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Senate Investigation Reveals Billionaire Harlan Crow Provided Justice Clarence Thomas with Additional Undisclosed Private Jet Trips

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Senate Investigation Reveals Billionaire Harlan Crow Provided Justice Clarence Thomas with Additional Undisclosed Private Jet Trips

An investigation conducted by Senate Judiciary Committee Democrats has uncovered that billionaire political donor Harlan Crow provided Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas with at least three previously undisclosed private jet trips in recent years. The flights, which were detailed by Crow’s lawyer in response to inquiries from the committee, transported the justice to destinations including the region near Glacier National Park in Montana and Thomas’ hometown in Georgia.

Harlan Crow provided Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas favors.

The committee’s investigation was launched in response to ProPublica’s reporting last year, which revealed numerous undisclosed gifts Crow had provided to Thomas, such as private school tuition for a relative and an annual luxury vacation spanning more than two decades. Although Democrats on the committee authorized a subpoena for information from Crow last November, it was not issued, and the new information was obtained through negotiations between the Senate and Crow’s attorneys.

The Justices of the U.S Supreme Court.

Senator Dick Durbin, D-Ill., the panel’s chair, stated that a report detailing the full findings of the committee Democrats’ investigation would be released later in the summer. Durbin emphasized that the newly discovered gifts make it “crystal clear that the highest court needs an enforceable code of conduct.”

Crow’s office released a statement indicating that he had provided the senators with information covering the past seven years and that the committee had agreed to end its probe concerning Crow. The statement also noted that despite Crow’s concerns about the legality and necessity of the inquiry, he engaged in good faith with the committee.

Justice Clarence Thomas.

The newly revealed flights further highlight Thomas’ frequent use of Crow’s jet for personal travel, allowing the justice to fly in the same manner as the ultrawealthy. Crow owns a high-end Bombardier Global 5000, a jet that can cost over $10,000 per flight hour to charter.

The details released by the Senate do not specify the purpose of the trips, only listing flight dates and locations. These include a May 2017 trip from St. Louis to Kalispell, Montana, and a return flight from Montana to Dallas two days later, coinciding with Thomas’ scheduled speech to a local bar association in St. Louis. Other trips include a same-day round trip from the East Coast to San Jose, California, on June 29, 2021, and a round-trip flight from Washington, D.C., to Savannah, Georgia, on March 23, 2019.

Billionaire Harlan Crow.

ProPublica could not immediately find evidence of Thomas making public appearances in Montana, Georgia, or California on the dates in question.

The relationship between Crow and Thomas began in 1996 when Crow offered to fly the justice to Dallas for a speech, and they hit it off while in the air. Since then, Crow has flown Thomas to destinations around the world.

As the Senate Judiciary Committee Democrats’ investigation continues, the public awaits the release of the full report, which is expected to provide further insight into the extent of the ethical lapses by Supreme Court justices and the need for an enforceable code of conduct.

Credit: Propublica

Tesla Shareholders Approve Restoration of Elon Musk’s $44.9 Billion Pay Package

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Tesla Shareholders Approve Restoration of Elon Musk’s $44.9 Billion Pay Package

In a significant development, Tesla shareholders voted on Thursday to restore CEO Elon Musk’s record-breaking $44.9 billion pay package, which had been thrown out by a Delaware judge earlier this year. The vote took place during the company’s annual meeting in Austin, Texas, although the exact vote totals were not immediately disclosed.

Despite the favorable shareholder vote, Musk is unlikely to receive the all-stock compensation anytime soon. The package is expected to remain tied up in the Delaware Chancery Court for several months as Tesla appeals the court’s initial rejection.

In January, the Delaware Chancery Court ruled that Musk essentially controlled the Tesla board when it approved the package in 2018 and that the board failed to fully inform shareholders who approved the package the same year. The court’s decision called into question the validity of the compensation plan, which is believed to be one of the largest in corporate history.

Following the court’s ruling, Tesla announced its intention to appeal the decision. However, in a strategic move, the company also asked shareholders to reapprove the package at Thursday’s annual meeting, seeking to bolster its position in the ongoing legal battle.

The approval of Musk’s pay package by Tesla shareholders comes amidst the company’s continued success and growth in the electric vehicle market. Under Musk’s leadership, Tesla has become a dominant force in the industry, with its stock price soaring and its market capitalization reaching unprecedented levels.

However, critics have questioned the size and structure of Musk’s compensation plan, arguing that it is excessive and not properly aligned with the company’s performance. The Delaware Chancery Court’s initial rejection of the package lent credence to these concerns, prompting Tesla to seek shareholder reapproval.

As the legal battle over Musk’s pay package continues, the outcome of Tesla’s appeal in the Delaware Chancery Court will be closely watched by investors, corporate governance experts, and the wider business community. The case has the potential to set important precedents regarding executive compensation and the role of shareholders in approving such packages.

For now, Tesla and Musk will have to wait for the court’s decision on the appeal, even as the company moves forward with its ambitious plans for growth and expansion in the rapidly evolving electric vehicle market.

Credit: AP

Drake Thinks the World is Ending Soon as He Buys $200K Armored Super Truck? (PHOTOS)

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Drake Thinks the World is Ending Soon as He Buys $200K Armored Super Truck? (PHOTOS)

Hip-hop superstar Drake is set to make a bold statement while cruising around his new Texas neighborhood, as he recently dropped a whopping $200,000 on a custom-built, apocalypse-ready super truck from Apocalypse Manufacturing.

According to the company responsible for creating this monster of a vehicle, Drake’s new ride is state-of-the-art and built to withstand the toughest conditions. The truck boasts a Hemi Hellcat V8 6.2L engine with 870 horsepower upgrades, full-time four-wheel drive, and armored and riveted doors, ensuring the OVO captain is prepared for anything.

Drake took delivery of the suped-up truck this week and wasted no time showing it off on his recently-purchased $15 million ranch in Fayette County, Texas. He posted several pictures featuring the truck’s impressive Siberian Tiger interior, proving that style and functionality can go hand-in-hand.

Apocalypse Manufacturing assures that the Texas terrain won’t be an issue for Drake’s commutes, as the truck comes equipped with five off-road drive modes: Sport, Drag Race, Baja, Rock, and Mud. The vehicle also features steel bumpers with LED lights on the front and back, power steps on the sides, and a high-performance cooling system designed for desert climates.

Perhaps the most impressive feature of Drake’s new toy is its ability to ramp-launch 10 feet off the ground, a feat that Apocalypse Manufacturing claims to have tested 50 times to ensure its reliability.

The midnight black bruiser is just as impressive on the inside, with a 12″ infotainment screen and a 20″ Radiance lightbar on the windshield guardian, guaranteeing that Drake will shine whenever he pulls up.

The change of scenery could be a welcome change of pace for the rapper, whose Toronto property has been targeted amid various rap beefs. However, Drake hasn’t been hiding in his hometown, as he recently spectated his son Adonis’ soccer game, appearing unbothered by the recent drama.

With his new armored super truck, Drake will be rolling around his Texas ranch in style and safety. Just watch out for those wide turns, y’all!

Credit: TMZ

U.S. Deploys Attack Submarine to Guantanamo Bay as Russian Flotilla Conducts Military Exercises in Caribbean

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U.S. Deploys Attack Submarine to Guantanamo Bay as Russian Flotilla Conducts Military Exercises in Caribbean

In a rare move, the U.S. military announced on Thursday that the USS Helena, a Los Angeles-class nuclear submarine, is making a routine port visit to the naval base at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. The visit coincides with the arrival of a Russian nuclear submarine and several frigates to the port of Havana for an official port call on Wednesday.

According to a statement from U.S. Southern Command, the USS Helena’s visit was “previously planned” and is part of its transit through the command’s geographic area of responsibility. However, the timing of the visit has drawn attention due to the Russian fleet’s presence in the Caribbean, which sailed close to the Florida coast before arriving in Havana.

U.S Attack Sub arrives Cuba to show presence.

The Russian flotilla is expected to make stops in Venezuela and conduct military exercises in the Caribbean. Both the U.S. and Canada monitored the fleet’s journey to Cuba, deploying several ships and a reconnaissance plane to track their movements, as reported by CNN.

National security adviser Jake Sullivan addressed the situation, stating that while the visit is “something we watch closely, carefully,” similar port calls have occurred in the past. He also noted that there was no indication of arms transfers between Cuba and Russia during this visit.

Despite Sullivan’s comments, the Russian deployment has prompted outcries from Republicans, who argue that the Kremlin’s move demonstrates the Biden administration’s weak foreign policy. Russian leader Vladimir Putin has previously vowed to use “asymmetrical tactics against the West” in response to Washington and other allies’ decision to allow Ukraine to use Western-made munitions against targets in Russian territory.

USS Helena, a Los Angeles-class nuclear submarine arrives Cuba.

Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) criticized the administration on Fox News, stating, “when you have a president who is weak, every bad guy on the globe is on the march and that is why we’re seeing, for example, Russian ships off Cuba with hypersonic weapons testing missiles just 90 miles off the coast of Florida.”

The deployment of the USS Helena to Guantanamo Bay amid the Russian military exercises in the Caribbean highlights the ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Russia, as well as the potential for increased military posturing in the region. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the Biden administration will navigate the complex geopolitical landscape and address concerns raised by Republicans regarding the perceived strength of U.S. foreign policy.

Credit: Politico

Australian Town Cooks and Eats Crocodile That Terrorized Community

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Australian Town Cooks and Eats Crocodile That Terrorized Community

In a peculiar turn of events, residents of Bulla, a remote town in Australia’s Northern Territory, have taken revenge on a massive 3.6-meter (11.8-foot) saltwater crocodile by cooking and eating the beast that had been blamed for devouring pets and chasing children in the community.

On Wednesday, Northern Territory Police shot the crocodile after determining it posed a “significant risk to the community.” In a statement, police revealed that the predator “had been stalking and lunging out of the water at children and adults” and had “also reportedly taken multiple community dogs.”

Rather than letting the crocodile go to waste, the community “prepared [it] for a feast in the traditional manner,” according to the police. Before the feast, authorities seized the opportunity to provide local children with an impromptu “crocodile safety session,” which included an “up-close look at the dangers within our waterways.”

Northern Territory Police Sergeant Andrew McBride told public broadcaster ABC that the crocodile was “cooked up into crocodile tail soup, he was on the barbecue, a few of the pieces were wrapped up in banana leaves and cooked underground.” He added, “It was a rather large traditional feast and there were a few full bellies.”

Both saltwater and freshwater crocodiles are protected species in Australia, with hunting banned by federal law since 1971 when poaching had nearly driven them to extinction. Since then, crocodile numbers have rebounded, with the Northern Territory now home to an estimated 100,000 crocodiles, according to the local government.

Wildlife specialist Kristen Hay warned that “any body of water in The Top End may contain large and potentially dangerous crocodiles.” The Northern Territory’s website notes that saltwater crocodiles can grow up to six meters (20 feet), weigh up to a ton, and “will eat just about anything.”

Interactions between crocodiles and humans can be fatal, and park rangers across northern Australia remove hundreds of saltwater crocodiles from populated areas each year. In April, a 16-year-old boy was killed by a crocodile in northern Queensland while attempting to swim to shore after his boat broke down. Last year, the remains of a 64-year-old fisherman were recovered from inside a crocodile, also in Queensland. In January, a nine-year-old boy survived a crocodile attack in the Northern Territory’s Kakadu National Park but was hospitalized with “puncture wounds.”

The unusual response by the Bulla community to the threatening crocodile highlights the ongoing challenges of human-wildlife coexistence in Australia’s remote regions, where dangerous animals like saltwater crocodiles are a constant presence.

Khloe Kardashian’s Unconventional Sperm Donor Proposal: A Strange Conversation with Rob Kardashian

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Khloe Kardashian’s Unconventional Sperm Donor Proposal: A Strange Conversation with Rob Kardashian

In a recent episode of “The Kardashians,” Khloe Kardashian sparked a bizarre conversation when she offered up her brother, Rob Kardashian, as a potential sperm donor for her best friend, Malika Haqq. Malika, who expressed her desire to expand her family, was considering using a sperm donor after her breakup with O.T. Genasis, with whom she shares a son.

Khloe, initially hesitant about the idea of Malika using a sperm bank, suggested Rob as a viable option. She pointed out that Rob and Malika had a previous romantic encounter and reasoned that he would make a good donor. Without hesitation, Khloe called Rob to discuss the proposal.

During the phone call, Khloe straightforwardly asked Rob if he would consider being Malika’s sperm donor. However, Rob’s response was unexpected as he claimed, “I can’t c anymore.” Despite Khloe’s attempts to explain the process, Rob reiterated his statement, indicating his reluctance to participate.

Although Khloe remained persistent, suggesting they could prepare Rob’s penis and asking him to reconsider, it became apparent that Rob was unable or unwilling to fulfill her request. While the specifics of Rob’s inability to produce sperm were not discussed, it raised questions about his current fertility status.

While Rob has previously fathered a child, it appears that he may no longer be able to do so. The lighthearted conversation shed light on the complexities of fertility and the challenges individuals face when considering alternative options for starting a family.

Ultimately, the exchange between Khloe and Rob offered a glimpse into the unconventional dynamics of the Kardashian family and provided viewers with an entertaining yet thought-provoking moment. As Malika explores her options for expanding her family, it remains to be seen how she will proceed in her journey to motherhood.

TMZ

U.S. Supreme Court Unanimously Blocks ‘Trump Too Small’ Trademark Bid, Upholds Restrictions on Trademarking Names

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U.S. Supreme Court Unanimously Blocks ‘Trump Too Small’ Trademark Bid, Upholds Restrictions on Trademarking Names

In a unanimous decision on Thursday, the U.S. Supreme Court rejected a California lawyer’s attempt to trademark the phrase “Trump too small,” a reference to a crude joke made about former President Donald Trump. The court ruled in favor of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, which had initially denied the application, and overturned a U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit ruling.

Expected wares bearing the trademark.

Justice Clarence Thomas, writing for the court, stated that “history and tradition” supported the notion that restrictions on trademarking certain names do not violate the First Amendment of the Constitution. He added, “We see no reason to disturb this longstanding tradition, which supports the restriction of the use of another’s name in a trademark.”

The phrase “Trump too small” originated from a 2016 Republican presidential primary debate featuring then-candidate Donald Trump and Senator Marco Rubio of Florida. During the debate, Rubio joked about Trump’s allegedly small hands, implying a correspondingly small penis.

Expected wares bearing the trademark.

Steve Elster, an employment lawyer and progressive activist, applied to register the phrase “Trump too small” with the trademark office in 2018. The slogan appeared on the front of a T-shirt Elster created, with “Trump’s package is too small” printed on the back. In his application, Elster stated that he intended to spread a message that “some features of President Trump and his policies are diminutive.”

However, the trademark office rejected Elster’s application, arguing that the public would immediately associate the word “Trump” with the then-president. Under established law, Trump’s written consent would be required for the trademark to be approved.

The Trump Too Small was mentioned at one of the 2016 Republican presidential primary debate.

The Supreme Court’s decision to uphold the trademark office’s rejection of Elster’s application reaffirms the long-standing tradition of restricting the use of another person’s name in a trademark without their consent. This ruling sets a precedent for future cases involving the trademarking of names, particularly those of public figures.

While some may view the phrase “Trump too small” as a form of political commentary or satire, the court’s decision emphasizes the importance of respecting an individual’s right to control the use of their name in a commercial context, regardless of their public status or the nature of the message being conveyed.

As the nation continues to grapple with the balance between free speech and the protection of intellectual property rights, the Supreme Court’s unanimous decision in this case provides clarity on the limitations of trademarking names without consent.

Arizona Man Indicted on Gun Trafficking Charges, Planned Mass Shooting to Incite Race War

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Arizona Man Indicted on Gun Trafficking Charges, Planned Mass Shooting to Incite Race War

In a disturbing case, an Arizona man, Mark Adams Prieto, 58, has been indicted on four counts of gun-trafficking crimes after federal prosecutors revealed that an undercover FBI sting operation uncovered his plans to kill Black people in a mass shooting to “incite a race war.” The grand jury indictment, handed down on Tuesday, includes charges of gun trafficking, transferring a gun for use in a hate crime, and possession of an unregistered gun.

Prieto was arrested on May 14 while driving east on a New Mexico highway with seven guns in his vehicle, according to the U.S. attorney’s office for the Arizona district. Prior to his arrest, he had informed an FBI undercover agent, who was posing as a racist gun enthusiast, about his intentions to drive to Atlanta, Georgia, for reconnaissance of possible venues to attack. Prieto wanted to carry out the attack before the U.S. presidential election in November.

The indictment revealed that between January and May, Prieto met multiple times with the undercover agent and an FBI source at various gun shows in Arizona. Even before January, he had discussed with the FBI source his plans to “carry out a mass shooting targeting African Americans, Jews, and Muslims.”

Prieto, the undercover agent, and the source had selected concerts planned for Atlanta on May 14 and May 15 as their targets for the mass shooting, as Prieto expected these events to be attended by a large number of African Americans. In March, Prieto sold an AR-15 semiautomatic rifle to the undercover agent at a Phoenix gun show to be used in the attack.

Later, at another gun show in Phoenix, Prieto informed the agent that he wanted to postpone the attack and was considering changing the target to a mosque. However, he still planned to drive east in May for reconnaissance.

When Prieto was arrested while driving alone, he had seven guns in his vehicle but only had ammunition for one handgun. A search of his home in Prescott, Arizona, revealed more guns and ammunition, including an unregistered rifle.

If convicted on the most serious charge, Prieto faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison. He remains in custody and could not be reached for comment, while his attorney has not immediately responded to queries.

This case highlights the ongoing threat of domestic terrorism and hate crimes in the United States, as well as the crucial role that undercover law enforcement operations play in preventing such tragedies. The successful intervention by the FBI has potentially saved countless lives and serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and cooperation in combating extremism and violence.

U.S. Supreme Court Unanimously Rejects Challenge to Abortion Pill Mifepristone

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U.S. Supreme Court Unanimously Rejects Challenge to Abortion Pill Mifepristone

In a significant ruling on Thursday, the U.S. Supreme Court rejected a challenge to the abortion pill mifepristone, ensuring that the commonly used drug will remain widely available. The court unanimously found that the group of anti-abortion doctors who questioned the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) decisions to make the pill more accessible did not have legal standing to sue, resulting in the dismissal of the lawsuit.

Pro abortion pill protesters at the U.S. Supreme Court.

By deciding the case on the grounds of legal standing, the court avoided deciding on the legal merits of whether the FDA acted lawfully in lifting various restrictions, including allowing the drug to be obtained via mail. This means that the same issues could potentially return to the court in another case in the future.

The ruling also leaves in place other regulatory decisions, such as allowing women to obtain the pill within 10 weeks of gestation instead of seven and permitting healthcare providers other than physicians to dispense the pill.

Pro abortion pill protesters at the U.S. Supreme Court.

This decision comes two years after the Supreme Court, which has a 6-3 conservative majority, overturned the landmark abortion rights decision Roe v. Wade, triggering a wave of new abortion restrictions in conservative states. At the time, the court suggested it was removing itself from the political debate over abortion, but with ongoing litigation over abortion access, the justices continue to play a pivotal role.

The mifepristone dispute is not the only abortion case currently before the court. The justices are also set to decide whether Idaho’s strict abortion ban prevents doctors in emergency rooms from performing abortions when a pregnant woman is facing dangerous complications.

Mifepristone is used as part of a two-drug FDA-approved regimen that is now the most common form of abortion in the United States. According to the Guttmacher Institute, a research group that backs abortion rights, abortion is effectively banned altogether in 14 states.

The FDA had the support of the pharmaceutical industry, which warned that any second-guessing of the approval process by untrained federal judges could lead to chaos and deter innovation. The legal challenge was brought by doctors and other medical professionals represented by the conservative Christian legal group Alliance Defending Freedom.

Pro abortion pill protesters at the U.S. Supreme Court.

Last year, Texas-based U.S. District Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk issued a sweeping ruling that completely invalidated the FDA’s approval of the pill, causing panic among abortion-rights activists who feared it would be banned nationwide. The Supreme Court put that ruling on hold last April, allowing the pill to remain widely available while litigation continued.

The New Orleans-based 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals later narrowed Kacsmaryk’s decision in August but upheld his conclusion that the FDA’s move to lift restrictions starting in 2016 was unlawful. Both sides appealed to the Supreme Court, which focused solely on the later FDA actions, including the initial 2021 decision that made the drug available by mail, which was finalized last year.

The Supreme Court’s decision to reject the challenge to mifepristone is a significant victory for abortion rights advocates and ensures that the abortion pill will remain widely accessible across the United States.

Donald Trump Privately Urges Speaker Mike Johnson to Help Overturn Conviction, Seeks Legislative Revenge Ahead of Capitol Hill Visit-Politico

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Donald Trump Privately Urges Speaker Mike Johnson to Help Overturn Conviction, Seeks Legislative Revenge Ahead of Capitol Hill Visit-Politico

As former President Donald Trump prepares for his first visit to Capitol Hill since leaving office, his public agenda may focus on a forward-looking 2025 legislative plan, but privately, he is fixated on harnessing the powers of Congress to fight on his behalf and target the Democrats he accuses of “weaponizing” the justice system against him.

In the days following his May 31 conviction on 34 felony counts in New York, Trump orchestrated a campaign for legislative revenge, starting with a phone call to Speaker Mike Johnson. According to those familiar with the conversation, an angry Trump, frequently using expletives, insisted, “We have to overturn this.”

Mike Johnson and Donald Trump are in close talks.

Johnson, a former attorney who had been among the first Republican lawmakers to stand alongside Trump at the Manhattan trial, sympathized with the former president’s frustration. The speaker, who had already been vocal about Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s case and the alleged broader abuse of the justice system, believed the House had a role to play in addressing Trump’s predicament.

However, with a slim majority and cautious swing-district members, Johnson is finding it challenging to deliver on Trump’s demands. Efforts to impeach President Joe Biden have been all but abandoned, and a contempt vote against Attorney General Merrick Garland narrowly passed only after intense whipping. Proposals targeting “rogue prosecutors” investigating Trump also appear to have an uncertain future.

House GOP leaders are now focusing on a bill written by Rep. Russell Fry (R-S.C.) that would allow presidents charged at the state level to move those cases to federal court, effectively nullifying the power of prosecutors like Bragg and Fani Willis in Fulton County, Georgia. Johnson has also been discussing with Judiciary Committee chair and Trump ally Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) the possibility of using the appropriations process to target special counsel Jack Smith’s probe.

Speaker, Mike Johnson.

Despite these efforts, the proposals currently lack the necessary votes to pass. Some senior Republicans, such as Rep. Mike Simpson (R-Idaho) and another skeptical appropriator, have expressed doubts about the wisdom of defunding Smith or interfering with prosecutors’ work without evidence of bad faith or fraud.

As Trump heads to Capitol Hill for meetings with House Republicans and GOP senators, the official agenda focuses on uniting the party ahead of a contentious election season and discussing a potential 2025 legislative agenda. However, whether Trump will use these opportunities to push for his legal priorities remains to be seen.

The former president is expected to express his desire to protect seniors by opposing cuts to Social Security and Medicare, reiterate his intention to crack down on the border, lay out a broad vision for economic policy, and preview a U-turn on Biden’s foreign policy priorities.

As the battle between Trump and the justice system continues, Speaker Johnson and House Republicans find themselves navigating a delicate balance between supporting their party leader and maintaining the integrity of the legal process, all while facing internal divisions and the challenges of a narrow majority.

Credit: Politico

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