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ubet63. com Silly Nice Cannabis Products: The Perfect Stocking Stuffer for New Yorkers This Holiday SeasonWASHINGTON — President Joe Biden faces a stark choice as he contemplates broad preemptive pardons to protect aides and allies from potential retribution by Donald Trump: Does he hew to the institutional norms he’s spent decades defending or flex the powers of the presidency in untested ways? The deliberations so far are largely at the level of White House lawyers. But the president discussed the topic with senior aides, according to two people familiar with the matter who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss. No decisions have been made, the people said, and it is possible Biden opts to do nothing at all. President Joe Biden speaks Thursday during a tree-lighting ceremony on the Ellipse near the White House in Washington. Biden is taking the idea seriously and has been thinking about it for as much as six months — before the presidential election — but has been concerned about the precedent it would set, according to another person familiar with the president’s discussions who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity. Pardons are historically afforded to those accused of specific crimes — and usually to those who have already been convicted of an offense — but Biden’s team is considering issuing them for some who have not even been investigated, let alone charged. The president could, if he chooses, issue blanket pardons to specific people whom Trump and his allies threatened to punish. Or he could pardon a broad class of people — not unlike pardons issued to those convicted of federal marijuana offenses or those ensnared in the “don't ask, don't tell” military policies. A federal judge rebuked President Joe Biden's pardon for his son, Hunter, who the president claims was unfairly prosecuted. Either way, he'd be using the powers of the presidency in a new way. Some worry that Trump and his allies, who talked of enemies lists and exacting “retribution,” could launch investigations that would be reputationally and financially costly for targeted people even if they don’t result in prosecutions. Biden already extended a broad pardon to his son, Hunter , who was convicted and pleaded guilty in tax and gun cases. He explained that decision by saying he believed the prosecution of his son was poisoned by politics. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Friday that Biden plans additional pardons before leaving office, though she would not elaborate on the process. She referenced “changing factors” that motivated the president to pardon his son despite promising he wouldn’t. She said Republicans continued to try to see Hunter Biden investigated for an array of alleged offenses, a rationale that could support additional pardons for Biden aides and allies. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre speaks Friday during the daily briefing at the White House in Washington. It was two weeks ago that one of the president’s closest allies in Congress, Rep, Jim Clyburn of South Carolina, encouraged Biden to pardon his son Hunter. The morning after that conversation, Clyburn told Biden’s staff that he believed the president should also pardon those being targeted by Trump. “I was very forceful in my discussions with him about what I thought he ought to do regarding his son,” Clyburn said Friday. “But I also told them that I thought he ought to go even further, because all the noise about Jack Smith and Liz Cheney and Doctor Fauci and all of that.” Special Counsel Jack Smith has been investigating Trump for his efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election and for accusations he hoarded classified documents at his home. Liz Cheney, a conservative Republican , was the vice chairwoman of the congressional committee investigating the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol insurrection and campaigned for Vice President Kamala Harris. Fauci, an infectious-disease expert, was instrumental in the government's response to the coronavirus. All raised the ire of Trump. President-elect Donald Trump criticized President Joe Biden's decision to pardon Hunter Biden for federal gun and tax convictions, calling it a "miscarriage of justice." Trump highlighted individuals imprisoned for the January 6th Capitol riots, questioning whether they were included in Biden's pardon. Trump suggested he might consider pardoning Hunter Biden during an interview in October, expressing concern over its impact on the country. Hunter Biden's pardon prevents significant prison time, as he faced nearly forty years for gun and tax-related convictions. Clyburn said he told Biden’s team, only half jokingly, that because the Supreme Court already said the president has certain immunities, “let’s give that same immunity to Jack Smith for carrying out his duties and to, Doctor Fauci, Liz Cheney, they were carrying out their duties.” Among those mentioned publicly for possible presidential pardons, there are different sentiments on whether pardons would even be wanted. Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi supported the president’s move to pardon his son, but was silent on the speculation that Biden is considering additional pardons for her or others. A top Pelosi ally, Rep. Adam Schiff, the Democratic congressman who led Trump’s first impeachment, panned the idea of pardoning Biden's allies. He says “the courts are strong enough to withstand” the worst of Trump’s threats. “I don’t think a preemptive pardon makes sense,” the incoming senator told NPR recently. “I would urge the president not to do that. I think it would seem defensive and unnecessary,” Schiff said. Several people on President-elect Donald Trump's team are reportedly supporting efforts to make an Edward Snowden pardon happen. Democratic Rep. Jamie Raskin, the lead manager on Trump’s second impeachment on the charge of inciting the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection at the Capitol, said the speech and debate clause in the Constitution already protects members of Congress from prosecution for participating in their legislative duties. Raskin said figures like Mark Milley, the former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and John Kelly , Trump's former White House chief of staff, would similarly be protected by the First Amendment. Still, Raskin said the question is, “Should they go through the criminal investigation and prosecution for not doing anything wrong? I think that’s why this whole issue has erupted.” Raksin added that with Trump promising to pardon hundreds of people who assaulted police officers on Jan. 6, “I can hardly fault President Biden for exploring the use of the pardon to protect people from a fraudulent and unjust prosecution.” House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries said he’s had no conversations with the White House regarding any preemptive pardons for current or former members of Congress. Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump is surrounded by U.S. Secret Service agents at a campaign rally, Saturday, July 13, 2024, in Butler, Pa. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) President Joe Biden walks to the Oval Office after attending the House Democratic Caucus Issues Conference, Thursday, Feb. 8, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris and running mate Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz arrive during a campaign rally at Desert Diamond Arena, Friday, Aug. 9, 2024, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson) A delegate looks at her phone during the Republican National Convention Wednesday, July 17, 2024, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson) Jocardo Ralston, 47, from Pennsylvania, looks up to a television to watch the presidential debate between President Joe Biden and Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump at Tillie's Lounge on Thursday, June 27, 2024, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster) Supporters of Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump look on as a bus carrying Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris passes by following a campaign event, Sunday, Aug. 18, 2024, in Rochester, Pa. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson) Attendees look on at a campaign rally for Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris, Friday, Oct. 25, 2024, in Houston. (AP Photo/Annie Mulligan) Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris arrives to speak on the final day of the Democratic National Convention, Thursday, Aug. 22, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin) Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump gestures as he arrives at the Republican National Convention Wednesday, July 17, 2024, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson) Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign rally at PPG Paints Arena, Monday, Nov. 4, 2024, in Pittsburgh, Pa. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris, left, and former first lady Michelle Obama arrive to speak during a campaign rally, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024 at the Wings Event Center in Kalamazoo, Mich. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin) A supporter greets Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump after a campaign event at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2024, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) A political advertisement for Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris is displayed on the Sphere, Monday, Nov. 4, 2024, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher) Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris walks toward reporters to speak before boarding Air Force Two, as she departs Las Vegas from Harry Reid International Airport, Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, en route to Arizona. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin) A voter works on her ballot at a polling place at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024, in Simi Valley, Calif. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello) Former President Donald Trump waits for the start of proceedings in Manhattan criminal court, Tuesday, April 23, 2024, in New York. Before testimony resumes Tuesday, the judge will hold a hearing on prosecutors' request to sanction and fine Trump over social media posts they say violate a gag order prohibiting him from attacking key witnesses. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura, Pool) Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump dances after speaking at a campaign event Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2024, in Savannah, Ga. (AP Photo/John Bazemore) Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris looks at a monitor of the event from backstage, just before taking the stage for her final campaign rally, Monday, Nov. 4, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin) Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump is prayed over with Pastor Paula White during the National Faith Summit at Worship With Wonders Church, Monday, Oct. 28, 2024, in Powder Springs, Ga. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson) Forgiato Blow wears a necklace with a likeness of former President Donald Trump before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign event at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2024, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) Elon Musk jumps on the stage as Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign rally at the Butler Farm Show, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Butler, Pa. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) Voters stand in line outside a polling place at Madison Church, Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024, in Phoenix, Ariz. (AP Photo/Matt York) Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris hugs President Biden during the Democratic National Convention Monday, Aug. 19, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast) Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks during a campaign rally at Lee's Family Forum, Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024, in Henderson, Nev. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson) Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump is reflected in the bullet proof glass as he finishes speaking at a campaign rally in Lititz, Pa., Sunday, Nov. 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke) Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris, bottom center, greets supporters after speaking during a campaign rally Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024 at the Wings Event Center in Kalamazoo, Mich. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin) Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris speaks during a campaign rally outside the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Monday, Nov. 4, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum) A young girl holds a "Black Voters for Harris-Walz" sign outside of Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris' election night watch party at Howard University, Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/Terrance Williams) Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris, left, shares a laugh with second gentleman Doug Emhoff, after reuniting in Pittsburgh, Monday, Nov. 4, 2024, aboard Air Force Two, just before taking off from Pittsburgh for her final campaign rally in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin, Pool) With tears streaming down her face, a supporter of Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris applauds as Harris delivers a concession speech after the 2024 presidential election, Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2024, on the campus of Howard University in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin) Bikers show their support for President-elect Donald Trump while riding on I-84, Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2024, near Lords Valley, Pa. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty) Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump stands on stage with steelworkers as he speaks during a campaign rally at Arnold Palmer Regional Airport, Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024, in Latrobe, Pa. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) Supporters cheer as Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks during a campaign event, Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024, in Erie, Pa. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke) Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris appears on NBC's "Saturday Night Live," with Maya Rudolph, Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024 in New York. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin) A delegate wearing a small American flag on his ear watches as Republican presidential candidate and former president, Donald Trump, speaks during the final day of the Republican National Convention Thursday, July 18, 2024, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya) Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris hugs a child after speaking during a campaign event at Washington Crossing Historic Park, in Washington Crossing, Pa., Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2024. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin) President Joe Biden pauses before he addresses the nation from the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, Wednesday, July 24, 2024, about his decision to drop his Democratic presidential reelection bid. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, Pool) Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump departs after speaking at a campaign event at the Butler Farm Show, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Butler, Pa. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) A voter watches the stage before former first lady Michelle Obama speaks at campaign rally in support of Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris, Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2024, in College Park, Ga. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson) Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris shake hands before the start of an ABC News presidential debate at the National Constitution Center, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump arrives at an election night watch party at the Palm Beach Convention Center, Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2024, in West Palm Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson) Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter.

Taking the witness stand on Thursday, Santa Clara Councilmember Suds Jain testified that he “assumed” Vice Mayor Anthony Becker gave the electric “Unsportsmanlike Conduct” report to a journalist before it was public — a slight deviation from testimony he gave to the criminal grand jury that indicted Becker last year. Jain said that Becker — one of his allies on the Santa Clara City Council since 2020 — had called him about two or three weeks before he was expected to testify in front of a criminal grand jury on March 29, 2023. During the phone call, Jain said that Becker admitted he had given the Santa Clara County civil grand jury report to Carolyn Schuk, an editor at the Silicon Valley Voice. Becker is currently on trial in Santa Clara County Superior Court in Morgan Hill for allegedly leaking the 2022 report — which chastised five members of the Santa Clara City Council for their relationship with San Francisco 49ers lobbyists — as well as felony perjury for allegedly lying about the leak under oath. The controversial report was supposed to be released publicly on Oct. 10, 2022, but appeared in several media outlets a few days prior. Rahul Chandhok, the 49ers’ former chief of communications, testified last week that Becker leaked him the report . During Jain’s March 29 testimony to the criminal grand jury, Deputy District Attorney Jason Malinsky asked the councilmember if Becker told him that he sent the report to a journalist “before it was public.” Jain confirmed that Becker had. But back in court on Thursday, Jain said he didn’t recall his prior testimony. “He told me that he had given the report to Carolyn Shuk,” Jain said. “I assumed it was during that period.” At one point, Malinsky showed Jain his prior testimony, to which he responded that he believed he was “confused.” The recently re-elected councilmember said that he wished Becker hadn’t told him. At the time, the two were discussing “how much stress he was under.” “I knew I had a subpoena, and it would have been better if he hadn’t told me,” he said. “It put me in a difficult position.” Jain testified that he didn’t ask his colleague any follow-up questions because he “did not want to know anymore.” When asked by a juror why Becker would have to give a journalist the report if it was already publicly available on the county’s website, Jain said “it’s possible that a reporter didn’t know where to find it. I don’t know.” Following Jain’s testimony, the prosecution played an audio recording of their interview with Becker on Dec. 28, 2022. Fernando Ramirez Jr., a criminalist with the Santa Clara County Crime Laboratory, testified as an expert witness the day prior that a forensic analysis of Becker’s phone showed that he had uninstalled Signal — the encrypted messaging app he allegedly used to leak the report — on Dec. 28 at 9:09 a.m. Becker’s meeting with Malinsky and Ben Holt, a criminal investigator with the DA’s office, commenced at 9:17 a.m. — less than nine minutes after data showed he deleted the app. In a snippet of the interview that was played for the jury, Becker said he hadn’t communicated with anyone from the 49ers “for a while.” He told Malinsky and Holt that he only used his phone’s native texting app to communicate with Chandhok, his main contact at the 49ers. Becker said he didn’t use Signal. But when asked by Malinsky if he used it in the past, he questioned why he was being asked so much about Chandhok. “Do I need a lawyer, because this is starting to get really inquisitive about my relationship with the 49ers?” Becker said. The vice mayor eventually admitted to having used the app in the past with one of his campaign staffers. When Malinsky asked Becker if he had used it to communicate with Chandhok, he said he didn’t know. “I don’t know why this is so important if we had conversations on Signal,” he said. Becker also denied leaking the grand jury report during the interview, and said he deleted Signal off of his phone “some time after the election.” The DA’s office served Becker with a search warrant following the interview.Michelob Ultra tops Bud Light as No. 1 draft beer in US

Published 4:53 pm Friday, December 27, 2024 Wayne Rustad, 80 Wayne Christian Rustad, 80, of Austin, Minnesota passed away Thursday, December 26, 2024 at the Cedars of Austin with family at his side. Wayne was born on January 11, 1944 in Rushford, Minnesota to Clifford & Dora (Torgerson) Rustad. He grew up on farms in the Rushford area, and was baptized and confirmed at Highland Prairie Lutheran Church. He graduated from Rushford High School in 1962 and from Winona State College in 1965 with a degree in elementary education. Later he earned a master’s degree. He taught for two years in Preston, Minnesota before moving to Austin where he continued to teach until his retirement in 2000. In 1969 he met a fellow teacher, Geraldine (Gerry) Carlstrom, and they were married in 1970 in Red Wing, Minnesota. Through the years Wayne was active in church activities and with Hot Meals on Wheels where he served as president and driver coordinator in addition to delivering meals. Wayne also worked as a crop hail adjuster for Farmers Mutual Hail Insurance of Iowa for many summers. He especially loved golfing, and enjoyed canoeing in the Boundary Waters, deer hunting, listening to music, and reading books by his favorite authors. He faithfully read the Star Tribune newspaper every day. He took up coin collecting as a hobby after he retired. His lifetime achievement was getting two holes in one playing golf with friends. He loved to tell stories, was proud of his Rushford roots, and loved his family. Once Gerry retired in 2003, they began spending parts of every winter in Apache Junction, Arizona where his favorite activities were golfing, hiking, and playing games and going out to eat with friends. Wayne is survived by his wife of 54 years, Gerry; daughter, Laura (Chad) Sayles; two granddaughters, Natalie (Nick) Baier and Emily (Trent) Brown; two great grandchildren, Bennett and Chloe Baier. Also surviving are two brothers, Dale Rustad and Rick (Shirley) Rustad; brother-in-law, Charles Ruen; and many nieces and nephews. Wayne was preceded in death by his parents, Clifford and Dora; his sister, Gloria Ruen; daughter, Susan Beth, who died at 15 months of age; and two sisters-in-law, Becky Rustad and Lesy Rustad. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Thursday, January 2, 2025 at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Austin, with the Reverend Dr. Kristen Venne officiating. Visitation will be held at 9:30 am Thursday until the time of the service. Interment will be at Oakwood Cemetery, Austin. In lieu of flowers, memorials in his honor may be sent to Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Austin; Hot Meals on Wheels, Austin; or donor’s choice. Clasen-Jordan Mortuary is assisting the family with arrangements.

As we eagerly await the premiere on December 13th, the hype surrounding this documentary continues to grow. From art connoisseurs to casual viewers, "Botticelli, Florence, and the Medici Family" is poised to captivate audiences with its mesmerizing storytelling and breathtaking visuals. Don't miss your chance to embark on this unforgettable journey through the artistic legacy of Botticelli, the enchanting city of Florence, and the influential Medici family.Neal Maupay: Whenever I’m having a bad day I check Everton score and smileAs Vinlink Technology moves forward with its plan to utilize up to 5 billion RMB of idle reserves for acquisitions, the company is poised to embark on a new chapter of growth and expansion. With a strong financial position and a clear strategic vision, Vinlink Technology is well-positioned to capitalize on market opportunities and create long-term value for its stakeholders.

Re: Spike in flu cases and delays in emergency departments put patients at risk from imminent winter crisis

The automotive industry has long been a cornerstone of the global economy, with car ownership symbolizing not just mobility but also status and comfort. However, the high upfront costs associated with purchasing a vehicle have often been a deterrent for many potential buyers. In response to this, banks have increasingly stepped in to offer attractive financing options, making car ownership more accessible to a wider range of consumers.The Spring Festival in China is a time of joy and celebration, a period when families come together to welcome the new year and enjoy quality time with loved ones. Alongside traditional festivities, one of the most anticipated aspects of the Spring Festival is the release of blockbuster movies that hit the box office during this lucrative period. This year, audiences can look forward to an exciting lineup of films that cater to a wide range of tastes and preferences.ATAF pays tribute to Prof Ncube’s role on regional taxation