Dakshina Kannada Lok Sabha Polls 2024: Check key candidates, date of voting and other important details
The Dakshina Kannada Lok Sabha constituency is a significant battleground as it holds historical importance.
RFK Jr. reaffirms he would pardon Edward Snowden on first day of his presidency
Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said he remains committed to pardoning NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden on his first day in office if he is elected to the White House. Kennedy Jr. released a petition Monday calling on President Biden to pardon Snowden, who in 2013 famously visited Hong Kong and exposed classified NSA documents that revealed the U.S. government was spying on its citizens. He was then charged with espionage and theft of government property. “Snowden performed a critical public service by revealing to Americans for the first time that our government had been spying on us, millions of law-abiding American citizens, in violation of numerous laws and of our fundamental right to privacy,” Kennedy Jr. said in a video attached to the petition. Now a Russian citizen after seeking asylum, Snowden was stranded in Russia following the release of the documents after the U.S. government revoked his passport as he was attempting to make the trip to his intended final destination of Latin America, where he had planned to stay to avoid U.S. prosecution for taking thousands of classified documents from the NSA and leaking them to the press. Snowden has not left Russia since. RUSSIAN CITIZENSHIP PROVIDES ‘A LITTLE STABILITY’ FOR HIM AND HIS FAMILY, SNOWDEN SAYS The information included the mass collection of Americans’ metadata, allowing the government to see when and to whom a phone call or message was sent. The video also featured a compilation of comments made by former Presidents George W. Bush, Barack Obama and Donald Trump, all of whom criticized Snowden as a traitor. “Prior to Edward Snowden, nobody knew that the intelligence agencies were illegally mining all of our data and spying on American citizens,” Kennedy Jr. said. “So it’s not surprising that those same intelligence agencies are now trying to portray Snowden as a criminal and that captive politicians are supporting that narrative.” “Edward Snowden is an American hero,” Kennedy Jr. continued. “Instead of jailing Snowden, I’m going to build a statue to him and maybe to [WikiLeaks founder] Julian Assange somewhere near the Washington Press Club or perhaps outside the CIA headquarters in Langley as a civics lesson to the Republic.” EDWARD SNOWDEN SAYS BARACK OBAMA MADE SURVEILLANCE STATE ‘WORSE’ The presidential hopeful has previously said he would pardon Snowden and Assange, an Australian publisher held in a maximum security London prison and fighting extradition to the U.S. on espionage charges for publishing classified military documents in 2010. “It’s time that we return our government to the democratic and humanitarian ideals that we’ve always represented as a nation,” Kennedy Jr. said. “Let’s go back to championing free speech and celebrating truth-tellers and the whistleblowers who put their careers and their own freedom on the line to protect ours.” Kennedy Jr. has long been a critic of the U.S. intelligence agencies. After initially challenging Biden for the Democratic Party’s presidential nomination, Kennedy Jr. launched a White House bid as an independent in October, setting up a match-up against Biden and Trump in the 2024 general election. Trump has previously said he believes Snowden is a “total traitor” and even suggested once that the whistleblower “should be executed.” Still, the former president later admitted he considered pardoning Snowden or Assange, who was indicted by Trump’s Justice Department, in the final days of his administration, although he did not specify which one. “The America I love doesn’t punish whistleblowers,” Kenndy Jr. wrote in his petition. “Truth-tellers who champion free speech and try to return America to its democratic and humanitarian ideals should be revered, not prosecuted.”
Sharad Pawar claims ‘mood of people is now against PM Modi’, slams Centre over China
To a query on China unilaterally renaming places in Arunachal Pradesh, the former defence minister said, “Our government is not taking national interests seriously”. He said there was ”no thinking yet” on who would be the INDIA bloc’s prime ministerial face.
Darjeeling Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Know key candidates, polling date, past winner, other important details
The Darjeeling Lok Sabha constituency will go to polls on April 26 in the second phase of Lok Sabha elections.
Trump promises to indemnify, protect law enforcement following NYPD Jonathan Diller’s death
Former President Trump promised to give police officers a blanket of protection following the recent death of NYPD Officer Jonathan Diller. During a campaign stop Tuesday in Green Bay, Wisconsin, Trump promised to “restore law and order” and “indemnify” and “protect” law enforcement. “We will very importantly restore law and order to our country, and I’m going to indemnify all police officers and law enforcement officials throughout the United States to protect them from being destroyed by the radical left for taking strong actions on crime,” Trump said. TRUMP SPOTLIGHTS ‘BIDEN’S BORDER BLOODBATH’ DURING STOP IN CRUCIAL BATTLEDGROUND STATE HE LOST IN 2020 The former president remembered Diller, promising to “crack down” and prosecute “dangerous criminals.” “The other day I was very honored to visit the family of an amazing man, New York Police Detective Jonathan Diller. You read about it, who was gunned down by a vicious thug, who was originally arrested by different law enforcement agencies over twenty-one times for very serious crimes. And the person with them was a known killer,” Trump said. ‘INTEGRITY’ OF NY LEGAL SYSTEM AT STAKE AS TRUMP APPEALS CIVIL FRAUD CASE, JONATHAN TURLEY SAYS “When I’m re-elected I will crack down on the left-wing jurisdictions that refuse to prosecute dangerous criminals,” Trump vowed. Diller was fatally shot last week during a traffic stop in Queens after a man with 21 prior arrests allegedly shot him in the stomach as Diller was trying to make the suspect — 34-year-old Guy Rivera — exit the vehicle. Rivera allegedly opened fire on Diller and his partner at about 5:45 p.m. The officers had approached the vehicle because it had been illegally parked at a bus stop. Another man who was in the vehicle at the time of Diller’s death, Lindy Jones, was also charged following the death, including for criminal possession of a weapon and defacing a weapon. Fox News Digital’s Timothy Nerozzi contributed to this report.
Trump vows to create ‘Christian Visibility Day’ following Biden’s declaration of ‘Trans Visibility Day’
Former President Trump vowed to create a “Christian Visibility Day” following President Biden’s declaration of “Transgender Day of Visibility,” which happened to land on Easter Sunday this year. “And what the h— was Biden thinking when he declared Easter Sunday to be trans visibility day?” Trump asked his supporters during a campaign rally in Green Bay, Wisconsin on Tuesday. “Such total disrespect to Christians.” The presumptive Republican nominee for president promised that Nov. 5 would be “Christian Visabiliy Day” if he is elected. “And on November 5th, it is going to be called something else. You know, it’s going to be called Christian Visibility Day,” Trump said to thunderous applause. TRUMP DEMANDS BIDEN ISSUE APOLOGY OVER ‘BLASPHEMOUS’ TRANS VISIBILITY DAY ON EASTER SUNDAY: ‘APPALLING’ Trump’s comments came after President Biden celebrated “Transgender Day of Visibility,” which is recognized March 31, and this year fell on Easter Sunday. BIDEN SLAMMED ON SOCIAL MEDIA AFTER ANNOUNCING TRANSGENDER DAY OF VISIBILITY ON EASTER SUNDAY Biden has faced backlash after his annual day to honor the transgender movement fell on Easter Sunday, one of the most important and holiest days for Christians, as they celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Trump’s national press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, previously called the “Trans Day of Visbility” “appalling and insulting.” Leavitt said the president’s announcement is an example of the Biden administration’s “years-long assault on the Christian faith.” The White House issued a statement saying the criticism over ‘Transgender Day of Visibility’ coinciding with Easter was divisive. “As a Christian who celebrates Easter with family, President Biden stands for bringing people together and upholding the dignity and freedoms of every American,” read the statement. “Sadly, it’s unsurprising politicians are seeking to divide and weaken our country with cruel, hateful, and dishonest rhetoric. President Biden will never abuse his faith for political purposes or for profit.”
T-Squared: The Texas Tribune has won its first National Magazine Award
We were recognized — along with our partners ProPublica and FRONTLINE — for our investigation into the law enforcement response to the 2022 mass school at Robb Elementary in Uvalde.
Nebraska lawmakers debate 1 cent sales tax hike
Nebraska lawmakers are debating a bill that would raise the state’s sales tax by 1 cent to 6.5% on every taxable dollar spent — which would make it among the highest in the country. Lawmakers expected to take a vote later Tuesday on whether to advance the bill to a second of three rounds of debate in Nebraska’s unique one-chamber legislature. In addition to raising the state’s current 5.5% sales tax and expanding it to include more services — such as advertising costs — it would add new taxes to candy and soda pop and would tax hemp and CBD products at 100%. NEBRASKA GOVERNOR TIGHTENS RESTRICTIONS ON GENDER TRANSITION TREATMENTS FOR MINORS But the bill would also cut sales tax currently added to utility bills — a proposal made to address complaints that a sales tax increase would disproportionately affect lower income people. Supporters of the bill pushed back on that argument, noting that grocery food items would still be exempt from sales tax in Nebraska. The bill is aimed at higher income residents with more disposable income, not those living in poverty, said Omaha Sen. Lou Ann Linehan. For those struggling to get by, “are you spending a lot of money on handbags,” Linehan asked. “Are you spending $200 on new shoes? This bill affects people who have money to spend on those things.” Linehan has struggled to find enough votes to advance the bill. Critics include both left-leaning lawmakers, who say a sales tax inherently puts more burden on lower income populations, and far-right conservative lawmakers who oppose any increase in taxes. “On average, the 5% of Nebraskans with incomes over $252,600 will pay less as a result of the changes, while for 8 in 10 Nebraskans, the sales tax increase will on average be greater than any property tax cut they may receive,” taxation watchdog group Open Sky Policy Institute said. The bill is key to Republican Gov. Jim Pillen’s plan to slash soaring property taxes, which reached a high of $5.3 billion in 2023 as housing prices have soared in recent years. Because local assessors are required to assess residential property at around 100% of market value, some people — particularly the elderly who are on fixed incomes — are being priced out homes they’ve owned for years because they can’t afford the tax bill, Pillen said. This year’s legislative session is set to end by April 18. Pillen had previously promised to called lawmakers back for a special session if property tax relief efforts fail to pass.
Barstool Sports personality running for Congress in NY-1 with ‘common sense’ plan: ‘Voice for this generation’
FIRST ON FOX: Barstool Sports personality Bill Cotter, also known as “Billy Football,” has turned his sights to New York’s 1st Congressional District, embarking on a grassroots campaign focused on the younger generation. “I wanted to get involved and be a voice for this generation, if anything. You know, I may not make it to Congress, but hopefully, some of the things that I raise on my platform here will,” Cotter told Fox News Digital. As a fifth-generation New Yorker, Cotter said that District 1 is facing issues that were not a problem for him growing up in the Big Apple. “I just kept thinking about it and seeing what was going on in Washington, in local politics and the issues that this part of New York is dealing with,” Cotter said. “There are issues that were not a problem growing up, and now it is.” “When it comes to crime, the immigration crisis and the cost of living crisis, we’re seeing those issues at face value in New York and that spurred me to get involved,” he said. DAVE PORTNOY RAISES ‘ABOUT $240,000’ FOR FAMILY OF FALLEN NYPD OFFICER JONATHAN DILLER Cotter said that when he recently turned 25, he was finally old enough to run and decided to use his platform to make a difference in the political arena. “What are you going to be able to do at 25, that you couldn’t do at 24? One of those things was running for U.S. Congress,” Cotter said. The Barstool Sports personality said that inflation and the cost of living crisis are two issues that hit home for his generation. “There is no one in my generation buying a house, especially in this area, for the next five years because of how expensive housing is,” Cotter said. “The day-to-day life has gotten so expensive and no one has enough expendable income to save, and their wages have not grown at the same rate as the prices of everything has.” BOYFRIEND ARRESTED IN NYC IRISH PUB SLAYING AFTER BARTENDER BUTCHERED ON THE JOB: POLICE “For our generation, we’re the ones who are going to be left with the bill when it comes to the national debt,” he said. Cotter said that his work for Barstool Sports has given him a unique platform to interact with “pro-athletes to bartenders.” “The best impact that my audience has had is that I’ve been able to interact with so many people my age group, from pro athletes to bartenders. And they all sort of know something is wrong in this country,” he said. “I hear them voice their opinions and their problems and I feel like when you have 300,000 followers on Twitter, you’re interacting with so many,” he added. “That insight, has really inspired me to take this extra level because people know there’s something wrong and that there is a complete lack of common sense.” EX-CON NYC MURDER SUSPECT SEEN SMILING WITH DA BRAGG PLEADS NOT GUILTY, HELD WITHOUT BAIL “I want to try to help bring some common sense into the equation because, from the looks of it, we don’t know if our elected officials are truly acting in our best interests.” Cotter said that he decided to run as a Republican because most of his views aligned with the party. “I chose to run as a Republican because many of my views were aligned when it came to national security, supporting law enforcement and on budget spending,” he said. “I don’t think all my beliefs are necessarily tied completely to the Republican Party. I think I have a position where I’m running in the Republican Party, but I will look at every issue completely and without bias.” Cotter has been working tirelessly to collect the 1,250 signatures to make it on the Republican New York ballot. “I’m learning a lot about the electoral process and I see a lot of barriers for regular people to run for office,” Cotter said. “The only people who seem to be getting into this position with perfect signatures seem to be largely establishment candidates with the widespread backing of whatever party.” “I’m hoping that I can, honestly, run a true grassroots campaign,” he said. “I’ve collected about a thousand signatures myself, in the rain.”
Barstool Sports personality running for Congress in NY-3 with ‘common sense’ plan: ‘Voice for this generation’
FIRST ON FOX: Barstool Sports personality Bill Cotter, also known as “Billy Football,” has turned his sights to New York’s 3rd Congressional District, embarking on a grassroots campaign focused on the younger generation. “I wanted to get involved and be a voice for this generation, if anything. You know, I may not make it to Congress, but hopefully, some of the things that I raise on my platform here will,” Cotter told Fox News Digital. As a fifth-generation New Yorker, Cotter said that District 3 is facing issues that were not a problem for him growing up in the Big Apple. “I just kept thinking about it and seeing what was going on in Washington, in local politics and the issues that this part of New York is dealing with,” Cotter said. “There are issues that were not a problem growing up, and now it is.” “When it comes to crime, the immigration crisis and the cost of living crisis, we’re seeing those issues at face value in New York and that spurred me to get involved,” he said. DAVE PORTNOY RAISES ‘ABOUT $240,000’ FOR FAMILY OF FALLEN NYPD OFFICER JONATHAN DILLER Cotter said that when he recently turned 25, he was finally old enough to run and decided to use his platform to make a difference in the political arena. “What are you going to be able to do at 25, that you couldn’t do at 24? One of those things was running for U.S. Congress,” Cotter said. The Barstool Sports personality said that inflation and the cost of living crisis are two issues that hit home for his generation. “There is no one in my generation buying a house, especially in this area, for the next five years because of how expensive housing is,” Cotter said. “The day-to-day life has gotten so expensive and no one has enough expendable income to save, and their wages have not grown at the same rate as the prices of everything has.” BOYFRIEND ARRESTED IN NYC IRISH PUB SLAYING AFTER BARTENDER BUTCHERED ON THE JOB: POLICE “For our generation, we’re the ones who are going to be left with the bill when it comes to the national debt,” he said. Cotter said that his work for Barstool Sports has given him a unique platform to interact with “pro-athletes to bartenders.” “The best impact that my audience has had is that I’ve been able to interact with so many people my age group, from pro athletes to bartenders. And they all sort of know something is wrong in this country,” he said. “I hear them voice their opinions and their problems and I feel like when you have 300,000 followers on Twitter, you’re interacting with so many,” he added. “That insight, has really inspired me to take this extra level because people know there’s something wrong and that there is a complete lack of common sense.” EX-CON NYC MURDER SUSPECT SEEN SMILING WITH DA BRAGG PLEADS NOT GUILTY, HELD WITHOUT BAIL “I want to try to help bring some common sense into the equation because, from the looks of it, we don’t know if our elected officials are truly acting in our best interests.” Cotter said that he decided to run as a Republican because most of his views aligned with the party. “I chose to run as a Republican because many of my views were aligned when it came to national security, supporting law enforcement and on budget spending,” he said. “I don’t think all my beliefs are necessarily tied completely to the Republican Party. I think I have a position where I’m running in the Republican Party, but I will look at every issue completely and without bias.” Cotter has been working tirelessly to collect the 1,250 signatures to make it on the Republican New York ballot. “I’m learning a lot about the electoral process and I see a lot of barriers for regular people to run for office,” Cotter said. “The only people who seem to be getting into this position with perfect signatures seem to be largely establishment candidates with the widespread backing of whatever party.” “I’m hoping that I can, honestly, run a true grassroots campaign,” he said. “I’ve collected about a thousand signatures myself, in the rain.”