US intel: Ukraine war caused 'one of the most disruptive periods' for global food security
Russia's invasion of Ukraine caused deep disruptions in the global food supply, raising prices and increasing the risk of food insecurity in poorer nations in the Middle East and North Africa, America's top spy agency said in an unclassified report released by Congress on Wednesday.
2023-08-31 05:17
Anti-abortion activist who kept foetuses in her home is convicted of blocking access to clinic
Anti-abortion activist Lauren Handy was convicted of illegally blocking a reproductive health clinic in Washington, DC after she kept five foetuses in her home. Handy and five other defendants were accused of violating the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act (FACE Act) — which prohibits intimidation or obstruction of someone seeking reproductive health services — when they blocked access to the Washington Surgi-Clinic in October 2020 using chains and ropes, according to a Justice Department release. A US District Court jury in DC found Handy and four co-defendants —John Hinshaw, Heather Idoni, William Goodman, Herb Geraghty — guilty on all counts. Each defendant was convicted of a felony conspiracy against rights and a FACE Act offence, the release stated, specifying that each face up to a maximum of 11 years in prison and a fine of up to $350,000. The Washington Post noted that a second group of defendants involved in the same blockade have a trial that is set to begin next week. The Justice Department wrote that Handy, Hinshaw, Idoni, Goodman, and Geraghty engaged in the conspiracy when they came from all over the country to Washington, DC “to meet with Handy and participate in a clinic blockade that was directed by Handy and was broadcast on Facebook.” Prosecutors said that Handy called the clinic while under the guise of a prospective patient to book an appointment to figure out when the clinic performed abortions — in order to plan when she and others could arrive to stop patients from getting inside. The Justice Department wrote that Handy, Hinshaw, Idoni, and Goodman “forcefully entered the clinic and set about blockading two clinic doors using their bodies, furniture, chains and ropes.” That’s when they began livestreaming their blockade. In terms of violating the FACE Act, the Justice Department wrote that the defendants used “physical obstruction to injure, intimidate and interfere” with the clinic’s employees as well as a patient who was seeking reproductive health services. “They planned their crime carefully, to take over that clinic, block access to reproductive services and interfere with others’ rights,” Assistant US Attorney John Crabb said last week. “The idea of deliberately breaking the law, to them, was sexy.” The group responsible for the blockade were reportedly members of Progressive Anti-Abortion Uprising (PAAU); Handy is the director of activism. The group’s website says its mission is to “achieve socio-political justice for the preborn by mobilizing anti-abortion activists for direct action and opposing elective abortion through a progressive lens.” PAAU wrote on X in the wake of the verdict: “This is a gross miscarriage of justice, and while this is painful for all of those who understand that the unborn have a right to be Rescued, this is not the end!” The group added, “Rescue CANNOT and will not be stopped. This case was an effort by the US government to isolate and intimidate Rescuers and anti abortion people into believing they will face significant jail time for living in alignment with their pro-life values.” The case was brought against Handy and the other defendants in February 2022; one month later, police found five fetuses in a house in Southeast Washington where she was staying. Metropolitan Police Department spokesperson said at the time that officers were investigating a tip regarding “potential bio-hazard material” at a property in Capitol Hill, adding later that they located “five fetuses inside a residence at the location.” Shortly after that news broke, PAAU held a press conference announcing that Handy had 115 more foetuses that she helped baptise and bury in a private cemetery. Handy said at the press conference, “During the five days they were under my stewardship, the 115 victims of abortion violence were given funeral mass for unbaptised children and 110… were given a proper burial in a private cemetery.” Read More Everything we know about Lauren Handy, anti-abortion activist who says she ‘blessed and buried’ 110 foetuses Anti-abortion activists, including one who kept fetuses, convicted of illegally blocking DC clinic Abortion rights protests planned across Poland after death of pregnant woman
2023-08-31 04:58
Abortion anecdote from DeSantis at GOP debate is more complex than he made it sound
During last week's Republican presidential debate, Florida Gov_ Ron DeSantis dodged a question about a federal abortion ban by telling a story about a woman he knew who he claimed survived despite “multiple abortion attempts.”
2023-08-31 03:22
Baidu Among First Firms to Win China Approval for AI Models
China will approve the first batch of generative artificial intelligence services for public rollout as soon as this
2023-08-31 00:56
It's not just crime: What's really going on with SF's shrinking retail district
In many ways, San Francisco's downtown is in dire straits. The city's once bustling Union Square neighborhood, once teeming with shoppers, diners, and tourists, has suffered declining foot traffic and closing stores.
2023-08-31 00:53
Boat Stocks Slump After MasterCraft Outlook Fuels Demand Concerns
Boat manufacturers and dealers dropped as MasterCraft Boat Holdings Inc.’s weaker-than-expected sales forecast stoked concern over waning consumer
2023-08-31 00:46
Orsted’s $2.3 Billion Charge Exposes US Offshore Wind Woes
Orsted A/S’s potential $2.3 billion impairment on its US projects is just the latest in a string of
2023-08-31 00:24
Spain has condemned inappropriate World Cup kiss. Can it now reckon with sexism in soccer?
Spain has spoken loudly through its government, political parties, soccer clubs, players and ordinary citizens to condemn the kiss of a player by the head of its soccer federation that sullied its Women’s World Cup victory
2023-08-31 00:22
Prince Harry says in a new Netflix series he lacked support when he returned home from Afghanistan
Britain’s Prince Harry says he didn’t have the support he needed when he returned home from combat in Afghanistan
2023-08-30 23:54
Bring some happy vibes home with fall's 'dopamine decor' trend
The biggest trend in home decorating this fall is an emphasis on happiness, self-expression, color and creativity
2023-08-30 23:29
Lego CEO Hints at New Movie After Rival Barbie’s Blockbuster Run
Lego A/S had great success with its 2014 Lego Movie and now that rival Mattel Inc. has reached
2023-08-30 22:25
India Allows Rice Exports to Singapore, Sidestepping Sales Curbs
India, the world’s biggest rice exporter, will permit shipments to Singapore despite putting restrictions on overseas sales of
2023-08-30 22:21