government now faces the task of tackling the issue head-on, and not shying away from the "hard conversations". "I would like this to not be a matter for the election because then it's about winning votes and not people's lives," she said. Refugees are finding it hard to rent a home in Australia for this 'pervasive' reason The commission also calls for the introduction of a national human rights act and for a positive duty clause to be added to the Racial Discrimination Act, forcing businesses and employers to implement anti-discrimination policies. The framework would also include an agreed national definition of racism for Indigenous people. One of the report's overarching recommendations is for the federal government to lead a national response to racism, beginning with truth-telling and self-determination for Indigenous people. This would include anti-racism lessons in schools and enshrining the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples into Australian law. A spokesman for Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus commended the commissioner and said the government would work through the recommendations. "No Australian should be targeted because of who they are or what they believe," he said. "Australians should be able to live their lives without fear of being attacked or treated differently because of their race."
Police deny sitting on evidence as Netflix doc brings renewed attention to JonBenet Ramsey’s killing
Tundra Buggy. It’s a fun thing to say and even more fun to ride on. Picture your childhood school bus painted white, thrown into the air on top of six-foot-high wheels, tripled in width and with windows — that are basically the same as regular school bus windows. There’s still a driver who will ask you to behave and sit down when you’re supposed to. But if all goes well they will take you right up to some Polar Bears. This vehicle is where you’ll be spending most of your quality time on a Polar Bears Conservation Journey with Frontiers North Adventures , and it’s one of the richest travel experiences you’ll ever have. The trip begins with a charter flight from Winnipeg, Canada all the way up north to Churchill , just shy of the Arctic Circle. The town is billed as the ‘Polar Bear Capital of the World’ and the bears pass through this area every fall as they wait for ice to form over Hudson Bay. Polar bears are very curious creatures but they do not feel threatened by the vehicle or the people on it. Some will walk right up and stretch up to the bottom of your window — being ten feet above the ground puts you safely out of their reach. Others will walk by and completely ignore you. A few will be shy and avoid the buggy altogether. Strict rules are in place: no calling to the bears, making noise or doing anything to get their attention. And especially: nothing to do with food . Violating any of these guidelines cancels your buggy ride for the day – and will earn the wrath of your travel mates. The unique experience of seeing Polar Bears in the wild creates a camaraderie among the group. Many have booked the expedition years in advance. While every passenger has their own window, people are very accommodating about sliding over and making room if the action is taking place on the other side of the bus. The sounds of slamming windows down to take photos and then slamming them back up to keep the Tundra Buggy warm is a constant rhythm on the trip. Before heading out to the tundra you’ll spend your first day and evening in Churchill, visiting the local museum , a Polar Bear experience center and taking a dogsledding ride with Wapusk Adventures . Owner Dave Daley will also give a talk on the local Métis culture; people who share both European and Indigenous ancestry. Then you’re taken to the outskirts of town where you’ll walk up 12 steps to a landing and enter the Tundra Buggy. After that it’ll be a few days before you set foot on the ground again. And where else would you drive in a Tundra Buggy but to a Tundra Buggy Lodge. This will be your home for the experience — high up above the ground in a group of interconnected large train-style cars that are wheeled in and out every season. There are two sleeping cars for guests divided into berths of upper and lower bunk beds — out on the tundra this is five-star luxury. Rest assured the beds are comfortable and have privacy curtains and outlets. Each car also has full showers and bathrooms. There is a lounge car for socializing with games and wifi where most people gather before and after dinner. It’s also where lectures are given by wildlife experts and researchers from Polar Bear International . Frontiers North Adventures supports the work of the organization by giving them their own Tundra Buggy, facilities and donating a portion of the proceeds from their bookings. And if bunk beds are a necessary compromise for the experience, the dining car, known as Dan’s Diner, is true gourmet — and along with more familiar fare also specializes in local delicacies like bison lasagna, elk and arctic char. While most of your sightings will be from the Tundra Buggy don’t be surprised if there is a sudden rush to the windows during dinner because some Polar Bears have come by to explore the outside of the lodge. Or you might have dessert interrupted when someone yells out that the Northern Lights are visible. There is an observation deck above the lounge car just for occasions like this. The ‘Conservation Journey’ trip has you out for three full days on the Tundra Buggy. You’ll leave the lodge early in the morning after breakfast and will not return until late afternoon. A lunch of soup and sandwiches is served onboard. Similar to a safari trip, drivers from multiple vehicles connect with each other to see where Polar Bears have been sighted that day. Unlike safaris, however, the Tundra Buggies stick to a set of pre-worn tracks to help protect the environment. They also try their best not to track and follow the animals or get in the middle of their path. The drivers know the territory and aim to park the vehicle in the best position and then stay put. Using your phone you can get some amazing photos and video, but if there’s one trip where you want to up your photography skills and gear this is it. A zoom lens of at least 100-400mm is recommended, but if possible I’d go even longer. Members of your Frontiers North Adventures team are experienced photographers and they will do their best to help you get great shots with whatever you have with you. And while Polar Bears are the main attraction, there is plenty of other amazing wildlife to get in front of your lens. On my journey we saw Arctic Foxes, Willow Ptarmigans (birds that lose their red and brown colors for winter and become white) as well as an extremely rare sighting of an Arctic Wolf. Our driver said it was the first one he had seen in years. Watching Polar Bears in their natural habitat is an experience that will never leave you. Our group saw mothers and cubs taking naps together and going for walks. We spent quality time with one male Polar Bear who liked to bury himself in a snow bed and then poke his head out like a game of hide-and-seek. One bear fell through an ice hole and then struggled for fifteen minutes to get back out (he made it). And one time I was on the outdoor viewing deck in back while I was photographing an approaching bear. As he went under the platform I was racing to the other side to keep shooting and then realized — I could see him beneath me through the grated metal floor. I was only inches away from the world’s largest carnivore — right under my feet. Frontiers North Adventures is a family-run company that has been operating since 1987. Along with providing experiences of a lifetime for guests they are also dedicated to local conservation efforts. They are a Certified B Corporation , focussing on sustainability, as well as a financial supporter of Polar Bears International and the Raincoast Conservation Foundation . And their entire team, from the dining crew to the drivers to the guides, made sure this was a special experience for all the guests. A common question I’ve gotten: is it safe to be out among the Polar Bears? When you first enter the airport in Churchill you’ll see a ‘Welcome To Polar Bear Country’ sign along with the world’s only 911 hotline dedicated to one animal. Except it’s not ‘911’ — it’s a full 10-digit number with no cute mnemonic to memorize so it’s best to have it programmed beforehand if you need it. Most likely you won’t — but having a ‘Polar Bear Alert’ number in your phone contacts is a great conversation starter. There is always a chance of a Polar Bear straying into town — but the only one I saw was on the latte art of my morning coffee. The Frontiers North team is constantly with you in Churchill, and once you leave the town you are always safely above the Polar Bears in both the Tundra Buggy and Lodge. Remember, what makes this experience so amazing is its authenticity. Follow the common-sense rules of the area and you’ll protect yourself, the Polar Bears and the environment and have one of your most unique adventures ever. Experiences with Frontiers North Adventures are often booked a year or more in advance. Check here for 2025 and 2026 schedules .
The name Boris Epshteyn—which belongs to a top aide to Donald Trump—has appeared in not one but two jaw-droppingly scandalous headlines out of the president-elect’s camp in the past week. Last Monday, it broke that Elon Musk had reportedly confronted Epshteyn at a Mar-a-Lago dinner table with an accusation that he had leaked potential Trump cabinet picks to the media, sparking a “massive blow-up.” But an even bigger bombshell dropped yesterday, when it emerged that Epshteyn was being investigated by the Trump transition team’s own lawyers over credible concerns that he shook down potential Trump administration candidates for hundreds of thousands of dollars. While he now appears poised for a fall from Trumpian grace, Epshteyn had until recently held a key position in Trump’s inner circle on the back of a precipitous rise. ADVERTISEMENT So here’s what to know about the man who has been one of the president-elect’s most influential advisors—from his personal ties to the Trump family, to his early days as Trump’s personal “TV attack dog,” to his emotionally explosive run-ins with the law, to his eyebrow-raising connections to Russia, to his latest headline-grabbing scandals. Entrance Into the Trump Orbit How did Epshteyn go from a bit player in Republican politics to holding the ear of a once and future president? Epshteyn first entered the Trump orbit when he became college buddies with his second-eldest son, Eric Trump. The two overlapped at Georgetown University in the early 2000s, and Epshteyn attended the younger Trump’s wedding in 2014, according to The New York Times . Epshteyn said he was “proud to call [Eric Trump] a friend” after the latter gave a speech at the 2016 Republican National Convention. Before signing on to Team Trump, Epshteyn’s political claim to fame was his brief post-law-school stint in 2008 as a communications aide for late Sen. John McCain’s unsuccessful presidential campaign. After that, he was a managing director for a small investment bank, West America Securities, whose CEO was a close friend of his uncle, per the Times . Epshteyn’s time there ended, though, after the firm—known for its run-ins with regulators—was in 2013 effectively shut down by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority. Although he made occasional television appearances as a Republican analyst in 2012, it was during Trump’s first presidential campaign, in 2016, that Epshteyn made a name for himself as Trump’s “TV attack dog,” as the Times dubbed him at the time. He became a recognizable character on cable news, brazenly defending Trump against scandal upon scandal in the lead-up to his first presidential win. “Boris takes a certain amount of delight in trying to bully the interviewer,” MSNBC host Joy Reid told the Times in 2016. “He sees every night as combat and he goes in as very combative.” “Boris is abrasive,” she added. “That is who he is both on the air and off.” Epshteyn’s dauntless belligerence apparently impressed Trump, who named him a special assistant in his first administration. After-Hours Legal Troubles Epshteyn’s pugnacious personality apparently bleeds into his personal life, as well. In 2014, he faced assault charges over a bar fight in Scottsdale, Arizona, per the Times . They were dropped, however, after he agreed to take anger-management classes and perform community service. That wasn’t the last of Epshteyn’s explosive encounters with law enforcement, however. He was arrested again in Arizona, in 2021, after repeatedly groping two women in a nightclub. Epshteyn pleaded guilty after prosecutors reduced the charges from attempted sexual assault and assault-touching to just disorderly conduct. He was ordered to pay a fine and serve probation. The arrest was captured in police body-cam footage that emerged in August 2023, while Epshteyn was working on Trump’s second successful campaign for president. Ties to Russia Epshteyn, who was born and raised in Moscow, has raised eyebrows for his outlook on Russia and his efforts to influence Trump on the matter. Broadcast news outlets were admonished by Media Matters for allowing Epshteyn to appear on behalf Trump, and sometimes offer defenses of Russian President Vladimir Putin, without disclosing his own business ties to the country. He was reportedly consulting for companies operating out of Eastern Europe and moderated a 2013 investment conference panel titled “Invest in Moscow!” that featured mostly Russian government officials. Earlier this month, the Times reported that Epshteyn had made a bid to be a special envoy to the Russia-Ukraine war in the upcoming Trump administration despite having no foreign policy experience. On a plane flying to Washington, D.C., for Trump’s post-election meeting with Joe Biden, Epshteyn tried to convince the president-elect’s team that he was worthy of the role because he had relatives on both sides of the conflict. Reportedly, several people on the plane were shocked and troubled by the prospect—but Trump was not among them. Although he did not promise him the position, he listened to Epshteyn’s case with apparent interest. Efforts to Overturn 2020 Election Epshteyn, along with Rudy Giuliani, was one of the lawyers who masterminded Trump’s efforts to prevent Joe Biden from taking office after he beat Trump in the 2020 election. He was a leading figure in the team’s Washington-based election-overturning “command center” during the days leading up the Jan. 6, 2021, attempted insurrection. He has openly admitted to working on the infamous “alternate electors” scheme, which intended to implant pro-Trump electors in key states that the former president had lost. Earlier this year, he was indicted for his efforts to flip the election outcome in Arizona. Epshteyn also reportedly masterminded Trump’s legal strategy in the face of an array of criminal investigations over the past several years, urging Trump to delay the proceedings as much as possible, according to the Times . The aggressive strategy appears to have paid off, with Trump back in the White House and the Justice Department’s charges against him dropped. But other members of the president’s legal team have been unsparingly critical of his advice. “I don’t know where [Epshteyn] filed his law license,” an anonymous source close to Trump t old Politico . “They must be selling them at 7-11. I don’t think it serves the president well to be taking legal advice from Boris and hopefully he will see that sometime soon.” Butting Heads With a Billionaire Last week, Elon Musk, a relative newcomer to the Trump circle, is reported to have loudly and publicly accused Epshteyn of leaking Trump administration picks to the media. The “huge explosion” was the boiling of persisting “tensions” between the two men, according to Axios. Epshteyn reportedly pleaded ignorance to Musk’s allegations. Before the blow-up, Musk had questioned whether Epshteyn—who reportedly pushed for Trump’s most controversial and eventually flubbed cabinet nominee, Matt Gaetz—has had an undue level of influence on the president-elect’s picks. Neither the transition team, Epshteyn, or Musk commented to Axios on the report. Pay to Play Now, Epshteyn has suffered a blow that might just knock him back out of the Trump orbit—although only time will tell. The transition team’s own lawyers found evidence that Epshteyn had asked for thousands of dollars from officials in exchange for the aide’s efforts to have Trump name them to the new administration, according to The New York Times . Scott Bessent, Trump’s pick for treasury secretary, was one of the people who was approached by Epshteyn about a possible deal. The men met in February, and Epshteyn asked for a monthly fee of $30,000 to $40,000 in exchange for his support. Bessent reportedly turned down the offer. Epshteyn also solicited $100,000 from another unnamed figure, described as a defense contractor, although they too declined the offer. Former Gov. Missouri Gov. Eric Greitens also told the transition team, according to CBS News, that “Mr. Epshteyn’s overall tone and behavior gave me the impression of an implicit expectation to engage in business dealings with him before he would advocate for or suggest my appointment to the President.” “This created a sense of unease and pressure on my part,” he added, explaining that he was worried about the ethics of Ephsteyn’s implied deal. “Very specifically, I was concerned that there was an offer to advance a nomination in return for financial payments,” Greitens said. Epshteyn has denied the allegations against him. “I am honored to work for President Trump and with his team,” he said in a statement to the Daily Beast. “These fake claims are false and defamatory and will not distract us from Making America Great Again.” Trump’s transition team appeared to suggest Wednesday that the scandal was behind them. “As is standard practice, a broad review of the campaign’s consulting agreements has been conducted and completed, including as to Boris, among others,” spokesman Steven Cheung told the Beast. “We are now moving ahead together as a team to help President Trump Make America Great Again.”Sarawak Sukma singles champion Ling Ching quits BAM
... The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said part of its measures to strengthen the electoral system is to phase out the Permanent Voter’s Cards (PVCs), as means of voter identification on election day. INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, at a meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners (REC) in Abuja on Thursday, disclosed that 142 areas of amendments were identified from the recommendations contained in the 524-page report on the conduct of the 2023 general elections. The recommendations, according to him, include the general state of preparedness, voter management, voter education and public communication, political parties and candidate management. Others include electoral operations and logistics management, election officials and personnel, partnership and collaboration, monitoring and supervision, election technology, voting and result management, election security, electoral offences and the electoral legal framework. “There are eight recommendations that require legislative action by the National Assembly,” he said. Prof. Yakubu stated that out of this number, 86 of the recommendations require administrative action by the commission, stating that “very soon, the commission will make a presentation to the joint committee of the Senate and House of Representatives on Electoral Matters as they continue to deliberate on electoral reform.” According to him, with the introduction of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), the use of the permanent voters’ cards (PVC) as the sole means of identification for voter accreditation on election day should be reviewed. Though he assured that those who already have the PVCs could still use them to vote, “but going forward, computer-generated slips issued to the voter or even downloaded from the Commission’s website will suffice for voter accreditation.” The INEC Chairman said this will not only save cost, it will also eliminate the issues around the collection of PVCs and the practice of buying up the cards from voters in order to disenfranchise them. He disclosed that the commission intends to review the mechanisms for a more effective implementation of agreements on logistics with the transport unions and other service providers, and said INEC will consolidate on its recent experience in Ondo State governorship election. “Similarly, the commission will step up action on voter access and distribution to polling units. “As a matter of urgency, the commission also intends to develop protocols for the cleaning up of the voters’ register in collaboration with other agencies such as the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) and the National Population Commission (NPC). “Other areas of reform include advocacy for affirmative action for greater participation of under-represented groups, a more robust voter education and public communication to combat fake news and misinformation,” he stated. Prof. Yakubu noted that there were also recommendations in support of diaspora voting, the unbundling of INEC with the establishment of electoral offences tribunal and a separate agency to handle the registration and regulation of political parties. He further noted that the recommendations noted that INEC officials, security personnel, ad hoc staff, observers and journalists who are deployed outside the places where they registered to vote, do not vote in elections. Prof. Yakubu stated that the meeting with the RECs was because of their frontline role in the implementation of the recommendations. The INEC Chairman said that 48 recommendations of the report require action by a variety of stakeholders, including security agencies, mobile network operators, statutory bodies, political parties, transport unions, civil society organisations and the media. He stated that the meeting with the REC would focus on issues of planning and reform learning from the experience of the 2023 general election. “Having released our 524-page main report on the election, a copy of which is available on our website, we have consulted widely internally with our own officials and externally with all major stakeholders. “With the conclusion of five major off-cycle Governorship elections and nine out of 21 bye-elections since the 2023 general election, this is the most appropriate time for us to commence the implementation of the recommendations arising from our review of the general election,” he added.
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