In a negotiated prisoner exchange between the United States and Russia, the lesbian WNBA star Brittney Griner was released by the Russians in exchange for an arms dealer named Viktor Bout, who was being held by the USA.
In other news, a display of the Satanic Temple currently appears alongside a Christian nativity scene on the grounds of the state capitol in Illinois.
To see the headlines and the articles, click “Continue reading” below.
Thanks to Dean, DV, LP, MM, Reader from Chicago, Roger, SS, and all the other tipsters who sent these in.
Notice to tipsters: Please don’t submit extensive excerpts from articles that have been posted behind a subscription firewall, or are otherwise under copyright protection.
Caveat: Articles in the news feed are posted “as is”. Gates of Vienna cannot vouch for the authenticity or accuracy of the contents of any individual item posted here. I check each entry to make sure it is relatively interesting, not patently offensive, and at least superficially plausible. The link to the original is included with each item’s title. Further research and verification are left to the reader.
FTX Begins Forensic Investigation to Find Billions in Missing Funds
New management at the crashing cryptocurrency company FTX has hired a group of forensic investigators from AlixPartners, an advisory firm that partners with companies dealing with bankruptcy and restructuring and also has a deep commitment to left-wing causes such as ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance), Black Lives Matter, and radical gender ideology, to help lead FTX out of its current financial quagmire, including its loss of billions of dollars of customer funds.
According to the Wall Street Journal, the forensic team is being led by a former chief accountant for the Securities and Exchange Commission’s enforcement division, Matt Jacques.
| — Hat tip: Reader from Chicago | [Return to headlines] |
Nigeria Limits ATM Withdrawals to $45 Per Day to Force Govt-Controlled Digital Payments
A staggering number of Nigerians love Bitcoin, but hate government cryptocurrency (CBDCs).
In April, leading cryptocurrency exchange KuCoin noted that 35% of the adult population in Nigeria — roughly 34 million adults aged 18-60, own bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies. But when it came to the country’s Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC), the eNaira, it was a massive failure.
According to Bloomberg, only 1 in 200 Nigerians use the eNaira — despite government implemented discounts and other incentives, implemented as desperate measures to increase adoption.
Now, the government is looking to boost digital payments by limiting ATM withdrawals to just 20,000 naira, or roughly US$45 per day, Bloomberg reports, citing a circular sent to lenders on Tuesday. The previous withdrawal limit was 150,000 naira (US$350).
Weekly cash withdrawals from banks are now limited (without fee) to 100,000 naira (US$225) for individuals, and 500,000 naira (US$1,125) for corporations. Any amount above this will incur a fee of 5% and 10% respectively.
| — Hat tip: Reader from Chicago | [Return to headlines] |
Earlier this week the head of the CBI, Tony Danker, said the UK had reached a point of stagflation and risked a lost decade of growth. We look at its impact on equity markets.
| — Hat tip: SS | [Return to headlines] |
Vanguard Group, One of ‘Big Three’ Index Fund Managers, Quits ESG-Oriented ‘Net Zero’ Group
How It Started: In October, my colleague Mike LaChance noted Wall Street’s enthusiasm for ESG (environmental, social, and governance) investing was already starting to wane.
How It’s Going: One of the “Big Three” index fund managers is now quitting an ESG-oriented group.
Vanguard Group Inc. is walking out of the world’s largest climate-finance alliance, marking the coalition’s biggest defection to date as US Republicans step up their threats against firms deemed hostile toward the fossil-fuel industry.
| — Hat tip: Reader from Chicago | [Return to headlines] |
ADL CEO Jonathan Greenblatt told The Breakfast Club in a stunning slip-up that he organized the cancelation of Kanye “Ye” West because “if we don’t get him” then the “myth” of Jewish power will spread.
| — Hat tip: Reader from Chicago | [Return to headlines] |
The Biden administration forgave thousands of dollars in COVID-19 relief loans handed to a George Soros-backed charity that may have illegally failed to disclose its lobbying activities, records show.
In May 2020, Alianza Americas was approved through the Paycheck Protection Program for an almost $125,000 loan, which was forgiven in April 2021, according to public records. That same pro-immigration nonprofit group, however, may have violated federal law by failing to disclose its lobbying activities in 2019 and 2020, the National Legal and Policy Center, a conservative watchdog, alleged in an October IRS complaint obtained by the Washington Examiner.
| — Hat tip: Reader from Chicago | [Return to headlines] |
Breaking: Twitter Files Reveal Libs of TikTok Suspended Despite Not Violating Policy
With the second round of Twitter Files came revelations that the social media giant had suspended Libs of TikTok despite acknowledging that the popular account had not violated any policies.
While other notable figures were blacklisted via a number of internal tags, Twitter took things one step further with Libs of TikTok, flagging the account with a big red label that read, “DO NOT TAKE ACTION ON USER WITHOUT CONSULTING WITH SIP-PES.”
| — Hat tip: Reader from Chicago | [Return to headlines] |
Breaking: House Passes Bill to End Vaccine Mandates for Military Personnel in Defense Package
The House has passed an $858 billion defense bill, known as the National Defense Authorization Act, which would see an end to vaccine mandates for military personnel. The bill now heads to the Senate.
The bill has led to some controversy due to its rescinding of the Covid vaccine mandate for military personnel. On Wednesday, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters that the move by Republicans in Congress to scrap the mandate is a “mistake.”
| — Hat tip: Reader from Chicago | [Return to headlines] |
Dems Kick Frumpy Climate Activist Greta to the Curb, Replace Her With a Soft-Spoken, Hot Blonde…
The left may have finally figured out that frumpy and obnoxious teenagers are not the best way to promote their precious “climate change.”
Greta Thunberg, the homely-looking Swedish climate activist with an angsty personality, splashed on the scene back in 2018, when she was only 15-years old.
But where’s Greta now? It seems as if she’s fallen off the weather map.
First Post:
Greta Thunberg, who inspired a global movement, has been out of the limelight in recent times. Her silence on burning issues has led some to believe that her days of activism are behind her.
Well, they may be right. Because it looks like the left has upgraded their climate activist. Greta 2.0 is a 20-year-old blonde Iranian-American named Sophia Kianni.
She’s beautiful, and she doesn’t scream and yell (yet).
| — Hat tip: Reader from Chicago | [Return to headlines] |
Independent journalist Bari Weiss was given access to Twitter’s internal files by Twitter CEO Elon Musk. And they are bad. The Twitter suppression files Part two are titled: Twitter’s Secret Blacklists.
And it can be revealed for the first time that Fox News star Dan Bongino was put on a ‘search blacklist’ by Twitter’s former regime.
Bari reported: “A new #TwitterFiles investigation reveals that teams of Twitter employees build blacklists, prevent disfavored tweets from trending, and actively limit the visibility of entire accounts or even trending topics—all in secret, without informing users.
| — Hat tip: Reader from Chicago | [Return to headlines] |
Elon Musk Releases Twitter Files Part: Twitter’s Secret Blacklists
Independent journalist Bari Weiss was given access to Twitter’s internal files by Twitter CEO Elon Musk. They released the Twitter suppression files part two. She wrote: “THREAD: THE TWITTER FILES PART TWO. TWITTER’S SECRET BLACKLISTS.
“A new #TwitterFiles investigation reveals that teams of Twitter employees build blacklists, prevent disfavored tweets from trending, and actively limit the visibility of entire accounts or even trending topics—all in secret, without informing users.
“Twitter once had a mission “to give everyone the power to create and share ideas and information instantly, without barriers.” Along the way, barriers nevertheless were erected.
| — Hat tip: Reader from Chicago | [Return to headlines] |
Twitter Elon Musk reached his limit with U.S. House Rep Adam Schiff (D-CA) and publicly scolded the Dem Rep from California today after Adam claimed that “hate speech” was up on Twitter.
Schiff said: “On Elon Musk’s Twitter: Slurs against Black people have tripled. Slurs against women are up 33%. Slurs against Jewish people are up 61%. And slurs against gay men are up 58%.
“These numbers are abysmal — and unacceptable. Today, @RepMarkTakano and I are demanding action.” Adam made the comment early this morning. Musk ignored him for most of the day but set Adam straight in the late afternoon.
| — Hat tip: Reader from Chicago | [Return to headlines] |
Elon Musk Overrules Democrats, Lifts Twitter Ban on Roger Stone and Laura Loomer
Elon Musk overruled the Democrats and lifted the Twitter ban on Trump adviser Roger Stone and conservative activist Laura Loomer. Laura said:
“After getting BANNED on Twitter in 2018, and being digitally exterminated on nearly every other social media site, payment processor, Uber, Lyft, Uber Eats, & my own bank, I’M BACK!!!!! @ElonMus has finally unchained me from the doors of Twitter HQ! Thank you, Elon! #LOOMERED
| — Hat tip: Reader from Chicago | [Return to headlines] |
The Federal Trade Commission dealt a huge blow to Bill Gates and will try to block Microsoft Corp. from acquiring video game developer Activision Blizzard. Activision is behind games like Call of Duty.
The FTC is alleging the $69 billion deal, Microsoft’s largest ever and the largest ever in the video gaming industry, would allow Microsoft to suppress competitors to its Xbox gaming systems and its subscription content and cloud-gaming business.
“Microsoft has already shown that it can and will withhold content from its gaming rivals,” said Holly Vedova, Director of the FTC’s Bureau of Competition. “Today we seek to stop Microsoft from gaining control over a leading independent game studio and using it to harm competition in multiple dynamic and fast-growing gaming markets.”
| — Hat tip: Reader from Chicago | [Return to headlines] |
Florida Man Accused of Shooting at Deputy in Case of Road Rage
TAMPA, Fla. — A Florida man is accused of shooting at a deputy in what the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office is calling a case of road rage.
Tracy Alan Swint, 49, of Riverview, was arrested Wednesday and charged with aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer, shooting into an occupied vehicle and open carrying of a weapon, according to Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office online booking records.
The incident happened in the Tampa suburb of Riverview at about 6:03 p.m. EST, WTVT reported. Deputy Daniel Henry, 33, was headed home after a day of training when he got behind a dark green 2007 Saturn driving below the speed limit, the sheriff’s office said in a news release.
Henry said the Saturn began “brake checking” the deputy aggressively on the dark, two-lane road. When Henry attempted to pass the vehicle, Swint allegedly rolled his window down and fired a gunshot at the deputy, WTSP-TV reported. The bullet hit just behind the passenger side door and the wheel, the sheriff’s office said.
The deputy, who has been with the sheriff’s office since October 2016, was not injured. He pulled over to the side of the road and called in a description of the vehicle, according to the sheriff’s office.
Deputies stopped Swint about 10 minutes later and he allegedly confessed to the shooting, saying it was a case of road rage, WTSP reported. Swint also denied knowing that the vehicle was a marked sheriff’s office SUV.
“I’m angry that any driver would inflict violence on another human being in our community because his emotions got the best of him,” Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister said during a news conference. “I’m disappointed that any member of our Tampa Bay community would shoot at a law enforcement officer.”
Swint remains in jail, with bail set at $22,750, online records show.
| — Hat tip: Roger | [Return to headlines] |
Gun Sales Jump in Oregon With 36,000 People Waiting on Delayed Background Checks
Attempted gun purchases in Oregon continue to rise, as roughly 36,000 residents wait to purchase a firearm before a recently passed permit-to-purchase gun law takes effect, an Oregon gun store owner told Fox News.
Ballot Measure 114, often referred to as the Reduction of Gun Violence Act, narrowly passed during the midterm elections, and 36,000 Oregon residents are currently backlogged in the background check process, Karl Durkheimer, owner of Oregon’s Northwest Armory gun store, said on Fox News’ “America Reports.” The measure was originally set to take effect Thursday, but Harney County, Oregon, Judge Robert Raschio placed a hold on the measure Tuesday, with the Oregon Supreme Court upholding the decision Wednesday.
| — Hat tip: Reader from Chicago | [Return to headlines] |
Idaho Murders: Slain University Students’ Neighbor Says Front Door Left Wide Open After Attacks
MOSCOW, Idaho — A neighbor of four slain University of Idaho students whose shocking stabbing deaths remain unsolved nearly four weeks later claimed they saw the front door wide open hours after the slayings.
Kaylee Goncalves, 21; Madison Mogen, 21; Xana Kernodle, 20; and Ethan Chapin, 20, were found dead at a house just yards off campus, hours after police say someone attacked them in their sleep on Nov. 13. The three women lived there, and Chapin was visiting his girlfriend, Kernodle.
The neighbor told Fox News this week that the front door — which opens to the level where two other roommates were unharmed — was wide open around 8:30 a.m. on Nov. 13.
Police say they believe the stabbings happened between 3 a.m. and 4 a.m., when the victims were sleeping and as Moscow police officers were responding to an unrelated incident about a hundred yards away.
| — Hat tip: DV | [Return to headlines] |
America First Legal (AFL) has announced that it has filed a total of nine Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests that pertain to US State Department’s behavior in awarding grants and funding to outfits that are allegedly used as a way to “outsource” government censorship and disinformation.
The group suspects that the State Department used the Global Engagement Center (GEC) to fund “content moderation” groups, and had set aside $60 million for this purpose.
| — Hat tip: Reader from Chicago | [Return to headlines] |
John Kerry: Green Agenda Isn’t Moving ‘Fast Enough’ — ‘Everything Has to Accelerate’
Democrat President Joe Biden’s “climate czar” has declared that the green agenda isn’t moving “fast enough” and warned global leaders that “everything has to accelerate.”
Special Presidential Envoy for Climate Kerry issued the warning Thursday during an event hosted by the Washington Post.
Nations around the world need to “accelerate” the transition from fossil fuels to green energy by “vast amounts,” he claimed.
| — Hat tip: Reader from Chicago | [Return to headlines] |
Loudoun Schools Name Interim Superintendent Who Vows to Rebuild ‘Public Trust’
The Loudoun County school board appointed a new interim superintendent to replace fired Superintendent Scott Ziegler in an emergency meeting Thursday.
In a brief meeting, the board voted to appoint Daniel Smith, the district chief of staff, as the temporary replacement for Ziegler, who was abruptly fired Tuesday after a grand jury report accused him of inadequately responding to a sexual assault in a district high school and later publicly lying about it. The male perpetrator later assaulted another student at another school.
| — Hat tip: Reader from Chicago | [Return to headlines] |
Loudoun County father Scott Smith called for more heads to roll Thursday after superintendent Scott Ziegler was fired over the school’s mishandling of two sexual assault incidents, telling Fox News that Zeigler’s termination should be the first of many in the district.
“My reaction is this: It’s a year too late,” Scott Smith said on “America Reports.” “He should have been fired a year ago. The school board had what they needed, you know, they had an independent investigation…that was not released to the public, so the fact that they are hiding behind [the fact] that Ziegler did not release information to them and they are now horrified, and they voted unanimously to fire him, well, they are all responsible, too.”
| — Hat tip: Reader from Chicago | [Return to headlines] |
Motion is Filed Against California’s Medical “Misinformation” Law
Children’s Health Defense (CHD) has filed a preliminary injunction motion to prevent California from enforcing a law that will punish doctors for speaking what the state describes as COVID-19 “misinformation,” pending the conclusion of CHD’s lawsuit challenging the law.
| — Hat tip: Reader from Chicago | [Return to headlines] |
NYC Bill Would Ban Firing Workers Without “Just Cause”, Limit Employee Surveillance
A bill in New York City set to be introduced on Wednesday would ban companies from firing workers without good reason, or “just cause.”
Currently most US employees work “at-will,” meaning they can be fired for just about any reason, or for no reason at all. Under the Wednesday bill, introduced by Democratic Socialist and City Council Member Tiffany Caban, the power dynamic between workers and employees would radically shift — as jobs would be legally protected unless their boss can demonstrate misconduct, unsatisfactory performance, or a genuine economic need to eliminate their position, Bloomberg Law reports.
| — Hat tip: Reader from Chicago | [Return to headlines] |
Police: Woman, Teen Charged in Orlando Murder Chased Victim Before He Was Beaten, Stabbed & Shot
Police have released new details from their investigation into the October murder of a man who was found shot in the street near downtown Orlando.
Officers responded to the 600 block of Lexington Ave. near Lake Dot just before 10 p.m. on October 9 for reports of a person lying in the street.
Police arrived to find the victim, identified as Sean Ruben Acosta, lying face-up in the roadway. Officers noted stab wounds on Acosta at the time but a Medical Examiner later determined he died from a gunshot wound to the back.
A month after the murder, on November 10, Orlando police arrested 24-year-old Kelonshay Watson in connection to the case. Days later, they identified 17-year-old Anaitasha Santana as a second suspect.
Court documents released Thursday- after Santana was ordered to be moved from the Juvenile Justice Center to the county jail- reveal exactly what the two are accused of doing and how police tied them to the crime.
| — Hat tip: MM | [Return to headlines] |
Senate Committee to Subpoena SBF if he Does Not Testify Voluntarily
Update (8:20pm ET): Following a tidal wave of disgust, outrage and loathing at corrupt politicians, Maxine Waters took to twitter to slam the earlier CNBC report that she wouldn’t subpoena SBF as a “lie” even though just one sentence lower in her tweet she confirms that she has, in fact, not done anything yet and that a “subpoena is definitely on the table.”
Furthermore, she notes that SBF has “been requested to testify” even though as everyone knows by now, he turned down said “request” and unless he is compelled (i.e., issued a subpoena) he won’t go. But it’s cool: “A subpoena is definitely on the table.” The question is whether the check to Maxine clear and it stays there or someone actually signs it and delivers it to the prominent Democratic donor.
| — Hat tip: Reader from Chicago | [Return to headlines] |
Suspect in Fatal UVA Shooting of 3 Football Players Makes Court Appearance
The student accused of opening fire on a loaded charter bus, killing three University of Virginia football players and wounding two other classmates, made a brief appearance in court on Thursday.
The suspect, Christopher Darnell Jones Jr., 22, appeared in court in Charlottesville for a status conference in the triple-murder case. It was his second court appearance since his arrest in the deadly November attacks.
Jones was represented at the hearing by a public defender.
A judge scheduled a preliminary hearing in the case for March 30, according to ABC affiliate station WSET in Lynchburg, Virginia.
Jones is charged with three felony counts of second-degree murder, two felony counts of malicious wounding and five felony counts of using a firearm in the commission of a felony. He has yet to enter a plea to the charges.
| — Hat tip: LP | [Return to headlines] |
Texas Bans TikTok on State-Owned Devices
Texas Governor Greg Abbot announced on Wednesday that the Lone Star State will be joining a growing number of other states to ban TikTok on state-issued devices.
“Effective immediately, I have ordered every state agency in Texas to ban TikTok on any state-issued devices,” Abbot says, in a letter to Dan Patrick, the Lieutenant Governor of Texas. “We must work together to stop the Chinese government’s efforts to collect, store, and distribute Texans’ data and personal information.”
| — Hat tip: Reader from Chicago | [Return to headlines] |
Walmart CEO Says Rampant Theft Could Result in Higher Prices, Store Closures
On Tuesday, Walmart CEO Doug McMillon warned that if shoplifting continues to be at its current pace in cities across the United States, he may be forced to raise prices or close stores.
McMillon’s comments come as more and more retailers look to ramp up security efforts amid rising rates of theft and relaxed laws pushed by Democrats.
| — Hat tip: Reader from Chicago | [Return to headlines] |
Washington Post Loses 500,000 Subscribers, Does Not Anticipate Profit
The Washington Post has lost around 500,000 subscribers since January 1, 2021, and has said that they are not expecting to make a profit this year, the Wall Street Journal has reported.
An aggressive and well publicized subscription campaign a few years ago brought in a great number of subscribers, but when the campaign wasn’t renewed and the price of a monthly subscription tripled, a lot of people canceled.
| — Hat tip: Reader from Chicago | [Return to headlines] |
Griner was detained in February at Moscow’s Sheremetyevo Airport after Russian authorities said they found vape canisters with cannabis oil in her luggage.
WASHINGTON — WNBA star Brittney Griner is free Thursday after the Biden administration negotiated her release from a Russian penal colony in exchange for an arms dealer, according to a senior administration official.
President Joe Biden signed off on the trade, which took place in the United Arab Emirates, even though it meant leaving behind Paul Whelan, an American corporate security executive who remains jailed in Russia.
“She is safe, she is on a plane, she is on her way home,” Biden said in remarks from the White House on Thursday morning. “She will soon be back in the arms of her loved ones and she should have been there all along.”
“I’m proud that today we have made one more family whole,” Biden said, adding that he will continue to work to free Whelan. “We’ll keep negotiating for Paul’s relief. I guarantee it.”
| — Hat tip: Dean | [Return to headlines] |
Cenovus CEO Says Investors Not Expressing Concern About Sovereignty Act
The head of one of Canada’s largest oil and gas companies says that he hasn’t heard any concerns from investors when it comes to the passing of Alberta’s Sovereignty Act this week.
On Tuesday, Cenovus announced it will invest billions in 2023 to expand operations and other companies in the sector are following suit.
In a recent interview, Cenovus CEO Alex Pourbaix said he has not heard any worries from investors in the field about the legislation which aims to prevent federal overreach on provincial jurisdiction including natural resources.
| — Hat tip: Reader from Chicago | [Return to headlines] |
Change the Constitution or Face Alberta Independence Referendum, Says Architect of Sovereignty Act
Canada’s Constitution is not a legitimate document, and has not safeguarded Alberta’s interests within federation, says one of the architects of that province’s newly passed Sovereignty Act.
“I want the Constitution to be changed, or we’ll have another referendum,” said Barry Cooper, referring to independence referendums in Quebec in the 1980s and 1990s.
Cooper is a professor of political science at the University of Calgary and one of the authors of a policy paper called the Free Alberta Strategy, seen as the unofficial blueprint for the Alberta Sovereignty Within a United Canada Act, also known as the Sovereignty Act.
Speaking to Matt Galloway on The Current, Cooper said that Canada is a federation, but has never acted as such.
| — Hat tip: Reader from Chicago | [Return to headlines] |
Police Cited Thousands of Children for Breaking Quarantine Act
Nearly five thousand children were cited for breaking the Quarantine Act and another 60,000 children under 18 were issued warnings by the suspension of the Act on Oct 1, 2022 according to documents obtained by Blacklock’s Reporter.
The citations were described as “a warning issued in person by a law enforcement officer as a result of non-compliance identified either at the port of entry or during a police check at the traveler’s quarantine address,” wrote Cabinet in an Inquiry of Ministry tabled to the House of Commons.
| — Hat tip: Reader from Chicago | [Return to headlines] |
Watch: Trudeau Says it’s ‘Disinformation’ to Say His Govt Wants to Ban Hunting Rifles
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau claims that his government is not banning shotguns and rifles, despite the fact that a last-minute amendment to the Liberal’s anti-gun bill does just that.
He also argues that the Conservatives are trying to spread disinformation about the legislation and to scare people.
| — Hat tip: Reader from Chicago | [Return to headlines] |
On Tuesday, Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau kicked off the COP15 Summit in Montreal, but midway through his opening remarks, he was interrupted by Indigenous protestors, some of whom referred to him as a “colonizer.”
Standing before delegates from around the globe, Trudeau used the opportunity to claim that Canada was a “place of free expression.”
| — Hat tip: Reader from Chicago | [Return to headlines] |
This week, the Society for American Archaeology published an open letter to Netflix and the television production house ITN requesting that they re-classify its new series Ancient Apocalypse as a work of fiction rather than a docuseries.
The show centers around bestselling author Graham Hancock’s meagerly substantiated claims about the existence of Atlantis, presenting them in a deceptive cloak of veracity.
“We urge both Netflix and ITN Productions to add disclaimers to the series that its content is unfounded,” the society wrote. “We also request that Netflix develop a policy that balances such false narratives with the presentation of scientific documentaries and accurate reporting.”
| — Hat tip: Reader from Chicago | [Return to headlines] |
Banning Headscarves in Swedish Elementary Schools is Unlawful, Top Court Rules
Plans by two municipalities to ban headscarves and similar garments in kindergartens and elementary schools are unlawful, Sweden’s top administrative court ruled on Thursday.
The Supreme Administrative Court, located in Stockholm, ruled that clothes which express religious affiliation are protected by both national and European laws on freedom of expression.
| — Hat tip: Reader from Chicago | [Return to headlines] |
Climate Activists Stage Protests at 2 German Airports
BERLIN — Climate activists briefly disrupted traffic at Munich airport in southern Germany Thursday, in a protest against the environmental impact of air travel.
The group Last Generation said some of its members glued themselves to the tarmac in Munich, while others entered the grounds of Berlin airport.
Henner Euting, a spokesperson for Munich airport, confirmed that the northern runway was briefly closed. Planes had to be routed over the southern runway, causing short delays, he said.
A spokesperson for Berlin airport, Sabine Deckwerth, confirmed that a police operation was ongoing but said air traffic there was not disrupted.
A similar protest recently at Berlin airport drew widespread condemnation from government officials and calls for tougher policing to stop activists interfering with air traffic.
| — Hat tip: Reader from Chicago | [Return to headlines] |
EU Court Orders Google to Remove ‘Inaccurate’ Information
Google must remove personal data from its search results if users are able to prove it is incorrect, the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) ruled on Thursday.
The case before the court related to two business executives who asked the search giant to remove results linking their names to articles criticizing their companies’ investment model. They also requested the removal of thumbnail photos from search results.
“The operator of a search engine must de-reference information found in the referenced content where the person requesting de-referencing proves that such information is manifestly inaccurate,” the court said.
| — Hat tip: Reader from Chicago | [Return to headlines] |
German Antifa Group Attacks Home and Office of AfD Politician and Mother
Suspected left-wing extremists have carried out an attack on the home and practice of Augsburg AfD politician Gabrielle Mailbeck, who was born in Brazil. They distributed flyers among residents with the headline “Attention! AfD politician in your neighborhood,” with the address and photo of the young woman.
According to Mailbeck, on the evening of Nov. 22, around 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., the perpetrators filled mailboxes in the apartment building where the politician lives with construction foam and spray-painted “AfD attack” on the street. She also documented the incident with a number of photos she posted to Twitter.
“Antifa attack on my family and my practice. The perpetrators also broke into the apartment building and distributed garbage — upstairs — in front of my front door. So close to my family and especially my baby,” she wrote.
| — Hat tip: Reader from Chicago | [Return to headlines] |
Hungary Slaps 95% Windfall Tax on Oil and Gas Company MOL
One day after the Hungarian government ended, with immediate effect, the cap on automotive fuel prices, it also issued an ordinance for a 95 percent windfall tax on the country’s largest oil and gas group MOL.
The tax will be on all profits realized due to the price difference between the international standard Brent crude oil and the Russian, so-called Urals blend.
| — Hat tip: Reader from Chicago | [Return to headlines] |
‘Just Stop Oil’ Activists Admit Using Petrol Cars, Claim They’re Not Hypocrites
Leading activists with climate change protest group Just Stop Oil have admitted that they drive petrol cars, but still claim that this doesn’t make them hypocrites.
Erm, okay then.
| — Hat tip: Reader from Chicago | [Return to headlines] |
Proton Drive Brings Private File Storage to IOS and Android
Privacy-focused Swiss tech firm Proton has officially rolled out its end-to-end encrypted cloud storage Proton Drive to mobile.
After a beta period, the cloud service rolled out on the web in September. Now, Proton Drive is available on both Android and iOS.
| — Hat tip: Reader from Chicago | [Return to headlines] |
Three Seas: Via Carpatia Highway Project Receives Special EU Label and More Money
Via Carpatia, a transnational highway running from the Baltic states in the north to Greece in the south, was added to the Trans-European Transport (TEN-T) Core Network, stated Polish Infrastructure Minister Andrzej Adamczyk following a meeting of EU transport ministers in Brussels.
| — Hat tip: Reader from Chicago | [Return to headlines] |
UK: Climate Lockdowns: It’s Real
Local authorities in Oxford tried to ‘fact check’ an article claiming they’re imposing de facto ‘climate lockdowns’, but ended basically admitting that’s exactly what they’re doing.
| — Hat tip: Reader from Chicago | [Return to headlines] |
UK: Donations to Conservative Party Fell by 40 Per Cent in Three Months
The governing Conservative party has seen donations fall by over 40 per cent in the past three months, as the party continues to slump in the polls.
The Tory party, which has been in a state of chaos since it was shocked by the outcome of the Brexit vote it did not want and didn’t know how to handle, culminating with the globalist coup to install Rishi Sunak in power against the will of the party members who backed Liz Truss in the summer leadership campaign, has seen its political donations dry up.
| — Hat tip: Reader from Chicago | [Return to headlines] |
It may be that one of the very first things you see in Harry and Meghan’s Netflix documentary is getting fact-checked, with Royal sources allegedly challenging the notion they were approached with the chance to address the accusations made in the series but declined.
Multiple reports claim palace sources have hit back at Harry and Meghan’s salacious Netflix documentary, with the opening assertion of the series that members of the Royal Family had been given the chance to comment on claims made but chose not to being challenged as a falsehood.
| — Hat tip: Reader from Chicago | [Return to headlines] |
UK: Tears for Smears: Harry and Meghan Netflix Doc Pushes Racism Narratives
Prince Harry and wife Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, have finally unleashed their tell-all Netflix documentary, blasting the Royal Family, shedding tears, and pushing a woke race narrative.
“This is about duty and service and I feel being part of this family, it is my duty to uncover this exploitation and bribery that happens within our media,” said Harry of the documentary — although the doing of said “duty” is reported to have been worth around $100 million.
| — Hat tip: Reader from Chicago | [Return to headlines] |
The carvings tell a tale of man versus beast during the Neolithic era when humans were transitioning to a sedentary lifestyle. One of the two men is shown protecting his genitals from leopards.
| — Hat tip: SS | [Return to headlines] |
Brittney Griner Released From Russian Gulag in Prisoner Swap for ‘Merchant of Death’ Viktor Bout
WNBA star Brittney Griner has been released from a Russian penal colony in a prisoner swap with the United States for notorious arms dealer Viktor Bout, aka the “Merchant of Death.”
The swap did not include former U.S. Marine Paul Whelan, who was part of previous negotiations, however.
President Joe Biden signed off on the swap which took place in the United Arab Emirates.
Biden agreed to the deal even though it meant leaving behind Whelan, an American corporate security executive.
| — Hat tip: Reader from Chicago | [Return to headlines] |
Ukraine’s Latest Demand to the West: Boycott Russian Culture
Ukrainian culture minister Oleksandr Tkachenko has issued a new demand to the West to halt performances of Russian music, Russian ballet and boycott other forms of Russian culture, arguing Ukraine is in a “civilizational battle.”
Culture Minister Tkachenko argued that Russia was engaging in a cultural war as well as a physical war against his country, claiming that the Russian armed forces have destroyed 800 objects from monuments to works of art and museums.
| — Hat tip: Reader from Chicago | [Return to headlines] |
China Pressures Google to Alter Its Search Results for the Hong Kong National Anthem
Google is being criticized by Hong Kong officials and lawmakers for the pro-democracy song “Glory to Hong Kong” showing up in searches for the national anthem. The pro-democracy song became popular during the 2019 protests in the city before the enforcement of the national security law.
The issue about the anthem hit headlines last month after “Glory to Hong Kong” was played before a game between Hong Kong’s and South Korea’s rugby national teams. Officials at the event said the mistake was made by a junior staffer who got the song from the internet. Last week, the song was mistakenly played again at a weightlifting competition in Dubai. Police said they were investigating the two incidents.
| — Hat tip: Reader from Chicago | [Return to headlines] |
Two young women who kidnapped their friend, stabbed her and threw her into the boot on a mission to dump her body were filming Snapchat videos and singing on the way.
| — Hat tip: SS | [Return to headlines] |
Four Chinese nationals living in Sydney have been charged with being involved in an international cyber-scam that has allegedly stolen more than $US100million worldwide.
| — Hat tip: SS | [Return to headlines] |
In a case that rocked a town on Sydney’s outskirts, Nisha Phillips, 24, was found in the boot of her Holden Commodore with pregnant teen Latia Henderson and Kayley Lee Ketley arrested.
| — Hat tip: SS | [Return to headlines] |
Albanian Ambassador Admits Illegal Migrants Lying About Modern Slavery Claims to Get Into UK
Albania’s ambassador to the United Kingdom has admitted that some of his countrymen are “pretending” to be victims of modern slavery in order to inroad their odds of being granted asylum and receiving better treatment.
Speaking before the Home Affairs select committee on Wednesday, Albanian Ambassador Qirjako Qirko aknowledged that citizens from his country were trying to abuse the UK’s generous asylum system by claiming to be victims of modern slavery.
| — Hat tip: Reader from Chicago | [Return to headlines] |
An Increasing Number of Ukrainian Refugees in Britain Are Homeless
The number of homeless Ukrainian refugees who had fled to the United Kingdom rose by 30 percent in the past month; the jump reflects the fact that some hosts have stopped housing Ukrainian asylum seekers given the end to financial incentives for landlords and the increasing cost of living in the country.
According to The Times newspaper, over two-thirds of the 150,000 Ukrainians who arrived in Britain received their visas under the Homes for Ukraine government initiative; this has allowed private persons, local authorities, churches, and charities to provide rooms for migrants for at least six months, for which they received £350 (€406) monthly of support from the state budget.
| — Hat tip: Reader from Chicago | [Return to headlines] |
Border Patrol Agent Killed in Incident With Illegals, White House Says Nothing
A 38 year old Border Patrol agent has died after a high speed chase with illegal immigrants on the border in Mission, Texas resulted in a fatal crash.
Yet the Biden White House has said nothing about the incident, prompting more accusations that the administration isn’t looking out for agents trying to protect the border.
| — Hat tip: Reader from Chicago | [Return to headlines] |
EU Plan for Balkan Route Takes Shape
After the action plan for the central Mediterranean, the European Union is also preparing to present a plan for the Balkan route. That’s the one that scares Brussels the most right now. The increase in irregular arrivals by land, via the Balkan peninsula, rose by 168 percent in 2022 and this influenced the trend of the migratory flow towards northern Italy and northern Europe.
| — Hat tip: Reader from Chicago | [Return to headlines] |
Of all the challenges facing France, immigration is the “only one that threatens civil peace,” the former head of the country’s secret service warned in a recently published speech to the Gaullist Amicale of the Senate.
Pierre Brochand, the former director of the General Directorate for External Security (DGSE) between 2002 and 2008, said in a speech on Nov. 15 and recently published in Le Figaro newspaper, that the level of immigration into France has had “a cross-cutting impact on all of our collective life, which I consider to be generally negative.”
| — Hat tip: Reader from Chicago | [Return to headlines] |
Spanish authorities remain on the hunt for 12 foreign nationals who fled a commercial airplane during an emergency landing at Barcelona’s El Prat airport early on Wednesday.
The plane, which was carrying a total of 228 passengers from Casablanca to Istanbul, diverted to Spain’s second city after a pregnant woman on board faked going into labor.
As the flight was grounded, a group of 28 passengers took the opportunity to flee the aircraft as soon as the doors had opened upon landing and escape across the tarmac, according to the Spanish government.
Half of the runaways were detained almost immediately, including the pregnant woman who had claimed her water had broken, while a further two were arrested later, one inside the airport and one in the nearby area.
Of the initial 14 who were captured, five were returned to the Pegasus Airlines aircraft and the rest are to be deported back to Morocco.
The pregnant woman was escorted to a nearby hospital where no evidence was found to suggest she was in labor. She has since been arrested on public disorder charges and is scheduled to be deported.
| — Hat tip: Reader from Chicago | [Return to headlines] |
Texas Republicans have warned Democrat President Joe Biden that “Texans are in imminent danger” due to the ongoing crisis at the border.
GOP lawmakers in the Lone Star State overruled Biden and released a blueprint for a secure border called the “Commitment to Secure the Border: a Framework by Texans for Texans.”
Republicans are warning Biden that “Texas leadership” will take action if Biden refuses to act by exercising the “right to use all powers under their authority to defend Texas’s border and its citizens.”
| — Hat tip: Reader from Chicago | [Return to headlines] |
Illinois Displays Satanic Temple Alongside Nativity Scene in Their State Capitol Building
A display at the Illinois State Capitol shows the “Serpent of Genesis” from the Satanic Temple alongside a Christian nativity.
The state capitol has hosted a variety of religious displays including a Jewish menorah and Christian nativity for the last fourteen years. For the past four years, the Satanic Temple has been on display as well, according to the Illinois Radio Network.
| — Hat tip: Reader from Chicago | [Return to headlines] |
Judge Orders Pro-Life Flight Attendant Re-Hired at Southwest Airlines
Authored by Janice Hisle via The Epoch Times (emphasis ours)
A Texas federal judge has ordered Southwest Airlines to reinstate Charlene Carter, the flight attendant who made headlines after a jury ruled that she was unlawfully fired for expressing pro-life views and for criticizing her union.
In a decision filed on Dec. 5, five months after a jury decided in Carter’s favor, Judge Brantley Starr remarked, “Bags fly free with Southwest. But free speech didn’t fly at all with Southwest in this case.”
| — Hat tip: Reader from Chicago | [Return to headlines] |
Math Professor Under Investigation for Opposing Child Sex-Change Surgeries
A math professor has come under investigation in California after expressing his opposition to child sex-change surgeries.
In a series of emails obtained by local media, Professor Robert Crawford argued against pushing life-altering transgender surgeries and hormone blockers on children.
Last week, the Sacramento City College faculty sent an email to Crawford to promote “The Ethics of Providing Healthcare” at Sacramento State University.
| — Hat tip: Reader from Chicago | [Return to headlines] |
Meta Prohibits ‘Disruptive’ Discussions Among Employees on Guns, Vaccines and Abortion
On Tuesday, Meta announced that it would be implementing a new set of “community engagement expectations” for employees. Among the updated rules is a ban on the discussion of topics deemed “disruptive” by the higher-ups.
Head of People Lori Goler outlined the expectations in a post on Meta’s internal forum, noting that they would go into effect immediately, and apply at all levels of the company.
| — Hat tip: Reader from Chicago | [Return to headlines] |
Pennsylvania Bans Discrimination Based on ‘Hairstyles, ‘ ‘Gender Identity or Expression’
Pennsylvania’s Independent Regulatory Review Commission approved along party lines changes to the state’s nondiscrimination policy to include updated definitions of sex, race and religious creed on Thursday, ABC27 News reported.
The regulation more specifically defines the three categories as protected classes under the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act (PHRA) and the Pennsylvania Fair Educational Opportunities Act (PFEOA), according to the IRRC website. The definitions can be applied to complaints regarding discrimination in employment, housing, education and public accomodations.
| — Hat tip: Reader from Chicago | [Return to headlines] |
Respect for Marriage Act Passes the House, Heads to Biden’s Desk
The House on Thursday passed the Respect for Marriage Act, which will require the federal government to recognize same-sex marriages performed in states where they are legal but does not go as far as some Democrats wanted.
The bill won approval in a 258-169 vote, after the Senate passed it 61-36 last week. The legislation now heads to the White House for President Biden’s signature into law. Despite warnings from Republicans in both chambers that the bill doesn’t do enough to protect religious liberty, 39 House Republicans voted for the bill.
Supporters of the bill hailed it as a safety net in the event the Supreme Court reverses a ruling that says the Constitution guarantees the right of same-sex couples to get married.
| — Hat tip: Reader from Chicago | [Return to headlines] |
Video: Woke Military Threatens Mother Who Questioned LGBTQ School Indoctrination
Tucker Carlson highlighted a story Wednesday concerning a New Jersey mother being told she is being “monitored” by local law enforcement at the behest of military personnel who didn’t like her social media posts questioning sexualisation of children in school.
Angela Reading alerted other parents of children in the North Hanover Township Elementary School District that children from grade 4 up are being encouraged to research topics of sexuality and create LGBTQ+ posters.
Suddenly, the concerned mom found herself the target of one Lieutenant Colonel Christopher Shilling, who stated that the Joint Base (McGuire, Fort Dix and Lakehurst) are looking into her posts and informing law enforcement.
| — Hat tip: Reader from Chicago | [Return to headlines] |
Oldest DNA Shows Greenland Once Was Home to Forested Ecosystem
Dec. 7 (UPI) — DNA sequences dating back 2 million years, the oldest ever obtained, suggest that the northeastern tip of Greenland was once home to a forested ecosystem unlike any now found on Earth.
The sequences were obtained from frozen soil and indicate that the region, was once home to mastodons and reindeer. The area is now barren and home to hare, musk ox and few plants.
| — Hat tip: Reader from Chicago | [Return to headlines] |
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The exchange of Population continues
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Migration Agency: all Afghan women can stay in Sweden
Published 7 December 2022 at 08.12 in Fria Tider
All women and girls from Afghanistan who apply for a residence permit in Sweden should get it. This has now been decided by the Migration Agency.
– Being a woman from Afghanistan is considered in itself a sufficient basis for receiving protection in Sweden, says Carl Bexelius, head of legal affairs at the Migration Agency.
According to the agency, Afghan women’s freedom of movement and rights have been restricted since the Taliban took power in the country.
– Today, we see a significant impact on their ability to earn a living, access healthcare and education and seek protection from violence,” says Carl Bexelius.
As a result of the worsening situation, the Swedish Migration Board is tightening its assessment of asylum cases involving Afghan women. This is done in a revised legal position paper published on Monday.
– We consider that the situation for women in Afghanistan means that their fundamental human rights are being violated, to the extent that it constitutes persecution. Afghan women should therefore, regardless of other circumstances, be considered as refugees and granted residence permits,” says Carl Bexelius.
The Migration Agency’s stricter assessment means that women from Afghanistan who have had their asylum applications turned down can apply for and receive a new examination.
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More about the Federal Reserve
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The Fall Of The Cabal:
The End Of The World As We Know It [2020]
https://swebbtube.se/w/qZPgVXN9Smdo2zEZbdAK1A
Johanna Liljegren
https://swebbtube.se/c/johannaliljegren_channel
Take a dive into the rabbit hole. This is not conspiracy but merely facts compiled over the course of the last 20 + years condensed into a 3 hour segment consisting of 10 parts.. Set your cognitive dissonance aside and open your mind to what ha…
Felonois is so broke they have to sell dope but when its legal you can grow your own without anything added to flavor or speed up the process.
Attention Criminals-Starting January 1st Illinois will be a free crime zone with no penalties or even apprehension. Enjoy!
This is the only time a WNBA trade was talked about outside of the locker room.
Chess master Putin got the better deal as Viktor will track down all the black market arms that got redistributed while checkers master Biden will have another round of ice cream cones and Super Mario Kart. The honking intensifies.