Rachael Rollins, U.S. attorney for Massachusetts, has been formally resigned following investigations that found she lied to prosecutors and attempted to use her position to influence local elections. In November, Rollins was investigated for using her personal cellphone for Justice Department business and an ethics investigation was launched after her presence at a Democratic National Committee fundraiser featuring first lady Jill Biden was revealed. In total, detailed in a report by the Inspector General, the U.S. attorney for Massachusetts violated professional standards in seven different instances.
American Airlines and JetBlue Airways must dissolve their partnership in the northeastern US, a US federal judge ruled on 14 January. Trial judge Leo Sorokin ruled the alliance between the airlines decreased competition in the airline industry, overruling the airlines' claims that the deal created a stronger competitor to United Airlines and Delta Air Lines. The deal, called the Northeast Alliance, allowed the airlines to share revenue and coordinate schedules along Boston and New York routes. The Biden administration took an aggressive approach to the antitrust issues of the merger. The case went to trial in Boston last year and the partnership began in 2021.
Texas militia member Donald Hazard has been sentenced to almost five years in prison after admitting to attacking police officers during the January 6th Capitol riots. The sentence was the length suggested by federal prosecutors. The court heard how the 44-year-old, who was part of a militia group called the Patriot Boys of North Texas, was “eager for violence” and had a tactical vest and helmet adorned with the Confederate battle flag. During the riots, Hazard clashed with officers and grabbed one, pulling him down concrete steps and knocking him unconscious. Another officer's head was injured after Hazard fell on him. Hazard entered the Capitol building briefly before being pushed out by officers. Black pepper spray was used on some of the police. Over 1,000 people have been charged with federal crimes related to the attack, and Hazard is the latest person to be sentenced.
US Chamber of Commerce argues invoking 14th Amendment would be as ‘economically calamitous’ as a default
CNN
23-05-19 20:20
The US Chamber of Commerce has warned that using the 14th Amendment to avoid a default would be disastrous for the economy, in a letter sent to President Biden on Friday. Chamber chief policy officer Neil Bradley argued that invoking the amendment would cause Treasury rates to rise, lifting borrowing costs for families and businesses, and would impose long-term costs on the economy. This comes after a Thursday letter from progressive Senators Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren and nine other Senate Democrats urging Biden to use the amendment to avoid the looming crisis.
Canada's decision to create an EV supply chain might be a mistake, according to a Globe and Mail opinion piece. It argues that, on several fronts, supporting EVs is both irresponsible and crazed. For example, the author claims that despite being presented as planet-savers, EVs and hybrid cars play a part in an ever-expanding car culture, which harms cities and the environment alike. Furthermore, they argue that EVs do not solve wider environmental issues, as the supply chain is notoriously carbon-intensive, and building more and more power plants to service millions of EVs has knock-on environmental consequences too.
Leaders from the G7 countries will release a statement at their annual meeting in Japan calling for a reduction in trade with China, though also pledging to build “constructive and stable relations”. The statement will sit alongside a pledge of support for Ukraine, both in terms of budget and the release of military equipment, as the group prepares to intensify sanctions against Russia following its 2014 invasion of Ukraine. In addition, the G7 leaders will issue a statement calling for a world free of nuclear weapons and urging countries including Russia, North Korea, China and Iran to embrace non-proliferation.
Leaders from the Group of Seven (G7) nations have warned China and North Korea about their nuclear arsenals as they focus on the major northeast Asian crises ahead of the arrival of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the summit later on Saturday. US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan confirmed that President Joe Biden and Zelensky would have face-to-face talks at the summit, a day after Biden supported training Ukrainian pilots on US F-16 fighter jets. The move follows earlier decisions by the US to send rocket launcher systems and Abrams tanks to Ukraine to defend itself against Russian aggression but discouraged attacks by Ukraine into Russian territory. The focus on Asia comes as Japanese military officials confirmed Zelensky’s decision to attend the G7 in person to participate in talks to influence Ukraine’s defence against Russia. Zelensky called for the supply of Western fighter jets to bolster his country’s defences against Russia’s invasion; the jets could become useful in the long-term security of the country.
Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelenskiy, is making the 9,000 km journey to Hiroshima to attend the G7, while also seeking support from leaders who have taken a neutral stance over Russia's invasion of Ukraine. He hopes to reach out to India's PM, Narendra Modi, and Brazilian President, Luiz Inacio Lula de Silva, two countries that have continued to trade with Russia despite sanctions imposed by the EU and G-7. Zelenskiy is keen to help Ukraine become influential in nations that the country has rarely connected with on a diplomatic level, described as "a significant diplomatic opportunity".
US President Joe Biden is set to announce a $375m military aid package for Ukraine, including artillery, ammunition and rocket launchers, during the 2023 G7 summit in Hiroshima, Japan.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy will use his attendance at this year's G7 summit, set to be held in Japan, to appeal to countries such as Brazil and India for greater support while continuing to build on the support of the US and its allies in the struggle against Russia's invasion. Meanwhile, the G7 has also announced measures to counter economic coercion from China, in a bid to further push-back against Beijing's "hostile" actions.
US President Joe Biden has apologised to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese of Australia for his cancelled trip to the country and said that negotiations to resolve the US debt crisis were “in their closing stages” ahead of the rescheduled Quad summit on Saturday night. Biden said he was confident the US will avoid a default if the deadline of 1 June is met. At the summit in Hiroshima, Biden is expected to discuss threats to regional and global security with leaders from India, Japan and Australia.
US President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Fumio Kishida have called for a nuclear weapons-free world following their visit to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum earlier this week. The G7 leaders also visited with Keiko Ogura, a survivor of the Hiroshima atomic bomb attack, and saw exhibits including burnt and tattered clothing, charred lunch boxes and other items. Japan’s top security ally is the US, and this may be why few other details of the trip have been disclosed, and why some consider it controversial. Over 200,000 people – mostly civilians – are believed to have died as a result of the bombs.
Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen has vowed to maintain peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, in the face of rising tension with China. She confirmed Taiwan was discussing $500m worth of US weapons aid and said she was committed to preserving the nation's leading-edge chip technologies and research. Leaders of the G7 nations, meeting in Japan, reaffirmed their commitment to seeking a peaceful resolution to the Taiwan issue. Ahead of the country's January 2024 presidential election, Taipei is preparing for further aggression from Beijing, with cross-strait relations guaranteed a place on the campaign agenda.
Leaders of the Group of Seven (G-7) have said they want “constructive and stable” relations with China as they continue with measures to reduce reliance on the country for key supply chains. The comments came in a communique released during the G-7 meeting taking place in Hiroshima, Japan. The document emphasised that while the countries sought to “de-risk and diversify” supply chains, they were not engaged in “decoupling or turning inwards”. The statement also called for the establishment of a “level playing field” for workers and companies, as well as the protection of “advanced technologies” which might used to pose national security threats. The G-7 also urged China to back a “comprehensive, just and lasting peace” in Ukraine.
G7 leaders in Japan preparing for arrival of Zelenskyy
CBC
23-05-20 04:45
Ukraine’s President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, will attend the G7 summit to discuss the progress in the war against Russia with all of the leaders. Observing countries have also been invited, with the Ukrainian President aiming to make the most progress with non-aligned countries and stress that security is indivisible. Proposals to supply Ukraine with advanced warplanes were discussed, with US President Joe Biden offering to support joint training efforts involving allied F-16s. During the summit, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau raised the issue of foreign interference, including economic issues such as intellectual property theft by countries such as China.
Leaders of the G7 have shown support for Ukraine, condemning Russia’s “brutal” war on the country. The group’s leaders also called on Russia to cease its aggression against Ukraine and adhere to the rules of the international community. The statement also offered Ukraine “unwavering support” in absence of lasting peace. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is visiting Japan for the summit and is expected to meet with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Brazil’s ex-President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. Neither figure has supported Ukraine in the past, but they will participate in the summit.
Russia has warned Western countries that supplying Ukraine with F-16 fighter jets is a "colossal risk". Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has been seeking the supply of advanced fighter jets to help defend against Russia's invasion, but until now his request has been rejected by Western allies who fear it could lead to an escalation from Russian President Vladimir Putin. US President Joe Biden has reportedly told G7 leaders that Washington supports joint allied training programmes for Ukrainian pilots on F-16s.
Leaders at the G7 summit in Japan have held talks focusing on the deepening dominance of China and political tensions on the Korean peninsula. The likely impact on the Japanese economy of the UK's Brexit decision is also a significant concern. Top of the agenda was the situation in the Ukraine and issues related to economic security and supply chains. India's attendance, as chair of the G20, has highlighted the importance of the developing world. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has made several contributions to the talks, arguing for inclusive food systems to be created across the world. At a separate meeting, involving the leaders of Japan and Brazil, mention was made of the need for security council reform. Meanwhile, US President Barack Obama became the first sitting US president to visit Hiroshima, where he laid a wreath at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has gone to meeting leaders of the G7 countries in Japan where they have tightened sanctions on Russia and pledged to increase the pressure. International support is a priority for Ukraine, as it prepares to counterattack against Russia and take back seized territory. Mr Zelensky has arrived in Japan on a French government jet and will meet US President Joe Biden who is expected to announce a new $375m military aid package for Ukraine, including warplanes and more artillery shells, armored vehicles and anti-tank weapons.
The US has failed to provide immigration assistance to most Afghans who helped American forces. The United Kingdom pledged to allow Afghans who assisted British forces to build a life in safety and security, but many are undergoing deportation. Despite the broad bipartisan support of both houses of US Congress and President Joe Biden, Congress has failed to live up to its commitments to Afghans. Most Afghans who came to the United States after the withdrawal of US military forces from the country arrived on what is called humanitarian parole, wherein people who may be otherwise ineligible for admission into the US are allowed to enter for humanitarian reasons, but in a few months, many humanitarian parolees will lose their status.
