[Axios] A staffer for House Administration Committee ranking member Joe Morelle (D-N.Y.) is no longer employed after he was arrested Monday morning on suspicion of bringing ammunition into a U.S. House office building.
Why it matters: It's the second time in three years that a congressional staffer has been arrested and charged with possessing ammunition at the Capitol.
The last incident, in December 2023, prompted a serious reckoning over Capitol security procedures after Capitol Police took 12 minutes to track down the staffer, who also had a handgun.
Driving the news: A Capitol Police spokesperson identified the staffer as 38-year-old Michael Hopkins, Morelle's communications director.
Capitol Police searched Hopkins' bag after it went through an X-ray machine and found 11 rounds of ammunition and four magazines, the spokesperson said.
Hopkins "told the officers that he forgot the ammunition was in the bag," the spokesperson said.
He faces charges of unlawful possession of ammunition, including one charge of possession of a high-capacity magazine.
The latest: "In response to this morning's incident, Mr. Hopkins is no longer employed by Representative Morelle's office effective immediately," Morelle's chief of staff Jo Stiles said in a statement Monday afternoon.
[NY Post] A higher assessment of her abilities, or nobody stoopid enough to take on her bullshit?
After an arduous search for the CEO of American Riviera Orchard, Meghan Markle has landed on the perfect candidate: herself.
The Duchess of Sussex, 43, has appointed herself as the CEO of her lifestyle brand, which has yet to be released, after struggling to find a suitable candidate for the role, the Daily Mail reports.
Markle had been interviewing prospective employees for months, the outlet adds, after announcing the brand’s impending launch earlier this year.
But in August, it emerged that the "Suits" alum was "struggling" to find a suitable candidate for the position.
"She is the CEO of American Riviera Orchard," a source told the outlet’s columnist, Richard Eden. In April, a source told the outlet, "The initial CEO search has not panned out so far."
The former actress unveiled her new business venture in March. But nine months later, there’s still no release date or information about the products that customers can expect to be up for sale.
According to the outlet, the struggle in appointing a CEO has been largely due to ongoing negotiations with Netflix about a partnership with American Riviera Orchard.
"This is something new for Netflix," an insider told the outlet. "It would run the lifestyle business with Meghan, developing products as spinoffs from her show. If a partnership is agreed, it’s likely that Netflix would install its own CEO to run operations."
The Post has reached out to Markle’s reps for comment.
Markle has faced a slew of ongoing trademark troubles while trying to get her company off the ground, prompting her to last week request a three-month extension from the US Patent and Trademark Office to secure a trademark for the brand.
Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, sitting in a white chair, participating in The Archewell Foundation Parents' Summit on Mental Wellness in the Digital Age during World Mental Health Day Festival 2023
#3
As I understand it, she wanted to call it American Riviera but didn't do her research. Surprising, no? NY Post: The former actress’ extension request comes just one month after American Riviera Orchard was slapped with yet another trademark snafu.
Rival lifestyle brand Harry & David filed a protest against Markle’s lifestyle brand, claiming the name is far too similar to its “Royal Riviera” product line.
The US Patent and Trademark Office received a protest filing on Oct. 31 from US-based premium food and gift retailer Harry & David, documents obtained by The Post show.
The Duchess of Sussex, 43, has faced a slew of ongoing trademark troubles since announcing the brand’s impending launch in March. American Riviera Orchard
The company’s “Royal Riviera” trademark is currently registered to the brand’s pear gift baskets, which are grown in Oregon. Markle’s team declined to comment at the time.
And in September, the mom of two’s trademark application was refused by the USPTO, who warned that businesses cannot trademark geographical locations.
The brand’s name is a sweet nod to Santa Barbara, Calif., where Markle resides with her husband, Prince Harry, and their two children.
Posted by: Frank G ||
12/03/2024 14:33 Comments ||
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#4
A human non-interest story. A soporific for insomniacs.
[GEO.TV] A controversial refereeing decision sparked violence and a crush at a football match in southeast Guinea, killing 56 people according to a provisional toll, according to the government on Monday. Soccer: Metric Football
The fatalities occurred during the final of a tournament in honour of Guinea's military leader Mamady Doumbouya at a stadium in Nzerekore, one of the nation's largest cities.
Some fans threw stones, triggering panic and a crush, the government statement said, promising an investigation.
A video authenticated by Rooters showed dozens of people scrambling over high walls to escape.
"The government deplores the incidents that marred the football match between the Labe and Nzerekore teams this afternoon in Nzerekore. During the stampede, victims were recorded," said Prime Minister Mamadou Oury Bah, in a statement.
He said local authorities were working to restore order.
Speaking on condition of anonymity, an official from the city's administration said many victims were minors caught in the turmoil after police started firing tear gas.
The official described scenes of confusion and chaos with some parents retrieving bodies before they were officially counted.
Videos and pictures shared online showed victims lined up on the ground. In one video, over a dozen inert bodies could be seen, several of them children.
Posted by: Fred ||
12/03/2024 00:00 ||
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[ShabelleMedia] A significant shift in the political and military landscape of southern Somalia has unfolded as reports confirm that several soldiers from the Jubaland state have defected, arriving in Raskamboni town aboard four boats to join the ranks of the Somali National Army (SNA).
This defection comes on the heels of escalating tensions between the semi-autonomous Jubaland region and Somalia’s central government. Just a day prior, Jubaland President Ahmed Madobe issued a stern 15-day ultimatum for federal troops to vacate the strategic border town of Raskamboni, highlighting ongoing disputes over control and governance in the region.
The soldiers’ move to join the SNA could be seen as a strategic blow to Madobe’s administration, as it not only weakens his military capabilities but also signals potential dissent within his ranks. Sources on the ground indicate that these defectors will undergo registration and integration into the national army, with promises of payroll and possible promotions for their allegiance shift.
The situation in Raskamboni has been volatile, with the town serving as a focal point for military maneuvers due to its proximity to the Kenyan border and its strategic importance. The defection is viewed by some as an attempt by the federal government to assert dominance in a region where Jubaland has been seeking greater autonomy or even independence.
President Madobe has long accused the federal government of undermining his state’s stability through military incursions and political interference. This latest move by soldiers from his own forces could intensify the rift, potentially leading to further confrontations or negotiations to resolve the underlying issues of illusory sovereignty and control.
The defectors’ arrival in Raskamboni also raises questions about the stability of Jubaland’s internal politics and its relations with Mogadishu. Analysts suggest that this could be part of a broader strategy by the central government to consolidate power or might reflect internal dissatisfaction with Madobe’s leadership.
As the deadline set by Madobe approaches, all eyes are on how both sides will react. There’s a palpable fear of escalation into open conflict, which would further destabilize an area already grappling with the presence of al-Shabaab ... the personification of Somali state failure... Death Eaters.
The international community, particularly neighboring Kenya which has interests in Jubaland due to security and economic reasons, watches closely, hoping for a peaceful resolution to preserve regional stability.
[Garowe] The relationship between Jubaland and federal government officials nose-dived further, just after the two sides issued replica arrest warrants following an electoral laws dispute, which has degenerated into political battles in Somalia.
A statement issued by Jubaland accused President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of 'violating' the federal constitution, adding that he had undermined the unity of Somalia and the spirit of federalism.
Under Ahmed Islam Mohammed Madobe, Jubaland held indirect polls where the veteran leader secured his third consecutive term, against the wish of Mogadishu. Hassan Sheikh and his team are pushing for unified direct polls for both the state and federal leaders.
The statement emphasized Jubaland’s stand on the stalemate, arguing that it "does not recognize recent legal amendments to the Constitution and Electoral Codes enacted by the Federal Government’s Councils."
Kismayo ...a port city in the southern Lower Juba province of Somalia, at the extreme southern end of the country (always assuming Somalia can be called a country). It is the commercial capital of the autonomous Jubaland region.... further said the constitutional principles are "untouchable and non-negotiable." It announced plans to establish a consultation platform involving all political stakeholders "to discuss the future of governance, national unity, and the solidarity of the Somali people."
Jubaland’s statement also accused President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of "trampling on the constitution, abusing power, and fostering division and corruption."
It alleged that the president has actively worked to "ignite civil wars and tribal conflicts," including introducing insecurity into previously stable regions of Jubaland, and decried Jubaland troops had secured these areas after decades of conflict, only to see the gains undermined by Federal Government actions.
Puntland ...a region in northeastern Somalia, centered on Garowe in the Nugaal province. Its leaders declared the territory an autonomous state in 1998. Puntland and the equally autonomous Somaliland seem to have avoided the clan rivalries and warlordism that have typified the rest of Somalia, which puts both places high on the list for Islamic subversion... had also severed ties with Cairo, citing frustrations from brass hats, negatively impacting federalism. On Thursday, Puntland Minister of Interior Abdi Farah Said alias Juha blamed President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud for the current standoff.
"President Hassan Sheikh has dismissed the constitution, launched a war on federalism, and is dismantling the nation-building process, echoing the oppressive laws of the infamous National Security Courts. Question: Does he have the teeth of the Supreme Revolutionary Council, or is it just angry gums?"
[Nat'l Pulse] On Tuesday, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol announced the emergency implementation of martial law. "I declare martial law in order to eradicate the shameless pro-North Korea anti-state forces that are plundering the freedom and happiness of our people and to protect the free constitutional order," Yoon said of the decision.
The opposition Democratic Party (DPK), in coalition with several smaller parties, controls 192 of 300 seats in the South Korean legislature following elections in April, which has hindered President Yoon’s program. The DPK is led by Lee Jae-myung, who survived being stabbed in the neck during a press scrum in an apparent assassination attempt in January.
Yoon’s move to declare martial law could have significant implications for the U.S., as South Korea is a key regional ally that hosts multiple U.S. bases. This includes Camp Humphreys, the U.S.’s largest overseas base, with a population of over 40,000.
Lee, who was in the midst of launching impeachment proceedings against members of Yoon’s government prior to the declaration of martial law, has denounced the move as unconstitutional. Yoon’s People Power Party is also said to be opposed to the declaration, setting the stage for a major clash between the executive and legislative branches in the East Asian nation.
Currently, it is unclear where the South Korean military stands on the matter, though their support for either Yoon or Lee will likely be decisive in settling the crisis. Former South Korean President, Park Chung-hee, ruled as essentially a dictator from 1962 until his assassination 1979.
#4
Might have worked a few decades ago. South Korea is a democracy now. Not a perfect one, but I doubt people prefer a dictator.
Posted by: European Conservative ||
12/03/2024 12:34 Comments ||
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I run off for a few hours to the dentist for a little filling, and not only has an interesting international emergency occurred, but y’all have posted an article, commented with updates, and watched the thing resolve, all before I get around to checking in.
[GEO.TV] The French government is all but certain to collapse later this week after far-right and left-wing parties submitted no-confidence motions on Monday against Prime Minister Michel Barnier, Rooters reported.
Investors immediately punished French assets as the latest developments plunged the euro zone's second-biggest economy deeper into political crisis, with serious doubt cast over whether the annual budget will be approved.
"The French have had enough," National Rally (RN) leader Marine Le Pen told news hounds in parliament, saying Barnier, who only became prime minister in early September, had made things worse and needed to be pushed out. "We are proposing a motion of no confidence against the government," she said.
Barring a last-minute surprise, Barnier's fragile coalition will be the first French government to be forced out by a no-confidence vote since 1962.
A government collapse would leave a hole at the heart of Europe, with Germany also in election mode, weeks ahead of US President-elect Donald Trump ...Oh, noze! Not him!... re-entering the White House.
Perhaps this time the French voters will be permitted to make France great again.
Posted by: Fred ||
12/03/2024 00:00 ||
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#1
Any political organization that is not Marxist is 'far-right'.
A multi-volume chronology and reference guide set detailing three years of the Mexican Drug War between 2010 and 2012.
Rantburg.com and borderlandbeat.com correspondent and author Chris Covert presents his first non-fiction work detailing
the drug and gang related violence in Mexico.
Chris gives us Mexican press dispatches of drug and gang war violence
over three years, presented in a multi volume set intended to chronicle the death, violence and mayhem which has
dominated Mexico for six years.
Rantburg was assembled from recycled algorithms in the United States of America. No
trees were destroyed in the production of this weblog. We did hurt some, though. Sorry.
[NY Post] 
... the personification of Somali state failure...
...a port city in the southern Lower Juba province of Somalia, at the extreme southern end of the country (always assuming Somalia can be called a country). It is the commercial capital of the autonomous Jubaland region....
...Oh, noze! Not him!...
